bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN UNACCOUNTABLY HIGH MATERNAL ALPHA FETO‐PROTEIN AND INCREASED FETAL RISK
Authors: Mwambingu F. Tom
Published: December 2009

Abstract. An unaccountably high maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein level at 16–18 weeks of pregnancy is associated with increased risk to the fetus in a continuing pregnancy. Thirty‐one pregnancies with confirmed high levels at 16–18 weeks produced 10 preterm live and 8 liveborn small‐for‐dates babies and 3 early neonatal deaths. Although the incidence of neural tube defects is decreasing, routine assay of maternal serum AFP at 16–18 weeks should be continued to give possible warning of extra risk to the fetus.
COHORT TRENDS IN INCIDENCE OF CERVICAL CANCER IN DENMARK IN RELATION TO GONORRHEAL INFECTION
Authors: Lynge Elsebeth , Jensen Ole Møller
Published: December 2009

Abstract. In England & Wales and in Scotland an association has been found between the cohort pattern in mortality for cervical cancer and gonorrheal infection, used as indicator of sexually transmitted diseases in general. An equivalent association could not be found in the United States. In Denmark a peak in gonorrheal infection was observed towards the end of World War II. The maximum level attained in Denmark was higher than reported from the other countries; in Copenhagen the attack rate was 3.3 times the rate for the rest of Denmark. Incidence data on cervical cancer in Denmark are available from 1943 to 1977. The 1918–27 birth cohort is assumed to be the one most heavily affected by the gonorrhea epidemic during the war. Incidence data accumulated over a broad age span show no general excess risk of cervical cancer for women born 1918–27, but the incidence is increased for this cohort 15–20 years after the gonorrheal infection. The cervical cancer rates are higher for women in Copenhagen than for all Danish women, but the excess risks for the affected cohorts are less systematic here. The limited size of the population in Copenhagen, migrations, and an intensive screening are possible explanations for the divergence between the results for all of Denmark and for Copenhagen. The study indicates an association in Denmark between sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer, and the study shows the importance of taking the risk‐modifying effect of screening into account in studies of etiology for cervical cancer.
MALES BORN IN BREECH PRESENTATION 18 YEARS AFTER BIRTH
Authors: Nilsen Stein Tore , Bergsjo Per
Published: December 2009

Abstract.Forty‐two singleton males in breech presentation born vaginally in 1962–63 were re‐examined 18 years later at the medical draft board. Compared with all Norwegian conscripts of the same birth cohort, the study group exhibited no statistical difference as regards mortality, morbidity or general intelligence levels.
TREATMENT WITH DANAZOL OF URETERAL OBSTRUCTION CAUSED BY ENDOMETRIOSIS
Authors: Matsuura Kohei , Kawasaki Noriyosi , Oka Miwako , Ii Hisao , Maeyama Masao
Published: December 2009

Abstract. A case of unilateral ureteral obstruction in extensive endometriosis in a 21‐year‐old patient is reported. The present patient received danazol therapy following conservative surgery, and restoration of the renal function was achieved 5 months after initiation of the danazol administration.
BETA‐THROMBOGLOBULIN IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Leiberman J. R. , Aharon M. , Schuster M. , Plotnick‐Schtadler T. , Nathan I. , Dvilansky A.
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Beta‐thromboglobulin was tested in blood and urine in a study group of pre‐eclamptic patients. The control group comprised a subgroup of normal non‐pregnant women and a second subgroup of normal pregnant women. The results of the plasma beta‐thromboglobulin blood test revealed no significant difference between the groups, whereas the urine of the pre‐eclamptic group showed a significantly increased concentration of beta‐thromboglobulin. This difference may reflect renal involvement in the prec‐eclamptic patients; the turnover of platelets may be increased but the plasma level of beta‐thromboglobulin is apparently maintained by the increased renal clearance.
CHLAMYDIAL CERVICITIS IN WOMEN FOLLOWED‐UP FOR HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) LESIONS OF THE UTERINE CERVIX
Authors: Syrjänen Kari , Mäntyjärvi Rauno , Väyrynen Martti , Castrén Olli , Yliskoski Merja , Saarikoski Seppo
Published: December 2009

Abstract. to assess the concomitant appearance of Chla‐mydia trachomatis and Human papilloma virus (HPV) (currently linked with the development of cervical cancer) in uterine cervix, a series of 250 women under continuous observation for cervical HPV lesions (with or without concomitant cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN)) were the subject of cervical culturing for C. trachomatis, as well as for IP‐PAP (indirect immunoperoxidase) staining of the cervical biopsies with monoclonal antibody to C. trachomatis. Chlamydia‐positive staining was found in only 2/204 biopsies (0.98%), whereas Chlamydia could be isolated from the cervix of as many as 26/250 (10.4%) women. in repeat cultures, Chlamydia was isolated in 39/936 specimens (4.2%), reflecting the effect of the treatment instituted. the results are discussed in terms of the suggested association of Chlamydia with CIN, as well as of the possible synergism between Chlamydia and HPV in cervical oncogenesis. the conclusion is drawn that Chlamydia and HPV are covari‐ables of sexual behavior, their concomitant appearance in the uterine cervix most probably being ascribable to sexual promiscuity.
CHOLESTEROL ESTERIFICATION IN HUMAN SECRETORY ENDOMETRIUM AND IN ENDOMETRIAL CANCER TISSUE
Authors: Omsjø Ivar H. , Norum Kaare R.
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Human secretory endometrium and endometrial cancer tissue both contain acyl‐CoA:cholesterol‐acyltrans‐ferase (ACAT). the optimal assay conditions for measuring ACAT activity in microsomes prepared from these tissues were determined. the activity in normal secretory endometrium was 15.3±1.27 pmol cholesteryl ester formed per mg protein−1 per min−1, whereas 3 out of 4 endometrial cancers had 3–7‐fold higher ACAT activity.
Worldwide Studies Comparing Piroxicam and Naproxen
Authors: Plantema F.
Published: December 2009

