A prospective study of multiple needle biopsies versus a single open biopsy for testicular sperm extraction in men with non-obstructive azoospermia

To identify the predictive factors for testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and to understand the pathology associated with TESE, we carried out a prospective study in 40 consecutive men with azoospermia due to primary gonadal failure. The main outcome measure was the retrieval of at least one testicular spermatozoon. Endocrine and biophysical profiles, testicular histology, Johnsen score and testicular spermatids were used as predictors of sperm extraction. Spermatogenesis was quantified with the Johnsen score. A variable pattern of spermatogenesis was common, being present in 20 (50%) patients. Visualisation of testicular spermatids on testicular histology showed a strong association with TESE (P < 0.0001). Statistically significant differences were detected in plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testicular volume between patients who had hypospermatogenesis and Sertoli cell-only or maturation arrest. There were no significant differences in Johnsen score, biophysical and endocrine profiles between the groups with successful and failed TESE. However, a statistically significant trend occurred with changes in histological pattern [chi2 for trend, P = 0.001; Pearson's coefficient (r) = 0.6], Johnsen score (P = 0.022; r = 0.5), testicular volume (P = 0.01; r = 0.5) and plasma FSH concentrations (P = 0.044; r = 0.4), albeit to a limited degree. Difference in the interpretation of histological patterns with different assessors was observed. The type of occupation or risk factors for azoospermia showed no association with testicular pathology or TESE. Variable histological patterns in different tubules in the same individual may explain the poor correlation of TESE with endocrine and biophysical profiles, Johnsen score and histological pattern. Differences in the amount of tissue used for TESE and histopathology, and misinterpretation of testicular histology rather than failure to quantify spermatogenesis may explain the poor correlation between histological patterns and TESE. Testicular spermatids predicted TESE. However, considerable overlap in values means that no single variable can provide a perfect discrimination between the groups with successful and failed TESE.     

A combinatorial phage display library for the generation of specific Fab fragments recognizing human spermatozoa and inhibiting fertilizing capacity in vitro

To select a source of lymphocytes for the generation of an anti-sperm-biased combinatorial phage display library, venous blood was obtained from 34 vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal) patients approximately 3 mo after surgery. Using a variety of immunoassays, serum was analyzed for antibodies against human spermatozoa, and a patient was selected on the basis of high titer of antibodies that recognized the equatorial region of the sperm head and inhibited sperm fertilizing capacity in vitro. Total RNA isolated from the stored lymphocytes of this individual was reversed transcribed, and gamma1 (Fd) region and kappa chains were amplified by polymerase chain reaction for the successful construction of an antibody phage display library. The library was panned against human spermatozoa to isolate sperm-specific phage that recognized the equatorial region of the sperm head. Three preparations of Fab were tested via the hamster egg penetration test. Each preparation significantly (p < 0. 005) inhibited sperm-egg binding and fusion, with one preparation (designated Fab-G) causing complete inhibition. Sequence analysis of the kappa light gene encoding Fab-G revealed a 93% homology with the light chain of human anti-human immunodeficiency virus gp120 p35 variable region. This technology may have a practical application in characterization of the immune response to spermatozoa and for the design of sperm-based contraceptive vaccines.     

One hundred years of orthopedics in the Netherlands. IV. Spinal abnormalities]

In recent years there has been spectacular progress in the approach to various disorders of the spinal column. Owing to improved methods of osteosynthesis there is no longer so much need for long periods of postoperative bed rest. Of all the scolioses, idiopathic scoliosis is most common. The vast majority of these cases are not clinically significant. What is seen in the remaining cases if left untreated is a progression in the curvature during growth. Progressive idiopathic scoliosis can be effectively treated using conservative methods. Screening at school is an important part of this process. If the curvature proves progressive and skeletal growth is not complete a brace can be prescribed. Use of this strategy and form of treatment can avoid progression of the curvature and development of serious deformities. This conservative therapy has markedly reduced the need for corrective surgery. Scheuermann's disease is characterized by a fixed dorsal thoracic kyphosis. Progressive Scheuermann's kyphosis can be effectively treated using a brace. The majority of fractures of the vertebral bodies can be treated conservatively. However, serious fractures normally require surgical intervention. In the industrialised Western world, low back pain is a major health problem and the foremost cause of disability and unfitness for work. Low back pain caused by degenerative disease of the spinal column should be treated using a multidisciplinary approach. The development of advanced operative techniques and osteosynthesis methods has made it possible to treat metastases of the spine surgically. The effects of this treatment on the quality of life are encouraging.     

昂达Windows 8平板系统及软件注册解决方案

正英特尔南下攻略的成功,也推动了低价Widnows 8平板的崛起,习惯了安卓平板电脑的亲们,在使用Windows 8平板时总容易遇到这样那样的问题,尤其是联网激活的异常,让不少购买预置正版Windows 8平板的用户大感郁闷,笔者在此特以昂达Windows 8平板为例,对Windows 8平板使用过程中遇到的系统和软件激活问题进行讲解。     

找回儿时记忆 当手柄遇到平板电脑

正小编提示针对平板电脑外接手柄应用的软件较多,在按键映射及兼容性上各有所长,除《Sixaxis Controller》外,用户也可尝试《Tincore Keymapper》、《安卓手柄助手》等软件,寻找能同自己硬件平台对接最好的软件,以获得游戏体验。     

升级要慎重 SSD硬盘接口奥秘

正体验过SSD固态硬盘的速度绝对不会想再忍受HDD机械硬盘的"龟速",面对大容量SSD固态硬盘不断刷新的最低价,有多少人能不动心?从台式机到笔记本,全方位的SSD升级势在必行。相对于看主控选SSD固态硬盘而言,如何分辨SSD固态硬盘的接口对于普通消费者而言恐怕更加实用。让我们从接口入手,一步一步了解SSD固态硬盘的奥秘吧!     

小生意也要讲科技 移动支付平台加入攻略

正超市购物、KTV包房、餐厅用餐……移动互联时代,日常消费结算的时候,完全可以通过手机直接支付。滴滴和快的这样的打车软件让不少人体验了移动支付的便利,当移动支付渐渐成为现金与信用卡之外的重要支付手段时,巨大的市场金矿形成。面对庞大的市场蛋糕,你或者你身边的人能够忍住吗?学习加入移动支付平台,在O2O、C2C、B2C的时代也做一回科技"小商贩"吧!