bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horn size predicts physical performance in the beetle Euoniticellus intermedius (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: LAILVAUX S. P. , HATHWAY J. , POMFRET J. , KNELL R. J.
Published: August 2005

In many animals, the size of secondary sexual ornaments is known to be related to the probability of victory in fights between males, and hence to fighting ability. However, few studies have attempted to link fighting ability to any physical performance measures.

Here we show that horn size in the dung beetle Euoniticellus intermedius accurately predicts two types of whole‐organism performance, independent of body size, that are likely to play an important role in male contests: the force required to pull a beetle out of a tunnel, and the distance the beetle was able to run before exhaustion (maximum exertion).

Body length is also a statistically significant predictor of pulling force, but not of exertion, suggesting that horn size is a more reliable predictor of performance than body size alone, a result that is consistent with a previous finding that horn size becomes more important in determining victory in male–male contests as body size increases.

This study is the first to establish direct links between whole‐organism performance abilities, male armaments and fighting ability in the same species. Our findings suggest that physiological performance capacities are important factors underlying the evolution of signal expression in E. intermedius, and should be considered in future studies of the evolution of animal signalling.
Light gains and physiological capacity of understorey woody plants during phenological avoidance of canopy shade
Authors: AUGSPURGER C. K. , CHEESEMAN J. M. , SALK C. F.
Published: August 2005

Carbon gain during phenological avoidance of canopy shade by an understorey plant depends on the extent of avoidance, the leaf stage during avoidance, and whether young and old leaves can exploit greater light availability in spring and autumn.

For Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal., Aesculus glabra Willd., Acer saccharum Marsh., Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume and Carpinus caroliniana Walt. in a deciduous forest in Illinois, USA, spring avoidance with leaves at full size ranged from 0 days for Asimina to 24 days for Aesculus, and brought 36–98% of estimated total annual irradiance. Autumn avoidance was non‐existent to minimal in all species.

Total chlorophyll reached maximum concentrations at the middle of leaf life span, and declined well before senescence. Leaf nitrogen concentrations and net photosynthetic capacity both peaked in youngest leaves during spring avoidance, and were low in old leaves during autumn avoidance.

Aesculus had especially high photosynthetic capacity during precanopy closure, while Asimina had relatively low capacity in its later developing leaves.

Young leaves of species with phenological avoidance can enhance C gain, while old leaves in autumn do not. Thus phenological avoidance in spring may enhance the persistence of understorey woody individuals of some species.
Id helix‐loop‐helix proteins are differentially expressed in gestational trophoblastic disease
Authors: Xue W C , Feng H C , Chan K Y K , Chiu P M , Ngan H Y S , Khoo U S , Tsao S W , Chan K W , Cheung A N Y
Published: August 2005

Aims : To assess the expression of Id proteins in trophoblastic tissues and to correlate this with clinical parameters, proliferative and apoptotic indices as well as to related oncogene expression.

Methods and results : Immunohistochemistry for Id1, Id2, Id3 and Id4 was performed on 83 trophoblastic tissues including 17 normal first‐trimester placentas, seven term placentas, 47 hydatidiform moles (HM), and 12 spontaneous miscarriages. The four Id proteins were predominantly expressed in the villous and implantation site intermediate trophoblast. Expression of Id1 in HM was significantly higher than that in normal placenta (P = 0.0006) and spontaneous miscarriage (P = 0.0001) but did not correlate with subsequent development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Id1 expression correlated with the proliferation index as assessed by MCM7 (P = 0.003) and Ki67 (P = 0.017) and with the apoptotic activity assessed by TUNEL (P = 0.001) and M30 CytoDeath antibody (P = 0.013). Moreover, the expression of Id1 correlated with the expression of p53 (P = 0.004), p21WAF1/CIP1 (P = 0.003) but not with p16 (P = 0.107).

Conclusions : Id proteins may play a role in the regulation of proliferative and apoptotic activity in trophoblastic tissue and are potentially useful in differentiating molar and non‐molar gestation, but are not helpful in predicting GTN.
The value of α‐SMA in the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis severity in hepatitis B infection and cirrhosis development: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Akpolat N , Yahsi S , Godekmerdan A , Yalniz M , Demirbag K
Published: August 2005

Aims : To investigate the value of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), an indicator of stellate cell activation, in predicting fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods and results : The liver biopsy specimens of 30 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CHB were obtained before treatment and scored by Knodell's histological activity index. The specimens were then immunohistochemically stained with α‐SMA and semiquantitatively evaluated. Fibrosis and the immunoreactivity of α‐SMA in the periportal, perisinusoidal and pericentral areas were compared. Fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in CHB patients were significantly correlated (P =0.022). Furthermore, the degree of α‐SMA expression and the scores of fibrosis (in periportal, perisinusoidal and pericentral areas) were highly correlated (P =0.000, 0.001, 0.000, respectively).

Conclusions : In liver biopsy samples, α‐SMA may prove to be a valuable marker in the evaluation of stellate cell activation and fibrosis progression and an early indicator of the development of fibrosis.
Environmental constraints in the colonization sequence of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) across the Iberian Mountains, Spain
Authors: Acevedo P. , Delibes‐Mateos M. , Escudero M. A. , Vicente J. , Marco J. , Gortazar C.
Published: August 2005

Aim  This paper describes the dispersal process of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) with respect to climatic factors, landscape characteristics and human activity. We hypothesized that environmental characteristics constrain the relative abundance and dispersal process of roe deer.

