bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERUM CYSTINE AMINOPEPTIDASE AND THE SMALL‐FOR‐DATES BABY IN HYPERTENSIVE PREGNANCY
Authors: Chapman L. , Burrows‐Peakin R. , Rege V. P. , Silk E.
Published: August 2005

Serum cystine aminopeptidase levels and gradients have been assessed retrospectively in hypertensive mothers delivering small‐for‐dates babies, compared with those delivering normal weight babies. The average accuracy of predicting the weight range of the infant (normal or small‐for‐dates) would have been about 82 per cent.
CHANGES IN LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Petrucco O. M. , Seamark R. F. , Holmes Kerry , Forbes I. J. , Symons R. G.
Published: August 2005

A gradual increase in spontaneous lymphocyte DNA synthesis was demonstrated in each trimester of pregnancy. Autoradiographic studies indicated that lymphocytes were primarily responsible for this activity. PHA‐induced lymphocyte transformation in both fetal calf serum and autologous serum was significantly reduced in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Spontaneous lymphocyte DNA synthesis was significantly reduced in patients with mild pre‐eclampsia. However, no significant differences were seen in patients with severe pre‐eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy compared with the normal control subjects. No evidence was adduced to implicate inhibitory humoral factors affecting the peripheral blood lymphocytes in pregnant patients in experiments in which washed lymphocytes were cultured in medium containing heterologous serum. In vitro experiments demonstrated that cortisol, progesterone and HPL caused a significant reduction in lymphocyte DNA synthesis, and HGH and HCG had a variable effect. However, only cortisol was regularly inhibitory at physiological concentrations. The progesterone effect was dose‐related, producing 90 per cent inhibition of activity at a concentration of 10 μg/ml. No synergism could be shown between HPL and progesterone on lymphocyte transformation. The increase in activity of circulating immunoreactive cells during pregnancy and its depression with the onset of pre‐eclampsia is discussed.
EXTRA‐AMNIOTIC PREGNANCY. A CASE REPORT
Authors: Kohler H. G. , Jenkins D. M.
Published: August 2005

A case of extra‐amniotic pregnancy ending in premature labour at 35 weeks is reported.
DOLICHOCEPHALY–A SOURCE OF ERROR IN SERIAL CEPHALOMETRY
Authors: Houlton M. C. C. , Brennan D. T. M.
Published: August 2005

Two patients are presented in whom ultrasonic cephalometry suggested intrauterine fetal growth retardation. The respective newborn infants were normally grown and had dolichocephaly with a normal head circumference. Dolichocephaly should be considered when cephalometry alone suggests a diagnosis of placental insufficiency.
PLATELETS AND INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Trudinger B. J.
Published: August 2005

In pre‐eclampsia, but not essential hypertension of pregnancy, reduced maternal levels of circulating platelets were found to correlate with intrauterine growth retardation. This suggests that disseminated intravascular coagulation and fibrin deposition contribute to the placental damage of pre‐eclampsia.
CIRCULATING LEVELS OF FIBRIN/FIBRINOGEN DEGRADATION FRAGMENT E MEASURED BY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Gordon Y. B. , Ratky S. M. , Baker L. R. I. , Letchworth A. T. , Leighton P. C. , Chard T.
Published: August 2005

Levels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products have been measured by a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay in pregnancies associated with pre‐eclampsia or essential hypertension. The incidence of elevated levels was low (2.4 per cent) in mild and moderate cases, and rather higher (30 per cent) in severe cases. In no patients were the levels consistently elevated prior to the onset of clinical signs.
THE PLACENTAL AND FETAL RESPONSE TO THE INTRA‐AMNIOTIC INJECTION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN MIDTRIMESTER ABORTIONS
Authors: Jouppila P. , Ylikorkala O. , Karvonen P. , Haapalahti J. , Suonoja L.
Published: August 2005

The placental and fetal response to the intra‐amniotic injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) for midtrimester abortions was evaluated. Maternal blood samples for radioimmunological determinations of serum progesterone, human placental lactogen (HPL) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) were taken before and serially until 24 hours after the injection of 40 mg (nine patients) or 75 mg (seven patients) of PGF2α. Fetal heart action was monitored ultrasonically during the same period. The average induction‐abortion interval was 22.6 hours and was independent of the dose of PGF2α used. The mean progesterone and HPL levels showed a significant fall half an hour after PGF2α. The constant decreases began only at 5 hours and later. The mean AFP levels increased rapidly after 5 hours following injection of PGF2α. The fetal heart stopped at a mean of 10.4 hours (range 0.5 to 25 hours) after the injection of PGF2α. No relationship between the time of fetal death or rises in AFP and the induction‐abortion interval could be detected. The primary hormonal response of the placenta and the efficacy of exogenous PGF2α were not related, indicating the possibility that the abortifacient property of PGF2α is not related to its primary effect on placental hormone synthesis or release.
PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATORS IN THE ENDOMETRIUM OF WOMEN USING INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES
Authors: Kasonde J. M. , Bonnar J.
Published: August 2005

Plasminogen activators in the endometrium before and after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were studied; an increase in the concentration was found following IUCD insertion in 16 of the 20 women. This change will enhance endometrial fibrinolysis and may explain the increased menstrual bleeding which usually follows insertion of an IUCD.
ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE UTERINE CERVIX A CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL APPRAISAL
Authors: Anderson M. C. , Fraser A. C.
Published: August 2005

