BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology that can cause severe dysmenorrhea. Lignocaine has anti-inflammatory properties and exerts effects on nerve endings and intra-peritoneal macrophages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pertubation with Ringer–Lignocaine on dysmenorrhea in women with endometriosis.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out at three sites in Stockholm, Sweden. Eligible patients had endometriosis as diagnosed by laparoscopy, dysmenorrhoic pain >VAS 50 mm (visual analogue scale) and patent Fallopian tubes. The study patients were randomized sequentially to preovulatory pertubations with placebo (n= 18) or study treatment (n= 24) during three consecutive menstrual cycles. The pertubation procedure comprised passing study solution through the uterine cavity and the Fallopian tubes via an intra-cervical balloon catheter. The effect on pain was evaluated with VAS scales before and after the treatments and up to nine menstrual cycles after the last pertubation. Success was defined as a reduction of ≥50% on the VAS scale after the third pertubation. The success rate between the treatment and the placebo group was compared with Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

In the intention-to-treat analysis, the success rate was 41.7% (10 of 24) in the treatment group compared with 16.7% (3 of 18) in the placebo group (P= 0.10, 95% CI –7.3 to 36.2%). In the per protocol analysis, the success rate in the treatment group was 45% (9 of 20) compared with 7.1% (1 of 14) in the placebo group (P= 0.024, 95% CI –2.6 to 44.8%). Of the nine patients in the lignocaine group who fulfilled the criteria for success after three pertubations, 4 (44%) had an effect persisting after nine months. The treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This small RCT indicates that pertubation with lignocaine is a non-hormonal treatment option for patients with dysmenorrhea and endometriosis.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01329796.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are widely advocated as treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea, but their efficacy has been questioned in a Cochrane review. The aim of this study was to evaluate COCs and the influence of age on the severity of dysmenorrhoea.

METHODS

Postal questionnaires regarding weight/height, contraception, pregnancy history and other reproductive health factors were sent to random samples of 19-year-old women born in 1962 (n = 656), 1972 (n = 780) and 1982 (n = 666) resident in the city of Gothenburg in 1981, 1991 and 2001. The responders were assessed again 5 years later at the age of 24 years. Current severity of dysmenorrhoea was measured on each occasion by a verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMS) and by a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

The severity of dysmenorrhoea was lower (P< 0.0001) in COC users compared with non-users. In a longitudinal analysis of the severity of dysmenorrhoea, COC use and increasing age, independently of each other, were associated with the severity of dysmenorrhoea (COC use, VMS score: a reduction of 0.3 units/VAS: a reduction of 9 mm, both P< 0.0001; increasing age, VMS score: a reduction of 0.1 units per 5 years, P< 0.0001/VAS: a reduction of 5 mm per 5 years, P< 0.0001). Childbirth also reduced the severity of dysmenorrhoea (VAS, P< 0.01 with a reduction of 7 mm). Women from the 82-cohort reported a greater severity of dysmenorrhoea compared with the 62 and 72 cohorts at both 19 and 24 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

In this longitudinal case–control study, COC use and increasing age, independent of each other, reduced the severity of dysmenorrhoea. COC use reduced the severity of dysmenorrhoea more than increasing age and childbirth. There was a trend over time regarding the severity of dysmenorrhoea where women from the 82-cohort reported a greater severity of dysmenorrhoea compared with the 62 and 72 cohorts.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

To raise awareness about the accessory and cavitated uterine masses (ACUM) with functional endometrium as a different entity from adult adenomyosis and to highlight the importance of a correct diagnosis, we studied four new cases of ACUM and 15 cases reported as juvenile cystic adenomyoma (JCA) by reviewing the literature from the last year. This entity is problematic because of a broad differential diagnosis, including rudimentary and cavitated uterine horns; and is generally underdiagnosed, being more frequent than previously thought.

