bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling of rat mammary epithelial cells reveals candidate signaling pathways in dietary protection from mammary tumors
Authors: Su Ying , Simmen Frank A. , Xiao Rijin , Simmen Rosalia C. M.
Published: March 2007

The role of diet in the prevention of breast cancer is widely accepted, yet little is known about how its biological effects mitigate susceptibility to this disease. Soy consumption is associated with reduced breast cancer risk in women, an effect largely attributed to the soy isoflavone genistein (Gen). We previously showed reduced incidence of chemically induced mammary tumors in young adult rats with lifetime dietary intake of soy protein isolate (SPI) than in those fed the control diet containing casein (Cas). To gain insight into signaling pathways underlying dietary tumor protection, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of mammary epithelial cells from young adult rats lifetime fed Cas, SPI, or Cas supplemented with Gen. We identified mammary epithelial genes regulated by SPI (79 total) and Gen (96 total) using Affymetrix rat 230A GeneChip arrays and found minimal overlap in gene expression patterns. We showed that the regulated transcripts functionally clustered in biochemical pathways involving metabolism, immune response, signal transduction, and ion transport. We confirmed the differential expression of Wnt (Wnt5a, Sfrp2) and Notch (Notch2, Hes1) signaling components by SPI and/or Gen using quantitative real-time PCR. Wnt pathway inhibition by Gen was supported by reduced cyclin D1 immunoreactivity in mammary ductal epithelium of Gen relative to Cas and SPI groups, despite comparable levels of membrane-localized E-cadherin and β-catenin. Identification of distinct Gen and SPI responsive genes in mammary epithelial cells may define early events contributing to tumor protection by diet relevant to the prevention of breast and other types of cancer.
Improved method for the analysis of membrane proteins by mass spectrometry
Authors: Mirza Shama P. , Halligan Brian D. , Greene Andrew S. , Olivier Michael
Published: March 2007

Membrane-bound and membrane-associated proteins are difficult to analyze by mass spectrometry, since the association with lipids impedes the isolation and solubilization of the proteins in buffers suitable for mass spectrometry and the efficient generation of positively charged peptide ions by electrospray ionization. Current methods mostly utilize detergents for the isolation of proteins from membranes. In this study, we present an improved detergent-free method for the isolation and mass spectrometric identification of membrane-bound and membrane-associated proteins. We delipidate proteins from the membrane bilayer by chloroform extraction to overcome dissolution and ionization problems during analysis. Comparison of our results to results obtained by direct tryptic digestion of insoluble membrane pellets identifies an increased number of membrane proteins, and a higher quality of the resulting mass spectral data.
D‐glucose Stimulates the Na+/k+Pump in Mouse Pancreatic Islet Cells
Authors: Elmi Adrian , Idahl Lars-ÅKe , Sandström Per-Erik , Sehlin Janove
Published: March 2007

To determine the effect of D‐glucose on the β‐cell
Na+/k+ pump,  86Rb+ influx was studied in isolated,
‐cell‐rich islets of Umeå‐ob/ob mice in the absence
or presence of lmM ouabain. D‐glucose (20 mM)
stimulated the ouabain‐sensitive portion of  86Rb+
influx by 65%, whereas the ouabain‐resistant
portion was inhibited by 48%. The Na+/k+ ATPase
activity in homogenates of islets of Umeå‐ob/ob
mice or normal mice was determined to search for
direct effects of D‐glucose. Thus, ouabain‐sensitive
ATP hydrolysis in islet homogenates was measured
in the presence of different D‐glucose concentrations.
No effect of D‐glucose (3–20 mM)
was observed in either ob/ob or normal islets at
the optimal Na+/k+ ratio for the enzyme (135 mM
Na+ and 20 mM K+). Neither D‐glucose (3–20 mM)
nor L‐glucose or 3‐O‐methyl‐D‐glucose (20 mM)
affected the enzyme activity at a high Na+/k+
ratio (175 mM Na+ and 0.7mM k+). Diphenylhydantoin
(150 μM) decreased the enzyme activity at
optimal Na+/k+ ratio, whereas 50 μM of the drug
had no effect. The results suggest that D‐glucose
induces a net stimulation the Na+/k+ pump of β‐cells in intact islets and that D‐glucose does
not exert any direct effect on the Na+/k+ ATPase activity.
Tissue Culture of Isolated Human Pancreatic Islets Infected With Different Strains of Coxsackievirus B4: Assessment of Virus Replication and Effects on Islet Morphology and Insulin Release
Authors: Frisk Gun , Diderholm Hans
Published: March 2007

The aim was to study whether different strains of
Coxsackievirus B4 (CBV‐4) are able to infect human
pancreatic islet cells in vitro and cause morphological
and functional damages. Isolated islets
maintained in tissue culture were infected with
five well‐ characterised strains of CBV‐4. Aliquots
of the culture medium were analysed with regard
to virus replication and insulin content. Infected
and uninfected islets were examined by light microscopy
to determine the degree of virus‐induced
cytopathic effect (CPE). The results showed that
the islet cells were susceptible to infection by all
the strains of CBV‐4 although the outcome of the
infection differed. The virus titres obtained at 48
and 72 hours post infection differed significantly
between all the CBV‐4 strains (p < 0.001), indicating
different ability to replicate in islet cells. Pronounced
to weak CPE, which was partly due to
the origin (donor) of the islets, was induced by
four of the five CBV‐4 strains. One strain (VD2921)
replicated without causing CPE despite high
virus titres. One (V89‐4557) of the CBV‐4 strains
always revealed pronounced CPE. Infection by this strain also caused functional impairment that
significantly affected insulin response to high glucose
at 48 hours post infection (p < 0.001). Replication
of another CBV‐4 strain (JVB) in the islet cells
significantly increased the release of insulin compared
to non‐infected control cells (p < 0.001) indicating
damage of the β‐cells leading to leakage of
insulin.
PROLACTIN‐Deficiency in Adult Offspring of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Aerts Leona , Van Bree Rieta , Van Assche F. André
Published: March 2007

