bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha central administration on hippocampal damage in rat induced by amyloid beta‐peptide (25–35)
Authors: Stepanichev Mikhail Yu. , Zdobnova Irina M. , Yakovlev Alexander A. , Onufriev Mikhail V. , Lazareva Natalia A. , Zarubenko Irina I. , Gulyaeva Natalia V.
Published: December 2002

Male Wistar rats received unilateral intrahippocampal injections of 3 nmol (3.18 μg) aggregated Aβ(25–35), intracerebroventricular bilateral injections of 0.5 μg human recombinant TNFα or both (Aβ(25–35) + TNFα‐treated animals). Seven days after the surgery brain sections were stained with cresyl violet (Nissl), for fragmented DNA (TUNEL), glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) and isolectin B4‐reactive microglia. In addition, caspase‐3 activity in brain regions was measured fluorometrically. The morphology of the hippocampus after the injection of Aβ(25–35) or both Aβ(25–35) and TNFα (but not TNFα alone) showed cell loss in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer. The extension of neuronal degeneration measured in the CA1 field was significantly larger in Aβ(25–35)‐treated groups compared to the contralateral hemisphere of both vehicle‐treated controls and animals injected with TNFα alone. TNFα augmented the Aβ(25–35)‐induced damage, significantly increasing the extension of degenerating area. Administration of Aβ(25–35) caused reactive gliosis in the ipsilateral hemisphere as demonstrated by upregulation of GFAP expression and the presence of hypertrophic astrocytes in the hippocampus. This effect was much more prominent in the hippocampi of rats treated with Aβ(25–35) + TNFα but absent after administration of TNFα alone. In both Aβ(25–35)‐treated groups, the damaged area of the hippocampal CA1 field and lateral band of dentate gyrus displayed many darkly stained round isolectin B4‐positive phagocyte‐like microglial cells. Sparse TUNEL‐positive nuclei were found in the hippocampi of rats treated with Aβ(25–35) alone or together with TNFα, but not in the control brain sections or in brain sections of TNFα‐injected animals. The activity of caspase‐3 increased significantly in the ipsilateral hippocampus after the injection of Aβ(25–35). Surprisingly, administration of TNFα into the cerebral ventricles prevented this Aβ(25–35)‐induced increase in hippocampal caspase‐3 activity. The results are discussed from the perspective of dual (neuroprotective and neurodestructive) roles of TNF in the brain. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of thoughtful preparation on the catheterization of children undergoing investigative studies
Authors: Gladh Gunilla
Published: December 2002

Aims:

To evaluate an anesthetic sedation free method of transurethral catheterization in children.

Methods:

The child and his or her parents are thoroughly prepared for the procedure by means of written and oral child‐adapted information and practical instructions. To evaluate this routine, a simple questionnaire was given to 115 consecutive children undergoing transurethral catheterization.

Results:

The questionnaire was returned by 99 children (86%). Most children and parents (95) found the preparation“good”or“very good”and tolerated the catheterization procedure well. Only six children reported the catheterization to be“very painful”(without requiring that the procedure was terminated). Complications, such as urgency, smarting pain during voidings, or both, after withdrawal of the catheter, occurred in 12 children and urinary tract infections in 3. Unexpectedly, girls were affected more often than boys.

Conclusions:

Careful preparation of children and their parents allows the great majority of diagnostic studies that require urethral catheterization to be accomplished without anesthesia. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:58–61, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of urge incontinence
Authors: Vandoninck Vera , van Balken Michael R. , Agró Enrico Finazzi , Petta Filomena , Caltagirone Carlo , Heesakkers John P.F.A. , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Debruyne Frans M.J. , Bemelmans Bart L.H.
Published: December 2002

Aims:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for treatment of urge incontinence.

Methods:

In a prospective multicentre study, 35 patients with complaints of urge incontinence underwent 12 weekly sessions of PTNS at one of five sites in the Netherlands and one site in Italy. Frequency/volume charts and I‐QoL and SF‐36 questionnaires were completed at 0 and 12 weeks. Success was analysed by using subjective and objective criteria. Overall subjective success was defined as the willingness to continue treatment, whereas objective success was defined as a significant decrease (to<50%) in total number of leakage episodes.

Results:

Twenty‐two patients (63%) reported a subjective success. Twenty‐four patients (70%) showed a 50% or greater reduction in total number of leakage episodes. Sixteen (46%) of these‐patients were completely cured (i.e., no leakage episodes) after 12 sessions. Quality of life parameters improved significantly.

Conclusions:

We conclude that posterior tibial nerve stimulation is an effective, minimally invasive option for treatment of patients with complaints of urge incontinence, as improvement was seen in subjective as well as objective parameters. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:17–23, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of prostatic obstruction: A cuff may be enough
Authors: Drinnan Michael J. , Pickard Robert S. , Ramsden Peter D. , Griffiths Clive J.
Published: December 2002

Aims:

To investigate the use of an inflatable perile cuff to obstruct flow progressively during voiding in order to provide a noninvasive measure of bladder pressure.