In double‐blind, crossover studies, piroxicam was compared with naproxen. Piroxicam 40 mg was given once daily for two days, followed by 20 mg once daily and is compared with naproxen 750 mg daily for two days, followed by 500 mg daily (N = 85) and with naproxen 1000 mg daily (N = 83) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. The different parameters studied included pain intensity, treatment preference and side effects.

Piroxicam 40 mg/day was effective and well tolerated and produced a significantly greater reduction in menstrual pain on the first day of the cycle than naproxen 750 mg/day. When compared to naproxen 1000 mg/day, piroxicam 40 mg/day was equally effective. It is concluded that both drugs were well tolerated, but in both studies patients preferred piroxicam.
MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CLIMACTERIC
Authors: Hällström Tore , Samuelsson Sverker
Published: December 2009

Abstract. A representative sample of 899 middle‐aged urban Swedish women underwent a psychiatric interview on two occasions with 6 years between studies (waves). The point prevalence of all mental disorders was 39.9% at the first wave and 39.0% at the second. The corresponding one‐year onset rates of all mental disorders were 18.0% and 14.2%. No significant differences were found between ages or between waves. Major depressive episodes accounted for about half of the psychiatric morbidity. Those women whose menopause started early were more often mentally impaired than others and they also tended to have been more often impaired even before the climacteric (ages 30‐39).

Menopause was not associated with any onset risk of mental disorder, but a relationship was found between this rate and the weighted sum of other life events. The latter association remained significant even when correction was made for age, social class and marital status. Divorced and the childless women ran an increased risk of developing a mental disorder with functional impairment in the 6‐year period between the waves. Women from the lower social classes evidenced an increased risk of contracting some mental disorder during the same period.
THE GRADE OF HIRSUTISM CORRELATED TO SERUM ANDROGEN LEVELS AND HORMONAL INDICES
Authors: Ruutiainen K. , Erkkola R. , Kaihola H‐L. , Santti R. , Irjala K.
Published: December 2009

Abstract. The degree of hair growth of 64 hirsute women was clinically graded. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the ratio between the serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). The two groups did not differ in terms of the grade of hirsutism, serum testosterone (T), calculated free testosterone (FTc), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, or cortisol levels. In patients with a LH/FSH ratio of 3.0 or less (n = 49), FTc and A correlated well (ϱ 0.49, p < 0.001) to the clinically graded hormonal hirsutism score, while SHBG showed an inverse correlation to it. By contrast, no correlations were found in patients with a serum LH/FSH ratio exceeding 3.0 (n = 15). Various indices for hyperandrogenism were calculated. In patients with lower LH/FSH ratio, T/SHBG, T/SHBG + A/100 and T/SHBG + A/100 +DHEAS/100 showed the best correlation with the clinically scored hair growth. These results show that correlations between hirsutism and hyperandrogenism can be demonstrated.
Gonadal Steroids, Gonadotropins and Endometrial Histology in Postmenopausal Women with Malignant Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Jeppsson Sten , Karlsson Sten , Kullander Stig
Published: December 2009

The concentrations of FSH, LH, 17‐β‐estradiol (E2), estrone (E1) and progesterone (P) were measured in peripheral and ovarian vein sera obtained at preoperative pelvic angiography from 5 postmenopausal women with malignant ovarian tumors. In 5 others the concentrations of E2, P and testosterone (T) were also measured in ascitic fluid collected at laparotomy.

The investigation showed that most of these patients had increased concentrations of E2 and/or E1 and P as well in the peripheral blood. Significant gradients between the ovarian and peripheral vein concentrations were found for E2 and for P. High levels of E2, P and T were found in the ascitic fluid.

FSH and LH levels were often lowered in peripheral blood compared with normal menopausal values and a gradient to ovarian tumor venous blood – with lower concentrations in the blood coming from the tumors, was found.

