Exploring the presence of markers of decidualization in the fallopian tubes: a systematic review.

The fallopian tubes (FTs) are part of the female upper genital tract. The healthy FT provides the biological environment for successful fertilization and facilitates the subsequent movement of the conceptus to the endometrial cavity. However, when the FT is damaged, as with salpingitis, pyosalpinx, and hydrosalpinx, it may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition. Decidualization refers to a multifactorial process by which the endometrium changes to permit blastocyst implantation. The decidualization reaction is vital for endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation. To date, no comprehensive review that collates evidence on decidualization in the human FT has been conducted. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile the current evidence on cellular decidualization occurring in the healthy and pathological FT in women of reproductive age. A literature search was conducted using five databases and identified 746 articles, 24 of which were analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The available evidence indicates that the FT are able to undergo decidual changes under specific circumstances; however, the exact mechanism by which this occurs is poorly understood. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which decidualization can occur in the FT.

Medication compliance of patients with COPD.

This study of 30 clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease documents how medications were taken in the home. The Taking Prescribed Medication Scale was used to assess medication compliance. The mean score for the sample in taking medications as prescribed was 73.4%.

The treatment of fractures of the hip by Roger Anderson well-leg traction.

In recent years the treatment of fractures of the hip in elderly patients has been almost exclusive surgical. However, there are occasions when either because of medical conditions or other surgical problems it is not possible to operate on these patients. An alternative method of handling such patients is the use of Roger Anderson well-leg traction. This is a retrospective report on a total of 15 patients treated at the Indiana University Medical Center between 1969 and 1977. It was found that ten of these patients survived the period in traction apparatus. Of the ten who survived nine healed their fractures. Few complications arose from the use of this method. This group of patients was compared with 16 patients who were treated surgically for comminuted intertrochanteric fractures. Eleven of these 16 patients survived. Seven had complications during the time of hospitalization for a rate of more than 50%. Although we realize that both series were very small, we feel that this study points out that Roger Anderson well-leg traction is an effective method of treating elderly patients under certain conditions.