Uterus Width Research Articles

Neural tube defects and uterus development in human fetuses

One of the most common malformations of the central nervous system is related to embryonic neural tube alterations. We hypothesized that anencephaly affects the development of the uterus during the human second trimester of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to study the biometric parameters of the uterus in fetuses with anencephaly and compare them with normocephalic fetuses at that important. In our study, 34 female fetuses were analyzed, 22 normal and 12 anencephalic, aged between 12 and 22 weeks post-conception (WPC). After dissection of the pelvis and individualization of the genital tract, we evaluated the length and width of the uterus using the Image J software. We compared the means statistically using the Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney test and performed linear regression. We identify significant differences between the uterus length (mm)/weight (g) × 100 (p = 0.0046) and uterus width (mm)/weight (g) × 100 (p = 0.0013) when we compared the control with the anencephalic group. The linear regression analysis indicated that 80% significance was found in the correlations in normocephalic fetuses (12.9 to 22.6 WPC) and 40% significance in anencephalic fetuses (12.3 to 18.6 WPC). The measurements of the uterus were greater in anencephalic group but there are no difference in the uterine width and length growth curves during the period studied. Further studies are required to support the hypothesis suggesting that anencephaly may affect uterine development during the human fetal period.

Estimated efficiency of uterine cavity suturing in patients during organ-preserving surgery with placenta increta while examining reproductive function in the postpartum period

Aim: to assess the reproductive function of patients who underwent organ-preserving delivery using a modified method of uterine cavity suturing placenta increta.Materials and Methods. There were retrospectively investigated 77 history cases of patients admitted for planned delivery in 2018–2020, subdivided into two groups: Group 1 (control) – 32 patients with uterine scar after previous cesarean section, Group 2 (main) – 45 patients diagnosed with placenta increta further assigned to 2 subgroups – 2A (n = 23) underwent a modified uterine cavity suturing, and subgroup 2B (n = 22) where a linear suturing was used.Results. The groups studied were comparable on anthropometric data and reproductive history. The ultrasound examination of the uterus size 6 months later revealed more prominent changes in main group that might be due to larger volume of excised uterine tissue during surgery. Significant differences in subgroup 2A (uterus length – 54 [48; 62] mm, uterus width – 38 [29; 47] mm; p = 0.036 and p = 0.024, respectively) and subgroup 2B (uterus length – 51 [42; 60] mm, uterus width – 30 [24; 44] mm; p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) vs. control group (uterus length – 60 [55; 66] mm, uterus width – 48 [42; 54] mm) were observed. Magnitude of change in size and shape of the uterus were found in subgroup 2A vs. 2B (p = 0.022 for uterus length, p = 0.004 for uterus width). Examining intrauterine blood flow revealed no significant differences between the groups compared (p > 0.1).Conclusion. Assessing results of the applied new method for uterine cavity suturing in patients with placenta increta showed a marked efficiency in maintaining anatomically most natural shape of the uterus and uterine cavity. Despite the results obtained, the problem of restoring female reproductive function after organ-preserving delivery remains a pressing issue relevant and requires to be further investigated.

Observations of sperm storage in some deep-sea elasmobranchs

The presence of sperm storage was evaluated in several deep-sea elasmobranchs (Centrophorus squamosus, Centroselachus crepidater, Deania calcea, Brochiraja spinifera, Brochiraja asperula, Apristurus ampliceps, A. exsanguis, A. garricki and A. sinensis), all considered at risk to the impacts of fishing in New Zealand. Biological measurements of reproductive organs (e.g. follicle size and number, oviducal gland size, uterus width and gonad weight) were recorded in addition to conventional macroscopic maturity assessment measures. Histology was conducted on a sample of oviducal glands to investigate the occurrence of sperm storage. Sperm storage was confirmed in three of the nine species: Centroselachus crepidater, Centrophorus squamosus and Brochiraja asperula. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first observations of sperm storage for these genera, and the first in the family Centrophoridae. Sperm storage was observed in macroscopically mature females and also in some females considered macroscopically as maturing. The female reproductive tract may regress substantially between reproductive events to the extent that a mature fish is mis-classified as maturing, and would be consistent with long periods of resting between reproductive events. Alternatively, it is equally possible that aggrieve male mating behaviour results in premature copulation of maturing females. We summarise published occurrences of sperm storage in chondrichthyans, and conclude that sperm storage is most likely ubiquitous in chondrichthyans, and an adaptive benefit to traumatic mating behaviour, that may also be adaptive to low fish densities in the relatively unproductive environment of the deep-sea.

Uterine dimensions and intrauterine device malposition: can ultrasound predict displacement or expulsion before it happens?

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most commonly used method of long-acting reversible contraception. IUD malpositions are described as expulsion, embedding, displacement, and perforation, which may cause contraception failure, organ injury, hemorrhage, and infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between displacement and IUD positioning in the uterus, and uterine dimensions as measured using transvaginal ultrasonography. Three-hundred and eighty-four patients who had TCu380A devices inserted at a tertiary hospital were evaluated at insertion and at 1month, 3months, and 6months after insertion. At the insertion visit, demographic characteristics, history of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, previous IUD displacement, and obstetric history were recorded. Transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of the uterine cavity, uterine length, uterine width, cervix length, cervix width, transverse diameter of the uterine cavity, the distance between the tip of the IUD and the fundus, and endometrium were measured to evaluate IUD displacement. Sixteen of 384 patients had displacement. There were significant differences in times between last pregnancy outcomes and IUD insertion and dysmenorrhea history (p = 0.004 and p = 0.028, respectively). Among TCu380A users, women with 7.5mm IUD endometrium distances had a higher risk for displacement with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 37.5% (AUC: 0.607, 95% CI 0.51-0.70). Women with uterus width less than 41.5mm were more likely to have displacement with a sensitivity of 53.8% and a specificity of 75% (AUC: 0.673, 95% CI 0.60-0.75). IUD endometrium distance and uterus width are important parameters for displacement for TCu380A.