Endometrial histology showed signs of steroid stimulation. These cases indicate that malignant ovarian tumors and/or the ovaries harboring them, are often capable of producing different sex steroids. These steroids may be found in the peripheral blood and in the ascitic fluid compartment and therefore may be used as tumor markers. The steroid production is probably not autonomous, but gonadotropin‐dependent.
Familial Occurrence of Cervical Cancer, Stages 0‐IV
Authors: Furgyik Stefan , Grubb Rune , Kullander Stig , Sandahl Björn , Wingerup Lars , Eydal Anna
Published: December 2009

All patients hospitalized in 1982 at the Department of Gynecology in Malmö because of malignancy of the cervix uteri attended an interview study concerning the presence of cervical cancer among their nearest relatives. In addition, these patients were questioned concerning earlier gonorrheal infection. The blood group was determined as also was the secretory status and Gm allotype. As a control group the families of the male consorts were used. Cervical cancer was found significantly more often in mothers of the patients (7.9%) than in the consorts' mothers (1.0%). Sisters, aged 20 or over, of the patients had cervical cancer significantly more often (7.5%) than sisters of the consorts (1.1%). Moreover, cervical cancer in mothers and/or sisters was found in 15.6% of the patients. In cases of invasive cancer or previously operated CIS, this figure was 17.5%. The patients did not differ significantly from the normal population regarding blood group or secretory status. A somewhat lower, although non‐significant, frequency of Gm(1) allotype was found in patients with invasive cancer, compared with patients with CIS. Patients with a positive family history of cancer had more often had gonorrhea (24%) than patients with a negative family history (18%). The study indicates a multifactorial etiology for cervical cancer.
Medical Treatment of Placenta Accreta with Methotrexate
Authors: Arulkumaran S. , Ng C. S. A. , Ingemarsson I. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: December 2009

Placenta accreta is a rare condition and is associated with considerable maternal morbidity and mortality. Though the surgical approach of hysterectomy is a definitive therapy, there are occasions when conservation of the uterus is desired by the patient. We report a case of placenta accreta successfully treated with intravenous methotrexate. After 2 weeks of treatment no signs of placenta could be visualized on ultrasound examination of the uterus. The patient was discharged after 15 days and has since been well. Such therapy may be useful in exceptional cases in institutions with adequate facilities for careful monitoring and management of the patient.
Effects of physical exercise on the serum concentration of melatonin in female runners
Authors: Ronkainen H. , Vakkuri O. , Kauppila A.
Published: December 2009

The serum melatonin concentration was measured in 11 runners before and after a long‐distance race, and during one menstrual cycle of another 11 runners who were performing a strenuous training programme, and in their 12 control subjects. The concentration of melatonin was significantly increased (p<0.05) after the competition, whereas during one menstrual cycle of female runners it did not differ from the corresponding concentrations of non‐athletes. Training did not cause any chronic changes in melatonin secretion, and the serum melatonin increases following the physical exercise remained clearly below the nocturnal level. Hence, the antigonadotropic effect of endurance running activity is very likely not a melatonin‐associated phenomenon.
The Pelvic Outlet: A Comparison Between Clinical Evaluation and Radiologic Pelvimetry
Authors: Floberg Jan , Belfrage Patrick , Carlsson Monica , Ohlsen Hans
Published: December 2009

A random sample of 798 primiparas was screened with clinical evaluation and radiologic low‐dose pelvimetry of the pelvic outlet. the purpose was to study the accuracy of clinical evaluation in comparison with X‐ray pelvimetry and to determine whether clinical evaluation could reveal any other factor influencing labor. a significant agreement between clinical and X‐ray pelvimetry was found, but the sensitivity of clinical evaluation was low and as many as half the patients with a contracted pelvis, according to pelvimetry, were not detected. Delivery outcomes in two matched groups with similar pelvic outlet measurements but different clinical evaluation did not differ, indicating that clinical evaluation did not detect any other factor not revealed by X‐ray pelvimetry.
The Value of Colpo‐Cysto‐Urethrography in Female Stress‐ and Urge Incontinence and Following Operation
Authors: Stage Poul , Fischer‐Rasmussen Wiggo , Hansen Rolf Iversen
Published: December 2009

The value of colpo‐cysto‐urethrography (CCU) in female stress‐ and urge incontinence was measured. in a prospective series of 172 consecutive females with stress‐ or urge incontinence, CCU was performed and assessed with regard to 1. no suspension defects, 2. anterior defects, or 3. posterior defects, respectively. Six months following operative repair for stress incontinence, CCU was repeated in 97 patients and compared with operative success. CCU was of minor value in the differentiation between stress‐ and urge incontinence. in stress incontinence, CCU was of greater value for the preoperative planning of operative technique, vaginal or abdominal, but could be omitted when pelvic examination did not disclose genital prolapse, as this excluded posterior suspension defects at CCU. Postoperative CCU was of minor value, and poorly correlated to operative success or failure. Stress incontinence with anterior suspension defects was best treated by abdominal colposuspension, even when complicated by genital prolapse. with no suspension defect at CCU, vaginal and abdominal repair were equally good alternatives. Posterior suspension defects had the lowest cure rate.
Epithelial Atypia in Ovarian Mucinous Cystadenoma During the Puerperium
Authors: Spaun Eva , Toft Bente
Published: December 2009

A papillary mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary with unique benign epithelial atypia is presented. the tumor was removed from a 33‐year‐old puerperal woman. Morphologically, the lining epithelium of the cystadenoma strikingly resembled the so‐called Arias‐Stella reaction of the endometrial epithelium, a benign cellular atypia produced by chorionic tissue during pregnancy. the atypical epithelium of the endometrium is known to persist several weeks after parturition or abortion, and should not be misinterpreted as malignancy.
Apgar Scores in Low Birth Weight Infants Delivered Vaginally and by Cesarean Section
Authors: Ladehoff Poul , Pedersen Gunnar Thomsen , Sørensen Torsten
Published: December 2009

