[What part did the Order societies play during the 18th century for the establishment of the Karolinska Institute?].

Sweden lost its military and political powers at the treaties after the wars of Charles XII. This was hard to accept by the ruling parties. They felt they were in the right to restore Sweden's dominance in Northern Europe.

Derivatives of 2-nitrofluorene cause changes of human sperm motility.

The effects on human sperm motility characteristics of 2-nitrofluorene and selected derivatives were studied in vitro, using computer aided sperm analysis (Cellsoft). Substances to be tested were dissolved in acetone and added to separated spermatozoa in culture media to final concentrations of 100 and 1000 microM. Aliquots were removed immediately (< 5 min.

Human sperm motility is affected by plasticizers and diesel particle extracts.

In order to test various drugs and possibly hazardous compounds on living cells in vitro a system with human spermatozoa was employed. A population of human spermatozoa was transferred into a defined medium by a swim-up procedure or by separation on a Percoll gradient. Such a population is rather homogenous with respect to motility characteristics and was found to be useful for this purpose.

Smoking and reproduction. Short and long term effects and benefits of smoking cessation.

There have been many attempts during the last years to restrict smoking because of the significant health hazards. In particular the high prevalence of smoking among women in their reproductive years has been a matter of concern. This review was prompted in order to make the medical profession, and gynecologists in particular, confident with the underlying data.

Could bacterial vaginosis be due to the competitive suppression of lactobacilli by aerobic microorganisms?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by lack of lactobacilli and predominance of anaerobic species. Ciprofloxacin is active against a great number of aerobic bacteria. The effect of ciprofloxacin on the vaginal microbial flora was studied both in healthy subjects and in patients with BV in order to test if BV may be due to competitive suppression of lactobacilli by aerobic species.

Sperm count and motility influence the results of human fertilization in vitro.

In order to select sperm characteristics that can predict the outcome of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), semen samples delivered in conjunction with this treatment were studied carefully. We have analysed these data retrospectively in relation to the outcome of treatment. Ninety-one couples were treated for tubal infertility by IVF-ET.

Comparison between a conventional index of progressive sperm motility and movement variables analysed by CellSoft.

Two different techniques of human sperm motion analysis were compared. In 25 ejaculates, diluted to an appropriate concentration, the sperm motion index called "specific progressive motility" (SPM) was assessed by a modified conventional method. The same sperm preparations were also analysed by the CellSoft system for computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA).

Changes in human sperm chromatin stability during preparation for in-vitro fertilization.

This study was designed to define the effects of sperm preparation on sperm chromatin stability in relation to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Semen samples used for IVF-embryo transfer (ET) in the treatment of infertility due to tubal factors were studied. Cases with semen variables below reference limits in previous samples were excluded.

Morphology of seminal and swim-up spermatozoa and the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Tubal infertility was treated by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in 112 couples. Twenty-eight pregnancies were obtained in 140 treatment cycles. Couples are accepted for treatment in our IVF-ET programme if previous semen samples fulfil the inclusion criteria: ejaculate volume greater than 1.

Effects of propranolol and caffeine on movement characteristics of human sperm.

Human sperm, separated on Percoll gradients and transferred to cell culture medium, were exposed to various concentrations of propranolol (0.8-800 microM) or caffeine (3 microM-17 mM) for 4 h. Their motility pattern was analysed after 5 min and 4 h, employing the computerized Cellsoft system.

The early luteal phase in successful and unsuccessful implantation after IVF-ET.

The hormonal milieu at embryo implantation after in-vitro fertilization was investigated. Superstimulation was accomplished with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) injections followed by ovulation induction with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Venous blood samples were drawn on days 2 and 8, the day of oocyte recovery being day 0.

Serum factors stimulate the motility of human spermatozoa.

Motile human sperm were collected from a Percoll gradient and the effects on sperm motility of human serum, various serum fractions, follicular fluid and seminal plasma were assessed. In culture medium alone (RPMI-1640) sperm motility was lost after about 5 h. The addition of male blood serum both enhanced sperm motility and prolonged viability very significantly.

Scheduled intermittent periods of in vitro fertilization treatments.

Organization and results of an in vitro fertilization program at the Huddinge University Hospital are given from its beginning in August 1985: 6 months in advance a scheme is scheduled with 2 weeks open for treatment followed by free intervals of 3-4 weeks. Follicular development is stimulated with clomiphene citrate and hMG, and assessed by analyses of estradiol and LH in serum combined with ultrasound examinations. Following the administration of hCG, eggs are collected by transvesical aspiration guided by ultrasound.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a simple ecological disorder.

Eighty-four patients with bacterial vaginosis were examined in an open randomized trial, the aim of which was to define clinical results and the microbiological panorama after topical treatment for 1 week with either an acetic acid jelly (A), an estrogen cream (B), a fermented milk product (C) or metronidazole (D). After exclusion because of chlamydia infection (15 cases) or for other reasons, 61 cases remained for complete evaluation 4 weeks after the start of treatment. Clinical cure was obtained in 3 cases out of 17 on regimen A, in 1 out of 16 on regimen B, in 1 of 14 on regimen C, and in 13 out of 14 on regimen D.

Steroid metabolism and morphologic features of the human testis.

Serum FSH, LH, and testosterone were studied in 114 infertile men with poor sperm production. Testicular biopsies were taken and classified morphologically. In 90 specimens, the pattern of conversion of progesterone was determined in vitro and expressed as the ratio of 20 alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone.

Infertility caused by antispermatozoal antibodies in the male experience from an intermittent high dose cortisone regimen.

Seventeen infertile male patients with antispermatozoal antibodies in seminal plasma and/or serum were treated with methylprednisolone, 48-96 mg daily for one week every other month in synchrony with the partner's menstrual cycles. Three to six treatment courses were given. One patient with draw from further treatment because of mental disturbance during the first cycle.