Quantifying the Role of the Relative Humidity-Dependent Physical State of Organic Particulate Matter in the Uptake of Semivolatile Organic Molecules

The uptake of gas-phase dicarboxylic acids to organic particulate matter (PM) was investigated to probe the role of the PM physical state in exchange processes between gas-phase semivolatile organic molecules and organic PM. A homologous series of probe molecules, specifically isotopically labeled ¹³C-dicarboxylic acids, was used in conjunction with aerosol mass spectrometry to obtain a quantitative characterization of the uptake to organic PM for different relative humidities (RHs). The PM was produced by the dark ozonolysis of unlabeled α-pinene. The uptake of ¹³C-labeled oxalic, malonic, and α-ketoglutaric acids increased stepwise by 5 to 15 times with increases in RH from 15 to 80%. The enhanced uptake with increasing RH was explained primarily by the higher molecular diffusivity in the particle phase, as associated with changes in the physical state of the organic PM from a nonliquid state to a progressively less-viscous liquid state. At high RH, the partitioning of the probe molecules to the particle phase was more associated with physicochemical interactions with the organic PM than that with the co-absorbed liquid water. Uptake of the probe molecules also increased with a decrease in volatility along the homologous series. This study quantitatively shows the key roles of the particle physical state in governing the interactions of organic PM with semivolatile organic molecules.

Influence of Particle Surface Area Concentration on the Production of Organic Particulate Matter in a Continuously Mixed Flow Reactor

Organic particulate matter (PM) was produced at different particle surface area concentrations S in a continuously mixed flow reactor (CMFR). The apparent PM yield from the dark ozonolysis of α-pinene increased from 24.5 ± 0.7% to 57.1 ± 0.6% for an increase in S from 0.55 to 2.87 × 10³ μm²·surface cm^-3·volume. The apparent yield saturated for S > 2.1 × 10³ μm² cm^-3. There was hysteresis in the apparent yield for experiments of increasing compared to decreasing S. The relative timescales of gas-particle interactions, gas-wall interactions, and thereby particle-wall cross interactions could explain the results. The PM carbon oxidation state and oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratio decreased from -0.19 to -0.47 and 0.62 to 0.51, respectively, for increasing S, suggesting that greater partitioning of semivolatile organic species into the PM contributed to the increased PM yield. A thorough understanding of the role of gas-wall interactions on apparent PM yield is essential for the extension of laboratory results into predictions of atmospheric PM production, and comparative results from CMFRs and batch reactors can be informative in this regard.

Influence of Particle Physical State on the Uptake of Medium-Sized Organic Molecules

The uptake of medium-sized levoglucosan and 2,4-dinitrophenol to organic particles produced by α-pinene ozonolysis and to ammonium sulfate particles was studied from 10% to >95% relative humidity (RH). For aqueous sulfate particles, the water-normalized gas-particle partitioning coefficient of levoglucosan decreased from (1.0 ± 0.1) × 10^-3 to (0.2 ± 0.1) × 10^-3 (ng μg^-1)_particle/(ng m^-3)_gas from 40% to >95% RH, suggestive of a salting-in mechanism between levoglucosan and ionic ammonium sulfate solutions. For the organic particles, the levoglucosan partitioning coefficient increased from 10% to 40% RH and became invariant at (2.0 ± 0.4) × 10^-3 (ng μg^-1)/(ng m^-3) above 40% RH. A kinetic limitation on uptake below 40% RH was implied, compared to a thermodynamic regime above 40% RH. The estimated diffusivity was 10^-19±0.05 m² s^-1 at 40% RH. By comparison, the uptake of 2,4-dinitrophenol onto the organic particles was below detection limit, implying an upper limit on the partitioning coefficient of 6.8 × 10^-6 (ng μg^-1)/(ng m^-3) at 80% RH. The results highlight that the molecular uptake of gases onto particles can be regulated by both kinetic and thermodynamic factors, either of which can limit the uptake of medium-sized organic molecules by atmospherically relevant particles.

