TV Ratings Report: Nikita Premiere Plummets

Despite strong reviews and a loyal fan base the Nikita Season 3 premiere plummeted in the ratings last night, falling to a series low .4 in the 18-49-year old demographic and failing to garner one million total viewers...

Nikita Photograph

8 p.m.
Shark Tank: 7 million viewers
Hawaii Five-0 rerun: 5.9 million
Grimm rerun: 2.6 million
America's Next Top Model: 1.5 million

9 p.m.
CSI: New York: 9.1 million
Primetime: What Would You Do?: 4.9 million
Grimm: 4.9 million
Nikita: 951,000

10 p.m.
Blue Bloods: 10 million
20/20: 5.4 million
Dateline: 5 million


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/tv-ratings-report-nikita-premiere-plummets/

The Vampire Diaries Clip: An Attempt at Amends

Hey, Matt, remember that time I drive you and Elena off the road? And into the water? And she was forced to turn into a vampire as a result? And you were left feeling perpetually guilt-ridden and concerned?

Yeah. My bad.

So Rebekah basically tells Matt in the following clip from next Thursday's new episode of The Vampire Diaries, "The Rager." How does he react to this attempt at amends? Will he be attending the Original's party?

Watch and find out for yourself?

NOTE: We've also posted a handful of Vampire Diaries photos from the upcoming episode. Browse away now!


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/the-vampire-diaries-clip-an-attempt-at-amends/

ABC Orders More Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, Castle, The Middle, Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue

ABC may be saying goodbye to Private Practice in a few weeks, but viewers will be saying hello to new installments of a few veteran shows and two new dramas.

The network has ordered additional episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family, Castle and The Middle. This brings the episode totals for Grey's, Modern and Middle to 24, while Castle will air for 23.

Derek TeachingA Shock for JayLocal News Scene

Elsewhere, ABC has ordered two more scripts for Last Resort, whose most recent episode improved six percent over the previous one; and 666 Park Avenue, which comes as a surprise because its viewership fell below five million overall viewers last Sunday.


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/abc-orders-more-greys-anatomy-modern-family-castle-the-middle-la/

Private Practice to End After Season 6

We've been asking for weeks whether it should end, and now we have the answer:

Private Practice will check out of ABC following this season.

Private Practice Cast Pic

Creator Shonda Rhimes broke the news yesterday, which followed Kate Walsh's previous announced that Season 6 would be her last as Addison Montgomery.

"I’m sad to say that Private Practice‘s run will end after episode 613 this season," Rhimes wrote on her website. "There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season — which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can’t wait for you to see it. It’s heartbreaking to end.

"Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there’s a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five-and-a-half seasons. It’s rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we’re grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last six years. It’s meant the world."

Private Practice recently celebrated its 100th episode. Will you miss it?


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/private-practice-to-end-after-season-6/

Grimm Review: Hybrid 1, Hybrid 2

"The Other Side" sets its procedural story up as one large metaphor for the upcoming drama that is about to unfold.

I just wish the killer kid story hadn’t been used back-to-back.

An Unexpected Attack

Thankfully, Pierce being the culprit isn’t the main takeaway from the story – it’s his genetics. Pierce is half Lowen-half Genio Innocuo, and, because of that, if he can’t keep his emotions in check his violent side comes out. It’s a light twist to what Renard is going through.

The potion Adalind’s mother gave Renard brought out, or brought about, feelings of infatuation with Juliette when he kissed her awake. His obsessions are growing, and according to Monroe, it’s only going to get worse and worse. The infatuation is already beginning to influence his choices. Like Pierce, Renard’s compulsive obsession with Juliette seems to be driving him subconsciously, and those actions are beginning to affect his life directly.

Renard slips up as he nearly runs over a man walking home. But instead of apologizing and going on his way, Renard perhaps makes one of the biggest mistakes of the night: he punches him. While it might not seem like the biggest blunder, the scene with Renard back at the station is telling, as we’re continually being focused at his ring, and it certainly looks big enough to leave a distinguishable mark.