Maternal diabetes induces fetal alterations, resulting
in lasting consequences for the glucose tolerance
of the offspring over several generations. In our
experimental rat model, circulating prolactin, oestradiol,
progesterone and corticosterone levels,
known to influence insulin secretion and action,
are determined in plasma of female adult offspring
of mildly and severely diabetic mothers. Prolactin
and progesterone levels are equally low in both
groups as compared to controls, stressing the involvement
of the CNS in the transgeneration effect;
oestradiol and corticosterone levels are normal. No
correlation is found between these hormonal alterations
and the known differences in glucose
tolerance.
Octreotide, a Somatostatin Analogue, Fails to Inhibit Hypoxia‐induced Retinal Neovascularization in the Neonatal Rat
Authors: Averbukh Edward , Halpert Michael , Yanko Ravit , Yanko Lutza , Peèr Jacob , Levinger Samuel , Flyvbjerg Allan , Raz Itamar
Published: March 2007

Objective: Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has
been shown to prevent angiogenesis in diverse in
vitro models. We evaluated its effect on retinal neovascularization
in vivo, using a neonatal rat retinopathy
model.
Methods: We used, on alternating days, hypoxia
(10% O2) and hyperoxia (50% O2) during the first 14
days of neonatal rats, to induce retinal neovascularization.
Half of the rats were injected subcutaneously
with octreotide 0.7 μg/g BW twice daily. At
day 18 the eyes were evaluated for the presence of
epiretinal and vitreal hemorrhage, neovascularization
and epiretinal proliferation. Octreotide pharmacokinetics
and its effect on serum growth hormone
(GH) and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) were
examined in 28 rats.
Results: Serum octreotide levels were 667 μg/1 two
hours after injection, 26.4 μg/1 after nine hours and
3.2 μg/1 after 14 hours. GH levels were decreased
by 40% (p = 0.002) two hours after injection but
thereafter returned to baseline. IGF‐I levels were unchanged
two hours after injection and were elevated
by 26% 14 hours after injection (p = 0.02). Epiretinal
membranes were highly associated with epiretinal
hemorrhages (p < 0.001), while retinal neovascularization
was notably associated with vitreal hemorrhages (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Twice‐daily injections of octreotide
failed to produce sustained decrease in serum GH,
but produced rebound elevation of serum IGF‐I.
Accordingly, no statistically significant effect of injections
on retinal pathology was noted. This finding,
however, does not contradict our assumption
that GH suppression may decrease the severity of
retinopathy.
The Effect of the Removal of the Area Postrema on Insulin and IGF‐1‐Induced Cardiovascular and Sympathetic Nervous Responses
Authors: Ford Renee , Lu Huiqing , Duanmu Zhengbo , Scislo Tadeusz , Dunbar Joseph C.
Published: March 2007

Previous studies have demonstrated that insulin and
IGF‐1 both increase lumbar sympathetic nerve activity
(LSNA) and decrease mean arterial pressure
(MAP). We hypothesized that the peripheral responses
to insulin and IGF‐1 are mediated, at least
in part, via the central nervous system. In this study
we determined the effects of the peripheral administration
of both insulin and IGF‐1 on cardiovascular
dynamics and LSNA following removal of the area
postrema (APX), a major site of blood‐brain communication.
Insulin infusion in normal rats decreased
MAP but increased HR and LSNA. When
insulin was infused in APX rats it also decreased the
MAP but the MAP recovered rapidly and plateaued
at a level equivalent to normals after 40 min. Insulin
significantly increased the HR and LSNA in the
APX rats compared to normals. However, when hypoglycemia
was prevented by glucose infusion,
the HR and LSNA responses to insulin in the APX
rats were similar to normals. IGF‐1 also decreased
MAP and to a greater extent in the APX rats
compared to normals but the increased LSNA in
APX rats was equivalent to normals. The APX rats
when compared to normals had a greater sensitivity
to insulin‐induced hypoglycemia while IGF‐1 decreased
the plasma glucose to a lesser degree in APX
rats. We conclude that insulin and IGF‐1 entry into
the CNS at least via the area postrema does not
contribute significantly to the hypotensive response
and that the greater depressor response to IGF‐1 is
likely due to enhanced vascular sensitivity in APX
rats. The increased HR and LSNA following insulin
were likely mediated by an increased reflexive
response to hypoglycemia.
Insulin and Glucagon Impairments in Relation with Islet Cells Morphological Modifications Following Long Term Pancreatic Duct Ligation in the Rabbit – A Model of Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabete
Authors: Catala J. , Daumas M. , Chanh A. Pham Huu , Lasserre B. , Hollande E
Published: March 2007