A retrospective investigation of 641 live infants weighing less than 2 500 g showed that the frequency of a low Apgar score (≤7, five minutes after birth) was significantly correlated to the birth weight of the infant and independent of the mode of delivery and the presentation of the fetus at birth.
Forceps or Vacuum Extraction? A Comparison of Effects on the Newborn Infant
Authors: Fall Ole , Rydén Gunnar , Finnström Kerstin , Finnström Orvar , Leijon Ingemar
Published: December 2009

Sixteen women delivered by forceps and 20 women delivered by vacuum extraction (VE) owing to secondary uterine inertia were compared with a control group of 11 women who gave birth spontaneously. The cord arterial pH was lower in the VE group than in the forceps and control groups. Base deficit in both arterial and venous cord blood was greater in the VE group than in the forceps group, probably owing to the longer application and extraction times in VE than in forceps delivery. The incidence of retinal hemorrhage did not differ between the forceps and VE groups. The incidence of cephalhematomata was greater among VE infants than in the forceps and control groups. All infants were examined on the 1st and 5th day by standardized neurological and behavioural examination. There were no significant differences in neurological status between the forceps and VE groups. Thus, in low extraction with no signs of fetal asphyxia, either method can be used with safety if the obstetrician is familiar with both methods of operative vaginal delivery.
Climacteric Symptoms and Estrogen Replacement Therapy In Women with Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Pettersson Birgitta , Adami Hans‐Olov , Persson Ingemar , Bergström Reinhold , Lindgren Anders , Johansson Elof D.B.
Published: December 2009

A case‐control study was undertaken to investigate the influence of exogenous estrogens and climacteric symptoms on the risk of developing endometrial carcinoma. The study comprised 254 women with newly diagnosed endometrial carcinoma, resident in a defined geographical area, and 254 age‐matched population controls.

Treatment with estrogens for 4 years or longer was significantly more common among patients than among controls (odds ratio = 4.5; 95% confidence limit (CL) = 1.2–17.3). A history of climacteric symptoms was reported by significantly fewer patients than controls (odds ratio =0.5; 95% CL = 0.3 —0.7) and this difference was shown to be independent of weight. The decrease in risk associated with climacteric symptoms was limited to women younger than 70 years.
Ovarian Cyst Fenestration Via the Laparoscope: A Laparoscopic Method for Treatment of Non‐Neoplastic Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Larsen Jens Fromholt , Pedersen Ole Due , Gregersen Erik
Published: December 2009

A laparoscopic method of managing macroscopically benign, unilateral, unilocular, mobile, translucent, and smooth‐walled ovarian cysts in women of reproductive age is described. the method requires the cutting of a window in the cyst wall through the laparoscope fenestration. in preference to aspiration at laparoscopy or removal at laparotomy, this method has the advantage of ensuring histologic material as well as permanent drainage by the use of atraumatic surgical technique. Nineteen cysts were fenestrated laparoscopically. Four cysts could not be classified, two owing to lack of histologic material, two owing to malpreparation of the selected cyst tissue. in one case an epithelial cyst—a mucinous cystadenoma, being laparoscopically unsuspected—was fenestrated. One cyst recurred. by observing the above criteria it is possible and tolerably safe to select non‐neoplastic cysts, for which fenestration should be reserved.
A Correlative Review of Acetylcholine Synthesis in Relation to Histopathology of the Human Syncytiotrophoblast
Authors: Satyanarayana M.
Published: December 2009

Acetylcholine (ACh) is localized in the syncytiotrophoblast layer of the human placental villous tissue. an attempt was made to correlate the ACh synthesis in different pathological placentas with the histopathology of the syncytiotrophoblast available in the literature. the ACh synthesis was estimated by “in vitro” incubation of the placental tissue. Full‐term (36–38 weeks) vaginally delivered pathological placentas and hydatid moles (28 weeks) were compared with normal placentas of the same age. the results suggested that: (1) ACh synthesis is normal in states with normal syncytiotrophoblast (e.g., healthy >42 week placenta, placenta praevia, twins, and hydramnios); (2) high ACh synthesis is correlated with hormonal and immunological changes (e.g., diabetes mellitus and Rh‐incompatibility); (3) low levels of ACh synthesis occur in states with moderate syncytial degeneration (e.g., nephrotic syndrome and essential hypertension); (4) very poor ACh synthesis occurs when syncytial degeneration is advanced (e.g., preeclampsia, eclampsia, intra‐uterine death of fetus, vesicles of hydatid mole and placental tissue infarcts); and (5) ACh synthesis is nil in material that is completely devoid of syncytiotrophoblast (e.g., placental tissue‐like material, which rarely appears in between the vesicles of hydatid moles). in essence, the degree of reduction in ACh synthesis seems to correlate with the state of the syncytiotrophoblast in various pathological conditions; and ACh synthesis is greately reduced during syncytial degeneration. It is concluded that the capacity of the placenta to synthesize ACh reflects the state of the syncytiotrophoblast.
Subjective Recording of Fetal Movements: III. Screening of a pregnant population; the clinical significance of decreased fetal movement counts
Authors: Valentin Lil , Marsál Karel , Wahlgren Lars
Published: December 2009