The second part of Renard’s no good, terrible adventure is his run-in with Monroe at the spice shop. Nick’s biggest ally is now Renard’s best hope of squashing his obsessions, but to stir up a cure he needs far more information than Renard wants to give up. It sets up an interesting back and forth because Team Nick is not aware of Renard... and Renard is not aware of Rosalee and Monroe’s involvement with Nick’s Grimm-hood. Which side gets to find out first?

Renard is beginning to unravel, and hopefully it won’t be long before his own plans are brought out in the open; however, his half-status as a royal is still his biggest trump card because we don’t know if he’s with Nick or against him. He could be out for total vengeance against his family alone (although not likely because the coins showed him wanting great power), but whatever his plans are they do involve Nick. As big as the world of Grimm feels like, it seems that all plot threads are beginning to come around and focus on just a few: Nick and Renard. Their collective influences overlap on so many of the same people.

Aside from Renard’s horrible misadventure, the other area of significance is Adalind cozying up with Renard’s brother, Eric. Eric brings about more information on Renard: he’s a human/hexenbeast hybrid.  That’s right, a hexenbeast just like Adalind. Renard's mother fearing for his safety brought him to Portland.

Other thoughts:

  • There’s a new intern (squintern?) in town! The one and only Michael Grant Terry. He seems to have taken a liking to Nick and his cases. I’m sure it won’t be too long until he comes across Nick’s unique ways of solving cases.
  • I can’t quite figure out what Juliette is feeling with Renard. She has some kind of draw to him, and she, like him, is trying to ignore it.
  • Reverse viagra doesn't sound very pleasant.
  • Nick totally kicked Pierce's butt. I don't think I've ever witnessed so much getting broken in one fight sequence. I can't decide if it was cheesy or awesome.
  • When is Mama Burkhardt coming back?
  • Did the potion Renard take begin to bring his hexenbeast half out more?


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/grimm-review-hybrid-1-hybrid-2/

Blue Bloods Review: Shades of Gray

During last week's Blue Bloods review, I mentioned how little we've seen of Jamie Reagan so far this season. In "Scorched Earth," he finally took the spotlight, but it only served to remind me that he may have gone into the wrong profession.

After a bride was murdered in a gang style drive-by shooting, the uniforms were told to utilize the NYPD's stop and frisk policy to round up gang members to get some answers. 

Officer Cruz saw some sort of non-verbal communication between the gang member being arrested and the kid on the stoop. Jamie witnessed the same incident but only interpreted it as the kid stretching. Both men saw the same event, yet perceived it as something different - and that's where the problem started.

Jamie's Unhappy With His Partner

I'm not a fan of Cruz. He's a cocky ass but in this case he was right. The kid was hiding the murder weapon and how they arrived at that answer was where Jamie had the problem.

I'm not a cop or a lawyer, but I'd assume that when they asked to talk and the kid tried to flee, that gave them reason to stop him. Did they have the right to frisk him? It seemed reasonable to me and certainly the bag of weed gave them cause to bring him in.

But Jamie viewed everything through the eyes of a Harvard Law student, not an officer. The question becomes whether that's a help or a hindrance in doing his job.

I enjoyed the conversation between Jamie, Frank and Henry. They asked relevant questions. Did the stop lead to a false arrest? Did it put anyone in harms way? Did the end justify the means?

My only wish was that Danny had been involved in this conversation.

That Jamie was in such utter distress over this arrest became tiresome. That he panicked when the DA's office sent a detective to question he and his partner over the arrest seemed silly. The fact that he went off on his sister for doing her job was downright ridiculous. 

The law itself may be black and white but the reality of being a police officer is filled with shades of gray. This episode really made me wonder if Jamie is cut out for that life. 

Frank's storyline with the evil dictator also disappointed me. As much as I enjoy having Frank play the hero and moral compass, it seemed far fetched that he could pull his detail off of a foreign diplomat to force him to leave the country. Wouldn't the State Department be all over that? Again, I'm no expert but I'd bet there would be so many layers of bureaucracy involved that it would take more than pressure from the police commissioner to get that man out of the city.

Linda should have won an award for the most patient, understanding wife in history but she has been a cop's wife for 16 years. I'd bet this isn't the first anniversary Danny's missed. However, I did find it interesting that her youngest son seemed to take more offense to his father's absence than Linda did.

