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OBJECTIVE The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) causes one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections in humans. T. vaginalis is notorious for its inconspicuous appearance in vaginal smears. It can be missed under the microscope. METHOD In the present study, we investigate the immunoreactivity of T. vaginalis to smooth muscle actin (SMA) in the vaginal smear. RESULT T. vaginalis trophozoite and pseduocyst are immunoreactive for SMA in all of the study group cases (n = 21) and in none of the control group cases (n = 21). Thus, SMA immunostain is a sensitive method for the demonstration of T. vaginalis. Moreover, the protozoan attains a conspicuous and unique appearance. By SMA immunohistochemical stain, the apperance of T. vaginalis floated freely or located in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells is easily identified. CONCLUSION We recommend performing SMA immunostain in every vaginal smear with clinical or pathologic suspicion of trichomoniasis.

In a study to compare the durability of commonly used stains (Giemsa, Leishman, Wright, Eosin, Nigrosin and Gentian violet) for exfoliative vaginal cytology, vaginal smear was obtained from eleven apparently healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) female Goats and processed according to standard technique. Scores (0-3) were given on four parameters namely background of smears, overall staining pattern, cytoplasmic staining and nuclear staining. Quality index one (QI-I) was calculated from the ratio of score achieved to the maximum score possible (12), immediately post staining while quality index–II (QI-II) was obtained 35 days after. Calculation for durability index (DI) was self-derived and equalled to ratio of QI-II to QI-I. The data were presented as mean ± SEM. Multinomial logistic regression model was generated for the QI-I and QI-II using durability index as reference category. Giemsa, Leishman and Wright stains were more durable than others with their mean DI values significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Gentian violet, Nigrosin and Eosin.The model showed 89.2% overall model accuracy for the multinomial logistic regression model and 81.5% for the multinomial Bayes Naïve regression model. In conclusion, Giemsa, Leishman and Wright stains were more reliable and durable for exfoliative vaginal cytology compared to the other stains.

Background & Method: The material for the present study comprised of examination of 1542 cervical/vaginal smear, taken from patients attending the out-patient Department of Obstretric & Gynaecology and further sent to Department of Pathology for cytomorphological analysis. The study is done in Department of Pathology. Study Designed: Cross sectional observational study. Result: Maximum number of atypical epithelial cells of uncertain significance were found in age group 21-40 years (76.5%). Conclusion: The value of exfoliative vaginal cytology is undisputed today. The question arises about the feasibility of such study. The facilities for cytology being limited in our country, the needful and under privelaged population should also be taken into consideration in screening programmes. Post coital bleeding and sero-sanguinous discharge were the important symptoms associated with ASCUS and LSIL while bleeding per vaginum was the most important symptom associated with Squamous cell carcinoma. Keywords: Cytology, Diagnostic, Benign & malignant lesions.

Background & Method: The material for the current investigation contained assessment of 1542 cervical/vaginal smear, taken from patients going to the out-tolerant Department of Obstretric and Gynecology and further shipped off Department of Pathology for cytomorphological examination. The legitimate example assortment is perhaps the main strides in pap smear screening. At any rate one half to 66% of bogus negatives are the aftereffect of patient conditions present at the hour of test assortment and accommodation and the expertise and information on the person who acquires the example. Sufficient cervical cytology tests ought to be gathered and submitted to the lab with proper clinical data. Study Designed: Cross sectional observational study. Result: 27 cases of epithelial cell abnormality, out of which 17 cases show Atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance, 1 case show Atypical glandular cells of uncertain significance. 2 cases shows low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 2 cases shows high grade squamous intra epithelial lesions. A total of 5 smears show invasive carcinoma cervix. Maximum cases of LSIL were detected in 41-50 years of age group and maximum cases of HSIL were detected in 31-60 years of age group whereas maximum cases of carcinoma cervix were detected in 51-60 years of age group. Conclusion: In the developing countries like India, cervical cytology, due to its low cost and easy availability, is the most important diagnostic tool for the screening of females of reproductive age group. The patient attending the Gynecology Out Patient Department were targeted in this study, so as to screening all the females, even with minor symptoms like discharge per vaginum. Keywords: Cytological, Cervical and vaginal lesions.

