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Medicine Jun 2024To evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment regimen in improving clinical... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Clinical application and effect evaluation of acupoint thread embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine treatment based on menstrual cycle characteristics in the management of breast hyperplasia: An observational study.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment regimen in improving clinical symptoms, promoting tumor regression, controlling adverse reactions and complications, and enhancing patient satisfaction by comparing and analyzing the clinical data of 120 breast tumor patients. One hundred twenty patients with breast cancer were divided into a treatment group (60 cases) and a control group (60 cases) according to different treatment plans. Patients in the treatment group received a combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment based on different time points of the menstrual cycle. Including the proportion of reduction in the number of breast masses, the proportion of reduction in mass size, changes in pain severity scores, tumor regression rate, regression time, incidence of adverse reactions and complications, and patient satisfaction. Statistical software was used to analyze the data to evaluate differences between the 2 groups. In terms of clinical symptoms, the proportion of reduction in the number of breast masses in the treatment group averaged 50%, significantly higher than the 25% in the control group; the proportion of reduction in mass size averaged 40%, also higher than the 15% in the control group; and the improvement in pain severity scores was also superior to the control group. Regarding tumor regression, the tumor regression rate in the treatment group reached 85%, with an average regression time of 6.2 weeks, both significantly better than the 55% and 9.8 weeks in the control group. In terms of adverse reactions and complications, the incidence rate in the treatment group was relatively low, and no serious adverse events occurred. Patient satisfaction surveys showed that the treatment group had significantly higher satisfaction with treatment effectiveness, treatment process, and physician service attitude compared to the control group. Based on clinical data from 120 breast tumor patients, the results of this study indicate that breast tumor patients treated with a specific treatment regimen have significant advantages in improving clinical symptoms, tumor regression, controlling adverse reactions and complications, and patient satisfaction. This treatment regimen has high clinical application value and deserves further promotion.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Breast Neoplasms; Patient Satisfaction; Acupuncture Points; Menstrual Cycle; Hyperplasia; Acupuncture Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Breast; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38941407
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038502 -
Medicine Jun 2024There has been significant interest in the changes in menstrual cycles following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or vaccination. This study aimed to...
There has been significant interest in the changes in menstrual cycles following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the evidence for such changes and their potential risk factors. We used a descriptive study design and gathered data by sharing an online survey questionnaire on social media platforms. The questionnaire included questions regarding sociodemographic factors, menstrual cycle changes, and COVID-19 anxiety. The study population comprised women aged 18 to 49 years from Izmir. All data analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21.0. The risk factors influencing menstrual irregularities were determined after the COVID binary logistic regression analysis, including univariate and multivariate models. Among the 465 participants, those with an associate's degree had a significantly higher risk of menstrual irregularities than those with a high school diploma (P = .012). Anxiety scores emerged as a significant risk factor for menstrual cycle irregularities (P = .026). However, neither COVID-19 infection nor vaccination resulted in significant changes in the menstrual cycle characteristics (P > .05). Other sociodemographic variables, such as age, body mass index, and smoking, were not significantly associated with menstrual cycle changes(P > .05). The study findings suggest that educational level and anxiety may play a role in menstrual irregularities, whereas COVID-19 infection or vaccination itself may not directly affect menstrual cycle.
Topics: Humans; Female; COVID-19; Adult; Risk Factors; Anxiety; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; COVID-19 Vaccines; Menstruation Disturbances; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaccination; Educational Status
PubMed: 38941384
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038771 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2024The facile manipulation of body weight in junior athletes has the potential to pose significant risks to their lifelong health. In judo, which is a weight class sport,...
PURPOSE
The facile manipulation of body weight in junior athletes has the potential to pose significant risks to their lifelong health. In judo, which is a weight class sport, pre-competition weight loss is widespread even among juniors, but information on the current situation is scarce, especially for female athletes, for whom it is important to provide adequate nutrition and enhance bone mass during the growth period, and the details of the current situation are not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the actual weight loss during the growth period in junior female judo athletes and its subsequent impact on their health.
METHODS
The survey was a cross-sectional survey of junior female judo athletes in Japan using a questionnaire. Participants were asked to respond via an online questionnaire about their weight, height, weight loss experience, menstruation, competition results, and other lifestyle.
