Mucus pH Research Articles

The female reproductive tract microbiome and obesity

High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing has allowed us to identify novel microorganisms and their relationships in the female reproductive tract. However, in obese patients, the female reproductive tract microbiome, unlike the intestinal microbiome, has been understudied. Here, the literature review analyzes and describes microbiome features in the external genitalia, vagina, cervical canal, uterus, and ovaries in overweight and obese nonpregnant and pregnant females. The microbiome of the lower female reproductive tract in obese patients is characterized by increased bacterial diversity, pH, decreased Lactobacillus abundance, and increased abundance of obligate anaerobes and yeasts of the genus Candida. The endometrial microbiome in overweight and obese patients has been studied only in postmenopause and is characterized by higher Proteobacteria abundance. No data on the characteristics of the ovarian microbiome in obese patients are available. The mechanisms accounting for microbiome changes in obese patients are likely to due to the ability of adipose tissue-derived leptin and estrone to inhibit production of pituitary gonadotropic hormones resulting in blocked ovulation and lowered estradiol production in patients of reproductive age. Consequently, a decline in glycogen synthesis in the vaginal epithelium, decreased Lactobacillus abundance followed by elevated vaginal mucus pH value and number of obligate anaerobes, including those associated with bacterial vaginosis are observed. Weight loss can have a beneficial effect on the state of the vaginal microbiome, restoring normal Lactobacillus abundance.

THE INFLUENCE OF TREATMENT TACTICS ON THE LEVEL OF QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE CONDITION OF THE NASAL CAVITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ATROPHIC RHINITIS PROVOKED BY HARMFUL PRODUCTION CONDITIONS

Introduction. Various types of occupational hazards can cause the development of occupational atrophic rhinitis (AR). Researches determine the high prevalence of professional AR among workers in various fields of production. Drug treatment of RA is an important issue. The effectiveness of the use of autologous platelet-enriched plasma is determined. Determining the possibilities of increasing the effectiveness of treatment of professional AR with platelet-enriched plasma is a very relevant issue of modern medicine.
 The aim. To evaluate the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in occupational chronic AR compared to standard treatment (irrigation with oil solutions).
 Materials and methods. 141 patients were examined: I group (32.6%) received irrigation with oil solutions, II (39.7%) – injections of platelet-rich plasma, and III (27.7%) – injections of platelet-rich plasma and irrigation with oil solutions.
 Results. Significant (p < 0.001) chances of improvement in quality of life levels were found in groups I and II compared to III one month after treatment, based on decreases in the values of the NOSE scale (respectively by 0.946 points and by 5.285 points) and increases values in the SF-36 questionnaire (RE scale and RR by 13.899 points; p = 0.004 and by 15.914 points only with combined treatment; MH scale – by 4.028 points and by 17.880 points; VT scale – by 5.136 points; p = 0.005 and by 24.158 points). Significant (p < 0.001) chances of an increase in nasocytogram indicators were determined in groups I and II compared to III: respectively, the pH of mucus (by 1.029 and by 1.333), the quantitative composition of neutrophils (by 18.958% and by 21.078%) and eosinophils (by 3.540%) combined treatment only) and saccharin test indicators (at 0.3 min; p = 0.005 and at 1.696 min).
 Conclusions. An improvement in the quality of life and parameters of the nasocytogram and saccharin test was determined when injections of platelet-rich plasma were used (both separately and in combination with irrigation with oil solutions) in patients with occupational chronic AR. Reliable chances of a decrease in NOSE scale values and an increase in SF-36 questionnaire indicators and chances of an increase in nasocytogram and saccharin test indicators were established.

Characterizing interregional differences in the rheological properties and composition of rat small intestinal mucus.

