bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Perfusion Studies on Human Umbilical Arteries: II. Effects of Prostacyclin and a Thromboxane A2 Mimetic
Authors: Bjøro Kristian , Stray‐Pedersen Sverre
Published: December 2009

Vascular effects of a thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619, and prostacyclin on human umbilical arteries have been investigated by in vitro perfusions. Administration of U46619 invariably induced vasoconstrictory responses which were found to be dose‐dependent and consistently stronger than those observed with other prostaglandins (e.g. PGF2α and PGE2). Infusion of prostacyclin alone did not lead to significant alterations in the arterial perfusion pressure. However, when prostacyclin was introduced after a constriction with U46619 had been established, a transient pressure decrease was observed. When both drugs were introduced simultaneously, the U46619 response was suppressed. This suppression was partial and dependent on the PGI2 concentration.
Endometrial Carcinoma Diagnosed by the Gynoscann Method
Authors: Costa Mauricio Magalhaes , Einhorn Nina , Sjövall Kerstin , Ryde Elsa , Nasiell Magnus , Roger Vivi , Jarborn Kerstin , Lundqvist Gunilla
Published: December 2009

A simple method for screening of the endometrium is a desirable complement to the gynecological examination. Between February and June, 1984, 94 patients underwent cytological sampling by the Gynoscann method immediately before dilatation and curettage at the Department of Gynecological Oncology, Radiumhemmet, and at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm. Ninety‐six per cent of the cytological samples were adequate for cytological diagnosis and the same proportion of the curettage specimens for histology. the correlation between cytology and histology was correct in 84% of the cases. Among the 26 cases of endometrial carcinoma, 21 (80%) were correctly diagnosed by cytology. There were no false‐positive diagnoses for carcinoma. Atypical hyperplastic endometrium was found in 2 cases by curettage and was correctly correlated with cytology in one case. the sensitivity for endometrial carcinoma was 81% and the specificity 100%. Our conclusion is that the Gynoscann method is safe, easy to use and has proved reliable for the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. Further evaluation with larger series giving the cytopathologists increased experience is needed before optimal sensitivity can be achieved.
Urinary Retention Caused by Impaction of Leiomyoma in Pregnancy
Authors: Schwartz Z. , Dgani R. , Katz Z. , Lancet M.
Published: December 2009

Complete urinary retention caused by incarceration of a retroverted gravid uterus or lagre fibroid uterus is a rare condition. the following case report illustrates the acute onset of urinary retention caused by the combination of a large leiomyoma and pregnancy. Total hysterectomy was performed. to the best of our knowledge, such a combination has not been reported previously.
Iron, Zinc and Folate Status During Pregnancy and Two Months After Delivery
Authors: Qvist Irene , Abdulla Mohammed , Jägerstad Margaretha , Svensson Sven
Published: December 2009

Iron, zinc and folate statuses of 45 women were determined during pregnancy around 12, 20, 28, 32 and 36 weeks, and again 2 months after delivery. Analyses of plasma ferritin, Hb, MCV, folate and zinc in plasma and whole blood were performed. Iron supplementation was recommended from mid‐pregnancy but 13 of the participants did not use the iron supplements. This group had significantly decreased levels of plasma ferritin and MCV at the end of pregnancy, but none developed anemia. Two months post partum the plasma ferritin of the unsupplemented group had normalized and was in the same range as in the supplemented group. The concentrations of zinc in plasma and whole blood and the calculated levels of red cells were low even at the first examination around 12 weeks of gestation, compared with non‐pregnant women. Throughout the course of pregnancy the plasma zinc levels continued to decrease, while the whole blood and red cell levels showed a significant rise. At term of gestation almost half the women had subnormal plasma folate levels (L. casei), which persisted during the post partum follow‐up. The corresponding value for red cell folate was 10% below normal values at term and 30% subnormal 2 months after parturition. These findings stress the importance of extending the observation period to include also the lactating period, in order to judge the need for folate supplementation.
Serum Concentrations of Vitamin D Metabolites in Vitamin D Supplemented Pregnant Women: A longitudinal study
Authors: Markestad Trond , Ulstein Magnar , Aksnes Lage , Aarskog Dagfinn
Published: December 2009

The serum concentrations of the vitamin D metabolites 25‐OHD, 1,25‐(OH)2D, 24,25‐(OH)2D and 25,26‐(OH)2D, and of vitamin D binding protein (DBP), were determined longitudinally in 22 vitamin D supplemented pregnant women, and in 17 age‐matched non‐pregnant women studied during the summer. The pregnant women had higher 25‐OHD and 1,25‐(OH)2D, similar 24,25‐(OH)2D, and tower 25,26‐(OH)2D concentrations than the non‐pregnant group. The relative concentrations of 24,25‐(OH)2D and 25,26‐(OH)2D (expressed as the molar ratio of these metabolites to 25‐OHD) were lower during pregnancy. The DBP levels were increased in pregnancy, but the calculated free fraction (i.e. not bound to DBP) of the hormonal form of vitamin D, 1,25‐(OH)2D, was still persistently higher in the pregnant than in the non‐pregnant women. The study suggests that a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU satisfies the vitamin D requirement of pregnant women living in a cool climate with limited sun exposure. The increased absolute and relative concentration of 1,25‐(OH)2D and decreased relative levels of 24,25‐(OH)2D and 25,26‐(OH)2D further suggest that the increased intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, which is known to occur during pregnancy, is at least partially mediated by the vitamin D endocrine system.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells with HNK‐1 Phenotype in the Cervical Biopsies of Women Followed‐Up for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Lesions
Authors: Syrjänen Kari , Väyrynen Martti , Mäntyjärvi Rauno , Castren Olli , Saarikoski Seppo
Published: December 2009

