Poor survival after resection of early gastric cancer: extremes of survivorship analysis reveal distinct genomic profile.

A subset of patients with early gastric cancer demonstrate early recurrence and poor survival despite margin-negative resection. This study used an extremes-of-survivorship approach to identify an association between TP53 hotspot mutations co-occurring with loss of heterozygosity and unexpectedly poor survival in early gastric cancer. This distinct genomic profile may be a novel biomarker of poor survival in patients with completely resected early gastric cancer, and warrants large-scale validation. Promising, validation needed.

Painful sex (dyspareunia) in women: prevalence and associated factors in a British population probability survey.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of painful sex among women in Britain, and to explore associated sexual, relationship and health factors that should be considered in assessment. DESIGN: Multi-stage, clustered and stratified population probability sample survey, using computer-assisted self-interview. Sample frame was the British Postcode Address File. SETTING: Participants interviewed at home between 2010 and 2012. SAMPLE: A total of 15 162 adults aged 16-74 years (8869 women). Data reported from 6669 sexually active women. METHODS: Age-adjusted logistic regressions to examine associations between painful sex and indicators of sexual, relational, mental and physical health. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Physical pain as a result of sex for ≥3 months in the past year, plus measures of symptom severity. RESULTS: Painful sex was reported by 7.5% (95% CI 6.7-8.3) of sexually active women, of whom one-quarter experienced symptoms very often or always, for ≥6 months, and causing distress. Reporting painful sex was strongly associated with other sexual function problems, notably vaginal dryness (age adjusted odds ratio 7.9; 6.17-10.12), anxiety about sex (6.34; 4.76-8.46) and lacking enjoyment in sex (6.12; 4.81-7.79). It was associated with sexual relationship factors [such as not sharing same level of interest in sex (2.56; 1.97-3.33)], as well as with adverse experiences such as non-volitional sex (2.17; 1.68-2.80). Associations were also found with measures of psychological and physical health, including depressive symptoms (1.68; 1.28-2.21). CONCLUSION: Painful sex is reported by a sizeable minority of women in Britain. Health professionals should be supported to undertake holistic assessment and treatment which takes account of the sexual, relationship and health context of symptoms. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Painful sex-reported by 7.5% of women in Britain-is linked to poorer sexual, physical, relational and mental health.

Prevalence of infertility and help seeking among 15 000 women and men.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the prevalence of infertility and of help seeking among women and men in Britain? SUMMARY ANSWER: One in eight women and one in ten men aged 16-74 years had experienced infertility, defined by unsuccessfully attempting pregnancy for a year or longer, and little more than half of these people sought medical or professional help. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Estimates of infertility and help seeking in Britain vary widely and are not easily comparable because of different definitions and study populations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional population survey was conducted between 2010 and 2012 with a sample of 15 162 women and men aged 16-74 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants completed the Natsal-3 questionnaire, using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) and computer-assisted self-interview (CASI). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The reported prevalence of infertility was 12.5% (CI 95% 11.7-13.3) among women and 10.1% (CI 95% 9.2-11.1) among men. Increased prevalence was associated with later cohabitation with a partner, higher socio-economic status and, for those who had a child, becoming parents at older ages. The reported prevalence of help seeking was 57.3% (CI 95% 53.6-61.0) among women and 53.2% (CI 95% 48.1-58.1) among men. Help seekers were more likely to be better educated and in higher status occupations and, among those who had a child, to have become parents later in life. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: These data are cross-sectional so it is not possible to establish temporality or infer causality. Self-reported data may be subject to recall bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The study provides estimates of infertility and help seeking in Britain and the results indicate that the prevalence of infertility is higher among those delaying parenthood. Those with higher educational qualifications and occupational status are more likely to consult with medical professionals for fertility problems than others and these inequalities in help seeking should be considered by clinical practice and public health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: Funding was provided by grants from the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust, with support from the Economic and Social Research Council and the Department of Health. AMJ is a Governor of the Wellcome Trust. Other authors have no competing interests.

