Vaginal Smears Research Articles

Clinical trial comparing the use of Orcellex® Brush versus Cervex-Brush® on vaginal vault smear cytology adequacy rate in patients treated with radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

This study aims to evaluate and compare the Cervex-Brush® and Orcellex® Brush as sampling devices for vaginal vault smear cytology in cervical cancer patients treated primarily with radiotherapy. A randomized crossover trial was conducted at a gynecological oncology center in Hong Kong to compare the Cervex-Brush® and Orcellex® Brush in terms of their vault smear adequacy rate in cervical cancer patients who underwent radiotherapy. One hundred sixty cervical cancer patients treated with primary radiotherapy and undergoing follow-up surveillance by vaginal vault cytology were recruited. The smear adequacy rate was 90.6% for Cervex-Brush® and 91.9% for Orcellex® Brush. The rates of low cellularity for both brushes were similar (76.8% for Cervex-Brush® vs. 76.1% for Orcellex® Brush). The detection rates of abnormal smears were also not significantly different (2.8% for Cervex-Brush® vs. 4.2% for Orcellex® Brush). The 2 brushes were also not significantly different in terms of pain score and degree of bleeding. It was further observed that the second smear collection was more painful and patients who were on hormonal replacement therapy demonstrated less bleeding. There was no difference between the Orcellex® brush and the Cervex-Brush® in terms of smear adequacy rate, rate of high cellularity and the detection of abnormal smears. There was also no significant difference between the 2 brushes in terms of pain and the degree of bleeding. Therefore, the Orcellex® Brush can be considered a suitable alternative sampling device for vault smear collection in patients who have undergone radiotherapy for cervical cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04461574.

A preliminary study on the effects of Xiang Shao granules on reproductive endocrinology in drugged ovariectomised rats

ObjectiveTo establish a rat model of pharmacological ovariectomy by GnRH-a injection and to preliminarily investigate the reproductive endocrine effects of Xiangshao granules on pharmacologically ovariectomized rats. Methods: A rat model of pharmacological ovariectomy was established by injecting female rats with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a).The rats were randomly divided into four groups: GnRH-a injected saline group (GnRH-a + NS); GnRH-a injected oestradiol group (GnRH-a + E2); GnRH-a injected Xiangshao granule group (GnRH-a + Xiangshao), and the control group of saline-injected rats (NS + NS). The number of rats per group was 6.According to observations of the rats' vaginal smears, modelling was determined as successful. Then corresponding drug gavage intervention was administered for 28 days, and rat body weight and anal temperature were measured every other day to adjust the drug intervention amount according to body weight changes. Plasma sex hormone levels (E2, FSH, LH), uterine weight, uterine index and endometrial histomorphological changes, ovarian weight, and ovarian index and ovarian histomorphological changes were measured in each group after the gavage.Results(1) Plasma sex hormone levels (E2, FSH, LH) of the GnRH-a + NS, GnRH-a + E2, and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups were significantly lower than the NS + NS group (P < 0.001), while the E2 level of the GnRH-a + E2 group was higher than that of the GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule group (P < 0.05). The FSH level of the GnRH-a + E2 group was significantly lower than that of the GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule group (P < 0.05). The LH level of the GnRH-a + E2 group was significantly lower than those in the GnRH-a + NS and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.001). The LH and FSH levels of the GnRH-a + NS and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the NS + NS group, the uterine weight and uterine index, and ovarian weight and ovarian index of GnRH-a injected rats in each model all significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Between the groups, the uterine weight and uterine index, and ovarian weight and ovarian index of GnRH-a + E2 and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups were all significantly higher than those of the GnRH-a + NS group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). The uterine weight and uterine index, and ovarian weight and ovarian index of the GnRH-a + E2 group increased compared with the GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule group (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the NS + NS group, the number of primordial follicles of the GnRH-a + NS, GnRH-a + E2, and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups increased significantly and the number of growing follicles and mature follicles significantly decreased. (4) Rats' uterine wall of the NS + NS and various GnRH-a groups was significantly thinner, with the endothelial layer atrophied, while the uterine wall of the GnRH-a + E2 and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups was thicker obviously, with the number of vaginal folds and blood vessels also increasing. Specifically, the uterus and vagina improvements in the GnRH-a + E2 group were more obvious than in GnRH-a + NS and GnRH-a + Xiangshao granule groups.ConclusionGnRH-a injection can reduce the levels of sex hormones E2, FSH, and LH in rats, causing perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, while Xiangshao and E2 granules could significantly improve such symptoms and exert a slight oestrogenic effect, to a lesser extent than E2 does.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents with Genitourinary Complaints: Is There a Still Role for Endocervical Gram Stains?

