Comparison of dehydration systems in quality and chemical effects on sunflower seeds.

The present work investigates the quality and the chemical effects of dehydration, using a novel dehydration system based on an electromagnetic induction and low pressures technique, comparing it with the thermo-solar drying system. High oleic sunflower seeds, which are an important oil seed crop, were used due to the fact that they have a special place in the food industry. The seed samples were exposed to electromagnetic induction and low pressures by 0.5 and 1 h, then several chemical characterizations were carried out, in the electrophoresis study, it was found that most proteins in the hull were degraded or denatured, some of them were lost during the time in the thermosolar dryer while in kernel keeps 94.9% of the concentration in control proteins. Otherwise, the electromagnetic induction dryer did not lose the most of proteins in the kernel keeping 99.1% in 0.5 h and 98.4% in 1 h, just degrading its concentration. Germination viability results did not show changes after 0.5 h in the electromagnetic fields, but they decreased in 1 h from 66 to 40% until the thermosolar method fell to 24% in 4 h, both analysis results change proportionally with the treatment time and moisture content and the amount of the oxygen.

A-kinase anchor protein 4 precursor (pro-AKAP4) in human spermatozoa.

BACKGROUND: A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and its precursor pro-AKAP4 are two major proteins in spermatozoa of rodents and mammals. Although researchers have characterized the AKAP4 expression in various species, the protein's expression in humans has not been described in detail. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize human pro-AKAP4 more precisely (notably the definition of its localization and expression levels in human spermatozoa and testes). MATERIALS AND METHODS: pro-AKAP4 protein expression levels were assessed by Western blotting. The pro-AKAP4's localization in spermatozoa and testes was determined using immunofluorescence staining and immunogold electron microscopy. Furthermore, pro-AKAP4 protein expression levels were assessed in a series of 77 human semen samples, and associations with semen parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Western blotting revealed a 100-kDa band in human sperm protein extracts. The pro-AKAP4 was immunolocalized in the fibrous sheath of the flagellum of ejaculated spermatozoa and in elongated spermatids in human testes. A Western blot analysis of 77 normozoospermic semen samples evidenced striking differences in pro-AKAP4 levels from one to another sample (median [interquartile range] integrated optical density = 305 [49-1038]). No correlations were found for pro-AKAP4 levels on one hand and semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, or sperm morphology on the other (p > 0.05 for all). However, pro-AKAP4 levels were positively correlated with motility after density gradient centrifugation of the semen (r = 0.224, p = 0.049). DISCUSSION: AKAP4 protein might be activated as an alternative pathway to rescue sperm motility. In human spermatozoa, pro-AKAP4 might therefore be a 'reservoir' of mature AKAP4. CONCLUSION: This study generated new knowledge about pro-AKAP4 in human semen, which may be of interest in the management of male infertility.

Pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection following extended sperm preparation and hormone therapy in an azoospermic man with maturation arrest and microlithiasis: a case report and literature review.

In the management of azoospermia, a combination of testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is usually the most successful option for fatherhood. However, an outstanding question remains: How can at least a few spermatozoa be obtained from the ejaculate, thus avoiding the need for a surgical procedure? A 36-year-old man presented to Assisted Reproduction Unit with his 26-year-old wife. The ultrasound assessment revealed bilateral microlithiasis. Two spermograms revealed absolute azoospermia. Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone were normal-low. The patient underwent 10 months of treatment with clomiphene citrate. A bilateral testicular sperm extraction failed to retrieve spermatozoa and revealed a maturation arrest at spermatocyte/spermatid stages depending on the tubules. Clomiphene citrate was replaced with recombinant FSH (rFSH). After 9-month treatment with rFSH, motile spermatozoa from droplets of ejaculate pellet were cryopreserved as a single straw. Ovarian stimulation was provided using classic antagonist protocol, and five mature oocytes were collected. Two consecutive fresh semen samples on the day of ICSI yielded seven motile spermatozoa, and fertilisation was achieved in all five oocytes. On day 3, two embryos were transferred, yielding positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and a healthy delivery of a boy and a girl.

[The testicular microtubule-associated protein Tau: Where, when during spermatogenesis?]. / La protéine microtubulaire Tau testiculaire: une place dans la spermatogenèse?