Twenty‐six cases of primary adenocarcinoma of the cervix are analyzed. Their clinical features are described and attention is drawn to the variable histological pattern of these tumours.
PRACTOLOL PERITONITIS PRESENTING AS A PELVIC MASS
Authors: Trudinger B. J. , Fitchett D. H.
Published: August 2005

A case of sclerosing fibro‐peritonitis occurring as a result of practolol therapy is presented. This may occur months after cessation of the practolol because of other side effects and may present to the gynaecologist as a pelvic mass.
ANTENATAL IDENTIFICATION OF WOMEN AT HIGH RISK OF SPONTANEOUS PRE‐TERM BIRTH
Authors: Fedrick Jean
Published: August 2005

A means of assessing the risk of a spontaneous pre‐term birth in any individual woman presenting at the antenatal clinic is described. A composite score can be obtained by the multiplication of relative risks for various factors. The effectiveness of the method is discussed.
COAGULATION AND FIBRINOLYSIS IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Elder M. G. , Myatt L.
Published: August 2005

Saline extracts were made from portions of 17 normal placentae and from 8 placentae from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth retardation, but not hypertension. The ability of these extracts to inhibit urokinase‐induced fibrinolysis was measured using a fibrin plate technique. Placental extracts from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth retardation exhibited greater inhibition of urokinaseinduced fibrinolysis. There was no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in these patients, but certain coagulation factors in the peripheral blood were raised.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE FREE CORTISOL INDEX IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Brien T. G. , Dalrymple I. J.
Published: August 2005

Total plasma cortisol, the ‘cortisol resin uptake ratio’ (cortisol RUR), and ‘free cortisol index’ (FCI) were estimated in 23 pregnant women from 12 weeks to term and at six weeks post partum. Total plasma cortisol rose continually throughout pregnancy; the cortisol RUR rose up to 20 to 23 weeks and then fell slowly and the FCI also rose although more slowly than the total cortisol. All parameters fell to non‐pregnant levels at six weeks post partum. It is confirmed that a true rise in metabolically active cortisol occurs during pregnancy.
IRON STORES IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH ANAEMIA AND HAEMOGLOBIN S
Authors: Roopnarinesingh S.
Published: August 2005

Marrow aspiration in 22 pregnant women with haemoglobin S revealed a high incidence of iron deficiency. Eighteen patients showed depleted iron stores while depots were adequate in four patients. The practice of denying iron to pregnant women with haemoglobinopathies is not recommended; nor is the use of prophylactic iron in all patients with sickle cell disease or trait advised. It is suggested that it is better to diagnose and treat the iron deficiency specifically.
INDIVIDUAL FREE FATTY ACIDS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND IN PLASMA F PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Hagenfeldt L. , Hagenfeldt Kerstin
Published: August 2005

Individual free fatty acids (FFA) were measured in 77 amniotic fluid samples and in 57 maternal plasma samples Gestational age ranged from 16 to 40 weeks. Amniotic fluid FFA decreased from 20.4±6.0 μmol/l in the second trimester to 17.0±6.5 μmol/1 in the last six weeks of pregnancy. This was almost entirely accounted for by a decrease in the concentration of free stearic acid, while oleic acid increased slightly. No correlation between amniotic fluid FFA and maternal plasma FFA was found in samples obtained on the same day. It is suggested that amniotic fluid FFA may partly derive from renal excretion by the fetus.
PUERPERAL ULTRASONIC HYSTEROGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL UTERINE MALFORMATIONS
Authors: Bennett J.
Published: August 2005

Puerperal ultrasonic hysterography has been found to be a safe and simple technique. It is suggested as a screening procedure prior to radiological hysterography in patients whose recent reproductive performance suggests a diagnosis of congenital malformation of the uterus.
RADIATION‐INDUCED IMMUNE CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER OF THE CERVIX
Authors: Yamagata S. , Green G. H.
Published: August 2005

Immunological methods were used to estimate the therapeutic effect of irradiation and its influence on the immune capacity of patients with cervical cancer. Patients were examined during and following radiotherapy by means of lymphocyte counts, lymphocytic response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and the depressive effect of their sera on the response of normal lymphocytes to PHA stimulation. Lymphocyte counts and lymphocyte responses during radiotherapy were depressed to 20 to 50 per cent and 10 to 33 per cent respectively of the values found before treatment. Lymphopenia and depressed T‐cell function persisted for years in many patients. The highest values for both lymphocyte counts and reactivities were found in those patients who had unexpectedly good responses to radiotherapy. The immunodepressive effect of patients' sera on normal lymphocyte reactivity decreased and disappeared during therapy and was not present in previously treated patients showing a good prognosis, whereas it showed no change or even increased during therapy in patients with a poor prognosis. The results suggest that not only does immune capacity influence the effect of radiation and the prognosis of the patient, but also that study of the serum‐depressive effect could give important information about both the dosage and therapeutic effects of irradiation.
THE ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT OF FETAL CROWN‐RUMP LENGTH AS A METHOD OF ASSESSING GESTATIONAL AGE
Authors: Drumm J. E. , Clinch J. , Mackenzie G.
Published: August 2005

The fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) was measured by means of pulsed ultrasound, and the normal values between 47 and 101 days from the onset of the last menstrual period were determined from cross‐sectional data in 253 patients. For any given CRL, the range was found to be within three days of the menstrual age with a maximum variation for a given occasion of three days. Detailed statistical analysis showed that the acceleration in the rate of change in the CRL was a constant and that the intrapatient variability, where measured, was low. A close correlation between the measurement and the date of ovulation was demonstrated in a further 40 patients.
THE CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MAJOR CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE FETAL CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Edwards R. P. , Balfour R. P.
Published: August 2005