METHODS

We report four cases of young women who underwent surgery in our hospital from January to July 2011 after presenting with an ACUM. We also reviewed and tabulated the cases from literature beginning in 2010. Main outcome measures were diagnostic tools, surgical and histopathological findings and improvement of symptoms.

RESULTS

The addition of the four cases reported here to the 15 published as JCA raises the total number of cases of ACUMs to 19, which is more than all of the cases reported prior to 2010. In our cases, it is interesting to highlight that one of them also had an adjacent accessory rudimentary tube and another had two ACUMs at the same location. All patients suffered from severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain and were young women. Suspicion, transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance image were found to be the best diagnostic tools. Most of the cases were treated by laparoscopic tumorectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

ACUMs are generally underdiagnosed and often reported as JCAs but they are not adenomyosis. Early surgical treatment involving the laparoscopic or laparotomic removal of the mass could prevent the usual prolonged suffering of these young women. In our opinion, this entity is a new variety of Müllerian anomaly.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Endometrium is derived from intermediate mesoderm via mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) during development of the urogenital system. By retaining some imprint of their mesenchymal origin, endometrial epithelial cells may be particularly prone to return to this state, via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We hypothesized that pelvic endometriosis originates from retrograde menstruation of endometrial tissue and that EMT-like and MET-like processes might be involved in the pathogenesis of pelvic endometriosis.

METHODS

We investigated commonly used molecular markers for EMT, including cytokeratin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, S100A4 and dephosphorylated beta-catenin by immunohistochemistry in different forms of pelvic endometriosis: deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis and superficial peritoneal endometriosis (red and black lesions), as well as samples of menstrual endometrium, other benign ovarian cysts (mucinous and serous cyst adenoma), and abdominal scar endometriosis for comparison.

RESULTS

Epithelial cells of red peritoneal lesions and ovarian endometriosis showed less epithelial marker (cytokeratin, P < 0.0001) expression and more mesenchymal marker (vimentin and/or S100A4, P < 0.0001) expression than those of menstrual endometrium. In contrast, epithelial cells of black peritoneal lesions and deep infiltrating endometriosis showed more epithelial marker (E-cadherin) expression than those of menstrual endometrium (P < 0.03), red peritoneal lesions (P < 0.0001) and ovarian endometriosis (P< 0.0001), but maintained expression of some mesenchymal markers (vimentin, S100A4). In addition, dephosphorylated beta-catenin protein expression was significantly higher in epithelial cells of deep infiltrating endometriosis (P < 0.0001) than in epithelial cells of red and black peritoneal lesions and ovarian endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

EMT-like and MET-like processes might be involved in the pathogenesis of pelvic endometriosis.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of severe preoperative pain for patients presenting with ovarian endometrioma (OMA).

METHODS

Three hundred consecutive patients with histologically proven OMA were enrolled at a single university tertiary referral centre between January 2004 and May 2010. Complete surgical excision of all recognizable endometriotic lesions was performed for each patient. Pain intensity was assessed with a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Pain was considered as severe when VAS was ≥7. Prospective preoperative assessment of type and severity of pain symptoms (VAS) was compared with the peroperative findings (surgical removal and histological analysis) of endometriomas and associated deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Correlations were sought with univariate analysis and a multiple regression logistic model.

RESULTS

After multiple logistic regression analysis, uterosacral ligaments involvement was related with a high severity of chronic pelvic pain [odds ratios (OR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–4.3] and deep dyspareunia (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.5); vaginal involvement was related with a higher intensity of lower urinary symptoms (OR = 13.4; 95% CI: 3.2–55.8); intestinal involvement was related with an increased severity of dysmenorrhoea (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.7–10.3) and gastro-intestinal symptoms (OR = 7.1; 95% CI: 3.3–15.3).