Plasma levels of glucose, insulin and glucagon were
measured at various time intervals after pancreatic
duct ligation (PDL) in rabbits. Two hyperglycemic
periods were observed: one between 15–90 days
(peak at 30 days of 15.1 ± 1.2mmol/l, p < 0.01), and
the other at 450 days (11.2 ± 0.5 mmol/l, p < 0.02). The
first hyperglycemic episode was significantly correlated
with both hypoinsulinemia (41.8 ± 8pmol/l,
r= –0.94, p < 0.01) and hyperglucagonemia (232 ±
21ng/l, r=0.95, p < 0.01). However, the late hyperglycemic
phase (450 days), which was not accompanied
by hypoinsulinemia, was observed after the
hyperglucagonemia (390 days) produced by abundant
immunostained A‐cells giving rise to a 3‐fold
increase in pancreatic glucagon stores. The insulin
and glucagon responses to glucose loading at 180,
270 and 450 days reflected the insensitivity of B‐ and
A‐cells to glucose. The PDL rabbit model with
chronic and severe glycemic disorders due to the
predominant role of glucagon mimicked key features
of the NIDDM syndrome secondary to
exocrine disease.
Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes in Sand Rat (Psammomys obesus) and Production of Collagen in Cultured Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells. Influence of Insulin
Authors: Bouguerra S. Aouichat , Bourdillon M. C. , Dahmani Y. , Bekkhoucha F.
Published: March 2007

In this report, we have shown that the standard
laboratory diet administered to Psammomys obesus
(sand rat) from Beni Abbes in Algeria, induced a
non‐insulin dependant diabetes, characterised by
increase of body weight (p<0.001) as well as
hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia.
In cultured aortic smooth muscle
cells (SMC) of sand rats, type I and type III collagen
biosynthesis and insulin effects, at low dose, on
these parameters were investigated. In all
experimental conditions of cultured SMC study, The
α chains of type I collagen were analysed by
immunoblotting in media and cells.

Metabolic radiolabelling and Immunochemical
procedures revealed that, in diabetic state, synthetic
SMC (SMCs) actively produce type I and III
collagen which are synthesised in the cells and
secreted in the medium; type I collagen was
predominant as compared with type III collagen.
Diabetes enhanced the collagen synthesis. Low dose
of Insulin added to the medium, during 48h of
incubation, induced a marked reduction in the
synthesis of collagen types, especially type I
collagen.
Trophic Factors and Cytokines in Early Diabetic Glomerulopathy
Authors: Brosius Frank C.
Published: March 2007

The intent of this review is to focus on recent advances
in the understanding of the factors responsible for the progressive
pathologic features of diabetic kidney disease, with
special attention to various growth factors and cytokines
that appear to be important in this process. In addition,
emphasis is centered on relatively early stages of the disease,
because animal models have been most helpful to date
in understanding this stage of the disease process. Although
tubulointerstitial changes are of critical importance in the
progression of diabetic nephropathy, especially in the evolution
to end‐stage renal disease, there is a general consensus
that glomerular pathology occurs first. Therefore, attention
is limited to factors that may be important in the development
of early diabetic glomerulopathy, including transforming
growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), insulin‐like growth
factor (IGF)‐I, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).
Local Mass and Heat Transfer on a Turbine Blade Tip
Authors: Jin P. , Goldstein R. J.
Published: March 2007

Local mass and heat transfer measurements on a simulated high‐pressure turbine blade‐tip surface are conducted in a linear cascade with a nonmoving tip endwall, using a naphthalene sublimation technique. The effects of tip clearance (0.86–6.90% of chord) are investigated at various exit Reynolds numbers (4–7 × 105) and turbulence intensities (0.2 and 12.0%).

The mass transfer on the tip surface is significant along its pressure edge at the smallest tip clearance. At the two largest tip clearances, the separation bubble on the tip surface can cover the whole width of the tip on the second half of the tip surface. The average mass‐transfer rate is highest at a tip clearance of 1.72% of chord. The average mass‐transfer rate on the tip surface is four and six times as high as on the suction and the pressure surface, respectively. A high mainstream turbulence level of 12.0% reduces average mass‐transfer rates on the tip surface, while the higher mainstream Reynolds number generates higher local and average mass‐transfer rates on the tip surface.
Transverse Crack Modeling and Validation in Rotor Systems, Including Thermal Effects
Authors: Bachschmid N. , Pennacchi P. , Tanzi E. , Audebert S.
Published: March 2007

This article describes a model that allows the simulation of the static behavior of a transverse crack in a horizontal rotor under the action of weight and other possible static loads and the dynamic behavior of cracked rotating shaft. The crack breathes—that is, the mechanism of the crack′s opening and closing is ruled by the stress on the cracked section exerted by the external loads. In a rotor, the stresses are time‐dependent and have a period equal to the period of rotation; thus, the crack periodically breathes. An original, simplified model allows cracks of various shapes to be modeled and thermal stresses to be taken into account, as they may influence the opening and closing mechanism. The proposed method was validated by using two criteria. First the crack′s breathing mechanism, simulated by the model, was compared with the results obtained by a nonlinear, threedimensional finite element model calculation, and a good agreement in the results was observed. Then the proposed model allowed the development of the equivalent cracked beam. The results of this model were compared with those obtained by the three‐dimensional finite element model. Also in this case, there was a good agreement in the results.

