ABSTRACT
Objective: Sperm cryopreservation results in damage to membrane integrity, sperm viability, sperm motility, and DNA structure. We aimed to evaluate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on sperm parameters during the freeze-thaw process. Materials and Methods: In the first phase of this prospective study, after sperm preparation, 10 normozoospermic specimens were cryopreserved by rapid freezing with different concentrations of PRGF including 0, 1, 5, and 10% to find the optimum dose. Sperm motility and viability were assessed in this phase. In the second phase of the study, based on the results of first phase, 25 normal sperm samples were frozen with 1% PRGF. All sperm parameters including motility, viability, acrosome reaction, and DNA integrity were assessed before freezing and after thawing. Results: The rates of progressive and total sperm motility and viability were significantly higher in 1% PRGF compared to control, 5%, and 10% PRGF in the first phase (P<0.05). Supplementation of freezing medium with 1% PRGF could significantly improve all sperm parameters including sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, acrosome integrity, chromatin structure, chromatin integrity, DNA denaturation, and DNA fragmentation in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: It appears that the supplementation of freezing medium with 1% PRGF could protect human sperm parameters during cryopreservation.
ABSTRACT
Poor autobiographical memory specificity is a cognitive marker of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an independent predictor of poor prognosis. This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of MEmory Specificity Training (MEST) (an intervention aimed at ameliorating specificity problems) on autobiographical memory recall and PTSD symptoms. Iranian combat veterans with PTSD were randomly assigned into the MEST (n = 12) or control (n = 12) group. At baseline, groups completed Farsi versions of the Autobiographical Memory Test and Impact of Event Scale-Revised. The intervention group then had four, weekly, group sessions of MEST. The control group had no additional contact. All measures were re-administered post-intervention and at three-month follow-up. The MEST group generated significantly more specific memories and had significantly fewer PTSD symptoms following training and at follow-up than the control group. Findings suggest MEST is a promising intervention for the treatment of PTSD.