And for once, Danny's case didn't feel like the only focus of the episode. As much as the other story lines may have annoyed me tonight, it was good to see Will Estes get some long overdue screen time, even if it made me wonder which direction his character is headed.


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/blue-bloods-review-shades-of-gray/

Haven Review: Lady Justice

I know "Double Jeopardy" wasn't supposed to be funny - after all, people were being attacked for their wrong doings in very appropriate ways - but Duke was on fire and I wanted to laugh at everything he said. So what was so darn humorous?

It started out with Duke seeing what looked like a Grecian Goddess slicing his tires. We later learned she was attacking people for their wrongs, scooping out the eyeballs of a peeping tom, breaking all the bones of a woman who shook her baby. Not funny. 

Then Duke raised his hand and said, "parking tickets." Seriously? Tell me that's not funny. She got him for something else as well, and he was really worried about that little murder he committed to save the family of organ snatchers a few episodes back, but it would happen that someone would frak up Duke over parking tickets. Hilarious!

When she blew to pieces of plaster when Audrey shot her, we learned she was the incarnation of Lady Justice herself.

Audrey's Protecting Criminals

Duke and Audrey spent a night together under the guise of her protecting him, but also using him as bait to lure the goddess. That gave the two of them a wonderful opportunity to connect and their conversation was great. I know there is a part of Duke who thinks he wants more from Audrey, but they make excellent friends. It's a quite unique partnership, and I'm glad he hasn't pushed the issue. There is a woman in Haven, or there will be, for Duke.

I'd like to see him with Claire, and look forward to an increase in their screen time. That would also allow Audrey and Claire to enter into discussions about Nathan and Duke while they're having their sessions. How fun would that be? The little chats between Claire and Audrey have been welcome additions to the hour each week, and I'm interested in getting Claire even more involved. 

Audrey still isn't letting Nathan get close, and he's determined to find the link between the Guard, the bolt gun killer and Audrey's fate. Nathan is telling Audrey too much about his infiltration of the Guard. The less she knows, the better. She doesn't need to be aware that he's spending time with another woman, even if it's to help her. It could drive her even further away. Audrey hanging out with Duke is already rubbing Nathan the wrong way, so we need as little friction between the lovebirds as possible.

Jordan asked Nathan to help the Guard with a transfer of a criminal, and it looked like she had nefarious reasons for doing so. As Nathan watched, she commandeered the transfer van and used her trouble to take the men down. Watching her hurt those men was powerful. She hated it. Even though she knew she was doing it for what she must have considered good reasons, it practically brought her to tears to put them into such pain. That could explain why she was so shocked to learn how quickly Nathan had accomplished his task to transfer the guy; she knew what was required of her.

Showing her in action, and not enjoying it, made her character more authentic. Now I want to know more. What I don't want is for Nathan to toy with her and hurt her. Given the reason the Guard helped the man escape prison, so far they aren't in the wrong. Until she deserves to be used, I'd rather he find other methods to gain her trust.

Once again, the Trouble this week was top notch. The ending was fantastic. Duke put his life on the line and the Troubled woman was the one who paid the final price, ascending into the very painting from which she summoned Lady Justice.

There is so much about Haven to like. The usage of character and their growth is amazing. The ongoing mystery is compelling, but never overshadowed by the cases of the week. Those cases, in lesser hands, could be hum drum and boring. Instead they add to the suspense and through them we learn more about the town and its residents. This season we have a long running investigation into the bolt gun killer, meshing into the weekly Troubles and the overarching enigma of the destiny of Audrey Parker.

If Audrey was right, it looked like that story just got bigger because the bolt gun killer might be putting together a woman. Perhaps one that will look just like, or even replace, Audrey herself.

Take to the comments and share what you're thinking. If you want to relive some of the funnier moments, check out the Haven quotes. Then, let's see if we can solve the mystery!


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/haven-review-lady-justice/

Nikita Review: Give Me the Damn Glock!

It's a whole new Division on Nikita Season 3, but in many ways it's just the same.

