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Sterility and antibacterial activity of some antibiotics sterilized by irradiation.

Sterility and antibacterial activity of several antibiotics (including some penicillins and their salts, gramicidin and neomycin) subjected to sterilization by irradiation has been studied. The compounds in solid phase have been exposed to gamma irradiation in air atmosphere at room temperature, with a dose of 25 kGy, and afterwards they have been subjected to tests recommended by FP V (volume I, 1990) checking their sterility and activity. The results have shown that the majority of initial compounds have been to a slight degree contaminated by bacteria from the genera Bacillus and Micrococcus, the number of bacteria did not exceed 10(2) CFU, and fungi up to 10 CFU in 1 g of the compound. All compounds subjected to sterilization with a dose of 25 kGy were sterile and preserved the activity required by FP V. The decrease in activity observed for some compounds was always within the limits of FP specification. The results have proved that the penicillins analysed, gramicidin and neomycin can be sterilized by irradiation with a dose of 25 kGy, without any detrimental effect on their properties and antibacterial activity.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Variations in the waiting time for sterilization and sterilization rate in Norway].

A comparison of data from independent sources on numbers of sterilized women indicates that figures for sterilization in Norwegian hospitals are incomplete. More than 50% of the sterilized women are outpatients and nearly 50% of the inpatients are sterilized in connection with other treatment. Permanent geographical differences in sterilization rates are observed, as well as a large variation in the waiting time. We have been unable to verify a simple relation between sterilization rate and waiting time or length of waiting list.

Adult↗

Sterrad Sterilization System: a new technology for instrument sterilization.

The Sterrad Sterilization System by Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) exploits the synergism between peroxide and low temperature gas plasma (an excited or ionized gas) to rapidly destroy microorganisms (Figure 1). At the completion of the sterilization process based on this technology, no toxic residues remain on the sterilized items. The technology is particularly suited to the sterilization of heat and moisture sensitive instruments since process temperatures do not exceeded about 50 degrees C (140 degrees F) and sterilization occurs in a low moisture environment. Total process time is about one hour. The efficacy of the process has been demonstrated against a broad spectrum or microorganisms and on a large number of substrates used in medical instruments.

Equipment Contamination↗

Condom use with main partners by sterilized and non-sterilized women.

This study examined condom use with main partners by surgically sterilized and non-sterilized women at risk for HIV infection. Data were obtained from 379 African American women residing in low-income urban communities. Sterilized women were one-fifth as likely as non-sterilized women to use condoms. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that for both groups of women, higher perceived benefits of condom use for disease prevention were associated with condom use. In addition, younger age, self-efficacy for condom use, peer support for condom use, and whether condoms were ever used for pregnancy prevention were associated with condom use among non-sterilized women. Results of this study indicate the role of fertility status in condom use and the value of developing targeted prevention programs that reach women at high risk for HIV infection. Risk reduction programs need to emphasize the role of condoms in disease prevention and address attitudes towards condom use.

Adolescent↗

Specific expression in reproductive tissues and fate of a mitochondrial sterility-associated protein in cytoplasmic male-sterile bean.

In common bean, cytoplasmic male sterility has been associated with a unique sequence found in the mitochondrial genome, designated pvs (for Phaseolus vulgaris sterility sequence). Within the pvs sequence, two open reading frames are encoded, ORF98 and ORF239. We have raised rabbit polyclonal antibodies against Pvs-ORF239 to evaluate the role of this putative male sterility-associated protein. Histological investigation of pollen development revealed that in the male-sterile bean line, callose deposition was abnormal and microspores remained as tetrads as previously reported. Pvs-ORF239 was found to be localized within the reproductive tissues of the male-sterile bean line, in contrast to all other cytoplasmic male sterility systems studied to date. This protein was associated with mitochondria, the callose layer, and developing primary cell walls during microsporogenesis. Expression of pvs-orf239 was not detected in fertile plants containing restorer gene Fr2. These observations, together with previous reports, suggest that nuclear restorer gene Fr2 interferes with expression of the pvs region post-transcriptionally.

Animals↗

[The role of mycoplasma in sterility. A study of 150 sterile women (author's transl)].