During the ten years between 1965 and 1974, 207 infants with a major congenital abnormality of the central nervous system were born at Mill Road Maternity Hospital, Liverpool; open neural tube defects occurred in 92 per cent of cases. Only cases of anencephaly were frequently diagnosed clinically before labour and this was rarely so for spina bifida alone. Only 11 patients (5.3 per cent) had previously been delivered of an affected infant. The routine screening of pregnant patients is briefly discussed.
URINARY OESTRIOL MEASUREMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTEPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
Authors: Muir K. C.
Published: August 2005

In 51 patients with antepartum haemorrhage, 24‐hour urinary oestriol was measured continuously until delivery. A total of 765 24‐hour urinary oestriol measurements was obtained and there were two stillbirths, one neonatal death and three cases of intrauterine growth retardation in this group of patients. It was felt that none of the fetal deaths would have been prevented by obstetrical treatment based on 24‐hour urinary oestriol measurements and that these have ittle practical value in the management of patients with antepartum haemorrhage.
PLASMA OESTRIOL IN NORMAL PREGNANCY IN AN ASIAN POPULATION
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Ratnam S. S. , Salmon J. A.
Published: August 2005

Serial plasma oestriol levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay in 49 normal pregnancies. Plasma oestriol rose from 43 ng/ml (149.1 nmol/1) at 22 weeks to 357 ng/ml (1237.91 nmol/1) at 40 weeks. The rise was gradual etween 22 and 32 weeks and steep between 32 and 40 weeks. No significant relationship could be found between lasma oestriol and parity, maternal age, maternal height, maternal weight or fetal sex. However, a significant but low correlation was found between birth weight and plasma oestriol prior to labour and also oestriol increments from 30 weeks to delivery. The average day to day coefficient of variation of plasma oestriol in 11 patients was found to be 16.2 per cent.
THE USE OF THE AMNIOTIC FLUID LECITH1N/SPHINGOMYELIN (L/S) RATIO, CREATININE CONCENTRATION AND NILE BLUE SULPHATE TESTS, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN COMBINATION, IN THE ASSESSMENT OF FETAL LUNG MATURITY
Authors: Rome R. M. , Simmons S. C. , Bearne Margaret , Watson D.
Published: August 2005

The lecithin‐sphingomyelin (LS) ratio is a good, but not absolute, test of fetal lung maturity. A total of 373 infants was delivered within 72 hours of amniotic fluid collection for assessment of the L/S ratio. Five of 43 infants (11–6 per cent) with an L/S ratio of 2.2 or less developed the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), whereas only one of 320 infants (0.31 per cent) with a higher L/S ratio developed RDS. The risk of RDS could be further defined by using the creatinine concentration (critical value 19 mg/1) and the Nile blue sulphate test (critical value 4 per cent) in combination with the L/S ratio. All three tests were performed in 320 pregnancies and in each instance delivery took place within 72 hours. When all three test results were low, 3 of 5 infants (60 per cent) developed RDS, whereas when all three results were high, none of 175 infants developed RDS. When one or two results were low, 2 of 140 infants (1.4 per cent) developed RDS.
THE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN (L/S) RATIO IN TWIN PREGNANCIES
Authors: Sims C. D. , Cowan D. B. , Parkinson Christine E.
Published: August 2005

The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio has been estimated in the amniotic fluid from 20 patients with a twin pregnancy. The values in each pair of amniotic fluids were closely related. If amniotic fluid from one sac only is available, it is suggested that a ratio of 2·5:1 is taken as the lower limit to predict the functional lung maturity of both twins.
THE EFFECT OF MEMBRANE RUPTURE ON FETAL HEART RATE IN INDUCED LABOUR
Authors: Steer P. J. , Little D. J. , Lewis N. L. , Kelly Mary C. M. E. , Beard R. W.
Published: August 2005

The influence of the state of the membranes on the fetal heart rate was studied in a group of twelve women whose membranes were electively ruptured for oxytocin induction of labour. The results have been compared with a group of eight women of similar gestation and parity whose membranes were kept intact. While membranes were ruptured, there was an increase in the frequency and amplitude of early decelerations throughout labour. The significance and practical implications of the results are discussed.
MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Hay D. M. , Forrester P. I. , Hancock R. L. , Lorscheider F. L.
Published: August 2005

Serial measurements of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) were made in 63 normal pregnancies throughout gestation using a radioimmunoassay. Significant levels of AFP, which were detected as early as at 10 weeks gestation, showed a gradual rise until 32 weeks, after which the levels declined until term. The limits of the normal gestational pattern have been defined and the intrapatient variability of the assay was examined. A comparison of the clinical characteristics of the pregnancies with levels of AFP was made. Higher birth weights were correlated with later attainment of peak levels of AFP and peak levels were achieved earlier in gestation in female fetuses. Higher levels of AFP and lower oestriol/AFP ratios were correlated with an earlier onset of labour.
ARTERIAL PRESSURES IN NON‐PREGNANT WOMEN OF CHILD‐BEARING AGE IN ILE‐IFE, NIGERIA
Authors: Akinkugbe A.
Published: August 2005

The range of arterial pressures in non‐pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 44 years in Ile‐Ife, Western Nigeria, has been determined from a randomly selected group of 626 women. The survey showed a low range of arterial pressures in the women. Blood pressures within the group showed a tendency to rise with age except in those who were aged 40 to 44 years, where the small numbers may have yielded the unexpected lower arterial pressure levels. Parity did not seem to have exerted any clear influence on the blood pressures of the subjects. The exception is in the age group 30 to 34 years where increasing parity was associated with a lower systolic blood pressure. The results of the survey suggested that essential hypertension and chronic renal disease were not likely to be significant factors in the high incidence of pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia in the community.
THE MANAGEMENT AND NATURAL HISTORY OF SEVERE DYSPLASIA AND CARCINOMA IN SITU OF THE UTERINE CERVIX
Authors: Gad C.
Published: August 2005

