The impact of contraceptive methods on the onset of symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis within the menstrual cycle

OBJECTIVE: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginal discharge. Low-dose oral contraceptives are no longer thought to increase the absolute risk of episodic vulvovaginal candidiasis. This study investigates the possible impact that hormonal contraception may have on the timing of onset of symptoms within the menstrual cycle. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective chart review of reproductive-aged women seen at the Women's Health Care Clinic at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center, data from the records of 448 symptomatic women who had 507 episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis were extracted and analyzed for timing of onset of symptoms within the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis was based on symptoms, physical findings, and microscopy. Onset was divided into five physiologic ranges within an idealized 28-day menstrual cycle. Comparisons among groups were made with use of chi 2 and p < 0.05 thresholds for statistical significance. RESULTS: No differences were found in the onset of symptoms within the idealized menstrual cycle ranges between women using hormonal birth control methods and those using nonhormonal ones. The distribution was remarkably uniform throughout the cycle with the exception of the first few days (during menses). CONCLUSION: The timing of onset of symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis within a woman's menstrual cycle is not affected by her method of birth control.     

Role of growth hormone in ovarian physiology and onset of puberty

To evaluate the usefulness of transendoscopic sonography, we have studied the use of a new sonographic probe of 6 F diameter in 11 fresh specimens. We achieved a precise imaging of well known anatomic structures and, moreover, obtained an additional dimension in endoscopy, since the sonographic probe adds a transverse scan to the endoscopic view, like a mini-CT at the tip of the probe. In this way, we also examined the guiding characteristics of this imaging technique, both in real time and on-line. Our results promise further interesting aspects of this technique in minimally invasive neurosurgery and suggest that further development and clinical experience seem to be justified.     

Effects of the ovarian cycle on sympathetic neural outflow during static exercise

We compared reflex responses to static handgrip at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in 10 women (mean age 24.1 +/- 1.7 yr) during two phases of their ovarian cycle: the menstrual phase (days 1-4) and the follicular phase (days 10-12). Changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography) in response to static exercise were greater during the menstrual compared with follicular phase (phase effect P = 0.01). Levels of estrogen were less during the menstrual phase (75 +/- 5.5 vs. 116 +/- 9.6 pg/ml, days 1-4 vs. days 10-12; P = 0.002). Generated tension did not explain differences in MSNA responses (MVC: 29.3 +/- 1.3 vs. 28.2 +/- 1.5 kg, days 1-4 vs. days 10-12; P = 0.13). In a group of experiments with the use of 31P-NMR spectroscopy, no phase effect was observed for H+ and H2PO-4 concentrations (n = 5). During an ischemic rhythmic handgrip paradigm (20% MVC), a phase effect was not observed for MSNA or H+ or H2PO-4 concentrations, suggesting that blood flow was necessary for the expression of the cycle-related effect. The present studies suggest that, during static handgrip exercise, MSNA is increased during the menstrual compared with the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle.     

The supraependymal cells of the rat hypothalamus: changes in their morphology and cell number during the ovarian cycle

The number of SEC in the hypothalamus of the rat change during the ovarian cycle (5-8 cells in oestrus, 100 cells in dioestrus per ventricular surface). The changes in the number as well the morphology of the SEC support the hypothesis that they are of mesenchymal nature.     

Effects of oxytocin on in vitro ovarian contractility during the estrous cycle of the rat

Necrotizing skin lesions developed in a man with chronic ulcerative colitis. No evidence of intrinsic disease of medium or small-sized vessels was found. A circulating cryofibrinogen was thought to be responsible for in situ thrombosis leading to skin infarctions. Sodium warfarin in a daily dose of 2.5 to 5 mg appears to have thwarted progression of developing lesions and the occurrence of new ones.     

