Injection Of Hormone Research Articles

Foreign bodies inside us - Trends and knowledge regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) use, factors influencing of contraceptives choice-making process, and the dual-method use among Polish college-aged women

Introduction: The choice-making process of the contraceptive method seems complex and influenced by many factors. Long-acting reversible contraceptives require mechanical interference with the woman's body. For some, it will be an insurmountable barrier whilst for others a chance to enjoy a successful sex life without fear of pregnancy. Recognizing the factors influencing their use will allow us to identify target groups, increase awareness, and spread knowledge about them.
 Purpose: This study aimed to assess contraceptive use trends and knowledge, focusing on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and vaginal rings, also to identify predictors associated with their use and analyze the decision-making process for dual-method use (hormonal plus barrier method) among female college students in Poland.
 Materials and methods: A self-administered questionnaire including 44 questions in the form of a web-based survey distributed among peers in social media platforms and forums.
 Results: In the survey a total of 700 female students aged 19±25 took part. All the questions about LARC and vaginal rings were answered correctly by only 19 participants (2.71%). The most knowledgeable were medical students (p<0.0001). Out of 55 LARC and vaginal ring users (7.86%), 47 female students (76.4%,) stated the improvement of their life. Of the methods interfering with the body, the study group most frequently chose the vaginal ring (38.1%) and least frequently the hormone injection (0.1%). 
 Conclusions: Participants’ knowledge of LARC methods and vaginal rings is insufficient and its main influencing factors are faculty type and frequency of intercourse. LARC and vaginal disc are not the first contraception choice. Fear of pregnancy is the most common factor for dual method use.

Upaya Pemerataan Inseminasi Buatan pada Ternak Sapi di Kelurahan Laweyan Kota Surakarta

The purpose of this community service activity is to equalize artificial insemination in cattle in Laweyan Village, Surakarta City. While the results obtained from this activity are if the government does free artificial insemination in Laweyan Village, it will further improve the economy of cattle breeders in Laweyan Village and increase the population of cross-breeding cattle in Laweyan Village. The artificial insemination program was carried out in Laweyan Sub-District, with 20 cattle breeders and 60 cows. In this activity, the implementation team carried out several activities to carry out the artificial insemination program. The number of female cows in all breeders is 60 cows, out of 60 cows we give the first hormone injection simultaneously within 1 day, after that we wait for the cows to go into heat for 11-12 days if there is no heat for 11-12 days we do the second injection, after that we wait for the cows to go into heat for 2-3 days, when the cows go into heat we wait for the right time to be artificially inseminated, then the heat for adult cows is 17 days .8 hours with a range of 2.4-28 hours while for heifers it is 15.3 hours, all activities take place according to directions from the local inseminator and veterinarian. If the farmer's cow starts to go into heat, we and the inseminator and the veterinarian perform artificial insemination, the success of artificial insemination can be determined by observing the cow's estrus cycle 21 days after the artificial insemination is carried out and the cow does not experience the first estrus, and also does not experience the second estrous cycle, then the cow is declared pregnant at 42 days. The number of 60 cows that received artificial insemination injections, the percentage of successful artificial insemination injections of all cows was 65%, it can be said that the artificial insemination injections that were carried out were successful.

Estrogen administration and withdrawal in a model of hormone-simulated pregnancy lead to alterations in behavior and gene expression but do not induce depression-like phenotypes in mice

Pregnancy and the post-partum period are associated with substantial fluctuations in hormone levels and are frequently associated with significant stress. Many individuals also experience affective disturbances during the peri‑partum period, including anxiety, the ‘baby blues,’ and post-partum depression. However, the extent to which these affective changes result from rapidly altering hormone levels, increased stress, or the combination of both remains largely unknown. The current study sought to evaluate the consequences of pregnancy-like hormonal changes on behavior and gene expression in c57BL/6 mice in the absence of stress using a hormone-simulated pregnancy model. Our results reveal that animals receiving hormone injections to simulate the high levels of estrogen observed in late pregnancy and animals withdrawn from estrogen to mimic the rapid decline in this hormone following parturition both exhibit increased anxiety-like behavior compared to ovariectomized controls in the novel open field test. However, no other significant anxiety- or depression-like alterations were observed in either hormone-treated group compared to ovariectomized controls. Both hormone administration and estrogen withdrawal were shown to induce several significant alterations in gene expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. In contrast to the estrogen withdrawal hypothesis of post-partum depression, our results suggest that this method estrogen withdrawal following hormone-simulated pregnancy in the absence of stress does not induce phenotypes consistent with post-partum depression in c57BL/6 mice. However, given that estrogen withdrawal does lead to significant gene expression changes in two stress-sensitive brain regions, it remains possible that estrogen withdrawal could still contribute to affective dysregulation in the peri-partum period by influencing susceptibility to stress. Future research is required to evaluate this possibility.

