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Successful pregnancies from men with retrograde ejaculation with the use of washed sperm and gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT).

Viable sperm were collected from men suffering from retrograde ejaculation by the technique of rapid washing of semen/urine in a buffered collection solution. The utilization of washed semen/urine from two men with retrograde ejaculation in the GIFT procedure lead to successful conceptions and the birth of two healthy female babies. Thus, the technique of rapid washing of sperm from retrograde ejaculating men coupled with GIFT represents a viable alternative for the attainment of pregnancy.

Ejaculation↗

Interaction of DNA with hydroxyapatite. Studies on the effect of the phosphate concentration of the column equilibration and washing buffer.

The ability of hydroxyapatite to bind DNA effectively in phosphate solutions used for column equilibration, sample loading and column washing has been examined. It was demonstrated that substantial amounts of DNA (up to 40%) were eluted in the washing buffer when the phosphate concentration in the lysing solution or urea-phosphate used for column equilibration, sample loading and column washing was 0.24 M. A reduction in the phosphate concentration from 0.24 to 0.15 M in urea-phosphate solution led to almost 100% binding, whereas a similar reduction in the lysing solution did not. A modified method for loading and eluting DNA from hydroxyapatite columns is presented.

Absorption↗

Detection of tumor cells in bladder washings by a monoclonal antibody to human bladder tumor-associated antigen.

We have conducted two studies to evaluate the efficacy of using a specific monoclonal antibody (McAb) to detect exfoliated tumor cells in bladder washings. This is a preliminary step toward the development of immunological methods to improve the cytologic detection of bladder carcinoma. In this study, McAb 3G2-C6 was used. The McAb reacts to a bladder tumor-associated cell-surface antigen expressed in bladder tumors of various grades. Bladder washings from patients with and without carcinoma were stained with the McAb using two different indirect immunofluorescence methods (Methods A and B). The results of the immunological studies were compared with those obtained from the cytology laboratory and these in turn, were evaluated against the histopathological diagnosis of respective patients at the time the samples were taken. Immunofluorescence method A detected positive cells in 87% (56/64) of specimens from bladder cancer patients, including 18 of 19 from patients with grade 1 tumor. This method also had a low false-positive rate; only one of 17 specimens from patients with other urinary disorders had positively reacting cells. Immunofluorescence method B, evaluating a second group of specimens, detected positive cells in 68% (15/22) of specimens from patients with carcinoma, and in only one of 17 controls. However, it also identified positive cells in specimens from patients with chronic cystitis and urinary calculi. Overall the results of these studies indicate that the McAb method is superior to the routine cytology in detecting tumor cells in bladder washing specimens. More work must be done, however, to improve the specificity of the method before it can be used as an aid for routine tumor detection.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Evaluation of bladder washings and urine cytology in the diagnosis of bladder cancer and its correlation with selected biopsies of the bladder mucosa.

We report a prospective study of 136 patients with biopsy proved bladder tumor who underwent 311 evaluations with cystoscopy, urinary cytology, bladder washing and, when indicated, bladder biopsies. Cytology results from bladder washings were superior to routine urinary cytology studies in detecting abnormal cells. Also, there was a significant increase in the number of positive cytology studies in bladder washings from patients with no evidence of tumor by cystoscopy but who had biopsy proved dysplasia. Multiple selective bladder biopsies showed a higher incidence of mucosal abnormalities if the primary tumor was of a higher grade.

Biopsy↗

The diagnostic value of urine versus bladder washing in patients with bladder cancer.

In a prospective, critical appraisal of simultaneously collected cystoscopic urine and bladder cancer washing for the evaluation of patients with bladder cancer little consistent difference in cellular yield or preservation could be documented between the 2 techniques. Diagnostic cells usually occurred in both types of specimens but in 20 to 30 per cent of the cases they could be identified only in cystoscopic urine. Over-all, 13.1 per cent of the cancers would have been missed had cystoscopic urine not been examined cytologically. Although bladder washing alone has a greater diagnostic yield than cystoscopic urine alone urine remains a valuable source of diagnostic information and should be evaluated, even when simultaneously collected bladder washings are available.

Cystoscopy↗

Effectiveness of an anaerobic granular activated carbon fluidized-bed bioreactor to treat soil wash fluids: a proposed strategy for remediating PCP/PAH contaminated soils.