Location  The study was conducted in the Iberian Mountains, north‐eastern Spain, during 1986–2000.

Methods  Roe deer colonization dates in the study area were obtained from a survey for large mammals and from direct interviews with the employees of the Fish and Game Agency. We used a 10 × 10 km UTM grid as the sampling unit (n = 91). The relative abundance of roe deer was estimated by counting the number of pellet groups in line transects, which were representative of the habitat availability in the 10 × 10 km UTM grid. Climatic factors were obtained from meteorological stations placed near to the plot. Landscape structure indices, topography and human activity factors were obtained from digital maps using fragstats 3.3 and idrisi 32. We discarded a number of variables with no statistical significance and avoided multicollinearity by using Spearman rank correlation. Then, we used GLMz (with a multinomial error distribution and a logit link function) to analyse the influence of each variable considered in the dispersal process. Finally, GLMz (with a binomial error distribution and a logit link function) were used a posteriori to differentiate between the effects of the explanatory factors on a particular phase of the dispersal process.

Results  Our results indicate that proximity to a previously colonized grid significantly affected the global process of roe deer colonization. Independently of the proximity of the nearest population in the previous phase of colonization, our results also indicated that the dispersal process was influenced by precipitation and landscape structure, leading the species to colonize even apparently hostile places. Original nuclei of these populations occurred in territories with high and constant precipitation, and a landscape formed by mosaics of agricultural land with a high proportion of forests. During the expansion process, roe deer colonized territories with summer droughts, dominated by large agricultural patches and with few forest patches.

Main conclusions  These data support the working hypothesis that environmental characteristics constrain roe deer relative abundance and dispersal process through the Iberian Mountains. The location of the original nuclei of these populations probably had environmental conditions that were more favourable for the roe deer. Areas settled in the final phases of the dispersal process had low relative abundances of roe deer, and are likely to act mainly as dispersal corridors rather than being able to sustain viable populations themselves.
Continuous care in the treatment of obesity: an observational multicentre study
Authors: DALLE GRAVE R. , MELCHIONDA N. , CALUGI S. , CENTIS E. , TUFANO A. , FATATI G. , FUSCO M. A. , MARCHESINI G.
Published: August 2005

Objectives.  To investigate weight loss and reasons for attrition in obese patients on long‐term continuous care.

Design.  Observational study with 36 months of follow‐up.

Setting.  Fifteen Italian obesity centres applying a continuous care model of medical treatment.

Subjects.  One thousand treatment‐seeking obese subjects (785 females, median age 45.1 years, median BMI 37.4 kg m−2). Weight loss expectations were systematically recorded at baseline.

Interventions.  An initial intensive treatment period (3–6 months) was followed by a less intensive continuous care (a follow‐up control every 2–4 months).

Main outcome measures.  Attrition, reasons for treatment interruption and BMI change. Data were recorded by telephone interview in dropouts.

Results.  Only 157 patients (15.7%) were in continuous treatment at 36 months. The main reasons of attrition were logistics, unsatisfactory results and lack of motivation. The only basal predictor for continuous care was lower Expected One‐Year BMI Loss (P = 0.016). The probability of dropout increased systematically for any 5% expected BMI loss (Hazard ratio, 1.05; 96% confidence interval, 1.01–1.09). The mean percentage weight loss was greater in continuers (5.2% vs. 3.0% in dropouts; P = 0.016). However, the dropouts satisfied with the results or confident to lose additional weight without professional help reported a mean weight loss of 9.6% and 6.5% respectively.

Discussion.  Continuous care produces long‐term weight loss only in a subgroup of obese patients seeking treatment in medical centres. The finding that subgroups of dropouts report long‐term weight loss has implication for the treatment of obesity.
Identification of novel stage‐specific genetic requirements through whole genome transcription profiling of Vibrio cholerae biofilm development
Authors: Moorthy Sudha , Watnick Paula I.
Published: August 2005

Bacterial biofilm formation has been described as a developmental process. This process may be divided into three stages: the planktonic stage, the monolayer stage and the biofilm stage. Bacteria in the planktonic stage are not attached to each other or to a surface; bacteria in the monolayer stage are attached to surfaces as single cells; and bacteria in the biofilm stage are attached to surfaces as cellular aggregates. In a study limited to the Vibrio cholerae flaA, mshA and vps genes, we previously demonstrated that transcription in monolayer cells is distinct from that in biofilm cells and that the genetic requirements of monolayer formation are distinct from those of biofilm formation. In this work, we sought to identify additional stage‐specific genetic requirements through microarray analysis of the V. cholerae transcriptome during biofilm development. These studies demonstrated unique patterns of transcription in the planktonic, monolayer and biofilm stages of biofilm development. Based on our microarray results, we selected cheY‐3 as well as two previously uncharacterized genes, bap1 and leuO, for targeted mutation. The ΔcheY‐3 mutant displayed a defect in monolayer but not biofilm formation, suggesting that chemotaxis plays a stage‐specific role in formation of the V. cholerae monolayer. Mutants carrying deletions in bap1 and leuO formed monolayers that were indistinguishable from those formed by wild‐type V. cholerae. In contrast, these mutants displayed greatly decreased biofilm accumulation. Our microarray analyses document modulation of the transcriptome of V. cholerae as it progresses through the stages in biofilm development. These studies demonstrate that microarray analysis of the transcriptome of biofilm development may greatly accelerate the discovery of novel targets for stage‐specific inhibition of biofilm development.
A genetic selection for supercoiling mutants of Escherichia coli reveals proteins implicated in chromosome structure
Authors: Hardy Christine D. , Cozzarelli Nicholas R.
Published: August 2005

