bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raised uterine resting tone in patients with abruptio placentae
Authors: Odendaal H.J. , Burchell H.
Published: April 2004

Uterine contractions were studied in 21 patients with abruptio placentae and intrauterine death. Contractions were examined in four 10‐minute windows taken immediately prior to delivery, 30 and 60 minutes before delivery and at the beginning of the recording. Mean resting tone values for the 4 periods fluctuated between 23 and 25 mmHg. The mean contraction frequency for all the windows was 8 per 10 minutes. It is postulated that the high resting tone and frequent uterine contractions contribute to the high perinatal mortality associated with abruptio placentae.
The physiological effect of infant mortality in reproductive behavior in the Sudan
Authors: Nur Osman El‐Hassan M.
Published: April 2004

The present study examines the physiological effect of infant mortality on reproductive behavior for the Sudan using retrospective pregnancy history data for ever‐married women, 15–49. The investigation has revealed that the death of an infant reduces the subsequent birth interval significantly, by about 6 months. This difference in the length of birth interval appears to be primarily a result of the interruption of lactation. When the birth intervals are examined by the fate of the two preceding children, the analysis shows insufficient evidence to indicate that infant mortality affects the length of birth intervals independently of the physiological effect.
Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of induced abortion cases
Authors: Chatterjee T.K.
Published: April 2004

The age, parity, marital and socioeconomic status, education, religion, profession and the period of gestation of 200 patients who applied for legal abortions are analyzed.

In this study 74% of the women were more than 20 years of age, 75% had attended secondary school, 63% were students or clerks, 53% came from lower‐ or middle‐class families, 40% were Roman Catholics, 45% were unmarried, 40% were nulliparous and 57% had little or no knowledge of contraception.
Post‐operative chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma: A prospective study with cyclophosphamide
Authors: Akinkugbe A. , Uguru V.E. , Mordi V.P.N.
Published: April 2004

Seventy consecutive patients with carcinoma of the ovary were managed in our unit by laparotomy and extensive debulking procedures over a period of 8 years. Intensive post‐operative chemotherapy was given with intravenous cyclophosphamide. The mean follow‐up period was 2.6 years. Our results showed that 19 patients with early disease (stages I and II) showed complete remission but seven subsequently died of recurrent disease. The others with more advanced disease showed little response to treatment.
Disseminated pelvic hydatidosis presenting as ovarian carcinomatosis: Successful post‐operative treatment with mebendazole
Authors: Mousa A.M. , Mehrez M.G. , Muhtaseb S.A. , Al‐Mudalal D.S. , Kamel S.M.
Published: April 2004

The case of a female with disseminated pelvic cystic hydatidosis presenting as ovarian carcinomatosis 2.5 years after repeated abdominal paracentesis is reported. The diagnosis was made during surgery and confirmed by serology and histological examination. Over 100 cysts were removed from the abdominal cavity and wall. Innumerable small cysts studded the viscera; these and larger inaccessible ones were untouched. Medical cure in this patient was achieved with a combination of partial resection and special irrigation, broad spectrum antibiotic for coverage of infectious episodes and high dose long term mebendazole therapy for 25 months. The danger of blind aspiration in patients coming from endemic areas is emphasized.
Colposcopic findings of gland openings in cervical carcinoma: Their histological backgrounds
Authors: Kishi Y. , Inui S. , Sakamoto Y.
Published: April 2004

During the past 8 years 1501 colposcopies were performed paying a special attention to cervical glands for diagnosis of cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and carcinoma. Normal openings could exclude these diseases at the error rate of only 5.1%, while atypical openings could identify them at the high confidence rate of 96.3%. False positive evaluations were mostly attributable to a marked degree of squamous metaplasia in the glands. The absence of gland openings in the main portion of the lesions amounted to 88.6% in invasive carcinomas but to only 12.4% in CIN. Adenoma malignum was a highly characteristic exception.
A lifetable analysis of sterilization failure: Data from the profamilia clinic, Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Trias M.F. , Anderson J.E. , Ojeda G. , Oberle M.W.
Published: April 2004

Sterilization failure rates were computed using lifetable methods for sterilizations occurring between 1973 and 1982 in the Profamilia family planning clinic in Bogota, Colombia. Out of a total of nearly 45,000 sterilizations occurring during this period 503 sterilization failures were detected. Comparing methods, laparoscopy with the silastic band method had a significantly higher rate of failure, 1.5% after 5 years compared to 0.9% for laparoscopy with cautery and 0.6% for minilaparotomy.
Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy
Authors: Vellacott I.D. , Cooke E.J.A. , James C.E.
Published: April 2004

To study the problem of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy an epidemiological survey was undertaken, obtaining information from 500 consecutive antenatal patients. Seventy‐six percent of women complained of symptoms during the first trimester, and in only 27% had the symptoms resolved by the twelfth week. Job efficiency was markedly impaired. Women who suffered nausea premenstrually, or on the oral contraceptive pill, were much more likely to develop symptoms, lending credence to a hormonal etiology for the condition.
Inguinal ovary and fallopian tube — an unusual hernia
Authors: Amarin Z.O. , McK. Hart D.
Published: April 2004