Observations of sesquiterpenes and their oxidation products in central Amazonia during the wet and dry seasons

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from the Amazon forest region represent the largest source of organic carbon emissions to the atmosphere globally. These BVOC emissions dominantly consist of volatile and intermediate-volatility terpenoid compounds that undergo chemical transformations in the atmosphere to form oxygenated condensable gases and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). We collected quartz filter samples with 12 h time resolution and performed hourly in situ measurements with a semi-volatile thermal desorption aerosol gas chromatograph (SV-TAG) at a rural site ("T3") located to the west of the urban center of Manaus, Brazil as part of the Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon2014/5) field campaign to measure intermediate-volatility and semi-volatile BVOCs and their oxidation products during the wet and dry seasons. We speciated and quantified 30 sesquiterpenes and 4 diterpenes with mean concentrations in the range 0.01-6.04 ngm^-3 (1-670ppq_v). We estimate that sesquiterpenes contribute approximately 14 and 12% to the total reactive loss of O₃ via reaction with isoprene or terpenes during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. This is reduced from ~ 50-70 % for within-canopy reactive O3 loss attributed to the ozonolysis of highly reactive sesquiterpenes (e.g., β-caryophyllene) that are reacted away before reaching our measurement site. We further identify a suite of their oxidation products in the gas and particle phases and explore their role in biogenic SOA formation in the central Amazon region. Synthesized authentic standards were also used to quantify gas- and particle-phase oxidation products derived from β-caryophyllene. Using tracer-based scaling methods for these products, we roughly estimate that sesquiterpene oxidation contributes at least 0.4-5 % (median 1 %) of total submicron OA mass. However, this is likely a low-end estimate, as evidence for additional unaccounted sesquiterpenes and their oxidation products clearly exists. By comparing our field data to laboratory-based sesquiterpene oxidation experiments we confirm that more than 40 additional observed compounds produced through sesquiterpene oxidation are present in Amazonian SOA, warranting further efforts towards more complete quantification.

Isoprene photo-oxidation products quantify the effect of pollution on hydroxyl radicals over Amazonia

Nitrogen oxides (NO _x ) emitted from human activities are believed to regulate the atmospheric oxidation capacity of the troposphere. However, observational evidence is limited for the low-to-median NO _x concentrations prevalent outside of polluted regions. Directly measuring oxidation capacity, represented primarily by hydroxyl radicals (OH), is challenging, and the span in NO _x concentrations at a single observation site is often not wide. Concentrations of isoprene and its photo-oxidation products were used to infer the equivalent noontime OH concentrations. The fetch at an observation site in central Amazonia experienced varied contributions from background regional air, urban pollution, and biomass burning. The afternoon concentrations of reactive nitrogen oxides (NO _y ), indicative of NO _x exposure during the preceding few hours, spanned from 0.3 to 3.5 parts per billion. Accompanying the increase of NO _y concentration, the inferred equivalent noontime OH concentrations increased by at least 250% from 0.6 × 10⁶ to 1.6 × 10⁶ cm^-3. The conclusion is that, compared to background conditions of low NO _x concentrations over the Amazon forest, pollution increased NO _x concentrations and amplified OH concentrations, indicating the susceptibility of the atmospheric oxidation capacity over the forest to anthropogenic influence and reinforcing the important role of NO _x in sustaining OH concentrations.

Regional Similarities and NOx-related Increases in Biogenic Secondary Organic Aerosol in Summertime Southeastern U.S

During the 2013 Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) measurements of submicron mass were collected at Look Rock (LRK), Tennessee, and Centreville (CTR), Alabama. Carbon monoxide and submicron sulfate and organic mass concentrations were 15-60% higher at CTR than at LRK but their time series had moderate correlations (r~0.5). However, NOx had no correlation (r=0.08) between the two sites with nighttime-to-early-morning peaks 3~10 times higher at CTR than at LRK. Organic mass (OM) sources identified by FTIR Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) had three very similar factors at both sites: Fossil Fuel Combustion (FFC) related organic aerosols, Mixed Organic Aerosols (MOA), and Biogenic Organic Aerosols (BOA). The BOA spectrum from FTIR is similar (cosine similarity > 0.6) to that of lab-generated particle mass from the photochemical oxidation of both isoprene and monoterpenes under high NOx conditions from chamber experiments. The BOA mass fraction was highest during the night at CTR but in the afternoon at LRK. AMS PMF resulted in two similar pairs of factors at both sites and a third nighttime NOx-related factor (33% of OM) at CTR but a daytime nitrate-related factor (28% of OM) at LRK. NOx was correlated with BOA and LO-OOA for NOx concentrations higher than 1 ppb at both sites, producing 0.5 ± 0.1 μg m-3 for CTR-LO-OOA and 1.0 ± 0.3 μg m-3 for CTR-BOA above 1 ppb additional biogenic OM for each 1 ppb increase of NOx.

