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Using a method that detects variations in light intensity we have studied the effect of ovarian steroids on human Fallopian tube epithelial ciliary beat frequency in vitro. We have found that baseline ciliary beat frequency averages between 5-6 Hz. Cilia from ampullary segments of the Fallopian tube beat significantly faster (5.4 Hz+/-0.2) than those from fimbrial segments (4.8 Hz+/-0.2). There was no significant difference in baseline ciliary beat frequency at any other anatomical site in the Fallopian tube. Incubation with progesterone (10 micromol/l) suppresses human Fallopian tube epithelial ciliary beat frequency by 40-50%. This inhibition was observed at similar magnitudes in all Fallopian tubes studied irrespective of anatomical site. Progesterone-induced reductions in ciliary beat frequency were concentration dependent and prevented by the progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU486). Oestradiol alone (10 micromol/l) had no effect on ciliary beat frequency at any anatomical site in the Fallopian tube but did prevent the reduction in ciliary beat frequency seen with progesterone when tissues were incubated with these two steroids together.

A nationwide assessment in Pakistan showed that the direct use of untreated wastewater for agriculture, particularly vegetable production, was common in most cities. The main reasons for this use were the absence of alternative water sources, the reliability of the wastewater supply, the nutrient value and the proximity to urban markets. It was estimated that 26% of the total domestic vegetable production of Pakistan was cultivated with wastewater. The importance of the wastewater was re.ected in high water and land fees. Policy makers have to take the importance for local livelihoods and food security into account when making decisions regarding direct wastewater use.

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Summaryobjective and methods Vegetables irrigated with untreated domestic wastewater were, at the time of harvest, analysed for the presence of the faecal indicator, Escherichia coli, and helminth eggs in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Vegetables from the same harvested batch were collected approximately 12 h later from the local market.results The survey found relatively low concentrations of E. coli (1.9 E. coli per gram), but relatively high concentrations of helminths (0.7 eggs per gram) on vegetables collected from agricultural fields. Higher concentration of both E. coli (14.3 E. coli per gram) and helminths (2.1 eggs per gram) were recovered from the vegetables collected from the market.conclusions The results of the survey suggest that unhygienic post harvest handling was the major source of produce contamination. Interventions at the market, such as the provision of clean water to wash produce in, are better ways to protect public health and more cost effective than wastewater treatment.

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It is possible that this increase in fimbrial CBF may contribute to ovum retrieval and transport after ovulation. However, the reproductive significance of the changes in CBF in relation to the menstrual cycle needs further investigation.