Fertility in premenopausal women post autologous stem cell transplant with BEAM conditioning.

There is currently minimal data on fertility outcomes in premenopausal women undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan (BEAM) conditioning. A retrospective analysis of fertility outcomes in premenopausal females aged between 18 and 40 yr who underwent BEAM/ASCT for lymphoma between 1995 and 2011 was performed at four transplant centres. Of 41 premenopausal women who underwent BEAM conditioning, 25 met the inclusion criteria with the main exclusion criterion being inadequate documentation.

Prevalence, species identification and genotyping Cryptosporidium from livestock and deer in a catchment in the Cairngorms with a history of a contaminated public water supply.

Background: The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium represents a threat to water quality and public health. An important zoonotic species involved in human cryptosporidiosis from contaminated water is Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), the main reservoirs of which are known to be farm livestock particularly neonatal calves, although adult cattle, sheep, lambs and wildlife are also known to contribute to catchment loading of C.

Female genital tract graft-versus-host disease: incidence, risk factors and recommendations for management.

Female genital tract graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an under-recognized complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation impacting on quality of life. We describe a prospective surveillance programme for female genital GVHD to better characterize incidence, risk factors and clinical features and the impact of a structured intervention policy. A retrospective audit was conducted on the medical records of all female transplant recipients surviving at least 6 months at a single centre over a 5-year period.

Endometrial and vaginal effects of low-dose estradiol delivered by vaginal ring or vaginal tablet.

Aims: The major aims of the study were to compare the safety of a continuous low-dose estradiol-releasing vaginal ring (ESTring) to that of a vaginal estradiol tablet (Vagifem) on the endometrium and the relief of subjective symptoms and signs of urogenital estrogen deficiency. Quality of life and acceptability of treatment delivery were also assessed.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized study in which women were assigned in a 2:1 ratio to ESTring and Vagifem and followed for 12 months.

Effects of dietary phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased dietary intake of phytoestrogens reduces the health impact of the menopause. To test this hypothesis, a double-blind, randomized, entry-exit, cross-over study was conducted to assess the effects of three dietary manipulations--soy and linseed diets (high in phytoestrogens) and a wheat diet (low in phytoestrogens). Postmenopausal women were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the three dietary regimens.