This report concerns 375 patients seen in Frederiksberg, Denmark, between 1951 and 1972: 103 of them had severe dysplasia and 272 of them carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix. Thirty patients had no primary treatment: 9 of them developed invasive carcinoma, and 2 of these died; 12 patients had persistent intraepithelial abnormality of the ceivix and the other 9 patients showed no abnormality after varying periods of observation. Recurrences after cone biopsy were noted in 9·5 and 10·1 per cent of patients with severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ respectively, and in 2 per cent of patients who had an in situ carcinoma treated by hysterectomy. This made a total of 15 patients with recurrences. All were ultimately cured although two patients were found to have invasive carcinoma.
CARCINOMA OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBE
Authors: Chalmers J. A. , Marshall A. T.
Published: August 2005

A series of 12 patients with primary carcinoma of the Fallopian tube is presented; their clinical features, pathology, treatment and progress are described and discussed.
THE OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY IN FORMER ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USERS
Authors:   Royal Collegeof General Practitioners' Oral Contraception study
Published: August 2005

As part of a continuing major prospective survey, the outcome of 5530 pregnancies in former oral contraceptive (pill) users was compared with the outcome of 11 009 pregnancies in the control series of women who had never used the pill. In former pill users there was a significantly higher induced abortion rate. There was no increase in the leported spontaneous abortion rate, and there is evidence to suggest that the true spontaneous abortion rate may be materially lower in former pill users. The previous use of oral contraceptives appeared to have no adverse effect on subsequent births.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF EXTRADURAL AND PARENTERAL ANALGESIA ON MATERNAL PLASMA CORTISOL CONCENTRATIONS DURING LABOUR AND THE PUERPERIUM
Authors: Thornton C. A. , Carrie L. E. S. , Sayers Linda , Anderson Anne B. M. , Turnbull A. C.
Published: August 2005

Maternal plasma levels of cortisol were measured serially by radioimmunoassay in two groups of 12 patients during induced labour and in the puerperium. One group was given continuous extradural analgesia throughout labour, the other group received pethidine and promazine in response to pain. Pre‐induction cortisol levels were significantly higher in patients who were to have extradural analgesia but the percentage increase in plasma cortisol during labour was considerably less than in patients with parenteral analgesia; in second stage labour, mean cortisol levels were the same in the two groups. This study suggests that patients who had chosen to have extradural analgesia may have been more anxious before labour than the other patients but continuous, extradural analgesia suppressed to some extent the percentage increase in mean cortisol levels found during labour in patients given parenteral analgesia. In the puerperium, there was no difference in mean cortisol levels in the two groups.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HLA ANTIBODIES AND THE CAUSAL PREGNANCY IN CHORIOCARCINOMA
Authors: Lawler Sylvia D. , Klouda P. T. , Bagshawe K. D.
Published: August 2005

By studying the HLA system, evidence of immunization by paternal antigens inherited by the antecedent child has been obtained in primiparous patients who subsequently developed choriocarcinoma. The same approach has been used to show which pregnancy was likely to be causal in two patients with complicated obstetric histories.
CERVICAL MUCUS AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE FERTILE PHASE OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Flynn Anna M. , Lynch S. S.
Published: August 2005

Nine healthy fertile women were studied during 29 menstrual cycles. A cervical mucus grading system, assessed by the patient and used in conjunction with basal body temperature, was correlated with plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol and plasma progesterone. The results show that a patient can be taught to predict the time of ovulation by observing the changes in the cervical mucus.
A GENERALIZED EPILEPTIFORM CONVULSION AFTER INTRA‐AMNIOTIC PROSTAGLANDIN E2
Authors: Brash J. H.
Published: August 2005

A patient who had a generalized epileptiform convulsion 25 minutes after the intraamniotic injection of prostaglandin E2 is described.
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF INTRAUTERINE FETAL TRANSFUSION
Authors: Palmer A. , Gordon R. R.
Published: August 2005

A critical review of 142 intrauterine fetal transfusions performed in 99 patients during 107 pregnancies raised doubts about the absolute benefit of the procedure. Two main problems emerged: the diagnostic criteria upon which decisions were based were inadequate and the fetal mortality associated with transfusion was high, especially when this was performed before 28 weeks. We measured amniotic fluid bilirubin concentration by a biochemical method but the results following intrauterine fetal transfusion were similar to those observed by others using spectrophotometric examination of amniotic fluid.
A FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM DIAMINE OXIDASE (DAO) AND GESTATIONAL AGE
Authors: Jones J. B. , Kelly Margaret
Published: August 2005

A standard error of one to two weeks must be accepted if the duration of pregnancy is calculated from serum diamine oxidase (DAO) concentrations. After the 16th week of pregnancy, the enzyme concentration is too variable to be used for calculations of gestational age.
BUCCAL PROSTAGLANDIN E2 FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR
Authors: Scott J. W. , Craft I.
Published: August 2005

The administration of buccal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was evaluated in 30 patients; effective uterine stimulation occurred in 90 per cent of those receiving a dose of 1 mg hourly. Two patients had a prolonged contraction on a single occasion during labour. The unpleasant taste of the tablets and a high incidence of nausea and vomiting indicated that buccal prostaglandins had no advantages over other methods of administering oxytocic agents.
SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF OVARIAN ARTERY ANEURYSM IN THE PUERPERIUM TWO CASE REPORTS AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Burnett R. A. , Carfrae D. C.
Published: August 2005

