World Health Organization Laboratory Research Articles

Pattern of semen analysis in male partners of infertile couples in Western Ethiopia: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Objectives:This study assesses the pattern of semen analysis results in male partners of infertile couples at Gimbie Adventist Hospital, Western Ethiopia, 2021.Methods:A retrospective cross-sectional study on 131 semen samples of male partners of infertile couples was conducted at Gimbie Adventist Hospital from 5 September 2021 to 5 October 2021. All semen samples were processed and analyzed according to methods and standards outlined by the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 2010. The data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1, and then cleaned and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows version 25) for analysis. The results were presented in tables, figures, and charts.Results:The age of study participants ranges from 20 to 65 years with a mean age of 30.2 ± 8.1 years. Sperm cell count, morphology, total motility, and vitality below the World Health Organization reference level were found in 48.9%, 27.5%, 43.5%, and 67.2% of the analyzed samples, respectively. Low power of hydrogen and high viscosity were observed in 31.3% and 16.8% of the semen samples, respectively. The majority, 84%, had one or more abnormal semen analysis parameters. Asthenozoospermia (43.5%), necrozoospermia (25.2%), oligozoospermia (24%), azoospermia (24%), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (25.2%) were the severe forms of abnormal semen analysis findings detected in this study. The decline in sperm cell morphology and motility were noticed after the age of 31–34 years.Conclusion:In this study, both sperm quantity and quality were more affected when compared to similar studies. Only 16% of analyzed samples had normal semen parameters. Given this finding, identifying risk factors and introducing advanced diagnostic modalities for the workup of male infertility in the study area are highly recommended.

An investigation of the resurgence of yellow fever outbreak in Kwara State, Nigeria, 2018

The frequent occurrence of yellow fever (YF) outbreaks in Nigeria affirms that YF is a re-emerging public health threat. This case report therefore aimed to provide a description of a confirmed case of in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State between January and December 2018. We conducted an outbreak investigation of YF in Kwara state, Nigeria. On 18th December 2018, a 25-year-old man (Mr. A) suspected for YF was reported from Agunjin ward of Ifelodun LGA in Kwara State. Mr. A presented with a history of fever and jaundice. Laboratory investigations were conducted, and Mr. A was confirmed positive to YF Immunoglobin M from the regional World Health Organization laboratory in Dakar, Senegal, but survived the YF illness. Community survey revealed nearly 53% YF vaccination coverage using both card and history. The rapid response team in Kwara State paid courtesy visits to the palace of the Alagunjin of Agunjin who assured of the community’s cooperation. Active case search was encouraged for all healthcare workers who participated in the vaccination activity, and on-the-job trainings were conducted. To ensure 100% YF vaccine coverage in Agunjin and neighboring settlements, a mop-up vaccination program, was conducted, and all persons who received the vaccine were each issued a yellow card. To forestall a recurrence of YF outbreaks, increasing YF vaccination coverage in community settings should be promoted. Increased commitment of the government at all levels towards improving YF surveillance and providing logistics support should be prioritized.

The hypo-osmotic swelling test: Is it a sperm vitality or a viability assay?

The first two editions of the World Health Organization laboratory manual described the determination of live spermatozoa by a dye exclusion method as a sperm "viability" test, whereas subsequent editions classified it as a "vitality" test, without providing an explanation for the reclassification. Additionally, the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, which assesses the functional integrity of the human sperm membrane, was placed in the same category as the dye exclusion test. Although the two terms might seem synonymous, the term "vitality" merely means "alive," whereas "viability" assesses qualities or physiological functions of a living entity. After comparing the morphological, physiological, and clinical findings obtained from dye exclusion testing vs. the HOS test, we conclude that the HOS test should be classified as a viability test, not merely as a vitality test.