In order to determine the clinical significance of decreased fetal movement counts, pregnancy outcome was compared between women with decreased fetal movement counts on their Fetal Movement Charts (FMC) (n = 161) and women with normal fetal movement counts (n = 1,354). 1515 women in the third trimester of pregnancy counted fetal movements for 15 min in the evening and noted the count on a FMC. An individual lowest normal limit for the number of fetal movements was calculated from the first five consecutive counts. A decrease in fetal movements was defined as two consecutive counts below the lowest limit (alarm signal). The alarm signal was associated with an increased risk of placental insufficiency (p<0.001) and imminent premature labor (p<0.001) and thereby indirectly with an increased risk of the birth of a baby with birth weight <2 500 g (p<0.05), preterm baby (p<0.05) or small‐for‐gestational age baby (p<0.05). The alarm signal was also associated with an increased risk of the birth of babies with congenital malformations (p<0.05), respiratory disturbances (p = 0.01) and hypoglycemia (p<0.05). The short‐term method of fetal movement counting can be used to preselect a group of pregnant women whose unborn fetus is at particular risk.
Low Dose Oral Estriol Treatment in Elderly Women with Urogenital Infections
Authors: Brandberg Åke , Mellström Dan , Samsioe Göran
Published: December 2009

Forty‐one female geriatric in‐patients with recurrent urogenital infections took part in a cross‐over intervention study with oral estriol as an alternative to antibiotics.

After one month of treatment with a dosage of 3 mg/day the vaginal flora of all patients showed a dominance of Lactobacilli, whereas without estriol treatment the flora was of a fecal type in two‐third of the cases. In all women the atrophic vaginal mucosa became restored and well vascularised.

Antibiotics were given 16 times more often during the period without estriol treatment.

It is concluded that treatment with estriol

• restores the normal premenopausal vaginal flora and mucosa

• prevents urogenital infections and disorders in postmenopausal women.
Effects of the Oral Contraceptive Combination 0.150 mg Desogestrel+0.020 mg Ethinylestradiol on Serum Lipids, SHBG, Glycosylated Proteins and Plasma Antithrombin III Activity in Healthy Women
Authors: Tuimala Risto , Korhonen Mikko , Kortesluoma Matti
Published: December 2009

The effects of the low‐dose oral contraceptive combination 0.150 mg desogestrel+0.020 mg ethinylestradiol (EE) on serum cholesterol (total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol and % HDL‐cholesterol in total cholesterol), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), apolipoprotein A‐I and glycosylated proteins and plasma antithrombin III activity were studied in 25 healthy fertile women. Blood samples were taken before treatment and after 1,3,6 and 12‐15 treatment cycles. The contraceptive combination had no effect on total cholesterol, glycosylated proteins or antithrombin III activity. During treatment there were small but significant increases in HDL‐cholesterol, % HDL‐cholesterol in total cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐I and a substantial increase in SHBG. Thus the combination 0.150 mg desogestrel+0.020 mg EE appears to have no adverse effects on lipid metabolism, serum glycosylated proteins and plasma antithrombin III activity.
Clinical evaluation of a new triphasic oral contraceptive: norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol
Authors: Gauthier Alain , Upmalis David , Dain Marie‐Paule
Published: December 2009

The safety and efficacy of the triphasic oral contraceptive agent containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol were evaluated in a 12‐month study of 661 women. Excellent contraceptive efficacy was achieved, with two pregnancies ascribed to product failure in a total of 6,511 treatment cycles. The life‐table predicted pregnancy rate was 0.57 per 100 woman‐years of use. The overall and theoretical Pearl indexes were 0.5.5 and 0.37, respectively. Good cycle control was maintained in patterns similar to those noted in previous studies. The incidence of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome was sharply reduced. Side effects reported were typical of those associated with use of low‐dose oral contraceptive agents. Acceptability was high compared with agents used previously by the subjects. Total cholesterol did not change but high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly elevated at 3 and 12 months. There were no clinically significant changes in the parameters of hematology or blood chemistry tested.
A comparison study of lipid and androgen metabolism with triphasic oral contraceptive formulations containing norgestimate or levonorgestrel
Authors: Janaud Alain , Rouffy Jacques , Upmalis David , Dain Marie‐Paule
Published: December 2009

The effects of norgestimate triphasic (Ortho Tri‐Cyclen®, Tri‐Cilest®) and levonorgestrel triphasic (Triphasil®) formulations on lipid and androgen metabolism were assessed in a study of 66 healthy women treated through six menstrual cycles. Levels of the following were measured: cholesterol and its subfractions, triglycerides. carrier lipoproteins, estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Comparison of baseline values with values after 3 and 6 months of treatment indicated that both regimens influenced lipid and androgen metabolism. There was a statistically significant between‐regimen difference in levels of high‐density lipoprotein, which were favorably increased with norgestimate triphasic hut reduced with levonorgestrel triphasic. Related data on SHBG showed that plasma levels of this marker of estrogen/androgen balance were increased significantly more in the norgestimate triphasic group, providing additional evidence of low androgenicity. Both regimens inhibited follicular growth to the same extent, as evidenced by low mean levels of estradiol in all on‐therapy cycles; and both decreased free testosterone. Side effects in both groups were minor and characteristic of those observed with low‐dose oral contraceptive agents. The results of the study support the reported safety and positive effects of norgestimate on lipid and androgen metabolism. in comparison with a levonorgestrel‐containing combined oral contraceptive.
Pragmatic communication deficits in children with epilepsy
Authors: Broeders Mark , Geurts Hilde , Jennekens‐Schinkel Aag
Published: December 2009

Background: Various psychiatric and neurological disorders including epilepsy have been associated with language deficits. Pragmatic language deficits, however, have seldom been the focus of earlier studies in children with epilepsy. Moreover, it is unknown whether these pragmatic deficits are related to general intellectual functioning. Both issues will be addressed in this study.