An integrated system has been developed to remediate soils contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This system involves the coupling of two treatment technologies, soil-solvent washing and anaerobic biotreatment of the extract. Specifically, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a granular activated carbon (GAC) fluidized-bed reactor to treat a synthetic-waste stream of PCP and four PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthene, pyrene, and benzo(b)fluoranthene) under anaerobic conditions. This waste stream was intended to simulate the wash fluids from a soil washing process treating soils from a wood-preserving site. The reactor achieved a removal efficiency of greater than 99.8% for PCP with conversion to its dechlorination intermediates averaging 46.5%. Effluent, carbon extraction, and isotherm data also indicate that naphthalene and acenaphthene were removed from the liquid phase with efficiencies of 86 and 93%, respectively. Effluent levels of pyrene and benzo(b)fluoranthene were extremely low due to the high-adsorptive capacity of GAC for these compounds. Experimental evidence does not suggest that the latter two compounds were biochemically transformed within the reactor.

Acenaphthenes↗

Perchlorate uptake by salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima) in the Las Vegas wash riparian ecosystem.

Perchlorate ion (ClO4-) has been identified in samples of dormant salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima) growing in the Las Vegas Wash. Perchlorate is an oxidant, but its reduction is kinetically hindered. Concern over thyroid effects caused the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to add perchlorate to the drinking water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). Beginning in 2001, utilities will look for perchlorate under the Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR). In wood samples acquired from the same plant growing in a contaminated stream, perchlorate concentrations were found as follows: 5-6 microg g(-1) in dry twigs extending above the water and 300 microg g(-1) in stalks immersed in the stream. Perchlorate was leached from samples of wood, and the resulting solutions were analyzed by ion chromatography after clean-up. The identification was confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry after complexation of perchlorate with decyltrimethylammonium cation. Because salt cedar is regarded as an invasive species, there are large scale programs aimed at eliminating it. However, this work suggests that salt cedar might play a role in the ecological distribution of perchlorate as an environmental contaminant. Consequently, a thorough investigation of the fate and transport of perchlorate in tamarisks is required to assess the effects that eradication might have on perchlorate-tainted riparian ecosystems, such as the Las Vegas Wash. This is especially important since water from the wash enters Lake Mead and the Colorado River and has the potential to affect the potable water source of tens of millions of people as well as irrigation water used on a variety of crops, including much of the lettuce produced in the USA.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

Quanticyt: karyometric analysis of bladder washing for patients with superficial bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Quantitative cytology by image-analysis techniques enables objective interpretation of nuclear features in light microscopic images. QUANTICYT, a quantitative karyometric cytology system, was used in the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer. METHODS: From 1992 to 1995, 4137 samples from 1412 patients were obtained. At 1-year follow-up after the initial bladder washing, a tumor recurrence rate of 21% was found. In this period, tumor progression to invasive disease occurred in 1.6% of patients. Scoring of tumor by the QUANTICYT system was based on two nuclear features: the 2c deviation index and the mean of a nuclear shape feature: MPASS. RESULTS: The method was found to be reproducible and superior to visual cytologic interpretation. QUANTICYT analysis of the bladder washings resulted in a score of low, intermediate, and high risk. In a multivariate analysis, highest grade of earlier tumor and QUANTICYT risk score were the best predictors of tumor recurrence and progression. For the easy application of QUANTICYT analysis in daily routine, a report form that included patient history and DNA histogram was developed. CONCLUSIONS: QUANTICYT karyometric analysis of bladder-wash material proved a useful, clinically applicable grading tool in the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, with sufficient power to be used in decision-making in the individual patient.

Administration, Intravesical↗

Prostaglandin levels in endometrial jet wash specimens in patients with dysmenorrhea before and after indomethacin therapy.

A patient with functional primary dysmenorrhea of over two years duration was subjected to the endometrial jet wash technique during the period of active menstrual flow. Prostaglandin F analysis of the jet washings revealed significantly elevated levels during menstruation over normal control levels. Following indomethacin therapy, jet wash prostaglandin F levels were dramatically reduced and the patient became asymptomatic. A cause and effect relationsship between prostaglandin F and dysmenorrhea is suggested by these studied.

Adult↗

Prostaglandin F levels in endometrial jet wash specimens during the normal human menstrual cycle.

The Gravlee endometrial jet wash technique has been used to collect uterine fluid in normal human volunteers for Prostaglandin F analysis throughout the human menstrual cycle. Uterine washings so obtained demonstrated a cyclicity in prostaglandin F content with low concentrations found during the proliferative phase and a 3-4 fold rise occurring during the secretory phase. Menstrual fluid prostaglandin F content collected with the jet wash technique gave the highest total concentrations.

Adult↗

Characterization of vomeronasally-mediated response-eliciting components of earthworm wash-II.