The mucus layer in the small intestine is generally regarded as a barrier to drug absorption. However, the mucus layer is a complex system, and presently, only a few studies have been conducted to elucidate its physicochemical properties. The current study hypothesizes that the mucus layer contains solubility-enhancing surfactants and thus might aid the oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs.Mucus was sampled from sections of the small intestine of fasted rats to analyze the rheological properties and determine the mucus pH and concentrations of proteins and endogenous surfactants, i.e., bile salts, polar lipids, and neutral lipids.The mucus layer in the two proximal sections of the small intestine exhibited different rheological properties such as higher zero-shear viscosity and lower loss tangent and higher protein concentrations compared to all subsequent sections of the small intestine. The pH of the mucus layer was stable at ~ 6.5 throughout most of the small intestine, but increased to 7.5 in the ileum.The bile salt concentrations increased from the duodenum (16.0 ± 2.2mM) until the mid jejunum (55.1 ± 9.5mM), whereas the concentrations of polar lipids and neutral lipids decreased from the duodenum (17.4 ± 2.2mM and 37.8 ± 1.6mM, respectively) until the ileum (4.8 ± 0.4mM and 10.7 ± 1.1mM, respectively).In conclusion, the mucus layer of the rat small intestine contains endogenous surfactants at levels that might benefit solubilization and absorption of orally administered poorly water-soluble drugs.

Hidden interactions in the intertidal rocky shore: variation in pedal mucus microbiota among marine grazers that feed on epilithic biofilm communities.

In marine ecosystems, most invertebrates possess diverse microbiomes on their external surfaces, such as those found in the pedal mucus of grazing gastropods and chitons that aids displacement on different surfaces. The microbes are then transported around and placed in contact with free-living microbial communities of micro and other macro-organisms, potentially exchanging species and homogenizing microbial composition and structure among grazer hosts. Here, we characterize the microbiota of the pedal mucus of five distantly related mollusk grazers, quantify differences in microbial community structure, mucus protein and carbohydrate content, and, through a simple laboratory experiment, assess their effects on integrated measures of biofilm abundance. Over 665 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were found across grazers, with significant differences in abundance and composition among grazer species and epilithic biofilms. The pulmonate limpet Siphonaria lessonii and the periwinkle Echinolittorina peruviana shared similar microbiota. The microbiota of the chiton Chiton granosus, keyhole limpet Fissurella crassa, and scurrinid limpet Scurria araucana differed markedly from one another, and form those of the pulmonate limpet and periwinkle. Flavobacteriaceae (Bacteroidia) and Colwelliaceae (Gammaproteobacteria) were the most common among microbial taxa. Microbial strict specialists were found in only one grazer species. The pedal mucus pH was similar among grazers, but carbohydrate and protein concentrations differed significantly. Yet, differences in mucus composition were not reflected in microbial community structure. Only the pedal mucus of F. crassa and S. lessonii negatively affected the abundance of photosynthetic microorganisms in the biofilm, demonstrating the specificity of the pedal mucus effects on biofilm communities. Thus, the pedal mucus microbiota are distinct among grazer hosts and can affect and interact non-trophically with the epilithic biofilms on which grazers feed, potentially leading to microbial community coalescence mediated by grazer movement. Further studies are needed to unravel the myriad of non-trophic interactions and their reciprocal impacts between macro- and microbial communities.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Zingiber Officinale Rhizomes Aqueous Extract and its Gastroprotective Activity Against Ethanol-Produced Stomach Ulcer in Rodents

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles exhibition wide range of bioactivities and was conventionally used for the remedy of numerous disorders. Our study aims to measure the gastroprotective effect of synthesized gold nanoparticles on absolute ethanol-induced stomach ulceration in rats. The rats were noticeably administered with two doses of gold nanoparticles (175 ppm and 350 ppm) with absolute alcohol and showed a significant improvement in the adverse effect of ethanol-produced stomach damage as confirmed by decreasing ulcer index and raising % of ulcer prevention. Increased mucus pH of stomach content reduced ulcerated portion, condensed or nonappearance of edema, and white blood cells permeation subcutaneous layer. In gastric tissue homogenate, synthesized gold nanoparticles presented a substantial increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) actions, and a substantial lessening of malondialdehyde (MDA) amount. Besides, gold nanoparticle increases the intensity of periodic acid Schiff stained (PAS) of the gastric epithelium of the stomach. Gold nanoparticles confirmed gastro-protective effects which might be qualified to its antioxidant, increase mucus secretion, increase endogenous enzymes (SOD and CAT), and reduce MDA quantity.