Trends in the use of emergency contraception in Britain: evidence from the second and third National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the changes in the prevalence of, and the factors associated with, the use of emergency contraception (EC) in Britain between 2000 and 2010, spanning the period of deregulation and increase in pharmacy supply. DESIGN: Cross-sectional probability sample surveys. SETTING AND POPULATION: British general population. METHODS: Data were analysed from the second and third British National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal), undertaken in 1999-2001 and 2010-12. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to measure change in EC use amongst sexually active women aged 16-44 years not intending pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of EC use and factors associated with use. RESULTS: Of the 5430 women surveyed in 1999-2001 and the 4825 women surveyed in 2010-12, 2.3 and 3.6%, respectively, reported using EC in the year prior to interview (P = 0.0019 for change over time). The prevalence of EC use increased amongst single women and those with higher educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.04-2.20; P = 0.0308). Increases in EC use were generally greater among women without behavioural risk factors, such as those with no history of abortion within 5 years (aOR 1.57; 95% CI 1.17-2.12; P = 0.0029), or those whose first heterosexual intercourse occurred after the age of 16 years (aOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.21-2.35; P = 0.0021). The increase in EC use was also more marked among women usually accessing contraception from retail sources than among those doing so from healthcare sources, which may reflect a use of condoms amongst EC users. CONCLUSION: The increase in EC use among women in Britain in the first decade of the 21st century was associated with some, but not all, risk factors for unplanned pregnancy. Advice and provision may need to be targeted at those at highest risk of unplanned pregnancy. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Despite pharmacy access, only a small rise in emergency contraception use has been seen in Britain over 10 years.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of health tapestry, a complex primary care program for older adults: a post-hoc analysis.

BACKGROUND: We initially reported on the cost-effectiveness of a 6-month randomized controlled implementation trial which evaluated Health TAPESTRY, a primary care program for older adults, at the McMaster Family Health Team (FHT) site and 5 other FHT sites in Ontario, Canada. While there were no statistically significant between-group differences in outcomes at month 6 post randomization, positive outcomes were observed at the McMaster FHT site, which recruited 40% (204/512) of the participants. The objective of this post-hoc study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Health TAPESTRY based on data from the McMaster FHT site. METHODS: Costs included the cost to implement Health TAPESTRY at McMaster as well as healthcare resource consumed, which were costed using publicly available sources. Health-related-quality-of-life was evaluated with the EQ-5L-5L at baseline and at month 6 post randomization. Quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) were calculated under an-area-under the curve approach. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses (two independent regression analyses on costs and QALYs, seemingly unrelated regression [SUR], net benefit regression) as well as difference-in-difference and propensity score matching (PSM) methods, were used to deal with the non-randomized nature of the trial. Sampling uncertainty inherent to the trial data was estimated using non-parametric bootstrapping. The return on investment (ROI) associated with Health TAPESTRY was calculated. All costs were reported in 2021 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: With an intervention cost of $293/patient, Health TAPESTRY was the preferred strategy in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The results of our bootstrap analyses indicated that Health TAPESTRY was cost-effective compared to usual care at commonly accepted WTP thresholds. For example, if decision makers were willing to pay $50,000 per QALY gained, the probability of Health TAPESTRY to be cost effective compared to usual care varied from 0.72 (unadjusted analysis) to 0.96 (SUR) when using a WTP of $50,000/QALY gained. The DID and ROI analyses indicated that Health Tapestry generated a positive ROI. CONCLUSION: Health TAPESTRY was the preferred strategy when implemented at the McMaster FHT. We caution care in interpreting the results because of the post-hoc nature of the analyses and limited sample size based on one site.

Investigation on fixed bed column performance of fluoride adsorption by sugarcane charcoal.

The present study explores the potentiality of sugarcane charcoal for fluoride removal from synthetic fluoride solution. Column adsorption experiments with respect to variation of flow rate, pH, initial concentration, and column depths were carried out. Sugarcane charcoal exhibited almost consistent scavenging capacity at various bed depths with a flow rate 4.34 ml min(-1). Maximum adsorption capacity of sugarcane charcoal was recorded 7.33 mg g(-1). The adsorption studies were simulated using Thomas and Bed depth service time model. Both the models consistently predict its characteristic parameters and describe the breakthrough profiles in the whole range of sorption process.