Study objective: Adolescent females are disproportionately affected by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Endocervical Gram stain smears taken during gynecological examination are inexpensive, relatively easy procedures to perform and interpret. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of Gram smears in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) in a female adolescent population presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with genitourinary complaints. Methods: This study was a retrospective, cohort analysis of consecutive females (ages 13 – 19) seen at three academic medical centers over a two-year study period. All patients underwent a pelvic exam with diagnostic testing for STIs. Positive criteria for a Gram stain included greater than ten white blood cells per high-power field, gram-negative intracellular/extracellular diplococci (suggesting GC), or direct visualization of TV organisms. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays were used as the gold standard definition for CT/GC infection. Direct microscopic visualization of organisms on a separate wet mount prep was considered the gold standard for TV infection. Demographic information, clinical findings of cervicitis, and the results of diagnostic testing were obtained from ED records using standardized abstraction forms. Results: During the study period, 1303 adolescent females were evaluated for genitourinary complaints. A total of 181 adolescents (12.9%) had at least one documented STI. Overall, 298 patients (22.9%) had positive gram stains. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio for Gram stain in the diagnosis of STI were 28.7% (95% CI, 22.2 to 35.9), 78.1% (95% CI, 75.5 to 80.5), and 1.31 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.7), respectively. The sensitivity of Gram stain to Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis were 35.9% (95% CI 26.8 to 45.8), 34.5% (95% CI 18.0 to 54.3), and 5.7% (95% CI 1.3 to 15.7), respectively. The consistency of the data recording was excellent, with a median kappa statistic of 0.89. Conclusions: The positive likelihood ratio of inflammation on endocervical Gram stain is too low to recommend its use to direct empiric treatment of adolescents at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Diagnostic uncertainty or treatment failures should prompt specific laboratory testing.

Clinical Validation and Comparison of Bacterial Vaginosis Detection

Abstract Introduction/Objective Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is considered a top reason for women’s gynecological visits, causing symptoms such as vaginal discharge, foul odor, itching, and burning associated with the alteration of the normal vaginal microbiome. It is often presented as a decrease in Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in anaerobic organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae. In response to the demand for more automated and less subjective testing, molecular methods have recently been developed to aid in BV testing. The objectives of this study are to validate and compare the molecular Aptima® Bacterial Vaginosis Assay by Hologic® to the established BV Screen via a Gram stained vaginal smear graded through Nugent scoring at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago, IL and perform a cost analysis between the testing methods. Methods/Case Report Samples of known BV value were tested on the Panther® instrument to validate the Aptima® Bacterial Vaginosis Assay for accuracy and precision. Clinical samples of vaginal swabs were used to make a Gram stained BV screen for Nugent scoring, then afterwards were placed into Hologic Multitest Aptima® probes for molecular testing on the Panther® instrument. Nugent scoring was performed blind by the molecular test. Molecular results of negative, positive, and invalid were then compared to the Nugent scores: scores of 0-3 for negative/normal vaginal flora, 7-10 for positive BV, and 4-6 for intermediate/altered scores were screened for discrepancy. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The Aptima® BV Assay tested 52 known samples with 97% accuracy and 100% precision. A total of 80 clinical samples of vaginal swabs used for Gram stained BV screens were run on the Aptima® BV Assay; 61 provided conclusive data for comparative analysis. When compared to the original Nugent scores, the positive percent agreement (PPA) was 77.0% and negative percent agreement (NPA) was 92.9%. Conclusion The Aptima® BV Assay proved to be both accurate and precise in its validation testing. Clinically, it was able to screen for BV in vaginal samples with a good percent agreement to Gram stained BV screens. Further testing of additional clinical samples are to be done to continue analysis. Although the supplies needed to perform a Gram stain cost less than molecular testing, the reimbursement payment for molecular testing is much greater and overall reduces employee time costs for performing the test, making it the more cost effective choice for the laboratory.

