Factors Enhancing the Antibacterial Effect of Monovalent Copper Ions.

This study continues the series of experiments that demonstrate the high antibacterial properties of monovalent copper ions (Cu). While in previous study we examined different metals (copper and silver) and their metal states (mono- and divalent), showing that monovalent copper is best for controlling bacterial growth, the current study focuses on finding conditions which further enhance the antibacterial effect of monovalent copper. This approach may also shed light on mechanisms of Cu ions which still remain unknown.

Endometrial Polyp Size and the Risk of Malignancy in Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Women.

Objective: The appropriate management of endometrial polyps in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients remains controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between endometrial polyp size and malignancy risk among asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

Methods: This observational retrospective study investigated 472 postmenopausal asymptomatic women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy between 2010 and 2014 (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3).

Colostrum of Preeclamptic Women Has a High Level of Polyphenols and Better Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Comparison to That of Healthy Women.

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication. Abnormal development of the placenta is the prevailing cause theory of this complication. Women with preeclampsia suffer from acute oxidative stress and high lipid oxidation in plasma.

The impact of hymenectomy on future gynecological and obstetrical outcomes.

Imperforated hymen is a rare condition usually diagnosed at puberty due to amenorrhea accompanied by cyclic pelvic pain and sometimes other significant complications such as hematometra, endometriosis, and infertility. The accepted surgical treatment for imperforate hymen and some other hymenal malformation is hymenectomy. However, given low incidence rates, long-term obstetrical and gynecological outcomes in post-hymenectomy women remain poorly understood.

Prevalence of Monovalent Copper Over Divalent in Killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

This study opens the investigation series focused on antimicrobial effects of copper (Cu) compared to silver (Ag), which is currently used to treat wound infection in burn victims as well as in chronic wounds. Noticeably, in its ionized state, Cu is more commonly present as Cu rather than as Cu, while electronic configuration similarity of Cu and Ag indicates that actually it may be the active state. To test this hypothesis, effect of Cu and Cu, using Ag ions and metallic copper as controls on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, was examined under anaerobic conditions.

Antioxidants and Polyphenols: Concentrations and Relation to Male Infertility and Treatment Success.

Oxidative stress is induced by reactive oxygen substances (ROS) that are known to affect male fertility. The aims of this study were to prospectively investigate and characterize total antioxidant and specifically polyphenols concentrations and their relations to sperm quality and fertility treatment success. During their infertility treatment, sixty-seven males were prospectively recruited to this study.

Role of lycopene in preventing lipid peroxidation products, in commercial infant milk formula.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate whether lycopene from natural sources (tomato extract) is able to protect newborns milk formula, against oxidative damage caused by exposure to hydroxyl radicals, and is there a difference between milk substitutes from various sources.

Methods: Four commercial brands of infant milk formula: two of the formulas were dairy milk (A-d and B-d) and two were based on soy bean vegan milk (A-s and B-s), were exposed to ionizing radiation radical (·OH). Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) using thiobarbituric acid reactive substance test (TBARS).

Facial Reconstruction of a Mucormycosis Survivor by Free Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap, Tissue Expansion, and Ocular Prosthesis.

Invasive sinonasal mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection that usually occurs in immunocompromised or diabetic patients, and it is often fatal. The authors present a case of a woman patient suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and diabetes mellitus treated with prednisone, presenting with a rapidly progressive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. She was successfully treated with combined intravenous antifungal therapy and radical debridement followed by complex defect reconstruction with a free vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, tissue expander, and ophthalmic prosthesis.

Elements in maternal blood and amniotic fluid determined by ICP-MS.

Objective: Knowledge about levels of toxic and non-toxic elements in amniotic fluid is limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to measure levels of trace elements Cu, Fe, Zn, B, Sr and Co in amniotic fluid and maternal serum during second trimester of pregnancy; and (2) to determine what correlations exists between elements levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.

Methods: The levels of, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron were measured in blood and amniotic fluid during genetic amniocentesis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Perinatal outcome of pregnancies following in vitro fertilization and ovulation induction.

Objective: To investigate pregnancy outcome in patient who conceived by assisted reproductive techniques.

