The sera of 110 couples with unexplained infertility were examined for anti-sperm immobilizing antibodies with the aid of multiple-exposure photography. The sera of 10 females and 3 males had ...immobilizing activity. Eleven pregnancies occurred in 10 female patients in the group without immobilizing antibodies. None of the 13 females in the couples with immobilizing activity conceived. A negative correlation was found between the occurrence of serum immobilizing antibodies and incidence of pregnancy. No such correlation could be found between the occurrence of autoagglutination in the male's ejaculate and the female partner conceiving. In light of detection of anti-sperm antibodies in a patient with habitual abortions, a possible immune mechanism is suggested.
The health status of males aged 15 or more years was studied as part of a community health survey in a neighborhood of western Jerusalem. Most subjects (75%) reported that they felt well; clinical ...appraisals revealed a need for treatment in 33%. Hypertension was found in 14% and coronary heart disease in 6%. Other common disorders included hemorrhoids (16%), varicose veins (11%), overweight (18%), hypercholesterolemia (13%), inguinal hernia (13%), symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy (10%) and diabetes (5%). The prevalence of specific symptoms of emotional ill health ranged from 6 to 23%. A quarter reported serious current problems; 10% were dissatisfied with their present life situation; and 10% had concentration camp experience. Half were current cigarette smokers. The prevalence of most disorders rose in successive age groups. Mean diastolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol, relative weight and the prevalence of cigarette smoking were lower in the oldest age groups. With some exceptions, the age trends were similar to those found in other populations.
A longitudinal community health study was commenced in a neighborhood of western Jerusalem in 1969. Its main aims were the investigation of etiologic factors in selected common diseases and ...disabilities, the development and testing of epidemiologic tools for use in community diagnosis, the provision of a factual basis for decisions concerning community health care for the population studied, and the use of the findings in an evaluation of the effectiveness of community health care. In the first round, 90% of residents 25 or more years old were interviewed and 81% were examined. Among children under 15 years of age, the corresponding rates were 94 and 83%. Response was low among persons in the age range 15 to 24 years, especially males. People who were concerned about their health were readier to be examined. Response was not related to region of birth, education or other variables. The possible bias introduced by nonresponse appeared to be small except in the age group 15 to 24 years.
