significance of human beta-HCG and vaginal cervicometry in predicting preterm delivery

The aim of the present study was to determine, in addition to endovaginal cervicometry, whether hCG detected in cervicovaginal secretions of patients at 28-34 weeks' gestation with signs and symptoms of preterm labor is a predictor for preterm birth [-37 weeks' gestation]. A prospective observational study of pregnant women with threatened preterm labor between 28 and 34 weeks gestation. The study population consisted of patients admitted to the causality unit in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasr El Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt between December 2004 to January 2006 with signs and symptoms suggestive of preterm labor and intact membranes. One hundred and three patients satisfied the inclusion criteria and were screened with a bedside qualitative hCG assay and transvaginal cervicometry and subsequently with a quantitative hCG assay. Then, digital examination of the cervix was performed and Bishop scores were assessed. All samples were obtained prior to the administration of tocolytic therapy, refrigerated at -20°C, and assayed within 72 hrs. The primary outcome of the study was the success of stopping labor for at least 72 hours after stopping of tocolytic drug. Qualitative and quantitative hCG results were obtained for all patients enrolled. The mean gestational age at sampling was 31.1 weeks; combined qualitative hCG and cervical length revealed sensitivity and specificity of 91.67%, 84.81% respectively and combined quantitative hCG with cervical length revealed sensitivity and specificity of 91.67%, 86.08% respectively. Qualitative measurements of hCG concentration from cervicovaginal secretions does not require additional instruments and may be easily and cheaply performed at the bedside. Transvaginal ultrasound cervical measurement is a safe and effective technique to predict increased risk of preterm delivery in selected patients and normal results can help avoid unnecessary interventions, Combining the qualitative hCG testing with cervical length will get benefit of the higher sensitivity of the cervical length and the higher specificity of hCG testing in accurately predicting pre-term labor

Trace elements and lipids in Padina Pavonica, in Lebanon

The present study is one of a number of studies that we conducted on the Lebanese coast [the coast of EI-Barbara] in order to determine the types of marine algae that grow there. We have already studied Fucus vesiculosus and Jania rubens. Padina Pavonica was the type we analyzed in this study. Using the Gas Chromatography [GC] method, we determined 9 types of fatty acids and 14 types of trace elements. Then, we compared our findings with the active ingredients found in Fucus vesiculosus and Jania rubens. We found that Padina pavonica contains 2 fatty acids that we did not find in any of previously studied algae: eicosanoic [C20:0] and cis 11-eicosaenoic acids [C20:1]

Trace elements and lipids in Jania Rubens, in Lebanon

The project of studying marine algae on the Lebanese coast was conducted, with the help of the National Council of Research, in order to define the most important types of marine algae. This is why we studied at first the Fucus vesiculosus [we have 2 projects in that domain] [1, 2]. Afterwards, we pursued the same study, choosing this time another type that we found very rich in active ingredients: Jania rubens. Indeed, after collecting samples from the coast of El- Barbara, we found, by means of Gas Chromatography [GC] seven types of fatty acids and, in another analyses, 14 types of trace elements. A comparaison between active ingredients contained in Fucus vesiculosus with those contained in Jania rubens, showed that the latter could play a more important role in medicine, pharmacy and nutrition

Immunoglobulin levels in the cervical mucus of copper intrauterine contraceptive devices users

The investigation of immunoglobulin levels in women using intrauterine contraception has received some attention in the last decade. Most investigators were trying to determine the mode of action or the effect of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices [lUCDs] on immunoglobulins. Many theories have been postulated explaining the mechanisms of action of copper IUCD. The mechanical trauma and tissue injury inflicted on the endometrium during IUCD insertion and afterwards due to the continuing presence of an intrauterine foreign body as well as the release of copper ions may be sufficient to initiate both a local and systemic inflammatory response with production of chemotactic substances. These substances have the ability to stimulate the formation of antibodies with subsequent formation of immune complexes and rise in immunoglobulin levels. In this study, cervical mucus was collected from 22 copper IUD users [T Cu 200] and 10 women in their reproductive years not using contraception [controls]. They were selected among women attending family planning or gynaecological outpatients clinics. History was taken and full medical examination was done for all patients. Local examination of the genitalia was done. Cases that showed any local or general disease and those who have been on any medication that may affect the immune response were excluded from our study. Cervical mucus samples were taken from each case at midcycle. The levels of IgG, IgA and IgM in the cervical mucus of all women estimated by radial immunodiffusion technique using low concentration LC-partigen Immunodiffusion plates. The results of our study showed that the copper IUCD users had significantly higher mean immunoglobulin levels for IgA, IgG and IgM in cervical mucus compared to the control group. No differences were found in Immunoglobulin levels In relation to duration of copper IUCD usage