The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Cognitive Performance: Spatial Reasoning, Visual & Numerical Memory

The menstrual cycle has been a topic of interest in relation to behavior and cognition for many years, with historical beliefs associating it with cognitive impairment. However, recent research has challenged these beliefs and suggested potential positive effects of the menstrual cycle on cognitive performance. Despite these emerging findings, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the impact of the menstrual cycle on cognition, particularly in domains such as spatial reasoning, visual memory, and numerical memory. Hence, this study aimed to explore the relationship between the menstrual cycle and cognitive performance in these specific domains. Previous studies have reported mixed findings, with some suggesting no significant association and others indicating potential differences across the menstrual cycle. To contribute to this body of knowledge, we explored the research question of whether the menstrual cycles have a significant effect on cognition, particularly in the domains of spatial reasoning, visual and numerical memory in a regionally diverse sample of menstruating females. A total of 30 menstruating females from mixed geographical backgrounds participated in the study, and a repeated measures design was used to assess their cognitive performance in two phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular and luteal. The results of the study revealed that while spatial reasoning was not significantly related to the menstrual cycle (p = 0.256), both visual and numerical memory had significant positive associations (p < 0.001) with the luteal phase. However, since the effect sizes were very small, the importance of this relationship might be commonly overestimated. Future studies could thus entail designs with larger sample sizes, including neuro-biological measures of menstrual stages, and consequently inform competent interventions and support systems.

Abnormal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding is one of the common Gynaecological issues. There are several causes. Some of the women presented with these issues found to have underling thyroid abnormality which was not discovered earlier. This research tries to find the prevalence of the Thyroid Disorder among the women present with Heavy menstrual bleeding in Sri Lankan women.

Hupo powder promotes autophagy of menstrual blood-derived stem cells from patients with endometriosis

Objective:To explore the effect of Hupo powder(HP)on autophagy in menstrual blood-derived stem cells(MenSCs)with endometriosis(EMT).Methods:EMT MenSCs(E-MenSCs)and healthy MenSCs(H-MenSCs)were isolated from the menstrual blood of patients with EMT and healthy female participants,respectively.We identified their stem cells’characteristics via adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation.Twelve male SpragueeDawley rats received 0.9% NaCl and HP-dispensing granules by gastric irrigation to prepare blank serum and medicated serum,respectively.We used serum concentrations of 5%,10%,and 20%,each at administered times of 12,24,and 48 h to select the best condition.These cells were divided into three groups:blank serum of the control group,blank serum of the model group,and medicated serum of the HP group.H-MenSCs were used in the control group,while E-MenSCs were used in the model and HP groups.We analyzed cell viability using a cell counting kit-8 assay,observed cell morphology,evaluated the amounts of auto-phagosomes and autolysosomes by transmission electron microscopy,and detected the protein expression of autophagy markers(LC3-II and Beclin1)by Western blot.Results:E-MenSCs and H-MenSCs became long fusiform with a diffuse radial pattern,forming lipid droplets and calcium nodules after adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation.We then used the best conditiond 20% serum and 48 hdfor the subsequent experiments.In contrast to the model group,the HP group exhibited lower cell viability(=0.007),larger amounts of autophagosomes and autolysosomes(P<0.001 and P=0.001,respectively),and higher expression of LC3-II and Beclin1(P=0.021 and P=0.019,respectively).Conclusion:Hupo powder can promote autophagy in E-MenSCs,which might be one of the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects.

LiNA OperaScope^(TM) for microwave endometrial ablation for endometrial polyps with heavy menstrual bleeding: A case report

BACKGROUND The procedure for microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)follows established MEA practice guidelines but requires hysteroscopic observation of the uterine lumen before and after MEA.When a luminal uterine lesion is recognized,its removal requires preoperative dilation of the cervix because the outer diameter of a conventional rigid hysteroscope is 8.7 mm.Recently,a fully disposable rigid hysteroscope(LiNA OperaScope^(TM))with a narrow diameter(4.4 mm)and forceps capable of extracting endometrial lesions has become available.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of heavy menstrual bleeding(HMB)complicated by endometrial polyps where MEA was performed after removing endometrial polyps using the LiNA OperaScope^(TM) device.A 48-year-old woman with three prior pregnancies and three deliveries was referred to our hospital for further examination and treatment after being diagnosed with HMB 2 years earlier.The patient underwent MEA following endometrial polypectomy using LiNA OperaScope^(TM).After MEA,endometrial cauterization was again examined using the LiNA OperaScope^(TM),and the procedure was completed.No preoperative cervical dilation was performed.The patient’s clinical course was favorable,and she was discharged 3 h after surgery.One month after surgery,menstruation resumed,and both HMB and dysmenorrhea improved markedly from 10 preoperatively to 1 postoperatively,as assessed subjectively using the visual analog scale.The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful with no complic-ations.CONCLUSION LiNA OperaScope^(TM) can be a minimally invasive treatment for MEA of HMB with uterine lumen lesions.