Uptake and release of gaseous species accompanying the reactions of isoprene photo-oxidation products with sulfate particles

Uptake and release of gaseous species was observed for the reactions of isoprene photo-oxidation products and sulfate particles.

A computational study of functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillary sinus drug delivery

BACKGROUND

Topical medication is increasingly used following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Information on particle sizes that maximise maxillary sinus (MS) delivery is conflicting, and the effect of antrostomy size on delivery is unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate antrostomy and particle size effects on topical MS drug delivery.

METHODOLOGY

Sinonasal reconstructions were created from a pre- and a post-FESS CT scan in each of four chronic rhinosinusitis patients. Additional models were created from each post-FESS reconstruction representing four alternative antrostomy sizes. Airflow and particle deposition were simulated in each reconstruction using computational fluid dynamics for nebulised and sprayed delivery.

RESULTS

MS ventilation and drug delivery increased following FESS, the largest virtual antrostomy led to greatest delivery, and MS delivery was sensitive to particle size. Particles within a 5-18 μm and 5-20 μm size range led to peak MS deposition for nebulised and sprayed particles, respectively. Post-FESS increases in drug delivery varied across individuals and within individuals by the type of antrostomy created.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that FESS, particularly with larger antrostomies, improves topical drug delivery, and that certain particle sizes improve this delivery. Further research is needed to contextualise these findings with other post-surgical effects.

A computational study of functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillary sinus drug delivery

BACKGROUND

Topical medication is increasingly used following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Information on particle sizes that maximise maxillary sinus (MS) delivery is conflicting, and the effect of antrostomy size on delivery is unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate antrostomy and particle size effects on topical MS drug delivery.

METHODOLOGY

Sinonasal reconstructions were created from a pre- and a post-FESS CT scan in each of four chronic rhinosinusitis patients. Additional models were created from each post-FESS reconstruction representing four alternative antrostomy sizes. Airflow and particle deposition were simulated in each reconstruction using computational fluid dynamics for nebulised and sprayed delivery.

RESULTS

MS ventilation and drug delivery increased following FESS, the largest virtual antrostomy led to greatest delivery, and MS delivery was sensitive to particle size. Particles within a 5-18 μm and 5-20 μm size range led to peak MS deposition for nebulised and sprayed particles, respectively. Post-FESS increases in drug delivery varied across individuals and within individuals by the type of antrostomy created.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that FESS, particularly with larger antrostomies, improves topical drug delivery, and that certain particle sizes improve this delivery. Further research is needed to contextualise these findings with other post-surgical effects.

Uptake of epoxydiol isomers accounts for half of the particle-phase material produced from isoprene photooxidation via the HO2 pathway

The oxidation of isoprene is a globally significant source of secondary organic material (SOM) of atmospheric particles. The relative importance of different parallel pathways, however, remains inadequately understood and quantified. SOM production from isoprene photooxidation was studied under hydroperoxyl-dominant conditions for <5% relative humidity and at 20 °C in the presence of highly acidic to completely neutralized sulfate particles. Isoprene photooxidation was separated from SOM production by using two continuously mixed flow reactors connected in series and operated at steady state. Two online mass spectrometers separately sampled the gas and particle phases in the reactor outflow. The loss of specific gas-phase species as contributors to the production of SOM was thereby quantified. The produced SOM mass concentration was directly proportional to the loss of isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) isomers from the gas phase. IEPOX isomers lost from the gas phase accounted for (46 ± 11)% of the produced SOM mass concentration. The IEPOX isomers comprised (59 ± 21)% (molecular count) of the loss of monitored gas-phase species. The implication is that for the investigated reaction conditions the SOM production pathways tied to IEPOX isomers accounted for half of the SOM mass concentration.

