The cervicovaginal metabolome in women with favorable induction cervix and those unfavorable for induction when delivering at term.

Background: Cervical ripening is crucial for induction. However, its influencing factors, mechanistic understanding, and effective risk stratification are still challenging. Recent research suggested that microorganisms and their metabolites in vaginal spaces correlate to preterm birth.

Quantitative analysis for grading uterine electromyography activities during labor.

Background: The strength of uterine contraction is one of the decisive factors for labor progression and parturition. Clinicians usually encounter difficulties in early identification of inadequate contractions and in oxytocin treatment. Electromyography-an emerging technology for uterine contraction monitoring-can quantify the intensity of myoelectric activity of uterine contraction.

Nicotine ameliorates inflammatory mediators in RU486 induced preterm labor model through activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Background: Preterm birth is a global public health threat. Inflammatory reaction is thought to mediate preterm birth. The role of nicotine, an anti-inflammatory agent that is mediated by cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways (CAP), remains unclear in the pathogenesis.

Uterine slow wave: directionality and changes with imminent delivery.

The slow wave (SW) of the electrohysterogram (EHG) may contain relevant information on the electrophysiological condition of the uterus throughout pregnancy and labor. Our aim was to assess differences in the SW as regards the imminence of labor and the directionality of uterine myoelectrical activity..

A study of uterine inertia on the spontaneous of labor using uterine electromyography.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze uterine electromyography burst patterns in patients with spontaneous labor and patients with uterine inertia.

Materials And Methods: Uterine electromyography was recorded using 4 silver/silver chloride electrodes placed periumbilical. Thirty women in the spontaneous labor were enrolled.

Evaluation of cervical maturity by cervical collagen measurement using light-induced fluorescence (LIF) during pregnancy.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate cervical ripening by measuring cervical collagen levels in non-pregnant women, women with a normal pregnancy, and postpartum women by light-induced fluorescence (LIF).

Methods: Cervical collagen content in normal pregnant women (n = 165) at various times of gestation was measured by LIF with a collascope, which is specifically designed to measure fluorescence of collagen. Cervical LIF in non-pregnant women (n = 12) and postpartum women (n = 14) was also detected.

Uterine electromyography (EMG) measurements to predict preterm caesarean section in patients with complete placenta previa.

The objective of the study was to evaluate uterine electrical activity (EA) with EMG methods in pregnant women with complete placenta previa with preterm caesarean section (CS). This prospective study included 78 patients with complete placenta previa who were recorded for uterine EA activity from 32 to 34 weeks of gestation. The clinical and the uterine EMG burst characteristics, that are responsible for contractions, were compared between a preterm CS group (case group,  = 33) and an elective control group (control group,  = 45).

Nicotine protects fetus against LPS-induced fetal growth restriction through ameliorating placental inflammation and vascular development in late pregnancy in rats.

Our previous work has shown that nicotine suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced placental inflammation by inhibiting cytokine release as well as infiltration of leukocytes into the placenta through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Nicotine also increased fetal survival and restored pup weight. In the present study, we aim to further investigate if fetal growth restriction (FGR) occurs with LPS treatment, and evaluate the protective effects of nicotine on fetuses in late gestation of rats.

Measurement of Uterine and Abdominal Muscle Electromyography in Pregnant Women for Estimation of Expulsive Activities during the 2nd Stage of Labor.

Background: The progression of labor and delivery of the fetus is dependent upon uterine contractions and the voluntary effort of abdominal muscle contractions. A good monitor of uterine contractions and pushing is necessary for obstetrical care. Electromyography (EMG) is the underlying basis for contractility of muscle including the myometrium.

Effects of vaginal progesterone for maintenance tocolysis on uterine electrical activity.

Aim: The effectiveness of vaginal progesterone for maintenance tocolysis after arrested preterm labor remains controversial. Myometrial contractility can be assessed objectively and non-invasively after progesterone treatment by monitoring uterine electromyography (EMG). We examined the effects of vaginal progesterone on uterine EMG after successful acute tocolysis.

Optimal routes of administration, vehicles and timing of progesterone treatment for inhibition of delivery during pregnancy.

Objectives: Progestins, notably progesterone (P4) and 17 alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate, are presently used to treat pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. The aim of this study was to assess the optimal treatment options for progesterone (P4) to delay delivery using a sensitive bioassay for progesterone.

Study Design: Pregnant rats, known to be highly sensitive to progestins, were treated with P4, including Prochieve (also known as Crinone), in various vehicles from day 13 of gestation and in late gestation, days 19 to 22, and delivery times noted.

Uterine and Abdominal Muscle Electromyographic Activities in Control and PCEA-Treated Nulliparous Women During the Second Stage of Labor.

Objective: Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), used to relieve pain during delivery, delays labor but the mechanism is unknown. The aim was to investigate the effects of PCEA on uterine and abdominal muscles electromyographic (EMG) activity during the second stage of labor.

