bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Electropharmacological Actions of Some Constituents from Ginkgo biloba Extract in Guinea‐pig Ventricular Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Satoh Hiroyasu
Published: October 2004

Effects of the constituents from Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on the action potentials and the ionic currents in guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocytes were investigated using whole‐cell and current‐clamp techniques. The constituents, ginkgolides A, B, C and quercetin, had depressant effects at 0.1–3μM on the action potential configuration. Ginkgolide A (1–3 μM) prolonged the action potential (action potential duration: APD) at 75% and 90% repolarizations (APD75 and APD90). However, ginkgolides B and C at low concentrations prolonged APD, but at higher concentrations (>1 μM) shortened APD. Quercetin at 3 μM prolonged the APD, but not at the lower concentrations. These constituents also inhibited the Vmax. The resting potential was unaffected. In voltage‐clamp experiments, ginkgolides A and B (0.1–3 μM) markedly and concentration‐dependently increased the Ca2+ current (ICa) and the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK), and decreased the inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK1). On the other hand, ginkgolide C failed to affect the ICa but increased the IK by 14.0 ± 2.3% (n = 6, P < 0.05) at 1 μM. Quercetin inhibited ICa, and enhanced IK but decreased IK1. These responses to the constituents were almost reversible (80–90% of control) after a 10‐ to 20‐min washout. These results indicate that even at acute administrations, these constituents produce the effective actions on the APD and the underlying ionic currents in cardiomyocytes. Each constituent does not exhibit a uniform response, although GBE acts as a net.
In Vitro Anti‐Cytomegalovirus Activity of Kampo (Japanese Herbal) Medicine
Authors: Murayama Tsugiya , Yamaguchi Nobuo , Matsuno Hideo , Eizuru Yoshito
Published: October 2004

We examined the effect of three types of Kampo medicines on human cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in the human embryonic fibroblast cell line, MRC‐5. Treatment of cells with at least 0.01 μg/ml of Kampo medicines inhibited the cytopathic effects of CMV‐infected MRC‐5 cells. Moreover, Kampo medicine decreased the replication of CMV without affecting the inhibition of host cells, with a concomitant decrease in CMV DNA levels. However, Kampo medicine demonstrated no virocidal effect on cell‐free CMV. Furthermore, western blotting analysis demonstrated that the Kampo medicine decreased the amount of 65 kDa late antigen expression in the infected cells. These results suggest that Kampo medicine may be sufficient to inhibit viral DNA replication and late protein synthesis, resulting in anti‐CMV effects. Therefore, these three Kampo medicines have the potential of being a source of new powerful anti‐CMV compounds.
Update on intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry
Authors: East Christine E , Colditz Paul B , Begg Lisa M , Brennecke Shaun P
Published: October 2004

This article examines the current status of fetal pulse oximetry (FPO) as a means of intrapartum assessment of fetal wellbeing.

FPO has been developed to a stage where it is a safe and accurate indicator of intrapartum fetal oxygenation. In general, sliding the FPO sensor along the examiner's fingers and through the cervix, to lie alongside the fetal cheek or temple is easy. The recent publication of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of FPO versus conventional intrapartum monitoring has validated its use to reduce caesarean section rates for nonreassuring fetal status. An Australian multicentre RCT is currently underway. Maternal satisfaction rates with FPO are high.

FPO may be used during labour when the electronic fetal heart rate trace is nonreassuring or when conventional monitoring is unreliable, such as with fetal arrhythmias. If the fetal oxygen saturation (FspO2) values are < 30%, prompt obstetric intervention is indicated, such as fetal scalp blood sampling or delivery. FspO2 monitoring should not form the sole basis of intrapartum fetal welfare assessment. Rather, the whole clinical picture should be considered.
Gestational diabetes versus obesity as risk factors for pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders and fetal macrosomia
Authors: van Hoorn Jessika , Dekker Gus , Jeffries Bill
Published: October 2004

Objective

To assess whether obesity and/or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are independent risk factors for fetal macrosomia and/or pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders.

Design

Retrospective computerised database review.

Setting

Lyell McEwin Health Service, South Australia.

Sample

All nulliparous women delivering singleton babies in the years 1999 and 2000

Main outcome measures

Birth weights, the occurrence of fetal macrosomia, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were compared between 258 normoglycaemic women (control group), 76 women with only an abnormal glucose challenge test, and 51 women with GDM.

Results

Only GDM with fasting hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for macrosomia (risk ratio: 3.3 95% confidence limits 1.229–8.736). Smoking is associated with a decrease in the incidence of pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders.

Conclusions

Our data strongly suggest that GDM and obesity are not independent risk factors for pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders.
The impact of intrapartum analgesia on labour and delivery outcomes in nulliparous women
Authors: Dickinson Jan E , Paech Michael J , McDonald Susan J , Evans Sharon F
Published: October 2004

Objectives

To establish the spontaneous miscarriage rate and compare it with the procedure related miscarriage rate for amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) by experienced operators.