150 women who were being treated for sterility had their cervical mucus searched for T. mycoplasma. Group I: 123 women who had no obvious cause for sterility. 45.5 per cent had T. mycoplasma (56/123). Group II: Out of 27 women who had a major cause for sterility there were 48 per cent (13/27) who were carriers of T. mycoplasma. The incidence of T. mycoplasma in control fertile women was 53 per cent (16/30). After treatment with Doxycycline: 5 pregnancies were obtained out of Group I, which is 8.9 per cent. none in Group II. The mycoplasma seems to play a very minor role in sterility. Its incidence is identically the same in women who are sterile or normally fertile. With treatment only a very small percentage (8.9 per cent) of pregnancies were obtained in carriers of mycoplasma who did not have another obvious cause for their sterility.

Adult↗

[Positive and negative aspects of Fallopian tube sterilization as viewed by sterilized women]

The objective of this paper is to point out the positive and negative aspects of female sterilization as seen by two groups of sterilized women in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, based on a sociological discussion of their present health status, evaluating the associations that they generally make with the fact that they have been sterilized. The first group included mostly housewives from a low-income neighborhood, while the second involved upper-middle-class female public employees, students, and university professors, totaling 40 women. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire with open-ended questions. Information on social, economic, and demographic variables was recorded, along with subjective data associated with women's representations of the post-sterilization period. We concluded that there was no consensus as to the consequences of sterilization, since a number of the women (11/40), mostly sterilized before the age of 30, perceived changes in their health status after surgery.

Journal Article↗

Requesting information about and obtaining reversal after tubal sterilization: findings from the U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cumulative probabilities over 14 y of requesting information on sterilization reversal and of obtaining a reversal and to identify risk factors observable at sterilization for both measures of regret. DESIGN: The U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization, a prospective cohort study. SETTING: Fifteen medical centers in 9 cities. PATIENT(S): 11,232 women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cumulative probabilities of requesting information on reversal and undergoing reversal. RESULT(S): The 14-y cumulative probability of requesting reversal information was 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.4%-16.3%). Among women aged 18 to 24 y at sterilization, the cumulative probability was 40.4% (95% CI, 31.6%-49.2%). Women aged 18 to 24 y were almost 4 times as likely to request reversal information as were women > or = 30 years of age (adjusted rate ratio [RR], 3.5; 95% CI, 2.8-4.4). Number of living children was not associated with requesting reversal information. The overall cumulative probability of obtaining reversal was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.5-1.6). Younger women (18 to 30 y) were more likely to obtain reversal (RR, 7.6; 95% CI, 3.2-18.3). CONCLUSION(S): Women who were sterilized at a young age had a high chance of later requesting information about reversal, regardless of their number of living children.

Adult↗

Monitoring sterilization of dressings in high-vacuum pressure-steam sterilizers.

Undetected air leaks in a high-vacuum sterilizer can defeat the sterilization process. For this reason the maintenance and supervision of these sterilizers needs expert engineering care. The importance of controlling the high-vacuum sterilization process from the centre of a load rather than the chamber drain is emphasized, and a method of detecting any failure in a high-vacuum process is described. The dynamics of the high-vacuum sterilization process are discussed and the possible disadvantages of an integrator are noted. The wisdom of using a temperature of 134 degrees C. for three minutes is questioned.

Bandages↗

Microwave sterilization: a method for home sterilization of urinary catheters.

A standard microwave oven has been used to sterilize catheters used for intermittent self-catheterization. Catheters were incubated for 60 minutes in a suspension of microorganisms isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections. Each catheter was removed from the suspension, placed in a paper bag and microwaved for 0 to 30 minutes. A control catheter was not microwaved. We tested 42 strains of microorganisms to determine the minimum microwaving time needed to sterilize the catheters. Representative urinary isolates of Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Candida species were tested. Mean sterilization time for all strains was 13.0 minutes (standard deviation +/- 5.7 minutes), with a range of 4.0 to 28.6 minutes. Repeat sterilization in the microwave oven did not affect the integrity of the catheter. A water heat sink of constant volume was required. A home microwave oven may be used as a method to sterilize red rubber catheters for reuse. This technique makes aseptic intermittent self-catheterization a practical possibility.