Methods:

In this study, we explain the observed relationship of flow rate with applied cuff pressure by analogy with a simple physical model. The model comprised a fixed‐pressure reservoir (simulating the bladder), a collapsible tube around which a fixed pressure could be applied (simulating the prostatic urethra), connected by rigid conduit to a further collapsible tube around which pressure could be applied (simulating the penile urethra and cuff). Flow was progressively obstructed by incremental increase of pressure applied to the “penile urethra,” with the experiment being repeated for a range of fixed pressures applied to the “prostatic urethra.”

Results:

The model reproduced the typical pressure/flow curves recorded during voiding by using penile cuff inflation in normal and obstructed men.

Conclusions:

Our data led us to hypothesise that the relationship between cuff pressure and flow rate can be used to deduce bladder pressure during voiding, prostatic opening pressure, and urethral diameter at the flow‐controlling zone, three indicators of lower urinary tract function. These measurements may add to the accuracy of diagnosis and quality of care for a large number of men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:40–44, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urodynamic changes induced by the intravaginal electrode during pelvic floor electrical stimulation
Authors: Resplande Julio , Gholami Shahram , Bruschini Homero , Srougi Miguel
Published: December 2002

Aims:

The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the intravaginal electrode used to perform vaginal electrical stimulation could induce acute changes on the cystometrograms and urethral pressure profiles (UPP) recordings.

Methods:

Three consecutive urodynamic examinations were performed on 30 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms. The first exam was performed without the electrode, the second with the electrode inserted into the vagina, but with the stimulator switched off and the third with the stimulator turned on. We used the INNOVA (Empi) stimulator with electrical parameters set at 50 Hz and 60 mA and on an intermittent cycle during the cystometries and a continuous stimulation during the UPP. The data of functional profile length (FPL), maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), and area of the resting UPP, as well as the filling sensations and its respective bladder volumes during the cystometries, were compared. With regard to the cystometries.

Results:

No effect of the electrode was observed on cystometry. However, the simple presence of the electrode improved the FPL, MUCP, and areas of the UPP similar to those when the stimulation was applied.

Conclusions:

We conclude that, the presence of the intravaginal electrode induces changes in the UPP not related to the stimulation itself. The physiotherapeutic effect of the electrode itself is still to be evaluated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:24–28, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differing effects of NG‐monomethyl L‐arginine and 7‐nitroindazole on detrusor activity
Authors: Theobald Robert J.
Published: December 2002

Aims:

Previous studies reported that nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibition decreases micturition volume threshold (MVT), the volume required to produce a centrally mediated micturition contraction, and that NO can be released from urothelium by means of certain stimuli. With elucidation of multiple isoforms of NOS, studies were performed to determine whether inhibition of specific isoforms of NOS altered MVT in different ways.

Methods:

In naive, anesthetized cats, the urinary bladder was exposed by means of a midline abdominal incision and cannulated through a slit in the internal urethra approximately 4–5 cm distal to the neck of the bladder. The left renal artery and left radial vein were cannulated for the intra‐arterial and intravenous administration of drugs, respectively. All nerves were left intact. A control MVT was determined by slowly infusing saline into the bladder at a rate of 0.018 mL/kg per minute. Varying doses of L‐NMMA (NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine) or 7‐NI (7‐nitro indazole) were administered and the MVT was again determined.

Results:

Inhibition of endothelial NOS (eNOS), by L‐NMMA, or neuronal NOS (nNOS), by 7‐NI, produces varying effects on certain detrusor activities and that inhibition of different isoforms of NOS produces qualitatively different effects. L‐NMMA significantly decreases MVT (up to 60% decrease), whereas 7‐NI significantly increases MVT (over 300% increase). L‐NMMA increases frequency and onset of small bladder contractions, whereas 7‐NI produces opposite effects.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that detrusor relaxation and contractility may be modulated by NO levels and that NO released from the urothelium may be a mediator of detrusor relaxation during the storage phase of micturition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:62–69, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelized analysis of pressure‐flow studies of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Valentini Françoise A. , Zimmern Philippe E. , Besson Gilbert R. , Nelson Pierre P.
Published: December 2002

Aims:

To gain insight from an adaptable computer model of micturition into the pathophysiological phenomena occurring during voiding in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

Methods:

By using the Valentini‐Besson‐Nelson (VBN) micturition model, we proceeded with an in‐depth and systematic analysis of the pressure‐flow studies of 71 patients (119 tracings) provided by three different institutions.

Results:

The modelized analysis identified and quantified several pathophysiological phenomena during voiding: compressive obstruction, variations in detrusor contraction force (enhanced or reduced), progressive relaxation of the prostatic fossa, occasional detrusor‐bladder neck coupling, and sphincteric control dysfunctions. Once these phenomena were taken into account by using a set of new parameters, the computed flow rate and detrusor pressure curves became very similar to the recorded ones.