Local immunocompetent cell infiltrates in 263 cervical punch biopsies of women followed‐up since 1981 (16±14 months, M±SD) for an established Human papillo‐mavirus (HPV) lesion with or without concomitant cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) were analysed for presence of human natural killer (NK) cells, defined by the monoclonal antibody HNK‐1 (Leu‐7) using the avidin—biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) technique. HNK‐1 + cells remained at a constant low level (1.8 to 3.0% of the cells) in the different types of HPV lesions (flat, inverted, or papillo‐matous condylomas), their percentages (range 1.3 to 2.5% of cells) remaining similarly unaffected by the severity of associated CIN. As shown to be the case with human NK cell function in the peripheral blood, the percentages of local HNK‐1+ cells did not evidence any age‐dependence. Furthermore, the intensity of the infiltrate did not correlate with the relative levels of HNK‐1 + cells in the biopsies. Slightly (but not significantly) higher levels (2.5%) of HNK‐1+ cells were found in the first biopsies of the HPV lesions found to regress during the follow‐up period (28.8% of cases), when compared with those (1.7% and 1.8%, respectively) in persisting lesions (52.1% of cases) or progressing lesions (19.1% of lesions). the results are discussed in terms of the proposed immune surveillance function of human NK cells in malignant growths, and the conclusion is drawn that the present study does not provide any firm evidence to suggest that local NK cell function would contribute significantly to the clinical behavior of the cervical HPV lesions.
Ultrasonic Assessment of Cervix in “At Risk” Patients
Authors: Varma T. R. , Patel R. H. , Pillai U.
Published: December 2009

One hundred and fifteen women were considered to be at risk of cervical incompetence, judging from their previous history. They were scanned serially from the first trimester to 32 weeks of gestation. of the 115, 75 women were found to have defective cervix, as assessed on the basis of its length, its overall width and the width of the cervical canal at the level of the internal cervical os, and herniation of the amniotic membrane, with or without fetal parts, into the cervical canal. Sixteen of the 75 women with ultrasoni‐cally diagnosed cervical incompetence aborted, 40 needed cervical cerclage, 24 gave birth premature (24 to 34 weeks). of the 115 women, 40 did not have ultrasonic evidence of cervical incompetence and only one patient gave birth at 36 weeks' gestation, while 39 patients gave birth between 37 and 42 weeks. These 40 women would have had cervical cerclage on the basis of clinical history alone. Ultrasound is an objective method of diagnosing the incompetent cervix and also helps to avoid unnecessary cerclage operations on the basis of history alone.
Plasma Concentrations of Motion, Somatostatin and Pancreatic Polypeptide Before, During and After Parturition
Authors: Jenssen T. G. , Hoist N. , Burhol P. G. , Jorde R. , Maltau J. M. , Vonen B.
Published: December 2009

The plasma concentrations of the gastrointestinal regulatory peptides motilin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide were measured in 6 pregnant women, 17—35 years old. Plasma samples were drawn 2–3 weeks before, during, and immediately after labor, and 24 h as well as 1 year after delivery. Plasma motilin levels did not change during labor, but peaked non‐significantly upon delivery, and were thereafter significantly elevated 24 h post partum (p<0.05). Plasma motilin concentrations measured one year after delivery were almost identical with the pre‐term values. Plasma somatostatin rose non‐significantly during labor and peaked transiently upon delivery (p<0.05), whereas plasma pancreatic polypeptide increased significantly during the second stage of labor (p<0.05). the plasma motilin increase may be part of a compensatory mechanism leading to augmented gastrointestinal motility after delivery.
Obstructive Renal Failure and Pleural Effusion Caused by the Gravid Uterus
Authors: Weiss Z. , Shalev E. , Zuckerman H. , Shental J. , Barzilay E.
Published: December 2009

Acute renal failure due to ureteral obstruction by the gravid uterus is considered to be a rare complication of late pregnancy. Pleural effusion caused by urinary tract obstruction is also extremely uncommon. This presentation reports what is believed to be the first case in which both these complications appeared at the same time in a pregnant patient.
Maximal Response to Oxytocin of the Isolated Myometrium from Pregnant Patients with Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Israel E. J. , Guzman M. L. , Campos G. A.
Published: December 2009

