Cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa in new artificial seminal fluid

Vitrification is a new method that has been recently introduced in Assisted Reproduction Technique programs. The aim of this study was to design a new medium similar to normal human seminal fluid (SF), formulation artificial seminal fluid (ASF), and to compare the cryoprotective potency of this medium with SF and human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Thirty normal ejaculates were processed with the swim-up technique and sperm suspensions were divided into four aliquots: (i) fresh sample (control); (ii) vitrification in HTF medium supplemented with 5 mg/mL human serum albumin and 0.25 mol sucrose (Vit HTF); (iii) vitrification with patients' SF (Vit SF); and (iv) vitrification in ASF (Vit ASF). After warming, sperm parameters of motility, viability, and morphology were analyzed using WHO criteria. Also, sperm pellets were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. The results showed that progressive motility (46.09 ± 10.33 vs. 36.80 ± 13.75), grade A motility (36.59 ± 11.40 vs. 16.41 ± 11.24), and normal morphology (18.74 ± 8.35 vs. 11.85 ± 5.84) and viability (68.22 ± 10.83 vs. 60.86 ± 11.72) of spermatozoa were significantly higher in Vit ASF than in Vit HTF. All parameters were better in Vit ASF than in Vit SF, but only viability was significantly different (p = 0.006). After cryopreservation, deep invagination in cytoplasm and mechanically weak point sites and folded tail were commonly observed. But, this phenomenon was more significant in Vit HTF and Vit SF than in ASF (p < 0.05). In transmission electron microscopy evaluation, acrosome damage, plasma membrane loss, chromatin vacuolation, and disruption of mitochondria arrangement and structures were observed in all vitrified groups. Adherence of several tail sections together was also seen in all cryo groups. But this was seen more in Vit HTF and Vit SF than in ASF (p < 0.05). In conclusion, vitrification of human spermatozoa with ASF can effectively preserve the quality of sperm motility in comparison with Vit HTF. © 2016 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology

Fatal anaphylactic sting reaction in a patient with mastocytosis

We report on a 33-year-old female patient with indolent systemic mastocytosis and urticaria pigmentosa who died of an anaphylactic reaction after a yellow jacket sting. As she had no history of previous anaphylactic sting reaction, there was no testing performed in order to detect hymenoptera venom sensitization. But even if a sensitization had been diagnosed, no venom immunotherapy (VIT) would have been recommended. It is almost certain that VIT would have saved her life and it is most likely that VIT is indicated in some patients with mastocytosis with no history of anaphylactic sting reaction. However, no criteria have been established in order to allow a selection of mastocytosis patients eligible for such a `prophylactic' VIT. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

Characterization of the interface between the bulk glass forming alloy Zr_(41)Ti_(14)Cu_(12)Ni_(10)Be_(23) with pure metals and ceramics

The reaction of the bulk glass forming alloy Zr_(41)Ti_(14)Cu_(12)Ni_(10)Be_(23) (Vit 1) with W, Ta, Mo, AlN, Al_2O_3, Si, graphite, and amorphous carbon was investigated. Vit 1 samples were melted and subsequently solidified after different processing times on discs of the different materials. Sessile drop examinations of the macroscopic wetting of Vit 1 on the discs as a function of temperature were carried out in situ with a digital optical camera. The reactions at the interfaces between the Vit 1 sample and the different disc materials were investigated with an electron microprobe. The structure and thermal stability of the processed Vit 1 samples were examined by x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results are discussed in terms of possible applications for composite materials

Vitamin D as One of Predicators of the Stable Viral Response to Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Chronis Hepatitis С

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) it is not exceptionally medical problem but a significant social and economic threat, taking into account the unfavorable consequences of this disease: cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. And as a result - the high level of disability. In the article are presented the results of examination of 41 patients with chronic hepatitis C, with 1 genotype, who received the antiviral therapy (AVT). All patients underwent determination of the level of 5-hydroxycholeсalсeferol (25-OH vit D3), vitamin D and also the study of IL-28B polymorphism as the one of predicators of response to AVT. It was demonstrated, that in patients with hepatitis was observed the deficit of 25-OH vit D3 and general vitamin D. It was established, that in patients with the normal 25-OH vit D3 level SVR (stable viral response) was observed in 1,4 times more often than in patients with deficit of 25-OH vit D3. That is the level of 25-OH vit D3 can be considered as a predicator of SVR to AVT

Applications of the potential algebras of the two-dimensional Dirac-like operators

Potential algebras can be used effectively in the analysis of the quantum systems. In the article, we focus on the systems described by a separable, 2x2 matrix Hamiltonian of the first order in derivatives. We find integrals of motion of the Hamiltonian that close centrally extended so(3), so(2,1) or oscillator algebra. The algebraic framework is used in construction of physically interesting solvable models described by (2+1) dimensional Dirac equation. It is applied in description of open-cage fullerenes where the energies and wave functions of low-energy charge-carriers are computed. The potential algebras are also used in construction of shape-invariant, one-dimensional Dirac operators. We show that shape-invariance of the first-order operators is associated with the N=4 nonlinear supersymmetry which is represented by both local and nonlocal supercharges. The relation to the shape-invariant non-relativistic systems is discussed as well.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figures; title modified, presentation simplified and extended, misprints corrected, references added; accepted in Annals of Physic

Fulfilment of the Maastricht Inflation Criterion by the Czech Republic: Potential Costs and Policy Options

The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly, to identify and quantify the potential costs to the Czech economy should fulfilment of the Maastricht inflation criterion (MIC) require disinflation; and secondly, to discuss and suggest policies geared towards minimising the costs related to meeting the MIC. We assume that the real appreciation of the koruna will be about 1.5% during the reference period. Three disinflation simulations are derived from this assumption. The results show that a decline in inflation by 0.5 p.p., 1 p.p. and 1.5 p.p. leads to a cumulative loss of output reaching about 0.5%, 1% and 1.6% respectively of annual potential GDP over a period of four years. The time restriction imposed on the simulations implies that the shorter the time to reach a given lower level of inflation, the higher the initial increase in the interest rate and the more aggressive the policy rule needed. The simulation results and the likely application of the monetary convergence criteria are relevant to the discussion of policy options. We argue that due to the asymmetry of the Maastricht exchange rate criterion (MERC), allowing for nominal appreciation rather than depreciation, fulfilment of the MIC should be superior. Also, we suggest that the main task for the CNB will be to focus on reaching a level of inflation consistent with the presumed level of the MIC sufficiently early before the reference period. This may require a downward adjustment of the CNB’s inflation point target and an extension of the current policy horizon.Disinflation, EMU entry, euro adoption, Maastricht inflation criterion, policy options, real exchange rate appreciation, output loss.

History dependent crystallization of Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 melts

The crystallization of Zr41Ti14Cu12Ni10Be23 (Vit 1) melts during constant heating is investigated. (Vit 1) melts are cooled with different rates into the amorphous state and the crystallization temperature upon subsequent heating is studied. In addition, Vit 1 melts are cooled using a constant rate to different temperatures and subsequently heated from this temperature with a constant rate. We investigate the influence of the temperature to which the melt was cooled on the crystallization temperature measured upon heating. In both cases the onset temperature of crystallization shows strong history dependence. This can be explained by an accumulating process during cooling and heating. An attempt is made to consider this process in a simple model by steady state nucleation and subsequent growth of the nuclei which results in different crystallization kinetics during cooling or heating. Calculations show qualitative agreement with the experimental results. However, calculated and experimental results differ quantitatively. This difference can be explained by a decomposition process leading to a nonsteady nucleation rate which continuously increases with decreasing temperature