bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methylation patterns of IGFBP7 in colon cancer cell lines are associated with levels of gene expression
Authors: Lin J , Lai M , Huang Q , Ma Y , Cui J , Ruan W
Published: March 2007

Altered expression of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) has been found in colon cancer, but the exact regulatory mechanism has not been fully investigated. In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying aberrant IGFBP7 expression in colon cancer, we used bisulphite sequencing PCR (BSP) to detect the detailed methylation profiles of the IGFBP7 5′ CpG island. Exon 1 of the IGFBP7 gene was highly methylated in IGFBP7‐negative cell lines but unmethylated in IGFBP7‐positive lines. The methylation status of the promoter region and the intron 1 region was not so discriminating in IGFBP7‐positive and ‐negative cell lines. Methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) confirmed the hypermethylation of IGFBP7 exon 1 in IGFBP7‐negative cell lines. Treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dC) induced demethylation of the CpG island in exon 1 of IGFBP7, as examined by both MSP and bisulphate genomic sequencing. Furthermore, the expression of IGFBP7 was restored, as detected by both RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry. Our study is the first to provide detailed methylation profiles of the IGFBP7 5′ CpG island and shows that hypermethylation of the CpG island in exon 1 of IGFBP7 is closely related to the absence of its expression in colon cancer cells. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The synaptic membrane D2‐protein in amniotic fluid from pregnancies with fetal neural tube defects
Authors: Jørgensen Ole Steen , Nørgaard‐Pedersen Bent
Published: March 2007

The D2‐protein is a neuronal membrane protein which has an immunochemically detectable soluble derivative in cerebrospinal fluid. We used rocket‐on‐line immunoelectrophoresis with an antiserum against rat synaptosomal membranes for demonstration of the human D2‐protein in fetal cerebrospinal fluid and in amniotic fluids from pregnancies with fetal neural tube defects. D2 was neither found in normal amniotic fluids nor in cases of amniotic fluids from pregnancies with other malformations. Analysis of D2 in amniotic fluids may thus have a future role in the antenatal diagnosis of fetal neural tube defects.
Sampling pure fetal blood in twin pregnancies by fetoscopy using a single uterine puncture
Authors: Rodeck Charles H. , Wass Deborah
Published: March 2007

A technique for sampling pure fetal blood in twin pregnancies using a single uterine entry with a fetoscope is described. The fetoscope was inserted into one sac and after blood had been obtained from that, twin, the fetus in the other sac was sampled by trans‐septal passage of the blood‐sampling needle. This was done in six out of seven patients, the first in the series having two separate insertions of the fetoscope, one into each sac. Pure fetal blood was taken from all 14 fetuses, either from the placental insertion of the umbilical cord or the umbilicus, and the volume of the samples ranged from 200 μl to 1200 μl. In six patients the fetuses were at risk of β‐thalassaemia and in one of haemophilia A. Some observations are made relating zygosity to the ultrasonic and fetoscopic appearance of the septum between the sacs.
Normal fetal cardiac anatomy–a basis for the echocardiographic detection of abnormalities
Authors: Allan Lindsey D. , Tynan J Michael , Campbell Stuart , Anderson Robert H.
Published: March 2007

Real‐time examination of the fetal heart in 350 pregnancies has allowed a composite picture of normal fetal cardiac anatomy to be established and echocardiographic interpretation has been confirmed by anatomical studies. Two echocardiographic sections are readily obtainable and are suggested as applicable to routine scanning but the specialist nature of interpreting abnormalities is stressed. Six abnormalities have been suspected during the study and five confirmed anatomically or at cardiac catheterization. In view of the low incidence of congenital heart disease in a normal obstetric population, high risk groups should perhaps be selected for cardiac scanning at the present time. These include mothers of previously affected babies, diabetic mothers and certain abnormalities of pregnancy. Fetal ascites is particularly important, being present in three of the four proven cases of cardiac abnormality.
Selective feticide of the affected twin by fetoscopic air embolism
Authors: Rodeck C. H. , Mibashan R. S. , Abramowicz J. , Campbell S.
Published: March 2007