Chromosomes are divided into topologically independent regions, called domains, by the action of uncharacterized barriers. With the goal of identifying domain barrier components, we designed a genetic selection for mutants with reduced negative supercoiling of the Escherichia coli chromosome. We employed a strain that contained two chromosomally located reporter genes under the control of a supercoiling‐sensitive promoter and used transposon mutagenesis to generate a wide range of mutants. We subjected the selected mutants to a series of secondary screens and identified five proteins as modulators of chromosomal supercoiling in vivo. Three of these proteins: H‐NS, Fis and DksA, have clear ties to chromosome biology. The other two proteins, phosphoglucomutase (Pgm) and transketolase (TktA), are enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and have not previously been shown to affect DNA. Deletion of any of the identified genes specifically affected chromosome topology, without affecting plasmid supercoiling. We suggest that at least H‐NS, Fis and perhaps TktA assist directly in the supercoiling of domains by forming topological barriers on the E. coli chromosome.
Maternal concentration of dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE) and initiation and duration of breast feeding
Authors: Karmaus Wilfried , Davis Susan , Fussman Christopher , Brooks Kevin
Published: August 2005

Dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE) has been shown to reduce the duration of breast feeding in two studies. In addition to duration, we examined whether DDE lowers the initiation of breast feeding. Between 1973 and 1991, the Michigan Department of Community Health conducted three surveys to assess polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDE serum concentrations in Michigan anglers. Through telephone interviews with parents, we retrospectively ascertained information on breast feeding. Based on repeated maternal serum measurements between 1973 and 1991, we arrived at the level of exposure at the time of delivery by extrapolating PCB and DDE serum levels. One mother may have contributed more than one child; however, serum concentrations varied between children from the same mother. The maternal DDE and PCB serum concentrations were categorised as follows: 0 to < 5 µg/L, 5 to < 10 µg/L, ≥ 10 µg/L. Repeated measurement models and survival analyses were used to determine the relationship between DDE and PCBs and characteristics of breast feeding while controlling for cohort effects, maternal age at delivery, education, and smoking during pregnancy. We focused on 176 pregnancies of 91 mothers who had maternal exposure information and gave birth between 1969 and 1995.