Aims: 1) Explore pragmatic language deficits in children with epilepsy while controlling for having a neurological illness and having to visit a tertiary paediatric hospital regularly, and 2) Determine whether pragmatic difficulties, if present, are discrete or associated with general intellectual functioning.

Methods & Procedures: The Children's Communication Checklist (CCC), a pragmatic language questionnaire, created by D. V. M. Bishop in 1998, was filled out by parents of 30 children with epilepsy (mean age = 10 years), 30 age‐matched children with various neurological disorders other than epilepsy, and 30 age‐matched typically developing controls. The full‐scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was individually measured to estimate the children's level of overall intelligence. The clinical groups were assessed in a tertiary paediatric hospital.

Outcomes & Results: The pragmatic composite score distinguished between the two neurologically impaired groups, even after controlling for FSIQ. Of children with epilepsy, 23% had pragmatic deficits, whereas only 3% of the children with various other neurological disorders and none of the typically developing children had these deficits. When compared scale by scale with typically developing children, children in both clinical groups showed more structural language problems and problems of language use, but these differences disappeared when FSIQ was controlled for.

Conclusions & Implications: Pragmatic deficits in communication are present in children treated for various neurological impairments, but more so in children whose seizures necessitate referral to a tertiary hospital. Clinicians should be sensitive to and inquire after pragmatic aspects of communication. Additional research is needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying these deficits.
Adventive Vertebrates and Historical Ecology in the Pre-Columbian Neotropics
Authors: Stahl Peter W.
Published: December 2009

The arrival of Europeans in the Western Hemisphere (ca. AD 1500) is generally used as a convenient reference point for signaling the early appearance of invasive faunas. Although use of this date embraces an implicit belief in benign landscape management by pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Americas, substantial evidence for the anthropogenic movement of domesticated, wild, and synanthropic vertebrates throughout the Neotropics suggests that it may be an exaggerated and erroneous reference point for the aims of ecological restoration and biological conservation.
Modeling Electric Discharges with Entropy Production Rate Principles
Authors: Christen Thomas
Published: December 2009

Under which circumstances are variational principles based on entropy production rate useful tools for modeling steady states of electric (gas) discharge systems far from equilibrium? It is first shown how various different approaches, as Steenbeck’s minimum voltage and Prigogine’s minimum entropy production rate principles are related to the maximum entropy production rate principle (MEPP). Secondly, three typical examples are discussed, which provide a certain insight in the structure of the models that are candidates for MEPP application. It is then thirdly argued that MEPP, although not being an exact physical law, may provide reasonable model parameter estimates, provided the constraints contain the relevant (nonlinear) physical effects and the parameters to be determined are related to disregarded weak constraints that affect mainly global entropy production. Finally, it is additionally conjectured that a further reason for the success of MEPP in certain far from equilibrium systems might be based on a hidden linearity of the underlying kinetic equation(s).
Interactions between CO and Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) as Induced by Ion-Exchanged Zeolites
Authors: Thongchai Nareerat , Kunanuruksapong Ruksapong , Niamlang Sumonman , Wannatong Ladawan , Sirivat Anuvat , Wongkasemjit Sujitra
Published: December 2009

The effects of zeolite type, ion-exchanged level, and ion type on the electrical conductivity responses of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV), doped poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (dPPV) and zeolite composites under CO exposures were investigated. The electrical sensitivity of dPPV/Cu+-ZSM5(Si/Al = 23) system shows a negative sensitivity value of −0.154, while the Na+ system gives a positive sensitivity of 1.48. Based on FTIR and TPD data, the positive response of PPV/Na+-ZSM5 stems from the CO molecules acting as a secondary dopant. On the other hand, the negative response of PPV/Cu+-ZSM5 originates from the fact that CO molecules are selectively adsorbed on Cu+ sites rather than C+ sites of doped PPV.
New Challenge for Classics: Neutral Zinc Complexes Stabilised by 2,2’-Bipyridine and 1,10-Phenanthroline and Their Application in the Ring-Opening Polymerisation of Lactide
Authors: Börner Janna , Flörke Ulrich , Döring Artjom , Kuckling Dirk , Jones Matthew , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: December 2009

The zinc acetato and triflato complexes of 2,2’-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline were prepared and completely characterised. The whole series (including the already described dichlorido complexes and the ligands themselves) were screened for their catalytic activity in the solvent free ring-opening polymerisation of D,L-lactide. The acetato and triflato complexes were found to be active initiators and polylactides could be obtained in almost quantitative yields or with high molecular weights, up to 145,000 g/mol.
Henipaviruses Employ a Multifaceted Approach to Evade the Antiviral Interferon Response
Authors: Shaw Megan  L.
Published: December 2009