A case of spontaneous puerperal rupture of an aneurysm of a branch of the right ovarian artery is reported and the histological and histochemical changes in the vessel wall are described. Identical changes were also seen in a similar case, previously reported. Some of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of these unusual vascular lesions are discussed.
THE PREDICTION OF DELIVERY DATE BY ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT OF FETAL CROWN‐RUMP LENGTH
Authors: Drumm J. E.
Published: August 2005

The ultrasonic measurement of the fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) in early pregnancy was utilized to predict the date of delivery in 220 patients with reliable menstrual histories and in 186 patients with unreliable menstrual dates who began labour spontaneously. Ninety‐five per cent and 96·2 per cent respectively were delivered within 12 days of the predicted date. The CRL was found to be better than biparietal diameter measurements (p<0·001) and as good as a reliable menstrual history (p<0·5) in predicting the time of spontaneous onset of labour.
SMOKING IN PREGNANCY—EFFECTS ON BIRTH WEIGHT AND ON CYANIDE AND THIOCYANATE LEVELS IN MOTHER AND BABY
Authors: Pettigrew A. R. , Logan R. W. , Willocks J.
Published: August 2005

A total of 45 expectant mothers (20 smokers and 25 non‐smokers) and their babies was studied and, after 14 smokers and 14 non‐smokers had been closely matched for age, height, parity and social class, significant differences were observed between smokers and non‐smokers in the birth weights of the babies and in cyanide and thiocyanate levels in maternal blood and urine.
THE EFFECT OF DOXAPRAM ON FETAL BREATHING IN THE SHEEP
Authors: Hogg M. I. J. , Golding R. H. , Rosen M.
Published: August 2005

In five ewes of 105 to 120 days gestation intravenous doxapram (1·8 to 3·85 mg/kg) administered to the mother produced a dose‐related increase in fetal breathing. This effect of doxapram might prove useful as a test of human fetal health. Fetal breathing movements could be a sensitive indication of the effects of drugs on the human fetal respiratory system.
ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN IN FETAL SKIN AND MUSCLE
Authors: Lawler Sylvia D. , Nash S. G.
Published: August 2005

The skin and muscles of human fetuses were used to obtain extracts of alphafetoprotein (AFP). Fetuses up to sixteen weeks gestation gave the highest yields. Rabbits immunized by concentrates from this source made anti‐AFP of a quality suitable for use in radioimmunoassay systems.
SELECTIVE INHIBITION BY DANAZOL OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE DURING THE LUTEAL PHASE
Authors: Lieberman B. A. , Thom S. , Murray M. A. F. , Jacobs H. S.
Published: August 2005

In each of six healthy, normally menstruating women, serum oestradiol, progesterone, basal and post luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) gonadotrophin measurements were made during the luteal phase of a normal cycle and in a subsequent cycle in which 800 mg of danazol was given daily from the fifth day after the presumptive date of ovulation. No differences in the serum oestradiol, progesterone, or basal gonadotrophin levels were detected, but there was a selective impairment of the follicle stimulating hormone response to LHRH. The implications of these findings are discussed.
PREGNANCY AND THE ACUTE PORPHYRIAS
Authors: Brodie M. J. , Moore M. R. , Thompson G. G. , Goldberg A. , Low R. A. L.
Published: August 2005

An analysis is presented of the obstetric histories of 50 women with acute porphyria, comprising 39 with acute intermittent porphyria, 3 with variegate porphyria and 8 with hereditary coproporphyria. Fifty‐four per cent of the women with acute intermittent porphyria had an acute attack of porphyria in pregnancy and/or the puerperium. Only one maternal death was recorded. One patient with variegate porphyria and two with hereditary coproporphyria had an attack related to pregnancy. The total fetal wastage was 13 per cent. The babies born to mothers with acute intermittent porphyria, who experienced an acute attack during pregnancy, were smaller than those in which no such attack occurred (P<0·001). In 13 non‐porphyric primigravidae there was a rise in urinary excretion of 8‐aminolaevulinic acid, porphobilinogen and coproporphyrin up to the 28th week of gestation. It is probable that pregnancy has some deleterious effects in acute porphyria but the prognosis of the porphyric pregnancy is much better than the literature suggests.
CIRCULATING LEVELS OF PREGNANCY‐SPECIFIC β1‐GLYCOPROTEIN IN EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: Grudzinskas J. G. , Lenton E. A. , Gordon Y. B. , KELSO I. M. , Jeffrey D. , Sobowale O. , Chard T.
Published: August 2005

Circulating levels of pregnancy‐specific β1‐glycoprotein (SP1 or PSβG), luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were measured serially in 9 subjects immediately after conception. Ovulation occurred spontaneously in 3 subjects, or followed administration of clomiphene citrate (2 subjects) or bromocriptine (4 subjects). The timing of ovulation was determined by the appearance of the LH surge. Levels of HCG were detected 10 to 16 days, and SP1, 18 to 23 days after ovulation. These findings suggest that the measurement of plasma levels of SP1 may provide valuable additional biochemical evidence of pregnancy.
CHANGES IN PROSTAGLANDIN F AND 13,14‐DIHYDRO‐15‐KETO‐PROSTAGLANDIN F CONCENTRATIONS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AT THE ONSET OF AND DURING LABOUR
Authors: Keirse M. J. N. C. , Mitchell M. D. , Turnbull A. C.
Published: August 2005

Concentrations of prostaglandin F (PGF) and its major circulating metabolite 13,14‐dihydro‐15‐keto‐PGF (PGFM) have been measured in amniotic fluid during spontaneous labour at term. Levels of both PGF and PGFM were significantly higher during early spontaneous labour, at a cervical dilatation of less than 4 cm, than before the onset of labour. Patients who started labour spontaneously but later required oxytocin therapy for failure to progress in first stage had lower levels of PGF and PGFM than patients who progressed adequately without oxytocin therapy. During spontaneous labour, concentrations of both PGF and PGFM increased significantly with advancing cervical dilatation.