Measurement of Gas-Phase Hydroperoxides by Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A new method for the detection of gas-phase hydroperoxides is described. The clustering chemistry of CF3O- is exploited to produce speciated measurements of several hydroperoxides with high sensitivity and fast time response. Correspondence of airborne observations made with this technique and the established HPLC method is illustrated. CF3O- appears to be a highly versatile reagent ion for measurements of both weak and strong acids in the atmosphere.

Treatment-seeking women at menopause: a comparison between two university menopause clinics

OBJECTIVE

We wished to determine the expectations of women about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how these expectations may be influenced by cultural factors and previous experience of disease by the patient or in their families.

DESIGN

The attitudes of patients seeking HRT in Belfast, United Kingdom (n = 218) and Portland, USA (n = 100) were compared at their first clinic attendance using a questionnaire. Physical and mental health issues, previous use of HRT and continuance on treatment were compared.

RESULTS

Belfast women were less healthy than their Portland counterparts, with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and psychiatric disorders (p < 0.05). Belfast patients showed a significantly lower continuance with treatment (p < 0.01). Collectively, the patients ranked relief of menopausal symptoms as their main expectation from HRT followed by osteoporosis protection, psychiatric relief and cardioprotection. The Belfast group had higher expectations for the relief of psychological/psychiatric problems (p < 0.01). All women with a family history of cardiac disease or fractures were more concerned for the protective effects of HRT than those women with no relevant family history (p < 0.05). There were cultural difference in expectations from HRT with Belfast women expecting more psychological/psychiatric relief and therefore trying a greater number of preparations.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that menopausal women in both countries are well informed about the potential protective benefits of HRT, and now expect an improvement in the quality of their lives well beyond the relief of menopausal symptoms.

A practical guide to prescribing hormone replacement therapy

Over the past 20 years there has been increasing interest in the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). More recently, postmenopausal HRT has been seen as a specific treatment for symptoms in the short term and preventative therapy in the long term. Women must be counselled regarding the risks and benefits of HRT according to the best available evidence. The patient should also be actively involved in the decision regarding HRT therapy, which should then improve patient compliance. Generally, an appropriate regimen of HRT can be formulated for the majority of patients. Progestogen should be added to therapy in women with an intact uterus in a cyclical or continuous regimen. The management of common estrogenic and progestogenic adverse effects is important in improving compliance. At present, new drugs are being developed for the management of the menopause (selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens). Obviously, further research will be necessary to determine whether these drugs have advantages over regular HRT. By offering postmenopausal women HRT an attempt is made to optimise their physical and psychological well-being. However, HRT is not without adverse effects, the most worrying of which is the possible increase in breast cancer risk with long term use. However, with patient education efforts, treatment regimens acceptable to both patient and practitioner can be initiated; in this regard, the aim of the practitioner should be to help the menopausal woman make the decision which is the most appropriate for her.

Differential effects of subcutaneous estrogen and progesterone on low-density lipoprotein size and susceptibility to oxidation in postmenopausal rhesus monkeys

OBJECTIVE

To study the differential effects of subcutaneous E2 alone or in combination with P on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to oxidation in naturally postmenopausal diet-controlled rhesus monkeys.

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal controlled study.

SETTING

Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, and Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon.

PATIENT(S)

Five naturally postmenopausal rhesus monkeys.

INTERVENTION(S)

Estradiol was administered subcutaneously for the first 4 weeks, followed by E2 plus P for 4 weeks, followed by a third 4-week washout period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Changes in plasma lipoprotein levels and oxidation of LDL and serum concentrations of E2 and P.

RESULT(S)

Levels of LDL cholesterol fell after 4 weeks of treatment with E2, compared with baseline. The lag time to half maximal light absorbancy after 4 weeks of E2 treatment was significantly increased compared with baseline. The maximal absorbance values and the slope of the propagation phase after 4 weeks of treatment with E2 were decreased compared with baseline. After 4 weeks of combined E2 and P treatment, all values were comparable to baseline.

CONCLUSION(S)

These results suggest that subcutaneous E2 therapy appears to enhance LDL resistance to oxidation and that this effect is attenuated by the addition of the P.

An intrauterine insemination-ready cryopreservation method compared with sperm recovery after conventional freezing and post-thaw processing

OBJECTIVE

To test a sucrose-glycerol cryoprotectant for IUI-ready sperm preparation.