An Evidence of Enhanced Fitness by Male Remounting during the Courtship in three Species of Montium Subgroup of Drosophila

Male mating a second female after first mate (male remating) is a common feature in Drosophila, particularly in mass culture. On the other hand, female remating is not as frequent as that of male remating because the sperms introduced along with the semen into the spermatheca are stored there. However, the phenomena of female remating have been reported in few species. During sexual activity, the males and females are involved an elaborate courtship at the end of which the male mounts on to the female followed by mating. During each mating, the mounted male through its ejaculate, transmits the sperms into the females' genital tract where it is stored. The sperms are stored in the spermatheca. Usually, with one mount maximum sperms are transferred to female hence second mounting does not occur. In most Drosophila, when a male mounts a female after an elaborate courtship, the pairs remain in cupola for a fixed period then dismounts. No more courtship or mounting is performed by the male towards the same female. In D.jambulina, D.nagarholensis and D.gangotrii remounting occurs two or three times immediately after the first mount. The reason for remounting has been analyzed in the present study through measuring the width of the female reproductive tract and sperm count after each mount. The female reproductive tract was dissected out and width of uterus was measured. The result showed significant difference in the width after each mount. The sperm count of these species after each mount also showed significant variation. Remounting perhaps enhances the fitness of the mating pairs.

Seasonal variation in the reproductive tract of the Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus (Brünnich, 1782)

Seasonal variation in the reproductive tract of Pteropus giganteus was studied at 13 sites of the Pothwar Plateau and Islamabad Capital Territory. Ninety-three dead specimens were collected from roosts, orchards and home-based small cultivations of fruit trees. In males, seasonal differences in testis length, testis width, cauda epididymidis length and penis length were recorded. Positive correlations were found between body weight, body length and all parameters of male reproductive tract. Significant monthly variations in testes conditions (viz. flaccid and turgid) were observed. In females, seasonal variation in reproductive tract weight, ovary length, ovary width, uterus length and uterus width were seen. In females, a strong relationship of body weight with total body length and female reproductive tract parameters were found. In flying foxes’ population of Pothwar, first mating was observed in December-January and second in June-July, suggesting two mating seasons in winter and summer.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomies in Large Uterus: Myth and Realities

The hysterectomy is the most common surgery in the united states and the minimally invasive approach is becoming the standard of care. Many authors consider that the laparoscopic hysterectomies should be offer to all patients including those mention above. Some suggest that the size is not a significant factor for the conversion of the laparoscopic hysterectomy being more important the uterus width, the mobility and the presence of lateral myomas that could prevent access of the uterine vessels.

Maturation, fecundity, and spawning strategy of the thornback ray, Raja clavata: do reproductive characteristics vary regionally?

In Portuguese waters, thornback ray Raja clavata spawns mainly between May and January, although females and males in spawning condition are found throughout the year. The maturation process can be divided into three main phases by using information on gonad weight, oviducal gland and uterus width in females and on gonad weight, clasper length and sperm duct width in males. Females attain length-at-first-maturity at 784 mm and males at 676 mm, at ages of 7.5 and 5.8 years, respectively. In females larger than length-at-first-maturity, a resting stage was identified characterized by low gonadosomatic index and well-developed oviducal glands and uteri. These results along with the low proportion of adult females that are effectively reproducing per month demonstrated that the thornback ray cannot be considered a continuous spawner as described in other studies. Fecundity was determinate with about 35 eggs released per batch. During the spawning season, a total of four batch episodes occur indicating that the total fecundity was approximately 136 eggs per female. Regional differences may exist in the reproductive strategy of the species, namely on the duration of the spawning season, length-at-first-maturity, and fecundity, which can be related to a more intense fishing pressure in northern European waters.

Reproductive biology of shovelnose guitarfish Rhinobatos productus from the eastern Gulf of California México

Guitarfishes are a primary component of artisanal elasmobranch fisheries and are commonly taken as trawl fishery bycatch throughout the Gulf of California. However, little is known of the life history of this species. To address this lack of critical biological information, the reproductive biology of Rhinobatos productus was investigated in the eastern Gulf of California. Development of claspers and testes indicated that males reach maturity at 53 cm total length (TL). Measurements of oviducal gland, largest ovum diameter, and uterus width indicated that females >57 cm TL are mature. This species possesses two functional ovaries: the ovarian cycle and gestation run concurrently. Histological analysis of oviducal glands did not provide evidence of sperm storage, but females carrying uterine capsules were observed over an extended period, suggesting the possibility of diapause in the early embryonic development. Following 4–5 months of embryonic growth, pups were typically born from late June to October after a gestation period of approximately 11–12 months. Width of yolk sac was inversely related to embryo length. The rate of reduction of yolk sac width suggests that embryos depend on the sac until birth. Mean fecundity was estimated to be 5 (range 1–10, s.d. = 2.24) with a 1:1 sex ratio. Average size at birth was 175 mm TL. Seasonally, gravid females enter shallow waters for parturition, becoming extremely vulnerable to gill nets used in the artisanal ray fishery.