These data indicate that the accumulation of prostaglandins in amniotic fluid during labour is not due to decreased metabolism. They furthermore provide the strongest evidence available so far for an increase in intrauterine prostaglandin synthesis during human parturition.
THE ENDOCRINE PANCREAS IN SMALL‐FOR‐DATES INFANTS
Authors: Van Assche F. A. , Prins F. De , Aerts L. , Verjans M.
Published: August 2005

In a small series of pregnancies complicated by severe fetal growth retardation we found reduction of fetal endocrine pancreatic tissue and of the insulin‐producing β cells.
AN ASSESSMENT OF LAPAROSCOPY AS THE PRIMARY INVESTIGATION IN THE SUBFERTILE FEMALE
Authors: Templeton A. A. , Kerr M. G.
Published: August 2005

Our experience with laparoscopy as the primary means of assessment of the female genital tract is described in 279 women attending a subfertility clinic. Thirty‐two per cent of patients with primary infertility and 60 per cent of patients with secondary infertility had significant pelvic disease. We feel that laparoscopy should replace other methods for the routine primary assessment of the genital tract in subfertile women.
ENDOCRINE CHANGES AND SYMPTOMATOLOGY AFTER OOPHORECTOMY IN PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: Chakravarti S. , Collins W. P. , Newton J. R. , Oram D. H. , Studd J. W. W.
Published: August 2005

The symptomatic and endocrine changes following hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy have been studied in 100 patients, 1 to 31 years after surgery. The most frequent symptoms at the time of interview were depression (62 patients), insomnia (48 patients), loss of libido (46 patients) and dyspareunia (38 patients). Vasomotor symptoms were recorded in 28 patients. Although 94 patients claimed that hot flushes were the first symptomatic changes noticed, 60 had complete relief from these symptoms within 6 months of surgery; 34 patients had no symptoms and only 4 patients were taking oestrogen therapy at the time of interview. Plasma oestradiol and testosterone levels were 78 per cent and 27 per cent respectively below the mean values of day 1 to 10 of the menstrual cycle, similar to those found at comparable years after a normal menopause. The plasma FSH level was about 14 times and the plasma LH level about twice the respective preoperative value. Unlike after the normal menopause, these gonadotrophin levels did not show any decline with increasing age. There was no correlation between plasma hormone levels and the presence of vasomotor symptoms or depression.
AMENORRHOEA AND LOSS OF WEIGHT
Authors: Knuth U. A. , Hull M. G. R. , Jacobs H. S.
Published: August 2005

Amenorrhoea due to loss of weight was diagnosed in 39 of 170 consecutively investigated patients with amenorrhoea: 24 patients had anorexia nervosa but in the remainder this diagnosis could not be made with certainty. The only difference detected between the two groups was in their lowest weights. Endocrine tests revealed subnormal oestrogen production, low serum LH levels and a failure to ovulate in response to clomiphene. All patients were encouraged to put on weight and 14 resumed ovulatory menstrual cycles. In these patients the mean weight at resumption of ovulation exceeded the mean weight at presentation by 3·6 kg; in contrast, in the patients who remained amenorrhoeic, there was no significant increase of weight by the time of the last visit. Of 8 patients who complained of infertility, 5 ovulated and conceived. Thus dietary treatment of patients with amenorrhoea and loss of weight may replace gonadotrophin therapy for induction of ovulation in a significant proportion of patients with anovulatory infertility.
CORRELATIONS OF SIALOMUCINS AND IgA IN THE MATERNAL SERUM OF PRIMIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS SUBJECTS AT DELIVERY
Authors: Good W. , Cochran T. E.
Published: August 2005

Attention is drawn to correlations between placental coefficients and maternal serum levels of IgA at delivery in primiparae and multiparae. These correlations associate maternal serum IgA with gestational performance and appear to discriminate between groups which differ in that respect. Similar correlations exist between the placental coefficient and maternal serum seromucoid, with group discrimination preserved in primiparae, but not multiparae. Direct correlations between serum seromucoid and IgA in maternal serum can be attributed to their mutual dependence on the size and state of the feto‐maternal interface, and may provide a means of detecting placental insufficiency in multigravidae.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM OESTRADIOL LEVELS AND SERUM TRIGLYCERIDE, CHOLESTEROL AND PHOSPHOLIPID LEVELS IN NORMAL HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Punnonen R.
Published: August 2005

