Fetal eyeball volume: relationship to gestational age and biparietal diameter.

Objective: To measure and determine normal values of the fetal eyeball volume between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation.

Methods: The volume of the fetal eyeball was measured with three-dimensional ultrasound between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation using the VOCAL software.Only singleton pregnancies without fetal growth restriction, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or major fetal malformation were included.

5-HT antagonists NAN-190 and SB 269970 block alpha2-adrenoceptors in the guinea pig.

Serotonin (5-HT) plays a significant role in the regulation of intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes. The initial aim of this study was to use intracellular recording and specific antagonists to identify roles of 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors of submucosal noncholinergic secretomotor neurons of guinea pig ileum, in vitro. However, it was found that the widely used 5-HT receptor antagonists NAN-190 (5-HT1A) and SB 269970 (5-HT7) both blocked alpha2-adrenoceptors, and hence depressed inhibitory synaptic potentials and hyperpolarizations evoked by noradrenaline, in these neurons.

mGluR(1) Receptors Contribute to Non-Purinergic Slow Excitatory Transmission to Submucosal VIP Neurons of Guinea-Pig Ileum.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactive secretomotor neurons in the submucous plexus are involved in mediating bacterial toxin-induced hypersecretion leading to diarrhoea. VIP neurons become hyperexcitable after the mucosa is exposed to cholera toxin, which suggests that the manipulation of the excitability of these neurons may be therapeutic. This study used standard intracellular recording methods to systematically characterize slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked in submucosal VIP neurons by different stimulus regimes (1, 3 and 15 pulse 30 Hz stimulation), together with their associated input resistances and pharmacology.

Sonographic fetal sex determination.

Although sonographic fetal sex determination is feasible in most pregnancies, in some cases, it may pose difficulties. An attempt to determine the fetal sex should not be made before 12-weeks' gestation because this early, it is relatively inaccurate. After 13 weeks, it is accurate in 99% to 100% of cases without malformed external genitalia.

Strain-specific genetics, anatomy and function of enteric neural serotonergic pathways in inbred mice.

Serotonin (5-HT) powerfully affects small intestinal motility and 5-HT-immunoreactive (IR) neurones are highly conserved between species. 5-HT synthesis in central neurones and gastrointestinal mucosa depends on tissue-specific isoforms of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). RT-PCR identified strain-specific expression of a polymorphism (1473C/G) of the tph2 gene in longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations of C57Bl/6 and Balb/c mice.

[Sepsis in newborns due to group B streptococcus in Western Galilee Hospital Nahariya during the years 1996 to 2007--is there a place for universal screening in Israel?].

Unlabelled: Screening for Group B streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women is controversial in Israel.

Objective: To investigate cases of neonatal sepsis due to GBS in Western Galilee Hospital Nahariya.

Method: We retrospectively evaluated 70,589 live births from 1996 to 2007.

Cholera toxin induces sustained hyperexcitability in submucosal secretomotor neurons in guinea pig jejunum.

Background & Aims: Neural mechanisms underlying cholera toxin (CT)-induced intestinal hypersecretion remain unclear. We investigated long-term excitability changes in vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) secretomotor neurons after prolonged luminal exposure to CT.

Methods: Isolated segments of guinea pig jejunum were incubated with saline or CT +/- neurotransmitter antagonist in the lumen; the submucosal plexus was then dissected clear, circumferentially adjacent to intact mucosa.

Effectiveness of a novel home-based testing device for the detection of rupture of membranes.

We evaluated the ability of a testing panty liner (TPL) embedded with a pH/ammonia indicator polymer to differentiate amniotic fluid leakage from urine. A multicenter, open-label study in which 339 pregnant women (age 18 to 45 years, minimum 16 weeks' gestation, presenting with unexplained vaginal wetness) were enrolled. The TPL was worn and the results read by the subject and a health care provider (HCP) who was blinded to the subject's reading.

Complex Nabothian cysts: a diagnostic dilemma.

Background: Multiple and large cysts, located in the cervical stroma, can cause significant enlargement of the cervix.

Case: A woman with two large intracervical cysts, one complex, underwent evaluation with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hysterectomy revealed Nabothian cysts.

Distinct chemical classes of medium-sized transient receptor potential channel vanilloid 1-immunoreactive dorsal root ganglion neurons innervate the adult mouse jejunum and colon.

Physiological studies suggest visceral spinal afferents are generally small diameter, unmyelinated C-fibers or myelinated Adelta-fibers, but little is known about the size and chemical phenotypes of visceral sensory neurons supplying the small intestine. This study examines the size and expression patterns of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and isolectin B4-binding (IB4) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons projecting to the gastrointestinal tract. The spinal afferent innervation of mouse jejunum and distal colon was investigated with retrograde neuronal tracing and multi-label immunohistochemistry.

Synaptic transmission from the submucosal plexus to the myenteric plexus in Guinea-pig ileum.

Stimulation of the myenteric plexus results in activation of submucosal neurons and dilation of arterioles, one way that motility and secretion can be coupled together. The present study aimed to examine the converse, whether myenteric neurons receive synaptic input from the submucosal plexus (SMP). Intracellular recordings were made from guinea-pig ileal myenteric neurons while the SMP was electrically stimulated.

Synaptic transmission at functionally identified synapses in the enteric nervous system: roles for both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors.

