Simple quality improvement methods can be used to optimize obstetric services and improve outcomes of care in resource-limited settings.

No abstract

No abstract

We have determined the presence and distribution of intracellular progesterone receptors (PRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the lung of adult female rabbits using immunohistochemistry. The effects of ovariectomy and administration of oestradiol benzoate (10 micrograms for 3 consecutive days) upon PR and GR immunoreactivity were also studied. The results demonstrated the presence of both steroid hormone receptors in the female rabbit lung. PR and GR immunoreactivity was predominantly nuclear and located in alveolar epithelial cells and various interstitial cells such as polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Tissue distribution of both receptors was similar in all cases. Oestradiol treatment induced a marked increase in the number of PR immunoreactive cells compared with intact and ovariectomized female animals. Neither ovariectomy nor oestradiol treatment modified the number of GR immunoreactive cells. The presence and localization of intracellular PRs and GRs in several lung cell types suggest that they may play an important role in mediating the effects of progesterone and glucocorticoids in various physiological processes in the rabbit lung. The data also indicated an oestrogen regulation of PRs in the rabbit lung.

The majority of infertility or subfertility cases in mares is caused by uterine pathology. This paper presents the state of the art in diagnostic techniques used to investigate uterine health. Clinical evaluation including physical examination transrectal palpation and ultrasonography as well as endometrial cytology, culture and biopsy remain the cornerstone for working up any case of infertility. Endometritis remains the major infertility causing uterine disorder. New therapeutic strategies have been developed in recent years to deal with infections caused by organisms that produce biofilm. Also, increased understanding of the innate uterine defense mechanisms has generated interest in new therapies. Aging affects uterine health in several ways, but most importantly the development of chronic degenerative disease. New therapeutic approaches are being developed in the hope of slowing down or reversing these degenerative changes. Referral to a specialty hospital may be warranted in some cases for advanced reproductive evaluation.