Methods: This study included 45 nulliparous pregnant women without PCEA, 42 women with standard PCEA treatment given during the first stage of labor and stopped near the end of the first stage, and 22 women with standard PCEA treatment with continued use throughout the first and second stages of labor.

Choline Supplementation During Pregnancy Protects Against Gestational Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses.

Objectives: To estimate the effects and mechanisms of choline, an essential nutrient and a selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist, on the prevention of symptoms and the effects on the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways (CAP) in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in a rat model.

Methods: Inflammation was induced by LPS treatment (1.0 μg LPS/kg body weight) on gestational day (GD) 14.

Effect of obesity on preterm delivery prediction by transabdominal recording of uterine electromyography.

Objective: It has been shown that noninvasive uterine electromyography (EMG) can identify true preterm labor more accurately than methods available to clinicians today. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the accuracy of uterine EMG in predicting preterm delivery.

Materials And Methods: Predictive values of uterine EMG for preterm delivery were compared in obese versus overweight/normal BMI patients.

Simultaneous Recording and Analysis of Uterine and Abdominal Muscle Electromyographic Activity in Nulliparous Women During Labor.

Objective: To record and characterize electromyography (EMG) from the uterus and abdominal muscles during the nonlabor to first and second stages of labor and to define relationships to contractions.

Methods: Nulliparous patients without any treatments were used (n = 12 nonlabor stage, 48 during first stage and 33 during second stage). Electromyography of both uterine and abdominal muscles was simultaneously recorded from electrodes placed on patients' abdominal surface using filters to separate uterine and abdominal EMG.

Nicotine inhibits LPS-induced cytokine production and leukocyte infiltration in rat placenta.

Introduction: Previous work conducted by our group has shown that nicotine reduces lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammatory responses and protects fetuses in pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the influence of nicotine on rat placenta, including cytokine release, leukocyte infiltration, and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) expression.

Methods: Placental tissues of SD rats on gestation day 14 (GD14) were obtained and cultured in the presence or absence of LPS and/or nicotine.

Changes in ectocervical surface area in women throughout pregnancy compared to non-pregnant and postpartum states.

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate changes in the surface area of the ectocervix (CA) in women during pregnancy and compare this to postpartum and non-pregnant states.

Methods: CA was evaluated in 210 normal nulliparous women divided into groups from early to late gestation, 40 postpartum women, and 25 non-pregnant women. CA in cm(2) was estimated from analysis of images taken with an endoscope of the cervical face and an mm scale.

Uterine electromyography during active phase compared with latent phase of labor at term.

Introduction: In a prospective study in a tertiary university hospital we wanted to determine whether uterine electromyography (EMG) can differentiate between the active and latent phase of labor.

Material And Methods: Thirty women presenting at ≥37(0/7) weeks of gestation with regular uterine contractions, intact membranes, and a Bishop score <6. EMG was recorded from the abdominal surface for 30 min.

Effects of Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia on Uterine Electromyography During Spontaneous Onset of Labor in Term Nulliparous Women.

Objective: To investigate the effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) on uterine electromyography (EMG) activity in term pregnant women during labor.

Methods: Nulliparous pregnant women in spontaneous term labor (N = 30) were enrolled (PCEA group, n = 20 and control group, n = 10). Five time periods (30 minutes each) were defined for noninvasive abdominal recordings and analysis of uterine EMG activity, that is, period I: before PCEA treatment with 2-cm cervical dilation; periods II to IV: each period successively at 30, 60, and 120 minutes after PCEA; and period V: second stage of labor with cervix at 10 cm dilation.

Direct electrical stimulation softens the cervix in pregnant and nonpregnant rats.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on cervical ripening in pregnant and nonpregnant rats.

Study Design: Timed pregnant and nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6-7/group) were used. Cervical ES for pregnant rats was performed in vivo on day 15 of gestation by inserting an electrical probe into the vagina in contact with the cervix.

Alterations in gap junction connexin43/connexin45 ratio mediate a transition from quiescence to excitation in a mathematical model of the myometrium.

The smooth muscle cells of the uterus contract in unison during delivery. These cells achieve coordinated activity via electrical connections called gap junctions which consist of aggregated connexin proteins such as connexin43 and connexin45. The density of gap junctions governs the excitability of the myometrium (among other factors).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 11' imidazolyl antiprogestins and mesoprogestins.

Antiprogestins with a 4' para imidazolylphenyl moiety were synthesized and their biochemical interactions with the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptor were investigated. Depending on the substitution pattern at the 17 position partial progesterone receptor (PR)-agonistic derivatives like compounds EC339 and EC336 or pure antagonists like compound EC317 were obtained. EC317 was investigated in vivo and found to be significantly more potent than RU 486 in cycling and pregnant guinea pigs.