With Percy dead, Division has been revamped to do good. Ryan Fletcher's at the helm with Nikita and Michael by his side. The government offered amnesty to any former Division agents that came in; and while many did, some of the most dangerous decided to go rogue.

Post-Coital for Mikita

In "3.0," the first task of the new Division was to track down these rogue agents, The Dirty Thirty, and take care of them. Their inaugural mission was to hunt down Martin, who discretely killed a CIA asset in Hong Kong.

The mission didn't go according to plan at all. Martin was smart and got suspicious when the model he was sleeping with received a wrong number phone call. With that chaos ensued, Martin broke the model's neck and called the police to report the assault in the hopes that Nikita and Michael would be taken into custody.

Right away, it became apparent that the task to bring down The Dirty Thirty is not going to be an easy one. Nikita and Michael will be tracking down basically themselves. These are former Division agents; they are smart, talented, physically formidable, and not going down without a fight. Each take-down will be a kill or be killed situation.

Ryan was previously an analyst, which predisposes him to run the mission in an analytical manner. While Nikita is used to making her own decisions, running her own missions, and using her field experience and intuition to get the job done and safely. These two polar opposites working together is going to be a challenge.

It's difficult to question Nikita's actions since she knows what's important, she's on the ground, and is aware of what needs to be done. At the same time, Ryan had a point when he told Nikita that he can see everything and may have information that she doesn't have. Going forward, these two are going to butt heads and often. It will be a fun ride!

Will Ryan be able to maintain the moral integrity of the new Division? Or, is a secret organization such as Division destined to be corrupt? Within the first few hours of the first mission, Ryan already strayed from his convictions when he gave into Birkhoff's request to hack the CIA. One small step toward disaster....

The tone of Nikita has changed going into season 3. The angry Nikita seeking revenge and the destruction of Division is gone. In its place is a happier Nikita, who does yoga and considers having tea with a couple of regular gals. Her fight now is legitimate and sanctioned by the President. 

It's the same team, but a whole new feel. Alex's cover is blown, but as a team member she can use her notoriety  Sean is by Alex's side. Birkhoff's in the pit guiding the missions. And, Nikita and Michael take the lead with Ryan heads it all. 

None of them are running or hiding for their lives any more from Percy, Division or the government. They can have more normal lives, while remaining secret agents. That's why it was the perfect time for Michael to propose to Nikita.

What a proposal! I loved that Michael wouldn't leave without the ring. The shocked look on Nikita's face was awesome. For two spies, it was the perfect engagement story. Wonder who will be Michael's Best Man? Alex has to be the Maid of Honor, right? Aww. Can't wait to see her walk down the aisle. That's assuming they actually make it there. Anything's possible on Nikita.

The quest to track down The Dirty Thirty is going to be dangerous, but if the pace of the premiere is any indication, each episode will be a non-stop thrill ride. 

Odds and Ends

  • What did Birkhoff do to upset Sonya? They had such good chemistry together.
  • Alex's Alexandra Udinoff persona was a nice touch on the mission. While she can't go undercover anymore, I hope they don't overuse "Alexandra." 
  • Sean looked good by Alex's side, but he didn't have much to do this week. Looking forward to him being more than just arm candy or protection for Alex.
  • What's up with Alex and Sean's relationship? Didn't really see anything about it in this episode. (For insight into what's coming, read our interview with Dillon Casey.)
  • What is Amanda up to? How many rogue agents aligned with her? With Percy gone and Division reclaimed by the government, what could she want now?
  • A female President? Nicely done, Nikita!
  • Birkhoff cut off Nikita's communication on Ryan's order. Which side will he ultimately take if a life or death situation comes up? 
  • What a horrible situation for Ryan to be facing with the President willing to burn Division down. Will he let Nikita in on what's at stake?
  • Michael: Give me the damn Glock!
    Nikita: Where are you going?
    Michael: To get your damn engagement ring. | permalink
  • Nikita: You had me at "Give me the damn Glock." | permalink
Do you love the new tone of the show? What about that proposal? Oh la la!
 