Design

Retrospective audit over a two‐year period of all patients having a consultation for prenatal diagnosis before 12 weeks gestation.

Setting

A specialised obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound practice.

Population

A total of 2366 patients, mostly over 35 years of age.

Methods

Between 1 July 1995 and 30 June 1997, all patients having a prenatal consultation decided between amniocentesis, CVS or no invasive testing. The CVS was performed either transabdominally or transcervically, depending on the position of the uterus and placenta.

Main outcome measures

Delivery, termination of pregnancy for chromosomal abnormality or miscarriage.

Results

Over the two‐year period, 2366 patients had a prenatal consultation and outcome data were available for all but 53 patients. After consultation, 346 patients decided not to have any prenatal testing and 29 (8.4%) of these had a spontaneous miscarriage. Amniocentesis was requested by 839 patients; however 10 miscarried before the scheduled procedure. After the amniocentesis, there were 13 terminations for chromosomal abnormality and three miscarriages. CVS was requested by 1128 patients; however, 23 miscarried before the scheduled procedure. Transabdominal CVS was performed in 665 patients, transcervical in 416 and in 24 cases the documentation of the method used was unclear. Eleven patients miscarried after the transabdominal CVS (1.65%) compared with nine patients miscarrying after the transcervical CVS (2.16%), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.27).

Conclusion

In the group studied, the spontaneous miscarriage rate from nine weeks gestation is very high (8.4%). The procedure‐related loss rate from amniocentesis was less than 1 in 280. Transabdominal CVS appears to have a lower fetal loss rate than transcervical CVS, but much larger numbers are needed to prove this.
Strategies required to improve the management of chronic vulvar discomfort in Australia
Authors: Wines Nina
Published: October 2004

Objective

To investigate factors required to improve the management of vulvar pain from a patient perspective.

Sample and setting

Sixty patients in four different specialised vulvar clinics.

Methods

Women with chronic vulvar pain were asked to complete a questionnaire whilst waiting for specialist consultation by either a dermatologist, sexual health physican, psychologist or physiotherapist.

Results

The average length of time patients had vulvar pain was 6.03 years, with a mean of 5.83 practitioners seen. Twenty‐seven per cent indicated that increased awareness of vulvodynia was required by gynaecologists and 74% suggested that increased general practitioner awareness was necessary to improve care. Accurate diagnosis, and understanding lifestyle implications were key elements of patient satisfaction, considered more important than any available treatment modality.

Conclusions

Current services and skilled practitioners available for the management of chronic vulvar pain or vulvo dynia in Australia do not reflect the estimated prevalence of this condition. From this study it was concluded that the three most important factors required to improve quality of care in order of importance were increased practitioner awareness, research and the setting up of more specialized multi‐disciplinary clinics.
Women's experiences of being screened for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rumbold Alice R , Crowther Caroline A
Published: October 2004

Objective

To assess if women screening positive for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) will experience a reduction in their quality of life.

Design

Prospective survey.

Setting

Level III teaching hospital with a high‐risk pregnancy service and neonatal intensive care unit.

Population

Pregnant women prior to being screened for GDM, after screening and late in pregnancy.

Methods

Women were surveyed using the six‐item short‐form of the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Short Form 36 Item Health Survey.

Further questions asked about the mother's perception of health and the concern the mother felt for the health of her unborn child, the adequacy of information given about the screening tests and its results, adequacy of information about the results of the diagnostic OGTT and women's overall experiences of being screened.

Main outcome measures

Anxiety, depression, health status, concerns about the health of the baby and perceived health.

Results

After screening, women screening positive for GDM had lower health perceptions (p < 0.05), were less likely to rate their health as ‘much better than one year ago’ (p < 0.05) and were more likely to only rate their health as ‘fair’ rather than ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ when compared with women screening negative (p < 0.01). No differences were found in levels of anxiety, depression or the concern women felt about the health of their baby.

Conclusions

Screening for GDM had an adverse impact on women's perceptions of their own health.
Antenatal and intrapartum antecedents of cerebral palsy: a case‐control study
Authors: Walstab Janet , Bell Robin , Reddihough Dinah , Brennecke Shaun , Bessell Christine , Beischer Norman
Published: October 2004

Aim

To identify antenatal and intrapartum factors contributing to the aetiology of cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

A case‐control study using moderate/severe cases of cerebral palsy identified from the Victorian Cerebral Palsy Register and two controls per case identified through the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit.

Results

A number of previously identified risk factors for CP were confirmed in our data. New observations were (in specific sub‐groups): protective effects of mother's negative Rhesus status, cigarette smoking at the first visit and episiotomy and an increased risk of CP associated with an abnormal antenatal cardiotocograph.

Conclusions

Although the result of the deliberate investigation of specific aspects of the antenatal and intrapartum period identified from a pilot study, our new findings must be interpreted with caution as they were not all based on specific a priori hypotheses, although some had been examined by other investigators. We would encourage their evaluation in other data sets.
Contrasting views of staff and patients regarding psychosocial care for Australian women who miscarry: a hospital based study
Authors: Evans Louise , Lloyd Deborah , Considine Robyn , Hancock Lynne
Published: October 2004

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess the psychosocial needs of women following miscarriage and to describe what changes should be made to improve their hospital care.