CONCLUSIONS

In case of OMA, severe pelvic pain is significantly associated with deeply infiltrating lesions. In this situation, the practitioner should perform an appropriate preoperative imaging work-up in order to evaluate the existence of associated deep nodules and inform the patient in order to plan the surgical intervention strategy.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is a complex disease that impairs the quality of life and the fertility of women. Since a medical approach is often insufficient, a minimally invasive approach is considered the gold standard for complete disease excision. Robotic-assisted surgery is a revolutionary approach, with several advantages compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

From March 2010 to May 2011, we performed 22 consecutive robotic-assisted complete laparoscopic excisions of DIE endometriosis with colorectal involvement. All clinical data were collected by our team and all patients were interviewed preoperatively and 3 and 6 months post-operatively and yearly thereafter regarding endometriosis-related symptoms. Dysmenorrhoea, dyschezia, dyspareunia and dysuria were evaluated with a 10-point analog rating scale.

RESULTS

There were 12 patients, with a median larger endometriotic nodule of 35 mm, who underwent segmental resection, and 10 patients, with a median larger endometriotic nodule of 30 mm, who underwent complete nodule debulking by colorectal wall-shaving technique. No laparotomic conversions were performed, nor was any blood transfusion necessary. No intra-operative complications were observed and, in particular, there were no inadvertent rectal perforations in any of the cases treated by the shaving technique. None of the patients had ileostomy or colostomy. No major post-operative complications were observed, except one small bowel occlusion 14 days post-surgery that was resolved in 3 days with medical treatment. Post-operatively, a statistically significant improvement of patient symptoms was shown for all the investigated parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the feasibility and short-term results and complications of laparoscopic robotic-assisted treatment of DIE with colorectal involvement. We demonstrate that this approach is feasible and safe, without conversion to laparotomy.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

In contrast to the uterine corpus, the vascular architecture of the human cervix has been the subject of only a few studies, mostly dealing with the ectocervical mucosal vessels. This study presents the vascular system of the cervical wall surrounding the endocervical canal visualized by the best currently available technique, corrosion casting combined with scanning electron microscopy.

METHODS

Uteri collected at autopsy (n= 20) were perfused via afferent vessels with fixative followed by Mercox resin and corroded after polymerization of the resin. The obtained vascular casts of the cervix visualizing all vessels including capillaries were examined in the scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

The vascular system of the cervix was nearly completely replicated in only two (10%) of the samples. In the wall of the cervix, four distinct vascular zones surrounding the endocervical canal were observed: (i) the outer zone containing larger vessels, arteries and veins of 0.3–1 mm diameter; (ii) the zone containing arterioles and venules; (iii) the zone of endocervical mucosal capillaries showing a very high density, parallel arrangement and relatively few interconnections and (iv) the innermost, subepithelial zone containing small veins running along the endocervical canal.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the loss of the delicate ectocervical mucosal vessels from the cast during the corrosion step, we have successfully visualized the majority of the cervical vasculature. The vascular pattern of the human cervix, especially that of the endocervical mucosa, may facilitate the adaptation of the cervical vasculature to the extensive remodeling of the cervix during parturition.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGOUND

Currently, there is no ideal agent to prevent adhesion formation. We have shown that sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, reduces post-operative adhesion formation by vasodilatation and increases fibrinolytic activity. Here, we evaluated whether tadalafil, a long-acting PDE-5 inhibitor, decreases post-operative adhesion reformation in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standardized lesions were created in Wistar albino rats by cauterization of uterine horns and abrasion of adjacent peritonium. The extent and severity of adhesions were scored on the 14th post-operative day and adhesiolysis was performed at the second laparotomy. Animals were then assigned randomly into two groups. The study group (n = 11) received 10 mg/kg oral tadalafil by gavage 60 min before the second laparotomy and daily for 14 days afterwards. Controls (n = 11) received the same volume of tap water for 14 days by gavage. Animals were killed 15 days after adhesiolysis and adhesions were scored blind during the third laparotomy.