Prematurity and fetal death are common complications in patients with cholestasis of pregnancy. Both conditions appear to be associated with abnormal patterns of uterine activity. We studied the oxytocin‐induced contractile activity in uterine strips taken from patients with cholestasis of pregnancy (n = 6) and from women with normal pregnancy (n = 6). Contractile activity of the myometrium in response to oxytocin was significantly higher in patients with cholestasis of pregnancy than in normally pregnant patients, at doses of 10−6, 10−4, and 10−2 M. We found that there is a greater maximal response to oxytocin in strips of myometrium from patients with cholestasis of pregnancy than from normally pregnant patients.
Increased Arterial Catecholamines in Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: øian Pål , Kjeldsen Sverre Erik , Eide Ivar , Maltau Jan Martin
Published: December 2009

Arterial and venous plasma catecholamines were measured in 13 pre‐eclamptic and 13 normotensive pregnant women. in the pre‐eclamptic group, arterial concentrations were higher for adrenalin (p<0.001), noradrenalin (p<0.05) and dopamine (p<0.01) than in the normotensive group, whereas in venous plasma only adrenalin (p<0.01) and dopamine levels were higher (p<0.05). Arterial adrenalin concentrations in the pre‐eclamptic group were, on average, three times as high as normotensive arterial adrenalin. the arterial‐venous (a‐v) differences were higher for adrenalin (p<0.001) and dopamine (p<0.05) in the preeclamptic than in the normotensive group. in the preeclamptic group, arterial adrenalin was correlated with mean arterial blood pressure (r=0.89, p<0.001) and with increased heart rate (r=0.78, p<0.01). According to these results, both sympathetic nervous and sympathetic adrenal activities are increased in patients with pre‐eclampsia.
Intra‐Uterine Growth Retardation and Gestational Age
Authors: Holmqvist Peter , Ingemarsson Eva , Ingemarsson Ingemar
Published: December 2009

This is a 5‐year material of all singleton SGA (small for gestational age) infants born at the University Hospital in Lund, 1977–81, with a long‐term follow‐up. After the introduction of routine ultrasound scanning for all pregnancies in weeks 17 and 32 (1980–81), the rate of SGA‐diagnosis before birth increased from 54.6% to 74.5% and the long‐term outcome improved for term SGA infants. All women were treated according to a uniform policy regarding the termination of pregnancy—even in the early preterm period, if signs of fetal jeopardy appeared. More than half of all infants born before gestational week 34 died (40.0%) or showed major neurological handicap (16.0%) in spite of all being delivered by cesarean section. the corresponding figures for infants born in weeks 34–36 were 8.3% (deaths) and 8.3% (major handicaps); the cesarean section rate in this group was 83.3%. Term SGA‐infants had an excellent outcome, with a low rate both for postnatal death (0.5%) and for major handicaps (2.0%). the results suggest that despite a high rate of antenatal diagnosis of intra‐uterine growth retardation, and a uniform management of the pregnancy and the newborn, the high rate of cesarean delivery, and also intensive neonatal care, preterm SGA‐infants are exposed to a greater risk of death or severe handicap.
Pregnancy Complicated by Concurrent Hyperparathyroidism and Pancreatitis
Authors: Fabrin Birte , Eldon Kim
Published: December 2009

A case is presented of pregnancy complicated by hyperparathyroidism and acute pancreatitis in a 32‐year‐old gravida II, primipara. the diagnosis of pancreatitis was made during surgery; postoperatively the patient was diagnosed as suffering from hyperparathyroidism, and an adenomatous parathyroid gland was removed. the four previously reported cases of this trilogy are mentioned, and the methods of diagnosis discussed.
Is the Early Growth Delay in the Diabetic Pregnancy Accompanied by a Delay in Placental Development
Authors: Pedersen J. Fog , Mølsted‐Pedersen L. , Lebech P. E.
Published: December 2009

We have previously shown that some fetuses in early diabetic pregnancy judged by the crown‐rump length are smaller than expected from the menstrual history. Nine out of 26 fetuses in the present study were significantly (6 to 17 days) smaller than normal, and at birth they weighed 300 g less than the remainder. To examine whether this early somatic growth delay was accompanied by a delay in placental development, we correlated plasma levels of human placental lactogen (HPL) to menstrual age and growth delay. Multiple regression analysis showed that inclusion of the early growth delay as an explanatory variable significantly improved the correlation. The best correlation was achieved when menstrual ages were corrected by 90% of the early growth delay, suggesting that the somatic growth delay is accompanied by a similar delay in placental development. We recommend that every diabetic woman should undergo an ultrasound examination in early pregnancy, with determination of fetal size, and that management throughout pregnancy should be guided by the ultrasound age rather than that calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Spondylolysis and Pregnancy—A Risk Analysis
Authors: Saraste Helena
Published: December 2009

A possible interference of various musculo‐skeletal anomalies with pregnancy is often discussed by obstetricians. Pregnancy as a risk factor for progression of spondylolisthesis, olisthesis as a risk factor for pregnancy complications, and pregnancy in women with spondylolysis as the cause of increased low‐back symptoms, are questions hitherto not analysed.