Three twin pregnancies, each with one affected fetus (by microcephaly, haemophilia A and spina bifida respectively) were encountered. Selective feticide was performed at the patient's request by injection of filtered air into an umbilical vessel by fetoscopy. The method was successful in all three pregnancies two of which resulted in a live, healthy baby.
Prenatal diagnosis of 49,XXXYY
Authors: Benn Peter A. , Sugarman Mitchell , Greco M. Alba , Harris Gloria , Deguire George B. , Hsu Lillian Y. F.
Published: March 2007

The first prenatally diagnosed case of 49,XXXYY is reported. The pathological findings of the fetus included bilateral clinodactyly, decreased carrying angles (OO), and hypertelorism, slightly low set ears and mildly prominent forehead. A minimum of two independent non‐ disjunctional events are postulated for this polysomy to arise.
Prenatal exclusion of Hurler's disease by leucocyte α‐L‐iduronidase assay
Authors: Rodeck C. H. , Tansley Linda R. , Benson P. F. , Fensom A. H. , Ellis Marie
Published: March 2007

Hurler's disease was excluded in a fetus at 23 weeks' gestation by demonstrating normal iduronidase activity in fetal leucocytes following failure of amniotic cell culture after amnic‐centesis at 16 and 19 weeks' gestation. The diagnosis was confirmed in the neonate.
Amniotic fluid fibrinolytic system in fetal neural tube defects
Authors: Legge Michael
Published: March 2007

Second trimester amniotic fluid fibrinolytic system was examined in normal pregnancies and those complicated by anencephaly, spina bifida and fetal chromosome abnormalities. No significant difference was demonstrated between the fibrinolytic systems from normal pregnancies and those complicated by fetal chromosome abnormalities. In pregnancies complicated with anencephaly and spina bifida no significant difference was demonstrated for alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin and urokinase. Plasminogen was significantly lower (p < 0.02) and plasmin significantly higher (p < 0.001) than levels from normal amniotic fluid. Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin, fibrinogen, FDP‐D and FDP‐E were detected only in pregnancies complicated with anencephaly and spina bifida.
Can infantile hereditary agranulocytosis be diagnosed prenatally?
Authors: Cividalli Gabriel , Yarkoni Shaul , Dar Hanna , Kohn Gertrude
Published: March 2007

Fetoscopy and fetal blood sampling were performed in an attempt at prenatal monitoring of a pregnancy at risk for infantile hereditary agranulocytosis (Kostmann's disease). In smears of fetal blood three segmented neutrophils were found out of 200 nucleated cells (1 2/ per cent). Their presence, although in a lower percentage than in six age‐matched controls, was considered to indicate that the fetus was not affected. The newborn infant has developed normally and at the age of four months has a normal number of segmented neutrophils in his peripheral blood. Feasibility of prenatal diagnosis of infantile hereditary agranulocytosis is discussed.
Amniotic fluid calcium concentration in the prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dann Leighton G. , Baker Susan , Grinham Christine , Blau Karl
Published: March 2007

Calcium concentrations were measured in supernatant amniotic fluid in order to establish whether they may be used as a marker for cystic fibrosis. No difference in values were found, whether the sample was derived from a normal pregnancy or from a pregnancy which resulted in a baby affected with cystic fibrosis.
Paternal age and Down's syndrome diagnosed prenatally: No association in French data
Authors: Roth M‐P. , Stoll C. , Taillemite J. L. , Girard S. , Boué A.
Published: March 2007

An investigation of a paternal age effect independent of maternal age was undertaken for 118 trisomy 21 cases diagnosed prenatally in 6656 amniocenteses.

The mean of the difference delta in paternal age of Down's syndrome cases compared to those with normal genotypes after controlling for maternal age was + 0.46 with a 95 per cent confidence interval of −0.84 to +1.76. This revealed no evidence for a paternal age effect.

Multiple applications of the Mantel‐Haenszel test revealed no statistically significant evidence for a paternal age effect independent of maternal age.

