bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERIAL HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN ESTIMATIONS IN SERUM AND PLACENTAL WEIGHT‐FOR‐DATES
Authors: Stroobants W. L. A. , Van Zanten A. K. , De Bruijn H. W. A. , Van Doorm J. M. , Huisjes H. J.
Published: August 2005

The relation between serial HPL assays in serum and placental weight‐for‐dates was studied in 70 randomly chosen pregnant women. Out of five different aspects of the HPL curve only a fall below the 2 3d centile without subsequent recovery was related to low placental weight. When a small‐for‐dates (SFD) placenta was associated with normal HPL levels, maternal body weight tended to be lower than if both placental weight and HPL levels were abnormal. This suggests that physiologically small placentae are discernible from pathologically small placentae by a normal HPL curve.
PRIMARY CARCINOMA OF STOMACH WITH UTERINE METASTASIS
Authors: Leiberman J. , Chaim W. , Cohen A. , Czernobilsky B.
Published: August 2005

Curettings from a 42‐year‐old woman who suffered from heartburn, weight loss and irregular vaginal bleeding showed apparently metastatic mucoid adeno carcinoma in the endocervix. The primary site of tumour was not evident. At laparotomy a gastric adenocarcinoma was found and total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and partial gastrectomy were performed. Histological examination showed a diffuse mucoid adenocarcinoma of stomach with metastases to lymph nodes, uterine body, cervix and one ovary. The literature about metastasis of extragenital cancer to the uterus is reviewed and possible mechanisms are discussed.
CORTISOL METABOLISM AFTER ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: TOTAL PLASMA CORTISOL AND THE FREE CORTISOL INDEX
Authors: Brien T. G.
Published: August 2005

Plasma concentrations of cortisol, cortisol resin uptake ratio (cortisol RUR) and free cortisol index (FCI) were measured in women taking combined oestrogen/progestogen and progestogen only oral contraceptives. Compared to control subjects, women taking the combined pill had elevated cortisol and cortisol RUR values in both the morning and afternoon but there was no significant change in FCI. Women taking the progestogen only pill had essentially normal levels of cortisol, cortisol RUR and FCI at both times of the day. As far as could be judged, diurnal variation of total cortisol and FCI remained unimpaired in women taking both types of pill. The FCI measurements indicated that there was no significant increase in metabolically active cortisol in women taking either the combined oestrogen/progestogen or the progestogen only type of oral contraceptive.
SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULINS AND C‐REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PATIENTS USING INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES
Authors: Mountrose U. E. , Whitehouse W. L. , Slater Linda
Published: August 2005

Serum IgA, IgG, IgM and C‐reactive protein levels were measured over a 12‐week period in 20 women using the intrauterine contraceptive device. No significant amount of serum C‐reactive protein was detected at any time. Alterations in the serum immunoglobulin levels are discussed.
A LARGE HAMARTOMA (ANGIOLEIOMYOLIPOMA) ARISING FROM THE UTERINE CERVIX
Authors: Coltart T. M. , Missen G. A. K.
Published: August 2005

A pelvic mass removed from an asymptomatic 52‐year‐old woman proved to be a large angioleiomyolipoma arising from the cervix and lying within the broad ligament. It was histologically unusual in that it incorporated structures reproducing the sinuses of lymph nodes.
THE AMNIOTIC FLUID FOAM TEST AND FAT CELL COUNT IN MALNOURISHED AND WELL‐NOURISHED FETUSES
Authors: Fairbrother P. F. , Du Torr Irene L. , Cheifitz R. L.
Published: August 2005

A malnourished fetus has a higher concentration of pulmonary surfactant in the amniotic fluid than its well‐nourished contemporary. The clinical value of this observation is discussed. Malnourished fetuses have higher “fat cell” counts in their amniotic fluid than well‐nourished contemporaries. Well‐nourished fetuses, at the same gestational age have high fat cell counts when the surfactant concentration is high, and low fat cell counts when the surfactant concentration is low. The relationship between surfactant concentration and the fat cell count is discussed.
PLACENTAL CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH A LOW HAEMATOCRIT
Authors: Agboola A.
Published: August 2005

The relationship between haematocrit, macroscopic and histological features of the placenta and fetal weight were studied in a group of 50 Nigerian patients; half of them had a low haematocrit at booking. The presence of a low haematocrit (28 per cent or less) was associated with higher placental weight, lower fetal weight, better fetal/placental weight correlation and more villous fibrosis than were found in control patients with a haematocrit of 35 per cent or more.
THE OBSTETRlC PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIAN PRIMIGRAVIDAE AGED 16 AND UNDER
Authors: Efiong E. I. , Banjoko M. O.
Published: August 2005

The obstetric performance of 105 primigravidae aged 16 or under who received inadequate antenatal care was compared with that of 95 primigravidae of the same age who had adequate antenatal care and with 100 primigravidae aged 22 years who also had adequate antenatal care. The increased incidence of preeclampsia and babies weighing under 2.5 kg. in teenage pregnancy was confirmed. The effects of both hazards were diminished by good antenatal care.
THE EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUS RITODRINE ON THE ACID‐BASE STATUS OF THE FETUS DURING THE SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR
Authors: Humphrey Michael , Chang Allan , Gilbert Marie , Wood Carl
Published: August 2005

