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Introduction. To investigate the association of high Body Mass Index (BMI) with semen parameters and reproductive hormones in men of reproductive age. Setting. The Saudi Center for Assisted Reproduction. Method. This study was conducted during the period from February 2009 to February 2011. Subjects were exposed through medical history evaluation as well as physical examination. BMI was calculated. Two semen samples about 1 week apart were taken from each participant by masturbation after 2–5 days of abstinence. The samples were assessed according to the WHO Criteria. Blood samples (5 ml) were withdrawn; centrifuged and the resulting sera were preserved at −4 degrees Centigrade. Serum FSH, LH, PRL, and Testosterone levels were estimated by the ELISA method. Results. There was no significant correlation between BMI and any of semen and hormonal parameters. There was significant negative correlation between age and total motility. Only the advanced paternal age has shown significant association with low motility (P = 0.007). Conclusion. Our study showed a significant effect of aging on sperm motility and concentration.

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This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women in the south western region of Saudi Arabia and to find out the possible risk factors that may lead to infection. This cross sectional hospital based study was carried out at three hospitals in the south western region of Saudi Arabia from January 2008 to August 2010. Blood samples from 487 pregnant women were collected and used to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies IgM and IgG by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A questionnaire interview was carried out to ask about some risk factors of infection. Among the 487 studied pregnant women, 38.8 % were seropositive for anti T. gondii IgG while 6.2 % were positive for anti T. gondii IgM and 3.3 % were positive for both anti T. gondii IgG & IgM. The only risk factor associated with seropositive anti T. gondii IgM was the history of the intake of immunosuppressive drugs. Regarding anti T. gondii IgG seropositivity, it was found to increase significantly with increased age, number of gravida and parities, and previous history of toxoplasmosis. The seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG & IgM by ELISA among pregnant women in the south western region of Saudi Arabia is considerable with few identifiable significant risk factors reported.

Abstract:Objective: The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude towards, and practice of contraception and the factors that could affect its use among Saudi women in Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional and hospital-based study was conducted in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, during one year (January, 2014 -December, 2014. Five-hundred women of reproductive age (18-45 year) were interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception. The inquiries were recorded by a predesigned questionnaire. Questions on methods of contraception known and source of knowledge and their practices were recorded. Results: The mean ± SD of age was 32.7 + 7.2 years. (99.2%) of women heard and had knowledge of contraception, while (0.8%) said they did not know anything about contraception. (377 subjects, 75.4%) used contraception, while 123 subjects (24.6%) did not. Oral pill method of contraception was the most popular method known and practiced (87.0%, 32.2% respectively). The media seemed to be the major source of information (40.8%). In response to the reason for non-use, the majority said they wanted more children (10.2%). The major reason for the use of contraception was to limit family size (32.0%). The majority (79.6%) of women had good attitude towards contraception. Conclusion: The present study concludes that a significant proportion of respondents have good knowledge about contraception. But practice of contraception and compliance is low. Desire of more children is one of the major factors among reasons of the non-use of contraception.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESToxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is diagnosed mainly by serological methods that are hindered by insufficient sensitivity. When it fails, it becomes necessary to rely on either direct detection of the parasite or DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We aimed to establish molecular tools for toxoplasmosis research in the country by using PCR targeting the B1 gene and compare it with ELISA results.DESIGN AND SETTINGConducted at the College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia between January 2009 and April 2010 on Saudi pregnant women attending three major hospitals in the Aseer region.PATIENTS AND METHODSPeripheral blood samples (n=137) were collected from patients. DNA was extracted and the B1 T gondii gene was amplified by PCR. The amplicons were visualized and sequenced, and the results were analyzed. For comparison, sera were tested for anti-T gondii IgG and IgM by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTSOf the 137 samples tested, the B1 gene could be amplified in 56 cases (41%) by PCR. DNA sequencing confirmed these results. IgM-ELISA assay detected 9 (6.5%) of these cases. The results of immunoglobulin G detection were positive in 53 (38.6%) of the patients.CONCLUSIONThe present study showed the need for PCR as a confirmatory assay in addition to serological assays to detect recent infection. We recommend national implementation of these molecular diagnostic tools.

Elective cerclage contributes little in prolongation of gestational age at the time of delivery in women with twin pregnancy, especially in women of high parity. Those with a previous history of preterm labor may be a subgroup that could benefit from elective cerclage.

Background Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures have become accepted worldwide and their effect on society is well-known. However, the full extent of the possible complications of these procedures on maternal and neonatal outcome is still unclear.