Garter snakes reliably spend more time and tongue flick more frequently at a dish containing surface washings of earthworm (EW) than at a control dish containing water or sodium chloride. In a series of experiments EW was examined to further characterize and purify the snake-attracting component(s). Earthworm wash boiled for up to two hours did not lose its snake-attracting activity, but EW boiled for four hours was not discriminated from a control substance. The active components of EW were completely precipitated by 90 and 100% saturated ammonium sulfate solutions. The molecular weight of the active components, as determined by dialysis, is larger than 67,000 daltons. Earthworm wash was separated into two peaks on either G-75 or AcA 44. The larger peak (F2) contains snake-attracting material of molecular weight greater than 67K. The smaller peak material (F4) is inactive as a snake-attractant and contains material of approximate molecular weight of 3K. Biological activity of EW covaried with Lowry (protein) assay and Dubois (carbohydrate) assay values and 280 nm absorbance. The response eliciting components of EW are not extractable from earthworms at temperatures below 60 degrees C, but can be extracted at 60 degrees C (for one minute) from the worms or the soil that forms the bedding for the earthworms.

Ammonium Sulfate↗

Impact of face-washing on trachoma in Kongwa, Tanzania.

Observational studies have suggested that the prevalence of trachoma is lower in children with clean faces than in those with ocular or nasal discharge or flies on the face. We carried out a community-based randomised trial in three pairs of villages to assess the impact on trachoma of a face-washing intervention programme following a mass topical antibiotic treatment campaign. Six villages in Kongwa, Tanzania, were randomly assigned mass treatment plus the face-washing programme or treatment only. 1417 children aged 1-7 years in these villages were randomly selected and followed up for trachoma status and observations of facial cleanliness at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months. At 12 months, children in the intervention villages were 60% more likely to have had clean faces at two or more follow-up visits than children in the control villages. The odds of having severe trachoma in the intervention villages were 0.62 (95% Cl 0.40-0.97) compared with control villages. A clean face at two or more follow-up visits was protective for any trachoma (odds ratio 0.58 [0.47-0.72]) and severe trachoma (0.35 [0.21-0.59]). This community-based participatory approach to face-washing intervention had variable penetration rates in the villages and was labour intensive. However, we found that, combined with topical treatment, community-based strategies for improving hygiene in children in trachoma-endemic villages can reduce the prevalence of trachoma.

Administration, Topical↗

Observation of everyday hand-washing behavior of Japanese, and effects of antibacterial soap.

People wash their hands only for a short time outside the home and when preparing meals at home. This may not be sufficient for those who prepare meals because of possible secondary contamination from food. Although washing with a placebo soap for a short period (lathering 3 s and rinsing 8 s) cleansed from hands about 95% of the total coliforms transferred from ground meat, an antibacterial soap further reduced the coliform count significantly (p < 0.01). To effectively avoid secondary contamination, it is recommended that people should more frequently wash their hands, using an antibacterial soap on the areas that have been in contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, vegetables and other foods.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Antimicrobial effect of electrolyzed water for inactivating Campylobacter jejuni during poultry washing.

The effectiveness of electrolyzed (EO) water for killing Campylobacter jejuni on poultry was evaluated. Complete inactivation of C. jejuni in pure culture occurred within 10 s after exposure to EO or chlorinated water, both of which contained 50 mg/l of residual chlorine. A strong bactericidal activity was also observed on the diluted EO water (containing 25 mg/l of residual chlorine) and the mean population of C. jejuni was reduced to less than 10 CFU/ml (detected only by enrichment for 48 h) after 10-s treatment. The diluted chlorine water (25 mg/l residual chlorine) was less effective than the diluted EO water for inactivation of C. jejuni. EO water was further evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing C. jejuni on chicken during washing. EO water treatment was equally effective as chlorinated water and both achieved reduction of C. jejuni by about 3 log10 CFU/g on chicken, whereas deionized water (control) treatment resulted in only 1 log10 CFU/g reduction. No viable cells of C. jejuni were recovered in EO and chlorinated water after washing treatment, whereas high populations of C. jejuni (4 log10 CFU/ml) were recovered in the wash solution after the control treatment. Our study demonstrated that EO water was very effective not only in reducing the populations of C. jejuni on chicken, but also could prevent cross-contamination of processing environments.