Menstrual cycle abnormalities in women with inflammatory bowel disease and effects of biological therapy on gynecological pathology

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic condition that affects young individuals in their reproductive years.It may have long-term implications on their reproductive,sexual,and mental health.IBD has been related to menstrual abnormalities.Furthermore,the administration of biological therapy can also result in gynecological issues in addition to the disease itself.The purpose of this review was to present potential menstrual cycle problems in patients with IBD,as well as the impact of adalimumab and other anti-tumor necrosis factor medications on gynecological pathology.

Facilities and Misconceptions Concerning Menstrual Health and Menstrual Hygiene Management among Young People in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, women constitute 49.6% of the world population and at least 500 million women and girls lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. In Nigeria, a quarter of women lack adequate privacy for defecation and menstrual hygiene management. Absence of facilities needed for menstrual hygiene can pose as obstacle to women and girls practicing menstrual hygiene effectively. This study aims to identify the facilities and misconceptions concerning menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 169 young males and females of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Theological Seminary, Jos North, Plateau State. This study sought to identify the facilities and misconceptions concerning menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management among young people in Jos, Plateau State. Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used in this study and data was collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaire to measure availability of facilities/programs for menstrual hygiene management and misconceptions about menstruation. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 with descriptive statistics, proportions, tables and diagrams used to illustrate findings from the data collected. Results: Majority 139 (82.2%) of the female respondents had access to adequate water supply, while 30 (17.8%) did not have access to the adequate water supply. About half, 53.8% had bathrooms with doors and safe locks, 19.5% had a school clinic where menstrual absorbents can be gotten, 10 (5.9%) had Girl’s Club/Peer Education teams, 24 (14.2%) had guidance and counselling classes. Programmes available to female respondents for menstrual health and hygiene management were girls club and guidance and counselling sessions. Majority 94 (97.9) of females have access to some form of menstrual adsorbent material, and 50 (52.1%) had no access to Sanitary pads. Most females 80 (80.3%) have access to soap, 46 (47.9%) do not have access to privacy at home when faced with changing their pads or menstrual adsorbent, while 84 (87.5%) had access to privacy while in school, 46.7% of respondents were aware of misconceptions/taboos, which included that women should not cook when menstruating (19.5% of respondents), and women should stay away from public activities during menstruation (13.6%). Conclusion: A sixth of the women had no access to adequate water, half had bathrooms without locks, over half had no access to sanitary pads, there were misconceptions that can be dispelled using health education and enlightenment on proper menstrual health and hygiene.

Challenges Associated with Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls Attending Bocharia Primary School in Nyamira County, Kenya

Background: Approximately, half a million of adolescent girls in the world feel frustrated during their monthly period due to poor menstrual hygiene practices. In the low-and-middle income countries, about three-quarters of girls do not have access to clean sanitary materials, and use low-quality products. In the Sub-Saharan African countries, menstruation among school-age girls is a neglected issue. Poor menstrual hygiene practices expose adolescent girls to reproductive organ infections, psychosocial stress, and poor school attendance. However, the available data concerning challenges associated with menstrual hygiene among school girls in the remote areas of Kenya remains unknown. Aim: To assess challenges associated with menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls attending Bocharia Primary School in Nyamira County, Kenya. Methods: The target population was grade 4 to 8 adolescent girls (n = 111) aged 10 - 19 years. Hence, census method of sampling was used to include all the girls in grade 4 - 8. Raw data was obtained using a Semi-structured questionnaire which was tested by a representation of 11 girls (10% of the sample size) who had the same characteristics. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 with both descriptive and inferential statistics. In descriptive statistics, frequency and percentage were generated. The chi-square test of independence was used to determine associations between some socio-demographic variables of the girls and menstrual hygiene practice. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: The study found that majority (57%) of the respondents had poor menstrual hygiene practices associated with lack of accessibility and affordability to sanitary products, functional and safe latrines, shortage of soap and water supply, and sanitation facilities. Approximately half (47.8%) of the respondents reported that menstrual hygiene practices are highly influenced by taboo from cultural beliefs and societal norms. Girls who live with both parents were more likely (73.3%) to wash their body with water and soap during monthly bleeding as compared to those girls from single mother (64.7%) and those who live or grand Mothers (42.9%). The toilets or latrines that were allocated to the girls were unlockable, which threatens privacy and safety of the girls. Conclusions: Most of the school girls had poor menstrual hygiene practices associated with lack of sanitary products, safe and functional latrines, adequate water supply, soaps and sanitation facilities. Adequate attention to menstrual hygiene management should be given by the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program, education sectors, and sexual and reproductive health programs.