A progressive fetal respiratory acidosis occurs in the second stage of labour. A double‐blind controlled trial showed that the intravenous infusion of Ritodrine abolished this.
DILATATION OF THE PAROUS NON‐PREGNANT CERVIX
Authors: Liu David T. Y. , Black Martin M. , Melcher David H. , Melville Herbert A. H. , Cameron Stephen , Morgon John
Published: August 2005

In vitro cervical dilatations were carried out on 33 uteri removed by hysterectomy for conditions not involving the cervix from parous women in their reproductive span of life. A specially designed force measuring dilator was used for all the tests. The analysis of the results involved the application of a thick‐walled cylindrical stress determination technique. Using this approach it was possible to calculate quasi‐elastic moduli for different degrees of dilatation and obtain theoretical distributions of radial and circumferential stress across the cervical wall. These results indicated a yielding of the cervical tissue at about 9 to 11 mm. dilatation in a significant number of cases.
AMNIOTIC FLUlD α1 FETOPROTEIN IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF NEURAL TRACT MALFORMATIONS
Authors: Stewart C. R. , Ward A. Milford , Lorber J.
Published: August 2005

Amniotic fluid α1 fetoprotein levels were determined in 400 pregnancies. The normal range for α1 fetoprotein in amniotic fluid was defined by 350 samples from normal pregnancies. Elevated levels of α1 fetoprotein were detected in 17 out of 18 pregnancies which gave rise to infants with neural tract abnormalities. The significance of this test in the antenatal diagnosis of neural tract abnormalities is discussed together with the possible reasons for “false negative” and “false positive” results. There were no complications in an individual series of 105 consecutive amniocenteses.
IMMUNOGLOBULIN M IN HUMAN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND ITS POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION WITH NEURAL‐TUBE MALFORMATIONS
Authors: Cantuaria A. A. , Jones A. L.
Published: August 2005

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) was found in the amniotic fluid from two fetuses with neural tube defects but not in that from normal fetuses. The possible associations of IgM with abnormalities of the central nervous system are discussed.
NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA FOLLOWING THE USE OF OXYTOCIN IN LABOUR
Authors: Beazley John M. , Alderman Brian
Published: August 2005

A prospective study of 1353 labours and the relevant newborn failed to reveal any significant difference between the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia (defined as a level of 12 mg. or more per 100 ml.) following spontaneous labour, and after labour induced or accelerated by oxytocin. The incidence of unexplained neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia after spontaneous labour was 6.3 per cent. Following induced labour however there was a highly significant (P<0 00l) association between the mean total dose of oxytocin used for induction and the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. The proportion of babies who developed hyperbilirubinaemia increased in direct relation to the total dose of oxytocin used for the induction. In this series the incidence of hyperbilirubinaemia increased sharply when the total dose of oxytocin exceeded 20 units as it did in 12 per cent of induced labours. No association was demonstrated between neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and birthweight, or duration of spontaneous labour. When labour was induced, however, the proportion of newborn babies with hyperbilirubinaemia increased with the duration of labour. The significance of these findings is discussed.
SECONDARY POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
Authors: Rome Robert M.
Published: August 2005

The clinical features of 106 women who had a secondary postpartum haemorrhage were examined in detail; 39 were managed conservatively, 3 had a vaginal laceration resutured and 64 had a curettage. In 46 patients, material obtained by curettage was examined histologically. The clinical features associated with retained products of conception are defined and comparisons are made between conservative and surgical management of secondary postpartum haemorrhage.
A REVIEW OF 700 HYSTEROTOMIES
Authors: Nottage B. J. , Liston W. A.
Published: August 2005

We studied 700 hysterotomies carried out in Aberdeen between 1968 and 1972. The morbidity and mortality indicate that the operation is now outdated as a method of terminating pregnancy. A study of referral practice showed that there were many unnecessary delays.
CREATINE PHOSPHOKINASE (CPK) LEVELS IN PREGNANCY: A CASE REPORT AND A DISCUSSION OF THE VALUE OF CPK LEVELS IN THE PREDICTION OF POSSlBLE MALIGNANT HYPERPYREXIA
Authors: Isherwood D. M. , Ridley J. , Wilson J.
Published: August 2005

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels during two consecutive pregnancies of a patient whose sister had died of malignant hyperpyrexia have been investigated. The results are compared with CPK levels of serum obtained from apparently normal people at similar stages of pregnancy. The rise of serum CPK occurring as a result of labour was much more pronounced in the malignant hyperpyrexia suspect.
PREVIOUS REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY IN MOTHERS PRESENTING WITH SPONTANEOUS ABORTIONS
Authors: Alberman Eva , Elliott Maureen , Creasy M. , Dhadial R.
Published: August 2005

Information on the previous reproductive history of 3467 mothers presenting with a spontaneous abortion is compared with that of a control series presenting with a livebirth. In 1384 abortions the chromosome constitution of the fetal products was determined. The mothers who had delivered a chromosomally normal abortion more often had a history of previous repeated abortions, while those of chromosomally abnormal abortions tended to have fewer repeated abortions but an excess of previous viable children with Down's syndrome. Data are also presented on 23 mothers with two spontaneous abortions of known karyotype; these, together with similar data obtained elsewhere, made it possible to estimate an overall rate of recurrence of chromosome defects in conceptions of the same parents, and the probability that affected fetuses will survive to a viable stage in pregnancy. The clinical and genetic implications of the findings are briefly discussed.
OESTROGEN‐INDUCED ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA IN A PATIENT WITH GONADAL DYSGENESIS
Authors: Roberts G. , Wells A. L.
Published: August 2005