Conclusions:

The accuracy of this sophisticated analysis allows us to separate and to study during each voiding the phenomena belonging to the urethra, the detrusor, the bladder neck, the prostate, and their neurologic coordination in BPE patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:45–53, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the Bowman‐Birk inhibitor (a soy protein) on in vitro bladder neck/urethral and penile corporal smooth muscle activity
Authors: Malkowicz S. Bruce , Liu Shih‐Ping , Broderick Gregory A. , Wein Alan J. , Kennedy Ann R. , Levin Robert M.
Published: December 2002

Aims:

The Bowman‐Birk inhibitor (BBI), is a serine protease inhibitor derived from soy beans, which is presently being evaluated in clinical trials for its ability to serve as a cancer preventive or anti‐inflammatory agent. The form of BBI currently in clinical trials is known as Bowman‐Birk inhibitor concentrate (BBIC). There have been anecdotal reports from patients of improved voiding and sexual functions in the ongoing BBIC trials. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of BBI and BBIC on urethral and corporal smooth muscle activity.

Methods:

In vitro muscle strip studies of New Zealand White rabbit urethra/bladder neck and penile corpora in the presence or absence of BBI or BBIC incubation (5 mg/mL) were performed.

Results:

In dose‐response curves to alpha stimulation, BBI mediated a shift to the right (decreased receptor sensitivity in bladder/urethra as well as corpora with no change in the maximal response). Bladder base/ urethra contraction by field stimulation was significantly inhibited by BBI at higher frequencies (1–32 Hz) (12.2 + 0.8 g vs. 6.3 + 0.75 g, P < 0.05). BBI inhibited field stimulated relaxation of corporal muscle at lower frequencies. Muscarinic contraction of the bladder neck/urethra in alpha prestimulated tissue was significantly inhibited by BBI (5.3 + 0.2 g vs. 2.7 + 0.1 g, P < 0.05). BBI has an inhibitory effect on alpha adrenergic dose‐response curves in bladder neck/urethral and corpora smooth muscle. BBI also significantly inhibited neurohumoral cholinergic release and in vitro muscarinic contraction of the urethra. The effects on corpora relaxation were less pronounced.

Conclusions:

The data suggest that the phytochemical BBI may promote physiologic effects of urethral relaxation and improved voiding by unique mechanisms and deserves further study as a pharmacologic agent for lower urinary tract symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:54–57, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Baseline abdominal pressure and valsalva leak point pressures‐correlation with clinical and urodynamic data
Authors: Madjar Shahar , Balzarro Matteo , Appell Rodney A. , Tchetgen Marie‐Blanche , Nelson David
Published: December 2002

Aims:

To characterize the factors contributing to changes in baseline abdominal pressure (Pabd) and the correlation between ΔVLPP, VLPPtot, and other clinical and urodynamic variables.

Methods:

Two hundred sixty‐four female patients who had undergone an anti‐incontinence procedure between February 1994 and October 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. The urodynamics performed for each patient included abdominal and vesical pressures measured in a standardized manner with the patient sitting upright and the pressure sensors maintained at the level of the symphysis pubis. VLPP was determined at bladder volumes of 200 mL during a gradually increasing Valsalva maneuver.

Results:

Baseline Pabd varied between 10 and 55 cm H2O (mean, 32.7 ± 8.8) and were significantly correlated with patient weight (P<0.001) and with patient body mass index (P<0.001). Baseline Pabd was not found to be correlated with patient age, Baden and Walker Classification of the grading of pelvic floor prolapse, degree of incontinence (determined by the number of pads used per day), or prior surgical procedures for stress incontinence. Higher baseline Pabd were significantly correlated with the peak abdominal pressure reached during the Valsalva maneuver (P<0.0001) and with VLPPtot (P<0.0001) but not with ΔVLPP. Higher VLPPtot significantly correlated with decreased age (P=0.004), less severe incontinence (P=0.004), higher peak Valsalva pressure (P<0.0001), and the ability to increase abdominal pressure for a longer period of time (time to peak Pabd during Valsalva). VLPPtot and ΔVLPP had similar statistical correlation with all the clinical variables examined and neither could predict the outcome of any anti‐incontinence surgery. By using a VLPP of 60 cm H2O as a cutoff to differentiate severe ISD from GSUI, 211 (67.4%) of the patients would be categorized as having ISD according to their ΔVLPP compared with only 106 (40.1%) by using the VLPPtot.

Conclusions:

Baseline Pabd varies considerably among patients, is correlated with patient weight and habitus. In addition, it varies with both the ability to be increased for longer periods of time and with VLPPtot. Looking at VLPPtot and ΔVLPP will result in a different categorization of the type of incontinence in at least 25% of patients and, thus, affect the physician's selection of an anti‐incontinence procedure for an individual patient. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:2–6, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental expression of glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, and their receptor mRNA in the rat urinary bladder
Authors: Kawakami Takahiro , Wakabayashi Yoshihiko , Aimi Yoshinari , Isono Takahiro , Okada Yusaku
Published: December 2002

Aims:

Glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and related factors neurturin (NRTN), artemin, and persephin are members of the GDNF family of neurotrophic factors. GDNF and NRTN bind to the tyrosine kinase receptor Ret and the receptors GFRα1 and GFRα2. The objective was to examine the developmental expression of GDNF, NRTN, and their receptors within the rat urinary bladder.

