Early luteal phase progestin concentration influences endometrial function in pregnant mares.

In the horse, it is still unclear if and to what extent low progestin concentration contributes to early conceptus loss. In the present study, we have investigated if reduced or elevated progestin concentration in the early luteal phase influences endometrial function and conceptus development. We hypothesized that reduced progestin concentration via delayed downregulation of endometrial progesterone receptors (PR) influences endometrial function in healthy fertile mares while progestin substitution does not.

The Fate of Autologous Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal Cells After Application in the Healthy Equine Uterus.

Because of their distinct differentiation, immunomodulatory, and migratory capacities, endometrial mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may provide an optimum source of therapeutic cells not only in relation to the uterus but also for regeneration of other tissues. This study reports the fate of endometrial MSCs following intrauterine application in mares. Stromal cell fractions were isolated from endometrial biopsies taken from seven reproductively healthy mares, expanded, and fluorescence labeled in culture.

Reproductive stage and sex steroid hormone levels influence the expression of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) markers in the equine endometrium.

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) play key roles in tissue homeostasis. In the cyclic equine endometrium, this may be regulated by changes in serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones. This study was designed to investigate the changes in endometrial expression of MSC markers during reproductive cycles in mares and the influence of sex steroid hormones on endometrial MSC proliferation in vitro.

Isolation and characterization of equine endometrial mesenchymal stromal cells.

Background: Equine mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are most commonly harvested from bone marrow (BM) or adipose tissue, requiring the use of surgical procedures. By contrast, the uterus can be accessed nonsurgically, and may provide a more readily available cell source. While human endometrium is known to harbor mesenchymal precursor cells, MSCs have not been identified in equine endometrium.

Bacterial vaginosis diagnosed by analysis of first-void-urine specimens.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is traditionally diagnosed using vaginal samples. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BV can be diagnosed from first-void urine (FVU). Self-collected vaginal smears, vaginal swabs, and FVU were obtained from 176 women.

Vaginal microbiome in women from Greenland assessed by microscopy and quantitative PCR.

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition, although its aetiology remains unexplained. The aim of this study was to analyse the composition of vaginal microbiota in women from Greenland to provide a quantitative description and improve the understanding of BV.

Methods: Self-collected vaginal smears and swabs were obtained from 177 women.

Simplified contrast ultrasound accurately reveals muscle perfusion deficits and reflects collateralization in PAD.

Background: Simplified contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can be used to evaluate muscle perfusion in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Here, we report its diagnostic accuracy for detecting symptomatic PAD. Additionally, we hypothesize that the extent of collateral formation is reflected by CEUS.

Psychological and social predictors of changes in fruit and vegetable consumption over 12 months following behavioral and nutrition education counseling.

This study assessed psychological and social factors predicting 12-month changes in fruit and vegetable consumption achieved by 271 men and women from a low-income population randomized to brief behavioral and nutrition education counseling. Greater increases in fruit and vegetable intake were achieved in the behavioral than in the nutrition education condition (1.49 vs.

Behavioural counselling to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in low income adults: randomised trial.

Objective: To measure the effect of brief behavioural counselling in general practice on patients' consumption of fruit and vegetables in adults from a low income population.

Design: Parallel group randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Primary health centre in a deprived, ethnically mixed inner city area.

Psychological factors associated with fruit and vegetable intake and with biomarkers in adults from a low-income neighborhood.

Fruit and vegetable consumption is below recommended levels in the population, paricularly in low-income groups. This study assessed factors associated with self-reported intake and 2 biomarkers (potassium excretion and plasma vitamin C) in 271 adults living in a low-income neighborhood. Attitudinal barriers to change were negatively related to reported intake and to potassium excretion.