Blood samples were obtained for serum lipid and oestradiol measurement from 365 women between 7 to 41 weeks of normal pregnancy. In an additional 21 women serum lipid and oestradiol were measured at 20 to 23 weeks gestation and again at 30 to 33 weeks. Significant correlations were noted between changes in the serum triglyceride and oestradiol levels (P<0·001) and between changes in serum cholesterol and oestradiol levels (P<0·05). The changes in phospholipid and oestradiol levels were not significantly correlated (P<0·1). The serum triglyceride level (mean±SEM) was highest at 37 weeks gestation (3·8·0·3 mmol/1), an increase of 400 per cent over the level at 7 weeks. The serum phospholipid level increased by 108 per cent to its highest level (5·0±0·2 mmol/1) at 38 weeks and the cholesterol level increased by 93 per cent to its peak (8·7±0·3 mmol/1) at 38 weeks.
PLASMA URATE AND SERUM DEOXYCYTIDYLATE DEAMINASE MEASUREMENTS FOR THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Redman C. W. G. , Williams G. F. , Jones D. D. , Wilkinson R. H.
Published: August 2005

The value of measuring plasma urate and serum deoxycytidylate deaminase (dCMP deaminase) for the early diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia has been investigated in 45 patients. A combination of increased blood pressure and increased plasma urate identified 19 patients with a high incidence of fetal and maternal morbidity ascribable to pre‐eclampsia. Seventeen of the 19 patients also had an increased serum dCMP deaminase. Serial antenatal observations for a mean period of 104 days (36–179 days) on 33 of the patients demonstrated that plasma urate and serum dCMP deaminase increased together as early changes in the development of pre‐eclampsia. In six patients, blood pressure, plasma urate and serum dCMP deaminase all increased but in only one was the rise in blood pressure the first change. Elevations of plasma urate and serum dCMP deaminase are therefore both early features of pre‐eclampsia. Serial measurements can give warning of the disorder before the appearance of other clinical features. The change in dCMP deaminase is probably another reflection of early renal involvement in the pre‐eclamptic process.
INCREASE OF THE PROSTAGLANDIN PRECURSOR, ARACHIDONIC ACID, IN AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING SPONTANEOUS LABOUR
Authors: Keirse M. J. N. C. , Hicks B. R. , Mitchell M. D. , Turnbull A. C.
Published: August 2005

Concentrations of free arachidonic acid have been measured by gas liquid chromatography in amniotic fluid obtained during spontaneous labour at term. Levels of arachidonic acid ranged from 0·14 to 2·2 μg/ml and increased significantly (P<0·01) with advancing cervical dilatation. Concentrations of arachidonic acid showed no significant relation to concentrations of either prostaglandin F or 13,14‐dihydro‐15‐keto‐prostaglandin F. These findings are discussed with respect to the role of arachidonic acid in the control of prostaglandin biosynthesis during human parturition.
OESTROGEN EXCRETION AND OVARIAN PATHOLOGY IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH ATYPICAL HYPERPLASIA, ADENOCARCINOMA AND MIXED ADENOSQUAMOUS CARCINOMA OF THE ENDOMETRIUM
Authors: Rome M. , Brown J. B. , Mason T. , Smith Margery A. , Laverty C. , Fortune D.
Published: August 2005

Urinary oestrogen and pregnanediol excretion were measured before and after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy in 26 postmenopausal women with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, 10 postmenopausal women with mixed adenosquamous carcinoma and 11 postmenopausal women with atypical hyperplasia (the patient groups). The results were compared with the values obtained in 22 active postmenopausal women, 20 hospitalized postmenopausal women and 18 women who had been subjected to hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy for cancer of the cervix (the control groups). The ovaries and Fallopian tubes obtained at operation were examined for evidence of current or past excessive oestrogen production. Preoperative oestrogen values were higher in the patient groups than in the controls and the elevated values persisted after oophorectomy. The implications of these findings are discussed.
POSTMENOPAUSAL TUBERCULOSIS OF THE CERVIX CASE REPORT AND REVIEW
Authors: Husemeyer R. P.
Published: August 2005

A patient with tuberculosis of the cervix who presented with postmenopausal bleeding is reported and the related literature is reviewed.
UTERUS DIDELPHYS WITH A PREGNANCY IN EACH HORN CASE REPORT
Authors: Lewenthal H. , Biale Y. , Ben‐Adereth N.
Published: August 2005

A patient with uterus didelphys presented with a pregnancy in each horn which ended in the vaginal delivery of two infants who survived.
THE RELATIVE EFFICACY OF BED REST, CERVICAL SUTURE, AND NO TREATMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TWIN PREGNANCY
Authors: Weekes A. R. L. , Menzies D. N. , de Boer C. H.
Published: August 2005

We compared 60 twin pregnancies treated by bed rest, 37 treated by cervical suture and 36 receiving no active treatment. The incidence of the spontaneous onset of labour before 36 weeks of gestation, the mean gestational age at delivery, mean birth weights of the first and second twins and the incidence of small‐for‐dates babies' were similar in all three groups.
PREDICTION OF BIRTH WEIGHT BY ULTRASOUND MEASUREMENTS OF THE FETUS
Authors: Campogrande M. , Todros Tullia , Brizzolara Maria
Published: August 2005

Fetal biparietal diameter, transverse thoracic diameter, abdominal circumference and area were measured by ultrasound in 50 pregnant women at term not more than 48 hours before delivery. Multiple regressions correlating birth weight with all these parameters were obtained and estimated birth weight (calculated from the regressions) was compared with the actual birth weight. The error in prediction was under 200 g in 56 per cent, under 300 g in 66 per cent and under 400 g in 84 per cent of patients when all fetal measurements were used. It was under 200 g in 48 per cent, under 300 g in 66 per cent and under 400 g in 74 per cent when only the abdominal area was used; and it was under 200 g in 46 per cent, under 300 g in 56 per cent and under 400 g in 82 per cent when the abdominal circumference alone was used. Biparietal diameter and transverse thoracic diameter alone were not useful in predicting birth weight.
SERUM OESTROGENS AND PROGESTERONE IN MOTHER AND INFANT AT DELIVERY
Authors: Antonipillai Indra , Murphy Beverley E. Pearson
Published: August 2005