Animals↗

Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

Compared to exaggerated hand washing procedures, an open non-exaggerated assay better approximates consumer surfactant use. Our goal was to observe skin surface modifications induced by an open test with regard to discriminating between surfactant solutions. This human in vivo assay provided information about the effect of only three washes at the laboratory and a week of at-home use. Dorsal hand and volar forearm were compared. The results demonstrated that this clinical model permits exploration of subclinical surfactant-induced irritation. Both the volar forearm and the dorsal hand are capable of discriminating between the effects of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Squamometry proved to be a sensitive assessment technique for detecting surfactant-induced subclinical skin surface alterations and for differentiating surfactant effects in this open application assay, in as few as three washes.

Adult↗

Heavy metal contents in Egyptian meat and the role of detergent washing on their levels.

Pollution of the environment with heavy metals is a serious problem, which is recognized in most countries of the world. Metals accumulate in the liver, and particularly in the kidneys. The present study provides information about the concentrations of metals in animal organs from both rural and industrial areas. It was surprising that the Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe contents in muscle, liver, kidney, heart and spleen in industrial areas were higher than in the same organs of rural areas. Lead concentrations in bovine liver and kidney, in buffalo, elk, sheep and goat kidneys as well as Cd in elk liver and kidneys were higher in the present study than the recommended values. The effect of washing for bovine muscle, liver and kidney using tap water and other detergent solutions on the metals was studied. Washing by only tap water was less effective than the other detergent. The results indicate the efficient role of washing by acidic detergent in the reduction of Pb, Cd and Zn from naturally contaminated meat compared with neutral and alkaline detergent.

Animals↗

Diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes by identification of beta-HCG in vaginal washing fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of vaginal washing fluid beta-HCG for the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes (PROMs) and to determine a cut-off value. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 141 pregnant women were recruited. The first group consisted of 73 pregnant women between 14 and 41 weeks of gestation with the complaint of vaginal fluid leakage. These were further subdivided into two subgroups. Group 1-confirmed PROM group (amniotic fluid pooling (+) and nitrazine paper test (+); 34 patients). Group 2-suspected but unconfirmed PROM group (amniotic fluid pooling (+/-) and/or nitrazine paper test (+/-); 39 patients). The control group (Group 3) consisted of 68 pregnant women between 14 and 41 weeks of gestation without any complaint or complication. All patients underwent speculum examination for amniotic fluid pooling, nitrazine paper test, vaginal washing fluid beta-HCG sampling and ultrasonographic examination for gestational age determination, amniotic fluid index calculation. One-way ANOVA test, Scheffe multiple comparison test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used. RESULTS: Geometric mean values of beta-HCG was found to be 95 for Group 1, 14 for Group 2, 10 for Group 3 (P<0.0001). The optimal cut-off was a beta-HCG value of 65 mIU/ml (sensitivity 68%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 82%, negative predictive value 90%, accuracy 87%). CONCLUSION: Vaginal washing fluid beta-HCG determination for the diagnosis of PROM is reliable, simple and rapid test.

Adult↗

Remediation of dinitrotoluene contaminated soils from former ammunition plants: soil washing efficiency and effective process monitoring in bioslurry reactors.

A pilot-scale bioslurry system was used to test the treatment of soils highly contaminated with 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT). The treatment scheme involved a soil-washing process followed by two sequential aerobic slurry reactors augmented with 2,4-DNT- and 2,6-DNT-mineralizing bacteria. Test soils were obtained from two former army ammunition plants, the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant (VAAP, Chattanooga, TN) and the Badger Army Ammunition Plant (BAAP, Baraboo, WI). Soil washing was used to minimize operational problems in slurry reactors associated with large particulates. The Eimco slurry reactors were operated in a draw-and-fill mode for 3 months and were monitored for the biodegradation of 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT, nitrite production, NaOH consumption, and oxygen uptake rate. Results show that soil washing was very effective for the removal of sands and the recovery of soil fines containing 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT. Bioslurry reactors offered rapid and nearly complete degradation of both DNT isomers, but require real time monitoring to avoid long lag periods upon refeeding. Results found a significant discrepancy between the measured DNT concentrations and calculated DNT concentrations in the slurry reactors because of solids profiles in the slurry reactors and the presence of floating crystal of DNTs. Based on the actual amount of dinitrotoluene degradation, nitrite release, NaOH consumption, and oxygen uptake were close to the theoretical stoichiometric coefficients of complete DNT mineralization. Such stoichiometric relationships were not achieved if the calculation was based on the measured DNT concentrations due to the heterogeneity of DNT in the reactor. Results indicate that nitrite release, NaOH consumption, and oxygen uptake rates provide a fast assessment of 2,4-DNT degradation and microbial activity in a slurry reactor, but could not be extended to a second reactor in series where the degradation of a much lower concentration of 2,6-DNT degradation was achieved.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