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Biomedical subjects

A Makler

Publications and source records attributed to A Makler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactivity measured in seminal fluid from a normal male population.

Endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactivity (EDLI) has been detected in different biological fluids and in several pathophysiological conditions. In this study, using radioimmunoassay we reported for the first time the existence of bound and unbound EDLI in normal seminal fluid. The unusual finding was the detection of unbound EDLI in the seminal fluid, while this reactivity was undetected in plasma. Two main hypotheses are presented: (1) local secretion of unbound EDLI and/or (2) passive diffusion from plasma to the seminal fluid of unbound EDLI and subsequent local concentration.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

A community program for the control of cardiovascular risk factors: a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the CHAD program in Jerusalem.

A community program for the control of cardiovascular risk factors, the CHAD program, was instituted in a family practice in western Jerusalem in 1971. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by comparing the findings of community surveys conducted in 1970 and 1975 and by comparing the changes with those observed in an adjacent control neighborhood. This paper reports the findings among men aged 35 years and above. In the community exposed to the program there was a decrease in mean systolic and disatolic pressures, in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and in the prevalence of cigarette smoking. The changes in blood pressures and smoking habits were significantly greater than those observed in the control population. In the control population (only) there was a small increase in mean body weight and a decrease in reported physical activity. The findings suggest that it is possible for a program that operates and through primary health care to have an appreciable influence upon cardiovascular risk factors in the community.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Factors affecting sperm motility. I. In vitro change in motility with time after ejaculation.

Semen specimens from 33 donors were analyzed intermittently between 1 and 24 hours after ejaculation. Motility was determined objectively by analyzing still-camera photomicrographs taken with the aid of the new multiple exposure photography (MEP) technique, from which the following information was obtained: the percentage of motile spermatozoa, the average velocity and frequency distribution of spermatozoal velocities, and index of motility as well as sperm concentration. From curves drawn for each of the 33 analyzed specimens, these conclusions were drawn: 1. The percentage of motile spermatozoa decreases progressively, beginning 1 hour after ejaculation, at a rate of about 5% to 10%/hour. 2. In the majority of cases, sperm velocity increases for the first 4 hours and then decreases gradually. 3. There is no unique pattern of sperm motility and velocity with time for all specimens, especially during the first 4 hours. However, three typical curves of motility change were found during the first 4 hours: increase in motility, moderate decline in motility, and rapid loss of motility. 4. The frequency distribution of velocities of motile spermatozoa revealed typical normal curves at all times, but these curves became flatter as time elapsed. An explanation for these divergent patterns and the possible role of these findings in some physiologic and clinical problems are discussed.

Ejaculation↗
PubMed1979

Sperm velocity and percentage of motility in 100 normospermic specimens analyzed by the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method.

Specimens from 100 fertile or potentially fertile men with sperm counts above 20 million/ml were analyzed objectively by the new multiple exposure photography method (MEP). The following results (means and standard deviations) were obtained: sperm concentration, 66 million/ml +/- 47; percentage of motile spermatozoa, 45% +/- 18; speed of motile spermatozoa, 30.3 micrometer/second +/- 5.5; abnormal forms, 29% +/- 10.2; average motility index (product of sperm speed and fraction of motile spermatozoa), 14 +/- 7.5. Low correlations were found between sperm concentration, percentage of motility, and spermatozoal velocity. Moderate correlations were found between percentage of motility and spermatozoal velocity. Negative moderate correlations were found between abnormal forms and spermatozoal velocity as well as between abnormal forms and percentage of motility. The differences between some of our results and those obtained by others are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Factors affecting sperm motility. II. Human sperm velocity and percentage of motility as influenced by semen dilution.