Cooking and Eating Utensils↗

Pregnancy after tubal sterilization with bipolar electrocoagulation. U.S. Collaborative Review of Sterilization Working Group.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for pregnancy after tubal sterilization with bipolar electrocoagulation. METHODS: A total of 2267 women who had bipolar electrocoagulation were followed for up to 8 to 14 years as part of a multicenter, prospective, cohort study conducted in medical centers in nine United States cities. We used proportional hazards analysis and cumulative life-table probabilities to assess pregnancy risk in these women. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative probability of pregnancy for women sterilized in 1978-1982 was 19.5 per 1000 procedures (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.2, 26.9); the comparable probability for women sterilized in 1985-1987 was significantly lower, 6.3 per 1000 procedures (95% CI, 0.0, 13.5) (one-tailed P = .01). Women enrolled in 1985-1987 who had fewer than three sites of coagulation had a probability of failure of 12.9 per 1000 procedures (95% CI, 0.0, 38.0); by contrast, women who had three or more sites coagulated had a probability of failure of 3.2 per 1000 procedures (95% CI, 0.0, 9.6) (one-tailed P = .01). CONCLUSION: The long-term probability of pregnancy after tubal sterilization with bipolar coagulation was very low when three or more sites of the fallopian tube were coagulated. Bipolar coagulating systems can be highly effective for sterilization when the fallopian tube is coagulated adequately.

Adolescent↗

Tubal sterilization and risk of ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer. A Danish population-based follow-up study of more than 65 000 sterilized women.

BACKGROUND: On the basis of a population-based cohort, we assessed the cancer risk, focusing on gynaecological cancers and pre-malignant lesions, among women with a previous tubal sterilization. METHODS: Using the Danish Hospital Discharge Register we identified 65 232 women who had a tubal sterilization (1977-1993). The cohort was followed for cancer occurrence, and compared with the expected number based on the national cancer incidence rates. RESULTS: The overall risk of ovarian cancer was decreased (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.0), and it was still decreased > or =10 years after the sterilization (SIR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.4, 1.0). The rate of endometrial cancer was also decreased (SIR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0), the risk continued being moderately reduced during follow-up, although it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide, population-based study we find that women with tubal sterilization have a decreased risk of subsequent development of ovarian cancer. As the protective effect is not decreasing with years of follow-up, our data do not support that 'screening' bias can explain the protective effect, but indicate that the sterilization itself may convey a reduction in risk. The same pattern is found for endometrial cancer, the association being less strong.

Adult↗

Chlorine dioxide gas sterilization of oxygenators in an industrial scale sterilizer: a successful model.

Artificial organ oxygenators, with large surface areas and complicated structures, were sterilized using chlorine dioxide gas in an industrial scale sterilizer. Bacillus subtilis var. niger ATCC 9372 biological indicators (BI) (10(6) spores/BI) planted in the artificial organs were reproducibly sterilized in a designed cycle schedule with a 30-min dwell time with a chlorine dioxide gas concentration of approximately 30 mg/L in 80 to 85% relative humidity at 30 degrees C. The D value (time required for 90% spore inactivation under specific conditions) was estimated to be 4.4 min. Chlorine dioxide was not detected after post-sterilization aeration. The intravenous median lethal dose (LD50) of chlorine dioxide derivatives, chlorite and chlorate, in rats was found to be 112.8 and 2,228.6 mg/kg, respectively. In an immediate hypersensitivity test, chlorine dioxide gas-treated ovalbumin and bovine serum albumin, unlike ethylene oxide gas-treated proteins, did not cause sterilant-specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions in rats. Results of an Ames mutagenicity test on chlorine dioxide and on the extracts of the chlorine dioxide gas-exposed oxygenators were negative.

Animals↗

[Studies on the method of sterilization with ethylene oxide gas. 2. Residual EO gas on sterilized objects].

Ethylene oxide gas (EO gas) adsorbed onto sterilized objects was quantitated in an effort to take a safety measure against residual EO gas following its use in sterilization. We measured residual amounts of EO gas adsorbed onto laboratory wares, small medical tools and appliances just after post-sterilization airation to examine whether they were rendered entirely free from EO gas by the process. The results led us to arrive at the following conclusions: 1. EO gas was recognized to remain on sterilized objects even after allowing them to stand for about 16 hours following airation. 2. The amount of residual EO gas was smaller on metallic products and larger on rubber products (notably rubber gloves). An exceedingly high concentration of EO gas was noted to remain on a tooth-brush, among other plastic materials. These facts seem to indicate that the amount of residual EO gas is closely related to the texture and shape of materials to be sterilized. 3. As regards the potential toxicity of residual EO gas. However, their sensitivity was proved to be questionable, judgment on a result being subject to considerable individual variations. 4. Nevertheless, it is incontestable that these devices can at least provide a rough estimate of unavailing since monitoring by direct measurement of residual EO gas is virtually infeasible from a practical point of view.