RESULTS
51.8% of subjects experienced weight loss for competition during their junior high school years (ages 12-15). Those who experienced weight loss during secondary sexual characteristics were found to be significantly shorter in current height than those who did not ( < 0.05). Weight loss during secondary sexual characteristics did not affect current menstrual cycle. There was no significant difference in competition results due to the experience of weight loss during junior high school ( = 4.485, df = 3, n.s.).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that weight loss during the growth spurt phase may adversely impact normal development. It also suggested that weight loss during the junior high school years may not be a strategy to bring about better competition results. These observations indicate the need for education on appropriate class selection and weight control for junior athletes in weight class competitions.
PubMed: 38939754
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1420856 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Adolescence is a pivotal stage in human development that presents unique challenges, especially for girls navigating the complexities of menstruation. Despite the...
"If I use pad, I feel comfortable and safe": a mixed-method analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls in a Nigerian city.
BACKGROUND
Adolescence is a pivotal stage in human development that presents unique challenges, especially for girls navigating the complexities of menstruation. Despite the importance of menstrual hygiene management for adolescent girls' well-being, this vital aspect of personal health is often overlooked, particularly in regions where cultural stigma prevails. This study examines knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls in Abuja, Nigeria.
METHODS
The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-method design, integrating quantitative surveys with focus group discussions. A survey was conducted among 420 adolescent girls across four government junior secondary schools through a multistage sampling technique. Also, Focus Group Discussions were conducted among 80 respondents in groups of 10 discussants. The quantitative data set was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, while the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.
RESULTS
Findings revealed that the majority (53.45%) of the respondents had good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management. Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 students [OR = 2,09; 95% CI = 1.24-3.52] and those who started menstruation at age 15 years and above [OR = 7.52; 95% CI = 1.43-39.49] were associated with increased odds of having good knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. The attitude of most respondents (70.08%) towards menstrual hygiene management was good. Those in the JSS 3 class [OR = 6.47; 95% CI = 3.34-12.54], respondents who are Muslim [OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.63-5.48], and those whose parents had tertiary education [OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.25-10.25] were more likely to demonstrate more positive attitudes compared to their counterparts whose parents do not have tertiary education. In relation to practice, about 3 in 5 (57.80%) reportedly practise good menstrual hygiene management. Respondents who practice traditional religion [OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.02-4.56] were less likely to practise good menstrual hygiene management, while respondents who are the third child of their parents [OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.04-4.23] were more likely to practise menstrual hygiene compared to respondents with other birth orders. Qualitative results showed that participants had good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management, and mothers were the main source of menstruation-related information. Participants had mixed feelings and reactions during their first menstruation, with 3 in 5 participants reporting experiencing menstruation-related stigma restrictions when menstruating.
CONCLUSIONS
In-school adolescent girls in Abuja, Nigeria, have good menstruation-related knowledge and positive attitudes, as well as practise menstrual hygiene management. Students' class and age at first menstruation were major factors associated with good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management; respondents' class, religion and parents' educational qualification were associated with a positive attitude, while respondents' religion and parity line were associated with menstrual hygiene practice. Future interventions should focus on conducting school and community-level awareness programs to increase knowledge and dispel myths and misconceptions about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management.
Topics: Humans; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adolescent; Nigeria; Cross-Sectional Studies; Menstruation; Hygiene; Menstrual Hygiene Products; Focus Groups; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students
PubMed: 38937735
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19256-5 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Jun 2024To date, there is no comparative data on the effects of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, which are macronutrients, on female reproductive functions. Therefore, in this...
To date, there is no comparative data on the effects of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, which are macronutrients, on female reproductive functions. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of diets enriched with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins on folliculogenesis and oocyte development in female rats. 21-day-old rats that were just weaned were divided into 4 groups: control, carbohydrate, fat, and protein. The control group was fed with standard chow and the carbohydrate, fat, and protein groups were fed diets enriched with 75% carbohydrate, 60% fat, and 50% protein for 11 weeks, respectively. It was found that high-fat and high-protein diets caused an increase in the estrous cycle length compared to carbohydrate group (p < 0.05). Graafian follicle number decreased in the protein group compared to the control (p < 0.05). However, the atretic follicle number was higher in the fat group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the carbohydrate group, Zp1 was found to be lower than the control and protein groups, Zp2 was found to be lower than the control, and Zp3 was found to be lower than the fat group (p < 0.05). While BMP15 was similar between groups (p > 0.05), GDF9 was lower in all diet groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Foxo3a was lower in the protein group compared to carbohydrate and control (p < 0.05). GAS2 was found to be higher in the control group than the fat group, and higher in the carbohydrate group than the fat and protein groups (p < 0.05). FSH, LH, Progesterone, and E2 levels were higher in all three diet groups than in the control (p < 0.05). Also, significant differences were observed between the groups regarding adiponectin, resistin, and leptin levels. Taken together, high carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake are associated with impairment of the menstrual cycle, depletion of the developing follicle types, and altered expression of folliculogenesis-specific genes and hormones. Therefore, long-term macronutrient diets may result in shortened reproductive periods and reduced fertilization potential in females in the long run.