Ovarian graft may be the target of the biochemical effects of oxidative stress caused at the time of transplantation. In order to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine on the ovarian graft, regarding the estrous cycle preservation , 50 female and virgin EPM-1 Wistar rats, weighing up to 250g, originating from CEDEME of UNIFESP, were kept in adequate sanitary conditions. , receiving their own food and water. Daily vaginal smears were performed to identify the estrous phase for 8 days. The animals were randomly distributed into 05 groups: 1st Group (GTx), saline was administered subcutaneously, 2nd (NAC 150mgKg), 3rd (NAC 300mg / Kg), 4th (NAC 600mg / Kg) and 5th (NAC 1200mg / Kg) , that were administered NAC subcutaneously on the abdominal face, 60 minutes before left unilateral ovarian transplantation in retroperitoneum and contralateral oophorectomy for purposes of histomorphological analysis, with colpocytological evaluation. Euthanasia was performed by means of anesthetic lethal dose in half of the animals on the 4th postoperative day, with a single vaginal smear collection and euthanasia on the rest of the animals, between the 14th and 16th days, after the material was collected in order to define the estrus phase. It was evaluated in the graft that the animals exhibited in all groups return of estrous cycle in the later phase of the post-transplant, with better definition of regular cycle in the highest dosages of N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine induced the return of the estrous cycle in the rats’ ovarian graft , mainly in the highest dosage, proving its effectiveness in revascularization of the tissue after ischemia and reperfusion. Keywords: Acetylcysteine. Reperfusion. Histocompatibility Antigens. Menstrual Cycle. ResumoO enxerto ovariano pode ser alvo dos efeitos bioquímicos do stress oxidativo causado no momento do transplante. Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da N-acetilcisteína no enxerto ovariano, quanto à preservação do ciclo estral, foram utilizados 50 ratos EPM-1 Wistar, fêmeas e virgens, pesando até 250g, originários do CEDEME da UNIFESP, mantidos em adequadas condições sanitárias, recebendo ração própria e água. Realizados esfregaços vaginais diários para identificação da fase estral durante 08 dias. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 05 grupos: 1º Grupo (GTx), administrada solução salina via subcutânea, 2º (NAC 150mgKg), 3º (NAC 300mg/Kg), 4º (NAC 600mg/Kg) e 5º (NAC 1200mg/Kg), aos quais foi administrada NAC por via subcutânea em face abdominal, 60 minutos antes do transplante unilateral esquerdo do ovário em retroperitônio e à ooforectomia contra-lateral para fins de análise histomorfológica, com avaliação colpocitológica. A eutanásia foi realizada por meio da dose letal do anestésico em metade dos animais no 4º dia de pós-operatório, realizado única coleta de esfregaço vaginal e a eutanásia no restante dos animais, entre o 14 º e 16º dia, após a coleta do material para definição da fase estro. Foi avaliado no enxerto que os animais apresentaram em todos os grupos retorno de ciclo estral na fase mais tardia do pós-transplante, com melhor definição de ciclo regular nas dosagens mais elevadas de N-acetilcisteína. A N-acetilcisteína induziu o retorno do ciclo estral no enxerto ovariano de ratas, principalmente na maior dosagem comprovando sua eficácia na revascularização do tecido após isquemia e reperfusão. Palavras-chave: Acetilcisteína. Reperfusão. Transplante. Ciclo Ovariano.

Objective. The aim of the study was to compare the efficiency of complex therapy of pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) in patients using the drug Longidaza and the effectiveness of therapy without the use of this drug. Materials and methods. 150 patients of reproductive age with PID. All women underwent basic therapy. The complex treatment of group 1 included the additional drug Longidaza in vaginal suppositories 3000 IU with the general course of 20 injections once every three days. The patients were observed for 60 days. The effectiveness of therapy was determined by the dynamics of diagnostic criteria (clinical and laboratory). Results. During the follow-up period, among patients receiving complex therapy with Longidaza relief of pain syndrome in the lower abdomen was observed much faster, and only 14 (18,5 %) women of group 1 continued to fill it after 2 months of treatment, where as in group 2 60 (81,1 %) patients (p 0,001). Reduction of pain in palpation and cervical traction in patients of the main group was recorded in all (100 %) patients, while in the group of basic therapy this symptom continued to be observed in 23 % of women (p 0.001). The dynamics of decrease in the share of patients with increased uterine size in group 1 was 14.9 % and in group 2 only 8.4 % (p 0.001). In the experimental group, during the 2-month follow-up period, there was observed an increase in the number of patients with a normal number of leukocytes in the vaginal smear by 13 %, while in the second group this parameter increased by only 3 % to the initial value. Conclusions. The results of the research allow indicating the efficiency of treatment of PID when using the drug Longidaza.