Abnormal uterine bleeding successfully treated via ultrasoundguided microwave ablation of uterine myoma lesions: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)is a minimally invasive treatment method for heavy menstrual bleeding.However,additional treatment is often required after recurrence of uterine myomas treated with MEA.Additionally,because this treatment ablates the endometrium,it is not indicated for patients planning to become pregnant.To overcome these issues,we devised a method for ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of uterine myoma feeder vessels.We report three patients successfully treated for heavy menstrual bleeding,secondary to uterine myoma,using our novel method.CASE SUMMARY All patients had a favorable postoperative course,were discharged within 4 h,and experienced no complications.Further,no postoperative recurrence of heavy menstrual bleeding was noted.Our method also reduced the myoma’s maximum diameter.CONCLUSION This method does not ablate the endometrium,suggesting its potential appli-cation in patients planning to become pregnant.

Usefulness of Newly Devised Clomiphene Citrate Administration Method Compared with the Conventional Method in Ovulation and Pregnancy

Objective: Since not all women wish to conceive a child through aggressive treatment, we investigated the usefulness of modified repeated intracyclic clomiphene citrate (CC) therapy (repeated CC therapy) as a newly devised administration method. Methods: We evaluated the effects of CC administration on menstrual cycle length and retrospectively compared ovulation and pregnancy in 220 women who received CC at our hospital. Patients in the conventional method group received 50 mg per day for five days, starting on the fifth day of menstruation (withdrawal bleeding). Groups with and without menstrual cycle shortening after conventional CC administration were compared. The repeated CC therapy group was also compared with the non-shortened group. Repeated CC therapy was administered for the first five days as in the conventional method, and a second five-day repeat treatment was administered after an interval of five to seven days. Pregnancy rates, including indirect pregnancies, were evaluated by three different methods. Results: Ovulation and pregnancy rates were significantly better in the shortened group than in the non-shortened group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). Even in the non-shortened group, ovulation and pregnancy rates including indirect pregnancies were significantly improved when ovulation was observed with repeated CC therapy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: For patients whose menstrual cycle was not improved or shortened, repeated CC therapy as the newly devised CC administration method is useful as the next step after the conventional CC administration method.

Safety of menstrual blood-derived stromal cell transplantation in treatment of intrauterine adhesion

BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesion(IUA)can cause serious damage to women’s reproductive health,yet current treatment methods are difficult to achieve satisfactory results.In our previous studies,we demonstrated that menstrual-derived stromal stem cells(MenSCs),with high proliferative capacity and self-renewal ability,have a powerful therapeutic effect in patients with severe IUA.However,safety assessment of MenSCs transplantation is essential for its further application.AIM To evaluate the short-,medium-,and long-term biosafety of MenSCs via intrauterine transplantation in a rat model of IUA,with a focus on toxicity and tumorigenicity.METHODS MenSCs were injected into the sub-serosal layer of the uterus in an IUA rat model,for 3 d,3 mo,and 6 mo separately,to monitor the corresponding acute,sub-chronic,and chronic effects.Healthy rats of the same age served as negative controls.Toxicity effects were evaluated by body weight,organ weight,histopathology,hematology,and biochemistry tests.Tumorigenicity of MenSCs was investigated in Balb/c-nu mice in vivo and by colony formation assays in vitro.RESULTS Compared with the same week-old control group,all of the IUA rats receiving MenSC transplantation demonstrated no obvious changes in body weight,mainorgan weight,or blood cell composition during the acute,sub-chronic,and chronic observation periods.At the same time,serum biochemical tests showed no adverse effects on metabolism or liver and kidney function.After 4 wk of subcutaneous injection of Men SCs in Balb/c-nu nude mice,no tumor formation or cell metastasis was observed.Moreover,there was no tumor colony formation of Men SCs during soft agar culture in vitro.CONCLUSION There is no acute,sub-chronic,or chronic poisoning,infection,tumorigenesis,or endometriosis in rats with IUA after Men SC transplantation.The above results suggest that intrauterine transplantation of Men SCs is safe for endometrial treatment.