Dental Instruments↗

[Effect of basic parameters of air sterilizers on the temperature-time regimen for sterilization].

The effect of the basic parameters of the air sterilizers on the sterilization temperature and time conditions was studied on the basis of the mathematical simulation method. A method of engineering calculations was developed, providing the optimum values of thermal power and sterilizing agent consumption. That would help to achieve the maximum capacity of the equipment and high quality of sterilizing treatment. Conditions for using different methods and automated systems to handle the sterilization process were determined.

Air↗

Sterilization efficacy of a forced-air, dry heat sterilizer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate forced-air, dry heat sterilizer and test its ability to kill spores of Bacillus subtilis during both available cycles using packaged and unpackaged instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard set of six orthodontic instruments were processed unpackaged through replicate 6-minute cycles with spore-strips on the top and bottom of each instrument. The spore strips were analyzed by culturing in Trypticase-soy broth for 7 days at 37 degrees C. RESULTS: No sterilization failures from properly placed spore-strips were detected in any of the 18 replicate cycles. Measurements of temperatures at three chamber sites during these cycles yielded only two of 36 instances when any portion of the chamber was at a temperature below the set temperature; however, no sterilization failures occurred during either of the two cycles involved. Also, a set of four orthodontic pliers were packaged and processed through replicate 12-minute cycles with spore-strips placed inside and attached to the outside of each package. None of the total 144 spore-strips processed through six replicate cycles showed growth after culture analysis. The study demonstrated sterilization efficacy for both the wrapped and unwrapped instrument cycles using biological indicators typically used to monitor dental office sterilizers.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Retransformation of a male sterile barnase line with the barstar gene as an efficient alternative method to identify male sterile-restorer combinations for heterosis breeding.

We report in this study, an improved method for identifying male sterile-restorer combinations using the barnase-barstar system of pollination control for heterosis breeding in crop plants, as an alternative to the conventional line x tester cross method. In this strategy, a transgenic male sterile barnase line was retransformed with appropriate barstar constructs. Double transformants carrying both the barnase and barstar genes were identified and screened for their male fertility status. Using this strategy, 66-90% of fertile retransformants (restored events) were obtained in Brassica juncea using two different barstar constructs. Restored events were analysed for their pollen viability and copy number of the barstar gene. Around 90% of the restored events showed high pollen viability and approximately 30% contained single copy integrations of the barstar gene. These observations were significantly different from those made in our earlier studies using line (barnase) x tester (barstar) crosses, wherein only two viable male sterile-restorer combinations were identified by screening 88 different cross-combinations. The retransformation strategy not only generated several independent restorers for a given male sterile line from a single transformation experiment but also identified potential restorers in the T(0) generation itself leading to significant savings in time, cost and labour. Single copy restored plants with high pollen viability were selfed to segregate male sterile (barnase) and restorer (barstar) lines in the T(1) progeny which could subsequently be diversified into appropriate combiners for heterosis breeding. This strategy will be particularly useful for crop plants where poor transformation frequencies and/or lengthy transformation protocols are a major limitation.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Male-sterility of thermosensitive genic male-sterile rice is associated with premature programmed cell death of the tapetum.

The tapetum plays a crucial role in pollen development. This secretory tissue produces numerous nutritive proteins necessary for pollen maturation. The tapetum, whose cells undergo programmed cell death (PCD), is completely diminished by the time the pollen is fully mature. Our previous studies on a thermosensitive genic male-sterile (TGMS) rice (Oryza sativa L.) suggested that male-sterility was due to failure in pollen development. In this paper we describe how further analysis of the TGMS rice revealed that male-sterility is associated with premature PCD of the tapetum. Cytological observations of TGMS rice anthers at various developmental stages indicated that PCD initiates at an early stage of pollen development and continues until the tapetal cells are completely degraded, resulting in pollen collapse. Transmission electron microscopy showed the morphologically distinct hallmarks of apoptosis, including cytoplasmic shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and vacuolation. Identification of DNA fragmentation using the TUNEL assay supports the hypothesis that premature PCD is associated with male-sterility in the rice. The tissue-specific feature of the thermosensitive genic male-sterile phenotype is discussed with regard to PCD during anther development.

Apoptosis↗