Methods

One hundred and nine women were asked to complete a survey within one month of discharge from hospital following a miscarriage. The women were asked to describe their psychosocial needs, satisfaction with hospital care and type of follow‐up care provided. The women also completed the Edinburgh Depression Scale and the General Health Questionnaire–12. Forty‐three staff were asked questions relating to the psychosocial effects of miscarriage on these women, how the hospital experience could be improved for women, and barriers to providing adequate psychosocial care.

Results

Seventy‐five per cent of the women felt that their hospital experience could have been improved, particularly by a more considerate and sensitive attitude from staff. While staff agreed that the hospital experience could be better for women, they considered this would be best achieved by the provision of counselling, more privacy and additional staff. Results of the Edinburgh Depression Scale indicated that 44% of the women were either possibly or probably depressed, while the General Health Questionnaire–12 indicated that 57% were suffering some psychological distress.

Conclusion

It is clear that women and their hospital care givers want to see improvements in the care given to women who miscarry. However, disagreement exists as to how this improvement can be best achieved.
Laparoscopic entry: a literature review and analysis of techniques and complications of primary port entry
Authors: Molloy David , Kaloo Philip D , Cooper Michael , Nguyen Tuan V
Published: October 2004

Objective

To obtain consensus as to the optimal form of entry technique for access to the peritoneal cavity.

Design

A meta‐analysis of all relevant English language studies of laparoscopic entry complications.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of bowel and major vascular injuries.

Results

Bowel injuries occur in 0.7/1000 and major vascular injuries in 0.4/1000. The overall incidence of major injuries at time of entry is 1.1/1000. The direct entry technique is associated with a significantly reduced major injury incidence of 0.5/1000, when compared to both open and Veress entry produces (1.1 and 0.9/1000 respectively, p = 0.0005). Entry‐related bowel injuries are reported more often following general surgical laparoscopies than with gynaecological procedures (p = 0.001). No such difference is seen in the incidence of vascular injuries (p = 0.987). Open entry is statistically more likely to be associated with bowel injury than either Veress needle or direct entry. However, open entry appears to minimize vascular injury at time of entry.

Conclusions

There remains no clear evidence as to the optimal form of laparoscopic entry in the low‐risk patient. However, direct entry may be an under‐utilised and safe alternative to the Veress needle and open entry technique.
Changes in vesicourethral function following laparoscopic hysterectomy versus abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Long CY , Jang MY , Chen SC , Chen YH , Su JH , Hsu SC
Published: October 2004

Objective

To assess whether total hysterectomy is associated with increased postoperative vesicourethral abnormalities.

Sample

Forty‐five patients had a laparoscopic hysterectomy and 36 patients had a total abdominal hysterectomy.

Design

Before and after hysterectomy, patients underwent a urinalysis, a personal interview, and an urodynamic study.

Results

Of the laparoscopic hysterectomy group, 27 patients (60%) exhibited urinary symptoms preoperatively, and 22 patients (48.9%) remained symptomatic following surgery. There was no significant change in the number of women with one or more urinary symptoms, but the incidence of urinary frequency and stress incontinence decreased significantly following hysterectomy (p < 0.05). Of the total abdominal hysterectomy group, preoperative voiding symptoms were present in 22 patients (61.1%). After surgery, urinary symptoms were present in 19 patients (52.8%). Some patients did not complain of any urinary frequency or stress incontinence following hysterectomy, but this figure did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Maximal urethral closure pressure and maximal cystometric capacity demonstrated significant increases for both groups following surgery.

Conclusions

The results indicated that total hysterectomy, either laparoscopic or total abdominal hysterectomy, did not significantly increase the subjective and objective incidence of vesicourethral dysfunction. On the contrary, some patients experience a substantial improvement of pre‐existing urinary frequency or stress incontinence, partly as a result of an increase in the maximal urethral closure pressure and total bladder capacity following hysterectomy.
A prospective randomised double‐blind placebo controlled trial to assess whether gas drains reduce shoulder pain following gynaecological laparoscopy
Authors: Swift Gary , Healey Martin , Varol Nesrin , Maher Peter , Hill David
Published: October 2004

Objective

To assess the effects on patient discomfort of an intraabdominal passive gas drain left for four hours postoperatively following gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Design

A prospective randomised double‐blinded placebo controlled trial.

Setting

University tertiary hospital and private hospital.

Population or sample

Eighty women having a laparoscopic gynaecological procedure for benign disease.

Methods

A drain was placed via the umbilical port at the conclusion of the surgical procedure and was removed four hours postoperatively. The researcher, assessor and patient were all blinded as to the patency or occlusion of the drain. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires at regular intervals up to five days postoperatively.

Main outcome measures

Visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess overall pain, shoulder and chest pain, abdominal pain, bloating and energy prior to surgery and at intervals up to five days postoperatively.