RELATIONSHIP OF SEMINAL FRUCTOSE AND SERUM PROLACTIN LEVELS IN INFERTILE MEN

Objective: Male infertility refers to a male’s inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. Infertility is a widespread problem for about one in five infertile couples. Male infertility is usually caused by a problem that affects either sperm production or sperm transport. The aim of the study was to evaluate prolactin levels in the serum and comparing the levels of fructose in the semen of infertile males and normal healthy controls of reproductive age of 20–45 years respectively. Methods: Hemoglobin (Hb) level in the blood of both groups was calculated by Sahli’s method using Sahli’s Hemoglobinometer. The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) was determined using the modified Westergren’s method and total leukocyte count (TLC) in the blood was determined by microdilution method. Semen analysis was performed by the method specified in the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual. Morphology and motility of sperm and their counts were determined by microscopy. Fructose drop test in semen was estimated colorimetrically by the Semen Fructose Estimation Kit and determination of serum prolactin involved the use of Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using Cobas e 411 analyzer. Results: Hb in infertile males was less than healthy controls. However, ESR in infertile men was considerably high and TLC, serum prolactin levels did not show much variation in infertile men. Seminal analysis of infertile men revealed high fructose levels and low sperm count with decreased motility. Conclusion: The concentration of seminal fructose in control group is lower than infertile males. High fructose levels in infertile men and less sperm count indicate oligozoospermia.

Diagnostics of Gonococcal Infection in Ukraine: Current Challenges in Resource-Constrained Settings.

This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of laboratory diagnostics of gonorrhoea in Ukraine with the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual. A quantitative non-randomised cross-sectional descriptive postal survey was conducted to evaluate the diagnostics of gonorrhoea in sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics in Ukraine. The survey provided data about diagnostics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in STI clinics from 14 regions of Ukraine from January 2013 to September 2014. The clinics performed microscopy, culture, and point-ofcare- testing in 100%, 85.7%, and 7.1% of the cases, respectively. None of the respondents had the option of performing nucleic acid amplification tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Two regions reported their participation in the collaborative project by WHO on antimicrobial resistance investigation, as national antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance program had not been established in Ukraine. A "three-site testing" (urogenital, pharyngeal, and rectal specimens) in symptomatic heterosexuals was conducted by 25%, "twosite testing" (urogenital and pharyngeal specimens) was conducted by 41.7%, and "one-site testing" (urogenital specimen) was conducted by 33.3% of the respondents. External quality control of laboratory tests for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae was not performed in 50% of the regions in Ukraine. Non-selective culture media for isolation of N. gonorrhoeae and culture media in tubes instead of the recommended Petri dishes were used in 16.7% and 58.3% of the laboratories, respectively. Increased adherence to evidence-basedWHO and/or nationally adapted management guidelines is essential for monitoring gonorrhoea and preventing antimicrobial resistance of N. gonorrhoeae in Ukraine.

Associations between depression, oxidative stress, and semen quality among 1,000 healthy men screened as potential sperm donors

To explore the association between depression and semen quality and the mediating role of oxidative stress. Cross-sectional study with repeated measures of semen quality. Human Sperm Bank of Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. From April 2017 to July 2018, we recruited 1,000 potential sperm donors who completed the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire and had measures of oxidative stress biomarkers. None. Severity of depression was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory scores (0-4, no depression; 5-13, mild depression; 14-20, moderate depression; and 21 or greater, severe depression). The urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) were measured to reflect oxidative stress status. Repeated semen quality parameters (n = 5,880) were examined by trained professional technicians according to the World Health Organization laboratory manual. Associations between depression, oxidative stress, and repeated measures of semen quality parameters were evaluated using linear or mixed-effects models with adjustment for potential confounders. Mediation analysis was performed to test the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. A total of 391 (39.1%) men were classified as mild depression, 67 (6.7%) as moderate depression, and 19 (1.9%) as severe depression. Inverse dose-response relationships between severity of depression and semen quality parameters were found. Compared with men without depression (n = 523), those with severe depression had a 25.26% (95% confidence interval, -38.65%, -8.93%) lower semen volume, 37.04% (-55.37%, -11.20%) lower total sperm count, 13.57% (-23.17%, -2.78%) lower total motility, and 15.08% (-25.09%, -3.72%) lower progressive motility; men with moderate depression also had a 12.28% (-21.16%, -2.40%) lower semen volume and 23.56% (-36.50%, -7.97%) lower total sperm count. We found a positive dose-response relationship between severity of depression and urinary 8-isoPGF2α concentrations. However, we found no evidence that the associations between depression status and semen quality were mediated by oxidative stress markers. In the study of Chinese male sperm donors, men with depression had worse semen quality parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, and progressive motility. Although depression was positively associated with urinary 8-isoPGF2α concentrations, depression-semen quality associations were not mediated by oxidative stress.

