[Predictive factors of testicular sperm extraction in men with non-obstructive azoospermia].

Men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) can achieve fertility by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) coupled with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the key to which is the successful retrieval of sperm from the testis. Although improved testicular sperm extraction techniques have increased the chances of sperm retrieval, to predict preoperatively the success of sperm retrieval from NOA patients remains challenging. A non-invasive diagnostic technique predicting the presence of sperm in the testis would be useful for avoiding possible surgical intervention.

Is hepatitis B virus transmitted via the male germ line? A seroepidemiological study in fetuses.

Objectives: To detect father-to-fetus transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in utero.

Methods: We conducted a study at the prenatal diagnosis center of Taizhou City. Fetuses with one or both parents carrying the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were identified before genetic testing during the period 2008-2010.

Comparison of warm and cold contrast media for hysterosalpingography: a prospective, randomized study.

Objective: To compare the use of warm medium and cold medium for alleviating pain and side effects during hysterosalpingography (HSG).

Design: Prospective randomized study.

Setting: University hospital.

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human semen.

Some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been found in human semen but until this point it was unclear whether polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) could be detected in human semen. In this study, PBDEs were found for the first time in human semen samples (n=101) from Taizhou, China. The concentrations of total PBDEs (∑PBDEs) varied from 15.

Does hepatitis B virus prenatal transmission result in postnatal immunoprophylaxis failure?

The objective of this work was to evaluate whether postnatal hepatitis B immunization failure in children is caused by prenatal infections. A prospective study was conducted from October 2006 to September 2008. Fetal samples from HBsAg-positive mothers were retrieved by either amniocentesis or cordocentesis (percutaneous umbilical blood sampling [PUBS]).