Quinoa ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome via regulating gut microbiota through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a unity of endocrine and metabolic disorders, associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR, autophagy, and gut microbiota. Quinoa is a valuable food source, which contains rich minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and has a positive modulating effect on metabolic diseases. However, its effects and potential mechanisms on PCOS have not been reported yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of quinoa on PCOS rats by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR, autophagy, and gut microbiota.MethodsTen–week-old female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats have received letrozole for 24 days for induction of PCOS and subsequently were treated with a quinoa diet for 8 weeks. Vaginal smears were used to analyze the estrous cycle of rats. Hormone and biochemical indexes were analyzed by kit assays and glucometer. The pathological changes of ovary, pancreas, duodenum and colon were observed by HE staining. PI3K, AKT, mTOR and autophagy-related proteins in the ovary and colon were measured by western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. Tight junction proteins in colon were measured by immunohistochemistry staining. 16 s rDNA sequencing was used to detect the changes of intestinal microbiota in rats. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to study the possible targets and mechanisms of quinoa on PCOS. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between intestinal microbial abundance and hormone levels of PCOS rats at the phylum and genus level.ResultsQuinoa significantly improved estrous cycle and biochemical parameters of PCOS-like rats, and the pathological state of ovary, pancreas, duodenum and colon tissues. Especially, quinoa significantly regulated the expression of PI3K, AKT, mTOR and autophagy-related proteins in the ovary. Quinoa may repair the intestinal barrier by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, and regulate autophagy-related factors in colon. Additionally, quinoa increased the abundance of Lactobacillu, Bacteroides and Oscillospira, and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the Blautia, and Prevotella, reversing the dysregulation of the gut microbiota. Correlation analysis showed that there is a strong correlation between gut microbiota with significant changes in abundance and hormone related to PCOS.ConclusionOur result indicated that effect of quinoa on PCOS maybe associated with activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, inhibition of autophagy, and regulation of intestinal flora.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress In Patients With Giardia Lamblia In Duhok City, Iraq

Giardia lamblia (Giardia intestinalis) is a widespread enteric parasite known as giardiasis, which infects the small intestine of human at different ages, particularly children. This parasite has direct and indirect effects on the host’s body. This study aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress is expressed by estimating the malondialdehyde concentration (As oxidative indicator), and estimating the non-enzymatic antioxidants concentration in the serum of 39 patients ( males and females), whose ages ranged between (3-38) years patients infected with the G.lamblia or suspected of being infected with this parasite who were referred to Public Health Prevention Center, Center, Heevi Pediatric Hospital, Shariya and Kaberto Camp inside or outside Dohuk city. The diagnosis of parasitic infection was confirmed on the clinical symptoms of patients, the macroscopic examination of stool infected patients, which cotained trophozoites and / or cysts of G. lamblia, by confirming the infection microscopically in the laboratory by two method the direct wet smear examination and the antigen detection test. in addition to 30 serum samples healthy controls who did not have this disease, of both genders and the same age as a healthy control.The results of current study showed a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration by 158% in the serum of patients with giardiasis compared to healthy controls of both genders, and by 183% in males, 134% in females. compared to healthy controls according to gender. And the results also showed a significant decrease in the concentration of both glutathione (GSH) and albumin in the serum of infected patients by 70% and 15%, respectively, compared to healthy controls of both genders. The significant percentage of decrease was in males by 71%, 16% respectively, and in females by 70% and 14% respectively compared with healthy controls according to gender. We conclude that infection with G. lamblia caused oxidative stress and dysfunction in physiological and metabolic processes.