A case of indirect inguinal hernia with an ovary and fallopian tube in the hernial sac is described. Additional evidence for developmental abnormality as a cause of this condition is advanced.
Menarcheal age in Ghanaian school girls
Authors: Adadevoh S.W.K. , Agble T.K. , Hobbs C. , Elkins T.E.
Published: April 2004

In a cross‐sectional retrospective study of 2087 Ghanaian school girls in various educational institutions in the Kumasi district, Ashanti region, Ghana, the mean menarcheal age was found to be 13.98 ± 1.42 years. Differences in the menarcheal age of the girls was found to be significantly correlated to social class, parents ethnic origin, educational institution and home living area (P = 0.0001). The duration of the menarche and the interval between the menarche and the second period was found to be influenced by the age at menarche (P < 0.01). Decline in menarcheal age in concurrence with world trends was observed. Further studies are necessary to identify the inherent and specific factors in the Ghanaian population which relate to and influence the age of menarche.
Maternal mortality inquiry in a rural community of North India
Authors: Kumar R. , Sharma A.K. , Barik S. , Kumar V.
Published: April 2004

Community inquiry on maternal mortality was conducted in a rural area of North India. Maternal deaths were identified by multiple informants and investigated by doctors. Amongst 257 deaths registered in women in the 15–44 year age group, 55(21.4%) were maternal deaths. Maternal mortality ratio was 230 per 100,000 live births. Major causes were antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage (18.2%), puerperal sepsis (16.4%), severe anemia (16.4%), abortion (9.1%) and obstructed labor (7.3%). This rapid, simple and low cost method is recommended for application in areas where vital registration system is unsatisfactory.
Initiation of labor with a moderately favorable cervix: a comparison between prostaglandin E2 gel and oxytocin
Authors: Rayburn W. , Woods R. , Eggert J. , Ramadei C.
Published: April 2004

This study compares prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel and oxytocin for the initiation of labor in term pregnancies with a moderately favorable cervix (Bishop score 5–8). Compared with a matched group, 48 cases treated with PGE2 gel (2.5 mg intravaginally) required significantly less or no oxytocin, had shorter first stages of active labor, and had no increased risk of uterine hyperstimulation or cesarean section. Initiation of labor with low dose PGE2 when the cervix is moderately favorable is less labor intensive and meets with more patient satisfaction.
Hysterosalpingography versus laparoscopy in tubal infertility: comparison based on findings at laparatomy
Authors: Okonofua F.E. , Essen U.I. , Nimalaraj T.
Published: April 2004

One hundred ten infertile women underwent hysterography (HSG) and laparoscopy at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Both techniques showed normal tubal potency in 62 (56.4%) women and abnormal pelvic pathology in 48 (43.6%). All 48 women underwent laparotomy for tuboplasty. At laparotomy, HSG and laparoscopic assessments were compared. Both techniques were comparable in the diagnosis of intratubal and distal tubal occlusion. However, laparoscopy was superior in the diagnosis of non‐tubal factors and proximal tubal occlusion (P < 0.002). It is suggested that laparoscopy should be the first procedure in the investigation of tubal infertility and only followed by HSG if the results show some abnormality.
Acute polyhydramnios
Authors: Denehy T.R. , Hollander D.I. , Dembner A. , Breen J.L.
Published: April 2004

A case of acute polyhydramnios successfully managed via therapeutic amniocentesis is reported. A discussion and review of this rare entity is presented.
Factors relating to the volume of surgical knots
Authors: Trimbos J.B. , Brohim R. , van Rijssel E.J.C.
Published: April 2004

The suture's knot site represents the highest amount and density of foreign body material of a knotted suture loop. The volume of a knot is directly related to the total amount of inflammatory reaction surrounding the knot. We measured the volume of seven surgical knots frequently used in surgical practice. Two different suture materials and two different sizes were tested. Suture size was found to contribute significantly more to the volume of all knots tested than the number of throws of which the knots were composed. Knots made with coated multifilament polyglactin‐910 were significantly larger than the knots made with monofilament nylon. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed. Surgical techniques keeping the volume of knots to a possible minimum, are encouraged.
A comparative study of the estrogen receptor ratio in myometrium and uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Otsuka H. , Shinohara M. , Kashimura M. , Yoshida K. , Okamura Y.
Published: April 2004

Estrogen receptor (ER) content in myoma and myometrium was determined by radio‐receptor assay (RRA), and ER staining was performed by immunocytochemical staining, i.e. the peroxidase‐antiperoxidase (PAP) method, in uterine samples from eight patients with uterine leiomyoma. ER content in myoma tended to be hither than that in myometrium, but the difference was not significant. The distribution pattern of ER staining was thought to be an important criterion. When the data were compared on the basis of the number of cells in the site where the largest number of positive cells aggregated, the number for myoma was significantly higher than that for myometrium (P < 0.05). These results suggest that myoma contains more ER positive cells to obtain estrogen effects than myometrium.
Carcinoma of the cervix in the African setting
Authors: Rogo K.O. , Omany J. , Onyango J.N. , Ojwang S.B. , Stendahl U.
Published: April 2004