These results are in agreement with those of Hook and Cross (1982b) but not with claims of Stene et al. (1981), of a strong paternal age effect detected in studies on prenatal diagnosis.

The hypothesis suggested by Hook and Cross (1982a) that there is a rather weak paternal age effect independent of maternal age in most if not all populations cannot be excluded.

If temporal or geographic factors account for the differences in studies on paternal age effect, extrapolation to other time periods or populations cannot be done.
Is maternal alpha‐fetoprotein screening still of value in a low‐risk area for neural tube defects?
Authors: Hooker J. G. , Lucas M. , Richards B. A. , Shirley I. M. , Thompson B. D. , Ward R. H. T.
Published: March 2007

Estimation of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) was used as a screening method for the detection of neural tube defects (NTDs) in 6344 women over three years. Of 88 (1.4 per cent) who had one or more serum AFP levels equal to, or greater than, 2.5 multiples of the median (MoM) for the relevant gestational age, 43 (0.68 per cent) underwent amniocentesis. There were eight NTDs. Four of these were screened by serum AFP, and all cases of spina bifida had serum AFP levels greater than 3.0 MoM, including one small open defect which was not seen on ultrasound. The other four cases of NTD, which were not screened, were identified by ultrasound. Of 64 singleton pregnancies 32 (50 per cent) had serum AFP levels between 2.5 and 3.0 MoM, and low birthweight (⪕2500 g) occurred in 29 per cent. Because of improvements in ultrasound techniques and the apparent falling incidence of NTD, the role of serum AFP as the primary screening procedure should be regularly reviewed. Effective screening is dependent on mothers booking early.
Prenatal diagnosis of fragile X in a heterozygous female fetus and postnatal follow‐up
Authors: Wilson Miriam G. , Marchese Cristiana A.
Published: March 2007

An apparently normal female infant was born after the prenatal diagnosis of fragile Xq27×28 present in about 4 per cent of amniocytes. The mildly retarded mother had been found in early pregnancy to be heterozygous for fragile X. The child, now 9 months old. showed about the same level of fragile X expression as her mother. Variations in the proportion of cells with fragile X appeared to be related to cell type and laboratory techniques. The infant's growth and development have been normal. Different techniques to induce or increase the expression of fragile X are discussed.
Transabdominal fine needle biopsy from chorionic villi in the first trimester
Authors: Smidt‐Jensen Steen , Hahnemann Niels
Published: March 2007

A technique for sampling first trimester chorionic villi for prenatal diagnosis by transabdominal fine needle biopsy is described. Specimens of chorionic villi were obtained from 49 out of 58 women, a success rate of 84.5 per cent.

No fetal or maternal complications were demonstrated in the period before abortion.

The procedure is useful for obtaining fetal tissue for culturing, DNA analysis and direct chromosome analysis.
Selective survival of only the healthy fetus following prenatal diagnosis of thalassaemia major in binovular twin gestation
Authors: Antsaklis Aris , Politis John , Karagiannopoulos Costas , Kaskarelis Dionysios , Karababa Photini , Panourgias John , Boussiou Marina , Loukopoulos Dimitris
Published: March 2007

Selective feticide is the procedure of choice when, in twin binovular pregnancy, only one of the fetuses is shown to be affected. As the probabilities for this condition are almost 1:2 when the genetic disease is due to homozygosity for two autosomal recessive genes, the problem is expected to occur frequently among the ever increasing number of couples seeking prenatal diagnosis of thalassaemia and the haemoglobinopathies. The present report is the first case of this condition and the ninth in the overall medical literature.
Immunoreactive trypsin level in fetoscopically‐obtained cord sera of second trimester fetuses
Authors: Ryley H. C. , Rodeck C. H.
Published: March 2007

Immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) has been assayed in cord blood collection by fetoscopy from fetuses with estimated gestational ages of between 16–24 weeks. Eighty per cent of the specimens contained more than 5 ng/ml of IRT indicating pancreatic synthesis of trypsin by mid‐term. A prenatal test for cystic fibrosis based on IRT estimation might be valid if the onset of pancreatic dysfunction associated with the disease also occurs at midtrimester.
Amniotic band syndrome causing fetal head deformity
Authors: Hughes R. M. , Benzie R. J. , Thompson C. L.
Published: March 2007

Amniotic band syndrome is a rare cause of fetal head deformity. We report a case in which antenatal ultrasound in the first half of pregnancy indicated the presence of a fetal cranial deformity, reported as either anencephaly or encephalocele. At assessment autopsy, disruption of the fetal skull was associated with amniotic band formation. Appropriate genetic counselling can be offered to such patients only when detailed pathological examination of the aborted fetus is made. The recurrence rate of amniotic band syndrome does not warrant amniocentesis in a subsequent pregnancy.
Prenatal diagnosis of campomelic dysplasia by ultrasonography
Authors: Winter R. , Rosenkranz W. , Hofmann H. , Zierler H. , Becker H. , Borkenstein M.
Published: March 2007

Consanguineous partners had a boy with campomelic dysplasia who died of increasing respiratory distress soon after birth. The next pregnancy was monitored frequently by ultrasonography and a healthy male infant was born at term. During a further pregnancy, ultrasonography suggested campomelic dysplasia in the 16th week of gestation. This was confirmed in the 18th week. The pregnancy was terminated and the fetus showed the typical radiological, anatomical and histological findings.
Prenatal diagnosis of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency
Authors: Robinson B. H. , Toone J. R. , Benedict R. Petrova , Dimmick J. E. , Oei J. , Applegartht D. A.
Published: March 2007

Prenatal diagnosis of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) deficiency was performed in a family at risk for the acute neonatal form of this disease which manifests secondary citrullinemia. The diagnosis of an affected child was confirmed by enzyme assay and 3H‐biotin labelling of proteins in cultured fetal skin fibroblasts. Sufficient amniocytes were cultured in 3–4 weeks for enzyme analysis in two centres. Citrulline concentration in amniotic fluid (AF) was normal in the affected fetus.
Microphthalmia–prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis: A case report
Authors: Feldman E. , Shalev E. , Weiner E. , Cohen H. , Zuckerman H.
Published: March 2007

Prenatal real‐time ultrasonographic diagnosis of microphthalmia is presented. Diagnosis was made at 18 weeks' gestation in a fetus of a patient with a previous infant affected with the syndrome of cryptophthalmia with absence of septum nasi and ambiguous genitalia (Fraser syndrome). Recognition of microphthalmia as a part of Fraser syndrome and the easy visualization of fetal facial bones and orbits in the second trimester made the diagnosis possible.
Activities of alkaline phosphatase in first trimester chorion biopsy tissue
Authors: Maxwell Darryl J. , Blau Karl , Johnson Robert D. , Lilford Richard J.
Published: March 2007

We have determined the activity of alkaline phosphatase in chorionic villous tissue obtained in the first trimester of pregnancy, in order to obtain the normal range of values as a prerequisite for application to the prenatal diagnosis of the rare bone disease hypophosphatasia. The activities found were a combination of intestinal and liver/bone/kidney types; traces of placental type were present in only one sample.
Prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis by ultrasonography
Authors: Nielsen Lise Bjerglund , Bang Jens , Nørgaard‐Pedersen Bent
Published: March 2007

As the use of ultrasonography has become a routine procedure in the care of pregnant women, fetal congenital malformations have been frequently diagnosed prenatally. During a 4‐year period abdominal wall defects (AWD) were diagnosed in 14 cases, five were gastroschises and nine were omphaloceles, seven females and seven males. Concomitant malformations were present in one case of gastroschisis and in five cases of omphalocele. Eleven AWD's were diagnosed in the second trimester and six pregnancies were interrupted. Eight children with AWD were born; two boys with omphalocele and one girl and one boy with gastroschisis are still alive. Alpha‐fetoprotein was determined in amniotic fluid in 11 cases and also in maternal serum prior to the amniocentesis in eight cases. Chromosomal investigations were performed in 13 cases, 11 on amniotic fluid cells and two on lymphocytes from a blood sample made postnatally. Two abnormal karyotypes, 47,XX + 18 were found.
Prenatal obstruction of the ileum diagnosed by ultrasound
Authors: Kjøller Morten , Holm‐Nielsen Gertrud , Meiland Hanne , Mauritzen Knud , Berget Arne , Hancke Søren
Published: March 2007