Antifungal effect of Crescentia cujete fruit extracts on clinical strains of Candida albicans

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection globally, ranging from superficial to severe invasive forms that can be life-threatening. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effects of ethanol and n-hexane extracts from Crescentia cujete fruit against Candida albicans strains. Crescentia cujete fruit pulp was dried and extracted using Soxhlet with ethanol and n-hexane. Two reference strains of C. albicans (ATCC 10231 and 90028) and 12 clinical isolates from vaginal smears were tested under various conditions: without extract, with serial dilutions of ethanol or n-hexane extracts, and with ethanol and n-hexane at the same concentrations. Growth was measured using MicroELISA equipment. Results showed that n-hexane and ethanol extracts significantly reduced the growth of 9/12 and 4/12 clinical strains, respectively, and also affected the ATCC 90028 and ATCC 10231 strains. A direct correlation was observed between growth inhibition and extract concentration, with n-hexane exhibiting a stronger correlation (Spearman's Rho=0.609, p&lt;0.05) compared to ethanol (Spearman's Rho=0.387, p&lt;0.05). This study is the first to demonstrate the antifungal effects of Crescentia cujete fruit extracts on clinical Candida albicans strains, suggesting that a low-polarity compound in the fruit inhibits Candida albicans, including the ATCC 1031 strain resistant to common antifungals.

Neem Leaves Extract Reduces Sex Steroids and Gonadal Function in Female Wistar Albino Rats

The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Asia and Africa. This study aimed to investigate the possible anti-fertility potential of dietary neem leaves' extract in female Wistar albino rats as. This model could be further applied to stray dogs. In this experiment 24 adult female albino Wister rats were divided into two groups: control and treated with neem leave extract, they were tested for estrous regularity by vaginal smears, progesterone, and estrogen hormone were measured. Ovarian caspase-3 expression and histopathological inspection were examined. The results have revealed reducing sex steroids, increment in ovarian caspase-3 expression, and histological deteriorations in the ovary and uterus. The study concluded that neem flower extract can be used as an antifertility agent in animals.

Occurrence of Entamoeba Histolytica infection in patients with Ulcerative colitis attending to the Al-Diwaniyah gastroenterology center/ Iraq

One Hundred Eighteen (118) Stool testers were composed from ulcerative colitis patients distress from intestinal sicknesses, abdominal discomfort, and cases of diarrhea which presence to gastroenterology center in Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital and outpatient clinics from different age groups. for the period from August 2023 - March 2024. The samples were examined with a light microscope using The direct wet smear method from Human stool samples. Microscopic study revealed a important variance at (P ≤ 0.05) among ulcerative colitis patients and infection with E. histolytica was 81.35% (96 positive samples from 118). The results of showed that non-significant alterations at (p ≤ 0.05) between infection with the E. histolytica and age groups, Gender and Residency.

Investigating the influence of estrous cycle-dependent hormonal changes on neurogenesis in adult mice

ObjectiveNeurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain. Sex hormones play an essential role in the development of the brain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurogenic changes in the brain at different phases of the estrous cycle in adult mice. Materials and methodsFemale NMRI mice were divided into four groups: 1- Estrous, 2- Proestrous, 3- Metestrous, and 4- Diestrous. Different stages of the estrous cycle were determined by staining of vaginal smears. The level of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) hormones was evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor) BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF)) genes in hippocampal and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in subventricular zone (SVZ) tissue were evaluated. ResultsThe serum estrogen and FSH increased significantly in Proestrous group (p < 0.001). Also, progesterone and prolactin hormones were significantly increased in the Diaestrus group (p < 0.001). The expression levels of BDNF, NGF, and CNTF significantly increased in the hippocampal tissue of Proestrous and Diaestrus groups (p < 0.001). The number of GFAP+ cells in SVZ of the Proestrous and Diestrous groups had a significant increase (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). ConclusionOur data showed that Changes in sex hormones, especially estrogen in the estrous cycle, can cause the production of new neurons and astrocytes in the hippocampus and SVZ. Therefore, the increase in neurotrophic factors in the Proestrus and Diestrus leads to neurogenesis in adult mice brains.