Hendra and Nipah virus, which constitute the genus Henipavirus, are zoonotic paramyxoviruses that have been associated with sporadic outbreaks of severe disease and mortality in humans since their emergence in the late 1990s. Similar to other paramyxoviruses, their ability to evade the host interferon (IFN) response is conferred by the P gene. The henipavirus P gene encodes four proteins; the P, V, W and C proteins, which have all been described to inhibit the antiviral response. Further studies have revealed that these proteins have overlapping but unique properties which enable the virus to block multiple signaling pathways in the IFN response. The best characterized of these is the JAK-STAT signaling pathway which is targeted by the P, V and W proteins via an interaction with the transcription factor STAT1. In addition the V and W proteins can both limit virus-induced induction of IFN but they appear to do this via distinct mechanisms that rely on unique sequences in their C-terminal domains. The ability to generate recombinant Nipah viruses now gives us the opportunity to determine the precise role for each of these proteins and address their contribution to pathogenicity. Additionally, the question of whether these multiple anti-IFN strategies are all active in the different mammalian hosts for henipaviruses, particularly the fruit bat reservoir, warrants further exploration.
Radiographic features of pelvis and hip joint development of English Bulldogs
Authors: Volta A. , Morgan J. P. , Bonazzi M. , Manfredi S. , Bottarelli E. , Zanichelli S. , Bertoni G. , Gnudi G.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To evaluate distinctive features of pelvis and hip joint development of English Bulldogs throughout the first year of life.

Methods: The pelves of 20 English Bulldogs were radiographed at three different ages (<4, 6–8, and 12–14 months). At each time point, the dogs were clinically evaluated and the abnormal hip joints were classified as mild, moderate, or severely deformed. The pelves were compared to a phantom study in which external rotation of a normal hemipelvis around its long axis was artificially created at different degrees, with different pelvic inclinations, and classified as either normal and without deformity, or as mild, moderate, or severely deformed. Hip joints and pelvic scores were statistically compared.

Results: Although none of the dogs were considered lame at the end of the study, none of the hips showed normal development; 77.5% were moderately to severely deformed at 12–14 months of age. At this age, 75% of the hemipelves had moderate to severe torsional deformity (>5.2° of external rotation), with retroversion of the acetabulum confirmed by the presence of the crossover sign. An external rotation of the hemipelvis on its long axis >5° was likely associated with a moderate to severely altered hip joint conformation.

Clinical Significance: Abnormal hip conformation was common in this series of English Bulldogs. Torsional deformity of the pelves with acetabular retroversion was a common and distinctive feature, which has not yet been thoroughly studied in dogs. These findings need further evaluation in English Bulldogs as well as in other breeds.
The effect of the combination of locking screws and non-locking screws on the torsional properties of a locking-plate construct
Authors: Moens N. M. M. , Runciman J. , Monteith G. , Gordon S.
Published: December 2009

Little is known about the torsional properties of bone-plate constructs when a combination of locking and non-locking screws have been used. Sixty cadaveric canine femurs were divided into three groups. In the first group, the plate was affixed using three non-locking screws. In the second group, only locking screws were used while a combination of one locking and two non-locking screws were used in the third group. All constructs were subjected to torsion until failure. Torque, angle of torsion, and work were all calculated at the maximum failure point, as well as at five degrees of plastic deformation, which was thought to be more representative of clinical failure. At the maximum failure point, the locking group had significantly higher torque, angle, and work values than the non-locking group. The combination group was intermediate to the two other groups, and significantly differed from the non-locking group in torque, and from the locking group in work. At five degrees of plastic deformation, the locking group required significantly higher torque and work than the non-locking group. The combination group required a significantly higher torque than the non-locking group. This study suggests that a construct composed of all locking screws will fail at a greater torque value, and sustain greater work to failure in torsion compared to a construct composed of all non-locking screws. The addition of a single locking screw to an otherwise non-locking construct will increase the torque at the offset failure point and may be of clinical value in constructs subjected to high torsional loads.
“The orchids have been a splendid sport”—an alternative look at Charles Darwin's contribution to orchid biology
Authors: Yam Tim Wing , Arditti Joseph , Cameron Kenneth M.
Published: December 2009

Charles Darwin's work with orchids and his thoughts about them are of great interest and not a little pride for those who are interested in these plants, but they are generally less well known than some of his other studies and ideas. Much has been published on what led to his other books and views. However, there is a paucity of information in the general literature on how Darwin's orchid book came about. This review will describe howThe Various Contrivances by Which Orchids Are Fertilised by Insectscame into being and will discuss the taxonomy of the orchids he studied. It also will concentrate on some of the less well‐known aspects of Darwin's work and observations on orchids—namely, rostellum, seeds and their germination, pollination effects, and resupination—and their influence on subsequent investigators, plant physiology, and orchid science.
Targeting Antigen to Diverse APCs Inactivates Memory CD8+ T Cells without Eliciting Tissue-Destructive Effector Function
Authors: Kenna Tony J. , Waldie Tanya , McNally Alice , Thomson Meagan , Yagita Hideo , Thomas Ranjeny , Steptoe Raymond J.
Published: December 2009