The Tau protein (Tubulin Associated Unit) is a phosphoprotein of the microtubule-associated protein family (MAPs). Its role is the regulation of the microtubule polymerization. The Tau protein is naturally present in brain, heart, muscle, lung, kidney, pancreas and liver. An expression of Tau protein and RNA messengers was also highlighted in the testis that is an organ rich in microtubules. The role of microtubules is essential in the stabilization of the cellular shape and in cell divisions. In the testis, Tau protein could be involved in the division process of the spermatogenesis by acting on the microtubular dynamics in the arrangement of the spermatozoon polarity. This review synthesizes the current knowledge, the localization and the main functions of the Tau protein focused on the testis. The localization and the potential roles of the Tau protein during the spermatogenesis are discussed by emphasizing the link with the microtubular structures of seminiferous tubules.

Light microscopy morphological characteristics of the sperm flagellum may be related to axonemal abnormalities.

Although electron microscopy provides a detailed analysis of ultrastructural abnormalities, this technique is not available in all laboratories. We sought to determine whether certain characteristics of the flagellum as assessed by light microscopy were related to axonemal abnormalities. Forty-one patients with an absence of outer dynein arms (type I), a lack of a central complex (type III) and an absence of peripheral doublets (type IV) were studied. Sperm morphology was scored according to David's modified classification. Flagella with an irregular thickness were classified as being of normal length, short or broken. There were correlations between missing outer dynein arms and abnormal, short or coiled flagellum. Type III patients showed the highest flagellar defects (a short (P = 0.0027) or an absent flagellum (P = 0.011)). Just over 68% of the irregular flagella were short in Type III patients, whereas this value was only 34.5% in type I and 26.4% in type IV (P = 0.002). There was a negative correlation between misassembly and spermatozoa of irregular flagella (r = -0.79; P = 0.019). It is concluded that light microscopy analysis of flagellum abnormalities may help provide a correct diagnosis, identify sperm abnormalities with fertility potentials and outcomes in assisted reproduction technologies and assess the genetic risk.

[ICSI treatment in severe asthenozoospermia]. / Asthénozoospermie sévère à vitalité normale et ICSI.

In the management of asthenozoospermia, the spermogram-spermocytogram plays an important role during diagnosis. It is of major importance to distinguish between necrozoospermia and sperm vitality. An ultrastructural study of spermatozoa is processed in the case of primary infertility without female implication, severe, unexplained and irreversible asthenozoospermia, sperm vitality at least 50 % and normal concentration of spermatozoa. Ultrastructural flagellar abnormalities are numerous and involve most spermatozoa. ICSI provides a suitable solution for patients with sperm flagellar defects to conceive children with their own gametes but the rate of ICSI success may be influenced by the type of flagellar abnormality. Some fertilization and birth rate failures which are related to some flagellar abnormalities might occur.

A PCR-DGGE approach to evaluate the impact of wastewater source on the antibiotic resistance diversity in treated wastewater effluent.

Increased incidence of antibiotics in human-affected environments is raising concerns about increase in acquired antibiotic resistance by environmental bacteria. Wastewater collection and treatment systems are likely significant anthropogenic sinks and vectors for antibiotics and associated antibiotic resistance. Typical municipal treatment plants collect wastewaters of various sources, including well-established antibiotic resistance reservoirs such as hospitals, intensive care units and nursing homes, and integrate them with sources not commonly identified as major sources of antibiotic resistance, such as residential or industrial sources. A comprehensive PCR-DGGE diversity analysis of wastewater antibiotic-resistant bacteria was performed to evaluate the role of various wastewater sources in the discharge of antibiotic resistance by a municipal treatment plant. Wastewater sources are clearly inducing resistance in the final effluent but the role of each source type is highly variable, likely as a function of variable environmental conditions or water use patterns. Comparisons between primary treatment and secondary treatment stages indicate a strong role of the intensity of the wastewater treatment in the diversity profiles of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While pervasiveness of antibiotic resistance in the system impedes clear discrimination between sources in the tested system, there are indications of specific source type related impacts.