Relatively High Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Adolescent Dancers Despite Lower Energy Intake and Menstrual Disorder

Objective The effect of dietary restriction, intense exercise and menstrual dysfunction on bone mineral density remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the skeletal health status and relationship between bone mineral density and nutrient intake, menstrual status, estrogen level and other factos in Chinese adolescent dancers. Methods Sixty dancers and 77 healthy controls underwent measurements of bone density, body composition, and estrogen level. Nutrient intake, menstrual status and physical activity were assessed with questionnaires. The correlation between these factors were analyzed. Results The dancers under study had a significantly lean body mass index （18.3±1.4 kg/m^2 vs. 21.7±3.1 kg/m^2）, lower percentage of body fat （0.25±0.05 vs. 0.34±0.04） and later age at menarche （14.0±0.9 y vs. 13.0±1.3 y）, and the estrogen level, daily calorie and fat intake in them were also lower than in the controls. All the dancers undertook intensive physical activity every day and up to 69% of them suffered from irregular menarche. Yet they had relatively high BMD and BMC of the total body and legs than the controls after adjusting for BM1 and age. Site-specific BMD was positively correlated to BMI, body composition and training hours per week and negatively correlated to the age at menarche and menstrual frequency. Conclusions The relatively high BMD and BMC of the dancers at the total body and legs were probably caused by high levels of weight-bearing physical activity. To ameliorate disordered eating, especially low energy intake might be helpful to prevent the Triad and to improve the bone health in adolescent dancers.

Dydrogesterone treatment for menstrual-cycle regularization in abnormal uterine bleeding-ovulation dysfunction patients

BACKGROUND Dydrogesterone has shown significant efficacy in treatment of irregular menstrual cycle due to abnormal uterine bleeding-ovulation dysfunction(AUB-O),but there were few relevant studies.This observational study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of dydrogesterone for the treatment of Chinese patients with AUB-O.AIM To evaluate the effects of dydrogesterone on menstrual-cycle(MC)regularization and metabolism in the patients with AUB-O.METHODS A prospective,non-interventional,single-arm,post-marketing observational study was conducted.Chinese women aged 16 years or above with AUB-O who had been prescribed dydrogesterone were enrolled.The patients were treated with dydrogesterone 10 mg from day 16 to day 25 of each cycle,consecutively for at least 3 cycles.The main outcome was defined as the percentage of patients whose MCs returned to normal(defined as 21 d<menstrual cycle≤35 d)after three cycles of dydrogesterone treatment.RESULTS One hundred and fourteen women with AUB-O were enrolled in the present study.Of 89 patients who completed treatment,72(80.9%)achieved a regular MC at the end of the 3rd circle.The level of androgen,including testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,declined significantly(P=0.01 and 0.031,respectively),whereas other hormone levels remained steady.During the treatment,44/80(55.0%)subjects in the per-protocol set had reported biphasic basal body temperature.CONCLUSION Dydrogesterone therapy was effective in achieving MC regularization for Chinese patients with AUB-O.

Therapeutic potential of menstrual blood stem cells in treating acute liver failure

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)is a significant and complex hepatic insult that may rapidly progress to life-threatening conditions.Recently,menstrual blood stem cells(MenSCs)have been identified as a group of easily accessible mesenchymal stem cells with the advantages of non-invasive acquisition,low immunogenicity,a greater capacity of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation,making them promising candidates for stem cell-based therapy to revolutionize the treatment strategies for liver failure.AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of MenSCs for treating ALF in pigs and to dynamically trace the biodistribution of transplanted cells.METHODS MenSCs were labeled in vitro with PKH26,a lipophilic fluorescent dye.The treatment group received immediate transplantation of PKH26-labelled MenSCs(2.5×106/kg)via the portal vein after D-galactosamine injection,and the control group underwent sham operation.The survival time,liver function,and hepatic pathological changes were compared between the two groups.Three major organs(liver,lungs and spleen)were extracted from animals and imaged directly with the In vivo Imaging System(IVIS)at the predetermined time points.The regions of interest were drawn to quantify the cell uptake in different organs.RESULTS The labelling procedure did not affect the morphology,viability or multipotential differentiation of MenSCs.Biochemical analysis showed that the levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBIL)and prothrombin time(PT)measured at selected time points 24 h after transplantation were significantly decreased in the treatment group(P<0.05).The survival time of ALF animals was prolonged in the treatment group compared with the control group(75.75±5.11 h vs 53.75±2.37 h,log rank,P<0.001).The liver pathological tissue in the MenSC treatment group showed obviously increased numbers of remaining hepatocytes and a comparatively slight necrotic degree and area.In addition,the IVIS imaging revealed that PKH26-positive MenSCs were clearly retained in the liver initially and then diffused through the systemic circulation.Interestingly,the signal intensity in the liver increased obviously at 36 h,which corresponded to the biochemical result that liver function deteriorated most rapidly at 24-36 h.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy and homing ability of transplanted MenSCs in a large animal model of ALF and suggests that MenSC transplantation could be a promising strategy for treating ALF.