Methods: A retrospective population-based study was conducted, comparing obstetrical complications and neonatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF; n = 1296) and ovulation induction (n = 1988) as compared to singleton pregnancies conceived spontaneously (n = 172 288). Multivariable models were constructed to control for confounders.

[Lycopene and tomatoes--their effect on prevention of prostatic cancer].

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and it is the second most common cause of cancer-related death among men in the western world. Microscopic prostate cancer was found in up to 30% of men as early as 20-40 years old of age. Lycopene is a lipid soluble carotenoid molecule.

Fatty acid composition of breastmilk of Israeli mothers.

We conducted this study to determine the fatty acid composition of breastmilk of Israeli women and compare it with baby milk substitutes. Samples of mature breast milk, from 29 lactating Israeli Jewish mothers were collected during feedings. Total milk lipids extracts were transmethylated and analyzed by using an improved gas-chromatographic method.

Saturated fatty acid composition of human milk in Israel: a comparison between Jewish and Bedouin women.

Background: Breast milk is well established as the ideal source of nutrition for infants. Mature human breast milk generally contains 3.5-4.

Does mode of delivery affect neonate oxidative stress in parturition? Review of literature.

Purpose: The production of reactive oxygen substances plays an important regulatory role in many physiologic reproductive processes. Excessive production may lead to oxidative stress (OS), and bring about pregnancy disorders. Growing evidence indicates that OS plays a major role in the pathophysiology of complications such as early pregnancy loss, placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal complications.

Role of radicals in the lipid peroxidation products of commercial infant milk formula.

Four commercial brands of infant milk formula were investigated, and the amount of shelf lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) or, more exactly, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels, which are the end products of lipid peroxidation. TBARS level, indicated by MDA concentration, was higher in the vegetarian brands. The vegetarian brands are, as expected, more prone to oxidation than dairy brands, as they contain more unsaturated fats.

Labor augmentation with oxytocin decreases glutathione level.

Objective. To compare oxidative stress following spontaneous vaginal delivery with that induced by Oxytocin augmented delivery. Methods.

Trace element concentrations in follicular fluid of small follicles differ from those in blood serum, and may represent long-term exposure.

Objective: To determine the levels of elements in follicular fluid (FF) of patients undergoing IVF and evaluate the relationship between the concentration of elements in FF, follicular volume, and blood.

Design: Prospective blinded study.

Setting: University-based IVF center.

Neonatal blood is more resistant to oxidative stress induced by stable nitroxide radicals than adult blood.

Neonate erythrocytes are more susceptible to oxidizing drugs than adults; however, there are controversial reports in the literature regarding the total antioxidant capacity of neonate blood. Stable nitroxide radicals (NRs) are reduced by blood and some other biological materials to the corresponding hydroxylamines. The kinetics of the nitroxide's disappearance using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, provides useful biochemical and biophysical information about the antioxidant properties of biological systems.

Oxidative stress as determined by glutathione (GSH) concentrations in venous cord blood in elective cesarean delivery versus uncomplicated vaginal delivery.

Objective: To determine whether neonates are subject to oxidative stress by the labor process and the mode of delivery by measuring glutathione (GSH) concentrations in umbilical cord venous blood.

Study Design: Forty-eight women with singleton term pregnancies were prospectively recruited and classified as follows: 26 women had a spontaneous uncomplicated vaginal delivery (VD), and 22 women had an elective cesarean delivery (CD). GSH concentration in umbilical venous blood samples was determined by a spectroscopic method.

Lead concentrates in ovarian follicle compromises pregnancy.

Following absorption, lead can concentrate in bodily compartments where it disrupts cellular processes and can result in detrimental health consequences. The concentration and impact of lead within follicular fluid has not been characterized and we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to determine lead levels in blood and follicular fluid from nine patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Lead levels within follicular fluid were found to be significantly higher in non-pregnant patients compared to pregnant patients suggesting that elevated concentrations of the environmental toxicant lead adversely affect female reproduction.

Endometrial polyps in reproductive-age fertile and infertile women.

Endometrial polyps are a frequent finding in infertile patients. Little is known about the true prevalence of polyps in infertile patients. It is unproved whether polyps are causative of infertility, or whether surgical polypectomy by hysteroscopy improves the likelihood of successful conception.