PubMed: 38937400
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01629-1 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2024Menstruation serves as an indicator of women's reproductive well-being and plays a pivotal role in their fertility; nevertheless, there remains an ongoing debate... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Menstruation serves as an indicator of women's reproductive well-being and plays a pivotal role in their fertility; nevertheless, there remains an ongoing debate regarding the epidemiological evidence linking menstrual characteristics and fertility.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the correlation between menstrual characteristics and fertility in women of reproductive age.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane libraries to identify research articles published up until 9 February 2024.
STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS
We included all studies in which the relationship between menstrual characteristics and pregnancy rates among women of reproductive age was investigated. We excluded studies involving the administration of oral contraceptives, application of assisted reproductive technologies, and individuals with a documented history of infertility or partners with a known history of infertility.
MAIN OUTCOMES
Clinical pregnancy and miscarriage.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis was composed of nine studies involving a total of 399,966 women, and the evidential quality derived from these studies was deemed to be high with a low risk of bias. Compared with a normal menstrual cycle length (2532 days), the impact of a short (<25 days) or long (>32 days) menstrual cycle on a woman's pregnancy was relatively insignificant (OR=0.81, CI [0.65, 1.01], I=68%; OR=0.89, CI [0.75, 1.06], I=60%, respectively); however, a change in cycle length may increase the risk of miscarriage (RR=1.87, CI [1.11, 3.15], I=0%; RR=1.66, CI [1.07, 2.57], I=43%, respectively). In comparison to women experiencing menarche at a typical age (1214 years), those with a late age at menarche (>14 years) exhibited a decreased likelihood of pregnancy (OR=0.92, CI [0.91, 0.93], I=0%); and compared with women experiencing a normal duration of menstrual bleeding (47 days), those with a short duration of menstrual bleeding (<4 days) exhibited reduced fertility potential (OR=0.86, CI [0.84, 0.88], I=29%).
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Short and long menstrual cycle lengths may elevate women's susceptibility to spontaneous abortion, whereas late age at menarche and short duration of menstrual bleeding appear to be linked to diminished fertility among women of reproductive age.
PubMed: 38936536
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.06.016 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024: New investigations have detected an enhanced probability for women to develop menstrual cycle alterations after anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, given that the...
: New investigations have detected an enhanced probability for women to develop menstrual cycle alterations after anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, given that the protective immunity provided by anti-COVID-19 vaccination appears to wane quickly, booster vaccination has been recommended. Nonetheless, whether adverse events arise from such repeated immunization has not been studied. : We studied the incidence of menstrual cycle alterations, the quantity of menstrual cycle alterations per subject, and of altered menstrual cycles in nonpregnant women of fertile age after anti-COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of vaccinated female subjects by the means of a standardized questionary that was applied via telephone calls each month. Subjects that received up to four doses were studied for 6 months after each dose. We calculated the odds ratio for enhanced incidence, as well as quadratic functions for the tendencies. A sensitivity analysis excluding subjects taking hormonal birth control and those with polycystic ovary syndrome was performed. : Anti-COVID-19 vaccination enhanced the probability to develop menstrual cycle alterations (OR 1.52, CI at 95% 1.2-1.8, < 0.0001) and, interestingly, such a tendency was enhanced when subjects received more doses (R = 0.91). Furthermore, the same trends repeated for the quantity of alterations per subject, and of altered cycles. Such an effect was further demonstrated to be independent upon the vaccine brand being applied, the birth control status, and the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. : Vaccination is the most cost-effective measure for primary prevention and is considered to be safe. Nonetheless, in this article, we show data that suggest that repeated vaccination of adult female subjects may lead to an enhanced incidence of menstrual cycle-related adverse events, quantity of alterations per subject, and altered cycles. We therefore think that the development of new vaccine formulations that produce longer-lasting immunity is of paramount importance to reduce the potential for dose accumulation-dependent enhanced risk.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; COVID-19 Vaccines; Menstrual Cycle; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; Menstruation Disturbances; Cohort Studies; Immunization, Secondary; Incidence; Young Adult
PubMed: 38929574
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060956 -