A case of low atresia of the ileum, diagnosed prenatally by real‐time ultrasound scanning, is presented. The ultrasound examination showed progressive distension of intestinal loops, with strong peristaltic movements. The stomach was also distended, presenting as a large cystic area in the upper left abdomen.

Real‐time ultrasound technique is most advantageous in the diagnosis of fetal ileus. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal intestinal obstruction is of great importance, making early and safe treatment of the newborn possible.
Prenatal measurement of the fetal cerebellum and cisterna cerebellomedullaris by ultrasound
Authors: Smith Phillip A. , Johansson Dawn , Tzannatos Christina , Campbell Stuart
Published: March 2007

The fetal cerebellum can be visualized with ultrasound throughout the second trimester. We describe a technique for measuring the transverse and anteroposterior cerebellar diameters and the measurement of the cisterna magna in the same plane between 14 and 32 weeks gestation. Nomograms for these measurements against gestational age showed good correlation, and narrow confidence limits for the transverse cerebellar diameter.

The transverse cerebellar diameter was also measured directly in 79 fetuses after mid‐trimester abortion and the measurements obtained were compared with the ultrasound TCD nomogram. Good correlation, was obtained between the post mortem measurements and the ultrasound TCD nomogram.

Routine use of these measurements and nomograms should prove valuable in the diagnosis of congenital abnormality of the posterior fossa and may also be of use in assessing the effect of severe intrauterine growth retardation and other insults on cerebellar growth and development. The narrow confidence limits obtained with the TCD nomogram should enable it to be used with confidence in clinical practice.
Physicians' acceptability of termination of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis in southern france
Authors: Julian C. , Huard P. , Gouvernet J. , Mattéi J. F. , Aymé S.
Published: March 2007

The acceptability of prenatal diagnosis for Down's syndrome has been extensively studied over the last 15 years but that of other pathologies remains largely unexplored. The main goals of this study were to approach physicians' opinions on six reasons for termination of pregnancy showing different deficiencies, i.e., Down's, Turner and Klinefelter syndromes, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, and haemophilia, and to identify the origins of reserves. The influence of sociodemographic and professional characteristics of physicians on their opinions and attitudes during the consultation were studied. The data presented are based on information gathered in 1985 by a mailed questionnaire answered by 853 general practitioners, gynaecologists, obstetricians, and pediatricians in the Marseilles Genetic Centre's region. Stepwise logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis. The results showed that 78 per cent of those answering favour termination of pregnancy for Down's syndrome and that only moral reticences were mentioned by the physicians opposed. Conversely, for haemophilia, only 21 per cent of the physicians considered this indication justified; those opposed were for the most part concerned that severity of illness did not justify termination of pregnancy. Overall, 33 per cent of physicians would voice their personal opinion on termination of pregnancy if so requested by consultees. Results on the influence of age and specialty evidenced their role on physicians' opinions. Indeed, 30 per cent of physicians opposed to pregnancy termination for one of the six fetal anomalies retained herein would modify their positions if diagnosis were possible in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Antenatal diagnosis and palliative treatment of non‐immune hydrops fetalis secondary to fetal parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Naides Stanley J. , Weiner Carl P.
Published: March 2007

