Sunday, February 7, 2010

“New Study Demonstrates Novel Use Of Metabolic Imaging To Locate Sperm In Infertile Men (Medical News Today)” plus 2 more

“New Study Demonstrates Novel Use Of Metabolic Imaging To Locate Sperm In Infertile Men (Medical News Today)” plus 2 more


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New Study Demonstrates Novel Use Of Metabolic Imaging To Locate Sperm In Infertile Men (Medical News Today)

Posted: 07 Feb 2010 03:20 AM PST

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Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 07 Feb 2010 - 0:00 PST

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Men with no sperm in their ejaculate-a condition known as azoospermia- may no longer need invasive procedures to determine if they have sperm in their testes according to a new study published in Human Reproduction.

Instead, the study found that MR Spectroscopy-a simple metabolic scan that combines the use of 1H Spectroscopy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-can be used to determine the likelihood of finding sperm in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

The study's lead author is Paul Turek, MD, former professor and endowed chair at the University of California San Francisco and founder of The Turek Clinic.

"Some men with azoospermia may still have small amounts of sperm in the testicle, but determining which of these men has retrievable sperm is challenging. This is a novel and exciting application of metabolic scanning that shows great potential to eliminate invasive biopsies and gives new hope to infertile men who wish to father children," said Dr. Turek, a men's reproductive health expert.

Traditional methods for evaluating if sperm exist, including testicular biopsy and microdissection are highly invasive and have only a 60 percent to 65 percent success rate. FNA Sperm Mapping, pioneered by Dr. Turek, is far less invasive, but still involves the use of fine needle aspiration to obtain tissue samples from the testes.

In contrast, MR Spectroscopy, or magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, is a non-invasive scan that measures metabolic activity in the testis. The study shows that the scan is as accurate as a more invasive testis biopsy in reading several abnormal patterns of sperm production typically associated with infertility and azoospermia. It also shows that testis tissue containing spermatids or sperm carry a distinct chemical signature that can be distinguished by MR Spectroscopy.

Additionally, MR Spectroscopy has the ability to evaluate testis metabolism in as many as 100 areas within the testis, significantly increasing the ability to sample for sperm well beyond any of the more invasive techniques commonly used today.

"Trust me when I say that men would rather have a non-invasive scan done than have a surgical procedure to determine whether or not they might be able to be fathers," says Dr. Turek.

MR Spectroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic technology that is cleared by the FDA.

Source
The Turek Clinic

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Study Suggests Slide-On(R) Endosheath(R) System Provides Several Advantages Over Traditional Germicidal Immersion (Medical News Today)

Posted: 07 Feb 2010 03:18 AM PST

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Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 07 Feb 2010 - 0:00 PST

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Results of a clinical study presented Thursday, Feb. 4 at the annual Triological Society meetings in Orlando, Fla., suggest a sterile barrier sheath system has distinct advantages over germicidal immersion processes used to prevent contamination of fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopes (flexible ENT scopes). Flexible ENT scopes are used by otolaryngologists to examine the nose and throat area for various disorders such as dysphagia, reflux disease, snoring, and chronic sinusitis.

Microbial study results show that sterile disposable sheaths, when used with endoscopes, are as effective as using a liquid germicidal system for disinfecting scopes between patient procedures and provide protection against cross-contamination equivalent to immersion in germicidal solutions.

Study authors Alphi Elackattu, MD; Mary Zoccoli, MD; Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD, FACS; and Kenneth M. Grundfast, MD, FACS, all from Boston University School of Medicine, note in their conclusion that through the use of sterile disposable sheaths, physicians will be able to prevent cross-contamination. Using the individually packaged disposable sterile sheaths has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an acceptable alternative to high level disinfection following endoscope use.

The Medtronic Slide-On™ EndoSheath® System is a sterile, disposable cover for flexible endoscopes that provides a latex-free barrier between the scope and the patient. The system is designed to reduce patient contact with organic debris and staff exposure to hazardous chemicals. The study authors noted that the system is an alternative to time-intensive chemical reprocessing, allows for quick scope turnaround and helps physicians maximize time treating patients.

"The EndoSheath System is designed to allow physicians to cover the insertion tube of the flexible ENT scope with a sterile microbial barrier when performing endoscopy procedures in the clinic and office environments," said Janis Saunier, marketing director for the ENT division at Medtronic. "We believe the use of a sterile sheath on a nasopharyngoscope, combined with enzymatic detergent cleaning and disinfection with 70 percent alcohol, can provide a reliably decontaminated, patient-ready instrument, providing an acceptable alternative to high-level disinfection of endoscopes."

About the ENT Business at Medtronic

Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) division at Medtronic develops and manufactures products designed to treat ENT diseases. As the market leader in ENT, Medtronic is changing the way ENT surgery is performed with innovative, minimally invasive products and techniques that benefit both patients and surgeons. Main products include powered tissue-removal systems and other microendoscopy instruments, nerve monitoring systems, sleep-disordered breathing therapies, image-guided surgery systems, disposable fluid control products, and a Ménière's disease therapy device. Learn more about the ENT business on the web at http://www.MedtronicENT.com

Source
Medtronic

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Village Seeks Dissolution Study (East Aurora Advertiser)

Posted: 07 Feb 2010 12:28 AM PST

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2009 Candidates Discuss Campaign Financial Disclosure
This is the final article in a series analyzing the 2009 elections in the Town of Aurora.

Iroquois will Host Cavalcade of Bands
The Iroquois Music Department will present the Cavalcade of Bands concert at 7 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 9. The performance will be held in the auditorium of Iroquois High School on Girdle Road in Elma.

Wales Looks at Ways to Abolish Tax Post
Under a proposal put forth by Wales Town Councilman Donald Butcher, the office of receiver of taxes would be abolished and melded into Town Clerk Sharon Marfurt's department.