Assessment of indoor pollutants generated from bio and synthetic fuels in selected villages of Burdwan, West Bengal.

The objective of the present study was to access the pollutant generated from bio-fuels like bamboo sticks, cow dung, paddy straw, carbon dust cake, gobar gas, jute stick, and mustard stick and synthetic fuel like LPG during cooking in rural villages of Burdwan, West Bengal, India and its fluctuation in living room. The average SO2 released from the fuels was found in the following order: bamboo stick > cow dung > paddy straw > carbon cake > gobar gas > jute stick > LPG > mustard stick; NO2 emission was in the following order : mustard stick > carbon dust cake > paddy straw > cow dung cake > LPG, jute stick > gobar gas > bamboo stick > and SPM was obtained in the following sequence: cow dung cake > bamboo stick > carbon dust cake > gobar gas > LPG > mustard stick > paddy straw > jute stick, respectively. The highest living room to kitchen room (L/K) ratio of SO2, NO, and SPM was found in LPG, gobar gas, jute stick respectively in 2009 and followed by bamboo stick > paddy straw > jute stick > cow dung cake, respectively in 2010. Results of this study suggest that different fuels released different amount of air pollutants, but more extensive study is needed to confirm the relationship between fuels and released air pollutants.

True coincidence summing correction for a BEGe detector in close geometry measurements.

The true coincidence summing correction factor for a Broad Energy Germanium detector has been calculated at far and close geometry set-up using radioactive γ-ray sources. The correction factors were calculated using both experimental and analytical methods. Geant4 simulation was done to calculate the full-energy peak and total efficiencies of the detector. Standard, as well as fabricated mono-energetic γ-ray sources, were used for the γ-ray efficiency measurements. The simulated efficiencies of mono-energetic γ-ray sources were matched to the experimental γ-ray efficiencies by optimizing the detector parameters. The same parameters were used to obtain the full-energy peak and total efficiencies for γ-rays of current interest. Analytical and experimental correction factors were found to agree well with each other. The coincidence summing effect is found to be significant for source-to-detector distances less than 5 cm.

Application of molecular markers for genetic discrimination of Fusarium wilt pathogen races affecting chickpea and pigeonpea in major regions of India.

(foc) and Fusarium udum (Fud) collected from major pulse growing regions of India. Out of 247 bands produced by 24 Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers in Foc isolates, 210 (85%) were polymorphic. A maximum of 14 amplicons were generated by primer OPF 05 whereas minimum 7 amplicons were generated by primer K7. A total of 24 alleles were produced by twelve Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) primers with an average of two alleles per marker in foc isolates. The maximum number of 4 alleles was obtained with primer SSR 12. SSR amplicon size ranged from 100 to 400 bp. The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on RAPD and SSR profiles grouped the fourteen foc isolates into four major clusters. The universal Inter Transcribed Spacer (ITS) primer pair amplified 630 bp bands in all fourteen foc isolates while significant length polymorphism was obtained only when analysed by restriction digestion with EcoRI and MspI enzymes. The cluster analysis of ITS—RFLP grouped all 14 Foc isolates into three major clusters. Twenty four RAPD primers generated a total of 226 bands (ranging 0.3 to 3.0 kb) in Fusarium udum with an average of 9.4 bands per primer and a total of 27 alleles were produced by twelve SSR primers with an average of 2.25 alleles per marker. All isolates amplified a single band ranging from 100 to 450 bp. The universal ITS primer pair amplified 650 bp bands in all fourteen fud isolates while significant length polymorphism was obtained only when analysed by restriction digestion with EcoRI and Hind III enzymes. The cluster analysis of ITS—RFLP grouped all 14 Fud isolates into three major clusters. The cluster analysis using various markers show the grouping of Fusarium isolates strictly according to their cultural characteristics and degree of pathogenicity and not the geographical origin. This information will be helpful for pathologists and plant breeders to design effective resistance breeding programs in chickpea and pigeonpea taking into account the diversity in wilt pathogen.

