Exposure to Cumulus Cell Secretome Improves Sperm Function: New Perspectives for Sperm Selection In Vitro.

In the literature, there is a well-known correlation between poor semen quality and DNA sperm integrity, which can turn into negative outcomes in terms of embryo development and clinical pregnancy. Sperm selection plays a pivotal role in clinical practice, and the most widely used methods are mainly based on sperm motility and morphology. The cumulus oophorus complex (COC) during natural fertilization represents a barrier that spermatozoa must overcome to reach the zona pellucida and fertilize the oocyte.

[Efficacy of external conventional radiotherapy in short and long term control of acromegaly; a comparison with stereotactic irradiation].

Aims: The aim of this study was to follow up two groups of patients with active acromegaly, who underwent to external irradiation and radio-surgery and to value the efficacy of irradiation in the control of the growth of the adenoma, hypersecretion and incidence of adverse events.

Materials And Methods: In 2 groups of patients, (A) of 47 subjects treated with conventional irradiation at a dose of 45 Gy, (B) of 6 subjects irradiated with stereo taxis radiotherapy at a dose of 15-20 Gy, were evaluated GH, IGF1 levels and pituitary function at 2, 5, 10 and 15 years after treatment. A cerebral MRI scan with detailed study of the sellar region was performed every year.

Prevalence of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Aim: Many autoimmune disorders are associated to celiac disease (CD) but the association with autoimmune thyroiditis has been more frequently documented; this is in part explained by a shared immunogenetic make-up, and in part caused to time gluten-exposition, as suggested by the significant correlation observed in celiac patients between the increase occurrence of autoimmune diseases and the length of exposure to gluten. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of celiac disease in a group of subjects with autoimmune thyroiditis newly diagnosed on the basis of antibodies anti-peroxidase (TPO).

Methods: A total of 113 untreated patients with TPO >70 IU/mL were enrolled.