PH and ferning score of cervical mucus related to gestation and calf gender of Holstein Friesian crossbreed cows

This study aimed to compare the ferning score based on the pH of the cervical mucus and its relation with gestation and the calf gender of cows. Ten Holstein Friesian crossbreed cows which were detected in estrus and about to be artificially inseminated, were used for this study. Sample of cervical mucus was collected using Metricheck for pH and ferning observations. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted two months after insemination, and the gender of the calves was recorded at parturition. This study indicated that cervical mucus pH did not affect the ferning characteristics, ferning score, and pregnancy of cows. However, higher ferning scores tended to result in the pregnancy of cows. Also, alkaline pH tended to result in male calves and vice versa. Further study is needed with a more significant number of samples related to the application of ferning display as an indicator of estrus to obtain a higher pregnancy rate.

Performa dan lama berahi sapi Peranakan Simmental yang memperoleh penambahan kecambah kacang hijau dalam pakan

Objective: The aims of this research were to observe the effect of mung bean sprouts to the estrous performance (onset, vulva condition, cervical mucus, behavior, pH of cervical mucus and spinnbarkeit) and length of the estrous on Simmental grade cow. Methods: The materials used in this study were 12 Simmental grade cow with characteristics aged 3 – 4 years, average of weights 399.51 ± 29.97kg, BCS 3 – 4, had normal estrous cycle and had parturition minimum one. The cow were divided into 4 groups; control without mung bean sprouts addition (T0), 250g mung bean sprouts (T1), 375g mung bean sprouts (T2) and 500g mung bean sprouts (T3). The cow was given mung bean sprout during 7 days before estrous. Data of onset, vulva condition, cervical mucus, behaviour, pH of cervical mucus and spinnbarkeit) and length of the estrous analyzed with non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test significancy 5% using software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versi 20. Results: The result showed that estrous performance (onset estrous, vulva condition, cervical mucus, behaviour, pH of cervical mucus, spinnbarkeit) and length of the estrous with mung bean sprout addition were non significantly different on Simmental grade cow. Conclusions: According to non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test a dding mung bean sprouts given the same effect with control.

The relationship of estrus character before double dose artificial insemination in Limousin Crossbred cow

Ongole cattle in smallholder farms on Java, Indonesia, have been crossed with Limousin, which is not controlled repeatedly. The character of estrus affects the success of Artificial Insemination. This study aimed to determine the relationship between estrus characters before double dose artificial insemination using frozen semen sexing. The research was conducted in Senggreng Village, Sumber Pucung District, Malang Regency. The material was 45 head of Limousin crossbred cow inseminated using sexing semen produced by the Singosari National Artificial Insemination Center (SNAIC). The sexed semen processed with the Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation (PDGC) method. The average body value of cows between 3-5 (scale 1-9) with an average age of 1.8-7 years, normal reproduction, clear signs of estrus. The reproductive organs were examined by rectal palpation to confirm that the cows are not pregnant. Parameters of estrus character were vulvar color, cervical mucus, vaginal temperature, pH, vulvar swelling, and heat detector value. The result showed that the estrus characters, including vulva color, vulva swelling, cervical mucus, vaginal temperature, cervical mucus pH, and heat detector score in the first and second artificial insemination have a low relationship. The regression models produced can be used but are less precise to estimate the relationship between estrus characters because the coefficient of determination shows a low influence.

Activity profile of innate immune-related enzymes and bactericidal of freshwater fish epidermal mucus extract at different pH

The epidermal mucus of fish performs diverse functions from prevention of mechanical abrasion to limit pathogen invasions. The current experiment was designed to extract skin mucus proteins of three freshwater fish, i.e. common carp (Cyprinus carpio), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and rohu (Labeo rohita) with organic solvent (methanol) and dissolve in different pH of Tris-HCl buffers to examine the significance of pH in the solubilisation of skin mucus proteins. The protein profiles of different pH solubilised methanol fish skin mucus extracts were determined by SDS-PAGE. The non-specific immune enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme and protease of fish skin mucus were compared and this present study demonstrated that these enzymes differed in their activity depending on pH buffers. The higher lysozyme and protease activity were observed at the pH of 8.0 and higher alkaline phosphatase activity in the pH 9.0 of C. mrigala fish skin mucus methanol extract. In addition, the bactericidal activity was evaluated against the pathogens Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pH 8.0 of C. mrigala skin mucus extract revealed better bactericidal activity than other fish species mucus pH buffers against both P. vulgaris and P. aeruginosa. In the case of protein profile from SDS-PAGE, based on pH buffers and the solubilisation of proteins, differences in the resolution of bands were observed. The higher alkaline pH of 9.0 showed smeared gel bands in all the three fish skin mucus methanol extract. The present study suggests that methanol extracted C. mrigala fish skin mucus at pH 8.0 showed better innate immune enzymes and bactericidal activity. The additional examinations of C. mrigala skin mucus methanol extract in this pH aids in identifying novel bioactive molecules. This is the study of proteome of three fish species skin mucus in the effect of pH. Further analyses are required to evaluate proteins present in fish skin mucus extracted with methanol and the influence of pH on protein solubility. These findings could be helpful in exploring natural alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture industry against infectious pathogens.