Hydrops fetalis was diagnosed at 22 weeks. An ultrasound examination demonstrated cardiomegaly and a fetal blood specimen obtained by cordocentesis revealed thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and neutropenia. Fetal paracentesis yielded straw‐coloured fluid with electrolytes indicative of a transudate. Non‐enveloped icosahedral viral particles approximately 23 mm in diameter were visualized in the ascitic fluid by electron microscopy. Immune electron microscopy confirmed human parvovirus B19. Direct fetal digitalization led to a reduction in umbilical artery resistance, a decline in the abdominal circumference from 20·3 to 17·8 cm, and resolution of the ascites within 72 h. Despite this dramatic response to therapy, fetal death occurred on day 5 of treatment. The initial maternal serum was positive for anti‐B19 IgM and IgG antibodies. Electron microscopy of fetal cardiac tissue obtained post‐mortem revealed intranuclear viral particles typical of B19, confirming the antenatal diagnosis of myocarditis. This case demonstrates that direct viral identification is applicable to prenatal diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the antenatal diagnosis and palliative treatment of fetal viral infection.
Fetal two‐dimensional doppler echocardiography (colour flow mapping) and its place in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Gembruch U. , Hansmann M. , Redel D. A. , Bald R.
Published: March 2007

One hundred and fifty fetuses between 16 and 38 weeks of gestation were studied by fetal echocardiography using colour‐coded two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Two‐dimensional, M‐mode, and Doppler spectral analyses were also performed. In 14 fetuses, structural and/or functional abnormalities were detected. Abnormalities were correctly ruled out in all the other fetuses. The advantages of two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography are (1) rapid screening for flow abnormalities in the fetal heart, and thus shortening of the Doppler examination time; (2) rapid diagnosis of valvular regurgitation, valvular stenosis, and abnormal shunting of blood across the interatrial and interventricular septa; and (3) facilitation of the diagnosis of complex congenital heart defects which in certain cases is possible only by using two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography.
Prenatal diagnosis of chinese homozygous α‐thalassaemia 1 and haemoglobin H disease by analysis of α‐ and φζ‐globin genes in chorionic villi and amniocytes
Authors: Ko Tsang‐Ming , Hsieh Fon‐Jou , Hsu Pi‐Mei , Lee Tzu‐Yao
Published: March 2007

Eighty‐eight high‐risk pregnancies, 81 for homozygous α‐thalassaemia 1 and 7 for haemoglobin (Hb) H disease, were collected in this study. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was done in 63 cases and amniocentesis in 25 cases to obtain fetal cells. Southern blotting and DNA hybridization with α‐ and φζ‐globin gene probes were used to determine the α‐globin gene status. In two non‐informative families with non‐deletional mutations, DNA analysis failed to rule out the affected condition, and fetal blood sampling (FBS) and Hb electrophoresis were used for the final diagnosis.

In the 81 fetuses at risk for homozygous α‐thalassaemia 1, 17 (13 by CVS and 4 by amniocentesis) were afffected, 30 were α‐thalassaemia 1 heterozygotes, 19 were normal, and the remaining 15 were either normal or heterozygous. In the seven fetuses at risk for Hb H disease, one was normal, three were α‐thalassaemia 1 heterozygotes, two were α‐thalassaemia 2 heterozygotes, and one was affected with Hb H disease and developed hydrops fetalis. DNA analysis on fetal cells enabled us to diagnose prenatally severe α‐thalassaemias, to prevent the birth of infants with Hb H disease, and to minimize maternal obstetrical complications from harbouring a fetus with Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis.
In utero ultrasonographic features of campomelic dysplasia
Authors: Cordone Massimo , Lituania Mario , Zampatti Caterina , Passamonti Ubaldo , Magnano Gian Michele , Tomà Paolo
Published: March 2007

A prenatal diagnosis of campomelic dysplasia in a primigravida is described. First level fetal ultrasonography demonstrated bowing and shortening of lower limbs. Second level examination allowed the correct diagnosis by demonstrating several skeletal anomalies pathognomonic of campomelic dysplasia.
Amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase measurement in the prenatal diagnosis of open neural tube defects. Second report of the collaborative acetylcholinesterase study
Authors: Wald Nicholas , Cuckle Howard , Nanchahal Kiran
Published: March 2007