DESIGN

Semen aliquots from normozoospermic donors either were subjected to conventional semen freezing (TES and Tris yolk buffer in 7.4% final glycerol) with post-thaw processing or were preprocessed and frozen in HEPES-buffered human tubal fluid with 1% human serum albumin, 4% sucrose, and 6% glycerol. All aliquots were cooled to 4 degrees C, exposed to liquid nitrogen vapors, and stored in liquid nitrogen. Aliquots from each were processed by centrifugation resuspension or by centrifugation in Percoll (Pharmacia, Alameda, CA) before sperm parameters were analyzed.

SETTING

University-based andrology laboratory.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Recovery of motile sperm.

RESULT(S)

Percoll processing produced preparations with higher percentages of motile cells; however, cryopreserved sperm had a lower recovery of motile sperm compared with Percoll-processed fresh semen or centrifugation/resuspension-processed fresh or frozen samples. The percentages of sperm with normal morphologies were significantly increased in the IUI-ready samples compared with samples frozen conventionally. The IUI-ready Percoll-processed sample produced the best results, with a final mean motility of 36% and an overall yield of motile sperm of 17.4%.

CONCLUSION(S)

The sucrose-glycerol-based cryoprotectant produced an IUI-ready preparation with motile sperm recovery comparable to that of conventional semen cryopreservation but with improved percent morphology.

Reactive oxygen species generation in human sperm: luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence probes

The objective of this study was to compare measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from human spermatozoa in vitro using the luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescent probes. Luminol reacts with a variety of reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O2-, OH) and allows both intra- and extracellular ROS to be measured. Lucigenin, however, yields a chemiluminescence that is more specific for superoxide anions released extracellularly. Therefore, measurements made with both probes on the same samples should allow the intra- and extracellular components of ROS generation to be identified. Sperm samples from 47 men were divided into two equal aliquots, then processed by centrifugation and swim-up. Following further division into aliquots and the addition of the two chemiluminescent probes, Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was added to trigger ROS release. Forty three percent of the sperm samples generated detectable levels of ROS. In the centrifuged preparations luminol produced a significantly higher peak luminescence than lucigenin. However, the sperm prepared by swim-up showed no significant differences in peak luminescence between luminol and lucigenin. The higher level of ROS generation produced by centrifugation may be due to membrane disruption or possibly the use of unfractionated cell suspensions. Extracellular ROS generation is more clinically important because surrounding healthy spermatozoa may be damaged. Therefore the lucigenin probe may be a more useful diagnostic tool than luminol for identifying sperm at risk of peroxidative damage after swim up preparation. The patients identified in this way may benefit from the addition of ROS scavengers to the culture medium in order to protect healthy sperm from collateral damage.

The effects of pentoxifylline on the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in human spermatozoa

The aims of this study were to compare the in vitro effects of 3.6 mM and 7.2 mM pentoxifylline on the ability of spermatozoa to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and on lipid peroxidation (LPO). Semen samples were obtained from 10 asthenozoospermic men who had been previously identified as producing ROS after addition of Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) during the screening of patients attending with male factor infertility. Spermatozoa were prepared by a swim-up technique from unprocessed semen and divided into 3 aliquots. To the control aliquot [A] an equal volume of BWW medium was added. To aliquots B and C an equal volume of BWW medium containing pentoxifylline was added to obtain final concentrations of 3.6 and 7.2 mM, respectively. ROS production was measured from peak luminescence (mV 10(-7) sperm) using a lucigenin chemiluminescent probe. LPO was also measured in the medium surrounding the spermatozoa after 30 min exposure to pentoxifylline using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay for malondialdehyde (MDA). The reduction in ROS production was significantly greater in the samples exposed to 7.2 mM pentoxifylline as compared with the control and 3.6 mM pentoxifylline samples. There was no significant difference in peak luminescence between control and 3.6 mM pentoxifylline specimens. Both concentrations of pentoxifylline caused comparable reductions in MDA concentration in the medium (P < 0.05) surrounding the spermatozoa compared with control after 30 min exposure. Extracellular ROS generation may damage surrounding healthy spermatozoa. These findings suggest that higher concentrations of pentoxifylline are protective against ROS release in susceptible spermatozoa and may also reduce collateral LPO.