Initiation of breast feeding was lowered by 39.5% and duration shortened by 66.4% in children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy. In children of non‐smoking mothers, the incidence ratio for breast‐feeding initiation was 0.45 [95% CI 0.15, 0.94] and 0.42 [95% CI 0.10, 1.03] when maternal DDE concentrations were 5 to < 10 µg/L and ≥ 10 µg/L respectively, compared with the lowest DDE exposure group. In these offspring (of non‐smoking mothers), breast‐feeding duration was shorter when DDE concentrations were higher: 13 weeks for ≥ 10 µg/L DDE, compared with 21.7 weeks for lower DDE. We did not detect any association between PCBs and breast feeding. In the absence of the distorting effects of maternal smoking, DDE exposure may decrease initiation and duration of breast feeding.
Effect of light pulses in early scotophase on resetting of the night‐measuring diapause clock of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella
Authors: Kikukawa Shigeru , Rou Ri‐Rin , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) may enter diapause in the last larval instar in response to the photoperiod during the preceding instars. An hourglass‐type photoperiodic clock may measure night length for this purpose. The present study describes the resetting of the hourglass by light pulse(s) in the early scotophase and by scanning the subsequent clock phase by another light pulse (P). When the lights‐off time of a first light pulse is fixed at 4 h after dusk under LD 4 : 20 h and LD 6 : 18 h photoperiods and its duration is increased from 1 to 3 h, the critical night length (CNL) from dawn is decreased, but that from dusk to P increases. A 3‐h first light pulse efficiently resets the time measuring system. If this 3‐h light pulse is split into two 1‐h light pulses (L1 and L2) by 1 h of darkness, the dark‐time measuring function appears to be impeded and CNL from P to dawn disappears, but that from L2 to P is expressed. This indicates that the receptivity to light pulses varies among individual insects.
Cellular immune responses and FAD‐glucose dehydrogenase activity of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) challenged with three species of entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Lee Minho , Yoon Cheol Sik , Yi Jinsoo , Cho Jum Rae , Kim Hong Sun
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  Cellular immune responses and glucose dehydrogenase activity are examined in the larvae of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) injected with three entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Nomuraea rileyi and Paecilomyces tenuipes. Total haemocyte count and the number of spherulocytes increase significantly over 2 h in larvae infected with N. rileyi, the most virulent fungal pathogen of M. brassicae. However, glucose dehydrogenase is not activated in the haemolymph of larvae inoculated with N. rileyi. By contrast, P. tenuipes, the least virulent fungal species, but with the highest proteolytic activity, activates glucose dehydrogenase and the number of nodules formed is significantly larger in larvae inoculated with P. tenuipes. It is suggested that the different virulence of each fungal species is caused by specific immune responses in the larvae. Haemopoiesis is affected by the fungal conidia and this is investigated by culture of the haemopoietic organs of M. brassicae in vitro. The proportion of spherulocytes discharged from the organs is typically high after all of the fungal treatments. In addition, the anterior and posterior haemopoietic organs, according to the histological locations in larva, show different patterns of haemopoiesis in response to fungi.
Northern fowl mite orientation in a thermal gradient and evidence for idiothetic course control
Authors: Owen Jeb P. , Mullens Bradley A. , Justus Kristine A. , Cardé Ring T.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  The northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is an ectoparasite of birds and a poultry pest. The ability of northern fowl mites to orientate to a heat source is investigated with individual mites video‐recorded in two‐dimensional arenas and exposed to spatial or temporal heat gradients. Recorded tracks are digitally analysed for variation in linear velocity, mean direction of movement, and patterns in angular displacement. Mean direction of movement in a spatial gradient is significantly associated with the position of the heat source for 24/29 mites tested (P < 0.05), whereas most control (no heat) mean bearings are randomly distributed (16/25; P > 0.1). Angular displacement that orientates a mite towards the heat source is positively correlated with the preceding deviation from that direction (P < 0.01). Angular displacement away from the heat source is random. The temporal heat gradient is such that no spatial reference to the heat source exists within the plane of the arena. Mites in an ambient (27 °C) to heated (30 °C) transition have angular displacement distributions similar to control mites (ambient to ambient transition). However, mites in a heated to ambient transition execute angular displacements approximately 25° greater than mites in the other treatments (P < 0.03). Mites compare the shift in temperature over time and alter their direction of movement by a programmed (idiothetic) response to a decrease in temperature, rather than through detection of the spatial position of the gradient (allothetic).
Globalisation and social work: A snapshot of Australian practitioners’ views
Authors: Findlay Marina , McCormack John
Published: August 2005