Carcinoma of the cervix is the commonest female malignancy in sub‐Saharan Africa today. A brief description of its prevalence and distribution is given. Kenyan data is then used to illustrate the predominance of advanced disease in mostly premenopausal women (70%) of high parity. Follow up is characteristically poor and treatment results, although difficult to calculate with accuracy, are also poor. These are compared to FIGO statistics. Against this background aspects peculiar to the tumor, patient and treatment facilities in Africa are cited and discussed with reference to current relevant literature.
Recurrent pulmonary embolism in pregnancy managed with the Greenfield vena caval filter
Authors: Banfield P.J. , Pittam M. , Marwood R.
Published: April 2004

Recurrent embolisation from venous thrombosis despite anticoagulation, in pregnancy, constitutes a major diagnostic and management problem. We present just such a patient who was managed with a Greenfield vena caval filter, which enabled her pregnancy to continue, resulting in a vaginal delivery of a healthy female infant at 38 weeks gestation.
Ruptured uterus in Ibadan — A twelve year review
Authors: Konje J.C. , Odukoya O.A. , Ladipo O.A.
Published: April 2004

Maternal mortality and morbidity have remained very high in the developing countries. A common cause is ruptured uterus. In this report of 227 cases of ruptured uterus, the incidence was found to be rising. About 71.4% of the cases lacked prenatal care while 48.4% had a previously scarred uterus with many of them laboring for more than 12 h. The most common etiological factor was prolonged labor. Maternal mortality was 7.5% while perinatal mortality was 62.0%. Labor in high risk patients outside hospital because of declining economy and the rising influence of religion were some of the predisposing factors implicated. Methods to reduce this obstetric catastrophe are discussed.
Some characteristics of labor in ethnic minorities in Amsterdam
Authors: van Enk A. , Doornbos H.P.R. , Nordbeck H.J.
Published: April 2004

A retrospective study of labor in immigrants, subdivided into Blacks, Asians and Mediterraneans (Turks and Moroccans) and autochthonous Dutch in Amsterdam over a 10‐year period showed definite differences. The second stage was shortest in Blacks and Mediterraneans but they sustained perineal tears and episiotomies less frequently. Differences in positions at birth were small except for occipito‐posterior position which was very rare in Asians and Mediterraneans. The rate of cesarean section was highest and that of instrumental vaginal delivery lowest in Blacks, the latter being highest in Asians. Retained placenta occurred less often in immigrants than in Dutch.
A comparative randomized study of oral prostaglandin E2(PGE2) tablets and intravenous oxytocin in induction of labor in patients with premature rupture of membranes before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Authors: El‐Qarmalawi A.M. , Elmardi A.A. , Saddik M. , El‐Abdel Hadi F. , Shaker S.M.A.
Published: April 2004

In a randomized prospective study, we compared the use of intravenous oxytocin with oral PGE2tablets for stimulation of labor in cases of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) before term, where the onset of spontaneous labor did not occur within the first 3 h. This study represents the first of its kind in which oral PGE2and oxytocin have been directly compared as oxytocic agents for PROM before 37 weeks. Labor induction was successful in 96% of patients in the PGE2group compared with 84% in the oxytocin group. The incidence of cesarean section (CS) was 5% and 16% in the PGE2and the oxytocin groups, respectively. While 10% of the CS were performed due to fetal bradycardia in the oxytocin group, none was performed in the PGE2group despite the fact that the latter group had relatively lower Bishop scores. The data presented indicate that oral PGE2is safe and effective in initiating active labor in healthy women at pre‐term with PROM. Thus we recommend its use to induce labor 3 h after rupture of membranes before 37 weeks gestation.
Efficacy of second‐look laparotomy for patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Kamura T. , Tsukamoto N. , Saito T. , Kaku T. , Matsuyama T. , Nakano H.
Published: April 2004

Second‐look laparotomies (SLL) were performed on 42 patients with ovarian carcinoma. Ten (24%) had residual disease. Serum CA 125 values before SLL predicted the presence of residual tumors, but its relatively high false negative rate made it unable to take place of SLL. Positive peritoneal cytology at initial surgery significantly influenced SLL results in patients with early disease. Residual pelvic lesions at initial surgery seemed to resist subsequent chemotherapy. Salvage therapy with external pelvic irradiation was effective on lesions confined to the pelvis without serious toxicity. Patients with advanced disease, undergoing SLL achieved better survival than without SLL. This study shows SLL is still the most accurate procedure in assessing the efficacy of treatment, and useful in selecting second‐line therapy.
Unusual presentations of genital tract tuberculosis
Authors: Carter J.R.
Published: April 2004