This case report describes the genesis of endometrial carcinoma after prolonged stilboestrol therapy in a patient with gonadal dysgenesis (Turner's syndrome). The varied histological appearance included the presence of cartilage‐like material. A review of the literature reveals the need to treat these patients with combined oestrogen/progestogen preparations rather than with continuous unopposed oestrogens.
ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA AFTER CYCLICAL OESTROGEN‐PROGESTOGEN THERAPY FOR TURNER'S SYNDROME
Authors: McCarroll A. M. , Montgomery D. A. , McD. G. Harley J. , McKeown E. F. , MacHenry J. C.
Published: August 2005

A case of endometrial adenocarcinoma in a patient with Turner's syndrome who had received long term combined oestrogen‐progestogen therapy is described.
TOPICAL OESTROGEN THERAPY FOR LABIAL ADHESIONS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Aribarg Anek
Published: August 2005

Labial adhesions separated spontaneously after one month of the topical oestrogen therapy in 22 (88 per cent) out of 25 children. This treatment was safe, painless, without significant complications and of lasting value.
PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA IN PREGNANCY CASE REPORT
Authors: Awitti‐Sunga S. A. , Ursellm W.
Published: August 2005

A patient was found to have a phaeochromocytoma in the 36th week of pregnancy. She was successfully managed by medical treatment, vaginal delivery and resection of the adrenal tumour seven weeks after delivery.
MICROSURGICAL REANASTOMOSIS OF THE RABBIT OVIDUCT AND ITS FUNCTIONAL AND PATHOLOGICAL SEQUELAE
Authors: Winston R. M. L.
Published: August 2005

A microsurgical technique for anastomosis of the oviduct is described using the rabbit as an animal model. A control group of five previously sterilized rabbits had both oviducts rejoined and all became pregnant. Another three groups of animals had a reanastomosis immediately after division of both oviducts. One oviduct was later removed for histological study and the animals were subsequently mated. Twenty‐three out of 25 (92 per cent) conceived and delivered a normal litter after repair of the oviduct with very fine nylon sutures without postoperative splinting; only seven out of 15 (46.7 per cent) delivered after catgut sutures had been used without splinting and only 9 out of 20 (45 per cent) delivered when nylon sutures were used and the oviduct splinted for seven days. Both the use of catgut sutures and prolonged splinting were associated with increased fibrosis, adhesion formation and poor healing of the anastomosis.
FETO‐MATERNAL HAEMORRHAGE FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL AND UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS AT EXTERNAL CEPHALIC VERSION
Authors: Marcus R. G. , Crewe‐Brown H. , Krawitz S. , Katz J.
Published: August 2005

In the present study, 6 out of 100 patients who had an attempted or actual external cephalic version (ECV) showed significant feto‐maternal haemorrhage, the amount being greatest in patients with “failed” external versions. Thus ECV may be a source of rhesus iso‐immunization in a rhesus negative mother with a rhesus positive fetus and should not be performed unless the father is rhesus negative. If, however, an ECV has been attempted, fetal cell counts should then be made and rhesus immunoprophylaxis administered if necessary.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORMAL LABOUR IN DIFFERENT RACIAL GROUPS
Authors: Duignan N. M. , Studd J. W. W. , Hughes A. O.
Published: August 2005

The characteristics of normal labour in 1306 white, Asian and black parturients have been established following a prospective study of 3217 consecutive labours. Asian patients were found to be of significantly shorter stature than white or black women (p<0.001) and their infants significantly lighter than those of white (p<0.001) and of black (p<0.05) women, and a low positive correlation was found between maternal height and infant birth weight. The mean duration of the first stage of labour, taken from the time of admission to the labour ward, was 5‐6 hours in primiparae and 3.7 hours in multiparae. The mean durations of the second stage of labour were 41.5 and 17.4 minutes respectively. The correlations between the duration of the first and second stages of labour were too low to be of value in patient management. Similar low correlations were found between the duration of the second stage of labour and both infant birth weight and the Apgar score at one minute. Cervical dilatation‐time curves, constructed with reference to the cervical dilatation found on admission to the labour ward, revealed no significant differences in the progress of normal labour in the different racial groups.
INFERTILITY IN WOMEN WITH APPARENTLY OVULATORY CYCLES
Authors: Dodson Kay S. , Macnaughton M. C. , Coutts J. R. T.
Published: August 2005

Serial daily plasma profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and oestradiol 17β throughout single menstrual cycles from seven patients with a history of infertility but with normal menstrual rhythm and no apparent ovarian dysfunction were compared with those from apparently normally menstruating women. This comparison showed that the infertile group produced poor corpora lutea after poor follicular growth. The poor follicular growth may be related to depressed pituitary release of FSH in response to a negative feedback effect of elevated progesterone levels.