The onset of schizophrenia

This survey deals with findings and results of systematic clinical-psychiatric and -psychological studies of the true onset of schizophrenia and its significance. Many symptoms precede the psychotic onset of schizophrenia. These have been described by Huber as 'basic symptoms', who developed the concept of basic stages and basic symptoms gradually since the 1950's. The basic symptoms are experiential and not behavioral in kind and only recognizable by the self-reports of the patients. They are rateable using a structural scale (Bonn Schedule for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms: BSABS) described below. They form the two precursor syndromes: (1) prodromes lead on average within 3.3 years to a psychotic episode; and (2) outpost syndromes that are completely remitting on average within 5 months and precede the first psychotic episode on average 10 years. Basic symptoms can be further divided into level 1 (non-specific) and level 2 (characteristic) basic symptoms. Basic symptoms, positive and negative symptoms have to be differentiated; they also develop in this chronological sequence: first non-specific, then characteristic basic symptoms, followed on average many years later by positive symptoms, and, finally by negative symptoms. Structured ratings of the basic symptoms and their recognition in the precursor syndromes enables physicians to detect early symptoms of a schizophrenic illness that, if treated at this stage, can lead to a better long-term outcome.     

Influence of ovarian hormones on the recovery period following hypothalamic lesions.

Examined the effects of ovariectomy and its interaction with body weight on the recovery period following lateral hypothalamic lesions. Results in 18 ovariectomized and 24 control female Charles River rats indicate that but set point prior to lesioning, liable to be influenced by hormonal and metabolic factors, was a more important variable in modifying the recovery process after lateral hypothalamic lesions than was absolute body weight, while absolute body weight determined the amount of weight loss that followed lesions of the lateral hypothalamus. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Age at onset of puberty following high-dose central nervous system radiation therapy

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a relationship exists between age at irradiation, sex of the patient, and age at onset of puberty and pubarche in children treated with high-dose radiation to the central nervous system. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary care institutional practices and clinics. PATIENTS: Thirty-six children treated with high-dose irradiation (hypothalamic pituitary dose, 30-72 Gy) by conventional (n = 29) or hyperfractionated (n = 7) schedules. Girls were treated before age 8 years and boys before age 9 years. Twenty-six of the 36 children also received chemotherapy. All tumors were distant from the hypothalamic-pituitary region. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Age at onset of puberty and pubarche. RESULTS: In girls, the median age at onset of puberty was 9.3 years vs 10.9 years for controls (P < .01); pubarche occurred at 9.4 years vs 11.2 years for controls (P < .01). In boys, the median age at onset of puberty--genital II--was 11.0 years vs 11.5 years for controls (P = .30); pubarche occurred at a median age of 10.5 years vs 12 years for controls (P = .25). A censored-data normal linear regression model was used to account for children (n = 6) who had not reached puberty. Age at diagnosis (P < .01) and sex (P = .01) were significant predictors of age at onset of puberty. Body mass index SD score (z score) was inversely related to age at onset of puberty (r = -0.77) and was greater at onset of puberty in girls than in boys. CONCLUSION: In children who have received high-dose cranial radiation therapy, a significant positive correlation exists between age at diagnosis and age at onset of puberty in boys and girls.     

Fluctuations in unimanual hand preference in infants following the onset of duplicated syllable babbling.

22 infants were tested for unimanual handedness at weekly intervals for a 14-wk period beginning with the week of duplicated syllable babbling onset at ages 4.9–8.8 mo. Ss showed a right-handed preference on the 1st session. Analyses based on Ss' preferred hand on the 1st session (17 right-handers, 5 left-handers) indicate 2 fluctuations in the unimanual hand preference following babbling onset, with troughs in preferred hand performance occurring 4 and 8 wks after babbling onset. Group analyses indicating effects of sex and/or birth order on these fluctuations, and inspection of the data for individual Ss suggested considerable variability across Ss in the occurrence and/or timing of these fluctuations. Nevertheless, findings support A. Gesell's (1954) claim that hand preference in infancy alternates between right-handedness and ambilaterality, and they suggest underlying change in hemispheric specialization or asymmetrical brain organization for motoric control. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A case of multiple trauma following a motor cycle accident

This paper reports a fractured femur, jejunal laceration and a torn aorta in a young man who appeared reasonably well on admission to hospital. The diagnostic problems and treatment of this case are discussed.     