Three cases of genital tract tuberculosis (GTB) are described. This disease is uncommon in developed countries. Patients may present with infertility, non‐specific menstrual disturbance, pain or abdominal distention. The genital tract is usually infected by hematogenous spread from a distant focus, with the fallopian tubes most commonly involved. Diagnosis is often made retrospectively, and once confirmed medical management is the mainstay of treatment. Future fertility is doubtful in these patients.
The effect of maternal age and socioeconomical background on neonatal outcome
Authors: Seidman D.S. , Samueloff A. , Mor‐Yosef S. , Schenker J.G.
Published: April 2004

This population‐based study examined whether the neonatal outcome of primiparae is determined by maternal age or by her socioeconomic background. Data on all births in Israel during a three‐month period was made available from a nation‐wide census. Primiparae 30 years of age or older had a significantly (P < 0.001) higher risk of low birthweight and prematurity. Perinatal mortality rates and low 5‐min Apgar scores were not associated with maternal age, but were significantly (P < 0.001) increased for the socioeconomically disadvantaged parturients. Our results suggest the growth retardation and short gestation among older primiparae may reflect biological aging of maternal tissues and the effect of diseases of pregnancy such as hypertension and preeclampsia, found significantly (P < 0.001) more common for these mothers. Excessive perinatal mortality, on the other hand, may be attributable to environmental disadvantage of socioeconomically deprived populations.
Role of microcolposcopy in the diagnostic evaluation of cervical pre‐invasive lesions
Authors: Pasetto N. , Piccione E. , Sesti F.
Published: April 2004

The present clinical study was undertaken to assess and compare the value of microcolposcopy and endocervical curettage in the diagnostic workup of patients with abnormal cervical lesions. Microcolposcopic findings were well correlated to histology both on directed biopsy and endocervical curettage specimens. Therefore, both microcolposcopy and endocervical curettage are useful procedures to explore the endocervical mucosa. Microcolposcopy should be mainly indicated in those cases where colposcopy has failed to show any lesion, or when colposcopy is unsatisfactory.
Doppler umbilical velocimetry in women with polydrug abuse including cocaine
Authors: Cohen L.S. , Sabbagha R.E. , Keith L.G. , Chasnoff I.J.
Published: April 2004

Doppler umbilical artery velocimetry was performed in 40 chemically dependent women. The mean S/D ratio was 2.7 with 15/66 values ≥ 3.0. No cases of absent or reverse end‐diastolic flow were noted. The mean S/D ratio in women with positive toxicologies for cocaine use was not statistically elevated compared to women with negative screens (2.8 versus 2.7, P = 0.51). In this study an S/D ratio ≥ 3.0 had a sensitivity of 40% for identifying intrauterine growth retardation with a positive predictive value of 20%.
Maternal mortality: community‐based interventions
Authors: Rosenfield A.
Published: April 2004

Maternal mortality is one of the great neglected problems of health care in developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 500 000 women die each year from pregnancy‐related causes, over 98% of these deaths occurring in the developing world, where maternal mortality is as much as 100 times higher than rates seen in industrialized countries. The most common causes include obstructed labor and ruptured uterus, postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, postpartum infection and complications of illegal abortion. It is suggested that no new or costly technologies are needed; rather that appropriate priority setting and allocation of needed resources are essential to the solution of the problem. There are few interventions that hold much hope of success at the village level, although antibiotics, ergotrate, and sedatives might be productively utilized, after appropriate training. Overall, however, networks of maternity care facilities, trained personnel, and means of transport are necessary to provide needed emergency maternity care services.
Evaluation of maternal health programs: approaches, methods and indicators
Authors: Bobadilla J.L.
Published: April 2004

Evaluation of maternal health services is an essential function of any health system. Single or multiple aspects of a program can be evaluated but they must be clearly defined. To assess success of a program the dimensions of coverage, equity, quality, women's satisfaction, efficiency and cost‐effectiveness must be considered. These can be measured according to some standard criteria, and various methods are described, including randomized clinical trials, randomized community trials, before and after studies, and observational studies, including the case‐control approach and confidential inquiries into maternal deaths. Indicators to assess effectiveness of a maternal health program may relate to structure, i.e., available resources or organizational arrangement; process, including changes in quantity of services provided; or outcome indicators that measure maternal mortality or morbidity.
Adjunctive antibiotic treatment of women with preterm rupture of membranes or preterm labor
Authors: McCaul J.F. , Perry K.G. , Moore J.L. , Martin R.W. , Bucovaz E.T. , Morrison J.C.
Published: April 2004