Methods:

Rat bladders dissected from embryonic day (E) 15, postnatal day (P) 0, P14, P28, and adult rats (P60) were investigated by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Embryos (E15, E16, and E17) were immunohistochemically stained for neurofilament.

Results:

GDNF and Ret mRNA levels at E15 were the highest of all the stages we examined and then immediately decreased. In contrast, NRTN mRNA levels did not change between E15 and postnatal day 14; thereafter, they gradually but insignificantly increased. GFRα1 and GFRα2 mRNA levels were high at E15, after which their signal intensities decreased. In whole‐mounted specimens, neurofilament‐positive axons were first detected in the bladder at E16.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that GDNF and NRTN may act as trophic factors for neural in‐growth to the bladder and/or for the maintenance of mature neurons innervating the bladder. These factors might also be involved in bladder morphogenesis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:83–88, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of the T‐type Ca2+ current on the contractile performance of guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle
Authors: Chow K.‐Y. , Wu C. , Sui G.P. , Fry C.H.
Published: December 2002

Aims:

The importance of the T‐type Ca2+ current in determining detrusor contractile function was investigated by using guinea pig muscle in vitro.

Methods:

NiCl2 (200 μM) was used to block selectively the T‐type Ca2+ current, and 20 μM verapamil was used to block the L‐type Ca2+ current in this tissue. The selectivity of these agents at such concentrations has been previously demonstrated.

Results:

In normal extracellular solution (4 mM KCl) 200 μM NiCl2 and 20 μM verapamil reduced electrically stimulated contractions by 17 ± 6% and 65 ± 10%, respectively. At high concentrations of the two agents, the contraction was completely abolished by NiCl2 but by only 74 ± 18% in the case of verapamil; this finding suggests that NiCl2 has additional negative inotropic actions at higher concentrations. Carbachol and KCl contractures were attenuated to a similar extent to that of electrically stimulated contractions by NiCl2 and verapamil, which suggests that they act on the muscle rather than the motor nerve. The dependence of the membrane potential on the relative ability of NiCl2 and verapamil to attenuate the contraction was tested by varying the extracellular [KCl], [KCl]o. Varying [KCl]o between 2 and 10 mM depolarised detrusor myocytes from (−65.1 ± 4.7 mV to −42.7 ± 4.0 mV (a slope of 32 mV per 10‐fold change of [KCl]o). In low [KCl]o,blockade by NiCl2 was more effective and that of verapamil less effective; at high [KCl]o, the reverse potency was recorded.

Conclusions:

The data are consistent with the hypothesis that Ca2+ influx through both T‐type and L‐type Ca2+ channels determines the contractile status of detrusor smooth muscle and that T‐type channel activity is more important at membrane potentials near the resting level. A significant role for T‐type channel activity in the resting state was evident in that spontaneous contractions were attenuated to a greater extent than evoked contractions. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:77–82, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring the sensations of urge and bladder filling during cystometry in urge incontinence and the effects of neuromodulation
Authors: Oliver Sarah , Fowler Clare , Mundy Anthony , Craggs Michael
Published: December 2002

Aims:

As urge and urgency contribute greatly to a patient's symptoms, it follows that sensory evaluation combined with noninvasive neuromodulation during urodynamics may provide new criteria for improving patient selection for an implantable stimulator. The purpose of this research was to develop and validate an objective measure of bladder sensations during filling cystometry and then to apply this technique to evaluate the effects of neuromodulation on the sensations of urge measured in this way.

Methods:

In study 1 a new patient‐activated keypad device was tested during urodynamics to measure bladder sensations according to a 0–4 scale and validated by using a technique adapted from a standard psychophysical sensory threshold testing method. In study 2 the effects of pudendal afferent nerve stimulation on measured sensations of urge were assessed during cystometry with patients as their own controls. Forty‐three patients diagnosed with idiopathic detrusor instability were studied; 10 participated in study 1 and 35 in study 2.

Results:

The new device gave reliable and repeatable measures of sensations with statistically significant differences in bladder volume at each of the urge levels tested (Wilcoxon matched pairs test). Neuromodulation suppressed urinary urge in 89% of the 35 patients. This effect was associated with a statistically significant increase in bladder volume at all urge levels.

