Evidence for helical structure in a tetramer of α2-8 sialic acid: unveiling a structural antigen.

Characteristic H-bonding patterns define secondary structure in proteins and nucleic acids. We show that similar patterns apply for α2-8 sialic acid (SiA) in H(2)O and that H-bonds define its structure. A (15)N,(13)C α2-8 SiA tetramer, (SiA)(4), was used as a model system for the polymer.

Pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol delivered by a contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra/Evra) under conditions of heat, humidity, and exercise.

The objectives of this randomized, open-label, three-period, incomplete block design study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin (NGMN) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) delivered by the contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra/Evra, and to evaluate patch adhesion under conditions of heat, humidity, and exercise. During each treatment period, 30 healthy women wore Ortho Evra on the abdomen for 7 days under one of six conditions (normal activity, sauna, whirlpool, treadmill, cool water immersion, or a combination of activities). Blood samples were collected before and several times to 240 hours after patch application.

A new clinical option for hormone replacement therapy in women with secondary amenorrhea: effects of cyclic administration of progesterone from the sustained-release vaginal gel Crinone (4% and 8%) on endometrial morphologic features and withdrawal bleeding.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 2 doses of a transvaginal polycarbophil-based progesterone gel (4% and 8%) in hormone replacement therapy.

Study Design: This multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, open-label 3-month study included 127 women with secondary amenorrhea. Estrogenized patients applied transvaginal progesterone (4% or 8%) every other day for 6 doses per month.

Exercise for midlife women.

Exercise is good for everyone, but it's more important than ever when you reach midlife. While regular exercise may not eliminate symptoms like hot flushes, it can improve your general well-being and increase your strength and stamina in daily life. If you want to lose fat or maintain a healthy weight, exercise is far more effective than diet alone.

Exercise and menopause: a time for positive changes.

Exercise may help control a number of physical and psychological problems and changes associated with menopause and midlife, including depression, weight gain, loss of muscle mass and bone density, the risk of coronary artery disease, and possibly vasomotor symptoms. The basic prescription of aerobic exercise (20 to 60 minutes 3 to 5 days per week) and strength training (2 to 3 days per week) should be adapted to the patient's medical condition, fitness level, motivation, experience, and preferences. Exercise effects can be supplemented by estrogen therapy, a low-fat diet, and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

Beyond the exercise prescription: making exercise a way of life.

When we hand a patient a prescription for medication, we may assume that it will be filled and taken as we've instructed. We too often discover later that fears or unanswered questions kept the patient from ever filling the prescription or that side effects led him or her to discontinue its use. And we may never learn what the patient did if he or she wants our approval or fears our response to the truth.

An Active Menopause.

In brief There's no better time than the years surrounding menopause for a woman to start or renew an exercise program. Exercise may reduce the immediate symptoms of menopause, and it decreases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. The exercise prescription includes aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching components, and should be individualized according to the woman's exercise history.

An active menopause: using exercise to combat symptoms.

There's no better time than the years surrounding menopause for a woman to start or renew an exercise program. Exercise may reduce the immediate symptoms of menopause, and it decreases the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. The exercise prescription includes aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching components, and should be individualized according to the woman's exercise history.

Prevention of vaginal trichomoniasis by compliant use of the female condom.

Background: Several case-control studies suggest that the male condom protects women against some sexually transmitted diseases. The female condom is the first barrier device under the woman's control that may be effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Goal Of This Study: To determine if appropriate use of the female condom decreased the rate of recurrent vaginal trichomoniasis in previously diagnosed and treated women.

Factors associated with withdrawal bleeding after administration of oral micronized progesterone in women with secondary amenorrhea.

Objective: To compare two dosages of oral micronized progesterone (P) and placebo for withdrawal bleeding and side effects.

Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind.

Setting: Academic institution.

Cervical mucus and serum estradiol as predictors of response to progestin challenge.

The present study was undertaken to assess the correlation between and relative predictive value of each of the following variables and progestin-induced withdrawal bleeding: cervical mucus appearance, serum E2 level, patient age, duration of amenorrhea, smoking and exercise habits, and body composition. Of 120 oligomenorrheic and amenorrheic women evaluated, only cervical mucus appearance and serum E2 level were significantly associated with response to progestin challenge. A multivariate logistical regression analysis showed cervical mucus to be the most predictive variable followed by serum E2 level.

Exercise in the menopausal woman.

An exercise program for menopausal women that includes both aerobic and resistance training may prevent or relieve problems such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and depression. The risk of cardiovascular disease increases in women after menopause; in both men and women, regular aerobic exercise may improve cardiorespiratory endurance and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aerobic exercise also prevents some age-related increases in body fat and it elevates resting metabolic rate, which correlates directly with lean body mass.

Evaluation and management of menstrual dysfunction in athletes.

The prevalence of menstrual dysfunction is greater among athletes than in the general population. Many factors undergo change during the course of an athletic training program and any or all of these may contribute to disturbances in menstrual cyclicity. All athletes with oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, or menarcheal delay require thorough evaluation to rule out serious pathological conditions, since the diagnosis of exercise-associated menstrual dysfunction can be made only by excluding other etiologic factors.

Exercise during pregnancy: current state of the art.

Women should be encouraged to become fit before they become pregnant. During pregnancy, those who were accustomed to aerobic exercise before pregnancy can probably continue their sports involvement throughout pregnancy, at the same perceived level of exertion. Weight training and calisthenics are advisable during pregnancy, even for those who never practised them before.

Relationship between menarcheal age and adult height.

Many factors contribute to the attainment of adult height, including genetic and environmental variables. To assess the relationship between menarcheal age and adult height, measured adult height and recalled menarcheal age were compared by regression analysis in 425 women. The overall regression equation, Height = 158.

Fetal heart rate measurement during maternal exercise--avoidance of artifact.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility that motion artifact may override the recording of fetal heart rate (FHR) with Doppler ultrasound fetal monitors during maternal exercise on cycle ergometers and treadmills, and to test the efficacy of two-dimensional ultrasound directed M-mode echocardiographs for determining FHR during maternal treadmill exercise. Four pregnant women (26 to 30 yr, means = 28, gestational age = 28 to 34 wk) pedaled a cycle ergometer at 25 to 50 W, while a second group (N = 4) (24 to 36 yr, means = 29, gestational age = 30 to 37 wk) walked on a treadmill at either 1.5 or 2.

How I Manage Exercise-Related Menstrual Disturbances.

In brief: All women who stop menstruating or menstruate irregularly should be examined. Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea are often related to heavy exercise, but in athletes as well as nonathletes these conditions can signal a serious pathologic condition. Even athletes with regular periods can experience hormone alterations, short luteal phase, or anovulation.

Gynecological concerns in young and adolescent physically active girls.

Young girls should be advised to develop the regular exercise habit and to maintain it throughout life. Prepubertal athletes are more likely than their sedentary friends to experience menarcheal delay. Postmenarcheal athletes have increased susceptibility to oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea.

Causes, evaluation, and management of athletic oligo-/amenorrhea.

Oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea are more common among athletes than among the general population. Although these conditions in athletes are often related to exercise and thinness, they may be caused by serious pathology too. All athletes with menstrual dysfunction deserve thorough evaluation and most need treatment.

Menstrual disturbances in the athlete.

Women should be encouraged to exercise. Those who develop menstrual problems should be thoroughly evaluated to detect any serious causes and should be treated to prevent any serious results. The importance of exercise in the lifestyle of female athletes should be respected.