The Role of Certain Specific Hormonal Treatments in Estrus Synchronization of Ewes: A mini Review

Reproductive function is the cornerstone in achieving better profitability for sheep; researchers have developed several ways to guide the reproduction of ewes and develop their reproductive efficiency by its needs. This contributed to reducing the vaccination season and the timing of births in ewes during a limited year to provide optimal care conditions. The optimal use of these techniques in the reproductive function enables us to enter estrus, increase the ovulation rate, and the appropriate timing of artificial insemination, which in turn increases the reproductive efficiency of ewes. Therefore, it has become necessary to use modern biotechnologies such as estrus synchronization technology, which is one of the technologies that help reduce the time and effort required to detect estrus by collecting estrus cases in treated animals. By applying reproductive care programs such as synchronizing estrus and increasing fertility using compounds such as injections of human chorionic gonadotropin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone or progesterone after mating and prostaglandin F2alpha, prostaglandin E and melatonin hormone, it may help to be performed at a specific time

P-575 What do Portuguese women know about fertility preservation options?

Abstract Study question What do Portuguese women know, and what attitudes do they reveal regarding fertility preservation? Summary answer There is a lack of knowledge concerning fertility preservation options and a solid desire to access more information. What is known already Fertility preservation techniques increase the possibility of conceiving a biological child later, whether for social or medical reasons, but it should be noted that they do not ensure success. Previous studies showed an insufficient knowledge of the population regarding cryopreservation techniques, their implications, and their benefits. Additionally, a high percentage of participants who do not consider using fertility preservation stated that it might be related to a lack of knowledge regarding fertility issues. It has been pointed out that people would like more information about fertility preservation and consider that reliable sources of information should be available to the public. Study design, size, duration Cross-sectional study. Participants' recruitment was set through online advertisement, using social media platforms and private messages, and participants were solicited to share the study link with two more women (Exponential Non-Discriminative Snowball Sampling method). The online advertisement comprised detailed information about the study’s aims and procedures, inclusion criteria, and the voluntary and anonymous nature of the participation. Data collection took place online between March and May 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods 257 women aged 18-45. Participants completed a 9-items questionnaire. These questions addressed: a) knowledge concerning fertility preservation (e.g., Are you aware of the existence of any of the following fertility preservation options?); b) attitudes towards fertility preservation (e.g., Would you consider any of the following fertility preservation techniques?); and c) whether they would like to get more information on this topic (e.g., Would you like to receive more information about fertility preservation options?). Main results and the role of chance Eighty-eight (34.2%) participants were aware of the oocytes and embryos cryopreservation techniques, 60(23.3%) only knew the oocytes cryopreservation, 58(22.6%) were aware of oocytes, embryos, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, 37(14.4%) did not know any of the previously mentioned techniques. Most women (n = 177; 68.9%) were not actively considering fertility preservation, 36(14.0%) would consider oocyte cryopreservation, 34(13.2%) would be willing to pursue it, but would need more information, 9(3.5%) would consider embryos cryopreservation and 1(0.4%) would consider ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Of those contemplating fertility preservation, 45(17.5%) would do it to prevent the effect of age on fertility, 21(8.2%) would do it due to the absence of a partner. Regarding the concerns about fertility preservation, the participants were worried about the costs (n = 26; 10.1%), age (n = 25; 9.7%), hormonal injections and other fertility drugs (n = 10; 3.9%) and the desire for spontaneous pregnancy (n = 8; 3.1%). The participants not considering preserving their fertility mentioned the main reasons were that they never thought about it (n = 56; 21.8%), did not want to get pregnant (n = 34; 13.2%), age (n = 32; 12.5%), the desire for spontaneous pregnancy (n = 28; 10.9%) and the costs (n = 16; 6.2%). Most participants agreed that fertility and fertility preservation information should be provided during medical consultations or at school. Limitations, reasons for caution The recruitment and data collection process (social media and online survey) have limitations, such as sampling bias, self-selection concerns, or under-representation of the population (e.g., exclusion of participants not using social media or online platforms), limiting the chance of making generalisations. Wider implications of the findings Making available more information regarding fertility preservation may warrant that more women have the opportunity to consider this option and make informed decisions regarding their reproductive life. Trial registration number not applicable

Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of somatrogon once-weekly injections vs. daily growth hormone injection for treating paediatric growth hormone deficiency in Ireland

ObjectivesPaediatric growth hormone deficiency (pGHD) manifests as growth failure associated with inadequate growth hormone (GH) production. Daily injections of recombinant human GH (dGH) [somatropin] is the current standard of care, which has been shown to be well tolerated and effective, but associated with suboptimal adherence, leading to reduced effectiveness. Somatrogon, a once-weekly injectable long-acting human GH, has demonstrated clinical non-inferiority and significantly lower life interference (i.e. treatment burden) vs. somatropin in two Phase 3 studies. This work evaluated cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of somatrogon vs dGHs from an Irish payer perspective.MethodsA Markov model was developed for patients starting somatrogon or dGHs treatment at 3–12 years and continuing up to achievement of near adult height (NAH), with growth driven by trial-based height velocity (HV) and treatment-specific adherence. Patients could discontinue treatment at the end of Year 1 (4%). DGH adherence (95.3%–65% over treatment duration) and adherence-growth relationship were based on published evidence. Higher Year 1 adherence of 4%, tapering over time, for somatrogon vs. dGHs was based on clinical consultation. Treatment costs, monitoring costs and costs due to different wastage types (device setting and adherence) were sourced from local data. Health utilities based on height and injection frequency were derived from published literature. Scenario analysis, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed.ResultsSomatrogon treatment led to 1.87–3.66 cm greater NAH gain and 0.21–0.50 higher quality adjusted life years (QALYs) vs. dGHs, across the base case and scenarios evaluated. Somatrogon treatment was associated with cost savings of €5,699–€21,974 and lower cost per cm gained vs. dGHs (€197–€527), per patient. Somatrogon was cost-effective vs. dGHs, with the result consistent across the sensitivity analyses conducted.ConclusionSomatrogon weekly injections were estimated to result in higher NAH, higher QALYs, lower overall costs and lower costs per cm gained than dGHs, in pGHD.

Choice of contraceptives.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the etonogestrel implant are the most effective reversible contraceptive methods available. Hormonal oral contraceptives, patches, rings, and injectables are also effective in preventing pregnancy. When used alone, barrier and behavioral methods generally have higher failure rates than other methods. Selection of a contraceptive method is usually based on patients-pecific factors and personal preference.

Mycobacterium Vaccae Vaccine Improve Incomplete Immune Recovery in AIDS Patients

Background: Mycobacterium seedling is rich in co-antigens and, a good immunomodulator with bidirectional immunomodulatory function. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore whether the Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine can improve the incomplete immune recovery of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Methods: According to the number of patients receiving human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) long-term treatment in the Ninth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, China, 100 patients with HIV-RNA quantitation of less than 103 cepies/ml, CD4 + T cell count less than 500/UL, and CD4+T cell count of more than 50/UL after 3 years of Haart treatment were selected. In total, they were randomly assigned to one of three groups, one group received an intramuscular injection of M. vaccae vaccine, one group received an intramuscular injection of growth hormone, and the last group received only a placebo injection. The levels and changes of naive T cells, Treg cells, total CD4+ T cells, T helper 1 (Th1), T helper 2 (Th2) cells, and interleukin 7 (IL-7) cytokine were measured at baseline and after 12, 48, and 50 weeks. Results: After 48 weeks of treatment, the total CD4+T cells, Th1 cells, and naive T cells in AIDS patients increased, while IL-7 cytokines, Treg cells, and Th2 cells decreased in M. vaccae vaccine and growth hormone group. There was no change in the placebo group, indicating that M. vaccae vaccine and growth hormone can improve the immune function of AIDS patients. After treatment, in group A (M. vaccae vaccine), there was an increase in the total CD4+T cells, Th1 cells, and naive T cells as well as a decrease in Treg cells, Th2 cells, and IL-7 cytokines. The only significant difference between M. vaccae vaccine and growth hormone groups was a decrease in Th1 cells in the M. vaccae vaccine group. After a 12-week follow-up, it was found that there were no cases of secondary infection in the M. vaccae vaccine group, one case in the growth hormone group, and five cases in the placebo group, demonstrating that the secondary infection rate in M. vaccae vaccine and the growth hormone groups was lower than that in the control group. Conclusion: The M. vaccae vaccine may decrease the levels of IL-7 as well as Treg and Th2 cells by increasing the levels of CD4+T cells, Th1 cells, and pure T cells in AIDS patients, leading to the improvement of immune reconstitution of AIDS patients to some extent.