Urogenital atrophy occurs as a result of the effect of estrogen deficiency on the tissue quality in the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder. It is a common consequence of the menopause, with possibly up to 80% of women experiencing symptoms. Despite a number of different diagnostic methods, there is no validated objective method by which to confirm the diagnosis in clinical practice and research settings. Education, for women and clinicians, is called for to support diagnosis and treatment. However, before this can be of global benefit, development of an accessible and reproducible diagnostic test is required. Current assessment methods include routine history and clinical examination, with the clinician’s opinion based on their subjective observations. A vaginal smear to assess the ratio of superficial to parabasal cells and measurement of the pH of the vaginal secretions is more commonly used in research settings. A number of formulae have been postulated to facilitate the diagnosis including the Vaginal Health Index, the Vulval Health Index, the Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause assessment tool, the Genital Health Clinical Evaluation and vaginal biopsy and assessment of the vaginal microbiome. However, none of these potential methods of assessment has been validated. This article focuses on what we do not know about urogenital atrophy including the prevalence, the most appropriate terminology, aetiology, pathogenesis and the most objective and reproducible method of assessment.

Aim: Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption to improve cognition in menopausal females remain inconclusive. This study examined the effect of VCO supplementation in aging cycling and non-cycling rodents to assess its impact on cognition. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (10 - 18 months) were randomly assigned to a supplemented VCO group (SVCO) that received oral doses of 1.42 mL/kg/day VCO (n = 10) and a non-supplemented (NVCO) group (n = 10). Their performance in a biased Y-maze discriminative learning paradigm was assessed over a 16-week period. Rats were initially allowed 3 minutes to explore the maze (habituated) and subsequently pre-trained in the non-preferred, white chamber to associate the presentation of a tone with a treat (reward). Training involved 4 daily trials initially for 3 weeks during which rats were rewarded if they entered the white arm within 15 sec after tone presentation. Time (days) to attain at least 75% correct responses (CR) determined acquisition latency (AL). Memory retention (MR1) of the learned task was assessed following a 1-week break from training and absence of supplementation (session T1). Following an additional 2-week break, supplementation of SVCO animals resumed and continued to week 16. In week 14, all animals received re-training for 1 week (session T2) followed by another 1-week break and subsequent assessment of memory (MR2). Vaginal smear cytology determinations were performed throughout the study to identify cycling and non-cycling rats. Student’s t-test and ANOVA with Brown-Forsythe and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to compare means. Results: C-SVCO rats attained lower AL, and higher CR and MR scores vs their NVCO counterparts (p Conclusion: VCO supplementation attenuated cognitive decline with a more positive impact on non-cycling rodents suggesting a beneficial effect on brain health in females in menopausal transition.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common among all infectious diseases of the female reproductive system. Recently the clinical signs of the disease have become increasingly weakening and frequently are appearing asymptomatic carriers, atypical and delayed forms. According to various authors it accounts for 20 to 60% of all vulvovaginal infections of the lower female reproductive organs. Currently used medical drug complexes are not always effective and therefore there is a need of search and implementation of new and effective methods.Objective. The aim of this study was to develop effective criteria for assessing the microbiological characteristics of infectious interactions for bacterial vaginosis in order to increase the effectiveness of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this disease. For the treatment of bacterial vaginosis were used tablets of secnidazole 0.5 – 1 tablet 2 times for 2 days orally during menstruation.Material and methods. It was conducted a comprehensive survey of 40 (10) women aged 21-45 years who had chronic bacterial vaginosis as the main diagnosis. All women were subjected to complex examination using the pH determination of the vaginal content reaction and aminotest (reaction with 10% potassium hydroxide solution). Laboratory studies included: microscopy of vaginal smear according to Gram in the modification of Kopeloff, bacteriological culture on nutrient media to determine facultative and obligate anaerobic bacterias. Clinical laboratory evaluation was performed after verification of the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis and one month after treatment with secnidazole and clindamycin.Results. After secnidazole and clindamycin treatment in the women with bacterial vaginosis the clinical symptoms of the disease disappeared and was observed complete recovery. In all women of 2 group lactobacilli were isolated in the form of an association in high concentrations 106 -107 with high protective ability as in women with normocenosis of the vagina. Facultative anaerobes after the use of the proposed therapy have always been found in monoculture, the degree of vaginal insemination was 104 or less CFU/ml. The same tendency was observed for obligate anaerobes after using the proposed treatment. Their composition and concentration approached the limit of the norm variant.Conclusion. Analysis of the treatment of women with bacterial vaginosis allows us to conclude that the use of the proposed therapy enables recovery of vaginal normocenosis with a few men's concentration of lactobacilli 106 and this, in turn, requires etiologically and pathogenetically based diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic measures.

