Synthesis and stimulated luminescence property of Zn(BO2)2:Tb3.

Zinc borate, Zn(BO2)2, doped with different concentrations of terbium (0.5-8mol%) was synthesized and polycrystalline samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. The Zn(BO2)2 was formed in the pure samples sintered at 750 and 800°C which has the body centered cubic structure, and a ZnB4O7 primitive orthorhombic phase was present. The thermoluminescent intensity was dependents on the thermal treatment (250-500°C) and also on the impurity concentration. The linear dose-response was obtained between 0.022-27.7Gy and 0.5-50Gy when the samples were exposed to beta and gamma radiation, respectively. The complex structure of the glow curves was analyzed by the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution method. The kinetics parameters were calculated assuming the general order kinetics model describing accurately the TL process. The glow curves of Tb3+-doped zinc borate phosphor were well deconvolved by six glow peaks. Zinc borate with 8mol% of impurity concentration exhibited an intense radioluminescent emission. The radioluminescent spectra show their maximum bands at 370, 490, 545 and 700nm related to the terbium ion in the zinc borate. These obtained results suggest that the terbium doped zinc borate is a promising phosphor for use in radiation dosimetry because of its high TL sensitivity to the ionizing radiation.

The effect of Nd and Mg doping on the micro-Raman spectra of LiNbO(3) single-crystals.

The LiNbO(3) congruent crystals doped with small Nd concentrations, <1 mol% Nd, and co-doped with Mg ions, 0-9 mol% Mg, were systematically investigated by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy in the Y and Z crystal directions. Results obtained from an undoped congruent crystal, an Nd-doped crystal, a Mg-doped crystal and Nd, Mg-co-doped crystals are compared. From the analyses of the results obtained in the Y direction, the Nd and Mg content dependence of the two lowest-Raman A(1)(TO(1)) and A(1)(TO(2)) modes, the half-width composition and the area ratio of the A(1)(TO(4)) and E(TO(8)) bands, we reached several conclusions about the incorporation mechanism of the Nd and Mg ions into the LiNbO(3) lattice. Likewise the Raman shift and half-width of the E(TO(1)) and E(TO(7)) modes were investigated in the Z direction. Results indicate that Mg and Nd ions are located in the Li site for low doping concentrations and for larger concentrations there is a replacement in both Li and Nb ion sites.

Thermoluminescence behaviour of KCL(1-x)Br(x):Pb2+ exposed to gamma radiation.

The thermoluminescence (TL) behaviour of solid solutions of lead doped KCl(1-x)Br(x) (X = 0.02, 0.35, 0.50, 0.65, 0.85, 1) mixed crystals exposed to gamma radiation at different doses from 60Co is reported. The TL glow curves of KCl(1-x)Br(x):Pb2+ crystal exposed in the range of 0-140 Gy is strongly dependent on composition X. The maximum temperature of the main TL glow peak was found to shift towards lower temperatures as composition X increased and a significant enhancement of the TL efficiency in KCl(1-x)Br(x):Pb2+ was found for X = 0.50 which is attributed to an increase in the vacancy concentration of the mixed halides at middle composition. The participation of the F-centre in the TL phenomenon particularly related to the main TL glow peak observed in mixed samples was also confirmed.

Prolactin secretion in molar and normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relation between PRL and hCG, T3, T4, fT4, TSH, E2 and P4 levels in normal pregnancies and those complicated with GTD. METHOD: Twenty women, 10 with normal pregnancy and 10 with molar pregnancy were studied. The differences between them and the relation between prolactin (PRL) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estradiol and thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and progesterone, was determined by Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient, respectively. RESULTS: HCG, estradiol and thyroid hormones were higher in molar pregnancy, but PRL and progesterone were similar and TSH was lower in molar pregnancy. A negative correlation was found between PRL level and all the hormones in normal pregnancy, with the exception of TSH, and in molar pregnancy there was a positive correlation of PRL with all hormones. CONCLUSION: HCG, E2, T3, T4, fT4 levels were higher in the group with molar pregnancy. Differences in correlation analysis suggest different endocrine regulation mechanisms in molar and normal pregnancies.

