Postnatal development of pups from nursing rats treated with Gingko biloba

The Gingko biloba extract is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to the lack of information about its effects on these reproductive phases. Previous studies have shown that G. biloba extract contains components with estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities, thus nursing dams treated with the extract of this plant could show reduction in milk production, resulting in malnutrition and poor development of pups. This work analyzes the postnatal development of pups, whose mothers were treated with G. biloba extract during the lactation period. Nursing Wistar rats received 3.5 mg/kg/day of G. biloba aqueous extract, corresponding to the highest human dose. Clinical signs of maternal toxicity were evaluated. The growth rate, viability, survival during treatment and lactation indices of the pups were calculated. The physical, motor and sensorial development of the pups was also evaluated. No maternal signs of toxicity were observed. As there were no biological differences between control and G. biloba treated pups, it is possible to assume that, in this experimental design, the administration of G. biloba aqueous extract to nursing rats during the lactation period seems to be devoid of toxic effect to mothers and to the physical, motor and sensory development of the pups.     

Extracción de DIU mediante histeroscopia en la gestación precoz: nuestra experiencia en 4 casos

Objectives

To evaluate the utility and effectiveness of hysteroscopic retrieval of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in early pregnancy.

Subjects and methods

We followed-up four pregnant women with IUDs with retracted tails removed by hysteroscopy before 10 weeks of pregnancy from 2003 to 2005.

Results

After hysteroscopy, pregnancy course was successful in three women, without complications that could be attributed to the procedure. There was one abortion due to rupture of fetal membranes at 15 weeks’ gestation.

Conclusions

The application of hysteroscopy in pregnancy has always been limited. In all patients, a possible optic nerve lesion in the fetus should be evaluated. This technique should not be performed after the 10th week of pregnancy. In most patients, pregnancy continues without complications after IDU removal.     

Influence of a high-fat diet on gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and metabolic endotoxaemia

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may play an important role in chronic diseases through the activation of inflammatory responses. The type of diet consumed is of major concern for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Evidence from animal and human studies has shown that LPS can diffuse from the gut to the circulatory system in response to the intake of high amounts of fat. The method by which LPS move into the circulatory system is either through direct diffusion due to intestinal paracellular permeability or through absorption by enterocytes during chylomicron secretion. Considering the impact of metabolic diseases on public health and the association between these diseases and the levels of LPS in the circulatory system, this review will mainly discuss the current knowledge about high-fat diets and subclinical inflammation. It will also describe the new evidence that correlates gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and alkaline phosphatase activity with increased blood LPS levels and the biological effects of this increase, such as insulin resistance. Although the majority of the studies published so far have assessed the effects of dietary fat, additional studies are necessary to deepen the understanding of how the amount, the quality and the structure of the fat may affect endotoxaemia. The potential of food combinations to reduce the negative effects of fat intake should also be considered in future studies. In these studies, the effects of flavonoids, prebiotics and probiotics on endotoxaemia should be investigated. Thus, it is essential to identify dietetic strategies capable of minimising endotoxaemia and its postprandial inflammatory effects.     

Dogmatism and locus of control in young women who support,oppose, or voice no opinion on the equal rights amendment

This study sought to clarify personality characteristics of supporters of the Women's Liberation Movement (WLM) with specific emphasis on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Three matched groups of 50 female college students, which were comprised of supporters, opponents, or those who voiced no opinion on the ERA, were administered the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale and the Rotter I-E Scale. The three groups did not differ significantly on either measure. Participants of all groups were shown to be somewhat externally controlled and to demonstrate personality traits that were not characteristically dogmatic. The disparity of these results with those reported by other researchers was attributed to the matched demographic factors that determined S selection and assignment.     

Women's Preference for Traditional Birth Attendants and Modern Health Care Practitioners in Akpabuyo Community of Cross River State,Nigeria

The proportion of women who patronized traditional birth attendants (TBAs) or modern health care practitioners (MHCPs) was compared, including reasons for their choices. A comparative design was adopted to study 300 respondents selected through a multistage systematic random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a validated 21-item structured questionnaire. We observed that 75 (25%) patronized and 80 (27%) preferred TBAs, and 206 (69%) patronized and 220 (75%) preferred MHCPs, while 19 (6%) patronized both. The view that TBAs prayed before conducting deliveries was supported by a majority 75 (94%) of the respondents who preferred them. Factors associated with preference for TBAs should be addressed.     

Surge of Dengue Virus Infection and Chikungunya Fever in Bali in 2010: The Burden of Mosquito-Borne Infectious Diseases in a Tourist Destination

Labor flow and travelers are important factors contributing to the spread of Dengue virus infection and chikungunya fever. Bali Province of Indonesia, a popular resort and tourist destination, has these factors and suffers from mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Using area study approach, a series of fieldwork was conducted in Bali to obtain up-to-date primary disease data, to learn more about public health measures, and to interview health officers, hotel personnel, and other resource persons. The national data including information on two other provinces were obtained for comparison. The health ministry reported 5,810 and 11,697 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Bali in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Moreover, two densely populated tourist areas and one district have shown a particularly high incidence and sharp increases in 2010. Cases of chikungunya fever reported in Bali more than doubled in 2010 from the previous year. Our findings suggest that Bali can benefit from a significant reduction in vector populations and dissemination of disease preventive knowledge among both local residents and foreign visitors. This will require a concerted and trans-border approach, which may prove difficult in the province.