Therefore, the proposed models of the crack and the equivalent model of the beam can be inserted into the finite element model of the beam used for the rotor′s dynamicbehavior simulation; the obtained equations have timedependent coefficients, but they can be integrated into the frequency domain by using the harmonic balance method.
Rotor Dynamics Analysis of Rotating Machine Systems Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kalkat M. , Yıldırım Ş. , Uzmay I.
Published: March 2007

Adirect‐coupled rotor system was designed to analyze the dynamic behavior of rotating systems in regard to vibration parameters. The vibration parameters are amplitude, velocity, and acceleration in the vertical direction. The system consisted of a machine analyzer, shaft, disk, master‐trend software, and power unit. Four different points were detected and measured by the experimental setup. The vibration parameters were found and saved from master‐trend software. These parameters were employed as the desired parameters of the network. A neural network is designed for analyzing a system′s vibration parameters. The results showed that the network could be used as an analyzer of such systems in experimental applications.
Crack Detectability in Vertical Axis Cooling Pumps During Operation
Authors: Bachschmid N. , Pennacchi P. , Tanzi E. , Verrier P. , Hasnaoui F. , Aabadi K.
Published: March 2007

The problem which is faced in this article is the analysis of the effects of a transverse propagating crack on the vibrational behavior of a vertical axis cooling pump. The crack is assumed to develop in a section between the impeller and a seal, preventing the hot water to flow upwards along the rotor shaft. The pressurized seal is fed with an injection of cold water, and crack initiation may be due to a thermal striping phenomenon. Afterwards, crack growth could be driven by a combination of thermal and mechanical loads, causing alternate cyclic stress in the shaft. Cracking instances of this type have been reported worldwide in several machines of similar design. In this article, the fact is emphasized that the crack behavior is likely to be influenced by the thermal field and by the water pressure in the cracked area. A dynamical lineshaft model, integrated by an original representation of the crack, has been developed to investigate the possible
vibratory symptoms related to a crack propagation. The vibrations are generally measured in correspondence of a rigid coupling which connects the motor shaft to the pump shaft,
in a position which is rather far away from the crack. 1 × rev., 2 × rev., and 3 × rev. vibration components, which are generally displayed by the machine condition monitoring system and are the most significative symptoms of the presence of a transverse crack in a rotating shaft, are calculated.
Intermittent Flow Regimes in a Transonic Fan Airfoil Cascade
Authors: Lepicovsky J. , McFarland E. R. , Chima R. V. , Capece V. R. , Hayden J.
Published: March 2007

A study was conducted in the NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA‐GRC) linear cascade on the intermittent flow on the suction surface of an airfoil section from the tip region of a modern low aspect ratio fan blade. Experimental results revealed that, at a large incidence angle, a range of transonic inlet Mach numbers exist where the leading‐edge shock‐wave pattern was unstable. Flush‐mounted, high‐frequency
response pressure transducers indicated large local jumps in the pressure in the leading edge area, which generates large intermittent loading on the blade leading edge. These
measurements suggest that for an inlet Mach number between 0.9 and 1.0, the flow is bi‐stable, randomly switching between subsonic and supersonic flows. Hence, it appears
that the change in overall flow conditions in the transonic region is based on the rate of switching between two stable flow states rather than on the continuous increase of the flow
velocity.To date, this flow behavior has only been observed in a linear transonic cascade. Further research is necessary to confirm this phenomenon occurs in actual transonic fans and is not the by‐product of an endwall restricted linear cascade.
Unbalance Responses of Rotor/Stator Systems with Nonlinear Bearings by the Time Finite Element Method
Authors: Demailly D. , Thouverez F. , Jézéquel L.
Published: March 2007

Since the early 1970s, major works in rotordynamics were oriented toward the calculation of critical speeds and unbalance responses. The current trend is to take into account many kinds of non‐linearities in order to obtain more realistic predictions. The use of algorithms based on nonlinear methods is therefore needed. This article first describes the time finite element method. The method is then applied to nonlinear rotor/stator systems where bearings present a radial clearance.
Approximate controllability of semilinear neutral systems in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Mahmudov N. I. , Zorlu S.
Published: March 2007

The approximate controllability of semilinear neutral systems in Hilbert spaces is studied using the Schauder fixed point theorem. It is shown that the approximate controllability of the semilinear system under some conditions is implied by the approximate controllability of its linear part.
On Rayleigh waves in a thinly layered laminated thermoelastic medium with stress couples under initial stresses
Authors: Roy Pijush Pal , Debnath Lokenath
Published: March 2007

A study is made of the propagation of Rayleigh waves in a thinly layered
laminated thermoelastic medium under deviatoric, hydrostatic, and couple
stresses. The frequency equation of the Rayleigh waves is obtained. The
phase velocity of the Rayleigh waves depends on the initial stress, deviatoric
stress, and the couple stress. The laminated medium is first replaced by an
equivalent anisotropic thermoelastic continuum. The corresponding
thermoelastic coefficients (after deformation) are derived in terms of initially
isotropic thermoelastic coefficients (before deformation) of individual layers.
Several particular cases are discussed for the determination of the
displacement fields with or without the effect of the couple stress.
On unsteady hydromagnetic flows of a dusty viscous fluid between two oscillating plates
Authors: Debnath Lokenath , Ghosh A. K.
Published: March 2007