Elevated estradiol during a hormone simulated pseudopregnancy decreases sleep and increases hypothalamic activation in female Syrian hamsters.

Sleep disruptions are a common occurrence during the peripartum period. While physical and environmental factors associated with pregnancy and newborn care account for some sleep disruptions, there is evidence that peripartum fluctuations in estrogens may independently impact sleep. However, the impact of these large fluctuations in estrogens on peripartum sleep is unclear because it is difficult to tease apart the effects of estrogens on sleep from effects associated with the growth and development of the fetus or parental care. We therefore used a hormone-simulated pseudopregnancy (HSP) in female Syrian hamsters to test the hypothesis that pregnancy-like increases in estradiol decrease sleep in the absence of other factors. Adult female Syrian hamsters were ovariectomized and given daily hormone injections that simulate estradiol levels during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and the postpartum period. Home cage video recordings were captured at seven timepoints and videos were analyzed for actigraphy. During "late pregnancy," total sleep time and sleep efficiency were decreased in hormone-treated animals during the white light period compared to pretest levels. Likewise, during "late pregnancy," locomotion was increased in the white light period for hormone-treated animals compared to pretest levels. These changes continued into the "postpartum period" for animals who continued to receive estradiol treatment, but not for animals who were withdrawn from estradiol. At the conclusion of the experiment, animals were euthanized and cFos expression was quantified in the ventral lateral preoptic area (VLPO) and lateral hypothalamus (LH). Animals who continued to receive high levels of estradiol during the "postpartum" period had significantly more cFos in the VLPO and LH than animals who were withdrawn from hormones or vehicle controls. Together, these data suggest that increased levels of estradiol during pregnancy are associated with sleep suppression, which may be mediated by increased activation of hypothalamic nuclei.

Reproduction of Hatchery-Reared Pike-Perch (Sander lucioperca) Fed Diet with Low-Marine-Ingredients: Role of Dietary Fatty Acids

This research aimed to evaluate the reproductive potential of hatchery-reared (F1) pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) broodstock fed a commercial diet with low levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (Lc-PUFA) and wild (F0) pike-perch broodstock fed forage fish. Reproductive parameters, including pseudogonadosomatic index (PGSI), egg size, latency time, hatching rate, embryo survival, and eggs’ fatty acid (FA) composition, as well as plasma sex hormone, glucose and immunoglobulin levels after hormone injection, were analyzed. The results showed low PGSI (10% in F1 vs. 14% in F0) and embryo survival (24% in F1 vs. 61% in F0) in F1 broodstock, but a satisfactory hatching rate (63% in F1 vs. 78% in F0) and larval size (4.6 mm in F1 vs. 4.7 mm in F0). A low arachidonic acid (ARA) percentage in F1 fish eggs (1.32%), along with increased immunoglobulin levels (17.31 g/L), suggests that immune system activation might have depleted the reserves of ARA in F1 fish, which is the key fatty acid for successful oocyte maturation. We assumed that the administration of more sustainable diets, based on terrestrial plant ingredients, is not inferior to higher-quality diets based on marine ingredients.