Thanks are due to Mr. W. McNally, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who performed the art work; to Mr. Alan Craig of Searle Scientific Services, who supervised the FSH assays; to Dr. Philip England of Research Department, Royal Maternity Hospital, who supervised the LH assays; to Mr. Archie Robertson, Research Department, Royal Maternity Hospital, who was responsible for photography; to Dr. P. D. G. Dean for a gift of oestradiol antiserum, and to the Medical Research Council (Grant G971/222/C) for financial assistance.
MATERNAL PLASMA ALPHAFETOPROTEIN LEVELS IN THE SECOND HALF OF NORMAL PREGNANCY: RELATIONSHIP TO FETAL WEIGHT, AND MATERNAL AGE AND PARITY
Authors: Leek A. E. , Ruoss C. F. , Kitau M. J. , Chard T.
Published: August 2005

A semi‐automated radioimmunoassay for plasma alphafetoprotein has been developed, suitable for routine clinical use. Several hundred samples can be assayed in a working week, with results available within 24 hours. The use of extensive quality controls ensures that good precision is maintained both within and between assays. The range of plasma concentrations of alphafetoprotein in the second half of pregnancy has been established in 100 normal subjects. The levels rise progressively to reach a peak at 32 weeks, and thereafter fall until term. No relationship between circulating alphafetoprotein levels and birth weight was observed.
ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT OF FETAL ABDOMEN CIRCUMFERENCE IN THE ESTIMATION OF FETAL WEIGHT
Authors: Campbell Stuart , Wilkin David
Published: August 2005

A method of estimating fetal weight by ultrasonic measurement of the fetal abdominal circumference is described. Assessment of birth weight predictions on 140 fetuses who were delivered within 48 hours of this measurement showed that the accuracy of predictions varied with the size of the fetus; at a predicted weight of 1 kg, 95 per cent of birth weights fell within 160 g, while at 2 kg, 3 kg and 4 kg the corresponding values were 290 g, 450 g and 590 g respectively. Expressed as a percentage of the predicted weight, confidence limits remained constant throughout the birth weight range. Extrapolation of these data to routine screening of the obstetric population showed that with a single measurement at 32 weeks menstrual age, 87 per cent of babies below the 5th centile would be detected by this method but that the diagnosis rate would fall to 63 per cent at 38 weeks. The false positive diagnosis rate would remain constant between 32 and 38 weeks at just over 1 per cent.
COMPARISON OF INTRAVENOUS OXYTOCIN AND PROSTAGLANDIN E2FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR USING AUTOMATIC AND NON‐AUTOMATIC INFUSION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Calder A. A. , Embrey M. P.
Published: August 2005

A double blind trial of prostaglandin E2and oxytocin given by intravenous infusion after amniotomy for induction of labour in 100 primigravidae with unfavourable induction features is reported. No clear‐cut advantage of either drug emerged although PGE2was perhaps superior when the cervix was highly unfavourable. Prostaglandin E2appeared to produce less deleterious effects on the fetus but was associated with a higher incidence of maternal side effects. The automatic Cardiff Infusion apparatus was found to be a safe means of PGE2infusion and to have advantages over the use of non‐automatic techniques both for PGE2and for oxytocin infusion.
THE PREDICTIVE VALUE OF THYROID “TEST PROFILE” IN HABITUAL ABORTION
Authors: Winikoff Dora , Malinek Malvina
Published: August 2005

A characteristic thyroid test profile is observed in pregnancy; it consists of an elevated serum thyroxine (TJ), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) and electro‐phoretic index (EI) with lowered triiodothyronine resin uptake (T3U), the free thyroxine index (FTI) remaining in the normal range. An investigation was made of progressive changes in these parameters in 70 normal pregnant women, 34 pregnant women with a past history of habitual abortion who carried to term, seven habitual aborters who miscarried again, and 49 women at the time of spontaneous miscarriage. The results indicated that normal women reached a typical pregnancy thyroid test profile at seven to eight weeks' gestation while habitual aborters carrying a pregnancy to term reached it at 14 to I5 weeks and almost all patients who miscarried never reached it at all. In addition, four women who had aborted previously and were treated with thyroxine throughout six pregnancies, developed a normal “thyroid profile” and carried their pregnancy to term. The significance of the “predictive value” of the test profile is discussed.
THE UTERINE CERVIX FROM ADOLESCENCE TO THE MENOPAUSE
Authors: Singer Albert
Published: August 2005

During adolescence the physiological transformation zone of the cervix in the virgin undergoes limited change when compared to that of girls who are sexually promiscuous; the latter often show large areas of metaplastic squamous epithelium and the development of an atypical transformation zone. During pregnancy, particularly the first, the transformation zone increases in size and acquires increased amounts of squamous metaplastic epithelium, probably due to the effect of acidic vaginal fluid on endocervical columnar epithelium. Evidence exists for the development of an atypical transformation zone during pregnancy with its own variable neoplastic potential. After delivery the atypical epithelium of the cervix may be partly or completely removed with resulting regression of the lesion. Alternatively, neoplastic potential may alter or the lesion may remain static or recur in its previous form. After the childbearing era the physiological transformation zone undergoes minimal change until the menopause when the whole cervix shrinks. As the studies described above dramatically show, the sexually promiscuous woman at all ages has an increased risk of developing cervical neoplasia; this risk seems to be highest in the third decade of life.
STUDIES ON COAGULATION AND FIBRINOLYSLS IN BLOOD FROM PUERPERAL WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT OESTROGEN TREATMENT
Authors: Gjønnáss Halvard , Fagerhol Magne K. , Stormorken Helge
Published: August 2005