Subclinical infection is associated with pre‐term rupture of the membranes (PROM) and preterm labor (PTL) in many cases. It was hypothesized that antibiotic treatment might delay delivery and/or decrease infectious morbidity in those with PROM or PTL. Patients from 19 to 34 weeks with PROM and no labor or PTL with intact membranes (but not both) were separately randomized to receive ampicillin versus placebo in addition to usual therapy. There were 36 women with PTL (21 ampicillin/15 placebo) and 84 with preterm PROM (41 ampicillin/43 placebo). Demographically, the treatment and placebo groups were similar. Outcome variables analyzed included delivery delay after treatment, maternal chorioamnionitis/endometritis, Apgar score, neonatal infection, or respiratory distress, and hospital stay. There were no significant differences between the ampicillin and placebo groups in those with PTL or preterm PROM as it concerned outcome parameters. Adjunctive ampicillin used for treatment of idiopathic PTL or preterm PROM was not beneficial in this study.
Risk factors in extreme grand multiparity
Authors: Fayed H.M. , Abid S.F. , Stevens B.
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVE: To study the obstetric performance and outcome of patients of extreme multiparity (Para 10 or more) compared to controls of parity 2–5. METHOD: Records were reviewed for 228 cases and 3349 controls at Security Forces Hospital 1986 and 1991. RESULT: Hypertension and cesarean section rate were significantly higher in the study group opposed to the control. Instrumental vaginal deliveries were significantly lower in the study group. There was no difference in the perinatal outcome between both groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that with high socioeconomic state and high standard of antenatal care extreme grand multiparity does not carry any added special obstetric or perinatal risk.
Maternal height as a predictor of vaginal delivery
Authors: Kwawukume E.Y. , Ghosh T.S. , Wilson J.B.
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to establish a relationship between maternal height and vaginal delivery. METHOD: A prospective study of 900 primigravidas in labor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and administered by research assistants. The results were analyzed using the χ2‐test. RESULT: Of the 900 patients who delivered, 538 were studied. The remaining patients were excluded from the study because of factors described under exclusion criteria. A critical height of 154 cm was chosen as the screening height for ‘at risk’ of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). This height would identify 71.1% of women who would develop CPD. CONCLUSION: Short women with heights up to 150 cm are at risk of failing spontaneous vaginal delivery and should be referred to hospitals where labor could be closely monitored and cesarean section performed if necessary.
Antenatal subdural hemorrhage causing fetal death before labor
Authors: Kawabata I. , Imai A. , Tamaya T.
Published: April 2004

Antepartum intracranial hemorrhage, which can cause fetal death prior to the onset of labor, is a rare event. This report documents the clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an uncommon case of antenatal acute subdural hematoma. MRI was extremely accurate in delineating the possible extent and location of the lesion. This is the first report to demonstrate MRI of subdural hemorrhage resulting in fetal death in utero.
Can breech presentation at birth be predicted from ultrasound examinations during the second or third trimesters?
Authors: Tadmor O.P. , Rabinowitz R. , Alon L. , Mostoslavsky V. , Aboulafia Y. , Diamant Y.Z.
Published: April 2004

Objectives: To determine at which gestational age the ultrasound finding of a breech presentation should compel us to follow the pregnancy more closely with repeat ultrasound examinations. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal investigation of ultrasound examinations in the second and third trimesters is reported. The study group consisted of 157 breech deliveries and a control group of 1325 vertex deliveries. Results: In the study population (breech delivery) 63.2% were presenting as breech during the 15th–19th weeks of pregnancy ‐ almost the same percentage as in the vertex‐born group (of which 55.2% were breech presentation). In the interval between 20 and 24 weeks the same relationship was observed (50.8% and 42.9%, respectively). From 25 weeks until delivery a statistically significant difference appeared between the breech‐delivered group and the vertex‐delivered group: during weeks 25–29 in the breech‐delivered group, 70.6% were breech presentation compared with 28.9% in the vertex‐born group (P < 0.0001). That difference increased as the pregnancy progressed. Conclusions: Patients found sonographically to be a breech presentation at 25 weeks' gestation or later are at high risk for malpresentation at delivery.
Effects of a maternity waiting home on adverse maternal outcomes and the validity of antenatal risk screening
Authors: Chandramohan D. , Cutts F. , Chandra R.
Published: April 2004

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a maternity waiting home (MWH) on adverse maternal outcomes and the validity of antenatal risk criteria in predicting dystocia. Method: A hospital‐based cohort study was conducted at a district hospital in Zimbabwe. Information on the presence of antenatal risk factors, stay at an MWH, and mode and outcome of delivery was collected for each woman delivering at the hospital during 1989–1991. Results: The risk of obstructed labor was 16 times higher for those not attending an MWH (n = 2915) than for those who did attend an MWH (n = 1573) (1 vs. 0.06%, P < 0.005). Among the non‐users, 0.3% suffered a ruptured uterus compared with none of the MWH users. The presence of any one of the antenatal risk criteria used in Zimbabwe had a sensitivity of 78%, a specificity of 51% and positive predictive value of 25% for predicting dystocia. Conclusion: MWHs and antenatal risk screening are policy options for safe motherhood programs in settings where emergency obstetric services are not easily accessible.
Umbilical cord venous progesterone at term delivery in relation to mode of delivery
Authors: Aisien A.O. , Towobola O.A. , Otubu J.A.M. , Imade G.E.
Published: April 2004