Application of small animal ultrasound imaging technology for identification of polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model

Background and AimsPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual periods, elevated levels of androgens, and polycystic ovaries, leading to various symptoms and complications such as infertility, metabolic issues, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. This study aimed to compare traditional histological methods and ultrasound imaging for consistency in identifying PCOS in a mouse model. The shortest time to construct the PCOS model using letrozole was determined. MethodsFemale C57/BL mice were randomly divided into three groups: Group A received normal saline and a regular diet; Group B received 1 mg/kg/day of letrozole with a regular diet; and Group C received 1 mg/kg/day of letrozole with a high-fat diet. All mice were administered letrozole by intragastric gavage daily for five weeks. The traditional identification method included measuring body weight, examining vaginal smears, monitoring the estrous cycle, measuring serum androgen levels, and performing H&E staining of ovarian tissues. The PCOS model was evaluated using ultrasound imaging to identify and monitor follicles. The significance of the difference between the traditional identification method and the ultrasonic method was calculated using the nonparametric McNemar test, and consistency between the two methods was assessed with the kappa-coefficient test. On this basis, the ultrasound imaging technology was used to monitor the model-making process for 2, 3 and 4 weeks, and to monitor the parameters of the ovary and follicles to judge the shortest time that gavage letrozole caused the appearance of vesicular follicles in the mouse ovary. ResultsThe traditional identification method showed no PCOS phenotype in group A mice, while groups B and C showed multiple ovarian cystic follicles, indicating successful model induction. The ultrasound imaging results were consistent with the traditional method, showing no PCOS in group A and multiple cystic follicles in groups B and C. The McNemar test revealed no significant difference between the traditional and ultrasonic identification methods. The kappa-coefficient test assessed consistency, yielding a value of 0.903, indicating strong agreement between the methods. The ovarian area, diameter, and the number and diameter of cystic follicles were not significantly changed at two weeks in the letrozole group compared with the control group. At three weeks, there were significant increases in the number and in the diameter of vesicular follicles compared with control cells. At four weeks, the number and diameter, the maximum cross-sectional area and diameter of the ovary were significantly increased compared with the control group. ConclusionsThe ultrasound and traditional methods provide consistent results for identifying PCOS in a mouse model. Construction of the PCOS model by letrozole gavage takes at least three weeks.

METTL3 silencing inhibits ferroptosis to suppress ovarian fibrosis in PCOS by upregulating m6A modification of GPX4.

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is extensively reported to be involved in organ fibrosis. Ovarian fibrosis is a main characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the reaction mechanism of METTL3 in PCOS is poorly investigated. This paper was intended to reveal the role and the mechanism of METTL3 in PCOS. Animal and cell models of PCOS were induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). H&E staining was performed to detect the pathological alterations in ovary tissues. Masson staining, immunofluorescence, along with western blot measured fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate estrous cycle, vaginal smear was performed. Lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis were evaluated by MDA assay kits, GSH assay kits, immunohistochemistry, Prussian blue staining and western blot. qRT-PCRand western blot were adopted to estimate METTL3 and GPX4 expression. The m6A and hormone secretion levels were respectively assessed by m6A RNA Methylation Quantitative Kit and corresponding kits. The interaction between METTL3 and GPX4 was testified by immunoprecipitation. The fibrosis and ferroptosis were aggravated and m6A and METTL3 expression were increased in ovarian tissues of DHEA-induced PCOS mice. METTL3 silencing alleviated pathological changes, affected hormone secretion level, and repressed fibrosis, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in the ovarian tissues of PCOS mice. In vitro, DHEA stimulation increased m6A and METTL3 expression and induced ferroptosis and fibrosis. METTL3 knockdown promoted GPX4 expression in DHEA-induced granulosa cells by m6A modification and restrained DHEA-induced fibrosis, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in granulosa cells via elevating GPX4. METTL3 silence inhibited ovarian fibrosis in PCOS, which was mediated through suppressing ferroptosis by upregulating GPX4 in m6A-dependent manner.

Zuogui Pills Improve the Learning and Memory Ability of Brain-Aging Mice through the Estrogen Receptor ERα Methylation Pathway.