Spermatozoal velocity and percentage of motility were analyzed objectively with the multiple exposure photography method before and after specimens from fertile and infertile men were diluted in their own seminal plasma or normal saline. No significant change in percentage of motility was found in samples diluted up to 1:6 in both kinds of diluents. However, a significant relative increase (up to 25% of the original velocity) was found when a specimen was diluted with its own seminal plasma, and an even greater increase (up to 37% of the original velocity) was found when it was diluted with saline. Compared with undiluted specimens, there was no delayed effect on spermatozoal motility when semen was diluted with saline after up to 4 hours' incubation time. Contrary to the findings in animal and human semen described by others, there was no deleterious effect on sperm motility with this kind and rate of dilution and duration of time. The assumption that the increase in sperm velocity caused by dilution is not excitatory but is due only to a decrease of seminal fluid viscosity and a reduced number of spermatozoa which interfere with sperm free movement is discussed. We recommend evaluation of spermatozoal motility in diluted specimens in addition to evaluation of the original specimen in any routine semen analysis in order to determine true spermatozoal motility potential under optimal conditions.

Culture Media↗
PubMed1979

Elimination of errors induced during a routine human sperm motility analysis.

Influence of some variables on the accuracy of sperm motility evaluation was studied by analyzing normal seminal specimens with the aid of themultiple exposure photography (MEP) method. Results of this study demonstrated the existence of variations in sperm motility between view areas of the same sample or between different samples of the same specimen. Variations were found even when the same view area was analyzed intermittently during a short period of time. Motility was practically unaffected when a regular sized drop was kept within the preparation for about 20 min. The light from the microscope neither stimulated nor depressed sperm motility when they were illuminated continuously for that period of time. Percent of motility and sperm velocity was directly related to the thickness of the examined drop when the latter ranged between zero and ten micrometers. According to these findings it is suggested that several view areas from various drops of the same specimen should be analyzed with each view area being inspected several times before motility of that field is assessed. Motility should be evaluated from drops of standard and constant thickness; otherwise major errors in sperm motility assessment are to be expected.

Diagnostic Errors↗
PubMed1979

An attempt to explain occurrence of patent reproductive tract in azoospermic males with tubular spermatogenesis.

Twenty-two azoospermic males with no hormonal disturbances who revealed tubular spermatogenesis in testicular biopsy, were further surgically explored. Eight of these patients did not show any obstruction of the seminal ducts. This paradoxical finding is explained by the possibility of a low sperm production rate much below the absorption rate of sperm, mainly by the epididymis. A threshold theory is suggested in which sperm appear in the ejaculate only when their production rate is above a certain level. This threshold cannot yet be expressed quantitatively and there is no other way except through surgical exploration by which real obstruction can be differentiated from low sperm production rate in azoospermic males with tubular spermatogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

A community health study in Jerusalem. Design and response.

A longitudinal community health study was commenced in a neighborhood of western Jerusalem in 1969. Its main aims were the investigation of etiologic factors in selected common diseases and disabilities, the development and testing of epidemiologic tools for use in community diagnosis, the provision of a factual basis for decisions concerning community health care for the population studied, and the use of the findings in an evaluation of the effectiveness of community health care. In the first round, 90% of residents 25 or more years old were interviewed and 81% were examined. Among children under 15 years of age, the corresponding rates were 94 and 83%. Response was low among persons in the age range 15 to 24 years, especially males. People who were concerned about their health were readier to be examined. Response was not related to region of birth, education or other variables. The possible bias introduced by nonresponse appeared to be small except in the age group 15 to 24 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Prevalence of selected health characteristics of men. A community health survey in Jerusalem.

The health status of males aged 15 or more years was studied as part of a community health survey in a neighborhood of western Jerusalem. Most subjects (75%) reported that they felt well; clinical appraisals revealed a need for treatment in 33%. Hypertension was found in 14% and coronary heart disease in 6%. Other common disorders included hemorrhoids (16%), varicose veins (11%), overweight (18%), hypercholesterolemia (13%), inguinal hernia (13%), symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy (10%) and diabetes (5%). The prevalence of specific symptoms of emotional ill health ranged from 6 to 23%. A quarter reported serious current problems; 10% were dissatisfied with their present life situation; and 10% had concentration camp experience. Half were current cigarette smokers. The prevalence of most disorders rose in successive age groups. Mean diastolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, relative weight and the prevalence of cigarette smoking were lower in the oldest age groups. With some exceptions, the age trends were similar to those found in other populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

A new chamber for rapid sperm count and motility estimation.