For all things Nikita, follow us on Twitter at @NikitaTVF


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/nikita-review-30/

Revenge Clip: Amanda’s "People"

In this new clip from Sunday's Revenge, a very pregnant Amanda shows up to Victoria's house for what looks to be a baby shower, with doting godmother Emily and an entire posse of random girls in tow.

Victoria's reaction to the women, upon learning their profession? Priceless as you'd expect:

In the first sneak peek from "Intuition," posted earlier today, we saw Victoria beckon Amanda to Grayson Manor while Ems plotted to use this new connection to her adversary to her advantage.

Will she succeed? Or more accurately, how will the best laid plans implode this week?

We'll find out Sunday at 9 p.m., in an episode that looks like it could end in heartbreak. If you haven't seen the photos yet, check those out for a major hint at what might happen to one character ...


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/new-revenge-clip-amandas-people/

Tournament of TV Fanatic: David Boreanaz vs. Cat Deeley!

Welcome back to the 1st annual Tournament of TV Fanatic!

It's time for you, TV Fanatics, to choose your favorite Fox star! We have chosen 16 stars for this fan-driven showdown. The concept is easy: Pick your favorite of the two pairs in each poll. That's it!

Emily Deschanel and Chris Colfer started us off earlier this week, followed by Jane Lynch and Mindy Kaling, Anna Torv and Kiefer Sutherland and Zooey Deschanel and Lucas Neff.

Today, it's Bones' David Boreanaz against So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley!

We will post polls of these respective Fox matchups daily, and then after each round, update the bracket as some stars advance, while others are eliminated, until the winner is crowned. Make sense?

It's easy, fun and all decided by YOU! Here's the Tournament of TVF FOX field:

Fox Bracket

First-round matchups to come: Lea Michele vs. Ryan Seacrest; Simon Cowell vs. Max Greenfield; Michaela Conlin vs. Joshua Jackson.

NBC and other brackets still to come! Happy voting!


Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/10/tournament-of-tv-fanatic-david-boreanaz-vs-cat-deeley/

Anatomic Fashion Friday: Anatomical Cufflinks Roundup

Cufflink-Roundup

I myself never get to wear cufflinks, but I find the idea of them enticing. It’s a nice way for men to personalize their wardrobe (similar to fun socks or belt buckles). Subtle and small, all of these pieces would look visually striking at the end a crisp shirt.

  1. These acrylic hearts by Etsy artist, TheSpangledMaker, would allow you to literally “wear your heart on your sleeve.”($20)
  2. Paul Smith can do no wrong in my book (fashion-wise) and these blue and white skulls look antique but cool. ($250)
  3. Beth Croce is an Australian medical illustrator who created these guts and the next cufflinks. She has a large collection of anatomical goodies. ($220)
  4. Also by Beth Croce, these vertebrae are so delicate and detailed. Hand crafted goodness. ($260)
  5. Also by TheSpangledMaker, these acrylic brains are simply delightful. ($20)

 

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/streetanatomy/OQuC/~3/msA92CjdlX4/

Daredevil #18

Daredevil 18 cover Paolo Rivera

Daredevil 18 cover Paolo Rivera

Daredevil # 18 Cover. 2012. Inked by Joe Rivera.
with digital color on Marvel board, 11 × 17.25″

Fantastic Daredevil cover designed Eisner Award-winning American comic book artist Paolo Rivera.

This is a really cool stylized look at the arterial network that supplies blood to all of those well-defined superhero muscles! I used to love drawing superheroes when I was little. Drawing the extremely defined and exaggerated musculature was my first foray into the appreciation of anatomy!

 

[via Symbiartic]

 

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/streetanatomy/OQuC/~3/xv_qAteJwTQ/

Morbid Anatomy Library: One of the "7 Grossest Wonders of the USA," According to CNN

Thanks to good friend and genius writer Richard Faulk--author of the unfortunately named but no less wonderful Gross America--The Morbid Anatomy Library has just been awarded the dubious honor of being voted one of the top 7 "Grossest Wonders of the USA" on CNN.

You can read Mr. Faulk's entire list, and his entry on The Morbid Anatomy Library, by clicking here. You can find out more about the elegantly and eruditely written book--and even buy a copy of your own!--by clicking here.