Pakistan’s experience with risk assessment training and implementation of concepts from the 4th edition of the WHO laboratory biosafety manual

IntroductionThe cyclical process of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and review is a key step in developing a biorisk management (BRM) system. This paper describes how this process was initiated in two laboratories in Pakistan using a unique model of blended learning. MethodsA training needs analysis showed that the staff had very little knowledge of BRM systems. A workshop using a unique blended model was conducted in which virtual and in-presence learning occurred simultaneously. This workshop aimed to train the participants by applying two key concepts from the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual 4th edition: 1) the cyclical process of risk assessment and 2) mapping the core biorisk and establishing heightened control measures in the laboratories of the participants based on the risk assessment. All scenarios and examples used in the training were from the participants’ laboratory work processes. ResultsPrior to this project, no risk assessment was conducted in these laboratories. After the workshop, a risk assessment was performed for six work processes. In addition, seven core requirements and three heightened control measures were mapped, a biorisk officer was appointed, and a biosafety committee was convened. Furthermore, a biorisk manual, a biological waste management plan, an occupational health center, and a system for audits and inspections are being developed. Discussion and conclusionBRM training is not a one-time effort; it has to be strengthened to ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable BRM system. Training must be applicable to local settings and incremental, in a way that participants are not overloaded with information.

The Effect of Ejaculatory Abstinence Interval on Sperm Parameters and Clinical Outcome of ART. A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Since the publication of the first edition of the WHO (World Health Organization) Laboratory Manual for the examination of Human Semen in 1980, the reference values of sperm parameters have been updated on four occasions. Currently and globally, most of the laboratories analyzing semen samples use the latest, 5th edition of the manual that recommends ejaculatory abstinence from two to seven days before producing the sample for examination. While this standardized interval of time facilitates the interpretation of the results and research, no solid evidence exists to support the WHO-recommended abstinence time for a semen analysis in order to optimize clinical outcomes after assisted reproduction. Most of the studies refer to different clinical outcomes, different groups of patients and different editions of the WHO Laboratory Manual, including heterogeneous intervals of abstinence or sperm parameters. The aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate available evidence correlating ejaculatory abstinence time with clinical outcomes and sperm parameters analyzed according to the last edition of the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual reference values in different male populations. The results from the included studies indicate that WHO abstinence recommendations may need revision, given that a shorter ejaculatory abstinence interval appears to be associated with improved sperm parameters, such as sperm DNA fragmentation, progressive motility or morphology, while evidence suggests a potential increase in embryo euploidy rates and pregnancy outcomes.

Short-Term Impact of Iron Deficiency in Different Subsets of Patients with Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension from an Eastern European Pulmonary Hypertension Referral Center.