In the present study, a comparison between men, nonpregnant women, and women who had been pregnant, was made with respect to the degree of spondylolisthesis and its subsequent progression over an observation period of at least 20 years. Ocurrence and intensity of low‐back symptoms, and functional impairment due to low‐back symptoms (such as change of work, sick‐leave, sick‐pension, limitation in non‐occupational activities, and treatment) during this long observation time were also analysed. The mean values for the group of women who had been pregnant did not differ from those of the other groups as regards any of these variables.

On the basis of these results, it is concluded that pregnancy does not constitute a risk for progression of spondylolisthesis, or for increased low‐back symptoms in a woman with spondylolysis. Nor is spondylolysis, with or without olisthesis, a risk factor for pregnancy complications.
Corpus Luteum Function After Tubal Sterilization Using Endothermic Coagulation
Authors: Helm G. , Sjöberg N.‐O.
Published: December 2009

Following various methods of tubal sterilization, menstrual disturbance have been reported. One reason for these might be a change in ovarian function caused by interruption of blood supply or nervous supply to the organ. In order to prospectively evaluate the corpus luteum function following tubal sterilization, plasma progesterone determinations were made during one menstrual period 2—3 months and even years after the operation performed by means of endothermic coagulation. The levels of progesterone in plasma during the menstrual period before the operation were used for comparison. When using endothermic coagulation as a method of sterilization there seem to be no signs of changed corpus luteum function either, months or years after the operation.
Vaginal Erotic Sensitivity by Sexological Examination
Authors: Hoch Zwi
Published: December 2009

We studied vaginal erotic sensitivity by vaginal sexological examinations as part of the evaluation and treatment process of couples complaining of female coital anorgasmia but readily orgasmic at female self—or partner‐performed external genital stimulation. The existence on the anterior vaginal wall of an anatomically clearly definable erotically triggering entity, termed “The G Spot”, was refuted by our findings. The entire anterior vaginal wall, including the deeper situated urinary bladder, periurethral tissues and Halban's fascia, rather than one specific spot, were found to be erotically sensitive in most of the women examined, and 64% of them learned how to reach orgasm by direct specific digital and/or coital stimulation of this area. All other parts of the vagina had poor erotic sensitivity. This supports our conceptualization of a ‘clitoral/vaginal sensory arm of orgasmic reflex’ including the clitoris, the entire anterior vaginal wall as well as the deeper situated tissues. Instead of looking for a ‘vaginal (coital) orgasm’ distinctly different from a ‘clitoral orgasm’, this concept speaks towards a ‘genital orgasm’ potentially achievable by separate or, most effectively, combined stimulation of those different trigger components of the genital sensory arm of the orgasmic reflex. The format and technique of the vaginal sexological examiniation are described, and its possible applications and limitations are discussed.
Reduced Mortality in Cancer Patients After Administration of Alkoxyglycerols
Authors: Brohult Astrid , Brohult Johan , Brohult Sven , Joelsson Ingemar
Published: December 2009

A regression of tumor growth is observed when alkoxyglycerols are administered prior to radiation treatment of patients suffering from cancer of the uterine cervix. This regression is remarkably higher for patients below the age of 60 years than for those over 60. The regression has been demonstrated by a change in the quotient between the incidence of early and advanced stages.
Effects of three Low‐Dose Oral Contraceptive Combinations on Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Corticosteroid Binding Globulin and Antithrombin III Activity in Healthy Women: Two Monophasic Desogestrel Combinations (Containing 0.020 or 0.030 mg Ethinylestradiol) and One Triphasic Levonorgestrel Combination
Authors: Kloosterboer H. J. , Wayjen R.G.A. , van den Ende A.
Published: December 2009

The effects of three low‐dose oral contraceptive (OC) combinations on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) and anti‐thrombin III activity were studied in 44 healthy fertile women. In one study (study A) the effect of a 21‐day monophasic OC combination containing 0.150 mg desogestrel plus 0.030 mg ethinylestradiol (EE) was compared with that of a triphasic combination containing levonorgestrel/EE (6 days 0.050/0.O30 mg + 5 days O.O75/0.040 mg + 10 days 0.125/0.030 mg). In a second study (study B) the effect of a 21‐day monophasic combination containing 0.150 mg desogestrel plus 0.020 mg EE was evaluated. Fasting blood samples were taken before treatment, after 3 and 6 (study A only) treatment cycles and 2 months post‐treatment (study B only). Each treatment cycle consisted of 21 days of tablet administration followed by a 7‐day tablet‐free interval. Monophasic desogestrel/EE (0.150/0.030 mg) was found to induce a statistically significantly higher increase in SHBG levels than triphasic levonorgestrel/EE. This difference can be attributed to the lower intrinsic androgenicity of 3‐keto desogestrel (the biologically active metabolite of desogestrel) in comparison with levonorgestrel. Monophasic desogestrel/EE (0.150/0.020 mg) induced a similar increase in SHBG to that found with the 0.150/0.030 mg combination. All three preparations induced a twofold increase in CBG levels. Antithrombin III activity did not change with any of the preparations studied, suggesting no effect on the clotting system.
The Influence Of a Combined Oral Contraceptive On Uterine Activity And Reactivity To Agonists In Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Hauksson A. , Ekström P. , Juchnicka E. , Laudański T. , Åkerlund M.
Published: December 2009