Temporal and spatial changes in phenolic compounds in response to Fusarium wilt in chickpea and pigeonpea.

Plant phenolic compounds are known to play an important role in innate plant defense and are reported to show temporal and spatial changes in response to abiotic and biotic stress including invading pathogens. In the present study, spatial and temporal variations in phenolic compounds in response to infection by wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Foc) and Fusarium udum (Fud) were studied in wilt resistant and wilt susceptible cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh) (i) before the onset of wilt infection (S1 stage; 7 Days after sowing (DAS)), (ii) after the onset of wilt infection (S2 stage; 15 DAS) and (iii) at severe disease stage (S3 stage; 30 DAS), respectively and analyzed for association of total phenol with disease reaction. Under un—inoculated condition, maximum phenol content (21.8 mg gdw—1) was found in wilt resistant cultivars and minimum (16.5 mg gdw—1) in susceptible lines of chickpea. Wilt resistant cultivars of chickpea showed two fold increase in total phenolic content at the onset of infection. In case of pigeonpea, roots of resistant cultivars showed 2.27 fold increase in phenolics, but the increase was marginal in susceptible cultivars. In the present study, interaction between Fusarium and host plants was found to enhance defense responses against wilt disease in resistant cultivars of chickpea and pigeonpea.

Impact of combined exposure of chemical, fertilizer, bio-fertilizer and compost on growth, physiology and productivity of Brassica campestries in old alluvial soil.

Field experiment was carried out during November 2006 to February 2007 under old alluvial soil to evaluate the impact of combined dose of chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer in combination with compost for the yellow sarson (Brassica campestries cv. B9) in a randomized block design replicated thrice. Various morpho-physiological parameters viz., plant population, length of shoot and root, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), yield attributes viz., number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds/siliquae, 1000 seed weight (test weight), seed yield, stover yield and physiological and biochemical parameters viz., pigment content, sugar, amino acid, protein, ascorbic acid content in physiologically active leaf were performed. The treatment T1 i.e., 40% less N fertilizer 25% less P fertilizer K fertilizer constant + 12 kg ha(-1) biofertilizer (Azophos) and organic manure (compost) @ 5Mt ha(-1), showed the maximum chlorophyll accumulation (10. 231 mg g(-1) freshweight), highest seed/siliquae (25.143), test weight of seeds (4. 861g) and highest seed yield (10.661 tha(-1)). A comparison between all the morphological, anatomical, physiological and biochemical parameters due to application of chemical fertilizer; bio-fertilizer and compost alone and in combination and their impact on soil microorganism, flora and fauna will throw a sound environmental information.

Influenza virus infection induces metallothionein gene expression in the mouse liver and lung by overlapping but distinct molecular mechanisms.

Metallothionein I (MT-I) and MT-II have been implicated in the protection of cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS), heavy metals, and a variety of pathological and environmental stressors. Here, we show a robust increase in MT-I/MT-II mRNA level and MT proteins in the livers and lungs of C57BL/6 mice exposed to the influenza A/PR8 virus that infects the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) had a pronounced effect on the induction of these genes in the liver but not the lung. Treatment of the animals with RU-486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, inhibited induction of MT-I/MT-II in both liver and lung, revealing a direct role of glucocorticoid that is increased upon infection in this induction process. In vivo genomic footprinting (IVGF) analysis demonstrated involvement of almost all metal response elements, major late transcription factor/antioxidant response element (MLTF/ARE), the STAT3 binding site on the MT-I upstream promoter, and the glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE1), located upstream of the MT-II gene, in the induction process in the liver and lung. In the lung, inducible footprinting was also identified at a unique gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) response element (gamma-IRE) and at Sp1 sites. The mobility shift analysis showed activation of STAT3 and the glucocorticoid receptor in the liver and lung nuclear extracts, which was consistent with the IVGF data. Analysis of the newly synthesized mRNA for cytokines in the infected lung by real-time PCR showed a robust increase in the levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma mRNA that can activate STAT3 and STAT1, respectively. A STAT1-containing complex that binds to the gamma-IRE in vitro was activated in the infected lung. No major change in MLTF/ARE DNA binding activity in the liver and lung occurred after infection. These results have demonstrated that MT-I and MT-II can be induced robustly in the liver and lung following experimental influenza virus infection by overlapping but distinct molecular mechanisms.