Linseed fibers modulate the production of short-chain fatty acids and improve performance and plasma and skin mucus parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic action of distinct linseed fibers on diets for silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juvenile. For this, soluble and insoluble fractions of linseed fiber were concentrated separately and combined in four ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4), which were added in diets and evaluated along with a control diet. After 45days receiving the experimental diets, the animals were submitted to biometry for data collection and samples. The experimental design was completely randomized, data were submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Fish performance was higher for the group that received the 1:2 and 1:4 diets. The production of intestinal acetic acid was higher in fish fed on the 1:2 diet, and butyric acid was higher with 1:4 diet and the propionic acid with the control diet. The control diet led to lower counts of goblet cells. Total proteins and globulins in plasma, mucoprotein, total immunoglobulins, and cutaneous mucus pH were higher in fish fed on diets 1:2 and 1:4. Cortisol levels and intestinal pH were lower in these treatments. The linseed fiber intake increased total plasma immunoglobulins and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and in mucus. It was concluded that the use of 1:2 and 1:4 soluble fiber/insoluble linseed in the diet beneficially modulates the production of short-chain fatty acids in the digesta, with reflection on growth performance, number of goblet cells in the intestinal epithelium, and improvement in plasma and skin mucus parameters of fish.

Level of sodium chloride (NaCl) and profile of cervical mucus of dairy cattle at various age synchronized by prostaglandine

Objectives of this study were to compare the percentage of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and cervical mucus profile which includes potential of Hydrogen (pH), abundance of cervical mucus, spinnbarkeit and ferning of dairy cattle at different age during estrus cycle. Thirty Two head of dairy cattle were used as materials which are 2 years old (n = 2), 3 years old (n = 18), 4 years old (n = 8) and 5 years old (n=4). Dairy cattle were estrus synchronized using 50 mg/head of prostaglandin. Data was collected on 48, 72, 78, 84, 90, 120, 144 and 408 hours after prostaglandin administration. The data were analyzed by using non parametric statistic which was Kruskal-Wallis H test. The significant data was tested with Mann-Whitney U test. The result showed that the abundance of cervical mucus was significantly different (P&lt;0.05; χ2 = 0.011) on 84 hours after estrus synchronization. However, level of NaCl, abundance, spinnbarkeit and ferning of cervical mucus was not sigificantly different. In conclusion, the age of dairy cattle did not affected to the condition NaCl percentage, spinnbarkeit, pH and ferning of cervical mucus, but affected to the abundance of cervical mucus on 84 hours after adminitration of prostaglandine.

Estrogen level and cervical mucus of Timor hind (Rusa timorensis) after mineral block supplementation during estrous cycle