Therapeutic effects of menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells on mouse models of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND Type 1 diabetes(T1D),a chronic metabolic and autoimmune disease,seriously endangers human health.In recent years,mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)transplantation has become an effective treatment for diabetes.Menstrual bloodderived endometrial stem cells(MenSC),a novel MSC type derived from the decidual endometrium during menstruation,are expected to become promising seeding cells for diabetes treatment because of their noninvasive collection procedure,high proliferation rate and high immunomodulation capacity.AIM To comprehensively compare the effects of MenSC and umbilical cord-derived MSC(UcMSC)transplantation on T1D treatment,to further explore the potential mechanism of MSC-based therapies in T1D,and to provide support for the clinical application of MSC in diabetes treatment.METHODS A conventional streptozotocin-induced T1D mouse model was established,and the effects of MenSC and UcMSC transplantation on their blood glucose and serum insulin levels were detected.The morphological and functional changes in the pancreas,liver,kidney,and spleen were analyzed by routine histological and immunohistochemical examinations.Changes in the serum cytokine levels in the model mice were assessed by protein arrays.The expression of target proteins related to pancreatic regeneration and apoptosis was examined by western blot.RESULTS MenSC and UcMSC transplantation significantly improved the blood glucose and serum insulin levels in T1D model mice.Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the numbers of insulin+and CD31+cells in the pancreas were significantly increased in MSC-treated mice compared with control mice.Subsequent western blot analysis also showed that vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Bcl2,Bcl-xL and Proliferating cell nuclear antigen in pancreatic tissue was significantly upregulated in MSC-treated mice compared with control mice.Additionally,protein arrays indicated that MenSC and UcMSC transplantation significantly downregulated the serum levels of interferonγand tumor necrosis factorαand upregulated the serum levels of interleukin-6 and VEGF in the model mice.Additionally,histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that MSC transplantation systematically improved the morphologies and functions of the liver,kidney,and spleen in T1D model mice.CONCLUSION MenSC transplantation significantly improves the symptoms in T1D model mice and exerts protective effects on their main organs.Moreover,MSC-mediated angiogenesis,antiapoptotic effects and immunomodulation likely contribute to the above improvements.Thus,MenSC are expected to become promising seeding cells for clinical diabetes treatment due to their advantages mentioned above.

Influence of Early Pregnancy Termination by Focused Ultrasound Beams on Menstrual Recovery of Macaques

Objective To explore the effects on macaques’ menstrual recovery after terminating early pregnancy by focused ultrasound beams (FUB) Methods FUB was used to terminate early pregnancy in 5 macaques with gestation duration ranging from 37-66 d. Two circles after the recovery of menstruation, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to estimate the shape, size and blood flow of uterus, and pathological examinations were performed to check against any lesions to uterine endometrium and ovary. Results Forty days after FUB abortion, menstruation recovered and the volume and duration of each macaque’s menstruation were not changed compared with those be- fore gestation. CDFI and MRI suggested that the size and shape of uterus were normal. The endometrial line was clear and no lesions were found in adjacent organs. Conclusion FUB termination of early pregnancy in macaques did not damage their ovarian tissue and had no influence on subsequent menstrual recovery.Key words: focused ultrasound beams (FUB); macaque; early pregnancy; menstrual recovery

Intrauterine contraception and menstrual bleeding

After more than half a century of development,the intrauterine contraception(IUD)has become a relatively mature method of contraception and treatment of gynecological diseases.This paper reviewed the development of IUDs,different types of IUDs,and some problems due to them,such as bleeding,infection,malposition,dislocation,expulsion,etc.And the causes of clinical side effects,complications,and corresponding treatments of IUDs were overviewed as well.