summary

Whereas maternal venous levels of progesterone and oestrogens have been studied intensively in relation to parturition, little attention has been directed to fetal levels. In this study progesterone, oestrone (El), oestradiol (E2) and oestriol (E3) were measured in umbilical artery (UA) and umbilical vein (UV) serum at vaginal delivery (after induced or spontaneous onset of labour) and at elective Caesarean section. At least 14 samples were included in each group. All UV serum steroid levels were consistently higher than UA serum steroid levels. Cord serum levels of progesterone and arterio‐venous differences were higher at vaginal delivery than at Caesarean section although maternal levels changed little. El and E2 levels were similar after spontaneous labour and at Caesarean section but were higher (P<0·05) after induced labour although E3 levels did not alter. El and E2 were higher and progesterone lower in primiparae than in multiparae. Fetal sex made no differences. These results suggest that induction of labour with oxytocin results in altered fetal hormone levels, that maternal hormone levels provide a poor reflection of fetal changes, and that current views about the mechanism of the onset of labour in animals may not be appropriate for man.
A CLINICO‐PATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF GONADOBLASTOMA
Authors: Govan A. D. T. , Woodcock A. S. , Woodcock A. S. , Langley F. A. , Neville A. M. , Anderson M. C.
Published: August 2005

The clinico‐pathological features of 12 patients with a gonadoblastoma are analyzed.
THE EFFECT OF ALTERING THYROID HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS ON PLASMA GONADOTROPHINS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: Taylor M. A. R. , Chapman C. , Hayter C. J.
Published: August 2005

Plasma gonadotrophin levels were measured at frequent intervals in six post‐menopausal thyrotoxic women treated with carbimazole. All patients showed an increasing follicle stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone (FSH/LH) ratio as the thyroid hormone concentrations fell to normal and then into the hypothyroid range. Although the increased FSH/LH ratio was primarily due to a rise of FSH, two patients had a rise of both gonadotrophins. It is suggested that menstrual irregularities occurring in premenopausal women with disorders of thyroid metabolism may be related to similar changes.
PLASMA LEVELS OF PREGNANCY‐SPECIFIC β1‐GLYCOPROTEIN IN COMPLICATED PREGNANCIES
Authors: Towler C. M. , Horne C. H. W. , Jandial V. , Campbell Doris M. , MacGillivray I.
Published: August 2005

Maternal plasma levels of the trophoblast product, pregnancy‐specific β1‐glycoprotein (PSβG), have been measured both in normal pregnancies and in pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia and/or fetal growth retardation. PSβG levels correlate significantly with placental and fetal weight and fall below the normal range in about 60 per cent of all patients with fetal growth retardation. PSβG measurements appear to give a considerably better indication of fetal size than measurements of either human placental lactogen (HPL) or plasma oestriol.
VAGINAL ADMINISTRATION OF A SINGLE DOSE OF 16, 16 DIMETHYL PROSTAGLANDIN E2 p‐BENZALDEHYDE SEMICARBAZONE ESTER FOR PRE‐OPERATIVE CERVICAL DILATATION IN FIRST TRIMESTER NULLIPARAE
Authors: Karim S. M. M. , Ratnam S. S. , Prasad R. N. V. , Wong Y. M.
Published: August 2005

A single pessary containing 0·5 mg 16,16 dimethyl prostaglandin E2 p‐benzaldehyde semicarbazone ester was used for cervical dilatation prior to vacuum aspiration in 124 first trimester nulliparae. Five hours after prostaglandin administration the cervix had dilated to 8 mm or more in 87 patients (70 per cent). The uterus was evacuated in these patients without mechanical dilatation of the cervix. In the remaining 37 patients the cervix had become soft and dilated 5 to 7 mm and further mechanical dilatation could be carried out easily. Side effects were minor and included vomiting in two patients, diarrhoea in one and transient pyrexia in two patients. There were no complications and no damage to the cervix or uterus during evacuation.
MATERNAL PLASMA GLUCOSE AND FREE FATTY ACID CONCENTRATIONS RELATED TO INFANT BIRTH WEIGHT
Authors: Treharne I. A. L. , Sutherland H. W. , Stowers J. M. , Ross I. S.
Published: August 2005

A new and specific method is used for the measurement of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) in pregnancy. Fasting plasma FFA and glucose concentrations were measured serially in twenty normal and twelve overweight women in pregnancy and related to infant birth weight. Large variation between individuals was noted for FFA and no change was found with advancing gestation. Studies of the day‐to‐day variation in the same women at 20 and 36 weeks gestation showed wide variations in concentrations. No significant change in glucose concentration was noted with advancing gestation, but postnatal values were significantly higher. Small variability of glucose concentrations was noted in both the serial and day‐to‐day studies. In normal‐weight women a positive correlation between the observed birth weight of their infants and the fasting plasma glucose levels was found at 20 and 40 weeks and also with the mean of 5 levels measured in pregnancy. No similar correlation was found for the group of overweight women.
FETAL HEART RATE MONITORING DURING CAESAREAN SECTION
Authors: Taylor A. B. W.
Published: August 2005

The fetal heart rate was monitored during 30 deliveries by Caesarean section. General anaesthesia, but not epidural analgesia, caused a loss of beat‐to‐beat variation, but appeared to have no other adverse effects on fetal heart rate. The loss of beat‐to‐beat variation occurred after intravenous thiopentone and was most marked when atropine was used as premedication.