Biomedicines Jun 2024It is generally assumed that all estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers proliferate in response to estrogen and, therefore, examples of the estrogen-induced... (Review)
Review
It is generally assumed that all estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers proliferate in response to estrogen and, therefore, examples of the estrogen-induced regression of ER+ cancers are paradoxical. This review re-examines the estrogen regression paradox for the Luminal A subtype of ER+ breast cancers. The proliferative response to estrogen is shown to depend on the level of ER. Mechanistically, a window of opportunity study of pre-operative estradiol suggested that with higher levels of ER, estradiol could activate the DREAM-MMB (Dimerization partner, Retinoblastoma-like proteins, E2F4, and MuvB-MYB-MuvB) pathway to decrease proliferation. The response of breast epithelium and the incidence of breast cancers during hormonal variations that occur during the menstrual cycle and at the menopausal transition, respectively, suggest that a single hormone, either estrogen, progesterone or androgen, could activate the DREAM pathway, leading to reversible cell cycle arrest. Conversely, the presence of two hormones could switch the DREAM-MMB complex to a pro-proliferative pathway. Using publicly available data, we examine the gene expression changes after aromatase inhibitors and ICI 182,780 to provide support for the hypothesis. This review suggests that it might be possible to integrate all current hormonal therapies for Luminal A tumors within a single theoretical schema.
PubMed: 38927507
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061300 -
Biology May 2024Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by debilitating affective symptomatology in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle....
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Expression of Cation-Chloride Cotransporter (CCC) Genes in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) across the Menstrual Cycle-A Preliminary Study.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by debilitating affective symptomatology in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Based on the previous reports that PMDD may be related to GABAergic cellular dysfunction(s), we assessed whether cation-chloride cotransporter (CCC) gene expression across the menstrual cycle is altered in PMDD. As there are limitations in accessing the human CNS to study CCC-encoding genes, we utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as an alternative model. We first sought to replicate previous reports characterizing CCC gene expression patterns in PBMCs of reproductive age women. We subsequently investigated potential distinct CCC mRNA expression patterns in women with PMDD. We collected blood samples across 8 menstrual cycle visits for PBMC separation/RNA extraction to study mRNA expression of four KCCs (KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, KCC4) and two NKCCs (NKCC1, NKCC2) cotransporters. We mostly replicated the earlier gene expression pattern findings, and found that the expression levels of KCC1 were significantly downregulated during the mid-follicular and periovulatory subphases of the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD. The present study shows that PBMCs is a valid model for studying GABAergic mechanisms underlying PMDD.
PubMed: 38927257
DOI: 10.3390/biology13060377 -
Biomolecules Jun 2024Diabetes imposes a huge burden worldwide. Islet transplantation is an alternative therapy for diabetes. However, tacrolimus, a kind of immunosuppressant after organ...
Diabetes imposes a huge burden worldwide. Islet transplantation is an alternative therapy for diabetes. However, tacrolimus, a kind of immunosuppressant after organ transplantation, is closely related to post-transplant diabetes mellitus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted interest for their potential to alleviate diabetes. In vivo experiments revealed that human menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) treatment improved tacrolimus-induced blood glucose, body weight, and glucose tolerance disorders in mice. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the potential therapeutic targets of MenSCs. In this study, we illustrated that cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) contributed to tacrolimus -induced islet dysfunction. Using β-cell lines (MIN6, β-TC-6), we demonstrated that MenSCs ameliorated tacrolimus-induced islet dysfunction in vitro. Moreover, MenSC reduced the tacrolimus-induced elevation of CBS levels and significantly enhanced the viability, anti-apoptotic ability, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), and glycolytic flux of β-cells. We further revealed that MenSCs exerted their therapeutic effects by inhibiting CBS expression to activate the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In conclusion, we showed that MenSCs may be a potential strategy to improve tacrolimus-induced islet dysfunction.
Topics: Humans; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Tacrolimus; Interleukin-6; Animals; Mice; Female; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Islets of Langerhans; Janus Kinase 2; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Menstruation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Signal Transduction; Insulin Secretion; Cell Line
PubMed: 38927074
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060671