Bacterial infection and semen characteristics in infertile men.

Semen samples of 190 men attending an andrology clinic were evaluated with bacteriological culture and categorized as negative (group I) and positive (group II); the effect of bacteriospemia on semen characteristics was also analyzed. Semen samples from both groups were simultaneously analyzed for routine parameters such as volume, sperm count, motility, viability and morphology. The semen culture was negative in 34% and positive in 66% of the samples. From 123 samples, 157 aerobes and 8 anaerobes were recovered. The most commonly isolated organism was Staphylococchs epidermidis (in 63% of the samples), followed by Streptococchs viridans (28%), Escherichia coli (9%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%), Streptococcus faecalis (5%), beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (4%), and Enterobacter agglomerans (4%). Other microorganisms, including Klebsiella sp, Candida sp., and Proteus mirabilis, were recovered in fewer than 4% of the specimens. The comparison of semen characteristics between infected and noninfected men showed that motile spermatozoa and viability were lower when the microorganisms were present in the semen. It would appear that the bacteria can have a direct effect on semen quality with negative consequences in fertility.

[Evaluation of the cervical factor in ovulation induction]. / Evaluación del factor cervical en la mujer con inducción de la ovulación.

Post coital sperm penetration tests performed in 66 women under study for infertility, the purpose was to evaluate the ovulation induction effect over mucus quality and over sperm penetration. They were divided in three groups: 1) 28 women with evidence of spontaneous ovulation (control group), 2) 26 patients in which ovulation was induced with comiphene citrate and 3) 12 patients in which ovulation was induced with menotropins. The results showed that CC had an adverse effect over cervical mucus (p < 0.001), while in patients treated with menotropins the cervical mucus quality was not modified. Sperm penetration in patients under CC had a tendency to lower values than those in women of the control group, but these were statistically lower than those in patients under menotropins (p < 0.05). These results show the adverse effect of CC and the benefit of menotropins over cervical mucus and sperm penetration.

Evaluación del factor cervical en la mujer con inducción de la ovulación / Evaluation of cervical factor in women with ovulation induction

Se estudiaron 66 pacientes que acudieron por esterilidad a quienes de les realizó prueba de penetración espermática poscoito (PPE) con el fin de valorar el efecto de los inductores de la ovulación en la calidad del moco cervical y la penetración espermática. Fueron divididas en tres grupos: 1) 28 mujeres con evidencias de ovulación espontánea (grupo testigo), 2) 26 pacientes a las cuales se les indujo ovulación con citrato de clomifeno (CC) y 3) 12 pacientes en quienes se indujo ovulación con menotropinas. Los resultados mostraron que el CC tiene un efecto adverso sobre el moco cervical (p< 0.001), mientras que en las pacientes tratadas con menotropinas la calidad del moco cervical no se alteró. La penetración espermática en las pacientes con CC mostró una tendencia a valores menos que en las mujeres del grupo testigo, pero fue significativamente menor que en las pacientes estimuladas con menotropinas (p< 0.05). Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto el efecto adverso del CC y el efecto benéfico de las gonadotropinas sobre el moco cervical y la penetración espermática

The Norplant system: an effective, long term contraceptive of the 20th century.

PIP: The Norplant system (levonorgestrel implants) provides excellent protection against pregnancy (typical failure rates, 0.2% for Norplant vs. 0.4% for female sterilization and 3% for oral contraceptives [OCs]). Women may choose to have the capsules removed before the end of the 5-year period. The pregnancy rate in former Norplant users is similar to that of women who have not used Norplant. Active thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders, abnormal genital bleeding, known or suspected pregnancy, acute liver disease, benign or malignant liver tumors, and breast cancer are contraindications to Norplant. Trained providers should insert Norplant capsules within the 1st 7 days of the menstrual cycle. The most common side effect is change in menstrual bleeding, particularly irregular and/or prolonged bleeding during the 1st year. Norplant's cost is about 50% lower than that of OCs (US$11 vs. $21.40 per month; $133 vs. $278 per year; and $665 vs. $1391 over 5 years). Norplant-1 and Norplant-2 are comparable. This article provides step-by-step instructions, including photographs, on how to insert and remove the implant capsules and to remove a hard-to-retrieve capsule.^ieng

Contraception and HIV / STD infections.