This study assessed the vaginal epithelial cells and its relationship with the reproductive hormones as a determinant for fertility. 100 students participated in this cross-sectional study. The established approach to the evaluation of ovarian function and endocrine disorders in the woman is based on serial biochemical analyses of hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormones and their metabolites. This study analyzed the ratio of parabasal, intermediate and superficial cells in comparison with the presenting hormones. The biochemical analyses can be effectively supplemented by the old-fashioned endometrial biopsies, or studies of endocervical mucus. In addition, the vaginal smear may sometimes provide useful information and has the advantage of being easy to obtain, rapidly evaluated, and inexpensive. Cytology is the study of cells collected by various means through microscopic examination. In the case of humans, the cytologic approach is particularly valuable if laboratories specializing in endocrine analysis are not readily available. The principle of the cytologic hormonal analysis is simple. The degree of maturation of the squamous epithelium of the female genital tract depends on steroid hormones, mainly estrogen. Various factors contribute to the fertility status of a woman. In the case of this study, age, abortion and use of contraceptives are the significant contributing factors (p 1.96).

AIM High-grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is considered to be a premalignant lesion. We conducted a 20-year retrospective observational single-center study on the effectiveness of vaginal stripping (local excision procedure) as a treatment for high-grade VAIN. METHODS Women diagnosed with VAIN and treated with vaginal stripping performed from 1998 to 2017 at our unit were identified using the hospital computer database. Vaginal stripping was performed for high-grade VAIN after being diagnosed by colposcopy-directed biopsies. The patients were followed every 3-6 months afterward via cytology monitoring and vaginal smear. Colposcopy-guided biopsy was repeated for high-grade abnormal cytology or persistent low-grade abnormality. The residual disease and recurrence rates were determined. Risk factors for margin positivity and residual and recurrent disease were identified. The association between margin positivity and recurrence was evaluated. RESULTS Excluding three women whose final histology were malignant, the follow-up smears and histology (if any) were traced in the remaining 111 women. The median follow-up time was 76 months. Twenty-one of them had persistent abnormal smears (14 high-grade lesions and seven low-grade lesions) during the year following the vaginal stripping. The residual disease rate was 18.9% (21/111). The recurrence rate was 7.2%. There were five women (4%) with procedure-related complications. History of hysterectomy was identified as a risk factor for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Vaginal stripping is a valid treatment option for VAIN. High-grade VAIN post treatment recurred up to 5 years post treatment. Regular long-term surveillance is needed.

Objective of the study: was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Clofan® drug (clotrimazole, vaginal suppositories 500 mg) for treatment of candidiasis vulvovaginitis (CVV) in the third trimester with multiple pregnancy after using assisted reproductive technologies.Materials and methods. 32 women with multiple pregnancies were examined after using assisted reproductive technologies with CVV symptoms in the third trimester. General clinical research methods, vaginal smear microscopy, and culture studies using culture media were used to confirm the diagnosis. Spores and yeast fungal cells were isolated by smear microscopy of vaginal contents in all women. Examination was carried out before treatment, 1 week and 4 weeks after treatment. A single intravaginal suppository Clofan® 500 mg was used at night.Results. 7 days after Clofan® use clinical recovery was observed in 30 (93.8%) patients, and a significant symptoms reduction in 2 (6.2%) patients. Elimination of concomitant pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic bacterial microflora was achieved in 27 patients (84.4%). The absence of Candida albicans DNA in vaginal secretion after treatment was also noted in 27 patients (84.4%). The threat of preterm birth was observed in 2 cases (6.2%), premature discharge of amniotic fluid in 3 (9.4%) cases, candidal postpartum endometritis and joint discrepancy in the postpartum period were absent in all cases.Conclusions. The study showed the high efficiency of Clofan® in the treatment of CVV in the III trimester in multiple pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies. This helped to reduce the frequency of the threat of premature birth, premature discharge of amniotic fluid and postpartum complications. Clofan® is an effective and safe topical preparation for CVV, and it also has a pronounced therapeutic effect on gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes. A low incidence of side effects against the background of its use was found.