Coagulation and fibrinolytic studies were made on 25 women who had a normal puerperium and breast fed their babies and on 32 otherwise healthy women who had lactation suppressed by diethylstilboestrol. In the untreated patients the fibrinogen, Factors VIII and IX, platelet count, and antifibrinolytic activity increased, and the levels of Factors II, VII, and X and of plasminogen and plasminogen proactivator decreased. The incidence of cold activation of Factor VII decreased slowly from the 5th postpartum day onwards. The concentration of antithrombin TI1 which was depressed in pregnancy, increased in the puerperiuin and was the only observed change that counteracted an increased coagulation potential. Oestrogen treatment produced further increases of Factors II, VII, and X, platelet count, and the cold activation of Factor VII while it decreased the concentration of antithrombin III. These changes favoured coagulation but were possibly to some degree counterbalanced by an increased concentration of plasminogen and decreased antifibrinolytic activity.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Cudworth A. G. , Veevers A.
Published: August 2005

Blood sugar, serum insulin and growth hormone levels in response to 100 g. of oral glucose were studied under carefully controlled conditions on days 9, 18 and 27 of the menstrual cycle in 20 healthy women aged 18 to 20 years. The results indicate that blood sugar and serum insulin levels in response to oral glucose loading do not alter significantly in the menstrual cycle. Seven of the women had repeat studies on the same days three cycles later. No significant change in blood sugar or serum insulin levels occurred between cycles. The fasting growth hormone level was highest at the time of impending menstruation in 11 subjects (55 per cent) but the difference in mean values for the group as a whole was not statistically significant. It is concluded that the changes in endogenous hormone levels in a menstrual cycle do not produce significant alterations in carbohydrate metabolism in normal women in this age group. The reported divergence of blood glucose and insulin levels after oral glucose in the menstrual cycle may reflect the interaction of other factors such as age and parity on glucose tolerance. It is suggested that investigations into the metabolic effects of oral contraceptive steroids on these parameters should be performed in nulliparous women in a similar age range.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE INFLUENCE OF POSTURE ON RENAL PLASMA FLOW AND GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE DURING LATE PREGNANCY
Authors: Dunlop W.
Published: August 2005

Renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were investigated in three positions (supine, left lateral and sitting) in a group of eighteen healthy women during late pregnancy and again after the puerperium. No difference in renal function could be attributed to the position adopted. However, an unexplained decrease in both of the indices occurred during the course of prolonged infusion in any position.
PLACENTAL GLYCOGEN
Authors: Robb Stephanie A. , Hytten F. E.
Published: August 2005

The quantity and distribution of glycogen has been studied in 86 placentae from the last trimester of pregnancy and 8 of 8 to 16 weeks gestational age. In the first trimester glycogen concentrations were high, between 4.5 to 6.5 mg/g of blood‐free tissue, but from about 12 weeks to term the concentrations were within a narrow range around 1.5 mg/g. The level did not deviate appreciably from normal in a range of clinical conditions: diabetes, intrauterine growth retardation, pre‐eclampsia or acute fetal distress, and was unaffected by the length of labour and whether or not the mother had been given an infusion of dextrose. Nor was it affected by a wide range of glucose concentrations in the maternal and fetal plasma and in the placental tissue itself or by insulin concentrations in either circulation. After the first few weeks of pregnancy glycogen in the placenta was shown to be restricted to the vicinity of major fetal blood vessels. Here it may be presumed to act as an energy reserve for vasomotor activity. All the evidence suggests that any importance placental glycogen may have is likely to be local, in relation to the placental vessels; a more general role, as an emergency energy source for the fetus, seems unlikely.
THE FAILURE OF PYRIDOXINE IN SUPPRESSION OF PUERPERAL LACTATION
Authors: Macdonald H. N. , Collins Y. D. , Tobin M. J. W. , Wijayaratne D. N.
Published: August 2005

The benefits of pyridoxine in the suppression of lactation were assessed in a double blind controlled trial on 175 puerperal women. No significant differences were demonstrated between pyridoxine and the placebo whether assessed by subjective discomfort or by the persistence of lactation.
NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA FOLLOWING THE USE OF PROSTAGLANDIN E2 IN LABOUR
Authors: Beazley J. M. , Weekes A. R. L.
Published: August 2005

A prospective study of 447 labours and the resulting newborn failed to reveal any significant difference between the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, denned as a level of at least 205 μmol/1 (12 mg/100 ml), following spontaneous labour and after labour induced or accelerated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The incidence of unexplained neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia after spontaneous labour was 4 ± 5 per cent. There was no significant association betweeen the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and the total dose of PGE2 used for induction. None of the babies of the six mothers who required more than 1.5 mg of PGE2 to induce labour developed hyperbilirubinaemia. No association was demonstrated between neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and birth weight or the duration of labour. The implications of these findings are discussed.
HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING NORMAL PREGNANCY: IRON INDUCED MACROCYTOSIS
Authors: Taylor D. J. , Lind T.
Published: August 2005

Haematological indices in 300 pregnant and 50 non‐pregnant women were obtained by Coulter Counter analysis. In 147 women who did not receive iron supplements during pregnancy, haemoglobin concentration fell from a mean of 12.23 g/dl in early pregnancy to 11.04 g/dl at 34 weeks gestation, a level which was maintained until term. In the 153 women to whom iron supplements were given during pregnancy, the initial fall in haemoglobin concentration was less, was arrested by 28 weeks gestation and then rose to a level equivalent to the booking level. This different pattern in iron supplemented pregnancies was due to an increase in the red cell count together with a change in mean cell volume. Although the changed mean cell volume usually remained within the normal range in the group who did not take iron, a few women developed microcytosis which could reflect iron deficiency; a macrocytic change was noted in a small number of the women who received routine iron supplements and this could reflect iron ‘over sufficiency’. The results are discussed in relation to the possible effects of giving routine oral iron to all pregnant women.
THE RESPONSE OF THE FETAL HEART RATE TO AMNIOCENTESIS
Authors: Ron M. , Polishuk W. Z.
Published: August 2005