The process of globalisation, that is, the increasing interdependence of world society, is a controversial movement supported by some because of the potential cross‐national benefits, but criticised by others because of the fragmented or uneven distribution of those benefits. As many social workers interact with clients who may be affected by globalisation processes, we were interested to investigate their practice views on this topic. Sixty‐six social workers completed a questionnaire that explored the relationship between local and international issues. Practitioner responses indicated a strong interest in the topic and widespread agreement that, in their daily practice, there is a link between local and global issues affecting clients. How this perspective is incorporated into practice, however, was not so clear, and there was some variation within the group of respondents. The paper concludes with some suggestions to further enhance the knowledge on this topic among social workers.
Antenatal fetal heart rate variation in relation to the respiratory and metabolic status of the compromised human fetus
Authors: SMITH J. H. , ANAND K. J. S. , COTES P. M. , DAWES G. S. , HARKNESS R. A. , HOWLETT T. A. , REES L. H. , REDMAN C. W. G.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Three groups of women were delivered by caesarean section before labour: for an abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) trace (21 cases, group 1), or for maternal deterioration in severe pre‐eclampsia without gross fetal heart rate abnormalities (20 cases, group 2), or to avoid mechanical difficulties in labour at term (30 cases, group 3). The mean gestational ages of the first two groups were 32 weeks with a high proportion of infants small‐for‐gestational‐age. In group 1, FHR variation (mean range of pulse intervals) was less than half (20·6 SE 1·2 ms) of the normal value at the same age (44·4 SE 1·5 ms). This was associated with hypoxaemia (mean umbilical artery Po2 of 6 mmHg at delivery), with evidence of compensation shown by an elevated amniotic fluid erythropoietin. The fetuses were hypoglycaemic and had greater umbilical artery blood alanine concentrations, but no large changes in adenine nucleotide or endorphin plasma concentrations. Although there was a minor degree of respiratory acidaemia at birth, there was not significant metabolic acidaemia. The results demonstrate that the reduced variation of ‘suboptimal’ and ‘decelerative’ fetal heart rate records is associated with fetal hypoxaemia and evidence of nutritional deprivation, but not with asphyxia.
Surfactant stimulates prostaglandin E production in human amnion
Authors: BERNAL A. LÓPEZ , NEWMAN G. E. , PHIZACKERLEY P. J. R. , TURNBULL A. C.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Discs of human amnion prepared from nine women delivered by elective caesarean section at term were incubated with and without purified human amniotic fluid surfactant (9 μg lipid P/ml), and the output of prostaglandin E (PGE) was estimated by radioimmunoassay. Surfactant stimulated the release of PGE from 3·8 (SD 2·9) to 5·4 (SD 2·5) pmol/mg dry weight/3 h (P<0·01). Arachidonic acid accounted for 2% of the fatty acids of surfactant lecithin. These results show that surfactant has a stimulatory effect on amniotic PGE production and that it is an important source of arachidonic acid in amniotic fluid.
Immunoscintigraphy of ovarian endometriosis. A preliminary study
Authors: KENNEDY S. H. , BARLOW D. H. , SOPER N. D. W. , MOJIMINIYI O. A. , SHEPSTONE B. J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. CA‐125 is a membrane antigen detected in the serum of some women with gynaecological disease including endometriosis. We attempted to use a radioiodinated anti‐CA‐125 monoclonal antibody, OC‐125, to image ovarian endometriosis using immunoscintigraphy. Two women with significant endometriosis and normal serum CA‐125 levels had positive immunoscintigraphy. In one woman, all areas of endometriosis were imaged; in the other, endometriosis in one affected ovary was seen, but uptake in the other ovary was less than the extent of the disease.
Ectopic pregnancy in Aberdeen 1950–1985
Authors: FLETT G. M. M. , URQUHART D. R. , FRASER C. , TERRY P. B. , FLEMING J. C.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The reported incidence of ectopic pregnancy in Aberdeen City and suburbs (1950–1985), using as denominators maternities, pregnancies and women aged 15–44 years, has increased threefold since 1970 to 6·4/1000 pregnancies. This increased incidence persisted after the exclusion of previously sterilized women. A total of 11128 women were sterilized in Aberdeen City and suburbs between 1960 and 1982; 36 ectopic pregnancies occurred in this sterilized population. The prevalence of ectopic pregnancy was 3·55/1000 sterilizations. This did not alter significantly over the period of study despite changes in the method of sterilization. However, due to the increased popularity of sterilization, the proportion of ectopic pregnancies in women who had been sterilized increased from 0% in the 1950s to 21% in the quinquennium 1975–1979.
Is random plasma glucose an efficient screening test for abnormal glucose tolerance in pregnancy?
Authors: NASRAT A. A. , JOHNSTONE F. D. , HASAN S. A. M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Random plasma glucose was determined in 276 apparently healthy pregnant women attending our antenatal clinic at 28 to 32 weeks gestation. Mean and standard deviation values within 2 h and >2 h after a meal were calculated. A standard 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was then given to 250 of the 276 pregnant women. Three patients were found to be diabetic and 46 had post‐load concentrations indicative of impaired glucose tolerance according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (1980). Using a cut‐off point whereby 15% of the population would be tested, we would have identified only 2 of the 3 diabetics and 12 of the 46 with impaired glucose tolerance. This poor predictive power cannot be resolved by altering cut‐off points for screening, or by altering the criteria for abnormal glucose tolerance. The basic problem is lack of a close relation between 2‐h glucose tolerance value and random glucose when this has been taken >120 min after a meal. In this population with a high prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance, random plasma glucose is not an efficient screening test.
Serial oxytocin levels in amniotic fluid and maternal plasma during normal and induced labour
Authors: PADAYACHI T. , NORMAN R. J. , DHAVARAJ K. , KEMP M. , JOUBERT S. M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Oxytocin was measured by a specific and sensitive radio‐immunoassay in plasma and amniotic fluid after extraction with Sep‐Pak cartridges in patients undergoing elective caesarean sections, normal labour and labour induced with oxytocin infusion or prostaglandins. In maternal plasma, levels of oxytocin correlated with the period of gestation; concentrations at term were significantly higher than in the first two trimesters. Maternal plasma levels of oxytocin before the onset of contractions were not significantly different from those at the onset of spontaneous labour or at full cervical dilatation. Levels of oxytocin in patients induced with oxytocin were not statistically different from levels observed in spontaneous labour. Amniotic fluid oxytocin levels were not significantly different between the groups either at the onset of labour or immediately before delivery. Umbilical arterio‐venous differences in oxytocin were present in all groups except the prostaglandin‐induced group. Increased prostaglandins associated with the onset of normal labour are probably not a consequence of changes in oxytocin concentrations.
Factors associated with progression of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections into carcinoma in situ during a long‐term prospective follow‐up
Authors: SYRJÄNEN K. , MÄNTYJÄRVI R. , SAARIKOSKI S. , VÄYRYNEN M. , SYRJÄNEN S. , PARKKINEN S. , YLISKOSKI M. , SAASTAMOINEN J. , CASTREN O.
Published: August 2005

Summary. In the course of a prospective study of 508 women with papillomavirus (HPV) lesions of the uterine cervix, 66 lesions that progressed into carcinoma in situ (CIS) were identified and treated by conization during a mean follow‐up period of 35 months. The lesions were investigated with light microscopy and with in‐situ DNA hybridization using 35S‐labelled probes for HPV 6,11,16,18, 31 and 33. After radical cone treatment, 11 of the 66 women (16‐7%) have presented with a recurrent HPV infection. The recurrence rate increased with the duration of the follow‐up period from <10% at the mean follow‐up of 25 months to 16.7% at the most recent follow‐up at 35 months. Most of these 66 HPV lesions (89%) presented with concomitant CIN in the first punch biopsy, but it is noteworthy that the other 11 % presented without concomitant CIN. HPV DNA of at least one of the six types examined was found in 73% of the first biopsies and it is noteworthy that the so‐called ‘low‐risk’ types, HPV 6 and 11, were found as frequently as the ‘high‐risk’ types, HPV 16 and 18 (18% and 17%, respectively). This would suggest a similarity in the biological behaviour of these two HPV groups. Although the concept of the ‘high‐risk’ and ‘low‐risk’ HPV types may remain at least partially valid, it is imperative to realize that infection by HPV 6 and 11 by no means excludes the possibility for clinical progession into CIS and eventually to an invasive carcinoma.
Significance of smoking and detection of serum antibodies to cytomegalovirus in cervical dysplasia
Authors: GRAIL ANN , NORVAL MARY
Published: August 2005

