Is addition or removal of seminal plasma able to compensate for the dilution effect of buffalo semen?

The present study aimed to compensate dilution effect using additional seminal plasma (SP) in conventional (80 million (M) spermatozoa/ml) dose and low spermatozoa/dose (8M spermatozoa/ml). We also attempted to confirm whether removal of SP before the extension of ejaculates affects post-thaw sperm quality of buffalo semen. For this, semen ejaculates (N = 15) were divided into four groups: control (CON), removal of SP by centrifugation (NSP), resuspension of the centrifuged semen pellet into SP (CEN) and extra supplementation of SP (ESP). All groups were diluted into two different semen doses to 20 and 2M spermatozoa/0.25 ml using tris egg yolk extender and subsequently cryopreserved. We found that neither addition nor removal of SP affected sperm motility, kinematics, longevity, mitochondrial superoxide production and high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Further, the addition or removal of SP was not able to compensate dilution effect in 2M groups resulting in a significantly (p < .05) reduction in sperm motility, kinematics, sperm longevity, membrane integrity, MMP, and an increase production of mitochondrial superoxide. In conclusion, it appears that role of SP in the sperm cryopreservation process is insignificant.

FOLFOX-4 as second-line therapy after failure of gemcitabine and platinum combination in advanced gall bladder cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: There is no standard second-line chemotherapy after progression on first-line therapy including gemcitabine and platinum combination in advanced gall bladder cancer patients. So this study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX-4 regimen in this setting. METHODS: In this observational study, patients with performance status ≤2, who progressed on first-line therapy, were enrolled from May 2010 to June 2014. FOLFOX-4 based treatment was administered until progression, unacceptable toxicity or up to 12 cycles. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age of patients was 52.5 years (32-66 years),of which 24 (36.36%) were males and 42 (63.63%) were females. The median number of cycles could be given were 9.5 (2-12). Only 43.93% patients in this study completed full 12 cycles of chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (24.24%) in this study required the dose reduction at least in one cycle of chemotherapy due to toxicities. Disease control rate was seen in 39 (59.09%) patients, with complete response in none, partial response in 16 (24.24%), stable disease in 23 (34.84%) and progressive disease in 27 (40.90%) patients. The median progression free survival was 3.9 months; median overall survival was 7.6 months. The main Grade 3/4 side effects seen were hematological in 31.81% (n = 21) and gastrointestinal in 25.75% (n = 17) patients. Majority of patients (46%) had Grade 1/2 peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: FOLFOX-4 is an effective and well-tolerated regimen as a second-line treatment in advanced gall bladder cancer patients. Further studies are required, especially in the Indian subcontinent.

'Semen dilution effect' on sperm variables and conception rate in buffalo.

The study aim was to determine how to minimize effects of buffalo semen dilution by evaluating the use of egg yolk (EY), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and OptiXcell (OC) extenders. Ejaculates (n = 18 from six bulls) were divided into three aliquots that were diluted separately with EY, LDL, and OC extenders corresponding to 20 million (M), 12 M, and 2 M sperm/dose, respectively, and cryopreserved. There were a lesser sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and percentage un-capacitated sperm with the 2 M sperm/dose, however, the LDL extender was more effective than OC and EY extender for cryopreservation of buffalo sperm. Excess semen dilution resulted in sustained sperm velocities (curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and straight linear velocity), and these were greater with use of the OC than LDL and EY extenders. There was no change in amplitude of sperm lateral head displacement (ALH) with respect to dilution, but with regard to extender effects, ALH was greater in sperm extended in LDL and OC than EY. Semen dilution to 2 M sperm/dose resulted in a greater mitochondrial superoxide production. Conception rate (CR) was unaffected with 20 and 12, however, with the 2 M sperm/dose dilutions there was a lesser CR. In conclusion, buffalo semen dilution to the extent of 12 M sperm/dose did not affect most of the seminal variables and CR. Using LDL extender at 2 M sperm/dose protected sperm from the 'semen dilution effect' to a greater extent than with use of EY and OC extenders.

Trichomegaly of eyelashes after treatment with erlotinib in carcinoma pancreas.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have been widely used for the treatment of epithelial malignancies. A wide spectrum of skin toxicities have been described in patients receiving EGFR inhibitors. Trichomegaly, especially of the eyelashes is a rare side effect of this therapy. We report a case of trichomegaly of eyelashes in a 39-year-old male, a case of carcinoma pancreas. This side-effect of these medications gives prospects as a therapy to stimulate the growth of hair.