A study is made of the unsteady motion of an incompressible
viscous conducting fluid with embedded small spherical particles
bounded by two infinite rigid non‐conducting plates. The operational
method derives exact solutions for the fluid and the particle velocities
and the wall shear stress. The quantitative evaluation of these results is
considered when the two plates oscillate in phase but with different
frequencies. The results are shown graphically for different values of
the time period of oscillations of the plates which represent the cases:
(i) the lower plate oscillates with time period less than the upper, (ii)
both the plates oscillate with the same time period, (iii) the lower plate
oscillates with time period greater than the upper. The magnetic field
damps the fluid motion for all values of the time period of oscillations
of the plates. When the time periods are small, i.e., when the plates
oscillate with high frequency, the fluid motion is retarded by the
particles. However, when the plates oscillate with larger time periods
(smaller frequencies), the fluid velocity is increased by the presence of
the particles at the early stage of the motion, and this effect persists
until the equilibrium is reached when the particles exert their influence
to resist the flow. The drag on the plate, which is evaluated
numerically for the lower plate oscillating with large time period,
depends on the ratio of the time periods of the oscillating plates. If the
ratio of the time periods is not equal to unity, the drag on the plate,
irrespective of the values of the magnetic field, oscillates with larger
amplitude compared to its value when the ratio of the time periods is
equal to unity. Further, for the ratio of the time periods less than or
equal to unity and for any fixed values of the magnetic field, the drag
increases by the presence of the particles after a time t ≈ 1.2 which is
the upper time limit for the non‐equilibrium stress‐value to exist. In a
similar situation, a reverse effect, i.e., the decrease of the drag with
increasing particle concentration, is found for the ratio of the time
periods being greater than unity.
Boundaries in digital planes
Authors: Khalimsky Efim , Kopperman Ralph , Meyer Paul R.
Published: March 2007

The importance of topological connectedness properties in processing digital pictures is well known. A natural way to begin a theory for this is to give
a definition of connectedness for subsets of a digital plane which allows one
to prove a Jordan curve theorem. The generally accepted approach to this
has been a non‐topological Jordan curve theorem which requires two different definitions, 4‐connectedness, and 8‐connectedness, one for the curve and
the other for its complement.

In [KKM] we introduced a purely topological context for a digital plane
and proved a Jordan curve theorem. The present paper gives a topological
proof of the non‐topological Jordan curve theorem mentioned above and
extends our previous work by considering some questions associated with
image processing:

How do more complicated curves separate the digital plane into connected
sets? Conversely given a partition of the digital plane into connected sets,
what are the boundaries like and how can we recover them? Our construction
gives a unified answer to these questions.

The crucial step in making our approach topological is to utilize a natural
connected topology on a finite, totally ordered set; the topologies on the
digital spaces are then just the associated product topologies. Furthermore,
this permits us to define path, arc, and curve as certain continuous functions
on such a parameter interval.
Random fixed points of weakly inward operators in conical shells
Authors: Beg Ismat , Shahzad Naseer
Published: March 2007

Conditions for random fixed points of condensing random operators are
obtained and subsequently used to prove random fixed point theorems for weakly
inward operators in conical shells.
Comparison of Abbott LCx Chlamydia trachomatis Assay With Gen‐Probe PACE2 and Culture
Authors: Young David C. , Craft Sandra , Day Mary-Clare , Davis Barbara , Hartwell Elizabeth , Tong Song
Published: March 2007

In this study the LCx assay (a nucleic acid amplification assay) for Chlamydia trachomatis in endocervical samples was compared with the Gen‐Probe PACE2 assay (a nucleic acid probe assay) for endocervical samples, and with endocervical culture. In addition, the efficacy of the LCx assay was determined for midstream clean‐catch urine samples because it is often necessary to obtain such a sample for routine urine culture and it is simpler to collect only a single sample without also collecting a first‐void urine for LCx. Endocervical specimens from 205 patients were tested for C. trachomatis via LCx and PACE2. Of these patients, 203 were tested by culture. Midstream cleancatch urine samples from 75 of these patients were tested by LCx. The sensitivities and specificities for these assays, after discrepant analysis, were 100 and 98.9% for LCx of endocervical samples, 52.4 and 100% for PACE2; and 71.4 and 100% for culture. The sensitivity/specificity of LCx for midstream clean‐catch urines was 66.7/98.5%. The apparent prevalence of C. trachomatis in our population was 10.2%. These data indicate that among the methods tested, LCx of endocervical samples had the highest sensitivity for C. trachomatis in this population. The senstivity of the urine LCx assay using midstream clean‐catch collected urines was considerably less than that reported in other studies that used first‐void urines but was higher than that of PACE2. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:112–115, 2000.
Liberal Diagnosis and Treatment of Intrauterine Infection Reduces Early‐Onset Neonatal Group BStreptococcal Infection but not Sepsis byOther Pathogens
Authors: Wolf H. , Schaap A. H. P. , Smit B. J. , Spanjaard L. , Adriaanse A. H.
Published: March 2007

Objective: Comparison of the incidence and case fatality of early‐onset group B streptococcus sepsis
and sepsis caused by other pathogens in neonates after change of management of intrauterine
infection.

Methods: All infants delivered from 1988 through 1997 at a gestational age ≥ 24 weeks with a
birth weight ≥ 500 gram without lethal congenital abnormalities were eligible for inclusion. Infants
delivered by cesarean section before the onset of labor or rupture of membranes were excluded.
During the first period (1988–1991) intrauterine infection was diagnosed by a temperature > 38℃,
during the second period (1992–1997) this diagnosis was made at a lower temperature (≥ 37.8℃)
or by fetal tachycardia ≥ 160/min. Treatment of intrauterine infection was similar during both
periods with 3 × 2 gram amoxicillin and 1 × 240 mg gentamicin every 24 hours intravenously during
labor. Prophylactic treatment during labor was only given to women with a history of an earlier
infant with early‐onset group B streptococcus sepsis.