Conclusions:

A new patient operated key‐pad device provided a reliably objective measure of sensations of urge during urodynamics without the need for prompting. Neuromodulation using noninvasive pudendal afferent stimulation suppressed these sensations whilst increasing bladder volume. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:7–16, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency caused by gene conversion and rearrangements: pitfalls and molecular diagnostic solutions
Authors: Mao Rong , Nelson Lesa , Kates Richard , Miller Christine E. , Donaldson David L. , Tang Wei , Ward Kenneth
Published: December 2002

Objectives

The present paper reports the prenatal diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in two cases of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency. DNA diagnostic errors can be caused by the presence of the highly homologous 21‐hydroxylase pseudogene, CYP21P, adjacent to the functional gene, CYP21. The present paper details how complex gene conversions and rearrangements between the CYP21 and CYP21P pose unique complications for prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

Analysis of eight common mutations in the 21‐hydroxylase gene as well as deletion of the entire gene is accomplished using polymerase chin reaction (PCR) followed by amplified created restriction site (ACRS) or allele‐specific oligohybridization (ASO) and Southern blot followed by hybridization to a CYP21‐specific probe. Linkage analysis was performed using microsatellite markers flanking the CYP21 gene.

Results

The direct mutation detection assay indicated a complicated gene conversion and rearrangement in the probands of both families. Interpretation of these rearrangements made it difficult to determine whether or not the fetuses would be affected with CAH. Linkage studies revealed that each fetus had inherited both parental disease chromosomes and was therefore predicted to be affected with CAH.

Conclusion

As observed in the two reported cases, direct DNA analysis may provide limited information due to gene conversion or rearrangement between the CYP21 and CYP21P genes. These cases suggest that direct mutation detection should be supported by linkage analysis, whenever possible, to provide more comprehensive information for the family. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compromise ultrasound dating policy in maternal serum screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Rahim R. R. , Cuckle H. S. , Sehmi I. K. , Jones R. G.
Published: December 2002

Routine ultrasound biometry is the method of choice for gestational dating when screening for Down syndrome. However, it is costly and an alternative policy is to restrict ultrasound to women most likely to have menstrual dating errors. This was evaluated by statistical modelling with parameters from 14 274 women screened between January 1997 and July 2001 using free beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (free β‐hCG), α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and unconjugated estriol (uE3). A total of 12 711 (89%) women had both ultrasound and menstrual gestations, but in 4101 (29%) women either the last menstrual period (LMP) was uncertain or a pill‐withdrawal period, or there were irregular or abnormal length cycles. The LMP was not entered in the test request form for a further 1404 (9.8%) women. Routine ultrasound dating yielded a predicted detection rate higher than for menstrual dating by 3.9–7.1%, depending on the marker combination and cut‐off. The false‐positive rate was reduced by 0.2–1.1%. Selectively scanning the 39% with unreliable dates increased detection by 2.6–4.6%, and reduced the false‐positive rate by 0.04–0.6%. Some centres only use the ultrasound estimate of gestation when it differs from the menstrual estimate by more than 7 days. Such a rule reduces the gain in detection rate to 2.5–4.6% for routine ultrasound and 1.7–3.1% with the compromise policy; the false‐positive rate reductions are 0.06–0.6% and 0.0–0.3%, respectively. We conclude that if routine ultrasound is not financially and practically feasible, the compromise policy yields a clinically important improvement in screening performance compared to menstrual dating. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limited expression of Fas and Fas ligand in fetal nucleated erythrocytes isolated from first trimester maternal blood
Authors: Sohda Satoshi , Samura Osamu , Johnson Kirby L. , Falco Vincent M. , Elmes R. Sarah , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: December 2002

Objective

Intact fetal cells isolated from maternal blood can be used for non‐invasive gender determination and genetic diagnosis. Recent studies demonstrating a large amount of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma suggest that the circulating fetal DNA may result from fetal cells undergoing apoptosis. In the present study we evaluated the potential role of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) cell surface expression with respect to apoptosis induction in fetal cells isolated from maternal blood.

Methods

We flow sorted candidate fetal cells that were gamma chain‐positive and Fas‐ or FasL‐positive or ‐negative, and subsequently analysed them by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using X and Y chromosome‐specific probes.

Results

Among all gamma hemoglobin‐positive cells, there was a significant difference in the percent of cells expressing Fas versus FasL (4.4 and 12.3, respectively). We found no significant correlation between the total number of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) and gestational age or the presence of Fas‐ and FasL‐positive cells. From approximately 7 ml of maternal peripheral blood, most of the confirmed fetal (XY) cells were found in the Fas‐ and FasL‐negative sorted population; the average numbers were 12.8 and 15.7, respectively.

Conclusion

We conclude that fetal NRBCs express FasL more than Fas, although most fetal NRBCs in first trimester maternal blood samples do not express Fas or FasL. This suggests the absence of a functional Fas/FasL apoptotic system in fetal NRBCs, and that programmed cell death in these cells, which may lead to circulating fetal DNA in maternal plasma, probably occurs by another pathway. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some observations of the structure of the choroid plexus and its cysts
Authors: Kraus Ivan , Jirásek Jan E.
Published: December 2002

The structure of the choroid plexus was studied in five normal human embryos, three normal fetuses and three fetuses with choroid plexus cysts. These were detected by ultrasound and the fetuses were karyotypically normal.

The choroid plexus appears in the lateral cerebral ventricles at the seventh developmental week. The early structure is lobulated with vessels running in the mesenchymal stroma and forming capillary nets under the single‐layered ependymal epithelium. This embryonal structure is converted into the fetal type during the ninth developmental week as the embryonal capillary net is replaced by elongated loops of wavy capillaries that lie under regular longitudinal epithelial folds.