Seventeen centres from Australia, Britain, France, and the United States collaborated in a study to compare amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase (AChE) determination by gel electrophoresis and amniotic fluid alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) measurement as diagnostic tests for open neural tube defects. The study was based on 32 642 women with singleton pregnancies (including 428 with open spina bifida and 238 with anencephaly) who had an amniocentesis at 13–24 weeks' gestation. The AChE test yielded a detection rate for open spina bifida of 99 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 98–100 per cent), 98 per cent for anencephaly (95 per cent confidence interval 96–100 per cent), and a false‐positive rate of 0.34 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 0.28–0.40 per cent) excluding miscarriages, intrauterine death, and serious fetal abnormalities. The false‐positive rate was 0.30 per cent among the 13 centres that used a specific AChE inhibitor in the test. Comparable rates for the AFP test were less favourable. (For example, the open spina bifida detection rate was 90 per cent and the false‐positive rate was 0.46 per cent using the cut‐off levels specified in the U.K. Collaborative AFP Study.) The AChE false‐positive rate was lower in samples that were not bloodstained (0.16 per cent) than in those that were (2.4 per cent). It was higher in women who had an amniocentesis on account of a raised maternal serum AFP level (0.56 per cent) than in those who had one for other reasons (0.29 per cent). The best results were obtained by a combination of the two tests, an effective and economical policy being to perform the AFP measurement on all amniotic fluid samples and an AChE test on samples with AFP levels greater than or equal to 2.0 multiples of the normal median (about 5 per cent of all samples). Using this policy, the open spina bifida detection rate was 96 per cent and the false‐positive rate was 0.14 per cent (0.06 per cent for samples that were not bloodstained and 1.2 per cent for those that were; 0.40 per cent for women with raised serum AFP levels and 0.09 per cent for other women). This policy offers a useful improvement to the prenatal diagnosis of open spina bifida.
Prenatal diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bailey Wendy , Freidenberg Gary R. , James Hector E. , Hesselink John R. , Jones Kenneth Lee
Published: March 2007

We report an infant with a craniopharyngioma which was detected in utero. Maternal uterine ultrasonography, done at 27 weeks because of polyhydramnios, revealed a 4 cm midline mass near the base of the fetal skull. At 31 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging of the maternal abdomen confirmed the presence of a mass in the region of the third ventricle and revealed hydrocephalus. Two days post‐partum a computed tomography (CT)‐guided needle biopsy of the mass was performed and recovered tissue which was histologically consistent with a craniopharyngioma. The infant' s postnatal period was complicated by seizures, which were treated with phenobarbital, and by progressive hydrocephalus, necessitating placement of a ventriculo‐peritoneal shunt. He also received therapy for central hypothyroidism and diabetes insipidus. The infant' s parents refused permission for attempted resection of the tumour and he died at 8 weeks of age.

This represents the second reported case of an antenatally detected craniopharyngioma. Four other cases of different intracranial tumours have been detected in utero using ultrasound, with no reported survivors past 3 days of age. There is a uniformly poor prognosis of such infants, but earlier diagnosis and intervention may change this result.
Synthesis and properties of solvent absorptive methyl methacrylate‐divinylbenzene copolymer beads
Authors: Aungsupravate Ornsiri , Kangwansupamonkon Wiyong , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Kiatkamjornwong Suda
Published: March 2007

Methyl methacrylate‐divinylbenzene copolymer beads were synthesized by radical suspension polymerization. The effects of the divinylbenzene concentration and the composition of the toluene/heptane diluent were studied with regard to the polymer bead formation, surface morphology, solvent swelling ratio, and absorption kinetics. The crosslinking density and diluent composition were responsible for solvent swelling. The interaction between the polymer and the diluents is attributed to phase separation, which controls the formation of a network‐type or pore‐type polymer, or a combination. For the optimum bead swelling in toluene, a combined morphology of more flexible polymer networks and a small amount of pores is essential for the desired absorption–desorption behavior. Dynamic swelling behavior of the polymer beads was elucidated. The mechanism of toluene transport into the beads became more a relaxation control. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:447–459, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
An investigation on the application of predictive control for controlling screw position and velocity on an injection molding machine
Authors: Dubay Rickey , Pramujati Bambang , Han Jianguo , Strohmaier Franz
Published: March 2007