PIP: Copper-releasing IUDs cause severe dermatitis (e.g., urticarial eruptions and eczema) in copper-sensitive women. Such exposure of subcutaneous areas is a cofactor for HIV infection. The excessive menstrual bleeding that accompanies IUD use and absorption of virions and infected cells in the semen of HIV-infected males by IUD tails facilitates HIV infection. IUD tails have the highest concentration of HIV in infected women. HIV causes cervicitis in HIV-infected women. The cross reactivity between pelvic inflammatory disease (not rare among copper-IUD users) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increases the risk of HIV infection. Having multiple sex partners is a risk factor of HIV/STD infections. IUDs, diaphragms, latex condoms, and spermicides may cause an allergic reaction in men and women. Condoms made of lamb cecum are an option to men who are allergic to latex. The single greatest factor for HIV infections in Africa is chancroid. The sudden increase of syphilis in the US parallels the sudden increase in HIV transmission. Physicians need to consider the following before treating pregnant STD patients with an antibiotic: possible risk to fetus, altered kinetics and etiology of the STDs, and choice, dose, route, and duration of antibiotic treatment. Family planning services should focus on HIV-infected women, so they can avoid pregnancy. Many public health and family planning clinics offer counseling and HIV-antibody testing. Human semen has various subpopulations of leukocytes. Leukocytes that have enveloped sperm can take sperm antigens to the lymphatic system. The great individual variation in frequency of CD4+ lymphoid cells and monocytes/ macrophages is clinically important in infectivity of semen in HIV-positive men. T4+ lymphocytes are in the semen of fertile and infertile men. HIV carriers should wear condoms. Partial inactivation of HIV after 10 minutes in the condom at 37 degrees Celsius occurs, but inactivation varies by trademark.^ieng

HIV infections / preventative medicine: condoms / spermicide agents.

PIP: HIV is in the semen and epididymal epithelia. A possible malfunction of the physiological barriers in the seminiferous epithelium may be an early response to HIV. Tight bonds between Sertoli cells serving as the blood-testis barrier may be the site of the breakdown that permits circulating HIV to penetrate the seminal compartment. Receptive partners of anogenital intercourse are more susceptible to HIV infection and progression to AIDS because some metabolites of semen extend to the vascular/lymphatic system. As couples move closer to stage IV of HIV infection, infertility is more likely. Condom use during all sexual encounters outside of long term monogamous relationships is advocated, even if other contraceptives are used. The US government requires strict quality controls on the manufacture of condoms to eliminate condom failure during correct use. HIV cannot penetrate an intact latex condom, thus it prevents the spread of HIV. Not everyone accepts condoms. Laboratory tests show that various spermicidal compounds destroy HIV and other sexually transmitted disease organisms. Yet, epidemiologic studies do not show that spermicides alone can protect against HIV transmission. Either intracellular location of HIV protects it from spermicides, or the toxicity of the spermicide causes genital ulcers which facilitate HIV transmission. An increase in condom sales in the US has occurred, particularly in the states with the highest AIDS rates (California and New York). Condoms made of lamb cecum are an option to men who are allergic to latex. Spermicides can also cause allergic reactions. Physicians should not prescribe the pill to prostitutes who reject condom use. Future research should examine HIV receptor on T lymphocyte, sperm, and brain neurons; local immunity against sperm antigen; development of locally enhanced immune response within the genital tract lumen; and purification/identification of immunosuppressive substances in seminal plasma.^ieng

Sexually transmitted diseases and related genital pathologies in oligozoospermia.

Sexually transmitted pathogens are associated with a wide range of anomalies and diseases, including recurrent genital herpes, urethritis, syphilis, prostitis, genital ulcers, perihepatitis, unexplained infertility, infant prematurity, low birth weight, and neonatal death or malformations. Prompt diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential to ensure appropriate specific treatment and to reduce complications. Extensive studies on the etiology of male infertility include poorly treated infections such as STDs, epididymitis, complications associated with mumps, delayed treatment of undescended testes, repair of inguinal hernia, varicocele, endocrine disorders, anomalies of the reproductive tract and male accessory organs, trauma, surgery, heat-cold injury, and active-passive immunization.

