Effects of multiple collections on spermatozoa quality of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus: motility, density and seminal plasma composition.

In this study, we investigated the effects of multiple collections of sperm on the endangered Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, in terms of a number of sperm functional parameters (percentage of motile spermatozoa, total time period of motility and sperm concentration) as well as on the ionic composition, protein concentration and osmolality of seminal plasma. Semen samples were collected from 12 induced male fish in three experimental groups that had been injected intramuscularly with LHRH-A2, at dosages of 5 µg/kg body weight, at a number of time regimes: at 12 h, 17 h and 24 h after spawning induction (1); at 24, 29 and 34 h after spawning induction (2); and at 36, 41 and 46 h after spawning induction (3). The percentage of motile spermatozoa and the period of sperm motility decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after the second and third collections. The concentration of spermatozoa decreased after the third collection, but this decline was not significant. No significant effect of multiple collections on protein concentration and ionic content (with exception of the Cl(-) ion) of seminal plasma was observed. In all experimental groups, a moderate impact of sequential collection on the osmolality (p < 0.05) of seminal plasma was observed. This study provides new data on the effects of multiple collections on spermatological characteristics in the Persian sturgeon. Our results confirm that sequential stripping after the third collections has a negative effect on a number of functional parameters associated with sperm.

Study of sperm concentration, seminal plasma composition and their physiological correlation in the Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus.

The objectives of the present study were to determine ionic and organic composition of seminal plasma, sperm concentration and their relationships in the Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). In this regard, ionic content (Na(+) , K(+) , Cl(-) , Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) ) and organic content (total protein, glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride) along with sperm concentration were measured in 17 specimens of the Persian sturgeon. The seminal plasma contained 59.53 ± 2.56 mm/l sodium, 9.1 ± 1.42 mm chloride, 4.72 ± 0.3 mm potassium, 1.45 ± 0.075 mm calcium and 0.7 ± 0.072 mm magnesium. The following organic contents were found: total protein 0.11 ± 0.02 g/dl, glucose 22.18 ± 4.16 mg/dl, cholesterol 6.67 ± 1.04 mg/dl and triglyceride 15.2 ± 0.65 mg/dl. The mean sperm concentration was estimated to be 1.6 ± 0.12 (×10(9)  sperm/ml). A significant relationship was found between sperm concentration and K(+) of seminal plasma (r = 0.533, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between ionic contents: Na(+) vs Cl(-) (r = -0.854, p < 0.01) and Mg(2+) vs K(+) (-0.583, p < 0.05). Also, level of triglyceride was negatively correlated with Mg(2+) (r = -0.503, p < 0.05). Presented data could be considered as a complementary study for developing special extenders and protectant solutions for improving artificial fertilization in this valuable species.

Intra-gastric balloon therapy and weight reduction.

BACKGROUND: Intra-gastric (TBT) can achieve pre-operative weight loss in obese patients, and may make surgery safer and easier. We report our experience in weight reduction and outcome in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected in 50 consecutive morbidly obese patients undergoing intra-gastric balloon therapy. All balloons were inserted and removed by one consultant operator and injected with 500-600 mls of methylene blue-stained saline. Patients were admitted after balloon insertion to control nausea and reflux symptoms. Analysis was performed on post-insertion data collated from the hospital obesity database and patient note review. RESULTS: The majority of patients (70%) were female. Prior to IBT, mean patient weight was 149.9 +/- 36.8 kg (male 184.7 +/- 38.1 kg, female 135 +/- 26.5 kg). At six months follow-up, mean weight of patients reduced to 133.5 +/- 34.3kg (male 166.8 +/- 33.3 kg, female 119.3 +/- 25.9 kg). The overall percentage of excess weight loss was 22% (male 17%, female 25%, p=NS). Mean patient body mass index (BMI) at balloon insertion was 52.8 (+/-8.2) kg/m2 (male 56.8, female 51.0), mean patient BMI reduced to 47 (+/-8.1) (males 51.4, females 45.1) at six months. Average BMI loss was 5.8 (male 5.4, female 6.0). CONCLUSION: IBT is an effective method of weight reduction in morbid obesity with an average excess weight loss of 22% in this series. The benefit of pre-operative weight loss in this patient group is likely to be significant, but has yet to be measured.

Regional vascular surgical units: a practical means of providing specialist services.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive regional emergency and elective vascular surgical service was established in Limerick Regional General Hospital between 1994 and 1996 following the appointment of three surgeons with vascular training. AIM: To compare vascular surgical activity before and after the establishment of a regional vascular service. METHODS: This study used local and national computerised databases, clinic letters, theatre registers and radiology records to compare vascular surgical activity before (1992) and after (1997) this service was established. RESULTS: Total outpatient activity increased almost six-fold and total number of inpatient vascular procedures (including radiological) increased from 146 to 432, but the venous proportion declined from 70% to 36%. The number of major arterial procedures increased from 37 to 165 in 1997 including 10 carotid endarterectomies, 24 aortic reconstructions and 54 lower limb reconstructions representing rates of 3/100,000, 8/100,000 and 17/100,000 population respectively. CONCLUSION: As substantial changes in disease patterns are unlikely, these data indicate that patients previously diverted elsewhere for therapy are now cared for within the health board region and that further increases in workload may be expected. We suggest that these data mandate the reallocation of resources to fund appropriately staffed and audited regional vascular units.

Quality-of-life assessment of patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for slow-transit constipation with rectal inertia.

PURPOSE: Severe idiopathic constipation with rectal inertia represents a challenging medical problem that, in extremis, might warrant surgery. We studied a group of patients who have undergone proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for this problem. The purpose was to assess the functional success of this procedure and its impact on the social function of the patients. METHODS: Patients with functional, intractable constipation have one motion or less per week and are laxative-dependent. The indication for surgery was based on failure of long-term medical therapy. The selection criteria were normal colonoscopy, normal anal manometry and pudendal nerve latency test, and abnormal transit study and abnormal video proctography. The functional outcome after surgery was assessed by anal manometry and stool frequency. Quality of life was analyzed using the Rand health survey 1.0 consisting of a comprehensive questionnaire used preoperatively and postoperatively with emphasis on physical function, role limitation because of functional/emotional problems, social function, pain, and general health. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (14 females) underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis over a seven-year period (1993-1999). The mean age was 41 (range, 25-47) years. All had a temporary defunctioning loop ileostomy fashioned, and there were no anastomotic leaks. Two patients required pouch excision within 18 months because of intractable pelvic pain. The mean stool frequency was eight (range, 3-12) per day at the first follow-up. At the second follow-up, this had improved to five (range, 2-6) per day. The mean resting and squeeze anal pressures preoperatively were 82 cm H2O and 104 mmHg, respectively, and were unchanged after surgery. Significant improvement in lifestyle scores were recorded in the categories of physical function, social function, and pain at the first follow-up and in all categories at the second follow-up (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Restorative proctocolectomy is an option in selected patients and leads to progressive improvement in quality of life.