Results: During the first period 6,103 infants were included, during the second period 8,504.
Intrauterine infection was diagnosed and treated more often in the second period (7.1% vs. 2.6%).
The incidence of early‐onset group B streptococcus sepsis was significantly lower in the second
period than in the first period [0.2% vs. 0.4%; OR 0.5 (0.3–0.9)] and survival without disability
higher [80% vs. 52%; OR 4.5 (1.4–16.5)]. However, in both periods the overall incidence of neonatal
sepsis (3.6% vs. 3.5%) and overall mortality because of sepsis (14.3% vs.13.1%) were similar.

Conclusions: Although the early detection of clinical signs of intrauterine infection might have
been effective for the prevention of serious sequelae of early‐onset group B streptococcus sepsis the
overall incidence and mortality from neonatal sepsis remained unchanged. Evaluation of preventive
measures for early‐onset group B streptococcus sepsis should always take the incidence of neonatal
sepsis caused by other pathogens into account. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:143–150, 2000.
Antenatal Marijuana Use Is Unrelated to SexuallyTransmitted Infections During Pregnancy
Authors: Miller Joseph M. , Goodridge Christina
Published: March 2007

Objective: This study evaluated the relationship between marijuana use and sexually transmitted
diseases in pregnant women.

Methods: A retrospective review of clinic records over a 12‐1/2 month period identified all women
entering prenatal care. Eighty‐six women using no illicit substance other than marijuana were compared to 441 drug‐free women. The prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, human
immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B surface antigen, human papilloma virus, and herpes was ascertained.

Results: No significant differences were found in the prevalence of any single sexually transmitted
disease between pregnant women who used marijuana and drug‐free pregnant women. When the presence of one or more sexually transmitted disease was considered, again no difference was
found.

Conclusion: Marijuana use was not associated with sexually transmitted disease in pregnant
women. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:155–157, 2000.
A Study to Determine the Incidence and Prevalence of Newly Discovered Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection During the Prenatal Care Period
Authors: Grimes Richard M. , Srivastava Geetanjali , Helfgott Andrew W. , Eriksen Nancy L.
Published: March 2007

Objectives:This study asked the following questions: 1) Does HIV testing in pregnancy identify women who previously were not known to be HIV positive? 2) When in pregnancy are women identified as HIV infected? 3) Does HIV seroconversion occur during the prenatal care period?

Methods:Medical records of 97 women from two primarily indigent care hospitals in Houston, TX who were found to be HIV positive at delivery were reviewed to determine if they had tested positive during the prenatal care period. Demographics and time of gestation of the prenatal testing also were recorded. The outcome measures were: 1) number of women found positive during prenatal care; 2) week of gestation at discovery of HIV positivity; and 3) number of women seroconverting between the initiation of prenatal care and delivery.

Results:Thirty women were known to be HIV positive prior to pregnancy. Fifty-six women were found to be positive during prenatal care and the seropositivity of 44 was discovered before the 34th week of pregnancy. Ten women were found to be positive at their first prenatal visit, which occurred after the 34th week. Date of testing was unknown for two women. Eleven women who received no prenatal care were found to be HIV positive at delivery. There were no seroconversions while women were under prenatal care.

Conclusions:HIV testing at delivery did not find any HIV-positive women who had tested negative during prenatal care. Testing is very important for women who do not receive prenatal care. Making certain that high-risk women get into prenatal care also is very important. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:172–175, 2000.
Non-Surgical Management of Post-Cesarean Endomyometritis Associated With Myometrial Gas Formation
Authors: Ebright John R. , Moldenhauer Julie , Gonik Bernard
Published: March 2007

We present a case of post-cesarean delivery, nonclostridial endomyometritis in which uterine (myometrial) gas formation raised concern for myonecrosis and need for hysterectomy. The patient fully recovered without surgery. Myometrial gas formation in this setting and in an otherwise stable patient may be an insufficient reason for hysterectomy. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:181–183; 2000.
Gynecologic Conditions and Bacterial Vaginosis:Implications for the Non‐Pregnant Patient
Authors: Sweet Richard L.
Published: March 2007

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a shift from the predominant lactobacillus vaginal flora to an
overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with an increased risk of gynecologic
complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, postoperative infection, cervicitis, human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and possibly cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The
obstetrical risks associated with bacterial vaginosis include premature rupture of membranes, preterm
labor and delivery, chorioamnionitis and postpartum endometritis. Despite the health risks
associated with bacterial vaginosis and its high prevalence in women of childbearing age, bacterial
vaginosis continues to be largely ignored by clinicians, particularly in asymptomatic women. Infect.
Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:184–190, 2000.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in CommercialSex Workers in Japan
Authors: Ishi Kazuhisa , Suzuki Fujihiko , Saito Akira , Kubota Takeyoshi
Published: March 2007

Objective: We used the hybrid capture assays to investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus
(HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among commercial sex workers in Tokyo.

Methods: Five hundred forty‐six consecutive commercial sex workers (CSW) who visited an
STD clinic for STD checkup in 1998 and 1999 were studied. A control group consisted of 233
consecutive women who visited a general gynecological clinic for annual checkup. A cervical
sample was obtained for hybrid capture assays for HPV‐A (low‐oncogenic‐risk types), HPV‐B
(intermediate‐ and high‐oncogenic‐risk types), C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae. Fisher′s exact
test was used for statistical analyses.

