Description of Oscheius cyrus n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) as new entomopathogenic nematode from Iran.

A new species of the genus Oscheius, Oscheius cyrus n. sp., collected in the moist soils taken from forest heights in the north of Iran, is recorded. A comprehensive description, comprising molecular (internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 18S, and 28S rDNA genes) information, morphometrics data, light microscope and scanning electron microscope images, is supplied. The species resembles Oscheius myriophilus. However, the highest ranges for female body length, female tail, infective juvenile tail length, median bulb, absence of epiptygma and lateral field incisures number vary. The new species was distinguished from Oscheius insectivorus by the general lip region. The male was not found. Molecular analysis showed that the new species has the most similarity to O. myriophilus both in the ITS and 18S regions. Morphological and molecular data confirmed its belonging to the Insectivora-group. Furthermore, the species of Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonense was reported as a dominant associated bacterium of the new Oscheius species. Finally, the mortality of the host after seven days varied from 20% to 82.5%, depending on nematodes' concentration.

Evaluation of pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and its association with inflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been suggested as a key contributor of the pathogenesis and development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To investigate the association between oxidative stress status and inflammatory cytokines in follicular fluid of 21 PCOS women compared to 21 women with normal ovarian function who underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. Concentration of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α was measured using sandwich ELISA. Oxidative stress was examined by measuring total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiol groups. PCOS women had an elevated concentration of MDA and TOS compared to controls. Levels of TAC and thiol groups were lower in PCOS compared to controls. PCOS patients had a higher concentration of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α compared to controls. Concentration of IL-10 was lower in PCOS compared to controls. Significant correlations were found between MDA and TOS concentration with TNF-α and between IL-6 and MDA, IL-8 and TAC, IL-10 and TOS levels and also between IL-10 and TAC levels. TAC and thiol groups were negatively correlated with TNF-α. Increased oxidative stress in PCOS is associated with inflammation which is closely linked. Inflammation can induce production of inflammatory cytokines in this syndrome and directly stimulates excess ovarian androgen production.

Increased receptor for advanced glycation end products in spermatozoa of diabetic men and its association with sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation.

Although the majority of patients with diabetes have disorders in sexual function, associations between diabetes mellitus and sperm function at the molecular level are largely unknown. As receptor for advanced glycation end products plays a key role in many diabetic complications, we hypothesised that it may be involved in sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation. RAGE levels were determined using ELISA and western blot analysis in sperm samples from 32 diabetic and 35 nondiabetic men. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using TUNEL assay. Diabetic men had significantly higher mean levels of RAGE protein (P < 0.001) and DNA fragmentation (P < 0.001) in spermatozoa. Sperm RAGE was directly correlated to sperm DNA fragmentation in diabetic men (r = 0.81, P < 0.001). The high positive correlation between RAGE levels and nuclear DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa of diabetic men suggests a central role of RAGE in disturbances in sexual function of diabetic men.

Relationship between advanced glycation end products and increased lipid peroxidation in semen of diabetic men.

AIMS: Majority of diabetic male patients have disturbances in their reproductive systems. However, the mechanisms underlying these disturbances are largely unknown. Since advanced glycation end products (AGE) have a key role in oxidative stress and cell damage in diabetic complications, we hypothesize that AGEs may be involved sperm lipid peroxidation. METHODS: total AGEs in seminal plasma of 32 diabetic and 35 non-diabetic men was determined by spectrofluorimetric method and carboxy methyl lysine (CML) level was assayed using ELISA. Contents of lipid peroxidation in sperm and seminal plasma were determined by thiobarbituric acid reaction. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured by a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: total AGEs were found significantly higher in seminal plasma of diabetic men than non-diabetic group (p<0.001) whereas no significant differences in seminal plasma CML values between two groups was observed. Moreover, sperm and seminal plasma lipid peroxidation were significantly higher in diabetic subjects than non-diabetic men and a significantly lower TAC was detected in diabetic group compare to non-diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: these results showed an increment in AGEs in seminal plasma of diabetic subjects and may suggest a key role for glycation process and increased oxidative stress in reproductive system dysfunction.

Experience with outpatient intravenous teicoplanin therapy for chronic osteomyelitis.

Thirty-seven patients with acute exacerbations of chronic osteomyelitis caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 12), methicillin-susceptible coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 9), methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 1) and enterococci (n = 2) were treated intravenously with teicoplanin. After a loading dose of 7 to 16 mg/kg (median 11 mg/kg) for 4 to 7 days, patients received 9 to 25 mg/kg (median 14 mg/kg) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in an outpatient setting to reach trough serum levels between 5 mg/l and 15 mg/l. The duration of treatment ranged from 28 to 150 days (median 60 days). Cure was obtained in 14 (38%) and improvement in 17 (46%) cases, and failure was observed in 6 (16%) patients. Adverse effects occurred in 6 patients, and caused discontinuation of treatment in 3 patients. The financial savings exceeded US$60,000 per patient compared with the high hospitalization costs of inpatient treatment.