RESULTS

Basal adhesion scores at the time of the second laparotomy were comparable in the study and control groups. Scores for the extent of adhesion reformation in the study and control groups did not differ [median 1 (range 0–3) versus median 2 (range 1–3); P: 0.81] but tadalafil reduced the respective severity scores [median 0.5 (range 0–1) versus median 1 (range 0.5–1); P: 0.02] and total scores [median 2 (range 0–4) versus median 2.5 (range 1.5–4); P: 0.042].

CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of tadalafil during the perioperative period reduces intra-abdominal adhesion reformation in rats.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Triggering ovulation by GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in GnRH antagonist IVF protocols coupled with adequate luteal phase support has recently been suggested as a means to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Our objective was to examine the outcome of fresh embryo transfer (f-ET) after triggering ovulation by GnRHa and providing intensive luteal phase supplementation, compared with that of the next first frozen–thawed embryo transfer (ft-ET) after cycles with the same protocol and cryopreservation of all the embryos.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study at a university-based IVF clinic. The study population was patients at high risk for OHSS. A daily dose of 50 mg i.m. progesterone in oil and 6 mg of oral 17-β-estradiol initiated on oocyte retrieval day in the f-ET group (n= 70). In the ft-ET group (n= 40) the embryos were cryopreserved and transferred in the next cycle.

RESULTS

The live birth rate per f-ET was 27.1 versus 20% in the ft-ET groups [P = 0.4; rate ratio = 1.36 (0.65–2.81)]. The implantation, pregnancy and spontaneous abortion rates were comparable in both groups. None of the patients developed OHSS.

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational cohort study, we showed that triggering ovulation with GnRHa and intensive luteal phase support is a promising new modality to prevent OHSS without the cost of cycle cancellation, ET deferral and reduced clinical pregnancy rates. Confirmation of these findings by RCTs is now required.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Embryo donation, though less often performed than other assisted reproductive technology (ART), can represent an attractive option for couples who do not wish to discard their embryos remaining after IVF, and for those who cannot or should not conceive naturally. Clinicians and potential participants could benefit from information comparing outcomes of embryo donation with those of other ARTs, in various countries.

METHODS

We analyzed outcome information from ART treatment cycles using 2001–2008 data from national surveillance systems in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Finland. We calculated the live birth rate (LBR) with relative risks, the average number of embryos transferred per cycle and the ratio between them (LBR per embryo transferred). We compared outcomes of embryo donation cycles with those for autologous IVF, frozen embryo transfer (FET) and oocyte donation (OD).

RESULTS

LBRs for embryo donation cycles were 14–33%, compared with 16–28% for autologous FET, 22–35% for autologous IVF and 15–52% for OD. In every country except Australia/New Zealand, and in all countries combined, the LBR for embryo donation approximated that for IVF, with no statistically significant differences in Finland and Canada. The average number of embryos transferred per cycle was 1.5–2.8. The LBR per embryo transferred was 11–12% for donor embryo cycles, compared with 8–11% for autologous FET, 12–15% for autologous IVF and 9–21% for OD.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that transfer of donated embryos in these countries yields pregnancy outcomes comparable to those of autologous ART procedures. The variation in outcome rates among countries is not entirely explained by the number of embryos transferred. The relatively high success rates and low costs make embryo donation an attractive family building alternative.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in the use of assisted reproductive technologies in Canada, however, little is known about the overall prevalence of infertility in the population. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of current infertility in Canada according to three definitions of the risk of conception.

METHODS

Data from the infertility component of the 2009–2010 Canadian Community Health Survey were analyzed for married and common-law couples with a female partner aged 18–44. The three definitions of the risk of conception were derived sequentially starting with birth control use in the previous 12 months, adding reported sexual intercourse in the previous 12 months, then pregnancy intent. Prevalence and odds ratios of current infertility were estimated by selected characteristics.