The CC chemokine receptor 5 regulates olfactory and social recognition in mice.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that regulate cell migration and are thought to play an important role in a broad range of inflammatory diseases. The availability of chemokine receptor blockers makes them an important therapeutic target. In vitro, chemokines are shown to modulate neurotransmission. However, it is not very clear if chemokines play a role in behavior and cognition. Here we evaluated the role of CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in various behavioral tasks in mice using Wt (Ccr5⁺/⁺) and Ccr5-null (Ccr5⁻/⁻)mice. Ccr5⁻/⁻ mice showed enhanced social recognition. Administration of CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), one of the CCR5-ligands, impaired social recognition. Since the social recognition task is dependent on the sense of olfaction, we tested olfactory recognition for social and non-social scents in these mice. Ccr5⁻/⁻ mice had enhanced olfactory recognition for both these scents indicating that enhanced performance in social recognition task could be due to enhanced olfactory recognition in these mice. Spatial memory and aversive memory were comparable in Wt and Ccr5⁻/⁻ mice. Collectively, these results suggest that chemokines/chemokine receptors might play an important role in olfactory recognition tasks in mice and to our knowledge represents the first direct demonstration of an in vivo role of CCR5 in modulating social behavior in mice. These studies are important as CCR5 blockers are undergoing clinical trials and can potentially modulate behavior.

Static pressure-volume curves and body posture in severe chronic bronchitis.

Based on prior data, the current authors hypothesised that beneficial pronation effects on gas exchange and respiratory mechanics might be maximised in severely hyperinflated chronic bronchitis patients. The current authors also sought to elucidate underlying mechanisms and to determine whether pronation effects are reflected by postural changes in inspiratory pressure-volume (P-V) curve characteristics. A total of 16 mechanically ventilated patients (for 16-36 h) with chronic bronchitis exacerbation were studied in pre-prone semirecumbent (SREC), prone and post-prone SREC postures. Static respiratory system intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,rs) was >12 cmH2O. Haemodynamics, partitioned respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and lung volumes were determined at zero external positive end-expiratory pressure. P-V curves were constructed from functional residual capacity. End-expiratory lung volume exceeded opening volume. Prone position versus pre-prone SREC resulted in 20% reduced pressure at the lower inflection point (LIP) and 17% increased volume at the upper inflection point of the lung P-V curve, improved lung mechanics and volumes, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide arterial tension (Pa,CO2). In multiple linear regression, postural decreases in PEEPi,rs and additional lung resistance independently predicted postural decreases in lung LIP pressure and Pa,CO2), respectively. In conclusion, in severely hyperinflated patients, pronation reduces lung lower inflection point pressure and increases lung upper inflection point volume. Pronation effects on ventilation homogeneity and carbon dioxide arterial tension are maximised, implying that pronation can be useful during early controlled ventilation.

Efficacy and side effects of intermittent intravenous and oral doxercalciferol (1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(2)) in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: a sequential comparison.

Most reports on the effectiveness and side effects of oral versus parenteral calcitriol or alfacalcidol in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism show no advantage of parenteral treatment. The efficacy and safety of intravenous doxercalciferol (1alphaD(2)) were studied in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (plasma intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH]: range, 266 to 3,644 pg/mL; median, 707 pg/mL). These results were compared with those of a previous trial using intermittent oral 1alphaD(2); the same 70 patients were entered onto both trials, and 64 patients completed both trials per protocol. Twelve weeks of open-label treatment in both trials were preceded by identical 8-week washout periods. Degrees of iPTH suppression from baseline were similar in the two trials, with iPTH level reductions less than 50% in 89% and 78% of patients during oral and intravenous treatment, respectively. Grouping patients according to entry iPTH levels (<750 and >/=750 pg/mL) showed similar but more rapid iPTH suppression in the low-iPTH groups, whereas longer treatment and larger doses were required by the high-iPTH groups. Highest serum calcium levels averaged 9.82 +/- 0.14 and 9.67 +/- 0.11 mg/dL during oral and intravenous 1alphaD(2) treatment, respectively (P: = not significant [NS]). Prevalences of serum calcium levels greater than 11.2 mg/dL during oral and intravenous treatment were 3.62% and 0.86% of calcium measurements, respectively (P: < 0.001). Highest serum phosphorus levels during oral and intravenous treatment averaged 5.82 +/- 0.21 and 5.60 +/- 0.21 mg/dL, respectively (P: = NS). The percentage of increments in serum phosphorus levels during oral treatment exceeded that during intravenous treatment during 5 of 12 treatment weeks. Thus, intermittent oral and intravenous therapy with 1alphaD(2) reduced iPTH levels effectively and similarly, hypercalcemia was less frequent, and serum phosphorus levels increased less during intravenous than oral 1alphaD(2) therapy, suggesting that intravenous 1alphaD(2) therapy may be advantageous in patients prone to hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia.