Fetal heart rate monitoring during 107 amniocenteses suggested that acceleration of the fetal heart rate indicated fetal well–being. Eight out of the 19 fetuses who did not show this response (as against 2 out of the 88 others) had a low Apgar score at birth.
THE EFFECT OF OXYTOCICS ON THE HUMAN CERVIX DURING MIDTRIMESTER PREGNANCY
Authors: Mackenzie I. Z.
Published: August 2005

Observations of the effects of oxytocics on the human pregnant cervix have been made in vivo using a double open ended catheter technique. Prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2α and oxytocin had similar but no specific effects upon the intracervical canal pressure; ergometrine caused contractions of the cervix. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to cervical rupture and cervico–vaginal fistulae that have been reported following second trimester abortion induced with prostaglandins.
CELLULAR DEVELOPMENT OF SOME EMBRYONIC ORGANS AND THE CHORION DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Gellén J.
Published: August 2005

The DNA, RNA and protein content of chorionic tissue, heart, liver, kidney, lung and brain was estimated in 27 fetuses obtained at termination of pregnancy between 50 and 105 days of menstrual age. For brain, heart and liver, growth appeared to be most rapid at the earliest period studied (50 to 60 days) whereas kidney and lung development was most rapid later in the first trimester. It is suggested that these periods of particularly rapid growth may be the times at which those tissues are most vulnerable to injury.
STUDY OF THE UTERINE CAVITY BY ULTRASOUND IN THE EARLY PUERPERIUM
Authors: Rodeck C. H. , Newton J. R.
Published: August 2005

The uterine cavity length, maximum width and area were determined by ultrasonic scanning in ten women after their first full term delivery (primiparae) and ten women after their second full term delivery (secundiparae) during the first eight days of the puerperium. A consistent and progressive decrease in all three measurements was found; although faster between days 1 and 3 than between days 3 and 8 the difference was statistically significant only for cavity area. The rates of involution for both parity groups were similar and were not influenced by breast feeding. The cavity length in primiparae and secundiparae was also similar, but the maximum width on days 3, 5 and 8 and the area on days 3 and 5 were significantly greater in secundiparae. A correlation between the infant birth weight and cavity length on day 1 and between infant birth weight and cavity area on days 1, 3 and 5 was found in secundiparae.
THE EFFECT OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON PLASMA CORTISOL AND CORTISOL BINDING CAPACITY THROUGHOUT THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN NORMAL WOMEN
Authors: Durber Susan M. , Lawson June , Daly J. R.
Published: August 2005

Plasma cortisol and cortisol binding capacity (CBC) was measured throughout the menstrual cycle in 25 healthy women aged between 20 and 35 years. Ten women were taking an oral contraceptive containing 50 μg oestrogen and progestogen (‘combined pill’), one patient took a progestogen‐only contraceptive and 14 served as controls. Despite the low oestrogen content of the combined pill the level of plasma cortisol and CBC were significantly higher than in controls at all stages of the cycle, and the cortisol/CBC ratio greater than unity during most of it. Levels in the woman taking a progestogen‐only contraceptive were indistinguishable from controls. The plasma cortisol and CBC levels were significantly higher in the last week of the cycle than in the first in the combined pill group, but there was no significant variation in the controls.
ANGIOMATOUS LYMPHOID HAMARTOMA OF THE PELVIS
Authors: Bainbridge E. T.
Published: August 2005

A mass removed from the pelvic retroperitoneal tissues of a 24‐year‐old woman was found to be an angiomatous lymphoid hamartoma. The clinical, radiological and histological features are described, and the problems encountered in diagnosis discussed.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAISED MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN LEVELS
Authors: Monk Antoinette M. , Goldie D. J.
Published: August 2005

A radioimmunoassay for alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is described and normal ranges for both maternal serum and in amniotic fluid throughout pregnancy are defined. Maternal serum AFP levels in at risk pregnancies were found to be no different from those in normal pregnancies. AFP levels in pregnancies complicated by neural tube and other congenital defects, fetal death or maternal hypertension are documented. Eight patients with a fetus deformed by anencephaly or an open spina bifida were tested before 22 weeks; seven of them had raised serum AFP levels. Other causes of raised serum AFP levels are described and the significance of a raised serum AFP level is discussed with particular reference to screening programmes.
RELATION OF PLASMA OESTRIOL TO CHANGES IN BLOOD PRESSURE IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Kurnia P. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: August 2005

Serial plasma oestriol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 24 patients with severe hypertension in pregnancy. No significant correlation could be found between plasma oestriol and percentage change in diastolic blood pressure. It seems unlikely that hypotensive therapy significantly improves fetoplacental function.
PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTRIOL‐17β OESTRIOL AND HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN DURING BED REST
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Mok H. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: August 2005

Plasma unconjugated oestradiol‐17/2, total oestriol and human placental lactogen levels were measured in twelve healthy volunteers admitted for bed rest in the last trimester of pregnancy. No significant alteration in levels was observed.
LOCATION OF THE PROTEIN HORMONES OF THE PLACENTA BY THE IMMUNOPEROXIDASE TECHNIQUE
Authors: Gau G. , Chard T.
Published: August 2005