Results: The positive rate for HPV‐B among the CSW was 48.4%, significantly higher than the
6.0% among the control subjects. The positive rates for HPV‐A, C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae
were also significantly higher among the CSW than among the control subjects. Among the microorganisms
tested, the positive rate for HPV‐B was the highest in both the STD and control
groups.

Conclusions: The high prevalence of HPV, C. trachomatis, and N. gonorrhoeae infection in CSW
poses a risk of further transmission of STD to the general public, suggesting the need for further
education and screening for CSW and the general public. We found high‐ and intermediateoncogenic‐type HPV to be the most prevalent infection among both CSW and control subjects.
Screening for HPV may be necessary in STD and general clinics to predict the risk of cervical
malignancy. Hybrid capture assays, which permit simultaneous detection of HPV and other STD
with high sensitivity, may be a useful diagnostic method. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 8:235–239,
2000.
Value of Candida Polymerase Chain Reaction andVaginal Cytokine Analysis for the DifferentialDiagnosis of Women with Recurrent Vulvovaginitis
Authors: Weissenbacher Stephanie , Witkin Steven S. , Tolbert Vera , Giraldo Paulo , Linhares Iara , Haas Andrea , Weissenbacher E. Rainer , Ledger William J.
Published: March 2007

Objectives: Recurrent vulvovaginitis remains difficult to diagnose accurately and to treat. The
present investigation evaluated the utility of testing vaginal specimens from women with symptomatic
recurrent vulvovaginitis for Candida species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and for
cytokine responses.

Methods: Sixty‐one consecutive symptomatic women with pruritus, erythema, and/or a thick
white discharge and a history of recurrent vulvovaginitis and 31 asymptomatic women with no such
history were studied. Vaginal swabs were tested for Candida species by PCR, for the antiinflammatory
cytokine interleukin (IL)‐10, and for the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐12.

Results: C. albicans was detected in 19 (31.1%) of the patients as well as in three (9.7%) controls
(P = 0.03). Both IL‐10 (31.1% vs. 0%).and IL‐12 (42.6% vs. 6.5%) were also more prevalent in the
recurrent vulvovaginitis patients (P < 0.001). However, there was no relation between the presence
or absence of Candida and either cytokine. Detection of IL‐12 in 14 women indicated the stimulation
of a vaginal cell‐mediated immune response possibly from an infectious agent. The presence
of only IL‐10 in six patients indicated a suppression of vaginal cell‐mediated immunity and was
consistent with a possible allergic etiology. The absence of both IL‐10 and IL‐12 in other patients,
similar to that found in healthy controls, suggested a noninfectious, nonallergic etiology of their
symptoms.

Conclusion: Many women with recurrent vulvovaginitis are not infected with Candida. Testing for Candida should be required in this population. Treatment with only anti‐Candida medication
will clearly be inadequate for the majority of women with this condition. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol.
8:244–247, 2000.
Survey of Obstetrician‐Gynecologists in the United StatesAbout Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Jones Jeffrey L. , Dietz Vance J. , Power Michael , Lopez Adriana , Wilson Marianna , Navin Thomas R. , Gibbs Ronald , Schulkin Jay
Published: March 2007

Background: Although the incidence of toxoplasmosis is low in the United States, up to 6000 congenital cases
occur annually. In September 1998, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held a conference about
toxoplasmosis; participants recommended a survey of the toxoplasmosis‐related knowledge and practices of
obstetrician‐gynecologists and the development of professional educational materials for them.

Methods: In the fall of 1999, surveys were mailed to a 2% random sample of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) members and to a demographically representative group of ACOGmembers known as the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN). Responses were not significantly different for the random
and CARN groups for most questions (p value shown when different).

Results: Among 768 US practicing ACOG members surveyed, 364 (47%) responded. Seven per cent (CARN
10%, random 5%) had diagnosed one or more case(s) of acute toxoplasmosis in the past year. Respondents were
well‐informed about how to prevent toxoplasmosis. However, only 12% (CARN 11%, random 12%) indicated
that a positive Toxoplasma IgM test might be a false–positive result, and only 11% (CARN 14%, random 9%)
were aware that the Food and Drug Administration sent an advisory to all ACOG members in 1997 stating
that some Toxoplasma IgM test kits have high false–positive rates. Most of those surveyed (CARN 70%, random
59%; X2p < 0.05) were opposed to universal screening of pregnant women.

Conclusions: Many US obstetrician‐gynecologists will encounter acute toxoplasmosis during their careers, but
they are frequently uncertain about interpretation of the laboratory tests for the disease. Most would not recommend
universal screening of pregnant women.
Effect of Metronidazole on the Growth of Vaginal Lactobacilli in vitro
Authors: Simoes Jose A. , Aroutcheva Alla A. , Shott Susan , Faro Sebastian
Published: March 2007

Objective: To determine whether metronidazole has an adverse effect on the growth of Lactobacillus.

Methods: Hydrogen peroxide‐ and bacteriocin‐producing strains of Lactobacillus were used as test strains.
Concentrations of metronidazole used ranged from 128 to 7000 μg/ml. Susceptibility to metronidazole was conducted
by the broth microdilution method recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.