Dialysis in the management of pregnant patients with renal insufficiency.

Successful pregnancy in patients on dialysis is uncommon because of a high rate of infertility and complications. The use of hemodialysis to manage pregnant patients needing dialysis has been well reported. However, to our knowledge, only 2 previous cases of pregnant patients using chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) have been reported. We discuss 14 pregnancies in 13 women in whom dialysis was used in the management of their pregnancies. Ten pregnancies were successful. Included are 5 successful pregnancies out of 8 managed with CAPD or chronic cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). In comparing the cases managed with CAPD to those managed with hemodialysis, CAPD seems to offer several advantages. These include a more constant biochemical and extracellular environment for the fetus, higher hematocrit levels, infrequent episodes of hypotension, and no heparin requirement. In addition, intraperitoneal insulin facilitates the management of blood glucose in diabetics, and intraperitoneal magnesium facilitates the management of premature labor. Infection, loss of intraperitoneal volume, and loss of peritoneal clearances for solutes and water were not found to be problems.

Pathogenesis of renal hyperchloremic acidosis resulting from dietary potassium restriction in the dog: role of aldosterone.

In dogs dietary K+ restriction (16 days) results in diminished urinary net acid excretion (NAE) and systemic hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (sigma delta NAE, -200 meq; delta[HCO3-]p, -2.9 +/- 0.3 meq/liter, P less than 0.05). Urinary aldosterone (aldo) excretion decreased by 34 +/- 3% (P less than 0.001) and metabolic clearance rate of aldo increased by 80 +/- 17% (P less than 0.02) during K+ restriction. Daily subcutaneous injection of a small amount of exogenous aldo (20 micrograms) during K+ restriction significantly attenuated the reduction in NAE (sigma delta NAE -51 vs. -200 meq, P less than 0.05) without raising plasma aldo concentrations to levels greater than control. These findings suggest that hypoaldosteronism induced by potassium depletion is at least in part the cause of the observed renal tubular acidosis. In adrenalectomized (ADX) dogs maintained on fixed mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid replacement (aldo dose 60 micrograms/day), K+ restriction resulted in a significant degree of renal metabolic acidosis (delta[HCO3-]p, -1.4 +/- 0.3 meq/liter, P less than 0.01). In these ADX dogs, the exogenous supply of aldo was fixed but hypoaldosteronism may have developed owing to increased metabolic clearance rate of aldo caused by dietary K+ depletion. When mineralocorticoid replacement was withheld in ADX dogs, the steady-state degree of renal metabolic acidosis was no more severe in animals with preexisting dietary K+ depletion (16 days) than in the same animals when mineralocorticoid was withheld without preexisting K+ depletion. Thus, when neither endogenous nor exogenous aldo is present, K+ depletion does not result in a renal acidosis-producing effect that exacerbates that of aldo deficiency. The results of these studies suggest that the reduction in NAE and consequent metabolic acidosis induced by dietary K+ depletion is at least in part a consequence of aldo deficiency, and provide no evidence of an additional defect in acidification not caused by aldo deficiency.

Red blood cell casts in acute interstitial nephritis.

A 45-year-old woman receiving hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide therapy was found to have a reduced glomerular filtration rate, a positive antinuclear antibody reaction, and RBC casts in the urinary sediment. Glomeruli with normal morphology (light, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy) were found on renal biopsy; however, a mild interstitial nephritis was observed that predominantly involved the distal tubules. The etiology of this inflammatory process is unknown. Changes in distal tubular function correlated with the morphology: acidification was impaired whereas concentrating ability was normal. Although RBC casts have been thought to be diagnostic of glomerular diseases, the present case demonstrates that tubulointerstitial disease can be responsible for RBC cast formation.