Urological assessment for tethered cord syndrome of delayed onset following repair of meningomyelocele

PURPOSE AND MATERIALS: Out of 84 patients with meningomyelocele repaired at birth, 14 (15. 7%) children (6 boys and 8 girls, average 8.8 year-old) who underwent cord untethering for tethered cord syndrome of delayed onset (Delayed TCS) were urologically evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven (78.5%) children were detected orthopedically by deterioration of lower extermities function and only 3 (21.5%) were detected urologically. Preoperative urodynamic study, however, revealed in 5 children aggravation of urinary tract dysfunction, including accelerated uninhibited contraction in 4, impaired bladder compliance in 3, decreased bladder capacity in 2 and recurrence of VUR in 1. Although there were no particular urinary symptom for detection of Delayed TCS, acceleration of uninhibited contraction seemed to be one of the most important findings. After untethering, deterioration or normalization of urological dysfunction was not seen. Six of 14 children had favorable clinical results, such as improvement of uninhibited contraction, increasing of bladder compliance and capacity, prolongation of dry time and disappearance of VUR. In 3 children Delayed TCS were detected by postoperative improvement of urinary tract function. Consequently, of 14 children who were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively 8 (52. 7%) had urological impairment compatible with Delayed TCS. CONCLUSIONS: It is not easy to detect the urological deteriorations associated with Delayed TCS behind initial neuro-urological deficits. Careful and regular follow-up examinations are required to early detection of Delayed TCS. The fact that urinary tract dysfunction improved in some cases after untethering encourages aggressive surgical untehtering of Delayed TCS.     

Asymmetries in the effect of side of seizure onset on recognition memory following intracarotid amobarbital injection

OBJECTIVE: To report gross anatomic examination of the canine myocardial bridge (MB), a muscular band found above the coronary artery (CA), with respect to its occurrence, location, vascularization, and innervation. SAMPLE POPULATION: 629 canine hearts obtained within 1 to 3 hours after euthanasia. PROCEDURE: After an incision was made at the left fifth intercostal space, the pericardial sac was cut open, and if an MB was present, the heart, lungs, and annexed structures were removed together and subsequently subjected to macroscopic examination of MB musculature and innervation after formalin fixation. Vascular casting was performed by use of methyl methacrylate perfusion. RESULTS: Of the 629 canine hearts examined, 189 (30%) had MB, occurrence of which was independent of sex, age, and breed. Among 13 MB-containing specimens examined in detail, there was great variation in thickness (0.11 to 2.24 mm; mean, 0.45 mm) of MB and distance (24 to 236 microns; mean, 103 microns) between the MB and the paraconal interventricular branch of the left CA (PIBL). One pair or 2 pairs of blood vessels from the PIBL supplied the MB muscle. Venous blood returned to the coronary circulation via the branches of the great coronary vein coursing on both sides of the PIBL, in close contact with the PIBL and the groove wall. The 2 veins rejoined at the upper portion of the PIBL and passed obliquely to the coronary groove under the left auricle, and finally drained the blood through the coronary sinus into the right ventricle. Innervation to the MB muscle was derived from nerve branches of the middle cervical ganglion and left vagus nerve. CONCLUSION: Prevalence and localization of MB in dogs and human beings are similar. Vascularization of the MB muscle originates from the PIBL. The cervical ganglion and vagus nerve control the MB muscle.     

Changes in ovarian function and gonadotropin secretion preceding the onset of nutritionally induced anestrus in Bos indicus heifers

The aim of this study was to monitor endocrine and ovarian changes immediately preceding the onset of nutritionally induced anestrus. Daily blood samples were obtained from 14 postpubertal heifers for one estrous cycle (initial estrous cycle). Subsequently, heifers designated "restricted" were given a limited diet (n = 9), and daily blood samples were obtained for approximately 21 days preceding onset of anestrus (anovulatory cycle). Controls were allowed ad libitum dietary intake (n = 5), and daily blood samples were collected for a complete estrous cycle during a time period that coincided with that preceding onset of anestrus in restricted heifers. Plasma samples were assayed for LH, FSH, progesterone, and estradiol-17 beta. The ovaries of all heifers were examined daily using transrectal ultrasonography from the initial until the final or anovulatory estrous cycles to determine changes in growth of follicles and corpora lutea. Anestrus was defined as failure of ovulation of the dominant follicle following luteolysis. When anovulatory and initial estrous cycles in restricted heifers were compared, mean concentrations of LH were lower (p < 0.01), and diameters of dominant follicles were smaller (p < 0.01); mean concentrations of estradiol-17 beta were also lower in the three days following luteolysis (p = 0.06), but concentrations of FSH appeared to be higher (p = 0.003); maximum diameters of corpora lutea were smaller (p < 0.001), but duration of luteal phases and concentrations of progesterone preceding luteolysis were similar (p > 0.10). In controls, no differences were found between estrous cycles for any of these variables. It is concluded that failure of ovulation, following reduced dietary intake, resulted from insufficient circulating LH to stimulate maturation of the ovulatory follicle.     