Sex hormones are important factors in maintaining brain function and acting as brain protectors. Recent research suggests that neuronal damage in brain aging may be linked to the methylation of the estrogen receptor α (ERα). However, the mechanism of Zuogui Pills (ZGW) in brain-aging ERα DNA methylation and neuronal repair remains unknown. D-galactose-induced ovary removal mice were used as a model of aging. Changes in estrous cycle were detected in mice by vaginal cell smear. Animal behavior tests, including the Morris water maze (MWM) and new object recognition (NOR) test, were conducted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl-staining were carried out to assess hippocampal neurogenesis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for 5- methylcytosine methylation levels, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting (WB) experiments were performed to assess ERα/DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression after ZGW treatment. Finally, bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) analysis was performed to identify methylated differentially expressed estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene in D-gal-induced senescent neurons before and after ZGW treatment. We found that ERα methylation was involved in the delayed brain ageing process of ZGW. Mechanistically, ZGW can improve the learning and memory ability of brain-aging mice, reduce the expression of 5-methylcytosine (5-mc) in serum, increase the amount of ERα, inhibit the expression of DNMT1, and significantly reduce methylated expression of the ESRI gene. Our data suggested that ZGW slowed down D-gal-induced brain aging in mice, and these results showed that ZGW is beneficial for aging. It may be used for neuronal protection in aging.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Evaluation of symptoms, using a questionnaire, in a research setting, before and after treatment.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common condition, yet there is no defined, objective, and reproducible intervention with which to make a diagnosis. There are many different treatment options available, but without the correct diagnosis, affected women are unable to access the right therapy. This paper reports on the questionnaire arm of the VAN study (VAginal Health - What's Normal?) which aimed to evaluate the performance and acceptability of the methods of assessment of GSM, described below. To determine the value of the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire: a multidimensional measure of the impact of vaginal symptoms on functioning and well-being in postmenopausal women, in a prospective, observational, feasibility study. 60 women were recruited to the study (20 premenopausal, asymptomatic women (control group) and 40 peri- and postmenopausal, symptomatic women). All women had a baseline assessment, using three different interventions, in addition to the DIVA questionnaire and symptomatic women were offered treatment, followed by a second assessment undertaken at 16weeks, using the same interventions. This paper focusses on the outcomes for the questionnaire and specifically on the paired data sets, before and after treatment. An improvement in the score for all four sections of DIVA (Activities of daily living, Emotions, Sexual Activity, and Feelings about yourself and your body (female embodiment)) was observed, following any treatment. Additional questions were added to DIVA, to assess patient preference in relation to the different diagnostic interventions. These included a speculum examination as part of the clinical assessment, a smear taken from the lateral vaginal wall to assess the vaginal maturation index, both undertaken by a clinician and a self-administered tampon to collect vaginal secretions, to determine the small molecule metabolite profile, using NMR spectroscopy, and to enable analysis of the vaginal microbiome. The medical standard tampon was the preferred intervention, before and after treatment, for women eligible for treatment. The VAN study demonstrates that DIVA, a previously tested questionnaire, is an easily accessible intervention, to assess the impact of urogenital symptoms on quality-of-life indicators in women in the United Kingdom with GSM and that women prefer to use a tampon themselves, rather than have a clinician performed vaginal speculum examination or a vaginal smear.

Vaginal cytomorphological profile in correlating suicidal deaths in medicolegal autopsy cases

Objectives: Vaginal cytology is a sensitive method for assessing women’s hormonal status, showing variations in menstrual cycle phases. Studies suggest a higher rate of female suicides during the luteal phase. This study aimed to link vaginal cytomorphological profiles with the manner of death and age of the deceased. Materials and Methods: Vaginal smears from 64 autopsy cases were microscopically examined for maturation index (MI) and value, reflecting hormonal profiles. Statistical Analysis: ANOVA between the mean of maturation value with manner of death was found to be significant. Results: Among the 48 suicides, 54.2% showed predominantly intermediate cells in the luteal phase, indicating a mid-zone shift in the MI. The remaining 16 non-suicidal cases showed fewer intermediate cells. Suicides shared a similar cytological profile and MI, especially in the reproductive age group. Conclusions: While vaginal smears are typically used in sexual assault cases to detect sperm, they also offer insights into women’s hormonal profiles. Understanding these profiles could provide clues about psychological status and its relation to the manner of death beyond sexual assault.