Results and conclusions

No complications were attributed to the presence and withdrawal of the drain tube. Shoulder pain following operative or diagnostic laparoscopy was significantly reduced for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours by the presence of a patent passive gas drain for the first four hours postoperatively. The drains were easy to use and had no associated morbidity. We recommend that in the absence of the need for an active drain, all patients undergoing laparoscopy should have a gas drain inserted for a period of four hours after the completion of the procedure.
Who remains undelivered more than seven days after a single course of prenatal corticosteroids and gives birth at less than 34 weeks?
Authors: McLaughlin KJ , Crowther CA , Vigneswaran P , Hancock E , Willson K
Published: October 2004

Minimal information exists as to how women who give birth more than seven days after initial corticosteroid treatment, who may benefit from repeat prenatal corticosteroids, differ from women who give birth within seven days, at < 34 weeks gestation.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the differences, if any, between women who received a single course of prenatal corticosteroids and remained undelivered more than seven days later and women who gave birth within seven days of treatment, at < 34 weeks gestation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide.

Population

Women who gave birth at < 34 weeks gestation from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 1996.

Methods

Data were extracted from medical records and retrieved from the hospital's database.

Main potential predictors collected

Prenatal corticosteroid exposure, reason for risk of preterm birth, maternal demographics and previous and current obstetric history.

Results

Of the 506 women, 122 (24%) remained undelivered more than seven days following prenatal corticosteroid therapy. Initial corticosteroid treatment was given on average 1.6 weeks earlier to women who remained undelivered more than seven days after treatment. Women who were given prenatal corticosteroids for placenta praevia (RR 6.03, 95% CI 2.67‐13.61, p < 0.01) or cervical incompetence (RR 3.40, 95% CI 1.06‐10.95, p = 0.04) were more likely to give birth more than seven days after corticosteroid treatment.

Conclusions

Women who give birth very preterm, who remain undelivered more than seven days after prenatal corticosteroids, differ in the reasons for and timing of their first course from women who give birth within seven days.
The changes of circulating lymphocyte sub‐populations in women with preterm labour: a case‐controlled study
Authors: Sendag Fatih , Itil Ismail Mete , Terek Mustafa Cosan , Yilmaz Huseyin
Published: October 2004

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in circulating T‐cell subpopulations, B cells and natural killer cells in patients with imminent preterm labour.

Methods

Thirty‐five pregnant patients with imminent preterm labour and 35 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the study. The gestational ages of the patients ranged from 28 to 36 weeks in both groups. The specific lymphocyte antigens were detected using direct staining with monoclonal antibodies, and analysed by flow cytometry.

Results

We observed no significant difference in the mean percentage of T cell subpopulations, natural killer cells and active T cells in the group of patients with preterm labor when compared to controls. The mean percentage of T CD3+ lymphocytes was significantly lower and that of B CD19+ cells higher in the study group when compared to controls.

Conclusion

The alterations in maternal circulating lymphocyte subpopulations could be associated with the mechanisms mediating preterm labour.
Postpartum urinary retention: assessment of contributing factors and long‐term clinical impact
Authors: Ching‐Chung Liang , Shuenn‐Dhy Chang , Ling‐Hong Tseng , Ching‐Chang Hsieh , Chao‐Lun Chung , Po‐Jen Cheng
Published: October 2004

Objectives

To investigate the relationships between various obstetric parameters and postpartum urinary retention, and to offer some clinical guidance for resolution of urinary retention problems.

Design

An observational prospective study

Setting

A private teaching hospital medical centre.

Population

A total of 2,866 vaginally delivered women were recruited with 114 women classified as urinary retention group and the remaining 2752 women categorised as control group.

Main outcome measures and results

Women in the urinary retention and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, fetal head circumference and fetal birth weight. Women suffering from postpartum urinary retention demonstrated significantly longer labour duration, more nulliparity and epidural analgesia and higher percentages of instrument‐assisted delivery and vaginal or perineal damage.

Conclusion

Nulliparity, longer labour course, instrumental delivery, extensive vaginal and perineal laceration and use of epidural analgesia were contributing obstetric factors to postpartum urinary retention. Long‐term follow‐up showed that the problems of all but three of the 114 women, who complained of persistent minor urinary symptoms, were eventually resolved.
The prevalence of recalled low back pain during and after pregnancy: a South Australian population survey
Authors: Stapleton David B , MacLennan Alastair H , Kristiansson Per
Published: October 2004

Objective

To determine the prevalence of low back pain during pregnancy (LBPP) in an Australian Results population.

Design

A representative population‐based survey of women aged 15 years and older.

Setting and sample

Four thousand four hundred randomly selected South Australian households were visited by trained surveyors who interviewed 1531 women (69.7% response rate) using pre‐tested questions.

Methods

The South Australian Health Omnibus survey was utilised.

Main outcome measures

Demographic data were collected along with details of previous pregnancies, and degree of back pain during pregnancy, treatment regimens, and persistence of back pain.