Comparison of letrozole with gonadotropins and letrozole_gonadotropin combination for ovulation induction in PCOS women after clomiphene citrate failure

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of letrozole with gonadotropin and letrozole plus gonadotropin for ovulation induction in PCOS women after clomiphene citrate failure, Seventy eight women with PCO failed to conceive with clomiphene citrate divided in to three groups A,B,C treated with letrozole tablet, , letrozole plus follicular stimulating hormone and follicular stimulating hormone injection alone respectively for ovulation induction..Results: ovulation rate was (65.4%),(76.9%) and(76.9%) in group A,B &C respectively, pregnancy rate in study groups were (50%),(69.2%)and(65.4%) in A,B,&C respectivelyConclusion: Letrozole appears to be a suitable ovulation inducing agent in PCOS women with CC failure and significant higher pregnancy rate was observed in letrozole co treatment with gonadotropins as compared to other two protocoles

Broodstock development, induced spawning and larval rearing of the bilih, Mystacoleucus padangensis (Bleeker, 1852), a vulnerable species, and its potential as a new aquaculture candidate

Background: Mystacoleucus padangensis living in Lake Singkarak, Indonesia, has high potential market demand but is threatened by overfishing and has not been successfully cultured. This study describes the first broodstock development, induced breeding, and larval rearing of M. padangensis. Methods: A total of 1,000 female and 1,000 male broodfish were collected from the wild and reared in two concrete ponds (128 m2) at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, P.T. Semen Padang, Indonesia. The broodfish were fed commercial feed to satiation at 09:00 and 17:00 h. The females (average weight 7.56 ± 0.85 g) and males (4.86 ± 1.20 g) were selected at a ratio of 1:4 (female:male), and gonad maturation was induced with a single dose of GnRH analogue (Ovaprim) of 0.1 ml/fish. At 16 h after hormone injection, eggs were collected individually into a plastic vessel. Spermatozoa were collected with sterile syringes. Eggs were fertilized using the "dry" method, and 0.5 ml samples (equal to 100 eggs) were taken. The eggs were incubated in a plastic strainer with a water volume of 1.57 litres and placed in a tarpaulin pond with a volume of 150.72 litres. Results: The overall hatching rate was 78.93 ± 4.13%. The newly hatched larvae were 3900.81 µm long, with a yolk sac of 82881.480 µm2. The mouth opened at 72 DPH with a gape measuring approximately 61.880 µm. The protocol of larval feeding started with artificial feed, followed by Artemia nauplii up to 30 DPH. Weaning of larvae started at 4 DPH. Larvae started metamorphosis by 15 DPH and ended by 22 DPH when the larvae reached 7430.27 µm. Larval rearing resulted in an average survival rate of 28.4 ± 3.04%. Conclusions: Its successful spawning induction and high larval hatching and survival rates make M. padangensis an excellent aquaculture candidate.

A Critical Review on Bandhyatva (Anovulation)

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one year of regular intercourse without the use of contraceptive. The difficulty to conceive or subfertility constitutes a major social and psychological burden amongst couples. Premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and endometrial polyps are all potential causes of female infertility, with ovulatory issues being the most common ones. Various factors including genetic disorders, advancing age, poor nutrition, environmental pollution, and increased stress in daily life, may all contribute to female infertility. Infertility is described as Bandhyatva in Ayurvedic literature. In Contemporary Science, treatment options mostly involve the use of hormone medications or injections, as well as Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Ayurvedic treatment, on the other hand, comprises Nidana Parivarjana (removal of the cause), dietary control, Samshamana (pacificatory therapy), and Samshodhana (purification and cleansing). The aim of this study is to understand Bandhyatva along with Anovulation with Ayurveda and Modern Perspective.

Ghrelin regulates hyperactivity-like behaviors via growth hormone signaling pathway in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Ghrelin is originally identified as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and partially acts by stimulating growth hormone (GH) release. Our previous studies have identified GHRELIN as a novel susceptibility gene for human attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and ghrelin-depleted zebrafish (Danio rerio) display ADHD-like behaviors. However, the underlying molecular mechanism how ghrelin regulates hyperactivity-like behaviors is not yet known. Here, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis using adult ghrelin Δ/Δ zebrafish brains to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that gh1 mRNA and genes related to the gh signaling pathway were significantly reduced at transcriptional expression levels. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed and confirmed the downregulation of gh signaling pathway-related genes in ghrelin Δ/Δ zebrafish larvae and the brain of adult ghrelin Δ/Δ zebrafish. In addition, ghrelin Δ/Δ zebrafish displayed hyperactive and hyperreactive phenotypes, such as an increase in motor activity in swimming test and a hyperreactive phenotype under light/dark cycle stimulation, mimicking human ADHD symptoms. Intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) partially rescued the hyperactivity and hyperreactive-like behaviors in ghrelin mutant zebrafish. Our results indicated that ghrelin may regulate hyperactivity-like behaviors by mediating gh signaling pathway in zebrafish. And the protective effect of rhGH on ghrelin Δ/Δ zebrafish hyperactivity behavior provides new therapeutic clues for ADHD patients.