Digestion and absorption of nutrients and the secretion and reabsorption of fluid in the gastrointestinal tract are regulated by neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS), the extensive peripheral nerve network contained within the intestinal wall. The ENS is an important physiological model for the study of neural networks since it is both complex and accessible. At least 20 different neurochemically and functionally distinct classes of enteric neurons have been identified in the guinea pig ileum.

Insights into mechanisms of intestinal segmentation in guinea pigs: a combined computational modeling and in vitro study.

Segmentation in the guinea pig small intestine consists of a number of discrete motor patterns including rhythmic stationary contractions that occur episodically at specific locations along the intestine. The enteric nervous system regulates segmentation, but the exact circuit is unknown. Using simple computer models, we investigated possible circuits.

A search for Helicobacter pyloriin localized vulvodynia.

Background: We noted that several patients presenting with both localized vulvodynia (vulvar vestibulitis) and peptic symptoms reported a resolution of dyspareunia after receiving a full treatment course for Helicobacter pylori.

Methods: Women with localized vulvodynia were interviewed regarding symptoms of peptic disease. Those with peptic symptoms underwent a blood test for the presence of antibodies to H.

Clinical trial: asimadoline in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Background: In models of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asimadoline, a kappa-opioid agonist, improves pain and abnormal bowel function.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of three doses of asimadoline and placebo in subjects with IBS through a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive asimadoline 0.

Hypospadias mimicking female genitalia on early second trimester sonographic examination.

Female fetal sex was assigned based on downward direction of the genital tubercle at 14 weeks' gestation. Subsequently, amniocentesis performed due to the finding of an echogenic focus in the left ventricle revealed a male karyotype. Sonographic examination at 22 weeks' gestation revealed a markedly curved penile shaft.

Purinergic mechanisms in the control of gastrointestinal motility.

For many years, ATP and adenosine have been implicated in movement regulation of the gastrointestinal tract. They act through three major receptor subtypes: adenosine or P1 receptors, P2X receptors and P2Y receptors. Each of these major receptor types can be subdivided into several different classes and is widely distributed amongst various neurons, muscle types, glia and interstitial cells that regulate intestinal functions.

Nonoperative imaging techniques in suspected biliary tract obstruction.

Evaluation of suspected biliary tract obstruction is a common clinical problem. Clinical data such as history, physical examination, and laboratory tests can accurately identify up to 90% of patients whose jaundice is caused by extrahepatic obstruction. However, complete assessment of extrahepatic obstruction often requires the use of various imaging modalities to confirm the presence, level, and cause of obstruction, and to aid in treatment plan.

Three-dimensional sonographic volumetry of the gestational sac and the amniotic sac in the first trimester.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the volumes of the gestational sac and amniotic sac in normal pregnancies during the first trimester with 3-dimensional sonography to prepare nomograms.

Methods: One hundred fifty-one patients between 6 and 12 weeks' gestation were studied. Nine aborted and were excluded, leaving 142 patients for evaluation.

Disturbances of colonic motility in mouse models of Hirschsprung's disease.

Mutations in genes encoding members of the GDNF and endothelin-3 (Et-3) signaling pathways can cause Hirschsprung's disease, a congenital condition associated with an absence of enteric neurons in the distal gut. GDNF signals through Ret, a receptor tyrosine kinase, and Et-3 signals through endothelin receptor B (Ednrb). The effects of Gdnf, Ret, and ET-3 haploinsufficiency and a null mutation in ET-3 on spontaneous motility patterns in adult and developing mice were investigated.

Involvement of heparanase in the pathogenesis of localized vulvodynia.

Recently, we have shown that vestibular hyperinnervation and the presence of 8 or more mast cells in a 10 x 10 microscopic field can be used as diagnostic criteria in localized vulvodynia (vulvar vestibulitis). We have also documented that degranulation of mast cells occurs in these cases. The present study further examines the characteristics of vestibular hyperinnervation and mast cell function in localized vulvodynia to elucidate if the 2 processes-hyperinnervation and mast cell increase and degranulation-are related.

Targets of myenteric interneurons in the guinea-pig small intestine.

Polarized outputs of myenteric interneurons in guinea-pig small intestine have been well studied. However, the variety of motility patterns exhibited suggests that some interneuron targets remain unknown. We used antisera selected to distinguish interneuron varicosities and known myenteric neuron types to investigate outputs of three interneuron classes in guinea-pig jejunum; two classes of descending interneurons immunoreactive (IR) for somatostatin (SOM) or nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and one class of ascending interneurons [calretinin/enkephalin (ENK)-IR].

A universal combination treatment for vaginitis.

Background: We compared a novel vaginal tablet consisting of 100 mg of clotrimazole and 100 mg of metronidazole ('Clo-Met') to a 100-mg clotrimazole tablet in the treatment of vaginitis.

Methods: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled study. Women with vaginal discharge and diagnosed as suffering from vaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis or Candida albicans, or any combination of the three, and who had not received treatment for vaginitis during the previous month, were studied.

[Vaccination against cervical cancer and diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus].

Developing the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18 which cause a variety of lesions, in particular cervical cancer, is regarded as a scientific breakthrough and received the FDA and CDC approval. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women in developing countries. About 490,000 women develop cervical cancer yearly and 230,000 women die yearly of this disease.

Pharmacological analysis of components of the change in transmural potential difference evoked by distension of rat proximal small intestine in vivo.

The reflex response to distension of the small intestine in vivo is complex and not well understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the neural mechanisms contributing to the complex time course of the intestinal secretory response to distension. Transmucosal potential difference (PD) was used as a marker for mucosal chloride secretion, which reflects the activity of the secretomotor neurons.