Screening of wheat varieties and associated bacterial population in old alluvial soil of Burdwan, West Bengal.

In order to screen out the best variety of wheat (Triticum aestivum) out of eight varieties (viz., HP 1633, BW 11, NW 1014, Sonalika, HUW 468, K 9107, HP 1731 and HUW 234), a field experiment was conducted (from Dec. 2002 to April 2003) in a randomized block design replicated thrice at Crop Research and Seed Multiplication Farm, Burdwan University, West Bengal, India. Various morpho physiological parameters viz., plant population, length of shoot and root, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), leaf area duration (LAD), net assimilation rate (NAR), yield attributes viz., length of panicles, number of grains per panicle, grain yield, straw yield, pigment content in flag leaf (chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll and carotenoid content) were estimated and analyzed statistically Soil bacterial populations were also estimated in the fallow land before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of crop. The HUW 468 variety records higher grain yield, maximum panicle length and maximum chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content.

Assessment of noise level in Burdwan town, West Bengal.

Cities and towns of the world are now facing enormous rise of noise pollution problem due to very high population rise, transport congestion and associated commercial and industrial activities. Burdwan, a district headquarter (100 km away from Kolkata) is one such town where noise pollution is very frequent. In order to assess noise level, noise data were collected from various places of the town by sound level meter with a duration of 30 minutes/location during specified time like 6.00 am, 10.00 am, 1.00 pm, 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm. Most of the monitoring places either belongs to silence category or commercial category areas. From the tabulated data, it was found that sound level lies within the range of 64-85 dB or above in different time at different places. The locations that belong to the silence zone have the noise level up to 90 dB. Statistically noise level in all these zones differ significantly at their peak hours. Noise pollution adversely affects our environment as well as human beings. Sound causes both pathological and psychological disorders in human beings. Implementation of rules and regulations under section 20, 21J, 41, 68(I), 70, 90, 111A of Environment Protection Act, 1986 and of course various technological methods and public awareness are very essential to check noise pollution in Burdwan town.

Lymph node evaluation and survival after curative-intent resection of duodenal adenocarcinoma: A matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma is associated with poor prognosis; however, the optimal extent of LN assessment and the interaction between LN assessment and adjuvant systemic therapy is poorly understood. METHODS: Resected non-metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma patients (n = 1743) were identified in the National Cancer Database (1998-2011). Logistic regression analysis identified covariates associated with LN metastasis. The influence of increasing LN cut-off points on overall survival (OS) was analysed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards modelling. Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) and surgery alone cohorts were matched (1:1) by propensity scores based on the likelihood of nodal metastasis or survival hazard on Cox modelling. OS in the matched cohort was compared by Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: LN metastases were present in 865 (49.6%) patients. Increasing LN assessment was associated with an increased likelihood of nodal involvement (P = 0.008). In node-negative patients, increasing LN assessment was associated with a decreased risk of death, with the largest actuarial survival differences observed for ≥15 LN (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.82, P = 0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohort of node-negative patients, AC was associated with non-significant improvements in 5-year actuarial (66.1% versus 58.7%, HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.53-1.18, P = 0.249), and did not vary by adequacy of LN counts (<15 LNs: HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.51-1.24, P = 0.305; ≥15 LNs: HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.35-2.30, P = 0.900). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of LN identification has prognostic significance in resected node-negative duodenal adenocarcinoma, but cannot be implicated in the selection of node-negative patients for AC.

The effect of leptin on luteinizing hormone release is exerted in the zona incerta and mediated by melanin-concentrating hormone.