Outcomes of oocyte vitrification in trans masculine individuals

Research questionWhat are the outcomes and experiences of oocyte vitrification treatment in trans masculine individuals (TMI) before and after testosterone use? DesignThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands between January 2017 and June 2021. The TMI who had completed an oocyte vitrification treatment were consecutively approached for participation. Informed consent was provided by 24 individuals. Participants (n = 7) who initiated testosterone therapy were advised to stop 3 months before stimulation. Demographic characteristics and oocyte vitrification treatment data were retrieved from medical records. Evaluation of the treatment was collected via an online questionnaire. ResultsThe median age of participants was 22.3 years (interquartile range 21.1–26.0) and mean body mass index was 23.0 kg/m2 (SD 3.2). After ovarian hyperstimulation, a mean of 20 oocytes (SD 7) were retrieved and a mean of 17 oocytes (SD 6) could be vitrified. Aside from a lower cumulative FSH dose, there were no significant differences between the prior testosterone users and testosterone naïve TMI. The overall satisfaction of oocyte vitrification treatment in participants was high. Hormone injections were considered the most strenuous part of treatment by 29% of participants, closely followed by oocyte retrieval (25%). ConclusionsNo difference in response to ovarian stimulation was found for oocyte vitrification treatment between the prior testosterone users and testosterone naïve TMI. The questionnaire identified hormone injections as the most burdensome aspect of oocyte vitrification treatment. This information can be used to improve gender sensitive fertility counselling and fertility treatment strategies.

Comparison between the CIDR or sponge with hormone injection to induce estrus synchronization for twining and sex preselection in Naimi sheep

Abstract The management of sheep reproduction requires the induction and synchronization of the estrus cycle and ovulation for the ewe out-of-season and/or synchronized lambing. These managements are based on the insertion of an intravaginal device of controlled internal drug release (CIDR or sponge) and then the administration of a hormonal injection, such as PMSG, eCG, hCG, or GnRH. This study aimed to compare the impact of CIDR or sponges, with PMSG and GnRH injection, respectively, for inducing estrus synchronization, lambing rate, twining, and sex preselection rate in Naimi sheep. A total of 86 Naimi sheep ewes and six male rams with proven fertility were used in this study. The results showed that the first ewes or CIDR group had the highest ewe fertility rate of 26/28 (92.59%) with a 35/92 (38.04%) lamb production ratio. The offspring sex ratio was 22/35 males (62.85%) and 13/35 female lambs (37.14%). Their twin ratios were 9/22 (34.4%), producing 14 males (77.77%) and 13 females (37.14%). The second or sponge ewe group’s fertility ratio was 16/26 (61.53%). They sired the lowest offspring ratio of 20/92 total lambs (21.73%) and had sex ratios of 11/20 males (55.0%) and 9/20 (45.0%) female lambs. The twin production ratios were 4/22 (25% with two males and two males with female twins). Their twin sex ratio was six males (77.77%) and two females (22.34%). The third or control ewe group’s fertility rate was 29/33 (87.87%). They produced 37/92 (40.27%) lambs, and the total sex ratios were 22/37 male lambs (59.45%) and 15/35 (40.45%) female lambs. They produced eight twins (27.58%), and their twins’ sex was equal to six male and six female (50%) lambs. Regarding the progesterone and testosterone hormone levels, no differences during pre- or post-intravaginal insertion were observed, but the estrogen level showed some differences during pre-insertion. In conclusion, the use of CIDR with hormone injection is better for reproduction management, male lambing, and sex preselection rate. The control group produced approximately the same fertility rate with equal male and female lambing sex preselection rates.