Hypoxia arrests ovarian carcinoma cell cycle progression, but invasion is unaffected

Although hypoxic cells are generally resistant to radiation and chemical therapies designed to halt the spread of neoplastic disease, few investigations have been carried out with regard to the molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Here, we report of the development of an in vitro model system with which to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the proliferation and invasion of human ovarian carcinoma cells under hypoxia. Results from [(3)]thymidine incorporation experiments indicate that hypoxia triggers cessation of ovarian carcinoma cell DNA synthesis. Flow cytometry analysis of cellular DNA content for hypoxic cultures revealed that cell cycle progression was arrested. This arrest was found to be reversible upon reoxygenation of the cultures. Concomitant with this growth arrest is hypophosphorylation of pRB and a reduction in cyclin A abundance, suggesting that hypoxia induces growth arrest by regulating the activities of these crucial cell cycle-regulatory proteins. In vitro invasion assays revealed that hypoxia has no appreciable effect on the invasive ability of these cells. Immunoblotting established that the detected proteolytic activity was due to the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2, the M(r) 72,000 type IV collagenase that is most closely associated with the metastatic phenotype in vitro and in vivo. These data support the notion that populations of ovarian carcinoma cells are capable of surviving and invading extracellular matrix during hypoxic conditions and, after a more suitable oxygen environment is reached, giving rise to new cell colonies.     

Timing of onset of contraceptive effectiveness in Depo-Provera users. II. Effects on ovarian function

1. Microsomal P450 and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation activities were studied in liver of rats after long-term ethanol consumption. 2. Ethanol increased the microsomal lauric acid omega-hydroxylation and the aminopyrine N-demethylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450. 3. Ethanol increased peroxisomal beta-oxidation of palmitoyl CoA and catalase activity in liver. 4. Both microsomal and peroxisomal activities behaved in a coordinate way in the liver of rats with long-term ethanol consumption. 5. These results would support a role of microsomal omega-hydroxylation and peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids in an extramitochondrial pathway of lipid oxidation in the liver.     

Dissociable onset of cognitive and motivational dysfunctions following neonatal lesions of the ventral hippocampus in rats.

This research examined cognitive and motivational processes at different developmental stages in rats with neonatal ventral hippocampus (VH) lesions, an approach used to model schizophrenia. In Experiment 1, performance in a T-maze alternation task was assessed on postnatal days (PNDs) 22 and 23. VH-lesioned rats displayed a severe deficit relative to controls. In Experiment 2, behaviorally naive rats were tested for spontaneous alternation at PND 29. Alternation was intact in VH-lesioned rats only when successive alternations were separated by >5 s. In Experiment 3, motivation was tested in a cost-benefit T-maze task and in a saccharine-water preference test. Between PNDs 22-37, behaviorally naive rats with neonatal VH lesions displayed weaker saccharine preference than controls, but the 2 groups did not differ on the cost-benefit task. At adulthood, between PNDs 56-72, the difference on saccharine preference persisted and an impairment on the cost-benefit task emerged. Overall, these results suggest that working memory deficits observed at the weaning stage were not secondary to spontaneous alternation or motivation dysfunctions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Rate of decline of cortisol concentrations in ovarian follicles following ACTH treatment in the sow

Three milliliters of blood from the present commercially produced heartwater infective blood vaccine (Ball3 stock) was experimentally tested in sheep and cattle for infectivity and efficacy. Results obtained for this vaccine dose were statistically not different from results for the prescribed 5 ml vaccine dose.