To find out more about the library, click here; for those curious to see this "weird art and antique medicine cum gallery and lecture space [which] hosts occasional classes in anthropmorphic taxidermy," please stop by open hours this Sunday, 1-6. More on that here.

Source:
http://morbidanatomy.blogspot.com/2012/10/morbid-anatomy-library-one-of-7.html

Care and Conservation of Early 19th Century Wax Anatomical Models

If you are interested in knowing more about anatomical waxes, you could do worse than to check out today's entry, "Waxing Lyrical," on The Science Museum's "Stories from the Stores" blog to read conservator Emily Yates' account of cleaning this circa 1818 Italian wax by by Francesco Calenzuoli for the wonderful looking exhibition Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men at the Museum of London, running until 14 April 2013. 

You can find out more about this particular piece by clicking here; click on images to see much larger, finer versions. Caption reads: This anatomical wax model shows the internal organs, the heart is entirely removable, made by Francesco Calenzuoli (1796-1821) ( Science Museum, London )

Source:
http://morbidanatomy.blogspot.com/2012/10/care-and-conservation-of-early-19th.html

Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying), Loreto Prague, Through November 30th

Exciting exhibition alert; I am severely tempted to try to make it here before it closes...

ARS MORIENDI
Loreto Prague, Loretánské nám.7,  118 00 Praha 1 – Hrad?any
Exhibition extended until 30th November.

The aim of the exhibition is, above all, to introduce to the public the hitherto unknown space of the crypt for benefactors beneath the church of the Nativity of Our Lord. A fascinating discovery in the crypt revealed unique Baroque mural paintings depicting motifs of Death and Resurrection – allegories of Time, symbols of fragility and transience of human existence. These frescos of exceptional quality were created in 1664 by the means of the special technique of chiaroscuro – employing exclusively the shades of black and grey. The work of their author, perhaps a Capuchin order painter, was derived from the Flemish and Dutch prints and was commissioned by the then patroness of Loreto, Countess Elisabeth Apollonia of Kolowrat. The main scene depicting the Raising of Lazarus was based on the famous etching by Rembrandt, which later inspired numerous artists across the centuries, including Van Gogh – the Loreto fresco is remarkable because it is a very early reaction to Rembrandt’s work created while he was still alive...

... Part of the presentation will be dedicated to other interesting exhibits associated with the burial practices in Loreto – for example the unknown ground plan of the Lobkowicz crypt of patrons beneath Santa Casa, design of Castrum Doloris created in 1698 for the burial of the Count Václav Ferdinand of Lobkowicz, collection of the Baroque funerary textiles or several reliquary crosses which were part of the Loreto treasure and had not yet been exhibited.

The exhibition will also introduce the customs related to burying in the Capuchin order crypts. Borrowed for this occasion from the Brno crypt were Baroque coffin lids with painted decoration, portraits and coats of arms of selected donors who sought their final resting place with the Capuchins. The perception of the order spirituality of Franciscan observance in the funerary sphere is broadened by the presentation of two Baroque Franciscan convent mortuaries.

It rarely happens that an entirely unknown monument in the centre of Prague is discovered. The Loreto exhibition offers an opportunity to get more closely acquainted with the impressive crypt space decorated with unique paintings and with the Baroque ARS MORIENDI – The Art of Dying – the inner grasp of the end of human existence as a gate to eternal life.

You can find out more here. Thanks so much to Pam Grossman for letting me know about this!

Source:
http://morbidanatomy.blogspot.com/2012/10/ars-moriendi-art-of-dying-loreto-prague.html

Monitoring fertility (semen analysis) by cancer survivors who banked sperm prior to cancer treatment

STUDY QUESTION

What medical and psychological variables predict why men with banked sperm do not return for semen analysis after their cancer treatment has ended?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Men who decline the offer of semen analysis are less likely to have reported adverse side effects during cancer treatment, and have a more negative experience of banking sperm and a more negative attitude towards disposal of their stored semen than those who attend.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Previous authors have noted that male cancer survivors seem reluctant to have their fertility tested after their treatment has ended. Moreover, the utilization rates of banked sperm are very low (<10%) and the majority of samples are kept for many years without being used.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION

A cross-sectional study of 499 cancer survivors who were sent a questionnaire about their views on sperm banking, fertility and post-treatment semen analysis between April 2008 and December 2010.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Men (aged 18–55 years) who had banked sperm in Sheffield and Nottingham (UK) prior to gonadotoxic treatment for cancer more than 5 years previously.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Completed questionnaires were received from 193 men (38.7% response rate) whose samples had been banked for 9.18 ± 3.70 years (range = 4.94–26.21) and whose current age was 35.08 ± 7.08 years (range = 21.58–54.34; mean ± SD). One-third (35.8%) had never attended for semen analysis. In multivariate analysis, the odds of not attending for semen analysis were significantly greater among men who did not experience adverse treatment side effects [odds ratio (OR) = 5.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.10–15.56], who reported a more negative experience of banking sperm (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.17–2.82) and a more negative attitude to disposal of their stored semen (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.01–2.42).

LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION

Only 38.7% of those eligible agreed to take part. We do not know the characteristics of men who declined to take part, if they agreed to attend semen analysis without completing the questionnaire or whether they had chosen to have semen analysis performed elsewhere (e.g. private sector). Some of the measures used (e.g. experience of banking sperm) relied on men's recall of events many years previously.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

New strategies are required to encourage these men to engage with fertility monitoring programmes if sperm banks are to be used cost-effectively and men are to be given appropriate fertility advice.

STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS

This paper was supported by funding from Cancer Research-UK to C.E., A.A.P. and R.R. (C481/A8141). The views expressed are those of the authors. No competing interests declared.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/27/11/3132?rss=1

Effect of smoking on the functional aspects of sperm and seminal plasma protein profiles in patients with varicocele

STUDY QUESTION

What are the effects of smoking on the functional aspects of the sperm, the levels of lipid peroxidation and the protein profile of seminal plasma in patients with varicocele?

SUMMARY ANSWER

In men with varicocele, smoking is associated with altered semen quality, decreased sperm functional integrity and seminal oxidative stress. Alterations in seminal plasma protein profiles are also present and may explain the altered semen phenotype.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Varicocele is a major cause of male infertility. It reduces testicular blood renewal with a consequent accumulation of toxic substances. Thus, it can potentiate the toxic effects of environmental exposure to genotoxic substances such as those found in cigarette smoke.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION

A cross-sectional study was performed in 110 patients presenting with variococele to the Human Reproduction Section of the Sao Paulo Federal University (2006–2010). The patients were divided into a control group of non-smokers, a moderate smokers group and a heavy smokers group.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS

Semen parameters were analysed by standard methods. Sperm DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity were assessed by Comet assays and by 3,3'-diaminobenzidine deposition, respectively. The level of lipid peroxidation in semen was determined by malondialdehyde quantification. Proteomic studies were performed by 2D-electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Both groups of smokers showed reduced semen quality in comparison with the control group. In the groups of smokers, sperm DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity were also decreased and lipid peroxidation levels were increased. Proteomic analyses revealed 20 proteins differentially expressed between the study groups.

LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION

A study including smokers without varicocele is still warranted as these results apply only to smokers who present varicocele.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Patients with varicocele who are exposed to tobacco smoking present more important alterations to semen quality and sperm functional integrity and show changes in the seminal plasma proteome. This suggests testicular, and possibly systemic, adverse effects of smoking.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funding for the study was provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp) (2007/59423-7) and by the Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section at the São Paulo Federal University.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/27/11/3140?rss=1

Motile sperm organelle morphology evaluation-selected globozoospermic human sperm with an acrosomal bud exhibits novel patterns and higher levels of phospholipase C zeta

STUDY QUESTION

Does motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME) affect levels and localization patterns of the oocyte activation factor phospholipase C zeta (PLC) in globozoospermic sperm with and without an acrosomal bud?