The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of an oral contraceptive (150 μg levonorgestrel and 30 μg ethinyl estradiol daily for 21 days) in primary dysmenorrhea were studied by recordings of uterine activity and reactivity to lysine (L) vasopressin (VP) and prostaglandin (PG) F2α, on the first day of menstruation in 14 women before and after one period of oral contraceptive treatment. During the first session, when all women had moderate to severe dysmenorrhea, intra‐uterine pressure recording showed an intensive uterine activity, and bolus injections of LVP (6 pmol/kg body weight; 6 subjects) or PGF2α, (6 or 12 nmol/kg body weight; 4 subjects in each group) increased contractile activity and discomfort. After oral contraceptive treatment, spontaneous uterine activity, measured as total pressure area, decreased significantly (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03 in the VP and PG groups, respectively). The mean uterine responses to LVP and PGF2α, were on average smaller after oral contraceptive treatment and the women experienced minimal discomfort after this injection. It is suggested that inhibition of uterine activity could be an important mechanism for the therapeutic effect of gestagen‐dominated oral contraceptives in primary dysmenorrhea and that reduced uterine reactivity to agonists might contribute to this effect.
The Premenstrual Syndrome: A Study Of Its Diagnosis And Pathogenesis
Authors: Hammarbäck Stefan
Published: December 2009

The premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with its characteristic combination of mental and physical symptoms recurring in the luteal phase of each menstrual cycle and disappearing after the onset of the menstruation, has during recent decades attracted the interest of many researchers. However, the lack of a commonly accepted definition and way to diagnose PMS has led to contradictory results in attempts to establish the etiology of PMS, which still is obscure, and to find ways to treat the complaints.

In this study of 82 patients, a diagnostic procedure for PMS was developed, based on prospective daily ratings of symptoms, statistical criteria and non‐parametric statistics. Three subgroups of subjects were identified: group 1, the pure PMS group, with significant symptom cyclicity and all symptoms concentrated to the luteal phase; group 2, the PMS aggravation group, with significant cyclicity but with negative symptoms also appearing prior to ovulation; group 3, the non‐PMS group, i.e. those who do not suffer from menstrually related symptoms.

The three subgroups were investigated concerning possible distinguishing demographic factors, and medical and psychiatric anamnesis. The only significant difference found was a lower frequency of pathological scores for neuroticism in the Eysenck Personality Inventory and of a previous psychiatric history in group 1.

Among 124 women seeking help for PMS, 8 were found who had one ovulatory and one spontaneously occurring anovulatory cycle. In the ovulatory cycles, a typical symptom cyclicity was evident. In the anovulatory cycles this cyclicity disappeared and the symptoms abated, indicating the importance of a corpus luteum in precipitating PMS.

The role of hormonal variations was also studied in 22 postmenopausal women receiving either estradiol only, or estradiol/progestagen sequential therapy. When the progestagen was added to the treatment in the latter group, a PMS‐like syndrome was induced–but not in the “estradiol only” group.

To further test the role of ovulation‐anovulation in the pathogenesis of PMS, 26 PMS patients were given the GnRH agonist buserelin in a dose of 400 μg daily intranasally in a double‐blind cross‐over study, versus placebo. Though an appreciable placebo effect was noted, the active drug gave significantly better symptom relief. In the last cycle during medication with active drug 19 of the remaining 23 patients showed a non‐cyclic pattern in their symptoms; thus they no longer had PMS.

In each of 18 carefully diagnosed PMS patients the varying effects of hormone concentrations on the severity of symptoms were investigated in two cycles. The results show that in cycles with higher serum concentrations of progesterone–and particularly estradiol–the patients also had more severe symptoms, which contradicts earlier theories of PMS being due to a lack of progesterone.
Lipid and carbohydrate effects of a new triphasic oral contraceptive containing norgestimate
Authors: Burkman Ronald T. , Kafrissen Michael Edwin , Olson William , Osterman Jennifer
Published: December 2009

Data arc reported from the combined results of two studies assessing the lipid and carbohydrate effects of a triphasic preparation of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho TriCyclen®, Tri‐Cilest®) over a 2‐year period in 1,783 healthy women. Mean values for serum levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were increased significantly. with a percent change at 24 months of 13.2. Values for the ratio of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol to HDL‐C were reduced throughout the study period (mean change of −6.4%, at cycle 24). There were no clinically significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels or insulin levels or in values for glycosylated hemoglobin. These results are consistent with those of previous studies and indicate that the triphasic preparation of norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol is a selective and minimally androgenic oral contraceptive agent. Long‐term therapeutic benefit may accrue from the favorable influences on the lipid profile.
Selectivity and minimal androgenicity of norgestimate in monophasic and triphasic oral contraceptives
Authors: Anderson Freedolph D.
Published: December 2009