Objective: To determine whether the umbilical cord venous progesterone at term delivery is related to the mode of delivery. Methods: Thirty‐nine pregnant patients at term were divided into three groups: elective cesarean section (control), spontaneous vaginal delivery, and emergency cesarean section. Umbilical cord venous and maternal serum progesterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's t‐test, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Umbilical cord venous progesterone was significantly higher in babies delivered by emergency cesarean section (P < 0.001) and in those who had spontaneous vaginal delivery (P < 0.02), compared with the control group. Maternal serum progesterone concentrations showed no significant differences between the three groups. The Apgar scores of the stressed group of babies were significantly lower (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the fetuses exposed to stress during labor produce higher progesterone secretion. This could be one possible way the fetus protects itself against the sequelae of hypoxia.
Significance of serum iron levels as a biochemical marker in pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Das S.S. , Dhall G.I. , Dhall K. , Dash S.
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in serum iron levels, if any, as a biochemical marker of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH). METHOD: Fifty‐four primigravidas with PIH formed the study group and 20 normotensive primigravidas comprised the control group in a prospective study. Serum iron levels were estimated at diagnosis of PIH, at termination of pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Data was analyzed using Student's t‐test, the X2‐test and regression analysis. RESULTS: Subjects with PIH were found to have higher serum iron levels at diagnosis of PIH (recruitment value) and at termination of pregnancy than the controls (P < 0.001). Serum iron levels in the PIH subjects decreased markedly in the postpartum period simultaneously with the clinical recovery from PIH. Serum iron values of ≥ 110 gg/dl was found to differentiate PIH from normotensive pregnancies with a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in serum iron levels correlated with the clinical course of PIH and appeared to be a uniform and specific biochemical marker of PIH although its correlation with the severity of PIH was found to be poor.
Construction of an artificial vagina with sigmoid colon in vaginal agenesis
Authors: Ghosh T.S. , Kwawukume E.Y.
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVES: The study of 15 cases of colonic reconstruction for absent vagina. The outcome in cases of reconstruction of an artificial vagina using the colon is evaluated. METHODS: Fifteen female patients with congenital absence of vagina who were evaluated and treated with sigmoid colonic reconstruction at the Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana were studied. RESULTS: This reconstructive method is successful in patients having a functioning vagina without progressive shrinkage or other symptoms. Disfigurement of the thighs and labia are avoided as is the need for active manipulation. CONCLUSION: Sigmoid colonic reconstruction for vaginal agenesis is an acceptable method especially in the developing world.
Adolescents and their experience of parental divorce
Authors: Mcloughlin David , Whitfield Richard
Published: April 2004

This paper describes the results of an interview‐based study of the reactions of 64 adolescents to the separation and divorce of their parents.

The results of the interviews suggest that parental divorce does not necessarily interfere with adolescent development. They also suggest that adolescents would prefer to live in a one‐parent home than a two‐parent home which is fraught with conflict, and that it is preferable for parents who are unable to resolve such conflict in any other way to separate rather than allow it to persist.

Further, the results of the interviews provide some suggestions as to the way divorcing parents should behave if they are to facilitate the adjustment of their adolescent children to the divorce process. In particular, attention is drawn to the extent to which they need to keep their children informed about their intentions, their conduct towards each other following the separation and their conduct in forming and maintaining new relationships.
Muslim traditions and attitudes to female education
Authors: Siann Gerda , Khalid Ruhi
Published: April 2004

It has been suggested that girls and women coming from a Muslim background in the Asian sub‐continent are disadvantaged in the educational sphere. In this study two particular aspects of this suggested disadvantage are investigated. First, the importance of educating males rather than females and secondly, the issue of parental and husband's control over the rights of women to education and work. Twenty‐six Muslim females living in a large Scottish town but of a Pakistani Punjabi background were interviewed in depth. The findings, that these women considered that it is as important to educate girls as it is to educate boys, and that they acquiesced in parental and husband's control over the rights of females to be educated and work, are discussed within a cross‐cultural perspective. It is concluded that such issues cannot be isolated from traditional values about the importance of upholding family honour.
Resistance in psychotherapy with adolescents
Authors: Graafsma T. , Anbeek M.
Published: April 2004

Resistances are of considerable significance in psychotherapy with adolescents. In this article, that significance is investigated further, because the way in which resistances are valued is very important in treatment.

The forms in which it appears and, the source and intention of resistances are discussed. It is proposed that the investigation of resistances should not be aimed primarily at their removal.
Democratic consensus and the young: a cross national comparison of Britain and America
Authors: Ranade Wendy , Norris Pippa
Published: April 2004

In previous decades research has suggested that the young, especially those in higher education, were increasingly cynical, distrustful and disenchanted with the democratic process in Britain and America. The aim of this paper is to see how far this is still the case by assessing democratic attitudes amongst college students in a sample from Britain and America, using scales developed by McClosky (1964). The paper concludes that the responses from the American and British sample were fairly similar across a number of scales on the rules of the game, free speech and equality. On all these both groups of students displayed relatively high support for democratic attitudes. The main contrast was found on feelings of trust and efficacy, with the British sample showing much lower feelings that government was honest and responsive to their needs. The paper concludes with some suggestions about how these responses can be explained.
Adolescent images of adolescence
Authors: Falchikov Nancy
Published: April 2004