The choroid plexus cysts exhibited accumulation of fluid within distended mesenchymal stroma and did not show the wavy folds on this surface, which was smooth. Within this connective tissue of the cyst wall were distended angiomatous interconnecting thin‐walled capillaries. Therefore, filled cavities were not lined by any epithelium. We suggest that fetal choroid plexuses cysts (at least in many cases) are in fact pseudocysts exhibiting angiomatous patterns of capillaries in their walls. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of Toriello–Carey syndrome
Authors: Paladini Dario , Russo Maria Giovanna , Tartaglione Antonio , Loffredo Annamaria , Martinelli Pasquale
Published: December 2002

Toriello–Carey syndrome is a rare malformative complex, described for the first time in 1988, characterized by agenesis of the corpus callosum, facial anomalies, cardiac defects and hypotonia. Relatively few neonatal cases have been reported. We describe here the first prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of the syndrome based on the detection of agenesis of the corpus callosum and spongious cardiomyopathy in a 22‐week‐old fetus of a couple with positive family history. The first sib of the couple was diagnosed with Toriello–Carey syndrome at 1 year of age, and had, in addition to the typical facial anomalies not detectable by ultrasound, agenesis of the corpus callosum and the same heart lesion (spongious cardiomyopathy). This report demonstrates that prenatal diagnosis of Toriello–Carey syndrome is feasible in the second trimester of pregnancy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting information: what is said, what is heard—a questionnaire study of health professionals and members of the public
Authors: Abramsky Lenore , Fletcher Olivia
Published: December 2002

Objective

To investigate how people perceive some of the words and phrases commonly used in prenatal diagnosis counselling.

Methods

A questionnaire containing 25 questions with forced choice answers was administered in the form of a lecture. Respondents were asked to report how worrying they would find different ways of being told about hypothetical anomalies or risks of anomalies in their baby. 581 questionnaires were completed by 372 health professionals and 209 members of the public. The sample was obtained opportunistically. The exact number of non‐responders is not known but is estimated to be less than 5%.

Results

Respondents reported being particularly worried by the use of genetic jargon and use of the following words: rare, abnormal, syndrome, disorder, anomaly and high risk. They found risk expressed as 1 in X more worrying than when it was expressed as a percentage, and they consistently reacted as if they estimated the chance of an undesired outcome occurring to be greater than that of a desired outcome occurring when both events were equally likely.

Conclusions

The choice of words used to describe a condition or to inform someone about the level of risk of an adverse event occurring may significantly affect how the person perceives that condition or risk. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association between fetal pyelectasis on second trimester ultrasound scan and aneuploidy among 25 586 low risk unselected women
Authors: Havutcu A. E. , Nikolopoulos G. , Adinkra P. , Lamont R. F.
Published: December 2002

Objective

To determine the association of fetal pyelectasis FP found at the time of second trimester detailed ultrasound scan with aneuploidy in an unselected low‐risk population.

Design

Retrospective study of ultrasonographic reports, films and hospital notes over an eight‐year period from 1991 to 1998.

Setting

District general hospital obstetric department with 3500 deliveries annually serving a low‐risk cosmopolitan population.

Main Outcome Measure

The prevalence of aneuploidy in cases of fetal pyelectasis.

Methods

The obstetric ultrasound reports and films of 29591 cases were reviewed to identify those with FP at their detailed anomaly scan between 18 and 24‐weeks gestation. The study sample included women whose scan showed the fetal renal pelvis of either kidney to be five millimetres or more in the anteroposterior diameter. Demographic data and other ultrasonographic abnormalities were noted. The genotype and phenotype of the babies were traced from a combination of cytogenetic reports and paediatric notes.

Results

There were 320 cases of FP among the 25586 low‐risk study population available in the studied gestational period (18–24 weeks) giving a prevalence of 1.25 percent. Of these, 301 cases of FP were found in isolation and 19 were found in association with another ultrasonographic marker. None of the 315 cases delivering at the Northwick Park & St. Mark's Hospital had aneuploidy. Pyelectasis was more likely to be bilateral (57%), and more in male fetuses (72%). The mean diameter for the pyelectasis at diagnosis was 6.5 mm (1.4 SD) ranging between 5 and 15 mm. One hundred and thirty seven cases (43%) resulted in spontaneous resolution.

Conclusion

The prevalence of FP at the anomaly scan in an unselected low‐risk population is not high (1.25%). Our data suggest that the risk of aneuploidy associated with isolated FP in a low‐risk, unselected population is so small that it should not be an indication for invasive prenatal karyotyping. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoechogenicity of fetal long bones: a new ultrasound marker for arthrogryposis
Authors: Murphy June C. , Neale Donna , Bromley Bryann , Benacerraf Beryl R. , Copel Joshua A.
Published: December 2002

Objective

To demonstrate osteopenia associated with arthrogryposis.

