Does transcervical intra-fallopian insemination improve pregnancy rates in cases of oligoteratoasthenozoospermia? A prospective, randomized study.

The relatively low pregnancy rates (PR) after treatment of patients with oligoteratoasthenozoospermia (OTA) result in a search for different treatment modalities. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of transcervical intrafallopian insemination (IFI) with husband's semen in comparison to intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples with OTA. A prospective, randomized study included 30 couples with OTA-related infertility (according to WHO criteria).

Variability in management of symptomless microhaematuria in schoolchildren.

The evaluation of incidentally detected symptomless microhaematuria in schoolchildren is controversial. Some authors advocate varying numbers of immediate tests, while others recommend investigations only in cases who develop systemic symptoms or signs, or a decline in renal function. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent to which this uncertainty affects the declared habits of practising physicians.

Serum gentamicin levels: a comparison between the Syva Solaris and the Syva QST analysers.

Enzyme-multiplied immunoassay techniques (EMIT) are now widely used as an effective method for monitoring gentamicin concentrations to ensure adequate serum levels. The current EMIT system was to be superseded by an improved version and both were run in parallel over a nine-month period and the results compared. During this time the systems were evaluated for ease of use, and reproducibility of results.

Effect of prolonged use of inhaled steroids on the cellular immunity of children with asthma.

Background: Systemic corticosteroids may affect the cellular immunity, but there is no available controlled data on such effects associated with a prolonged use of inhaled corticosteroids.

Objective: The investigation was designed to study the effect of long-term inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate in daily doses of up to 600 micrograms on cellular immune functions.

Methods: Twenty-four children with asthma treated with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate for a mean of 22.

Treatment of psoriasis at a Dead Sea dermatology clinic.

Background: The Dead Sea, with its unique optical, chemical, and atmospheric properties, provides an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis.

Methods: The records of 1448 consecutive psoriasis patients treated at a Dead Sea psoriasis clinic were retrospectively evaluated concerning their treatment response and demographic characteristics.

Results: Clearing of 80-100% was observed in 88% of the patients treated, including almost 58%, who had complete clearing.