RESULTS

Estimates of the prevalence of current infertility ranged from 11.5% (95% CI 10.2, 12.9) to 15.7% (95% CI 14.2, 17.4). Each estimate represented an increase in current infertility prevalence in Canada when compared with previous national estimates. Couples with lower parity (0 or 1 child) had significantly higher odds of experiencing current infertility when the female partner was aged 35–44 years versus 18–34 years. Lower odds of experiencing current infertility were observed for multiparous couples regardless of age group of the female partner, when compared with nulliparous couples.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the prevalence of current infertility has increased since the last time it was measured in Canada, and is associated with the age of the female partner and parity.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Little is known concerning patient preferences for IVF treatments. The objective of this study was to elicit patient preferences for characteristics differentiating ovarian stimulation treatments.

METHODS

Women undergoing IVF were recruited from six clinics in Sweden between May 2010 and December 2010. Included patients completed a study questionnaire consisting of one contingent valuation (CV) question (with six different bids) and 16 conjoint analysis (CA) questions formulated as discrete choices between two hypothetical ovarian stimulation treatments (defined in terms of manufacturing method, method of administration, time required for administration, dose variability and hypothetical price). Patient preferences were derived using multinomial logit modelling.

RESULTS

The final study population consisted of 294 women (mean age of 35). Respondents were willing to pay 360 [95% confidence interval (CI): 340–390] to receive FSH derived from DNA technology instead of highly purified extract from urine from post-menopausal women, 300 (95% CI: 280–320) to administer the FSH using a prefilled injection pen instead of a conventional syringe, 30 (95% CI: 20–40) per saved minute required for administration and 530 (95% CI: 500–570) to reduce the dose variability from 10–20% to 1–2% (P< 0.001 for all estimates). The result from the CV was similar to the CA.

CONCLUSIONS

Women undergoing IVF place significant value on characteristics differentiating ovarian stimulation treatments. Product-specific aspects should be taken into account by decision-makers when discriminating between commercial gonadotrophins in clinical practice to align health-care decision-making with patient preferences and potentially improve the effectiveness of IVF interventions through enhanced patient satisfaction and treatment compliance. Preferences for treatment characteristics should also be considered in evaluations of ovarian stimulation products to capture their true value from a patient perspective.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Based on previous reports suggesting a role of adeno-associated virus (AAV) in miscarriage, the prevalence of AAV DNA in genital tracts of male and female partners of subfertile couples was determined to assess a potential association of AAV infection with clinically relevant parameters of male and female fertility.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed in the outpatient infertility clinic of a university-based hospital. Semen samples and endocervical material obtained from 146 male and 134 female partners of asymptomatic subfertile couples were analyzed for the presence of AAV DNA (using nested PCR). Patients' medical histories and details of clinical examinations were recorded. Semen quality, including sperm functional capacity and the presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) and seminal white blood cells (WBC), was assessed in aliquots of the same ejaculate. Detailed examinations of the cervical factor and other variables of female subfertility were performed. Both partners were screened for bacterial infection.

RESULTS

The presence of AAV DNA in semen was not significantly related to semen quality, including sperm functional capacity or local ASA, nor was it coupled to the presence of AAV in the endocervical material of female partners. The presence of AAV DNA was not associated with the presence of other micro-organisms of the lower genital tract or with seminal WBC in men. AAV DNA in endocervical material was not related to a reduced quality of cervical mucus or to other female infertility factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of AAV DNA in semen samples or endocervical swabs showed no significant association with clinically relevant infertility factors. However, longitudinal studies may clarify previous suggestions of an influence of AAV infection on early pregnancy problems.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

One of the major factors impacting on a couple's relationship is the desire to have children. To many couples having a child is a confirmation of their love and relationship and a means to deepen and develop their intimate relationship. At the same time parental stress can impact on relationship quality. Relationship quality in lesbian couples is, currently, sparsely studied. The aim of the present study was to compare lesbian and heterosexual couples' perceptions of their relationship quality at the commencement of assisted reproduction, and to relate this to background data such as educational level, having previous children and, for lesbian couples, the use of a known versus anonymous donor.