Methods & Results

We describe 3 cases of fetal arthrogryposis seen prenatally with the sonographic feature of severe hypoechogenicity of the long bones. This manifestation of presumed osteopenia is thought to represent osteoporosis secondary with absent fetal movement.

Conclusion

We describe hypoechogenicity of the fetal bones as a new sonographic feature of arthrogryposis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender impact on first trimester markers in Down syndrome screening
Authors: Larsen Severin Olesen , Wøjdemann Karen R. , Shalmi Anne‐Cathrine , Sundberg Karin , Christiansen Michael , Tabor Ann
Published: December 2002

The influence of fetal gender on the level in the first trimester of the serological markers alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) and on nuchal translucency is described for 2637 singleton pregnancies with normal outcome. Mean log MoM values for pregnancies with female and male fetuses were calculated using regression of log marker values on gestational age expressed as crown rump length and on maternal weight. A pronounced gender impact was found for free βhCG, being 16% higher for female than for male fetuses. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuchal index: a gestational age independent ultrasound marker for the detection of Down syndrome
Authors: Lim Kenneth I , Pugash Denise , Dansereau Jerome , Wilson R. Douglas
Published: December 2002

Objectives

To determine if the ultrasound marker Nuchal Index (NIx) is gestational age independent, and to determine its specificity and sensitivity for Down syndrome (DS) identification.

Methods

Prospective cohort. A prospective database of fetal biometry and soft markers of aneuploidy was searched for fetuses with the following criteria: confirmed gestational age, at least two measurements of nuchal thickness and biparietal diameter, no major detectable fetal anomalies, and either normal karyotype or normal postnatal exam. Nuchal Index (NIx) was defined as 100x (mean nuchal thickness [mm])/(mean Biparietal Diameter [mm]). This cohort was divided into two groups according to the last digit of their hospital unit number. Initial analysis was carried out in the first group (analysis group), with the second group (normal) used to test the results. A prospective cohort of pre‐ and postnatally diagnosed DS fetuses with at least two measurements of nuchal thickness and biparietal diameter constituted the abnormal study group (abnormal) and was used to determine the sensitivity of the index. P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Eight hundred and seventy‐five fetuses constituted the control group with 455 in the analysis group and 420 in the normal group. In the analysis group, Pearson coefficient and ANOVA confirm that NIx was independent of gestational age between 14 + 0 and 22 + 6 weeks of gestation. For the analysis group, mean NIx was 7.72, (SD = 2.05) and a threshold value of 11.0 yielded a specificity of 94%. Fifty‐two DS fetuses made up the abnormal group. Mean NIx in this group was 17.9 (SD = 13.9), which was highly significant (P < 0.00001) compared to the analysis group. Using an NIx threshold of 11.0, sensitivity for any DS was 61.5% (32/52) and specificity (normal group) was 96% (402/420) (False positive rate = 4%). If DS fetuses with effusions, hydrops, cystic hygromas or central nervous system (CNS) defects are excluded, the sensitivity for an NIx of 11.0 was 50.0% (20/40).

Conclusions

Nuchal Index (NIx) can be assumed to be constant between 14 + 0 and 22 + 6. Using a threshold of 11.0, the sensitivity for any Down syndrome (DS) fetus was 62% (32/52) with a specificity of 96% (False positive rate = 4%). Even when obvious fetal conditions that can cause an increase in NIx are excluded, the sensitivity remains acceptable at 50%. NIx appears to be a useful, gestational age independent ultrasound marker for Down syndrome. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Procrastination, temptations, and incentives: the struggle between the present and the future in procrastinators and the punctual
Authors: Dewitte Siegfried , Schouwenburg Henri C.
Published: December 2002

Two studies investigated the role of impulsivity in procrastinators' problems. In the first study, 147 freshmen completed questionnaires measuring the Big Five personality factors, a broad impulsivity scale, and Lay's general procrastination scale, and their perceptions concerning a compulsory course. The data revealed that procrastination was closely related to a lack of perseverance, that is, the inability to complete projects. This relation explained a large part of the well documented relation between conscientiousness and procrastination. In the second study, a subsample of these students was followed up during 11 weeks before their exams. They had to provide their study intentions and behaviour, the reasons why they failed to enact their intentions, and the perceived impact of studying on their final grade. The data revealed that all students tend to postpone the bulk of their study activities to the last week before an exam, and that this trend could nicely be described by a hyperbolic curve. The results also revealed that procrastinators postponed more of their intentions, mainly because of fun alternatives, but did not intend to study less or later. On the contrary, they even seemed to compensate for their vulnerability by formulating more intentions earlier. Procrastinators emerged as highly motivated students who lack the ability to ward off temptations and distractions during their studying activities. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desirability of control: psychometric properties and relationships with locus of control, personality, coping, and mental and somatic complaints in three Dutch samples
Authors: Gebhardt Winifred A. , Brosschot Jos F.
Published: December 2002

Desire for control (DC) or need for control has frequently been proposed as an important personality characteristic and as a possible crucial moderator within the fields of achievement, psychological adaptation, stress, and health. However, unlike locus of control, hardly any effort has been undertaken to assess the construct. An exception is the work of Burger and Cooper on the Desirability of Control Scale (1979). In the present study, the psychometric properties of a Dutch version of the DC scale were tested in three different samples (total N = 1044). Furthermore, relationships between DC, its subscales, and various psychological personality and outcome measures were examined.