BackgroundOver the last few decades, interest in the role of iron status in pulmonary hypertension (PH) has grown considerably due to its potential impact on symptoms, exercise capacity (as assessed by the 6-minute walk distance [6MWD]), prognosis, and mortality. The aim of the present study was to identify iron deficiency (ID) prevalence in specific precapillary PH subgroups of Romanian patients and its short-term impact on 6MWD.Patients and MethodsComplete datasets from 25 precapillary PH adults were examined and included in the analysis. Data were collected at baseline and after continuous follow-up of an average of 13.5 months. Enrolled patients were assigned to group 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension) or subgroup 4.1 (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension), and individualized targeted therapy was prescribed. General characteristics, World Health Organization functional class, 6MWD, pulse oximetry, laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Ferritin values and transferrin saturation were used to assess ID.ResultsAt baseline, 16 out of 25 patients were iron deficient. The univariate linear regression analysis did not show a statistically significant impact of ID on 6MWD (p=0.428). In multivariate regression analysis, possible predictors of 6MWD, including ID, were not statistically significant at baseline or after an average of 13.5 months follow-up (p=0.438, 0.361, respectively) and ID indicates a negative impact on 6MWD independent of applied corrections.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate that 1.4.1 subgroup PAH patients have an increased prevalence of ID compared with other etiologies. ID has a negative impact on the functional status (assessed by 6MWD), in specific groups and subgroups of patients with precapillary PH, albeit not independently nor significant to other known predictors such as age, gender, oxygen saturation, and hemoglobin value. These data can be integrated with global research and are consistent with phenotypes of patients diagnosed with PH of different etiologies.

Study of Semen Analysis Patterns in Male Partner of Infertile Couple Attending Tertiary Level Hospital of Nepal

Aims: The aim of this study is to analyze the pattern of semen abnormality in male partner of infertile couple in Nepal. Methods: A retrospective study of semen sample of male partner of infertile couple analyzed in Department of pathology, Dhulikhel Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. All semen samples were processed and analyzed according to methods and standards outlined by World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 2010. Results: A total of 520 semen samples were analyzed. Our study shows 221 (44%) abnormal for different semen parameters and asthenozoospermia (39.3%) is the most common abnormality followed by azoospermia (28.8 %), Oligoasthenozoospermia (17.9 %), Oligozoospermia (8.7 %), Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (3.5 %) and teratozoospermia (1.8 %). Conclusions: Abnormal semen parameters remain significant causes in overall infertility in our set up with asthenozoospermia and azoospermia were common abnormalities in male partner. Semen analysis is an inevitable tool for evaluation of infertility in male partner. Further study is required to find out the possible etiologies of male infertility for holistic management of infertility.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of the root of Martynia annua Linn

Background : for acceptance of Ayurveda at global level there is needed to standardize herbal drugs according to modern techniques. For the standardization of herbal medicines it is essential to establish its identify, purity, quality, safety, and efficacy. This study reports on standardization of Martina annua linn root. In tribal pockets of satpura plateau in Madhya Pradesh. Root paste of Martina annua is used in folk medicine to treat cancer and rheumatism. Objective: This study aimed to indentify anthers herb and establishing pharmacognostical, Physiochemical and phytochemical standard for the Martina annua linn. Root. Material and Methods: Plant roots was collected from Govt. Ayurved college campus, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh and evaluated for pharmacognostical, Physiochemical and phytochemical parameter using guidelines of the world health organization and pharmacopoeial laboratory for Indian medicine for quality control of herbal drugs. Results: Chemical evaluation shown presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids and tannins. The microscopic characters have shown presence of Epiblema, Periderm, Cortex, Phloem and Madullary Rays, and Xylem vessels. Microscopy analysis of the powder included the parenchyma cells, fibers and vessel. In results, it was found that the root containing various phytochemicals were present in its Aqueous extract, Hydroalcoholic extract and Alcoholic extract. Hydroalcoholic extract of Martynia annua root had the highest of total phenolic content (364.15 mg GAE /100gm) and highest total flavonoid content (139.84 mg QE /100gm). Conclusions: Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical screening of Martynia annua roots will be useful in order to authenticate, standardize and avoid any adulteration in the raw material and will be helpful in the development of a monograph.

Sperm Vitality and Necrozoospermia: Diagnosis, Management, and Results of a Global Survey of Clinical Practice.