Testicular function in active ankylosing spondylitis. Therapeutic response to human chorionic gonadotrophin.

Testicular function was studied in 22 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with serum measurements of hormone levels, seminal fluid analysis and testicular reserve test. Results were correlated with disease activity. The abnormal findings were elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), inversion of estradiol/testosterone ratio (E2:T) and diminished testicular reserve for testosterone (T) and slightly increased for estradiol (E2). Nine patients with severe active AS received biweekly 2,500 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin injections with a resulting increase in E2 serum levels. When the values of E2 reached 40 pg/ml or higher, there was a decrease of the sedimentation rate (p less than 0.05) and a reversal to normal of the E2:T ratio. This was accompanied by an improvement in AS at the 10th week that lasted up to 9 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. Our findings suggest a possible role of sex hormones in the physiopathogenesis of AS and offers a possible therapeutic alternative.

Ovarian function studies in active ankylosing spondylitis in women. Clinical response to estrogen therapy.

Ovarian function was studied in 17 women with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Levels of FSH, LH, prolactin and androstenedione were normal in menstruating patients and FSH and LH were elevated in menopausal patients. In menstruating patients with active AS the estradiol levels were lower than in patients with inactive AS and significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than controls. Progesterone levels in menstruating patients were lower (P = NS) than controls. In menopausal patients estrogen levels were lower than their controls (P = NS). There was a significant (p less than 0.05) inverse correlation between the sedimentation rate and the estrogen level. Seven patients accepted oral estrogen therapy (average duration 4 months) and peripheral arthritis subsided within one month, all variables of clinical activity of AS improved and at the end of the study all patients were in functional class I.

[The use of clomiphene and menotropins as inducers of multiple follicular growth in a program of in vitro fertilization]. / Empleo de clomifeno y menotropinas como inductores de crecimiento folicular múltiple en un programa de fertilización in vitro.

In our IVF & related techniques program, clomiphene 50 mg was used from days 2 to 6 of the cycle in 20 patients and 20 cycles. (17 IVF patients and 3 GIFT patients) menotropins were also used in 2 different schemes: a) 2 ampules in alternated days (12 cases) and b) one ampule daily (8 cases). The patients with the daily scheme required lesser total dose of menotropins and developed higher estradiol levels, although this had none statistic significance, and they also developed a greater number of follicles. There were 16 laparoscopies for ovum capture and 53 oocytes were retrieved (30.2% mature) 10 oocytes were from the GIFT patients. 16 oocytes were fertilized and 8 cleaved. There was only one pregnancy from and IVF patient with the alternated scheme that ended with a first trimester abortion.

[Clomiphene as an inducer of multiple follicular growth]. / Clomifén como inductor de crecimiento folicular múltiple.

In our IVF + ET & GIFT programs we gave 100 mg of clomiphene from cycle days 2 to 6 in 35 cycles of 32 infertile patients. Serum estradiol curves were made establishing 3 types of curves: 1. climbing curve which was subdivided in curve A (6 cycles) with more than 600 pg/mL of estradiol, more than 4 follicles of a mean size of 35 mm; curve B (13 cycles) with an estradiol range from 300 to 600 pg/mL, 2.9 follicles of 24 mm and curve C with less than 300 pg/mL of estradiol, 0.8 follicles of 22 mm. 2. Flat curve with minimum estradiol level and follicle size and 3. Irregular curve with atypic variations that probably reflect oocyte atresia and cyst formation. The progesterone level in the luteal phase was parallel to the estradiol. There was evidence of multiple follicular growth in 20 cycles (57%). Nine laparoscopies for ovum capture were made, collecting a mean of 1.2 oocytes per laparoscopy; they were fertilized in vitro and later transferred 4 embryos and 4 oocytes were transferred to the fallopian tubes. There was at most one mature oocyte per laparoscopy. No pregnancies were achieved. The clomiphene as a single agent, for its wide availability, might be choice for some women that show a good response, which might depend on several factors, but it cannot be considered the ideal single agent for programs that include ovum pick ups.