The aim of this research was to observe the effect of mineral block containing Selenium, Magnesium and Zinc to the length of estrous of Timor hind based on estrogen level and cervical mucus (potential hydrogen (pH)) and natrium chloride (NaCl)). The materials used were ten Timor hinds with range of Body Condition Score (BCS) 2.75 ± 0.25 with first parity. Timor hinds were grouping into 2 groups, it was T0 = without mineral block supplementation and T1 = with mineral block supplementation for 8 weeks. After treatment, the estrous cycle of Timor hind was synchronized using vaginal sponge that contained 20 mg medroxy progesterone acetate (MPA) for 16 days. Cervical mucus and blood were collected at 0, 24, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120 and 144 hours after releasing of vaginal sponge. The cervical mucus was measured for pH and percentage of NaCl. The estrogen level was analysed by radio immunoassay (RIA). Data were analysed using non parametric statistics Mann-Whitney U test. The result showed significantly different was found on 120 and 144 hours of pH of cervical mucus. pH of cervical mucus on 120 and 144 hours were T0 = 8.46 and T1 = 8.30; T0 = 8.46 and T1 = 8.28, respectively. NaCl level on 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were also significantly different in cervical mucus and estrogen level. The NaCl level of cervical mucus for 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were T0 = 0.00181% and T1 = 0.00236%; T0 = 0.00179% and T1 = 0.00227%; T0 = 0.00178% and T1 = 0.00202%; T0 = 0.00156% and T1 = 0.00177%, respectively. The estrogen level for 72, 84, 96 and 108 hours were T0 = 8.21 pg/mL and T1 = 12,90 pg/mL; T0 = 7.54 pg/mL and T1 = 12.33 pg/mL; T0 = 4.56 pg/mL and T1 = 12.09 pg/mL; T0 = 3.76 pg/mL and T1 = 10.55 pg/mL, respectively. Estrous length of Timor hinds in group T0 and T1 was 48 and 84 hours, respectively. In conclusion, mineral block supplementation leads to longer estrous in Timor deer than those not given supplementation.

Analysis of enzyme activity, antibacterial activity, antiparasitic activity and physico-chemical stability of skin mucus derived from Amphiprion clarkii

Recently, mucosal surfaces, especially fish skin and its secreted mucus, have attracted significant interest from immunologists. Amphiprion clarkii, a member of the family Pomacentridae, lives symbiosis with sea anemones and has a good resistance to common seawater bacterial diseases and parasites owing to the protection from its abundant skin mucus. In the present work, the activity of immune-related enzymes (lysozyme, protease, antiprotease, cathepsin B, alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase), the antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria and five Gram-negative bacteria, the antiparasitic activity against the pathogen of marine white spot disease (Cryptocaryon irritans theronts) and the physico-chemical stability (to pH and heat) of the skin mucus of A. clarkii were analysed. The results showed that the levels of lysozyme and peroxidase were very similar (from 2 to 4 U mg−1 protein). However, cathepsin B was detected of 63.32 U mg−1 protein and alkaline phosphatase was only 0.12 U mg−1 protein. Moreover, protease showed a higher percentage of activity than antiprotease. A. clarkii skin mucus showed a strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly against Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus but showed no effect on Gram-positive bacteria at the tested concentrations. The bactericidal activity functioned within a short time in a distinct time- and dose-dependent manner. SEM showed that after treated with A. clarkii skin mucus, the V. parahaemolyticus cells distorted and piled together, and the filaments appeared and became into cotton-shaped or quasi-honeycomb texture to adhere cells. Meanwhile, A. clarkii skin mucus showed an apparent antiparasitic activity against C. irritans theronts with a distinct dose- and time-dependent relationship. LM and SEM observation showed that after treated with skin mucus, the theronts quickly stopped their swimming and cilia movement, cells became rounded, cilia shed, small bubbles formed on the surface, cell nucleolus enlarged, cytoskeleton deformed, cell membranes ruptured and cell content leaked out. Antibacterial activity was not affected by 30–90 °C heat treatment but was slightly suppressed by 100 °C. In the pH treatment groups, antibacterial activity was not affected by the moderate pH treatment of 5.0–8.0, but slightly suppressed by weak acid and weak base. Therefore, we speculated that the skin mucus of A. clarkii might be a potential source of novel antibacterial and antiparasitic components for fish or human health-related applications. This study broadened our understanding of the role of skin mucus in the innate immune system and provided a basis for the further isolation and purification of active substances.