The contraceptive progestin norgestimate (NGM) has a high affinity for uterine progestin receptors and a lack of affinity for androgen receptors similar to that of natural progesterone. NGM's selectivity results in excellent efficacy, cycle control, and minimal androgenicity when it is combined with ethinyl estradiol (EE). Clinical studies of a monophasic regimen of NGM/EE indicate a positive impact on lipid metabolism, revealing an increase in serum levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol with a concomitant and significant decrease in the low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. Little impact on carbohydrate metabolism was noted. Serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin, an indicator of androgen‐estrogen balance, also increased significantly with NGM/EE in accordance with its low androgenic activity. A significant between‐regimen difference in SHBG was seen in a comparison study of NGM/EE and LNG/EE triphasic formulations (a mean rise of 68.6% with NGM/EE vs a decrease of 6.1% with LNG/EE). NGM's lack of estrogenicity was evidenced by unchanged prolactin levels and absence of effect on the coagulation system. In a large study of the monophasic formulation in 59.701 women, some improvement in acne was reported as well as minimal weight gain. An overview of clinical data is provided from United States and European trials as well as some preclinical data relevant to NGM's selectivity.
Isolated ovarian polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Kaya Erdal , Utaŝ Cenglz , Balkanl Süleyman , Bas˜buĝ Mustafa , Onursever Aykut
Published: December 2009

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disorder and a form of systemic vasculitis. A 48 year‐old female was admitted to the hospital because menorrhagia and pelvic pain in February 1993. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy resulting in a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy for myoma of uterus and a right adnexal cystic mass. Histopathologic examination revealed left ovarian periarteritis nodosa. Further investigation and 9 months follow‐up failed to show any systemic involvement. To our knowledge the isolated ovarian polyarteritis nodosa is the first case in the literature.
Dysprosody and stimulus effects in Cantonese speakers with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ma Joan K.‐Y. , Whitehill Tara , Cheung Katherine S.‐K.
Published: December 2009

Background: Dysprosody is a common feature in speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria. However, speech prosody varies across different types of speech materials. This raises the question of what is the most appropriate speech material for the evaluation of dysprosody.

Aims: To characterize the prosodic impairment in Cantonese speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria associated with Parkinson's disease, and to determine the effect of different types of speech stimuli on the perceptual rating of prosody.

Methods & Procedures: Speech data in the form of sentence reading, passage reading, and monologue were collected from ten Cantonese speakers with Parkinson's disease. Perceptual analysis was conducted on ten prosodic parameters to evaluate five dimensions of prosody, based on a theoretical framework: pitch, loudness, duration, voice quality, and degree of reduction.

Outcomes & Results: The results showed that the most severely affected prosodic parameters were monopitch, harsh voice, and monoloudness, followed by breathy voice and prolonged interval. Differences were noted between speakers with mild and moderate dysprosody. No statistically significant differences were found between the three types of stimuli. However, qualitative analysis revealed noticeable differences between the three stimuli in two speakers.

Conclusions & Implications: The prosodic profile of Cantonese speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria is similar to those of other languages (for example, English). The involvement of two new dimensions in the definition of prosody (voice quality and degree of reduction) provides additional insight in differentiating patients with mild and moderate dysarthria. Further investigation on the use of speech materials in the clinical evaluation of speech prosody in speakers with dysarthria is needed, as no single task was found to represent a patient's performance under all circumstances.
Microwave Effect for Glycosylation Promoted by Solid Super Acid in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Hinou Hiroshi , Saito Naohiro , Ogawa Masato , Maeda Takahiko , Nishimura Shin-Ichiro
Published: December 2009

The effects of microwave irradiation (2.45 GHz, 200 W) on glycosylation promoted by a solid super acid in supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated with particular attention paid to the structure of the acceptor substrate. Because of the symmetrical structure and high diffusive property of supercritical carbon dioxide, microwave irradiation did not alter the temperature of the reaction solution, but enhanced reaction yield when aliphatic acceptors are employed. Interestingly, the use of a phenolic acceptor under the same reaction conditions did not show these promoting effects due to microwave irradiation. In the case of aliphatic diol acceptors, the yield seemed to be dependent on the symmetrical properties of the acceptors. The results suggest that microwave irradiation do not affect the reactivity of the donor nor promoter independently. We conclude that the effect of acceptor structure on glycosylation yield is due to electric delocalization of hydroxyl group and dielectrically symmetric structure of whole molecule.
Upliftment Estimation of the Zagros Transverse Fault in Iran Using Geoinformatics Technology
Authors: Safari Hojjat Ollah , Pirasteh Saeid , Pradhan Biswajeet
Published: December 2009