Results

Thirty‐five and a half per cent of women recall having at least moderately severe back pain during pregnancy. Women who reported such back pain were younger, were more likely to report ill health and be unemployed. Increasing parity was not associated with current back pain. The most commonly used treatments were bed rest, pain killing medication, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatment. Half of those with symptoms were untreated. Sixtyeight per cent of women who experienced moderate or worse low back pain during pregnancy continued to experience recurring low back pain with a self reported reduction in their health.

Conclusions

Chronic low back pain is commonly associated with an onset in pregnancy subjectively contributing to long‐term morbidity. The high prevalence may be an underestimate in view of the potential for recall bias in older women.
Epidemiology and predictive values of risk factors for neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis
Authors: Gilbert GL , Hewitt MC , Turner CM , Leeder SR
Published: October 2004

Objectives

To determine the incidence of and factors affecting risk factors for neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis and their predictive values for intrapartum GBS carriage; to calculate the proportions of women eligible for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) using different selection protocols.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Antenatal clinics and labour wards of a community hospital and a tertiary referral centre in western Sydney.

Population

Women attending antenatal clinics during the study periods were invited to participate.

Methods

Approximately 500 women attending antenatal clinics were screened for GBS carriage at 26–32 weeks gestation and at delivery, using several screening methods. Clinical risk factors for neonatal sepsis were recorded during labour.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of antenatal anovaginal GBS carriage and clinical risk factors during labour, their predictive values for intra‐partum GBS carriage and their relationship, if any, to demographic and obstetric factors.

Results

Antenatal and intra‐partum GBS carriage rates were similar but varied from 18% to 27%, depending on screening methods. The best positive and negative predictive values of antenatal GBS culture, for intra‐partum carriage, were 69% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64–74) and 92% (95% CI 50–94) respectively. Clinical risk factors occurred in similar proportions of GBS carriers and non‐carriers.

Conclusions

Neither early antenatal screening nor clinical risk factors are reliable predictors of intra‐partum GBS carriage. Intra‐partum antibiotic prophylaxis based on GBS carriage or risk factors when carrier status is unknown would involve ∼35% of women, compared with ∼16% if based on risk factors only. Both strategies would prevent similar proportions of neonatal deaths from GBS sepsis. Compliance with a preventive protocol is the most likely determinant of its overall effectiveness.
Uterine artery embolisation for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: short‐term results of work in progress
Authors: Bapuraj Jayapalli Rajiv , Suri Sudha , Sidhu Ravinder , Nadh Ojili Vijay , Vasistha Kala
Published: October 2004

Bilateral uterine artery embolisation (UAE) was used to treat 11 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Uterine volume and dominant fibroid volume were assessed quantitatively by ultrasonography both before and at two and six months post procedure. Both uterine arteries were occluded effectively in all of the women, and the procedure was well tolerated, with hospital stays limited to 24–48 hours in all cases. An improvement of symptoms occurred in 10 of the 11 women. There were no significant complications.

The mean percentage reductions in uterine volume and dominant fibroid volume at six months following the procedure were 45.32% and 56.34%, respectively.

Bilateral uterine artery embolisation for the treatment of uterine fibroids is a minimally invasive technique with very good clinical results. This procedure may be considered as an alternative to hysterectomy, or myomectomy in properly selected cases.
Randomised controlled trial of glove perforation in single and double‐gloving methods in gynaecologic surgery
Authors: Kovavisarach Ekachai , Seedadee Charoon
Published: October 2004

Objective

To assess the value of double‐gloving in gynaecological surgery.

Design

A prospective randomised controlled trial of glove perforation in single‐ and double‐gloving methods.

Setting

Rajavithi Hospital between 1 September 1999 to 31 August 2000.

Sample

Eighty‐eight (88) and 82 primary surgeons were selected at random to make up single‐ and doublegloving groups, respectively, while performing total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with or without bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO).

Methods

The gloves were tested by immersion in water.

Results

The glove perforation rate was 6.09% and 22.73% in double‐inner and single gloves, respectively, with this difference being statistically different (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the glove perforation rates in single gloves (22.73%) and in double‐outer gloves (19.51%). There was matched perforation of the same finger of both outer and inner gloves in 1.22% of total double‐inner gloves.

Conclusions

The double‐gloving methods significantly reduced the risk of surgeons' hands contacting blood, when compared with the single‐gloving method, in TAH with/or without BSO.
Vaginal childbirth and bladder neck mobility
Authors: Dietz HP , Clarke B , Vancaillie TG
Published: October 2004

Objective

Hypermobility of the bladder base is a predictor of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in the female and at least partly due to pregnancy and vaginal childbirth. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of vaginal parity and birthweight on anterior compartment relaxation.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Outpatient uroynaecological clinics.

Population

Five hundred and seventy three women seen for primary urogynaecological assessment.

Methods

Files of patients seen by the first author for assessment and translabial ultrasound imaging at urogynaecological units in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, were reviewed for routinely‐collected obstetric data and imaging results.