METHODS

The present study is part of the prospective longitudinal ‘Swedish study on gamete donation’, including all fertility clinics performing donation treatment in Sweden. Of a consecutive cohort of 214 lesbian couples about to receive donor insemination and 212 heterosexual couples starting regular IVF treatment, 166 lesbian couples (78% response) and 151 heterosexual couples (71% response) accepted participation in the study. At commencement of assisted reproduction participants individually completed questionnaires including the instrument ‘ENRICH’, which is a standardized measure concerning relationship quality.

RESULTS

In general, the couples rated their relationship quality as good, the lesbian couple better than the heterosexuals. In addition, the lesbian women with previous children assessed their relationship quality lower than did the lesbian woman without previous children. For heterosexual couples previous children did not influence their relationship quality. Higher educational levels reduced the satisfaction with the sexual relationship (P = 0.04) for treated lesbian women, and enhanced the rating of conflict resolution for treated lesbian women (P = 0.03) and their partners (P = 0.02). Heterosexual women with high levels of education expressed more satisfaction with communication in their relationship (P = 0.02) than did heterosexual women with lower educational levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In this Swedish study sample of lesbian and heterosexual couples' relationships, we found that they were generally well adjusted and stable in their relationships when starting treatment with donated sperm or IVF, respectively. However, where lesbian women had children from a previous relationship, it decreased relationship quality. For the heterosexual couples previous children did not affect relationship quality.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

MEMPHIS, TN -

(WMC-TV) - A proposal dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill passed the House Education Subcommittee Wednesday.

The legislation limits all sexually related instruction to "natural human reproduction science" in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"This bill, if amended, does not prohibit the use of the word gay, it does not change the anti-bullying statute, and it does not prohibit a school guidance counselor from discussing issues of sexuality with a student," said Rep. Bill Dunn (R) of Knoxville.

Anne Gullick with the Tennessee Equality Project said if the law is passed, it will have a chilling effect on the teacher-student relationship.

"If we take that adult resource that our kids have from school and muzzle that resource, what purpose would that serve for the protection of kids?" asked Gullick.

Last year, protesters crowded outside the capitol in Nashville when the senate considered and passed the same proposal.  Protesters returned Wednesday, this time wearing purple tape across their mouths, symbolizing what they consider silencing teachers.

Opponents fear the law would prevent teachers from speaking out against the bullying of gay teens.

"If the classroom teacher is muzzled, is quieted, what message are you sending?" said Gullick.  "That you're not worth my time, our involvement in your life is not worthy."

The bill will come up for discussion again next week.  It has been placed on the state education committee calendar February 21.  It is on track for the full house before the current session adjourns.

Copyright 2012 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.

Read more here:
Contentious "Don't Say Gay" bill passes subcommittee

MORE enlightening news from a member of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. A Libyan diplomat told the UN: “Gays threaten the future of the human race.” The comment was picked up by UN Watch. But, oddly, no news organ gives the nem of the Libyans “envoy” who said it. Pink News writes:

“Protesting the council’s first panel discussion on discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, scheduled for March 7th, Libya’s representative told the gathering of ambassadors today that LGBT topics “affect religion and the continuation and reproduction of the human race.”

The Human Rights Council is a nonsense. Libya was on it until March 2011, when it was kicked off, presumably because peace-loving Gaddafi had suddenly said something rude about Mormons. Libya was year but allowed back on the Council in November after Gaddafi was murder by Libya’s answer to the BNP.

Still, bit odd that no-one can name the envoy…?

Anorak

Posted: 16th, February 2012 | In: News Comment | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink

Originally posted here:
Libyan homophobe makes UN Human Rights Council an still bigger joke

Sen. Stacey Campfield’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill made it out of a House subcommittee today, banning discussion of all but “natural human reproduction science” before the ninth grade in public schools.

Before the House education subcommittee acted, chairman Joey Hensley scored bonus points by admonishing all Tennessee parents not to let their children watch “Modern Family” on television because they might discover there are homosexuals in the world.