Hormonal fluctuations in livestock will affect vaginal cytology good overview on the condition of estrous until pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological condition of Ongole crossbred (PO) cow during estrous and determine pregnancy by the description of vaginal epithelial cells, progesterone, and estrogen hormone profiles. The materials were used 35 cows with physiological status (estrous, 5 th pregnancy period, 16 th pregnancy period, 22 nd pregnancy period, and 60 th pregnancy period). Samples of Vaginal smear were stained with Giemsa, then it was observed using a microscope, with 40 times magnification. The progesterone and estrogen were analyzed by the ELISA method. The parameters measured were the percentage of vaginal epithelial cells, such as (parabasal, intermediate, and superficial) started estrous phase until the time of pregnancy in cows (5, 16, 22, and 60 days), hormone concentration, as well as the presence or absence of leukocytes. The result showed the Ongole crossbred cow estrous phase percentage of superficial cells 56.27%±6.49 higher than 26.23%±7.98 intermediate cells, followed by parabasal cells 17.50%±4.74. While in Ongole crossbred that were 5t h pregnancy period until the 60 th predominantly intermediate cell 80.43%±1.31, then the superficial cells 18.09%±1.30 and 1.48%±0.04 parabasal cells. Progesterone concentration was 63.74±1.07 ng.mL -1 in estrus cows, and steadily increased 93.71±0.94 ng.mL -1 to 149.5±0.71 ng.mL -1 in pregnant cows (5-60 days). The concentration of high estrogen levels were 122.38 ± 0.63 ng.mL -1 in the estrous phase, then decreased 81.54±0.44 ng.mL -1 in the pregnancy phase. In conclusion, the concentration of hormone showed a diagnosis of pregnancy, which done by looking at changes in vaginal epithelial cells at the Ongole crossbred cow, and the cow estrous phase showed greater superficial cells compared by pregnant cows (5-60 days). Keywords: diagnosis of pregnancy, estrous, hormone, Ongole crossbred of cow, vaginal cytology.

This study aimed to analyse the effects of clotrimazole (CTZ) on estrogen production pathway in endometriosis progression. Experimental endometriosis was induced by autologous transplantation in female Wistar rats, and then the rats were treated with clotrimazole (200 mg/kg) or vehicle, both orally and intraperitoneally, for 15 consecutive days. Serum estrogen levels and vaginal smear analyses were performed and ERα (estrogen receptor alpha) and CYP19 (cytochrome P450 aromatase) levels in the endometriotic lesions were analysed morphologically and immunohistochemically. The clotrimazole group presented a reduction in serum estrogen levels, which were not influenced by the estrous cycle of the animals. The expression of ERα and CYP19 in endometriotic lesions was also reduced in the clotrimazole group compared to the control group. Moreover, clotrimazole treatment decreased the size of the lesions, as confirmed by histological examination, which showed glandular atrophy for both routes of administration. These results suggest that clotrimazole interferes with the estrogen production pathway by downregulating CYP19 and, therefore, reducing serum estrogen levels. Thus, the drug decreases endometriotic lesion size and consequently disease progression.

Summary Objectives Polyomavirus (PyV) infections have been associated with different diseases. BK (BKPyV), JC (JCPyV) and simian virus 40 (SV40) are the three main PyVs whose primary infection occurs early in life. Their vertical transmission was investigated in this study. Methods PyV sequences were analyzed by the digital droplet PCR in blood, serum, placenta, amniotic fluid, vaginal smear from two independent cohorts of pregnant females and umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples. IgG antibodies against the three PyVs were investigated by indirect E.L.I.S.As with viral mimotopes. Results DNAs from blood, vaginal smear and placenta tested BKPyV-, JCPyV- and SV40-positive with a distinct prevalence, while amniotic fluids were all PyVs-negative. A prevalence of 3%, 7%, and 3% for BKPyV, JCPyV and SV40 DNA sequences, respectively, was obtained in UCBs. Serum IgG antibodies from pregnant females reached an overall prevalence of 62%, 42% and 17% for BKPyV, JCPyV and SV40, respectively. Sera from newborns (UCB) tested IgG-positive with a prevalence of 10% for BKPyV/JCPyV and 3% for SV40. Conclusions In this investigation, PyV vertical transmission was revealed by detecting PyV DNA sequences and IgG antibodies in samples from females and their offspring suggesting a potential risk of diseases in newborns.