Sperm vitality testing is a basic semen examination that has been described in the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen from its primary edition, 40 years ago. Several methods can be used to test sperm vitality, such as the eosin-nigrosin (E-N) stain or the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. In the 6th (2021) edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual, sperm vitality assessment is mainly recommended if the total motility is less than 40%. Hence, a motile spermatozoon is considered alive, however, in certain conditions an immotile spermatozoon can also be alive. Therefore, the differentiation between asthenozoospermia (pathological decrease in sperm motility) and necrozoospermia (pathological decrease in sperm vitality) is important in directing further investigation and management of infertile patients. The causes leading to necrozoospermia are diverse and can either be local or general, testicular or extra-testicular. The andrological management of necrozoospermia depends on its etiology. However, there is no standardized treatment available presently and practice varies among clinicians. In this study, we report the results of a global survey to understand current practices regarding the physician order of sperm vitality tests as well as the management practices for necrozoospermia. Laboratory and clinical scenarios are presented to guide the reader in the management of necrozoospermia with the overall objective of establishing a benchmark ranging from the diagnosis of necrozoospermia by sperm vitality testing to its clinical management.

Dyslipidemia and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Armed Force Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe development of antiretroviral drugs and subsequent access to combined antiretroviral therapy contributed to the decline in morbidity and mortality rates associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, resulting in an increased life expectancy and improved quality of life for people living with human immunodeficiency virus. However, a cluster of metabolic derangements such as dyslipidemia is increasing, especially for those on antiretroviral therapy. Limited studies were done on the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated factors among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia which demand the conduct of the present investigation entitled on the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated factors among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Armed Force Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2018.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was employed between March and April 2018. Systematic sampling method was used to select 353 study participants. Pretested stepwise approach of the World Health Organization questionnaire (WHO Stepwise), document review, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory analysis were used to collect data on different variables under the study. Collected data were entered in Epidata version 3 and analyzed by SPSS version 21.ResultsThe prevalence of dyslipidemia among study participants was 74.8%. Female participants were twice and half at risk of developing dyslipidemia compared to males (AOR= 2.38; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.66). Similarly, compared to those attended college level of education, not attended formal education (AOR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.66), and having primary/secondary educational level (AOR= 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.66) showed lower odds to develop dyslipidemia. Furthermore, WHO clinical stage II (AOR= 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14,0.92), stage III (AOR=0.25; 95% CI:0.10,0.64), duration on ART (AOR= 1.01; 95% CI: 1.001,1.02), and BMI (AOR =1.13; 95% CI: 1.06,1.23) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia.ConclusionThere exists a high prevalence of dyslipidemia among study participants. Sex, educational status, WHO clinical stage, duration on ART, and BMI were significantly associated factors for dyslipidemia. Intervention strategies including the identified factors are demanded in the setting.

Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients with Convalescent Plasma

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has spread globally, and no proven treatments are available. Convalescent plasma therapy has been used with varying degrees of success to treat severe microbial infections for >100 years. Patients (n = 25) with severe and/or life-threatening COVID-19 disease were enrolled at the Houston Methodist hospitals from March 28, 2020, to April 14, 2020. Patients were transfused with convalescent plasma, obtained from donors with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection who had recovered. The primary study outcome was safety, and the secondary outcome was clinical status at day 14 after transfusion. Clinical improvement was assessed on the basis of a modified World Health Organization six-point ordinal scale and laboratory parameters. Viral genome sequencing was performed on donor and recipient strains. At day 7 after transfusion with convalescent plasma, nine patients had at least a one-point improvement in clinical scale, and seven of those were discharged. By day 14 after transfusion, 19 (76%) patients had at least a one-point improvement in clinical status, and 11 were discharged. No adverse events as a result of plasma transfusion were observed. Whole genome sequencing data did not identify a strain genotype-disease severity correlation. The data indicate that administration of convalescent plasma is a safe treatment option for those with severe COVID-19 disease.