An attempt has been made to locate human placental lactogen (HPL) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in cells within the human term placenta. Using immunoperoxidase techniques on frozen sections of tissue, no difference could be found between specific antisera and control sera. A theory is put forward that it may not be possible to visualize these hormones in the placenta using present immunoperoxidase techniques.
THE COLPOSUSPENSION OPERATION FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE
Authors: Stanton S. L. , Williams J. E. , Ritchie D.
Published: August 2005

Forty‐two patients with urinary incontinence and related symptoms were treated by colposuspension. Two patients were lost to follow‐up and the results of surgery in the remaining 40 patients are presented and discussed. The place of vaginal surgery in women with urinary symptoms is also discussed.
THE MEASUREMENT OF UTERINE ACTIVITY IN INDUCED LABOUR
Authors: Woolfson J. , Steer P. J. , Bashford C. C. , Randall N. J.
Published: August 2005

A simple electronic system for quantifying uterine activity in labour has been developed. The basic construction of the system is described. It has been used to confirm the hypothesis of Steer et al (1975) that oxytocin‐induced labour has a stable phase during which uterine activity is largely independent of oxytocin infusion rate.
COMPONENTS OF THE HAEMOSTATIC MECHANISM AT BIRTH IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Condie R. G.
Published: August 2005

A comparative study of proteinuric pre‐eclampsia and normal pregnancy has been carried out to assess changes in the haemostatic mechanism in maternal and umbilical vein blood at birth. The results demonstrated changes in pre‐eclampsia compatible with hypercoagulability with, in particular, depressed fibrinolysis. No strong pattern of differences from normal pregnancy or pre‐eclampsia emerged when growth retarded infants were studied as a separate group.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE ARTERIAL SUPPLY OF THE HUMAN PLACENTA IN PREGNANCY COMPLICATED BY FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Sheppard B. L. , Bonnar J.
Published: August 2005

The ultrastructure of the arterial supply of the human placenta was studied in 15 pregnancies with severe fetal growth retardation. There were five patients with essential hypertension and superimposed pre‐eclampsia, five patients with preeclampsia, and five patients with no hypertension. The patients were delivered by elective Caesarean section and biopsies of the placental bed were taken under direct vision. Extensive placental infarction was invariably present and the degree of infarction reflected the extent of pathological changes in the spiral arteries. In both hypertensive and normotensive patients the spiral arteries and basal arteries of the decidua showed occlusive atheromatous lesions with considerable fibrin deposition and accumulation of lipid‐laden cells in both the intima and media of the vessel walls.
A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AYRE AND THE ARMOVICAL CERVICAL SPATULAE
Authors: Bounds W. , Grubb C. , Metaxas N. , Vessey M.
Published: August 2005

The Ayre and the Armovical cervical spatulae were compared in a randomized trial involving 982 women of childbearing age. It was found that the Armovical spatula was slightly less effective than the Ayre spatula in obtaining adequate numbers of squamous cells. The Armovical spatula was, however, far better at providing a sample of endocervical or metaplastic cells and, as a result, yielded a substantially higher proportion of ‘satisfactory’ smears (54 per cent as against 39 per cent). Red blood cells were more often present in smears taken with the Armovical spatula than with the Ayre spatula, Although the data in the present study were too few to prove that the Armovical spatula is better than the Ayre spatula at detecting cellular abnormalities, it seems likely that this is so.
ACCELERATED RHYTHM CAUSING INTRAPARTUM FETAL TACHYCARDIA
Authors: Jones J. B.
Published: August 2005

Paroxysmal tachycardia may occur during childhood and during adult life. In the following case report an acceleration syndrome is described in a newborn infant who had a base line tachycardia before delivery.
FETAL CEPHALOMETRY AN IMPROVED METHOD AND AN EVALUATION
Authors: Davies P. , Richardson R. E.
Published: August 2005

A method of fetal cephalometry is described which is an advance on the combined A and B scan technique previously used. A flow chart has been prepared which clearly specifies the procedure to be followed. The criteria used when making an estimation are reported. The method is applicable to various types of machine and it can be taught to a good degree of accuracy in a short time to people with limited obstetric knowledge. There may be a significant difference between operators but this difference is roughly the same from patient to patient and decreases with training. It is considered that the chief source of variation is the failure to measure the same diameter on each occasion.
SERUM OESTRIOL IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Hay D. M. , Lorscheider F. L.
Published: August 2005

Serial measurements of serum oestriol (E3) were made in 56 normal pregnancies from 10 to 40 weeks gestation using a radioreceptor assay. Several parameters of the assay and its intrapatient variability were examined. The mean curve for pregnancy E3 levels and limits of normal variation have been identified and compared with those of other series. A positive correlation was found to exist between infant birth weight and the last E3 value in normal pregnancies prior to the onset of labour. Advantages of serum E3 assays over urinary E3 determinations are discussed.
THE CAUSE OF THE FALL IN SERUM FOLATE IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Hall Marion H. , Pirani B. B. K. , Campbell Doris
Published: August 2005

Study of a complete antenatal population, a group of normal primigravid singleton pregnancies, and a group of normal twin pregnancies, suggests that the fall in the serum folate concentration which occurs in normal pregnancy is due principally to plasma volume expansion and should therefore be regarded as physiological.
PROSTAGLANDIN DEHYDROGENASE IN THE PLACENTA BEFORE AND AFTER THE ONSET OF LABOUR
Authors: Keirse M. J. N. C. , Hicks B. R. , Turnbull A. C.
Published: August 2005