This study is to investigate the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS anxiety and on expression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), and serotonin transporter (SERT) in the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) anxiety model rats. The vaginal smear and open field test were used to screen rats in nonreception phase of estrus cycle with similar macroscopic behaviors and regular estrus cycle. PMS anxiety model rats were prepared by electrical stimulation. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of ERβ, TPH2, and SERT. Compared with normal rats, the total distance in the open field test of the model rats was significantly increased (P<0.05). The model rats showed nervous alertness, irritability, and sensitivity to external stimuli. After treatment with the Paeonia lactiflora extract, the total distance of rats was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In reception stage, there was no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression of ERβ, TPH2, and SERT. In nonreception stage, the expression of ERβ and TPH2 in the model group was significantly decreased (P<0.05) as compared with the control group, but not SERT. Abnormal changes of the above indicators were reversed after the administration of the Paeonia lactiflora extract. In conclusion, Paeonia lactiflora extract can increase the expression of ERβ and TPH2 and decrease SERT in PMS model rats, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS.

Objective: To identify the alteration of tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Sixteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the control and letrozole-induced PCOS groups. The oestrus cycle of rats was performed by vaginal smear. Sex hormones and morphology of the ovary, oviduct, and uterus were observed. Expressions and intensity of androgen receptor and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins of reproductive organs were investigated by Western blot. Results: Various polycysts and increased androgen receptor expression were present in the ovary of the PCOS group. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosteone were significantly higher in the PCOS group while progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly decreased as compared with the control group (P

The present study evaluated the abortifacient potential of aqueous-acetone extract of Adenopus breviflorus Benth Seed on the reproductive health of matured female albino rats by monitoring the indices of dysfunctions in reproductive system. Prior to the conduction of the fertility studies, the oral acute toxicity of the seed extract was evaluated for autonomic, behavioral and neurological changes, within 24 h to determine the LD50.The influence of aqueous-acetone extract of Adenopus breviflorus Benth Seed was evaluated for antioxidant, reproductive hormones and histology of uteri tissues primarily to monitor effects in female fertility. Female rats exhibiting thick clump of spermatozoa in their vaginal smear were randomly selected and used for the study to determine the abortifacient activity of the seed extract. Parameters such as number of live and dead fetuses, anogenital distance (AGD) and crown rump length (CRL), and the variation in birth weight of liters and gestation period between control and experimental animals were determined. The phytochemical composition of the seed extract was characterized by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrophotometry for the identification of phytochemical of toxic or therapeutic effects. Symptoms similar to clinical toxicity such as salivation, respiratory distress, weight loss and change in appearance of hair were noticed at concentrations above 1600 mg/kg BWT, there was no maternal mortality at any period of the experiment. There were changes in the behavioural, neurological and autonomic profile in groups with doses greater than 1600 mg/kg BWT. The LD50 evaluation showed that the aqueous-acetone extract of the seed was safe at dose of 5000 mg/kg BWT. The GC–MS characterization of the aqueous-acetone seed revealed isomeric derivatives of benzene-mesitylene and pseudocumene 4.28 g/100 g of sample) and 5.85 g/100 g of sample respectively as most predominant phytochemicals in the seed extract which demonstrated maternal toxicity. The effects on the female reproductive hormones of the treated animals revealed that FSH, LH and prolactin were significantly reduced (p