Summary. Cervical biopsy specimens from 422 women attending a colposcopy clinic showed various grades of dysplasia in 387 and no evidence of dysplasia in 35. Of the women with dysplasia (CIN I, II or III) 67% were smokers and 33% were non‐smokers compared with 43% smokers and 57% non‐smokers in those without evidence of dysplasia. Of the women with CIN I 56% were smokers and 44% were nonsmokers; 66% of those with CIN II were smokers and 34% were nonsmokers (P<0.02), and 71% of those with CIN III were smokers (P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the smokers and non‐smokers in the proportion of women who had had either a miscarriage or an abortion, in the prevalence of condylomata acuminata, and the use of oral contraception or barrier methods. Neither were there any significant differences in numbers of patients seropositive for cytomegalovirus or in CMV antibody litres among the groups. The detection of koilocytic cells in cervical biopsies showed a significant difference between smoking and non‐smoking groups which reflected a significant increase in koilocytosis in smokers with CIN III.
Endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary: a retrospective study
Authors: TIDY JOHN , MASON W. PETER
Published: August 2005

Summary. Thirty‐nine women with endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary were studied for factors relating to their presentation, treatment and survival. Nine of the women (23%) had a concomitant adenocarcinoma of the endometrium at the time of presentation. There were no significant differences in age at presentation or menopausal status between the two groups. The actuarial 5‐year survival for women with endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary alone was 43%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24% to 62% (stage 180%, CI45% to 100%, stage II62%, CI27% to 97%, and stage III 21%, CI 0% to 42%). The 5‐year survival for women with concomitant endometrial tumours was 62.5% (CI 28.5% to 96.5%). The difference in the overall survival rate between the two groups was not significant.
Changes in postprandial release patterns of gastrointestinal hormones in late pregnancy and the early postpartum period
Authors: JENSSEN TROND G. , HAUKLAND HANNE H. , VONEN BARTHOLD , FLORHOLMEN JON , BURHOL PER G. , MALTAU JAN M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Intestinal transit time increases and gastrointestinal incretin effect is reported to decrease in pregnancy. The release patterns of gastrointestinal hormones related to these functions were studied in eight women before and after ingestion of a standardized meal at 32–34 weeks gestation and at 4 days postpartum. Basal plasma motilin and the integrated meal response of motilin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) were significantly lower in pregnancy than postpartum. The meal‐induced rise of somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was, however, absent in late pregnancy; whereas the somatostatin response recovered postpartum, and the plasma VIP concentrations stabilized at significantly higher levels postpartum without any meal response. Basal and meal‐induced plasma insulin were significantly higher in pregnancy.
Suspected ectopic pregnancy: ultrasound findings and hCG levels assessed by an immunofluorometric assay
Authors: CACCIATORE BRUNO , YLÖSTALO PEKKA , STENMAN ULF‐HÅKAN , WIDHOLM OLOF
Published: August 2005

Summary. One hundred suspected ectopic pregnancies were assessed by ultrasound on the basis of the following criteria: (A) viable intrautcrine fetus, intrauterine pregnancy is certain; (B) intrauterine double sac or eccentric ring, intrauterine pregnancy is probable; (C) empty uterus or central ring but no adnexal mass or cul‐de‐sac fluid, ectopic pregnancy is possible; (D) empty uterus or central ring and an adnexal mass or cul‐de‐sac fluid, ectopic pregnancy is probable; (E) viable ectopic fetus, ectopic pregnancy is certain. Serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (S‐hCG) was detected by an immunofluorometric assay (sensitivity 0.2 i.u./l, cut‐off level 10 i.u./l). All the 51 patients in groups A and B had an intrauterine pregnancy. Normal gestational sacs were found also at S‐hCG levels of <3600 i.u./l, the lowest level being 894 i.u./l. Ectopic pregnancy was confirmed in 29 of the 30 women in groups D and E. In the 19 women categorized into group C serial hCG assay and repeated sonography diagnosed ectopic pregnancy in 12 and miscarriage of an intrauterine pregnancy in the other seven. Ectopic pregnancy was always found when no gestational sac was seen by sonography and the hCG level was > 1000 i.u./l.
The fetal outcome in a randomized double‐blind controlled trial of labetalol versus placebo in pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: PICKLES C. J. , SYMONDS E. M. , PIPKIN F. BROUGHTON
Published: August 2005