The results show that the psychometric properties of the original DC scale could be successfully transposed to the Dutch version. Furthermore, factor analyses (PCA) led to the construction of three reliable subscales: ‘control others’ (desire to be in charge of and control others), ‘control self’ (desire to control one's own life), and ‘relinquish control’ (desire to leave others in control). The pattern of relationships with convergent and outcome variables supports the interpretation of these subscales. For ‘control others’, as for the total DC scale (i.e. a total of all 20 items), the emphasis of these relationships was on dominance, active coping, and psychological adjustment. ‘Control self’ was mainly related to self‐sufficiency and independence, while ‘relinquish control’ was clearly associated with passive coping and poor psychological adjustment. In summary, the DC scale appears to be a psychometrically sound instrument to assess desire for control and its subdimensions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Difficult temperament predicts self‐esteem in adolescence
Authors: Heinonen Kati , Räikkönen Katri , Keskivaara Pertti , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa
Published: December 2002

A six‐year longitudinal study investigated the impact of maternal hostile child‐rearing attitudes, role dissatisfaction, and maternal perceptions of adolescent temperamental difficultness on self‐esteem in late adolescence, after controlling for the initial self‐esteem measured in early adolescence. Adolescents (n = 313), derived from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study, rated their self‐esteem at the study entry at age 12, and six years later at age 18. Maternal reports of child‐rearing attitudes, of role satisfaction, and of the temperament of the adolescent were obtained at the study entry and three years later. Mother's perceptions of adolescent's temperament as difficult at ages 12 and 15 predicted adolescent's self‐reported self‐esteem in late adolescence, whereas earlier self‐esteem did not predict later perceptions of temperament or parenting. We found no evidence that maternal perceptions of parenting indirectly, or after controlling for the initial level, predicted adolescent's self‐reported self‐esteem. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of solvent absorption and permeation through a highly swellable elastomeric network
Authors: Barrière Benoît , Leibler Ludwik
Published: December 2002

To model a polymer gel or an elastomer undergoing a large change in volume under the action of a solvent diffusing in or out of it, a theoretical approach based on an elastohydrodynamic point of view is proposed. Drawing a parallel between the polymer network/solvent system of interest and a liquid flowing through a porous medium, the friction between the polymer and the solvent is described phenomenologically. An equation that couples the large elastic deformations undergone by the polymer network and the diffusion process is derived and then solved numerically in various cases. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of the shear elasticity during the diffusion process. During the swelling process, a nonzero shear modulus induces a nonisotropic swelling at the surface that is responsible for the “sigmoidal” shape of the mass uptake of solvent with the square root of time, as well as for the presence of a “front” in the concentration profile when the solvent advances inside the network. In a permeation process, the solvent flux deviates from its linear behavior as soon as a nonnegligible deformation of the membrane is present. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 166–182, 2003
Intimate blend of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) via formation with and coalescence from their common inclusion compound with γ‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Bullions T. A. , Edeki E. M. , Porbeni F. E. , Wei M. , Shuai X. , Rusa C. C. , Tonelli A. E.
Published: December 2002

The experimental procedures to place poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) guest molecules within γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) host molecules are described along with the subsequent verification of inclusion‐compound (IC) formation. In addition, the simultaneous complexing of PEN and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with γ‐CD to form their common IC is documented. Coalescence from their common γ‐CD IC generates an intimate blend of the PET and PEN polymers contained therein. Thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry reveals thermal behavior indicative of an intimate blend of PET and PEN. 1H NMR analysis confirms that the intimate blending of PET and PEN achieved by coalescence from their common γ‐CD IC is not due to transesterification into a PET/PEN copolymer during thermal analysis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 139–148, 2003
Preparation of polymer microspheres from solutions
Authors: Chai Zhikuan , Zheng Xiao , Sun Xuefei
Published: December 2002

Polymer microspheres are obtained by the dropwise addition of a precipitant, containing a polymeric stabilizer, into a polymer solution, containing a polymeric stabilizer. The polymer and stabilizer concentrations, the stirring speed, and the precipitation temperature determine the size and size uniformity of the microspheres. Seven polymer microspheres of polyimide, poly(ether imide), poly(ether ketone), poly(phenylene oxide), polysulfone, poly(vinylidene fluoride), and cellulose diacetate have been prepared with dimethylacetamide as the solvent, with water as the precipitant, and with poly(vinyl alcohol) as the stabilizer. The size and size uniformity of the obtained microspheres are d = 2.3–25.7 μm and ϵ = 0.15–0.50, respectively (ϵ = σ/d, where ϵ is the dispersion coefficient, d is the average diameter, and σ is the standard deviation of the diameter). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 159–165, 2003