It is controversial whether universal screening for bacterial vaginosis (BV) should be done in the early stages of pregnancy in order to prevent preterm birth. In particular, whether the intermediate vaginal flora type should be included in the group to be treated for BV. This vaginal smear type is a mixture of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella or Bacteroides spp. We examined three vaginal flora types, excluding the mixed-type, with a Nugent Score of 4 and evaluated their significance in achieving term delivery. The subjects were pregnant women who were examined at our Hospital between June 2009 and December 2010. Their vaginal swabs were taken at their first prenatal visit and were studied by Gram staining. The resulting Nugent Score 4 organisms were further classified into the following four types: mixed-type, gram-positive cocci type, Bifidobacterium type, and non-bacterial type. The clinical courses for all the types except “mixed-type” were followed-up. Among the 566 pregnant women, 58 (10.2%) had a Nugent Score of 4. There were 38 cases of mixed-type (65.5%), 3 cases of gram-positive cocci type (5.2%), 10 cases of Bifidobacterium type (17.2%), and 7 cases of non-bacterial type (12.1%). The three women with the gram-positive cocci type attained successful term delivery despite two of them experiencing GBS infection and requiring treatment with penicillin and tocolytics. Among the 10 cases of Bifidobacterium type, 5 cases were term delivery with no therapy, 3 cases were term delivery with metronidazole treatment and 2 cases were preterm birth with maternal complications. Among the 7 cases of non-bacterial type, 6 cases were diagnosed with preterm PROM, and 5 of them resulted in preterm birth despite prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Classification of smears with a Nugent score of 4 into four bacterial morphotypes may be effective, for required treatment may vary depending on the morphotype.

The study was conducted on the female GC (Genetic Catatonia) rats selectively bred for the duration of the passive defensive response to the weak stimuli. Only male rats of this line were used in the previous studies, therefore the aim of this study was to characterize the behavioral, hormonal and metabolic parameters of the female GC rats, and to elucidate the specific properties of their estrous cycle synchronization. We determined the estrous cycle phases using the vaginal smear classification. Other parameters were recorded in the running wheel: the turn and rocking counts, the overall motor activity (amount of runs, grooming, vertical postures, and occurrences on the central axis of the running wheel), and the excitability level in response to an auditory stimulus. We also assayed the progesterone, estradiol, cholesterol, and triglycerides blood levels. Based on the obtained results, we confirm the passive response type and elevated anxiety in female GC rats. The GS rats demonstrated lower fertility and lower body weight in comparison with the Wistar rats. The progesterone blood level was elevated in the proestrus phase in GC rats. The female GC rats demonstrated similarly low triglyceride blood level to the male rats of the same line. The progesterone levels in the synchronized phase were higher than in the unsynchronized one in both GC and Wistar rats. These data show that the selective breeding for the passive defensive response in GC female rats is associated with the moderate stress reactions, changes in the hormonal and metabolic profiles, and decreased fertility.

Vaginal cytology is an important examination method in the context of gynecological disorders and cycle staging in the bitch. While collection and preparation of samples are easy, the evaluation appears to be challenging. Inconsistent definitions of cell attributes such as size, cornification and the appearance of the nucleus have been published. The aim of the project was to develop a tutorial for vaginal cell determination. To get a deeper insight into the use of cytology in practice, an online survey was distributed to veterinarians interested in small animal reproduction. Participants were asked to define eight cells and answer questions. The agreement of the 16 participants, working in eight different countries, determining the cells was poor (κ = 0.412). Eleven respondents stated that vaginal cytology has a low reliability. Nevertheless, 13 participants use this tool regularly. The tutorial was developed as a flowchart based on the survey results, scientific literature and own measurements. It guides the user systematically through the evaluation of specific cell characteristics. An evaluation of the results of five raters with difference experience levels led to a high agreement (κ = 0.858). Vaginal cytology is a useful diagnostic tool, but it seems helpful to standardize the determination of cell types.

Deslorelin implants are widely used in felines. Due to their prolonged duration cat breeders frequently request early implant removal. The interval between deslorelin implant removal and resumption of ovarian function in queens is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interval between the removal of a deslorelin implant and the resumption of ovarian activity in adult queens. Twenty-three queens were treated with a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant placed in the periumbilical area. In the 16 queens completing the study implants were surgically removed at 3, 6 or 9 months (n = 6, 4 and 6 queens, respectively). Queens received a GnRH stimulation test as part of their pre-treatment general and reproductive health check. Following implantation treatment, all queens in inter-oestrus-anoestrus at the time of treatment came in oestrus within 2-5 days. Starting 7-14 days following implant removal queens were checked every 1-2 weeks with reproductive ultrasonography, a vaginal smear and blood collection. The interval to resumption of ovarian function ranged from 3 to 7 weeks irrespective of treatment length and age of the queen but was longer when the implant was removed at decreasing photoperiod (p