Summary. The effects of labetalol were compared with those of placebo in a multicentre randomized double‐blind and prospective study of 152 patients with mild to moderate, non‐proteinuric pregnancy‐induced hypertension. Labetalol in a dose of 100 mg three times daily, increasing to 200 mg three times daily where required, significantly reduced maternal mean arterial pressure. There was some reduction in preterm delivery, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and jaundice in the labetalol‐treated group. Intrauterine growth retardation and neonatal hypoglycaemia occurred with the same frequency in both groups. There were no perinatal deaths. Labetalol appears to be an effective agent in the management of mild to moderate pregnancy‐induced hypertension. The data from this study suggest possible advantages and no apparent disadvantages for the fetus during its use.
Human amniotic fluid urogastrone (epidermal growth factor) and fetal lung phospholipids
Authors: HAIGH R. , D'SOUZA S. W. , MICKLEWRIGHT L. , GREGORY H. , BUTLER S. J. , HOLLTNGSWORTH M. , DONNAI P. , BOYD R. D. H.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Urogastrone was measured by radioimmunoassay in amniotic fluid obtained from 186 complicated pregnancies at 22 to 40 weeks gestation. Amniocentesis was performed for a variety of indications to obtain information about fetal lung maturity or bilirubin levels before induction of labour or caesarean section in various obstetric conditions. In 114 specimens lung phospholipids extracted from amniotic fluid were also assayed using two‐dimensional thin layer chromatography. Urogastrone concentrations became measurable at approximately 30 weeks gestation and thereafter there was a 10‐fold rise in concentrations between 30 and 40 weeks gestation. This increase in urogastrone concentration was positively correlated with a rise in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol concentrations and the phosphatidylcholine (lecithin)/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S). These results are compatible with a role for urogastrone in human fetal lung maturation.
The role of postoperative alkylating agent therapy in early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: MACKINTOSH J. , LIND M. J. , ANDERSON H. , CROWTHER D. , BUCKLEY C. H. , TINDALL V. R.
Published: August 2005

Forty‐six patients with early (Stage I and II) ovarian cancer referred as free of residual disease after primary surgery, selected for high‐risk features, were treated with adjuvant single‐agent alkylating therapy comprising either intravenous cyclophosphamide (1 g/m2) in 36 patients, or oral melphalan (0·2 mg/kg daily for 5 days) in eight. Cyclophosphamide was repeated every 3 weeks for 10 cycles and melphalan every 6 weeks for 12 cycles. With a median follow‐up of 36+ months, 18 patients have relapsed. The actuarial 5‐year relapse‐free survival was 48% and the overall 5‐year survival was 54%; median survival was 84 months. Pretreatment FIGO stage was the single most important predictor of relapse‐free and overall survival duration. For patients with Stage IA and IB tumours the 5‐year actuarial relapse‐free survival was 89%; for patients with stage 1C and II (all substages), the 5‐year relapsefree survival was 24% (P=0·001). For this latter group adjuvant single alkylating agent therapy was not adequate and alternative therapeutic regimens are required. The problem of suboptimal primary surgical staging is also addressed.
Invasive cancer of the cervix after laser treatment
Authors: PEARSON SHEILAE , WHTTTAKER JOHN , IRELAND DAVID , MONAGHAN JOHN M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Over a period of 8 years and 6 months, 1979–1988, 4222 women were treated with laser ablation for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) with or without papillomavirus infection of the cervix. Of 3738 patients followed up, nine werc diagnosed as having invasive cancers of the cervix, four of which were microinvasive. Tt is stressed that each woman treated with laser must have frequent, long‐term cytological follow‐up.
Pregnancy screening by Doppler uteroplacental and umbilical artery waveforms
Authors: HANRETTY KEVIN P. , PRIMROSE MAIRI H. , NEILSON JAMES P. , WHITTLE MARTIN J.
Published: August 2005

Doppler waveforms from the uteroplacental and umbilical arteries were studied in 543 unselected women attending an antenatal clinic. Overall, 357 women were studied at 26–30 weeks and 395 at 34–36 weeks; 209 were studied at both gestation periods. Results were not made available to clinicians. There was no difference in outcome of pregnancies between those with normal and abnormal uteroplacental waveforms, but birthweights were significantly lower in those with an abnormal umbilical artery waveform at either gestation. There were no other statistically significant differences between groups. Although the power of the study to detect differences in outcome in this sample size is limited, our findings do not support the introduction of this new technique into clinical practice before sufficiently large randomized controlled trials have shown some benefit.
Correlation between Doppler flow velocity waveforms and cord blood viscosity
Authors: STEEL S. A. , PEARCE J. M. F. , NASH G. , CHRISTOPHER B. , DORMANDY J. , BLAND J. M.
Published: August 2005

The contribution of rheological factors to the impedance of blood flow in the umbilical artery as determined by continuous‐wave Doppler ultrasound was investigated. Of the 51 pregnancies recruited, six were complicated by pre‐eclampsia, 10 by intrauterine growth retardation, 15 by both pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth retardation, and there were 20 controls. A significant correlation was demonstrated between both plasma viscosity and gestational age and the resistance index used to characterize the Doppler waveform. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that changes in plasma viscosity explained 55% of the variance seen in the resistance index and that this was statistically significant. This finding is, however, unlikely to be of clinical significance as whole blood viscosity had an insignificant effect on the impedance in the umbilical artery. We postulate that vascular factors such as the number and calibre of the placental arterioles are a more important determinant of umbilical artery impedance.
Ultrasound and circulating placental protein measurements in complications of early pregnancy
Authors: STABILE I. , GRUDZINSKAS J. G. , CAMPBELL S.
Published: August 2005