Memory T cells develop early during the preclinical stages of autoimmune diseases and have traditionally been considered resistant to tolerance induction. As such, they may represent a potent barrier to the successful immunotherapy of established autoimmune diseases. It was recently shown that memory CD8+ T cell responses are terminated when Ag is genetically targeted to steady-state dendritic cells. However, under these conditions, inactivation of memory CD8+ T cells is slow, allowing transiently expanded memory CD8+ T cells to exert tissue-destructive effector function. In this study, we compared different Ag-targeting strategies and show, using an MHC class II promoter to drive Ag expression in a diverse range of APCs, that CD8+ memory T cells can be rapidly inactivated by MHC class II+ hematopoietic APCs through a mechanism that involves a rapid and sustained downregulation of TCR, in which the effector response of CD8+ memory cells is rapidly truncated and Ag-expressing target tissue destruction is prevented. Our data provide the first demonstration that genetically targeting Ag to a broad range of MHC class II+ APC types is a highly efficient way to terminate memory CD8+ T cell responses to prevent tissue-destructive effector function and potentially established autoimmune diseases.
Niche Partitioning of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi in the Same Tick Vector and Mammalian Reservoir Species
Authors: Barbour Alan G. , Bunikis Jonas , Travinsky Bridgit , Hoen Anne Gatewood , Diuk-Wasser Maria A. , Fish Durland , Tsao Jean I.
Published: December 2009

The Lyme borreliosis agent Borrelia burgdorferi and the relapsing fever group species Borrelia miyamotoi co-occur in the United States. We used species-specific, quantitative polymerase chain reaction to study both species in the blood and skin of Peromyscus leucopus mice and host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs at a Connecticut site. Bacteremias with B. burgdorferi or B. miyamotoi were most prevalent during periods of greatest activity for nymphs or larvae, respectively. Whereas B. burgdorferi was 30-fold more frequent than B. miyamotoi in skin biopsies and mice had higher densities of B. burgdorferi densities in the skin than in the blood, B. miyamotoi densities were higher in blood than skin. In a survey of host-seeking nymphs in 11 northern states, infection prevalences for B. burgdorferi and B. miyamotoi averaged ~0.20 and ~0.02, respectively. Co-infections of P. leucopus or I. scapularis with both B. burgdorferi and B. miyamotoi were neither more nor less common than random expectations.
Clinical, Parasitologic, and Immunologic Evolution in Dogs Experimentally Infected with Sand Fly-Derived Leishmania chagasi Promastigotes
Authors: Travi Bruno L. , Osorio Elvia Yaneth , Saldarriaga Omar A. , Cadena Horacio , Tabares Carlos Javier , Peniche Alex , Lee Shuko , Melby Peter C.
Published: December 2009

Experimental infection of dogs with Leishmania infantum has yielded heterogeneous clinical, parasitologic, and immunologic results. We studied dogs infected with 105 or 104 sand fly-derived promastigotes delivered by the intradermal (ID) or intravenous (IV) routes. Total mortality over 1 year post-infection reached 23.8%. The mortality and proportion of sustained polysymptomatic dogs was highest in the IV-105 group. The early appearance of polysymptoms was associated with an increased risk of progression to death. Dissemination of the parasite to lymph nodes was faster, and the subsequent infectivity to sand flies higher, in the IV compared with ID-infected dogs. Parasite-specific IgG1 or IgG2 production was similar among the groups, but higher interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression was associated with polysymptomatic dogs. On the basis of the data obtained from this study, a sample size analysis using different endpoints for future vaccine trials is described.
Recurrent Parasitemias and Population Dynamics of Plasmodium vivax Polymorphisms in Rural Amazonia
Authors: Orjuela-Sánchez Pamela , da Silva Natal Santos , da Silva-Nunes Mônica , Ferreira Marcelo Urbano
Published: December 2009

Clinical trials documented alarming post-treatment Plasmodium vivax recurrence rates caused by recrudescence of surviving asexual blood stages, relapse from hypnozoites, or new infections. Here we describe high rates of P. vivax recurrence (26–40% 180 days after treatment) in two cohorts of rural Amazonians exposed to low levels of malaria transmission after a vivax malaria episode treated with chloroquine-primaquine. Microsatellite analysis of 28 paired acute infection and recurrence parasites showed only two pairs of identical haplotypes (consistent with recrudescences or reactivation of homologous hypnozoites) and four pairs of related haplotypes (sharing alleles at 11–13 of 14 microsatellites analyzed). Local isolates of P. vivax were extraordinarily diverse and rarely shared the same haplotype, indicating that frequent recurrences did not favor the persistence or reappearance of clonal lineages of parasites in the population. This fast haplotype replacement rate may represent the typical population dynamics of neutral polymorphisms in parasites from low-endemicity areas.
Effect of viewing the interview and identification process on juror perceptions of eyewitness accuracy
Authors: Reardon Margaret C. , Fisher Ronald P.
Published: December 2009

This study examined whether showing jurors a video of the witness's initial attempts to describe and identify the perpetrator would facilitate jurors' ability to discriminate between accurate and inaccurate witnesses. Mock jurors observed a simulated trial in which the key witness testified under direct examination and cross‐examination. The jurors saw either the witness's testimony or the witness's testimony plus videotape footage of the earlier police interviews in which the witness described and attempted to identify the perpetrator. Results support the hypothesis: Jurors in the examination‐plus‐video condition discriminated between accurate and inaccurate witnesses better than jurors in the examination‐only condition. We discuss various mechanisms to explain the advantage provided by the video. It is recommended that police officers videotape the line‐up procedure and that jurors be shown this video at trial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.