Clinical, histopathological and phylogenetic analysis of Myxobolus lentisturalis (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) infecting the musculature of farmed population of goldfish (Carassius auratus) in Iran: 2021–2022

There is a claimed increase in the global prevalence and incidence of emerging diseases observed in many organisms. Myxozoa represents an essential group of metazoan parasites that hold both economic and ecological significance. In the current study, 1% of the fish population at two commercial goldfish (Carassius auratus) farms in Tehran and Ghom province, Iran, developed cavitating muscular lesions resembling humps in February 2021 and January 2022. Fish displaying pathological abnormalities were transported to the Ornamental Fish Clinic and subjected to clinical examination. Light microscopy was subsequently used to examine wet smears of skin and gills, as well as whitish exudate. In addition, tissue homogenates were collected for more precise identification and molecular confirmation. The study discovered that individuals from the goldfish farms were infected with the pathogenic myxozoan Myxobolus lentisuturalis, which caused significant damage to the epaxial muscles. The spores collected from the humps had a lack of uniformity and were primarily ellipsoidal in shape. Histopathological analysis also revealed parasites in various stages of development, such as plasmodia and spores, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration (macrophage, giant cell and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration) between skeletal muscle fibers. Phylogenetic analysis of M. lentisuturalis was performed by using MEGA 11 and the maximum likelihood method. M. lentisuturalis is a myxozoan parasite that has been sparsely recorded and lacks widespread recognition. The current study is the first clinical, histopathological, and molecular characterization of M. lentisuturalis isolated from the skeletal musculature of goldfish (C. auratus) in Iran.

Dicliptera laxata (Acanthaceae) (C. B. Clark) Unblocks an Abamectin-Blocked Estrous Cycle and Restores Cyclicity in Female Albino Rats

The farmers of the Buea municipality, Fako Division, South-West Region, Cameroon extensively use Abamectin or Aba, a phytosanitary insecticide which targets insects such as mites, thrips species and leaf miners. In this area, the local population also uses Dicliptera laxata traditionally as a fertility enhancer and in stabilizing risky pregnancies in women. This study was aimed at evaluating the actions of Dicliptera laxata aqueous extract on the estrous cycle and reproductive system of Aba-treated female rats. A total of 30 adult female rats of the confirmed regular cycle were daily treated orally with a 2 ml/kg Abamectin for a period of 45 days, accompanied by the evaluation of the cytology of their vaginal smears at 5 days intervals. From the 46th day, they were subsequently treated with the leaf-aqueous extract of Dicliptera laxata for 15 days and were terminated on the 61st day during which blood and reproductive organs were collected for biochemical assays and relative weight indices. Chronic (45 days) exposure of normal cycled female rats to Abamectin witnessed a blockade in their estrous cycle, a significant drop in plasma estradiol and progesterone concentration, and a significant drop in the percentage weight of organs. Administration of Dicliptera laxata leaf-aqueous extract to these Aba-treated females resulted in a return to the regularity of their estrous cycle, with animals receiving the 300 mg/kg dose of plant extract recording a 60% regulation in the first week and 100% in the second week as compared to animals treated with distilled water that recorded a 0% and 20% regulation in the first and second week of treatment, respectively. Also, the animals that received 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract registered significant (p &lt; 0.05) rise in plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol (36.44 ± 1.69 pg/mL and 77.73 ± 3.82 pg/mL, respectively) as compared to animals that received distilled water which showed 22.54 ± 2.19 pg/mL plasma progesterone and a 44.90 ± 7.63 pg/mL plasma estradiol concentrations, respectively. The actions of the leaf-aqueous extract of D. laxata could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals including steroids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and saponins in our extract, which have been reported to have important pharmacological effects on female reproduction. D. laxata, therefore, constitutes a potential treatment of female infertility and our findings justify its folkoric use by the Bakweri tribe in enhancing fertility. It can be used to stalize risky pregnancies and prevent miscarriages.