Characteristics of Cervical Mucus for Estrus Detection in Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of the experiment was to study the changes in different characteristics of cervical mucus of Murrah buffaloes in relation to occurrence of estrus. The Murrah buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Centre (LRC), ICAR-NDRI, Karnal were classified into three groups viz. heifers, primipara and pluripara. Cervical mucus was collected on the day of estrus prior to the artificial insemination by aspiration from the mid cervix using blue sterile sheath and Universal artificial insemination gun through recto-vaginal method. Immediately after collection, mucus sample was taken to the laboratory various physical and chemical parameters were assessed. From the present study it can be concluded that the changes in cervical mucus characteristics can be used for prediction of estrus time and subsequently time of artificial insemination. Murrah buffaloes exhibited higher proportion (70%) of copious discharge, 86% buffaloes had clean appearance and 68% of buffaloes showed moderate consistency of cervical mucus. The spinnbarkeit value of cervical mucus of 46% of estruses were in 8–16 cm and 58% showed the typical fern pattern predominantly with primary, secondary and tertiary venation. pH of cervical mucus were within 7.5–8.0 and conductivity in a range of 13.50–15.00 mS/cm.

The Protective Effect of Testosterone on Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Female Sprague Dawley Rats

Gastric ulcer has shown association with changes in sex hormones, with impact exacerbated in males. Also, males are known to be more exposed to ulcer risk factors. This study investigates the effect of testosterone on indomethacin induced gastric ulcers in adult female rats. Eighteen female rats (225 ± 25 g body weight) were randomly assigned to 3 groups under standard laboratory condition. After acclimatization, animals fasted for 40 hrs but were given waterad libitum. Group A served as control while group B served as the ulcer control, in which ulcer was induced without treatment using indomethacin (40 mg/kg single orally dose). Group C was pretreated with testosterone (1 mg/kg IM) eight hours before ulcer induction. Eight hours after ulcer induction, animals were sacrificed and the stomach was harvested for analysis. Results showed a significant reduction in mucus content in groups C (0.79±0.11 g) and B (0.87±0.02 g) compared to A (1.11±0.03 g). Gastric mucus pH was significantly acidic in group B (4.40±0.55) compared to C (5.20±0.45) and A (5.80±0.45). There was a significantly higher ulcer index in group B (4.60±0.55 mm) compared to C (3.60±0.89 mm) and testosterone pretreatment resulted in a 21.74% ulcer inhibition. Although weak, the findings suggest that testosterone might protect the gastric mucosa against NSAIDs in females.

Oestrus synchronisation and superovulation alter the production and biochemical constituents of ovine cervicovaginal mucus

Controlled breeding programmes utilising exogenous hormones are common in the Australian sheep industry, however the effects of such programmes on cervicovaginal mucus properties are lacking. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate cervicovaginal (CV) mucus from naturally cycling (NAT), progesterone synchronised (P4), prostaglandin synchronised (PGF2α), and superovulated (SOV) Merino ewes. Experiment 1; volume, colour, spinnbarkeit, chemical profile and protein concentration of mucus (NAT, P4, PGF2α and SOV; n=5 ewes/treatment) during the follicular (5 d) and luteal phases (8 d) was investigated. Experiment 2; in vivo mucus pH and in vitro mucus penetration by frozen-thawed spermatozoa (NAT, P4 and SOV; n=11 ewes/treatment) was investigated over oestrus (2 d) and the mid-luteal phase (pH only, 2 d). Oestrus mucus was more abundant, clearer in colour and less proteinaceous than luteal phase mucus (p<0.05). SOV increased mucus production and protein concentration (p<0.05) while PGF2α reduced mucus volume (p<0.05). Mucus pH (oestrus 6.2–6.5), chemical profile and mucus penetration by sperm were unchanged (p>0.05). Results indicate that exogenous hormones used for controlled breeding affect cervicovaginal mucus production, but few other tested characteristics. Further research is required to explain fertility differences between synchronised and naturally cycling animals following cervical AI.

Fertility and Reproductive Health Implications of Targeted Therapeutics for Cystic Fibrosis