Observation of the efficacy of autologous mucosal transplantation to prevent esophageal stricture after near-circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of autologous mucosal transplantation to prevent esophageal stricture after near-circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early esophageal cancer. Methods: The case data of 33 patients, who underwent near-circumferential ESD for early esophageal cancer and were followed up regularly in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 2017 to July 2022, were analyzed retrospectively, including 14 males and 19 females, aged (66.4±7.4) (47-77) years. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into 4 groups: group A (6 cases) were treated with autologous mucosa transplantation and fully covered metal stent implantation, combined with oral, intravenous and local injection of hormone; Group B (8 cases) were treated with autologous mucosa transplantation and fully covered metal stent implantation; Group C (11 cases) were treated with fully covered metal stent implantation combined with oral or intravenous hormone; Group D (8 cases) were treated with fully covered metal stent implantation. After the operation, the growth of the transplanted mucosa, esophageal stricture and surgical complications were observed by endoscopy, so as to understand the efficacy of automucosa transplantation in preventing esophageal stricture after near-circumferential ESD for early esophageal cancer. Results: The gastroscopic operation was successful in 33 patients. The times of expansion in groups B, C and D were more than that in group A, and the times of expansion [M(Q1,Q3)] in group A were 0(0, 1.8) times, while the times of expansion in group B, C and D were 5.5(4.3, 6.8), 4.0(4.0, 7.0) and 5.5(3.5, 10.8) times, respectively, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in times of expansion among groups B, C and D (all P>0.05). The stent placement time [M(Q1,Q3)] in group B [7.5(6.3, 8.8) days] was shorter than that in group A [64.5(41.5, 75.5) days] (P=0.006). There was no significant difference in stent placement time between group C [38.0(28.0, 50.0) days] and group D [31.5(27.3, 66.3) days] and group A (both P>0.05). The stent placement time in group C was longer than that in group B (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in stent placement time between group B, C and D (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications among the groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Autologous mucosal transplantation is safe and effective in preventing stenosis after near-circumferential ESD for early esophageal cancer. The effect of autologous mucosal transplantation combined with fully covered metal stent placement, systemic and local steroid application in preventing esophageal stricture after near-circumferential ESD for early esophageal cancer is better than that of single application.

Comparison of acupotomy release combined with glucocorticoid intrathecal injection versus isolated glucocorticoid intrathecal injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: A protocol for a meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is more common in people who need to engage in repetitive wrist work. Once it has occurred, localized pain and numbness of the fingers will develop, in severe cases, muscle atrophy will even arise, and after rest and physical therapy, many patients will still be unable to relieve or recur. In this case, the patient can receive intrathecal glucocorticoid injections, but the hormone injections alone can only provide short-term relief, and because the mechanical factors of median nerve compression are not fundamentally removed. Therefore, combined acupotomy release can help to release the compression of the transverse carpal ligament on the nerve and increase the volume within the carpal tunnel to achieve more satisfactory long-term results. Hence, a meta-analysis is necessary to provide evidence whether there is a significant difference in the treatment of CTS with acupotomy release combined with glucocorticoid intrathecal injection (ARGI) compared with isolated glucocorticoid intrathecal injection (GI). We will search, with no time restriction, without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to October 2022, on the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Web of Science, Chinese national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese scientific journals database, Chinese databases SinoMed, and electronic databases. The electronic database search will be supplemented by a manual search of the reference lists of included articles. We will apply the risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane collaboration for randomized controlled trials to assess the methodological quality. Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for nonrandomized studies was used to evaluate the quality of comparative studies. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. This systematic review will evaluate the difference in efficacy of ARGI versus isolated GI in the treatment of CTS. The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for judging whether ARGI is superior to GI for treatment of CTS.

Treatment burden, adherence, and quality of life in children with daily GH treatment in France.