A new chamber for sperm count and motility estimation is described. This chamber, which is only 10 micron deep, enables free horizontal movement of spermatozoa in one focal plane and provides conditions for the examination of undiluted samples. Therefore, with the aid of this instrument it is possible to compare sperm motility in various samples from the same person or in different samples at different times. This can be done either by simple estimation or with any other method of motility evaluation chosen by the examiner. The sperm count can be made rapidly and directly from an undiluted, preheated sample by counting spermatozoa in the area of a grid located within the eyepiece; the count is expressed in millions per milliliter. Thirty-seven specimens were analyzed with this chamber. Statistical evaluation of the results revealed high precision, accuracy, and reliability of sperm counts when compared with the hemocytometric method. Better results were obtained when motility estimation was compared with the ordinary slide technique. Easy performance, rapid sperm counts, and improvement of motility estimation make this chamber a useful tool where sperm analysis is carried out.

Humans↗
PubMed1978

The epidemiology of inguinal hernia. A survey in western Jerusalem.

The epidemiology of inguinal hernia was investigated in a community survey in a neighbourhood of western Jerusalem in 1969-71. The current prevalence rate, excluding operated hernias, was 18 per 100 men aged 25 and over, and the lifetime prevalence, including operated hernias, was 24 per 100. Prevalence rose markedly with age; the lifetime prevalence rate reached 40 per 100 men at the ages of 65-74 and 47 per 100 at 75 and over. The prevalence of hernia was significantly higher in the presence of varicose veins, in men who reported symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy, and, among lean men only, in the presence of haemorrhoids. These associations may reflect the role of increased abdominal pressure. The prevalence of hernia was low in the presence of overweight or adiposity, suggesting that obesity is a protective factor. No significant age-independent associations were found with chronic cough, constipation, physical activity at work, or a number of other variables. Two-thirds of the hernias had not been operated upon. The prevalence of unrepaired hernias rose with age; 13% of all men aged 65-74 and 23% of those aged 75 and over had unoperated groin swellings. One in every five operated hernias showed evidence of recurrence. No significant age-independent associations were found between evidence of occurrence and other characteristics. A comparison of interview responses and examination findings showed that interview data on the presence of hernias were of low validity, mainly because of under-reporting.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

The correlation between sperm count and testicular biopsy using a new scoring system.

Biopsies of 320 testes were evaluated and a new scoring system for describing testicular biopsies was used. This scoring system uses four criteria in the evaluation of the biopsy: the diameter of the tubules (D), the thickness of the peritubular membrane (M), the population of cells within the tubules (P), and the spermatogenic maturation degree (S). The score of each biopsy was correlated to the sperm count of each patient. A typical correlation between the biopsy score and the sperm count was found in cases with sperm count between 0 and 12 million/cc. The clinical value of the new scoring system in describing typical clinical syndromes and in the evaluation of the prognosis of treatment was emphasized.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

A new method for evaluating cervical penetrability using daily aspirated and stored cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus samples from 33 women undergoing fertility work-up and married to normospermic husbands were aspirated daily with a tuberculin syringe during the periovulatory period. Samples were transferred to polyethylene tubing, sealed, and stored at 4 degrees C for 7 to 14 days. In vitro sperm penetration tests were performed in each case, using only one sample of husband's semen with all of the mucus samples that were collected during one cycle. Preliminary studies with 50 samples of cervical mucus taken at random showed that no difference in physicochemical and penetrability properties existed between fresh mucus and mucus stored for 10 to 14 days. Very often the optimal penetrability of the cervical mucus occurred on unpredictable days. In contrast, many tests performed on days which would have been predetermined for in vivo postocital tests were poor; consequently, those in vivo tests would have been falsely interpreted as negative. This new test using daily aspirated and stored mucus, which is simple to perform, is valuable mainly because it may eliminate the false negative results of other penetration tests. In this way the diagnosis of a truly hostile cervix may be more accurate.

Cervix Mucus↗