Maternal serum levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), Schwangerschaftsprotein 1 (SP1) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) were measured in an unselected group of 624 women presenting with amenorrhoea and vaginal bleeding with or without abdominal pain to an emergency gynaecological ultrasound clinic. Abdominal sector scanning was used to assess uterine contents. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound in 406 pregnancies. Histological confirmation was obtained in each case of pregnancy failure. A live fetus was demonstrated in 259 women of whom six subsequently miscarried; one of these had markedly depressed serum hCG and PAPP‐A, but normal SP1 levels, and two had oligohydramnios. Of the 147 women without ultrasound evidence of fetal heart action 67 had a correct ultrasound diagnosis of anembryonic pregnancy. The predictive value of a depressed serum hCG level was 70% in this group, and 31% in samples taken at ≤7 weeks. The predictive value of a normal hCG level was 96%. In 34 women missed miscarriage was diagnosed readily by ultrasound; all but five had depressed hCG and PAPP‐A levels. A clinical diagnosis of a complete or incomplete miscarriage was made in 45 women and easily confirmed by ultrasound. All of them had depressed hCG, SP1 and PAPP‐A levels. These results indicate that the diagnostic value of ultrasound in threatened miscarriage is often better than that of biochemical tests.
Audit of medical response to antenatal booking history
Authors: GUTHRIE K. A. , SONGANE F. F. , MACKENZIE F. , LILFORD R. J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. A retrospective review of 600 obstetric case‐notes, covering the years 1978 to 1984, was performed independently by two assessors. The medical response to 22 risk factors, recorded at booking by the midwife, was assessed. The medical staff recognized 69% of the risk factors recorded at booking and responded appropriately to 82% of these. The standard of care improved over the period studied. The accuracy of our conclusions was greatly enhanced by carrying out each assessment in duplicate with arbitration by a third assessor when necessary, and it is proposed that all audits of medical practice should themselves be audited in this way.
Morphometric differences between the placental vasculature of non‐smokers, smokers and ex‐smokers
Authors: BURTON GRAHAM J. , PALMER MARION E. , DALTON KEVIN J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The aim of this study was to determine whether cigarette smoking during pregnancy has an adverse effect upon the placenta's capacity for gaseous exchange. Using recently developed stereological techniques, in conjunction with perfusion fixation, computer‐assisted measurements were made on the placentas of 15 non‐smokers, 15 moderate smokers, 15 heavy smokers and 13 ex‐smokers, 7 of whom stopped smoking during the course of the pregnancy. Compared with the placentas of non‐smokers and of those who stopped before pregnancy, it was found that the placentas of smokers and of those who stopped after conception exhibited a reduced capillary volume fraction, and an increased thickness of the villous membrane. Although they must impair gaseous exchange across the placenta, these changes were less severe than suggested by previously published reports. Nonetheless it is clear that in order to prevent these changes women should stop smoking before conception rather than during the course of a pregnancy.
Mothers', midwives' and obstetricians' views on the features of obstetric care which influence satisfaction with childbirth
Authors: DREW N. C. , SALMON P. , WEBB L.
Published: August 2005

Summary. A sample of 15 women was interviewed 18–96 h postnatally to identify objective features of labour and postnatal care about which they expressed preferences. The importance of each item to a mother's satisfaction was then rated by a sample of 224 similar women. The same questionnaire was also completed by 28 midwives and 52 obstetricians. The items rated most important concerned the explanation of procedures and the involvement of mothers in administering or choosing them. Second was support from the presence of a partner and qualified hospital staff, third the physical comfort of the postnatal ward. The avoidance of obstetric interventions, such as episiotomy or use of forceps, was less important than the presence of these other features. The mean ranking given to each item by the midwives and obstetricians correlated very highly with that given by the mothers; those caring for obstetric patients are much more sensitive to their preferences than is popularly believed. There was no evidence that midwives perceived patients’ needs more accurately than did the obstetricians. Discrepancies between the three groups’ ranking of specific items may reflect the defence of their respective roles by each profession.
The prognostic significance of the half‐life of serum CA 125 in patients responding to chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: HAWKINS R. E. , ROBERTS K. , WILTSHAW E. , MUNDY J. , FRYATT I. J. , McCREADY V.
Published: August 2005

Various prognostic factors were studied in 29 patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer who responded to initial chemotherapy after initial diagnostic surgery. The half‐life of CA 125 in serum during initial chemotherapy was the most important prognostic indicator for survival (P<0·001) and the chance of achieving complete remission (P= 0·012). A CA 125 half‐life of <20 days, 20–40 days and >40 days appears to identify patients with a good, intermediate or poor prognosis, the two year actuarial survival being 76%, 48% and 0% respectively. The chance of achieving a complete remission was 15% and 67% respectively for patients with a serum CA 125 half‐life of >20 or <20 days.