The objective of this study was to describe in a real-life setting the treatment burden and adherence and quality of life (QOL) of children treated with daily injections of growth hormone and their relationship with treatment duration. This non-interventional, multicenter, cross-sectional French study involved children aged 3-17 years treated with daily growth hormone injections. Based on a recent validated dyad questionnaire, the mean overall life interference total score (100 = most interference) was described, with treatment adherence and QOL, using the Quality of Life of Short Stature Youth questionnaire (100 = best). All analyses were performed according to treatment duration prior to inclusion. Among the 275/277 analyzed children, 166 (60.4%) had only growth hormone deficiency (GHD). In the GHD group, the mean age was 11.7 ± 3.2 years; median treatment duration was 3.3 years (interquartile range 1.8-6.4). The mean overall life interference total score was 27.7 ± 20.7 (95% CI (24.2; 31.2)), with non-significant correlation with treatment duration (P = 0.1925). Treatment adherence was good (95.0% of children reported receiving >80% of planned injections over the last month); it slightly decreased with treatment duration (P = 0.0364). Children's overall QOL was good (81.5 ± 16.6 and 77.6 ± 18.7 according to children and parents, respectively), but subscores of the coping and treatment impact domains were <50. Similar results were observed in all patients independently of the condition requiring treatment. This real-life French cohort confirms the treatment burden of daily growth hormone injections, as previously reported in an interventional study.

Revisiting the History of Abortion in the Wake of the Dobbs Decision.

Revisiting the History of Abortion in the Wake of the Dobbs Decision Kelly O’Donnell (bio) and Naomi Rogers (bio) In September 1977, Rosaura Jimenez, a twenty-seven-year-old Mexican American single mother in McAllen, Texas, went to the home of Maria Pineda for a surgical abortion. Pineda, a midwife, was licensed to deliver babies but not to perform abortions. After the procedure Jimenez developed sepsis; several days later she died of organ failure in the McAllen General Hospital. Her death would have been common and unremarkable a decade earlier, but since the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, abortion had become legal and widely available in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices across the United States. Jimenez had initially wanted a legal abortion and returned to a physician who had given her one eight months earlier, paid for by Medicaid. But in August the Hyde Amendment had gone into effect after the Supreme Court had judged it constitutional. Passed by Congress in the previous session, the amendment banned the use of federal funds for abortions and led states to restrict their funding of Medicaid as well. In McAllen Jimenez had been rebuffed by the physician, who said he would not be reimbursed, although she could find and pay for an abortion herself. Jimenez had a financial aid check in her purse to pay for her college classes (she was studying to become a special education teacher), but she chose access to education over access to legal reproductive care. After first traveling to Mexico where she received a cheaper but ineffective “hormone injection” from a pharmacy there, she sought Pineda’s aid.1 [End Page 1] Jimenez was quickly described as the first victim of the Hyde Amendment, a symbol that inspired rallies and candlelight vigils outside the state legislature in Texas and across the country. Eager to make this tragedy a potent lesson about the danger of antiabortion politics that could threaten the lives of every woman, feminist and Village Voice journalist Ellen Frankfort along with Frances Kissling, the director of the National Abortion Federation, came to McAllen in 1978. They believed that this death could become an issue that would unite feminists across class and race.2 Frankfort and Kissling, along with two of Jimenez’s friends, organized a sting operation to try to bring Pineda to justice. Setting up one woman with a wire and having Diana Rivera, another friend, pretend to need an abortion, the two white abortion activists waited in a station wagon with reporters from a Dallas television station. Pineda warned Rivera—as she had probably said to Jimenez—that if there were complications, she should say that her abortion was performed across the border in Mexico.3 The feminist visitors were then shocked to find that their race and status did not protect them from the arm of the law. Local police officers arrested not only Pineda but also Frankfurt, Kissling, and Rivera as potential “co-conspirators” in an illegal abortion.4 Texas’s weak medical practice law meant that although Pineda was found guilty of practicing medicine without a license, her misdemeanor offense resulted in three days in jail and a hundred-dollar fine. In 1979 Frankfort and Kissling published Rosie: The Investigation of a Wrongful Death and announced that 5 percent of the book’s royalties would be contributed to the new Rosie Jimenez Fund to provide financial assistance to poor women seeking abortions in Texas.5 [End Page 2] Jimenez remained a symbolic figure for American feminists seeking to protect access to abortion in the face of increasingly successful anti-abortion strategies that grew more creative and restrictive in the wake of the Hyde Amendment. As a poor Latina, Jimenez offered a way for white middle-class feminists to demonstrate cross-class, cross-racial support of reproductive health care in the face of the splintering of feminist organizations such as the Black Women’s Health Project and the National Latina Health Organization in the 1980s. A more holistic reframing of reproductive rights and reproductive justice was necessary to bring together disparate groups of feminists, especially around forced sterilization.6 Access to safe and legal abortion continued as a...