Total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma is different in fertile and infertile men

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma is different in fertile and infertile men.

DESIGN

An enhanced chemiluminescence assay applied to seminal plasma from groups of fertile and infertile men.

SETTING

The Assisted Conception Unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast.

SUBJECTS

Men of proven fertility whose partners had an ongoing pregnancy resulting from IVF and male partners of couples attending our subfertility clinic.

RESULTS

Total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in seminal plasma from fertile men than from that of infertile men with normozoospermic samples that exhibited reactive oxygen species or asthenozoospermic samples with or without reactive oxygen species activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Seminal plasma from infertile men has lower antioxidant levels than that of fertile men, particularly of patients whose semen have poor sperm motility. The presence of reactive oxygen species activity in sperm of infertile groups also is associated with lower levels of chain-breaking antioxidants in seminal plasma.

Reproducibility of sperm motility measurements in asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals using the Hamilton-Thorn motility analyzer

Computer-assisted semen analysis provides a useful, quantitative method for analyzing sperm movement parameters. However, few experimental data have been published on the measurement characteristics of CASA. This study measured the reproducibility of measurements of sperm motility using a Hamilton-Thorn motility analyzer. Twenty normozoospermic and 20 asthenozoospermic patients provided semen samples. Ten samples from each group were analyzed as unprocessed semen; the remainder were analyzed after washing. An aliquot from each sample was analyzed by CASA 10 times over an 18-min period. The mean coefficient of variation for all sperm motility parameters was less than 10%, except for the percentage of motile cells in the asthenozoospermic unprocessed samples, which was 17.1%. The mean coefficient of variation for percentage motility was reduced to 9.6% in the washed asthenospermic group. Other motility parameters were unaltered by washing in the asthenospermic samples. There were no substantial differences between the washed and unwashed normospermic measurements. Normospermic samples showed better reproducibility in measurement than asthenozoospermic samples. Washing reduced the difference, probably because of the removal of debris in the asthenozoospermic samples. The results indicate that serial measurements of sperm motility in both unprocessed and washed semen samples can be reliably made using the Hamilton-Thorn motility analyzer, and that reproducibility can be improved in asthenospermic samples by washing.

Persistent effects of pentoxifylline on human sperm motility, after drug removal, in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic individuals

The aim of the study was to compare the in vitro effect of pentoxifylline on human sperm motility when added prior to sperm selection and the persistence of the response after drug removal in normo- and asthenozoospermic individuals. The sperm samples were obtained from 22 men who were repeatedly asthenozoospermic or normozoospermic. Sperm movement was measured using computer-assisted semen analysis over 180 min. Percentage motility and progressive motility were increased in both normo- and asthenozoospermic samples (P < 0.05). Curvilinear velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat-cross frequency were increased in both groups (P < 0.05). Straight-line velocity was increased significantly in the normozoospermic group only. In both normo- and asthenozoospermic individuals pentoxifylline appeared to enhance sperm motility for at least 180 min after drug removal. This should prevent any potentially toxic effects of the drug on oocytes if it is used to enhance sperm motility during in vitro fertilization.

Influence of pentoxifylline on human sperm motility in asthenozoospermic individuals using computer-assisted analysis

This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of pentoxifylline on sperm motility from asthenozoospermic men. The sperm were prepared by a swim-up technique from the unprocessed semen. After centrifugation, sperm were resuspended in the presence or absence (controls) of 3.6 mM pentoxifylline in Earle's solution for up to 180 min. Sperm motility was measured using computer-assisted (Hamilton-Thorn Research) semen analysis. Pentoxifylline significantly increased the numbers of motile (+28-80%) and progressively motile (+54-117%) sperm over the 180 min studied. These changes were accompanied by increases in the progressive velocity (VSL, +11-44%) and curvilinear velocity (VCL, +12-22%) up to 120 min after exposure to the drug. Concomitant changes were observed in the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, +5-17%) up to 60 min and the beat cross frequency (+16-34%) between 60 and 180 min. The results suggest that pentoxifylline consistently enhances both the numbers of motile and progressively motile sperm and the quality of their movement.

Familial fugue--a case report

A case of fugue with a familial pattern is presented. A review of the pertinent literature has been made. A "learned" basis to the development of fugue in the case presented is considered.