Main outcome measures

Ultrasound parameters of anterior vaginal wall descent such as urethral rotation on Valsalva manoeuvre, bladder neck position on Valsalva, bladder neck descent and maximal descent of a cystocele on Valsalva.

Results

ANOVA analysis demonstrated a highly significant relationship between vaginal childbirth and bladder neck position on Valsalva (p < 0.001), bladder neck descent (p = 0.002) and maximal descent of a cystocele (p = 0.001). A large part of this effect was seen after one vaginal delivery. There was a trend towards increased bladder neck mobility (p = 0.065) with vaginal operative deliveries. Maximal recorded birth‐weight did not correlate with parameters of hyper‐mobility.

Conclusion

Vaginal childbirth is strongly associated with increased anterior vaginal wall descent, with most of this effect being due to the first vaginal delivery.
An ultrastructural study of cellular response to variation in porosity in phase‐pure hydroxyapatite
Authors: ANNAZ B. , HING K. A. , KAYSER M. , BUCKLAND T. , DI SILVIO L.
Published: October 2004

Hydroxyapatite has been shown to be biocompatible and bioactive. Incorporation of porosity has been shown to enhance osteointegration; however, difficulty in controlling the extent and type of porosity has limited investigation into determining the role of both macro‐ and microporosity. The current investigation reports on the synthesis of four types of phase‐pure hydroxyapatite with varying levels of porosity (HA1–HA4), and with defined levels of macro‐ and microporosities. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate qualitatively the effect of these two parameters on cell–material interactions following a 30‐day incubation period. Biological mineralization was observed within vesicles and the needle‐like minerals were confirmed as hydroxyapatite using X‐ray microanalysis. This demonstrated the suitability of primary human osteoblast‐like cells as a tool to assess the extent of mineralization. Furthermore, internalization of hydroxyapatite particles was observed. Our findings show that the variation in macro‐ and microporosity does not affect the extent of cell–material interaction, with collagen synthesis evident in all samples.
Directional analysis of digitized three‐dimensional images by configuration counts
Authors: GUTKOWSKI P. , JENSEN E. B. V. , KIDERLEN & M.
Published: October 2004

A method for estimating the orientated rose of normal directions of a three‐dimensional (3D) set Z from a digitization of Z, i.e. a voxel image, is presented. It is based on counts of informative configurations in n×n×n voxel cubes. An algorithm for finding all informative configurations is proposed and an estimation procedure is described in detail for the case n= 2. The presented method is a 3D version of a method of estimating the orientated rose of binary planar images using n×n configurations. A new feature is the design‐based approach, being more appropriate for biomedical image analysis than the formerly applied model‐based approach.
A convenient and rapid sample repositioning approach for atomic force microscopy
Authors: SU M. , PAN Z. , DRAVID V. P.
Published: October 2004

A novel repositioning approach is described for repeated observations of a specimen at a close proximal location in the atomic force microscope. The approach is similar to keystone architecture, whereby the repositioning is achieved by forming a male structured base for the specimen, and a corresponding female counterpart as the frame. For the combination of an acrylic acid frame and a metal base, 90% translation shifts are less than 10 µm, and almost all angular disorientations are within +3° to −3°. Nanometre‐scale surface features can be relocated easily and reliably even after 40 imaging–removal–imaging cycles, dipping the specimen in solutions or heating up to 500 °C.
Signal analysis of total internal reflection fluorescent speckle microscopy (TIR‐FSM) and wide‐field epi‐fluorescence FSM of the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions in living cells
Authors: ADAMS M. C. , MATOV A. , YARAR D. , GUPTON S. L. , DANUSER G. , WATERMAN‐STORER C. M.
Published: October 2004

Fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM) uses low levels of fluorescent proteins to create fluorescent speckles on cytoskeletal polymers in high‐resolution fluorescence images of living cells. The dynamics of speckles over time encode subunit turnover and motion of the cytoskeletal polymers. We sought to improve on current FSM technology by first expanding it to study the dynamics of a non‐polymeric macromolecular assembly, using focal adhesions as a test case, and second, to exploit for FSM the high contrast afforded by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIR‐FM). Here, we first demonstrate that low levels of expression of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) conjugate of the focal adhesion protein, vinculin, results in clusters of fluorescent vinculin speckles on the ventral cell surface, which by immunofluorescence labelling of total vinculin correspond to sparse labelling of dense focal adhesion structures. This demonstrates that the FSM principle can be applied to study focal adhesions. We then use both GFP‐vinculin expression and microinjected fluorescently labelled purified actin to compare quantitatively the speckle signal in FSM images of focal adhesions and the actin cytoskeleton in living cells by TIR‐FM and wide‐field epifluorescence microscopy. We use quantitative FSM image analysis software to define two new parameters for analysing FSM signal features that we can extract automatically: speckle modulation and speckle detectability. Our analysis shows that TIR‐FSM affords major improvements in these parameters compared with wide‐field epifluorescence FSM. Finally, we find that use of a crippled eukaryotic expression promoter for driving low‐level GFP‐fusion protein expression is a useful tool for FSM imaging. When used in time‐lapse mode, TIR‐FSM of actin and GFP‐conjugated focal adhesion proteins will allow quantification of molecular dynamics within interesting macromolecular assemblies at the ventral surface of living cells.
Structured illumination microscopy: artefact analysis and reduction utilizing a parameter optimization approach
Authors: SCHAEFER L. H. , SCHUSTER D. , SCHAFFER J.
Published: October 2004