This study examines the extent to which a group of Scottish adolescents are influenced by negative images of adolescence present in our culture, and investigates their self‐image by means of a Q sort. Forty 15‐ and 16‐year‐old school students took part in the study, half of whom were female. Half of the sample were staying on at school to take higher examinations, the other half being school leavers. Eleven factors emerged from the analysis, the first six of which met the criterion that distinguishes common factors. Participants defining common factors were re‐interviewed, and their responses to factor interpretations noted. Little evidence was found to suggest that adolescents are influenced by newspaper images. Some descriptions hint at conflict, while others do not. If the results of the present study were to be replicated, a more pluralistic view of adolescence may be required.
Objective and subjective attractiveness and early adolescent adjustment
Authors: Jovanovic Jasna , Lerner Richard M. , Lerner Jacqueline V.
Published: April 2004

Using data from the Pennsylvania Early Adolescent Transitions Study (PEATS), this study assessed how objective physical attractiveness (PA), indexed by appraisals from others, and subjective PA, indexed by self‐appraisals, relate to each other and, in turn, to early adolescent adjustment (indexed by self‐esteem and anxiety). Findings indicated a low relationship between objective and subjective PA. Only subjective PA was associated with adjustment.
Everybody's scared—but life goes on: coping, defense and action in the face of nuclear threat
Authors: Haste Helen
Published: April 2004

Studies of response to nuclear threat have produced several “typologies” of coping and defense mechanisms. In this paper, a model of the sequence of processes by which people deal with recurrent fears about nuclear war is proposed, drawing on risk perception and stress paradigms. It is shown how the accumulated data can be interpreted in terms of appraisal processes and schemata, and that “activism” is but one coping mechanism rather than the logical outcome of effective coping. The implications for psychologists concerned about the nuclear threat are considered.
Relationships between the life values of U.S. college students and their cognitive/affective responses to the threat of nuclear war
Authors: Hamilton Scott B. , Lynch Rebekah S. , Naginey Judith L. , Peters Kimberley A. , Piske Kevin R.
Published: April 2004

The present study was designed to examine relationships between the life values of 399 U.S. college students and their nuclear war‐related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The students completed four scales from the Life Values Inventory: (i.e. Conventionally Defined Success [CDS]; Religious Faith and Devotion [RFD]; Activist Pursuit of Social Causes [APSC]; Materialistic Orientation [MO]), the Satisfaction With Life Scale, four scales from the Nuclear War Inventory—Nuclear Distress; Salience; Weapons Opposition; Personal Efficacy—and a single behavioral measure of approach toward information concerning nuclear weapons. Consistent with theory regarding the influence of values and commitments on attitudes and behavior, APSC was found to be positively associated with all five nuclear war measures.

Additionally, MO was negatively related to Personal Efficacy and Information Approach, and CDS was positively associated with Nuclear Distress. The only value dimension which covaried significantly with general life satisfaction was RFD. Results are discussed with respect to the recent rise in conservative and materialistically‐oriented values among American college students.
Use of alcohol and drugs in the transitional phase from adolescence to young adulthood
Authors: Hammer Torild , Vaglum Per
Published: April 2004

The results are based on a prospective longitudinal national survey of 2000 young adults, 19–22 years old, who participated in a postal survey in 1985 and 1987; 68 per cent answered both questionnaires. This paper is mainly based on the cross‐sectional analysis of the data from 1987.

The transitional period from adolescence to young adulthood had a significant impact on both alcohol consumption and use of cannabis. There was a higher alcohol consumption among those who had left their parental home. The consumption was lower among those who had established an adult social role with a partner. This effect was more important than occupation, income and age. The transition from adolescence to young adulthood also implies a high risk of unemployment, since this period involves leaving school and establishing a work role. We found that unemployment was positively related to alcohol consumption and the use of cannabis among men; while among women there was a negative relationship, which was found to be insignificant. Previously unemployed women consumed less alcohol than other women in education or in paid work. This could not be explained by unemployed women working as housewives — a social role associated with a low consumption of alcohol. The significant interaction effect between unemployment and gender, with respect to alcohol consumption, could probably be explained by selection to unemployment.
Young offenders and alcohol‐related crime: what interventions will address the issues?
Authors: McMurran Mary
Published: April 2004

Although most young offenders will grow out of both drinking and crime, interventions aimed at reducing crime through reducing drinking or reducing drinking so as to reduce health and social problems are important for some offenders. Where the aim is to reduce crime by reducing drinking, it is essential to assess carefully the relationship between the two in each person to ensure that this is logical.