Diag nostics of gonorrhoea in Ukraine following World Health Organization recommendations

Objective — to evaluate the compliance of gonorrhoea diagnostics in regional skin and venereological dispensaries (RSVD) in Ukraine during 2013—2014 to World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory recommendations and identify areas for its improvement. Materials and methods. The study analyzed statistics data regarding the number of performed laboratory tests and their positive results for the detection of gonococci, the collection of biological samples and the use of laboratory methods for N. gonorrhoeae identification obtained from 14 RSVD of Ukraine by questionnaire. Results and discussion. Dispensary laboratories performed microscopy, culture and point-of-care-tests in 100, 85.7 and 7.1 % of patients, respectively. Gonococci were found in 2.3 % of the patients, equally by the results of microscopy (1740/76 348) and by culture (1322/56 273). Dispensary laboratories did not perform nucleic acid amplification tests. Sampling of biological material from three anatomical sites (urogenital, pharyngeal and rectal specimens) in heterosexual patients with symptoms of sexually transmitted infection was performed by 25 % of respondents, from two sites (urogenital and pharyngeal) — by 41.7 %, and from one site (urogenital sample) — by 33.3 % of dispensaries. External quality control of laboratory tests for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae was performed by 50 % of the respondents. Non-selective nutrient media for isolation of N. gonorrhoeae was used by 16.7 % of dispensaries, and prepared nutrient media in test tubes instead of the recommended Petri dishes, were used in 58.3 % of dispensaries. The vast majority of respondents (78.6 %) had an experience of determining gonococcal sensitivity to antibiotics. Two institutions (14.3 %) participated in an international pilot project to determine the antibiotic resistance of gonococci. Conclusions. Diagnostics of gonococcal infection in Ukraine is not optimal and needs improvement by using quality-tested bacteriological cultures and point-of-care-tests, implementation of nucleic acid amplification tests, monitoring of gonococcal sensitivity to antibiotics, collection of extragenital biological samples. Adherence to evidence-based international guidelines and adapted national guidelines for the diagnostics of gonorrhoea is an essential factor of the controlling of gonococcal infection.

Semen quality and fertility rates in Taipei city

Background: Although female factors are the major focus of attention for infertility, male factors are responsible for approximately 40% of infertility problems. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate male infertility in Taiwan, establish a database of semen quality, and explore associations between semen quality and infertility. Methods: Results of semen tests of males who were examined at Zhongxiao Branch, Taipei City Hospital, between January 2008 and July 2015 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. All examination procedures and processing of human semen were performed according to the World Health Organization laboratory manual. Total semen volume and the concentration, motility, and morphology of sperm were evaluated and recorded. Pearson's correlation was used to explore associations between age and all semen parameters. Results: Significant differences were found in sperm concentration between the examined years (P = 0.011). Bonferroni post hoc analysis showed that the sperm concentration in 2012 decreased significantly (P = 0.026) compared to data of 2014. Age was significantly associated with sperm motility and morphology (P

Effect of recombinant β-defensin 1 protein on human sperm motility and viability.

The reduction of sperm motility and subsequently reduced ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction are considered as common causes of male infertility. The β-defensin family is a group of well-known secretory proteins with antimicrobial activity that contribute to the process of "sperm maturation" during the passage of spermatozoa in the epididymis when spermatozoa attain its motility. One member of this family is "β-defensin 1" which is present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. The aim of this study was the incubation of human processed spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin 1 (500ng/ml) for 1, 2 and 3hr at 37°C under 5% CO2 atmosphere and assessment of sperm viability and motility in 59 semen samples. The analysis of semen samples such as sperm concentration, motility, viability, morphology and semen volume was performed according to the World Health Organization (2010; World health organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (p. 287). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization) criteria. The result of the current study shows that the incubation of spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin significantly maintained percentage of sperm viability and motility compared to processed spermatozoa incubate in the absence of β-defensin in the studied time intervals (p<.05). Therefore, we concluded that recombinant β-defensin 1 protein as an agent with antimicrobial activity can maintain sperm viability and motility in in vitro condition.

Morphological indices for canine spermatozoa based on the World Health Organization laboratory manual for human semen.