Results: Growth of Lactobacillus was partially inhibited at concentrations between 1000 and 4000 μg/ml
(p = 0.014). Concentrations ≥ 5000 μg/ml completely inhibited growth of Lactobacillus. Concentrations between
128 and 256 μg/ml stimulated growth of Lactobacillus (p = 0.025 and 0.005, respectively). Concentrations of
metronidazole between 64 and 128 μg/ml or ≥ 512 μg/ml did not have an inhibitory or a stimulatory effect on the growth of Lactobacillus compared to the control.

Conclusions: High concentration of metronidazole, i.e. between 1000 and 4000 μg/ml, partially inhibited the
growth of Lactobacillus. Concentrations ≥ 5000 μg/ml completely suppressed the growth of Lactobacillus.
Concentrations between ≥ 128 and ≤ 256 μg/ml stimulated the growth of Lactobacillus. Further investigation to
determine the ideal concentration of metronidazole is needed in order to use the antimicrobial agent effectively in
the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Group F Streptococcal Bacteremia Complicating a Bartholin′s Abscess
Authors: DeAngelo Alan J. , Dooley David P. , Skidmore Peter J. , Kopecky Craig T.
Published: March 2007

Background: Group F streptococci are Gram‐positive cocci typically isolated from wound infections and abscesses. Bacteremia with group F streptococcus is uncommon, and the lower gynecologic tract has not been reported as a source. We report a case of a Bartholin′s abscess leading to group F streptococcal bacteremia.

Case: A 31‐year‐old female noted fever and rigors 30 min after manipulation of a 3‐day‐old vulvar abscess. An empty Bartholin′s gland abscess was found on examination, and blood cultures grew β‐hemolytic group F streptococci. The patient was treated with ampicillin/sulbactam, symptoms improved, and follow‐up blood cultures revealed no growth.

Conclusion: Group F streptococci are known to inhabit various body sites and have a predilection for forming abscesses; however, bacteremia is infrequent. They have occasionally been identified in true infections of the genitourinary tract but only very rarely in Bartholin′s abscesses. This case of group F streptococcal bacteremia following self‐drainage of a Bartholin′s abscess constitutes the first such description in the medical literature.
Acyclovir Suppression to Prevent Clinical Recurrences at Delivery After First Episode Genital Herpes in Pregnancy: An Open‐Label Trial
Authors: Scott L. Laurie , Hollier Lisa M. , McIntire Donald , Sanchez Pablo J. , Jackson Gregory L. , Wendel George D.
Published: March 2007

Objective: To continue evaluation of the use of acyclovir suppression in late pregnancy after first episode genital
herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, using an open‐label study design.

Methods: Ninety‐six women diagnosed with genital herpes for the first time in the index pregnancy were prescribed
suppressive acyclovir 400 mg orally three times daily from 36 weeks until delivery in an open‐label fashion.
Herpes cultures were obtained when patients presented for delivery. Vaginal delivery was permitted if no clinical
recurrence was present; otherwise a Cesarean delivery was performed. NeonatalHSV cultures were obtained and
infants were followed clinically. Rates of clinical and asymptomatic genital herpes recurrences and Cesarean
delivery for genital herpes were measured, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results: In 82 patients (85%) compliant with therapy, only 1% had clinical HSV recurrences at delivery. In an intent
to treat analysis of the entire cohort, 4% had clinical recurrences (compared with 18–37% in historical controls).
Asymptomatic shedding occurred in 1% of women without lesions at delivery. Two of the four clinical recurrences
were HSV‐culture positive. No significant maternal or fetal side‐effects were observed.

Conclusions: In clinical practice the majority of patients are compliant with acyclovir suppression at term. The
therapy appears to be effective at reducing clinical recurrences after a first episode of genital herpes complicating a
pregnancy.
Care of HIV‐Infected Pregnant Women in Maternal–Fetal Medicine Programs
Authors: Sklar Peter A. , Bathgate Susanne L. , Young Heather A. , Parenti David M.
Published: March 2007

Objective: To survey the evolution over the past decade of attitudes and practices of obstetricians in maternal–fetal medicine fellowship programs regarding the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected
pregnant women.

Methods: Directors of all 65 approved maternal–fetal medicine training programs were sent questionnaires,
responses to which were to reflect the consensus among members of their faculties. Programs were stratified
based upon the number of HIV‐infected pregnant patients cared for in the previous year.

Results: Responses reflect experience with over 1000 infected pregnantwomen per year, nearly one‐quarter with
advanced disease. Combination antiretroviral therapy was prescribed by all respondents, universally in the 2nd and
3rd trimesters. A three‐drug regimen (often containing a protease inhibitor) was used more often by those who
treated at least 20 HIV‐infected pregnant patients per year than by those programs seeing a lower number of
patients (80 vs 59%).Despite the known and unknown risks of the use of antiretrovirals during pregnancy, only half
of all responding programs report adverse events to the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry; reporting was more
common among the institutions seeing a higher number of patients (61 vs 45%). Seventy‐eight percent of higher
volume programs enroll their patients in clinical studies, usually multicenter, versus 35% of lower volume
programs.

Conclusions: Care for HIV² pregnant women has dramatically changed over the past decade. Antiretroviral
therapy is now universally prescribed by physicians involved in maternal–fetal medicine training programs.
Given limited experience with these agents in the setting of pregnancy, it is essential for maternal–fetal medicine
practitioners to actively report on adverse events and participate in clinical trials.