Coincidentally, President Obama says "Modern Family" is one of the first family’s favorite shows to watch in the White House. Hensley didn’t mention that, but we’re certain that if he knew it, it would only strengthen his belief in the show’s evil influence.

“I don’t think ‘Modern Family’ is appropriate for children to watch,” Hensley said solemnly after a Nashville preacher testified children might find out about gay people by seeing the show even if teachers aren’t allowed to say gay in schools.

The state Senate adopted the “don’t say gay” bill last year but amended it first to allow only the teaching of “natural human reproduction science."

Democrats argued the amendment actually liberalizes state law, which now makes it a misdemeanor to teach any kind of sex education before the ninth grade.

Nashville high school students have made regular trips to the Capitol to demonstrate against the bill, chanting “It’s OK to say gay!” They attended today’s hearing too.

"I really don’t know the purpose of bringing this legislation at this time," House Democratic leader Craig Fitzhugh said. "It looks to me like a solution looking for a problem. This is certainly unnecessary. If it’s unnecessary why do we do it? I think we need to look long and hard at our motives."

Visit link:
'Don't Say Gay' Bill Flies Out of House Subcommittee

A United Nations delegate from Libya’s newly formed government told a human rights panel that gays and other groups threaten “reproduction of the human race,” drawing a stern rebuke from leaders of the international body.

The remarks, reported by Geneva-based U.N. Watch, came just months after the North African nation’s membership was restored to the U.N. Human Rights Council. The reinstatement came amid assurances that the new government that supplanted the brutal regime of Muammar Qaddafi would not brook human rights violations.

Yet the unnamed representative told a panel discussing violence based on sexual orientation that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, topics "affect religion and the continuation and reproduction of the human race.”

Council Chair Laura Dupuy Lasserre replied that "the Human Rights Council is here to defend human rights and prevent discrimination."

The Libyan outburst prompted questions by human rights activists about Libya's reinstatement on the council. The nation was one of 47 represented on the council for a term that was scheduled to end in 2013, but the full body kicked it off the council in March 2011, amid criticism of Qaddafi’s human rights record. Gays were subject to flogging and imprisonment during his regime, according to human rights advocates.

“This is our duty to all the men and women who are hoping and struggling to have their rights respected and who, today, are running the greatest risks,” General Assembly President Joseph Deiss told the body before the vote. “Their hopes must not be dashed.”

But the harsh stance against gays voiced Monday has some critics wondering if the new government ushered in by the so-called Arab Spring is any more tolerant than its predecessor.

"Today's homophobic outburst by the new Libyan government, together with the routine abuse of prisoners, underscores the serious questions we have about the new regime's commitment to improving on the dark record of its predecessor, and about its pandering to Islamists in its ranks," U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer said.

Back in November, when the U.N. General Assembly reinstated Libya on the council, deputy U.N. envoy Ibrahim Dabbashi said "the new Libya deserves to return to the Human Rights Council to contribute with other members to the promotion of values of human rights."

"No violations of human rights will take place on Libyan territory in the future and if it happens the perpetrator will never get away with it,” he pledged.

Read more from the original source:
New Libyan leadership takes harsh stance at UN against gays

Tuesday, 14 February 2012, 2:09 pm
Press Release: UN Watch

Libya Tells UN Rights Council: "Gays threaten continuation of human race"

Libya’s Islamist objection to gays dampers hopes of Arab Spring

GENEVA, Feb. 13 – Gays threaten the continuation of the human race, Libya's delegate told a planning meeting of the UN Human Rights Council today, reported the Geneva-based UN Watch monitoring group. It was the first appearance in the 47-nation body by the post-Gaddafi government, whose membership was restored in November following Libya's suspension in March.

Protesting the council's first panel discussion on discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, scheduled for March 7th, Libya's representative told the gathering of ambassadors today that LGBT topics "affect religion and the continuation and reproduction of the human race." He added that, were it not for their suspension, Libya would have opposed the council's June 2011 resolution on the topic.