West Declares Candidacy for Village Board
Randy West of East Aurora announced on Monday that he will seek a post as village trustee. West, an engineer and an eight-year member of the Village Planning Commission, indicated that he seeks to bring his experience and expertise to serious issues facing the village.

A Classic Winter Week in East Aurora
"Snow is free." That is what Brian P. Higgins—not the congressman—said while talking about the snow sculptures he creates within the village with three generations of family members every year. His outlook on the cost of snow makes winter seem like a gift.

Village Seeks Dissolution Study
The Village of East Aurora will seek a $50,000 state grant to fund a study that will examine the feasibility of dissolving the village government. Though some trustees had earlier opposed such a study, the six members of the board present at a Feb. 1 work session agreed to apply for the study as part of a three-pronged approach suggested by Deputy Mayor Libby Weberg. Her suggestions, and the board approval, follow a Jan. 20 New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (NYCOM) forum in Orchard Park at which NYCOM representatives stressed the time constraints on a potential referendum to dissolve the village, as well as the high level of competition for dissolution study grants.

Man Charged with DWI Tried to Flee Troopers
A 25-year-old Blasdell man was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana following a Monday-night traffic stop for speeding on Transit Road in the Town of Elma. The man allegedly attempted to flee State Police after being told he was under arrest for driving while intoxicated.

Deputies Make Reckless Driving Arrest in Holland
Deputies Chris Parisi and Don Hoelscher arrested a 32-year-old Holland man Jan. 30 after investigating a citizen complaint on North Canada Street. The man had allegedly driven his vehicle dangerously close to a resident. He was charged with reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, operating with a suspended registration, driving without a license and failure to keep right. He was also wanted on an arrest warrant for driving while intoxicated by the Village of Depew. Deputies transported the man to the Erie County Holding Center to await arraignment on his charges in Holland Town Court.

Wales Kiwanians Plan "Souper Bowl" Event
The Wales Kiwanis Club will again be holding its popular "Souper Bowl Sunday" fundraiser on Sun., Feb. 7 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Wales Center Fire Hall on Route 20A. The event coincides with the NFL Super Bowl game between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts later than day.

Farm Bureau Recognizes Officials
New York Farm Bureau, the state's largest general farm advocacy organization, has named 84 state legislators to its Circle of Friends for the year 2009. The award is an indication of each individual lawmaker's support of New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau.

Pathways Christian Fellowship and Local Residents to Assist in Gulf Coast Rebuilding Efforts
Pathways Christian Fellowship of South Wales is sponsoring a trip to help rebuild hurricane- and flood-damaged homes in southeast Louisiana.

Bachman Wins Middle School Geography Bee
East Aurora Middle School fifth-grader Benjamin Bachman was the winner of the school's 2010 National Geography Bee. The runner-up was Tanner Reese, an eighth-grader.

Committee Members Sought for Elma Day
The Elma Town Board is looking for people interested in volunteering for a citizens' committee to help organize and coordinate "Elma Day." The June 13 event will feature a car show and a ceremonial disposal of American flags.

Unshackle Upstate Leader Coming to East Aurora
The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a presentation by Unshackle Upstate Executive Director Brian Sampson on Wed., Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium at 300 Gleed Ave.

Wales Makes 2010 Appointments
The Wales Town Board made appointments to various town advisory committees and posts at its re-organizational meeting Jan. 12. Councilman Gerald E. Klinck, named as deputy supervisor, will also serve as the town's delegate to the Northeast Solid Waste Team (NEST). The organization is responsible for the overall recycling and refuse efforts in this part of Erie County. Klinck also will serve as chairman of the town's solid waste, conservation, soil and water committee.

Marilla Club Celebrates 95th Anniversary of Kiwanis
The Kiwanis Club of Marilla celebrated with Kiwanians Worldwide as the organization marked its 95th birthday on Jan. 21. Marilla Town Historian Hubert Kutter, a Marilla Kiwanian, gave a presentation to the club at the local meeting on that day, speaking about the changes in the world since that first meeting.

Community Members Invited to Toastmasters Event
On Mon., Feb. 1st, professional speaker, author, and Past Toastmasters International Director, Gary Mull, will be presenting "Be An Exceptional Presenter - 5 Key Techniques to Sharpen Your Skills."

Classes Aimed at Needs of Single Parents
Single parents interested in learning about food budgeting, meal planning, dealing with home emergencies, home repair, health and other topics are invited to attend one or more workshops in a series hosted by Pathways Christian Fellowship.

Town Board to Discuss Joint Facility Feb. 16
At its 7 p.m. work session on Feb. 16, the Aurora Town Board will discuss the final report from a study on the possibility of creating a joint village/town/library facility. The study was made possible by a Shared Municipal Services Incentive (SMSI) grant from New York State. Town Supervisor Jolene Jeffe said that the board members had recently received the final report, but that they should have time to review it before the work session. Town Engineer Bryan Smith noted that the study had only a few differences from the draft presented in October 2009. The new report will be available for review by citizens at Town Hall.

Holland School OKs Budget, Teachers' Contract
A round of applause followed the Holland Central School Board's approval Jan. 25 of a new teachers' contract, 18 months after the previous one expired. Following months in which no negotiations took place, the administration and teacher's union hammered out a deal during one afternoon.

Judicial Race had the Highest Spending of 2009
This is the third article in a series analyzing the 2009 elections in the Town of Aurora.

EA Students Prepare for "Annie"
Little Orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks, and yes, even Sandy, will take the stage when East Aurora High School presents "Annie" on Feb. 5, 6, and 7. Over 125 students are part of the production, based on the iconic musical that debuted at the former Alvin Theatre in New York nearly 33 years ago.

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