Survey of gastrointestinal coccidian parasites of pet birds in Tehran

ABSTRACT Birds of various families and genera comprise a notable proportion of veterinary clients in veterinary practice. Regarding the scarcity of information on avian coccidia in pet birds, this study was designed to investigate and identify the diversity of gastrointestinal coccidian protozoa in caged pet birds. Accordingly, droppings samples were collected in 2.5% potassium dichromate and examined for the presence of oocysts by wet smear and by flotation with the saturated salt solution. Detected oocysts were further morphologically specified. Special Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain was used for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Out of the 145 droppings that were collected for parasitological investigations, it was discovered that a Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) had a Cryptosporidium sp. infection (1/145: 0.7%). Additionally, Isospora spp. was found in a common mynah and a canary (2/145: 1.4%), while Eimeria sp. was detected in a canary (1/145: 0.7%). Studied birds were clinically normal and no signs of intestinal infection were observed. The oocysts are described morphologically in detail and compared with the available data. Periodic faecal examination should be recommended for monitoring intestinal parasites in pet birds both from a public health perspective for Cryptosporidium and for avian host health in the case of non-zoonotic parasites. Additionally, the identification of parasite/host species composition will enhance our understanding of species diversity and the variety of hosts that coccidian parasites are capable of infecting.

Therapeutic effects of stevia aqueous extract alone or in combination with metformin in induced polycystic ovary syndrome rats: Gene expression, hormonal balance, and metabolomics aspects

This study aimed to assess the individual and combined effects of SAE and Met on the expression of genes related to insulin signaling, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in rats with induced PCOS. The estrous cycle of 50 adult Wistar female rats was monitored through vaginal smears. Subsequently, the rats were randomly assigned into five groups of 10, including control (receiving 1ml of carboxymethyl cellulose for 49 days), induction (letrozole at 1mg/kg/d for 21 days), SAE, Met, and SAE/Met. SAE and Met were orally administered at doses of 400mg/kg/d and 250mg/kg/d on day 22 and continued for an additional 28 days. Vaginal smears were analyzed, and gene expression levels of GLUT4, SIRT1, TNF-α, and INSR were evaluated using RT-qPCR. Antioxidant parameters were assessed using detection kits. Treatment with SAE and Met restored a regular estrous cycle pattern in PCOS rats. Furthermore, SAE and Met treatment improved hormonal balance, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia in the rats. Administration of SAE and Met significantly elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx in ovarian tissue (P<0.001). Additionally, mRNA levels of GLUT4, SIRT1, and INSR were significantly increased in ovarian tissue following SAE and Met treatment, while TNF-α gene expression decreased significantly (P<0.0001). The findings suggest that SAE and Met aqueous extract exert protective effects on letrozole-induced PCOS in rats by modulating gene expression associated with insulin signaling and oxidative stress.

Associations among the largest follicle, preovulatory estradiol concentrations, and predominant vaginal epithelial cells at the completion of hormonal ovarian stimulation for fixed-time artificial insemination in goats.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association among the largest follicle (LF), preovulatory estradiol (E2), and predominant vaginal epithelial cell at the completion of hormonal ovarian stimulation for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in goats. Thirty-seven crossbred Boer does received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and intravaginal progesterone (P4)-releasing devices (day 0). On day 5, P4 devices were removed and does received prostaglandin F2α and equine chorionic gonadotrophin. On day 7, does received GnRH, and FTAI was undertaken. On day 7, does were divided into three groups, i.e. small-sized (3-3.9 mm; n = 5), medium-sized (4-4.9 mm; n = 8), and large-sized (≥5 mm; n = 24) according to the diameter of the ovarian LF; follicular characteristics (number and diameter) were identified, and blood samples and vaginal smears were collected. The average diameters of total antral follicles and LF and the percentage of superficial cell were greatest in large-sized LF does (p < .01). The average diameters of total antral follicle (r = .68) and LF (r = .71), number of preovulatory follicle (r = .58), and plasma E2 concentrations (r = .61) were positively correlated with the percentage of superficial cells (p < .01). The likelihood of a pregnancy outcome after the FTAI increased by 13.71 times in does with a greater average diameter of antral follicle, 14.18 times with emergence of a large preovulatory follicle, and 36.83 times with a higher percentage of vaginal superficial cells (p < .01). It was concluded that there is a relationship between the cell types of the vaginal epithelium, the diameters of the largest ovarian follicles, and the concentration of E2 in goats subjected to FTAI protocols.