Since most adolescents drink and since controlled drinking is achievable by younger people with fewer alcohol‐related problems, moderation rather than abstinence is a realistic goal for most young offenders. Behavioural self‐control training is one type of intervention which can effectively encourage moderate drinking, but this has to be conducted in ways that will engage young offenders' interest, for example through self‐help manuals, developing peer interventions and using simulated bar settings. In addressing the questions of which types of people commit which types of crime and what part alcohol plays in setting the conditions for crime to occur, studying the effects that young offenders expect alcohol to have under various conditions may contribute to the development of cognition modification components of interventions and enable better matching of clients with programmes.
Adolescent drinking behaviour and family socialization factors: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Foxcroft David R. , Lowe Geoff
Published: April 2004

Family socialization processes are important influences on behaviour in childhood and adolescence. Two major dimensions of family socialization are Support and Control, and these two dimensions were assessed for their influence on adolescent drinking behaviour.

Thirty recently published research studies, which reported the influence of (clearly identifiable) family socialization variables on (self‐reported) adolescent drinking behaviour were selected for analysis. The results of these studies were subjected to meta‐analysis using a sorting technique. Variables were sorted along the dimensions of Support and Control, and along a Family Structure dimension, which measured parental intactness.

Results of the meta‐analysis indicated a clear negative linear relationship between Support and adolescent drinking. There was also a negative linear relationship between Control and drinking behaviour. Thus low support and lax control were associated with increased drinking. However, there was some evidence of a possible curvilinear relationship between control and adolescent drinking. A negative relationship between Family Structure and adolescent drinking was also found, i.e. adolescents from non‐intact families tend to drink more. The results were incorporated into a family systems perspective.

It is suggested that extremes of Support and Control, when measured adequately, may be dysfunctional for adequate socialization into normal drinking behaviour, as defined by social and cultural norms, during adolescence.
Adolescent coping: the different ways in which boys and girls cope
Authors: Frydenberg Erica , Lewis Ramon
Published: April 2004

In order to investigate the ways in which boys and girls cope with their concerns, 650 Year 11 and Year 12 students from seven post‐primary schools in Melbourne, Australia were asked to describe how they cope with the main concerns in their lives. In addition to elicitation of spontaneous responses, a modified form of the Ways of Coping Checklist (Folkman and Lazarus, 1980; 1985b) was also administered to obtain an assessment of students coping strategies.

Clear differences were found between the ways in which boys and girls cope. Girls seek more social support and generally are more likely than boys to focus on relationships. They also employ more strategies related to hoping for the best and wishful thinking. The question of how boys and girls can develop their coping repertoire so as to increase the adaptability of their responses in difficult situations is also addressed.
Adolescent and older mothers' interaction patterns with their six‐month‐old infants
Authors: Culp Rex E. , Culp Anne M. , Osofsky Joy D. , Osofsky Howard J
Published: April 2004

Children of adolescent mothers suffer more physical, intellectual, and emotional difficulties than do other children. In order to gain a better understanding of the differences, the interaction patterns of adolescent mothers and non‐adolescent mothers interacting with their young infants were compared. One hundred adolescent mothers and 29 married primiparous nonadolescent mothers were observed interacting with their six‐month‐old infants during a feeding episode and a play episode. All of the mothers had a high school education or less. During feeding, the adolescent mothers demonstrated less expressiveness, less positive attitude, less delight, less positive regard, fewer vocalizations, and a lower quality of vocalizations than non‐adolescent mothers. During play, the adolescent mothers demonstrated less inventiveness, less patience, and less positive attitude than the non‐adolescent mothers. These results extend and strengthen what is known about adolescent mothers patterns of interaction with their young infants.
The changing parent‐child relationship, self‐esteem, and intelligence as determinants of orientation to the future during early adolescence
Authors: Nurmi Jari‐Erik , Pulliainen Harry
Published: April 2004

In order to study how parent‐child interaction, self‐esteem and intelligence influence adolescents' orientation to the future, 57 11‐year‐old and 56 15‐year‐old adolescents were interviewed about their hopes for the future. The content and extension of each hope, as well as the levels of internality, optimism and realization, were estimated from the answers. The results showed that a high level of family discussion increased interest in a future family. The influences of parental control and family discussion, however, change as adolescents grow older: the more 11‐year‐olds reported parental control, the less optimistic they were about the future but the more steps they had taken to realize their hopes. On the other hand, the higher the level of family discussion adolescents reported at the age of 15, the more optimistic they were and the more they had realized their hopes. Adolescents with high self‐esteem were more internal in their thinking about the future than those with low self‐esteem.
Adolescents' perceptions of significant individuals in their lives
Authors: Hendry Leo B. , Roberts Wilma , Glendinning Anthony , Coleman John C.
Published: April 2004

180 adolescents, aged 11–12 years, and 180, aged 15–16 years, from one Scottish secondary school participated in this study. The purposes of the investigation were: to determine the most significant family member and unrelated person in young peoples' lives; and to identify which characteristics rendered these persons important. ‘Mother’ and ‘(same sex) friend’ emerged as the outstanding choices. Family members (except siblings) were associated with positive characteristics, whilst amongst unrelated adults, youth group leaders were viewed positively. By contrast, school teachers were primarily seen as occupying a challenging role. Where age and sex differences were found, it was invariably those in early adolescence and females who were more likely to attribute positive characteristics. These results are discussed in relation to the concept of ‘mentoring’ and the role of mentors in adolescents' lives.