The Izeh fault zone is a transverse fault zone with dextral strike slip (and some reverse component) in the Zagros Mountains (Iran). It causes some structural deformations. This fault zone is acting as eastern boundary of Dezful Embayment and forms subsidence of the embayment. The fault has been recognized using remote sensing techniques in conjunction with surface and subsurface analyses. The stratigraphic columns have been prepared in 3D form using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools on the basis of structural styles and thickness of lithologic units. Height differences for erosion levels have been calculated in stratigraphic columns with respect to the subsidence in the Dezful Embayment, which is related to Izeh zone. These height differences have been estimated to be 5,430 m in the central part (and 5,844 m in the northern part) from the Eocene to recent times. This study shows that comparison of the same erosion levels in Asmari-Pabdeh formation boundaries for interior and eastern block of the Izeh fault zone with the absolute uplifting due to the fault activity which is about 533 m per million years in the Izeh zone. The present study reveals that subtracting the absolute uplifting from total subsidence; the real subsidence of Dezful embayment from Eocene to Recent is 0.13 mm/year. The mean rate of uplifting along the Izeh fault zone is 0.015 mm/year.
Visualizing Consolidation in the Global Seed Industry: 1996–2008
Authors: Howard Philip H.
Published: December 2009

The commercial seed industry has undergone tremendous consolidation in the last 40 years as transnational corporations entered this agricultural sector, and acquired or merged with competing firms. This trend is associated with impacts that constrain the opportunities for renewable agriculture, such as reductions in seed lines and a declining prevalence of seed saving. To better characterize the current structure of the industry, ownership changes from 1996 to 2008 are represented visually with information graphics. Since the commercialization of transgenic crops in the mid-1990s, the sale of seeds has become dominated globally by Monsanto, DuPont and Syngenta. In addition, the largest firms are increasingly networked through agreements to cross-license transgenic seed traits.
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in two cats
Authors: Kirpensteijn J. , Nielsen D. H. , Buelund L. , Hansen M. S. , Dimopoulou M.
Published: December 2009

Two three-month-old, intact female Abyssinian cats were presented with a history of lameness, constipation and ataxia. The cats had been fed a diet composed almost exclusively of meat. Both showed severe osteopenia and multiple pathological fractures on radiography. Following euthanasia of the more severely affected cat, postmortem examination revealed changes consistent with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism and fibrous osteodystrophy, such as cortical thinning, massive connective tissue invasion in the diaphysis of long bones, and hypertrophy of the chief cells in both parathyroid glands. After introducing a balanced commercial diet to the surviving cat, bone mineralisation improved from the baseline value, and at subsequent examinations at three, six and 22 weeks later, as indicated by bone mineral density measurements obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography.
Ground reaction force profiles after partial and pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs
Authors: Rytz U. , Vannini R. , Voss K. , Andreoni A. A.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To evaluate and compare long-term functional outcome after partial carpal arthrodesis and pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs using kinetic gait analysis.

Methods: Fourteen dogs with 19 partial carpal or pancarpal arthrodeses were retrospectively examined and underwent force-plate gait analysis. Mean times since surgery were 29.4 and 24.4 months for pancarpal and partial carpal arthrodesis respectively. Vertical and braking-propulsive ground reaction force profiles were compared between treatment groups, and to those of normal dogs (control group) using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance.

Results: With the exception of time to vertical peak that occurred earlier in dogs with pancarpal than in dogs with partial carpal arthrodesis (p <0.01), there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Several parameters differed significantly between operated and healthy dogs (p <0.01): vertical impulses were significantly lower in both treatment groups, braking forces and impulses were also reduced after both techniques. Propulsive forces and impulses were only reduced in dogs with pancarpal arthrodesis. When comparing gait parameters of sound limbs of unilateral operated dogs to those of control dogs, braking forces and impulses (p <0.01; p <0.05) were significantly higher in the sound legs of unilateral operated dogs.

Clinical Significance: Long-term outcome after partial carpal and pancarpal arthrodesis is good and comparable to each other. Propulsive action may be altered more in dogs with pancarpal arthrodesis.
Long-term outcomes of thigh circumference, stifle range-of-motion, and lameness after unilateral tibial plateau levelling osteotomy
Authors: Allen D. A. , Wilson E. R. , Lineberger J. A. , Lehenbauer T. , Moeller E. M.
Published: December 2009

Our study evaluated thigh circumference (TC), stifle range of motion (ROM), and lameness in dogs one to five years after unilateral tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). We hypothesised that TC, stifle ROM, and lameness would not be different to the unoperated limb (control), one to five years after surgery. Patients that were one to five years post-TPLO were reviewed and were included if they had a unilateral TPLO, and no additional clinical evidence of orthopaedic disease. Standing mid-thigh TC measurements and stifle extension and flexion angles were made in triplicate. Clinical lameness was graded blindly. Data were evaluated statistically using paired t-tests for TC and stifle flexion and extension. Significance was set at p <0.05. Twenty-nine dogs met the inclusion criteria. Mean results for the surgery limbs and control limbs were 39.5 ± 5.5 cm and 40.1 ± 5.6 cm for TC, 36.6 ± 6.8° and 28.6 ± 4.3° for stifle flexion, and 155.2 ± 6.6° and 159.8 ± 4.9° for stifle extension, respectively. The mean TC for the operated limb was 98.5% of the control limb. A significant difference was found between the operated and the control limbs for all measurements. Time after surgery had no apparent affect on outcome. Four of 29 dogs (14%) exhibited some lameness in the TLPO limb during evaluation (one dog was 1 to 2 years postoperative and three dogs were 2 to 3 years postoperative). These results indicate that TC and stifle ROM in the TLPO limb do not return to control-limb measurements one to five years after a TPLO surgery. The clinical significance is unknown as TC returned to 98.5% of control, and the source of lameness in the lame dogs was not identified.
Bark anatomy in Croton draco var. draco (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Farías Feliza Ramón , Williamson June Simpson , Rodríguez Silvia Valdés , Angeles Guillermo , Portugal Victor Olalde
Published: December 2009