SUMMARY ANSWER

MSOME identified round-headed globozoospermic sperm with increased levels of PLC relative to sperm from the same sample that did not undergo MSOME, and identified novel patterns of PLC localization in sperm exhibiting an acrosomal bud.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Absence or reduction in the level of PLC in the sperm head, abnormal localization patterning, or defective functional ability as a result of PLC gene mutation, have been linked to certain types of human male factor infertility in which oocyte activation is deficient. It has been determined that a subpopulation of sperm (1%) from a patient exhibiting 100% globozoospermia presented with an acrosome bud upon MSOME. A cycle of intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection, carried out with sperm exhibiting an acrosomal bud led to pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby boy, without the use of assisted oocyte activation (AOA).

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Immunofluorescent analysis of PLC in globozoospermic sperm from three patients, before and after MSOME.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Quantitative immunofluorescence was used to investigate PLC levels and localization patterns in individual sperm (n = 1 patient) identified by MSOME and isolated by micromanipulation, and presenting with and without the acrosomal bud. A secondary aim was to investigate levels and localization patterns of PLC in sperm before and after MSOME from two other globozoospermic men.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Non-globozoospermic control sperm exhibited characteristic localization patterns of PLC immunofluorescence. Completely round-headed globozoospermic sperm from patients 1–3 were either devoid of PLC immunofluorescence, or exhibited an abnormal, punctate, pattern of PLC localization. PLC immunofluorescence in sperm exhibiting an acrosomal bud was observed in the midpiece with varying fluorescent intensity and was detected in 28.5% of such sperm. The majority of sperm with an acrosomal bud (43.0%) exhibited punctate patterns of PLC localization within the sperm head. A further 28.5% of sperm exhibited PLC in both the head and the midpiece. Total levels of PLC, and the proportions of sperm exhibiting PLC immunoreactivity, showed significant variance (P ≤ 0.05) amongst control [45.8 arbitrary units (a.u.) and 95.7%, respectively], non-MSOME-selected (25.9 a.u. and 46.1%, respectively) and MSOME-selected globozoospermic sperm (33.4 a.u. and 65.0%, respectively). Total levels of PLC immunofluorescence, and proportions of sperm exhibiting PLC immunoreactivity, in control sperm was significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) compared with non-MSOME-selected sperm, but not significantly different from MSOME-selected sperm.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The low numbers of sperm analysed may not be ideal for conclusive statistical analysis. Evaluation of the effects of MSOME on morphologically normal sperm would confirm conclusions.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The present findings provide hope for the future treatment of globozoospermia without the need for AOA, and provide further evidence for the clinical application of PLC as a therapeutic and prognostic tool.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The research described herein was funded by the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford. The authors report no conflict of interest.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/27/11/3150?rss=1

Herbal supplements in pregnancy: unexpected results from a multicentre study

STUDY QUESTION

How common is the use of herbal supplements during pregnancy and does it adversely affect the pregnancy outcome?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The use of herbal products during pregnancy is very common and daily almond oil spreading is associated with preterm birth (PTB).

WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Herbal drugs are often promoted as ‘natural’ and ‘safe’ and such claims attract pregnant women. More than a quarter of Italian pregnant women consume herbs every day for at least 3 months during pregnancy. We raise an alert over the habit of daily almond oil spreading since it seems to be associated with PTB.

DESIGN

A multicenter retrospective cohort study performed over a 15-month period.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Seven hundred women interviewed within 3 days of childbirth, in three public hospitals in northern Italy.

MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE

One hundred and eighty-nine women were considered ‘regular users’, since they consumed herbs every day, for at least 3 months. Almond oil, chamomile and fennel were the most commonly used herbs. Both length of gestation and birthweight were affected by herb consumption. Almond oil users showed more pre-term birth (29 of 189) than non-users (51 of 511). After adjusting for multiple pregnancies, smoking, advanced age and drug intake, almond oil users maintained an increased risk to give birth <37th week (odds ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–4.08).

BIAS, CONFOUNDING AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION

The association between daily spreading of almond oil and PTB only raises a hypothesis that requires confirmation in larger trials devoted to this topic. The relatively small sample size did not allow the investigation of other adverse pregnancy outcomes in herb users.

GENERALIZABILITY TO OTHER POPULATIONS

The population under investigation did not significantly differ from the general population attending the same hospitals.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No conflict of interest exists. The study has been supported by a public grant from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

None

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/27/11/3161?rss=1