Practical applications of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) often suffer from various artefacts that result from imprecise instrumental hardware and certain bleaching properties of the sample. These artefacts can be observed as residual stripe patterns originating from the illumination grating. We investigated some significant causes of these artefacts and developed a correction approach that can be applied to images after acquisition. Most of the artefacts can be attributed to changes in illumination and detection intensities during acquisition. The proposed correction algorithm has been shown to be functional on noisy image data, and produces exceptional, artefact‐free results in everyday laboratory work.
FIELD AND CULTURE STUDIES OF A POPULATION OF ENDARACHNE BINGHAMIAE (PHAEOPHYTA) FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA1
Authors: Brophy Thomas C. , Murray Steven N.
Published: October 2004

Abundances of the erect, blade phase of Endarachne binghamiae J. Ag. (Scytosiphonales, Phaeophyta) varied seasonally at a southern California rocky intertidal site. Blade cover and density were much greater in the fall through early spring; blades were mostly absent from quadrats during the summer. Blade abundances were negatively correlated with both seasonal variations in seawater temperature and photoperiod. Laboratory culture studies failed to provide evidence for sexual reproduction. The life history appears to be of the “direct” type with plurangia‐produced zooids germinating into crustose disks. Most disks developed erect blade clusters under spring/fall (17° C) and winter (13° C) temperatures over the range of natural photoperiods employed (14:10, 12:12, 10:14 h LD). In contrast, cultures held under the summer temperature (21° C) produced almost entirely crustose growths regardless of photoperiod. Similar results were obtained for cultures grown at 100 and 200 μE · m−2· s−1.

E. binghamiae blades were fertile throughout the year and produced viable zooids indicating that reproductive seasonality did not influence the seasonal pattern of blade abundance. Culture and field studies suggest that the initiation of new erect blade clusters from crustose disks is confined to the cooler months of the year (winter and spring). The summer reduction or absence of E. binghamiae blades appears to be due to increased mortality rates and temperature constraints on the development of new erect bladed thalli. Hypothetical causes of mortality are desiccation stress, sand burial, increased grazing activity and a genetically‐based short life span.
REVERSIBLE KINETIC MODEL FOR THE SHORT‐TERM REGULATION OF METHYLAMMONIUM UPTAKE IN TWO PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES, DUNALIELLA TERTIOLECTA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AND PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Roche Julie La , Harrison W. Glen
Published: October 2004

Methylammonium, an ammonium analog, was used to study the short‐term kinetics of ammonium uptake in a diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, and a green alga, Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher. Time courses of methylammonium disappearance were measured over a wide range of initial substrate concentrations for the two species. It was shown that feedback inhibition, described mathematically by a reversible enzyme kinetic model, can be used to explain the data. For the two species, there was good agreement between the kinetic parameters obtained from the analysis of the uptake versus substrate curve and those from the fit of the reversible kinetic model to the time‐course data. All time courses of CH3NH3+ disappearance could be described by constants Vm and ks. Ammonium time‐course data show some similarities to its analog, methylammonium. Our study suggests that the apparent change in Vm and ks with time measured after the addition of saturating ammonium concentrations reflects an uncoupling between transport and assimilation of the substrate rather than a real change in the kinetic parameters of the transport mechanism.
EVIDENCE OF DARK AVOIDANCE BY PHOTOTROPHIC PERIPHYTIC DIATOMS IN LOTIC SYSTEMS1
Authors: Bothwell Max L. , Suzuki Kelly E. , Bolin Mary K. , Hardy F. Joan
Published: October 2004

Short‐term (24–48 h) colonization dynamics of periphytic diatoms on artificial (styrofoam) substrata were examined using fast‐flushing, continuous‐flow troughs located on the North Thompson River, British Columbia. Two parallel troughs, one exposed to natural light and the other completely darkened, showed significant differences in periphyton biomass, chlorophyll a, and algal taxonomic composition with 24 h. Experiments which commenced at the onset of natural darkness demonstrated that rates of algal immigration during the night were the same in both troughs. Within 2–3 h of sunrise, however, certain diatom species (most notably Hannaea arcus (Ehr.) Pair, and Diatoma tenue Ag.) selectively emigrated from the artificially darkened trough but remained in the trough exposed to natural light. More closely adhering species such as Achnanthes minutissima Kütz, also showed significant emigration from the darkened trough after light deprivation for two photoperiods. Data from adhesion, emigration, and sinking rate experiments indicate that differential egress of cells from the darkened versus the lighted environments is the result of cellular regulation of buoyancy or form resistance.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL ASPECTS OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN THE RED TIDE DINOFLAGELLATEGONYAULAX TAMARENSIS1
Authors: Fritz Lawrence , Anderson Donald M. , Triemer Richard E.
Published: October 2004

