Ureaplasma parvum and ureaplasma urealyticum detected in semen after washing prior to assisted reproductive technology procedures

Objective: This study investigated: (i) the prevalence of ureaplasmas in semen and washed semen and (ii) the effect of ureaplasmas on semen andrology parameters. Design: Prospective study. Setting: IVF unit -private hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Patient(s): Three hundred and forty three men participating in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment cycle. Intervention(s): Semen and washed semen tested by culture, PCR assays and indirect immunofluorescent antibody assays. Statistical differences were determined by a t-test, Wilcoxon or Pearson’s Chi- square test where appropriate. Main Outcome Measure(s): The prevalence of ureaplasmas in semen and washed semen and the effect of these microorganisms on semen andrology parameters. Result(s): Ureaplasmas were detected in 73/343 (22%) semen samples and 29/343 (8.5%) washed semen samples. Ureaplasmas adherent to the surface of spermatozoa were demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing. U. parvum serovar 6 (36.6%) and U. urealyticum (30%) were the most prevalent isolates in washed semen. A comparison of the semen andrology parameters of washed semen ureaplasma positive and negative groups demonstrated a lower proportion of non-motile sperm in the washed semen ureaplasma positive group. Conclusion(s): Ureaplasmas are not always removed from semen by a standard ART washing procedure and can remain adherent to the surface of spermatozoa.

Evidence for a simple linear relationship between MRSA rates and hand-washing compliance [Comment]

Is there a threshold above which hand-rub solution consumption is efficient for decreasing MRSA incidence? [J Hosp Infect. 2009] Association between an index of consumption of hand-rub solution and the incidence of acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an intensive care unit.

Peritoneal washing cytology

Peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) is a useful indicator of ovarian surface involvement and peritoneal dissemination by ovarian tumours. It may identify subclinical peritoneal spread and thus provide valuable staging and prognostic information, particularly for non-serous ovarian tumours. The role of PWC as a prognostic indicator for endometrial carcinoma is less clear, due in part to the questionable significance of identifying endometrial tumour cells in the peritoneum. Detection of metastatic carcinoma in PWC is based on recognition of non-mesothelial cell characteristics, however a number of conditions such as reactive mesothelial cells, endometriosis and endosalpingiosis may mimic this appearance. Cells from these conditions may have a similar presentation in PWC to that of serous borderline tumours and low grade serous carcinoma. The presence of cilia, lack of single atypical cells, prominent cytoplasmic vacuolation, marked nuclear atypia or two distinct cell populations are features favouring a benign process. Attention to these features along with close correlation with clinical history and the results of surgical pathology should help avoid errors. Additional assistance may be provided by the use of cell blocks and special stains.

Duty cycle and modelling considerations in three-phase induction motor drives for washing machines

Three-phase induction motors offer significant advantages over commutator motors in some domestic appliances. Models for wide speed range three-phase induction motors for use in a horizontal axis washing machine have been developed using the MEGA finite element package with an external formulation for calculating iron losses. Motor loss predictions have been verified using a novel high accuracy calorimeter. Good agreement has been observed over a wide speed range at different loadings. The model is used to predict motor temperature rise under typical washing machine loading conditions to ensure its limiting temperature is not exceeded and enables alternative designs to be investigated without recourse to physical prototypes. © 2005 IEEE.

The effect of washing on the quality of minced catfish during frozen storage

The effect of washing minced catfish in water, sodium chloride solution (1%) and ascorbic acid solution (0.1%) in improving the quality and frozen shelf-life has been studied. Washing improved the colour and reduced the non-protein nitrogen contents and extractable nitrogen. Denaturation was more in samples washed in salt and ascorbic acid solutions. Rancidity as measured by PV and organoleptic studies showed significant reduction in washed samples. The frozen storage life was significantly enhanced by washing.

Effect of water washing on biochemical and gel characteristics of minced meat from croaker fish (Johnius gangeticus)

Quality of analog fishery products invariably depends on the gel characteristics and nutritional status of minced meat. With an objective to find out the effect of water washing on kamaboko gel, the minced meat from Croaker fish was washed for four times (5 minutes each) using chilled water at a temperature of 8-10°C. Results reflected noticeable improvement in folding test and SSN% of kamaboko with essential decrease in fat content, water soluble proteins, expressible water and quality parameters like NPN, VBN, TMA, FFA and PV denoting superior gel quality than control sample after repeated washing. The results indicated that there was a definite improvement in functional properties such as gel forming ability, expressible water content of the croaker minced meat essential decrease in fat content, water soluble proteins, expressible water and quality parameters after each wash, but two washes of 5 minutes duration each was necessary to achieve satisfactory results.

Techniques to improve the shear strength of impacted bone graft: the effect of particle size and washing of the graft.

BACKGROUND: When fresh morselized graft is compacted, as in impaction bone-grafting for revision hip surgery, fat and marrow fluid is either exuded or trapped in the voids between particles. We hypothesized that the presence of incompressible fluid damps and resists compressive forces during impaction and prevents the graft particles from moving into a closer formation, thus reducing the graft strength. In addition, viscous fluid such as fat may act as an interparticle lubricant, thus reducing the interlocking of the particles. METHODS: We performed mechanical shear testing in the laboratory with use of fresh-frozen human femoral-head allografts that had been passed through different orthopaedic bone mills to produce graft of differing particle-size distributions (grading). RESULTS: After compaction of fresh graft, fat and marrow fluid continued to escape on application of normal loads. Washed graft, however, had little lubricating fluid and better contact between the particles, increasing the shear resistance. On mechanical testing, washed graft was significantly (p < 0.001) more resistant to shearing forces than fresh graft was. This feature was consistent for different bone mills that produced graft of different particle-size distributions and shear strengths. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of fat and marrow fluid from milled human allograft by washing the graft allows the production of stronger compacted graft that is more resistant to shear, which is the usual mode of failure. Further research into the optimum grading of particle sizes from bone mills is required.