Inactivation of prostaglandins in the placenta was studied using an assay for 15‐hydroxy‐prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH). Forty‐four patients with normal single pregnancies between 38 and 42 weeks gestation were studied. Placentae were obtained before the onset of labour in 9, after spontaneous labour in 18, and after oxytocin‐induced labour in 17 cases, PGDH‐activity ranged from 54 to 495 nanomoles PGF2α/g placenta/minute, with a mean±SEM of 207 ±18 nanomoles/g/minute. The results indicate that the PGDH content of the human placenta does not change markedly with the onset or during the process of labour. The length of either spontaneous or oxytocin‐induced labour was not influenced by the PGDH content of the placenta.
MENSTRUATION PER URETHRAM
Authors: Valentine B. H. , de Vere R. D.
Published: August 2005

The case history is presented of a 24‐year‐old woman who had a uterus duplex, grossly underdeveloped cervices, absent vagina and who menstruated regularly through a communication between one cervical canal and the urethra.
PREVENTION OF THE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME IN PREMATURE INFANTS BY ANTEPARTUM GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY
Authors: Caspi E. , Schreyer P. , Weinraub Z. , Reif R. , Levi I. , Mundel G.
Published: August 2005

A trial of antepartum dexamethasone therapy was carried out in 55 mothers in whom premature delivery threatened between 28 to 36 weeks gestation in the hope of reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndromes (RDS). The control group was made up of 62 mothers who delivered prematurely in the same gestational age without any treatment. In the treated group isoxsuprine was used to delay delivery when necessary. The respiratory distress syndrome occurred less often in the treated group of infants (8.3 per cent) than in the controls (35.2 per cent; p<0.001). The difference was more marked in babies of under 32 weeks gestation. Considering only cases with intact membranes the incidence of RDS was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the treated group. Early neonatal mortality was 6.6 per cent in the treated group and 38 per cent (p<0.0001) in the controls. In 12 cases the L/S ratio was measured during dexamethasone administration and in the majority of these the L/S ratio rose sharply to mature values following treatment. This rise was observed as soon as 48 hours after beginning of dexamethasone. Antepartum isoxsuprine in the treated group had no apparent effect on the incidence of RDS. No adverse effects of steroid therapy were observed. This trial confirms the studies of others that antepartum glucocorticoid can significantly reduce the incidence of RDS in premature infants.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLEXION IN VACUUM EXTRACTOR DELIVERY
Authors: Bird G. C.
Published: August 2005

Two modifications of Malmström's cup were used in a study of the position of the cup in 500 vacuum extractor deliveries. The incidence of completely flexing applications varied from 0 to 92 per cent according to the level of the head and the position of the occiput when the cup was applied and, in occipito‐posterior positions, the type of cup that was used. With mid‐cavity occipito‐posterior positions it was 30 per cent with one modification (suction tube attached eccentrically to the dome of the cup–the ‘modified’ cup) and 92 per cent with the other (tube attached to the lateral wall of the cup–the ‘occipito‐posterior cup’ or ‘OP cup’). The high incidence of face‐to‐pubis or occipitio‐lateral delivery when cups with a dome‐attached suction tube were used in mid‐cavity occipitoposterior positions was found to be largely the result of deflexing applications. It was concluded that cups of this type are unsuitable for use in these cases. A study of two large series of vacuum extractor operations suggested that failed vacuum extractor rates can be reduced by using cups that are more manoeuvreable and which accept stronger oblique traction than Malmström's cup.
HYPEREXTENSION OF THE FETAL HEAD IN BREECH PRESENTATION: RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: Ballas S. , Toaff R.
Published: August 2005

Damage of the cervical cord is not rare in breech delivery with hyperextension of the fetal head. Among 57 cases from the literature and one of ours in which the angle of extension could be measured on X‐ray films, 20 had an extension angle greater than 90°. Of these, 11 were delivered vaginally and included 8 cases of damage to the cervical cord. It is recommended that elective Caesarean section be performed when the angle of extension exceeds 90°.
MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN AND PREVIOUS NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
Authors: Wald N. , Barker Sheila , Peto R. , Brock D. J. H. , Bonnar J.
Published: August 2005

A case‐control study involving 63 pregnancies showed that women who had previously had an infant with anencephaly or spina bifida did not have raised serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels in subsequent unaffected pregnancies. The value of a serum AFP determination in such women is discussed. If the serum AFP level is normal and if ultrasonography excludes anencephaly the risk of spina bifida might be low enough (about 1 per cent) to make diagnostic amniocentesis difficult to justify. Conversely, a high serum AFP value in such women should not be acted on without confirmation of an abnormality by ultrasonography and, if that is negative, by diagnostic amniocentesis.
PLASMA OESTRIOL AND HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN MEASUREMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH RISK PREGNANCIES
Authors: Edwards R. P. , Diver M. J. , Davis J. C. , Hipkin L. J.
Published: August 2005

Maternal plasma oestriol and human placental lactogen (HPL) were measured serially in 383 at‐risk pregnancies. Eighty‐five infants were growth retarded and 122 developed fetal distress or neonatal asphyxia. Of the infants whose mothers had either abnormal plasma oestriol or HPL levels, 58 per cent were growth retarded, while 65 and 73 per cent in each group respectively developed fetal distress. The incidence of fetal complications when both plasma oestriol and HPL were abnormal was consistently greater than 66 per cent.