Differentiation of Menstrual Blood Derived Stem Cell (MensSCs) to Hepatocyte-Liked Cell on Three Dimensional Nanofiberscaffold: Poly Caprolacton (PCL)

Menstrual blood stem cells (MensSCs) have enormous potential as a source for cell replacement therapies. Since there is a major concern in utilization of nanofibers in tissue engineering of stem cells, we examined the potential of MensSCs to differentiate into hepatocytes, using different protocols and compare cells, with two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. Cell characterization experiments of MensSCs have demonstrated that they are multipotent stem cells similar to mesenchymal stem cells, which can successfully differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. The efficiency of the cells on the scaffold was appraised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MTT assay, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Thereafter, the differentiation protocols were developed by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) with serum-supplemented or serum-free culture media up to 30 days. Immunofluorescence analysis and ELISA assay revealed the expression of albumin (ALB) in differentiated cells. Hepatocyte-like cells expressed liver-specific gene such as albumin(ALB), α-fetoprotein (AFP), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) and cytochrome P450 subunit 7a1 (Cyp7a1) at mRNA levels. In conclusion, the evidences presented in this study show that the nanofiber scaffold and MensSCs may provide a source of differentiated cells for treatment of liver diseases.

PROGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER RELATED TO THE TIMING OF OPERATION DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Objective: To evaluate the effect of operation timing during menstrual cycle on the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Methods: 218 operated premenopausal patients with breast cancer had been followedup for more than 10 years. Prognostic factors related to these patients had been selected to be underwent univariate analysis and multivariate analysis by Cox regression model. Results: Univariage analysis showed that the menstrual timing of operation, as other Known prognostic factors (tumor size, node status, histological grade, TNM classification, adjuvent systemic therapy, etc), had an influence on the patients' outcome. Multivariate analysis by Cox regression model indicated that diseasefree rate and overall survival rate of patients operated during the periovulatory phase (123 cases) were significantly superior to those operated during the premenstrual phase (95 cases) (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in prognosis between patients who received operations during the follicular phase (96 cases) and those during the luteal phase (122 cases) (P>0.01). Conclusion: Probably there is an optimal timing of operation for premenopausal breast cancer patients. Any prospective, randomized clinical study should be carried out to make this problem clear.

Human menstrual blood-derived stem cells as immunoregulatory therapy in COVID-19:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by novel coronavirus 2019 in December 2019 has spread all around the globe and has caused a pandemic.There is still no current effective guidance on the clinical management of COVID-19.Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been shown to be one of the therapeutic approaches to alleviate pneumonia and symptoms through their immunomodulatory effect in COVID-19 patients.CASE SUMMARY We describe the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Hangzhou to explore the role of human menstrual blood-derived stem cells(MenSCs)in the treatment of COVID-19.Moreover,we review the immunomodulation effect including nonspecific and specific immune functions of MenSCs for the therapy of COVID-19.CONCLUSION MenSCs can be helpful to find a promising therapeutic approach for COVID-19.

Effects of Psychological Stress from a National License Examination on the Urine 8-Hydroxy-Deoxyguanosine Levels in Young Female Students, Taking into Account the Menstrual Cycle

Objective: Urine 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (U8-OHdG) was a marker of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage;it was increased by psychological stress. Since the menstrual cycle may confound or modify the association between psychological stress and U8-OHdG. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of psychological stress from a national license examination on levels of U8-OHdG, which is a biomarker of oxidative stress. And the effects of women’s menstrual cycles, which should be considered in mental and physical assessments, on U8-OHdG, were evaluated. Methods: The subjects were 18 female university students at a medical university in whom Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, and U8-OHdG levels were measured in 3 phases of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase. The mean values were taken for the group during a time of classroom learning. The same measurements were also made one week before and the day after a national license examination and the measurements were compared among the three periods. Results and Conclusion: State anxiety and U8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in those with a week before the national license examination than in those with classroom lecture (State anxiety: p = 0.002, U8-OHdG levels: p = 0.007). The menstrual cycle did not show a significant correlation with U8-OHdG levels. This study demonstrated that levels of the oxidative stress biomarker U8-OHdG are not affected by changes in the menstrual cycle. It also showed that U8-OHdG levels increased with the psychological stress of a national license examination.