Aim: To explore knowledge of fertility and knowledge of the impact of cystic fibrosis (CF) on reproduction and fertility among women of childbearing age with homozygous F508del mutation, and explore these women's perceptions on fertility changes secondary to lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Methods: This pilot had a sample of 20 women. Ten women with CF, ages 19-35 with homozygous F508del mutation, stable lung function, and English proficient were included, as well as a non-CF comparison group. Three questionnaires were administered: demographics form, Knowledge of Fertility (KF), and Knowledge of Impact of CF on Reproduction and Fertility (KICFRF). A semi-structured interview was conducted with the CF group. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: On the KF scale, participants in both groups reported a lot of knowledge about the effect of age on fertility. Seven participants in the CF group and eight in the non-CF group reported little knowledge about the infertility work up. On the KICFRF, seven reported a lot of knowledge on the role of cervical mucus viscosity on fertility. Only three reported a lot of knowledge on the role of cervical mucus pH. Half of the CF group correctly identified CF's genetic transmission. Three main themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) Positive, negative, and unknown effects of lumacaftor/ivacaftor; (2) Needing comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education and counseling by the CF care team; and (3) Wanting to have a child despite knowing or suspecting impaired fertility. Discussion: Women with CF are knowledgeable about general fertility concepts. Areas of less knowledge (i.e., infertility work-up, genetic transmission, and role of cervical mucus pH) require future research. They desire comprehensive clinical care that includes discussions about fertility and reproductive health. They want to become mothers and are hopeful that targeted therapeutics will make their dream of motherhood a reality.

Studies on Estrual Cervical Mucus of Repeat Breeding Cows with Special Reference to Ovulatory Disturbances and Genital Infection

A total of 100 crossbred Jersey cows comprising of 80 repeat breeder presented for treatment and 20 clinically healthy (control group) animals presented for artificial Insemination at their first service within 60–90 days following calving were selected. Estrual cervical mucus were examined for physical properties and white side test (WST). Effects of ovulatory disturbances and non specific bacterial genital infection on physical properties of cervical mucus were also determined. The volume, colour, consistency, stringiness, fern pattern and spinnbarkeit values of cervical mucus were not affected by ovulatory disturbances, while, colour, consistency and pH showed significant (p < 0.01) changes due to non-specific bacterial genital infection. The results of WST showed significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation (0.484) with bacterial culture. It is concluded that ovulatory disturbances have no impact on altering physical characteristics of estrual cervical mucus; however, colour, consistency and pH of cervical mucus are greatly influenced by nonspecific bacterial genital infection in repeat breeding cattle.

Effect of leukotriene B4and oyster glycogen in resolving subclinical endometritis in repeat breeding crossbred cows

In the present study an innovative attempt was made using Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and Oyster glycogen (OG), non-specific immunomodulators, for the treatment of subclinical endometritis (SCE) in repeat breeding crossbred cows. Thirty six subclinical endometritis repeat breeding cows were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (G-I, G-II and G-III). The cows in treatment groups G-I and G-II received single intrauterine (iu) infusion with 50 ml of 30 nmol/L LTB4 and 10 mg/ml OG, respectively, whereas the cows in G-III served as control. Blood samples collected just before treatment (0 hr), 24 hr post-treatment and at subsequent estrus were assayed for total leukocyte count (TLC), lipid peroxide (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO). Following treatment the recovery rate was assessed at subsequent estrus by determining the pH of cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM), white side test and percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in uterine cytology. The recovery rate in G-I (83.3%) and G-II (75.0%) was greater (P

Nature of Genital Discharge and pH of Cervical Mucus and Uterine Flushing Before and After Treatment in Endometritis Affected Cows

The nature of cervical mucus and the change in the pH of cervical mucus and uterine flushings in 72 crossbred cows were studied. Six groups (12 cows in each group) received treatment viz. 30 ml of 2 per cent Lugol’s iodine (Group I), 30 ml PBS containing 100 µg of E.coli LPS (Group II), 2 mg of lysozyme (Group III), 500 mg of oyster glycogen (Group IV), 25 mg PGF2α (Group V) and 30 ml PBS intrauterine on the day of oestrus (Group VI, control). The mean pH value of the cervical mucus and uterine fluid before treatment was ranged from 8.47 ± 0.02 to 8.62 ± 0.02 and 7.87 ± 0.04 to 8.30 ± 0.02 and after the treatment it ranged from 7.01 ± 0.02 to 8.17 ± 0.04 and 7.61 ± 0.01 to 7.97 ± 0.01 in all the treated and control groups, respectively with a significant (P≤0.01) reduction in the pH value. The cows were inseminated with good quality frozen semen after giving sexual rest for one cycle. The highest conception rate was obtained in E. coli LPS group (83.33 per cent), followed by lysozyme group (66.67 percent) and oyster glycogen group (66.67 per cent), respectively.