The adipose hormone, leptin, not only restrains appetite, but also influences energy expenditure. One such influence is to promote sexual maturation and fertility. The neuromodulatory circuits that mediate this effect are not well known but the present study suggests that one mediator could be melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). We show that the long-form receptor (Ob-Rb) is expressed in the zona incerta of the rat and that administration of leptin (both 0.5 microg and 1.0 microg/side) into this area of ovariectomized, oestrogen-primed rats stimulated the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) within 1 h, the effect enduring for a further 1 h. Injections of leptin into the arcuate nucleus induced a smaller, transient rise in LH while injections into the paraventricular and ventromedial nuclei were without effect. MCH neurones are present in the zona incerta and administration of this hormone into the medial preoptic area (mPOA) stimulates LH release, therefore we investigated the possibility that MCH might mediate this effect of leptin. An injection of MCH antiserum into mPOA prevented the rise in LH normally induced by leptin injected into the zona incerta. In addition, melanocortin receptor antagonists ([D-Arg8]ACTH(4-10) and [Ala6]ACTH(4-10)), previously shown to inhibit the stimulatory effect of MCH on LH release, also inhibited the effect of leptin. We propose that one route by which leptin may promote reproductive activity is by enhancing MCH release from fibres within the mPOA. Speculative mechanisms for the action of MCH include the following possibilities: MCH may be acting on the specific MCH receptor which in turn interacts with a melanocortin or melanocortin-like receptor; MCH may bind directly to one of the melanocortin receptors; or melanocortin antagonists may interact with the MCH receptor.

Effect of clomiphene on the ponderal, histological and biochemical changes induced by stilbestrol and testosterone in the uterus of rats.

A comparative study on the effects of clomiphene on the stilbestrol- and testosterone-induced changes in the weight, histology and biochemical constituents of the uterus was undertaken. Clomiphene counteracted the stilbestrol-induced increase in the weight, and the absolute contents of the glycogen, protein and RNA of the uterus, possibly by competitive inhibition. It failed to prevent such changes induced by testosterone: on the contrary, there were some additive effects. The results of the present study indicate that the binding sites for the estrogen and the androgen in the uterus are different.

Changes in the levels of protein and steroid hormones in the plasma and steroid hormone receptors in the uterus of normal cycling guinea pigs.

This study deals with the estrous cycle of guinea pigs in relation to sexual behavior, uterine weight, levels of gonadotropins, steroid hormones, and steroid hormone receptors in the uterus. The guinea pigs in this study showed cyclic changes in various reproductive functions broadly similar to other laboratory species studied. The increase in the uterine weight coincided with high concentration of steroid hormones (estradiol and progesterone) secreted during proestrus and estrus. The elevated levels of steroid hormone receptor concentrations in the uterus during these periods also confirm the role of these hormones. The rise in progesterone level from day 14 of the cycle was associated with lordosis and its related behavior. It was noted that the "estrus behavior" is the most accurate external marker for ovulation and sexual receptivity to males. It was also observed that there is an association between follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone during the preovulatory period that was not demonstrated in previous studies.

Nature of estrogenic and anti-estrogenic actions of centchroman on rat uterus.

PIP: The uterine effects of centchroman, 3,4-trans-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenyl- 4-(p(beta-pyrrolidioethoxy)-phenyl)-7-methoxy chroman hydrochloride in ovariectomized rats, with or without estrogen treatment, were studied. Centchroman had a very weak estrogenic action in the absence of exogenous estrogen. However, it did have a relatively strong antiestrogenic action when estradiol benzoate was administered. The results indicate a competitive inhibition of estrogen action at the receptor site. It is suggested that the action of centchroman is similar to that of clomiphene.^ieng

Contraceptive efficacy of tamoxifen in female hamsters.

Systemic administration of tamoxifen (trans-1-(4-B-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenyl-but-1-ene), an antiestrogen, at a dose level of 2 mg/kg body weight on days 1, 2 and 3 post-coitum (p.c.) intercepts pregnancy during the peri-implantation period in 70-80% of hamsters. Significant alterations in the circulating levels of estradiol and progesterone were accompanied by the abolition of peak activities of various uterine lysosomal enzymes in the treated animals. The present study, therefore, suggests that estrogen plays a crucial role during the process of ovum-implantation in hamsters, and tamoxifen displays an interceptive role in this species.