The marine dinoflagellateGonyaulax tamarensisLebour is best known for its propensity to form blooms known as red tides in coastal waters worldwide. This paper examines the sexual cycle of this organism using light and electron microscopy. Sexual reproduction begins with contact between thecate gametes which subsequently shed their thecae to fuse along their pellicular layers. Nuclear fusion occurs well after cytoplasmic fusion and is characterized by several distinctive features: a highly vesiculate nucleoplasm without microtubules; nucleoli and V‐shaped chromosomes abut the nuclear envelope distal to the region of nuclear contact; and each chromosome possesses a longitudinal line, the central chromosomal axis. Fusion results in a planozygote with numerous cytoplasmic storage products and a slightly thickened layer beneath the pellicle. Subsequent loss of thecal plates and a thickening of the sub‐pellicular layer results in a non‐motile hypnozygote. A newly‐formed hypnozygote possesses numerous minute papillae along its outer surface, formed by the up‐folding of the accumulating wall layer. Maturation of the hypnozygote wall results in a smooth three‐layered wall, the outermost layer of which is the pellicular layer. Hypnozygote germination produces a large quadriflagellate plan‐omeiocyte with a single nucleus and thecal plates identical to vegetative cells. Two subsequent divisions, presumably meiotic, result in Jour cells morphologically identical to vegetative cells.
AN HERBICIDE (SULFOMETURON METHYL) RESISTANT MUTANT IN PORPHYRIDIUM (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Van‐Moppes Dorit , Barak Ze'ev , Chipman David M. , Gollop Natan , Arad Shoshana (Malis)
Published: October 2004

The unicellular red alga Porphyridium sp. is, like many bacteria, fungi and higher plants, sensitive to the sulfonylurea herbicide sulfometuron methyl (SMM). However, the minimal inhibitory concentration for SMM in Porphyridium (55 μM) is higher than in green plants. We isolated a spontaneous SMM‐resistant mutant SMR1 of Porphyridium sp. by use of a double‐layered agar technique. The mutation frequency and the similarity of the mutant's morphology and growth patterns to the parent strain strongly suggest that SMR1 is a single gene mutation. The activity of the enzyme acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) in crude extracts of the mutant SMR1 is at least two orders of magnitude less sensitive to SMM than that of the parent strain, which indicates that AHAS is the target of SMM (as has been shown in a variety of organisms). We propose that such a mutation, the first isolated in a unicellular rhodophyte, would be a useful marker for genetic studies of Porphyridium. It may also be useful for maintaining unialgal cultures in large scale open ponds.
PURIFICATION OF SPECIES SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES TO CARBOHYDRATE COMPONENTS OF MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYTA)1
Authors: Hempel William M. , Sutton Celia W. , Kaska Deborah , Ord David C. , Reed Daniel C. , Laur David R. , Ebeling Alfred W. , Eardley Diane D.
Published: October 2004

Polyclonal rabbit antibodies to cell wall components were produced against gametophytes of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh. These antibodies were found to react with carbohydrates extracted from M. pyrifera and Pterygophora californica Ruprecht by carbohydrate based enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The antibodies reacted with carbohydrates from both species. After affinity purification on a column with M. pyrifera carbohydrate coupled to AH‐Sepharose, the eluted antibody was specific for M. pyrifera carbohydrate with little cross reactivity to P. californica carbohydrate in the EIA test. In experiments carried out to characterize the antigenic specificity of unfractionated antibody using commercially prepared carbohydrates in the EIA, the antibodies were shown to react primarily with fucoidan and to a lesser degree, alginate. The unfractionated antibody was also shown to bind to proteins from both M. pyrifera and P. californica. These results indicate that species specific carbohydrate determinants may be present in the kelp cell wall.
FUNCTIONAL VALVE MORPHOLOGY IN SOME SURIRELLA SPECIES (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) AND A COMPARISON WITH THE NAVICULACEAE1
Authors: Krammer Kurt
Published: October 2004

On the basis of results of stratigraphic and comparative morphological studies on the diatom frustule, the Surirellaceae is generally assumed to be the endpoint of the evolution of the Pennales. The present study shows that a line of development, based on frustule construction and which parallels the search for optimum design of comparable elements in engineering, can be traced from the Naviculaceae to the Surirellaceae. In both cases lightweight construction is achieved through economy of material and energy expenditure. This leads to structural stability and in the case of the diatom valve, a larger area for metabolic exchange.

From the functional‐morphological point of view, three construction principles can be distinguished in the genus Surirella: 1. valves with pennate costal framework, raphe keels and fibulae (Surirella gemma group); 2. frustules where all supporting elements are in the form of corrugations, with raphe keel and fibulae (Pinnatae, Fastuosae, Surirella striatula group); and 3. as in 2, but with true alae with alar canals (Robustae) instead of keels with fibulae.