In response, council president Laura Dupuy Lasserre said that "the Human Rights Council is here to defend human rights and prevent discrimination."

The Libyan outburst prompted questions by human rights activists about Libya's reinstatement on the council.

"We were happy to see the Gaddafi regime finally suspended last year," said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, which in 2010 led a campaign of 70 human rights groups to expel the Libyan dictator from the council membership, "but this is not the Arab Spring we hoped for."

"Today's homophobic outburst by the new Libyan government, together with the routine abuse of prisoners, underscores the serious questions we have about the new regime's commitment to improving on the dark record of its predecessor, and about its pandering to Islamists in its ranks," said Neuer.

In November, when the UN General Assembly reinstated Libya on the council, deputy UN envoy Ibrahim Dabbashi said "the new Libya deserves to return to the Human Rights Council to contribute with other members to the promotion of values of human rights."

"No violations of human rights will take place on Libyan territory in the future and if it happens the perpetrator will never get away with it,” he vowed.

According to Neuer, however, "the restoration of the new Libyan regime to the council, supported by 123 states including all of the Western democracies, was carried out precipitously and without any record of its commitment to human rights domestically and abroad."

"Gays are now paying the price, with their right to be free from violent attacks now being undermined at the UN by a country that democratic countries fought to liberate, and by a goverment that our leaders helped install. It's all very disconcerting."

http://www.unwatch.org

----------------

UN Watch is a Geneva-based human rights organization founded in 1993 to monitor UN compliance with the principles of its Charter. It is accredited as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and as an Associate NGO to the UN Department of Public Information (DPI).

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Public release date: 14-Feb-2012
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Contact: Nerissa Hannink
nhannink@unimelb.edu.au
61-343-058-8055
University of Melbourne

New research from the University of Melbourne shows how the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) changes into a banana shape before sexual reproduction, a finding that could provide targets for vaccine or drug development and may explain how the parasite evades the human immune system.

The work was conducted by an Australian research team led by Dr Matthew Dixon and PhD student Megan Dearnley from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute at the University of Melbourne, and is published in the Journal of Cell Science today.

Dr Dixon said the new study solves a 130-year old mystery, revealing how the most deadly of human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum performs its shape-shifting.

"In 1880 the banana or crescent shape of the malaria parasite was first seen in the blood of a patient. Using a 3D microscope technique, we reveal that malaria uses a scaffold of special proteins to form a banana shape before sexual reproduction," said Dr Dixon.

"As the malaria parasite can only reproduce in its 'banana form', if we can target these scaffold proteins in a vaccine or drug, we may be able to stop it reproducing and prevent malaria transmission entirely."

When in its banana shape, the malaria parasite is passed from a human host to a mosquito where it reproduces in the mosquito gut. The study found that specific proteins form scaffolds, called microtubules, which lie underneath the parasite surface and elongate it into the sexual stage banana shape.

The work suggests that when the parasites are ready for sexual reproduction, they adopt the banana shape so that they can fit through the tiny sinusoidal slits in the spleen. This enables them to avoid the host's mechanical filtering and immune surveillance mechanisms and to survive in the circulation long enough to be picked up by a mosquito and transmitted to the next victim.

The banana shape was revealed in greater detail than ever before by using high-end imaging techniques - 3D Structured Illumination Microscopy and Cryo Electron Microscopy ? conducted with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-Ray Science.

One child dies from malaria every minute in Africa. Around the world, the malaria parasite kills more than 600,000 people each year, most of them children and pregnant women, while another 225 million people suffer illness as a result of malaria infections.

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The work was funded by NHMRC and ARC.

Video and still images of the malaria parasite are available. For more information:

Dr Matthew Dixon, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute at the University of Melbourne P: 8344-2312 E: matthew.dixon@unimelb.edu.au

Nerissa Hannink Media Unit, University of Melbourne: M: 0430-588-055 E: nhannink@unimelb.edu.au

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Continued here:
Malaria parasite goes bananas before sex: New study