Many arboreal forms of the genus Croton (ca. 800 spp.), amply distributed in the Americas, have latex‐producing cells in their bark, which is widely used in traditional medicine to treat skin infections and some forms of cancer. Studies validate its ethnomedicinal use—more than 20 pharmaceutically important secondary metabolites have been reported for its latex and bark—but anatomical and ecological studies are scarce. Given this species’ ample distribution, laticifer abundance could be affected by the environment. We tested this for genetically similar trees growing in two types of vegetation in Veracruz, Mexico at sites commonly visited by traditional doctors. We describe the bark anatomy of C. draco, focusing on the laticifers, histochemically characterize the bark and the latex extracted from it, and document differences in laticifer abundance in the two environments. We have also identified another cell type (what we call type B) in the secretory latex system and describe it histochemically and microscopically. The location of bark cells that contain essential oils is reported here for the first time. Given the genetic similarity of the trees at both sites, the between‐site variation in the number of laticifers in stem and branch bark appears to be an effect of the environment.
Optimizing n‑gram Order of an n‑gram Based Language Identification Algorithm for 68 Written Languages
Authors: Choong Chew Y , Mikami Yoshiki , Marasinghe CA , Nandasara ST
Published: December 2009

Language identification technology is widely used in the domains of machine learning and text mining. Many researchers have achieved excellent results on a few selected European languages. However, the majority of African and Asian languages remain untested. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of our new n‑gram based language identification algorithm on 68 written languages used in the European, African and Asian regions. The secondary objective is to evaluate how n‑gram orders and a mix n‑gram model affect the relative performance and accuracy of language identification. The n-gram based algorithm used in this paper does not depend on the n‑gram frequency. Instead, the algorithm is based on a Boolean method to determine the output of matching target n‑grams to training n‑grams. The algorithm is designed to automatically detect the language, script and character encoding scheme of a written text. It is important to identify these three properties due to the reason that a language can be written in different types of scripts and encoded with different types of character encoding schemes. The experimental results show that in one test the algorithm achieved up to 99.59% correct identification rate on selected languages. The results also show that the performance of language identification can be improved by using a mix n‑gram model of bigram and trigram. The mix n-gram model consumed less disk space and computing time, compared to a trigram model. DOI: 10.4038/icter.v2i2.1385 The International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions 2009 02 (02): 21-28
Information and Communication Technology Usage and Bank Branch Performance
Authors: Maldeni HMCM , Jayasena S
Published: December 2009

This research study aims to provide an analysis on the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage and overall performance of bank branches done from a perspective of a leading commercial bank in Sri Lanka. Most of the banks in Sri Lanka are geared for comprehensive banking solutions with extensive branch networks. Empirical data collection was done in the year 2008 and analyzed with the theoretical data. A sample of 18 branches was selected using the non-probability sampling technique. Perceptions of branch managers, staff members and customers were collected using a survey method. All 18 branches selected are of an equivalent grade according to the grading set by the bank. Three types of questionnaires were designed for branch managers, branch staff and customers. Both structured and semi structured questions were included in the questionnaires with 5 point and 4 point likert scale. Data analysis was done using bivariate correlation and linear regression. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure the linear relationship between variables. The analysis revealed that ICT usage has a positive linear relationship with financial performance and quality performance of bank branches. Bank branch performance was found to have a correlation with factors such as staff attitude towards ICT usage, ICT literacy level of branch staff and scope and complexity of the ICT applications. Index Terms: Bank branch performance, Benchmarking, Decision making units, Financial Performance, ICT literacy level, Information and communication technology usage, Quality Performance. DOI: 10.4038/icter.v2i2.1386 The International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions 2009 02 (02): 29-37
A Customized e-Shopping System for SMEs in Developing Countries: Cases from the sub Saharan Desert of Africa
Authors: Olajubu EA , Afolabi BS , Ajayi AO
Published: December 2009

There are a myriad of problems facing developing nations' SMEs among which is the lack of institutional infrastructures for ICT adoption and usage. This paper tailors an existing e-Shopping model to the peculiar needs of SMEs in sub Saharan desert of Africa with a view to enter and participate in the competitive global market for goods and services. Various issues affecting the development and implementation of e-Shopping for developing nations' businesses were identified. Solutions to these shortcomings are proposed, and an easy way of developing e-Shopping for developing nations' SMEs is presented. A model that signifies the digital divide between multi-national and SMEs in developing nations is also presented. Index Terms: ICT, Infrastructure, Internet, Market Coverage, SMEs, sub Saharan Africa. DOI: 10.4038/icter.v2i2.1387 The International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions 2009 02 (02): 38-46