Attempting to contribute to the development of a more objective morphological evaluation of dog spermatozoa, in this study the indices of multiple sperm defects (multiple abnormalities index [MAI]; teratozoospermic index [TZI]; sperm deformity index [SDI]) were calculated following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. In Experiment I, the concordance of MAI, TZI and SDI with the proportions of morphologically normal spermatozoa (MNS) was evaluated in fresh ejaculated spermatozoa (dogs=47). In Experiment II, the potential role of indices as prognostic values was assessed in spermatozoa of different origin and treatment (fresh ejaculated: n=6; fresh epididymal: n=6; frozen-thawed ejaculated: n=6) by their correlation with different semen parameters (motility, membrane integrity and acrosome status) and with an in vitro sperm function test. Samples with different proportions of MNS showed different values of SDI, the index that better represented the decline of sperm morphology in both fresh and frozen-thawed samples (Exp. I and II; p<0.05). No correlations between indices and semen parameters were observed (Exp. II), but when samples were evaluated collectively, negative correlations (SDI-motility, p=0.01; SDI-acrosome integrity, p=0.002) were found. Including all the defects of each spermatozoon, SDI might be a useful index during morphological analysis and better discriminates the increase in multiple defects. A more objective morphological evaluation for dog spermatozoa was achieved by the WHO method, and in vitro tests allowed to elucidate the validity of SDI as prognostic indicator of in vitro fertilizing potential.

Capacity assessment of the health laboratory system in two resource-limited provinces in China

BackgroundStrong laboratory capacity is essential for detecting and responding to emerging and re-emerging global health threats. We conducted a quantitative laboratory assessment during 2014–2015 in two resource-limited provinces in southern China, Guangxi and Guizhou in order to guide strategies for strengthening core capacities as required by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).MethodsWe selected 28 public health and clinical laboratories from the provincial, prefecture and county levels through a quasi-random sampling approach. The 11-module World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory assessment tool was adapted to the local context in China. At each laboratory, modules were scored 0–100% through a combination of paper surveys, in-person interviews, and visual inspections. We defined module scores as strong (> = 85%), good (70–84%), weak (50–69%), and very weak (< 50%). We estimated overall capacity and compared module scores across the provincial, prefecture, and county levels.ResultsOverall, laboratories in both provinces received strong or good scores for 10 of the 11 modules. These findings were primarily driven by strong and good scores from the two provincial level laboratories; prefecture and county laboratories were strong or good for only 8 and 6 modules, respectively. County laboratories received weak scores in 4 modules. The module, ‘Public Health Functions’ (e.g., surveillance and reporting practices) lagged far behind all other modules (mean score = 46%) across all three administrative levels. Findings across the two provinces were similar.ConclusionsLaboratories in Guangxi and Guizhou are generally performing well in laboratory capacity as required by IHR. However, we recommend targeted interventions particularly for county-level laboratories, where we identified a number of gaps. Given the importance of surveillance and reporting, addressing gaps in public health functions is likely to have the greatest positive impact for IHR requirements. The quantitative WHO laboratory assessment tool was useful in identifying both comparative strengths and weaknesses. However, prior to future assessments, the tool may need to be aligned with the new WHO IHR monitoring and evaluation framework.

Evaluation of the Standardization in Semen Analysis Performance According to the WHO Protocols Among Laboratories in Tehran, Iran.

Background and Objective:Infertility refers to the failure in achieving pregnancy of a couple after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using a protection method. The purpose of this research work was to evaluate the current status of the test and quality control performance in semen analysis in selected laboratories.Material and Methods:The semen analysis was performed in the Laboratory of Andrology in terms of macroscopic examination which include volume, color, viscosity, pH and acidity, and in terms of microscopy: the rate of sperm movement, the exact number of sperms per ml of semen, the percentage of sperm viability and movement, the presence of germ cells and white blood cells. Several questions for each part of the test were selected and answered by the director of the laboratories or andrology section supervisor.Results:There was a wide range in the performance of selected medical laboratories in Tehran regarding the standards of semen analysis according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual for the examination and processing of human semen, fifth edition in 2010. They followed the instructions related to the sample collection in about 70% of the evaluated parameters, initial macroscopic examination in about 87% of the selected subjects, and the microscopic evaluation of sperm in about 65% of the test parameters.Conclusion:some laboratories do not follow the instructions of the WHO in performing semen analysis, and most of them do not follow the suggested methods in all parts of the test.