Injection velocity is one of the key parameters in the injection molding process that has significant effect on part quality, influencing common problems, such as flashing and short shots. Different products require specific molding conditions, including mold and melt temperatures, velocity profiles, and polymers, making the injection velocity dynamics vary significantly and difficult for high precision velocity control. Two predictive controllers were developed to control the screw injection velocity. The first approach uses a position sensor as feedback and a simplified predictive controller to track an injection velocity setpoint profile. The controller was developed and implemented utilizing single‐step change and multistep change open loop tests. The second strategy uses a multimodel dynamic matrix predictive controller to overcome the nonlinear characteristics of the injection velocity dynamics as the mold is being filled. Velocity feedback is provided by high speed processing of the position analog signal. This approach utilizes several open loop injection velocity profiles to generate corresponding dynamic matrices for the controller. As a result, this controller is modified or retuned automatically when setpoint changes in injection velocity occur, as well as when using different polymers and molds. The close loop results for both simulations and real time control have demonstrated that the two predictive controllers provided good setpoint tracking performance for wide ranging position and velocity profiles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:390–399, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Semiempirical equations for the viscosity of amphiphilic polymer solutions: A critical examination
Authors: Durand A.
Published: March 2007

The associative behavior of amphiphilic polysaccharides derived from dextran, a neutral bacterial polysaccharide, is studied in dilute and moderately concentrated aqueous solutions using viscosity measurements. It is shown that the viscosity of the aqueous solutions can be conveniently depicted over a wide concentration range by several semiempirical equations. The Martin equation as well as the Matsuoka‐Cowman equation is shown to depict conveniently the experimental results. These two equations involve only viscometric parameters determined in the dilute range (intrinsic viscosity and Huggins constant). The modification of Lyons and Tobolsky is discussed. The Fedors equation is shown to be similar to the Heller equation over a large concentration domain. Their respective empirical parameters are correlated and can be calculated from the Huggins coefficient. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:481–488, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Study of the magnetic microstructure of high‐coercivity sintered SmCo5 permanent magnets with the conventional Bitter pattern technique and the colloid‐SEM method
Authors: Szmaja Witold
Published: March 2007

The magnetic microstructure of high‐coercivity sintered SmCo5 permanent magnets was studied with the conventional Bitter pattern technique, and also for the first time with the colloid‐scanning electron microscopy (colloid‐SEM) method. Both techniques were supported by digital image acquisition, enhancement and analysis. Thanks to this, it was possible to obtain high‐contrast and clear images of the magnetic microstructure and to analyze them in detail, and consequently also to achieve improvements over earlier results. In the thermally demagnetized state the grains were composed of magnetic domains. On the surface perpendicular to the alignment axis, the main domains forming a maze pattern and surface reverse spikes were observed. Investigations on the surface parallel to the alignment axis, especially by the colloid‐SEM technique, provided a detailed insight into the orientation of grains. The alignment of grains was good, but certainly not perfect; there were also strongly misaligned grains, although generally very rare. In most cases the domain structures within grains were independent of their neighbors, but in some cases (not so rare) the domain walls were observed to continue through the grain boundaries, indicating significant magnetostatic interaction between neighboring grains. Studies of the behavior of the magnetic microstructure under the influence of an external magnetic field, performed for the first time on the surface parallel to the alignment axis (with the conventional Bitter pattern method), showed that the domain walls move easily within the grains and that the magnetization reversal mechanism is mainly related to the nucleation and growth of reverse domains, i.e. that sintered SmCo5 magnets are nucleation‐dominated systems. Groupwise magnetization reversal of adjacent magnetically coupled grains was observed, an unfavorable effect for high‐coercivity magnets. Images obtained by the colloid‐SEM technique and the conventional Bitter pattern method were compared and some aspects related to the observation of magnetic microstructures by these two techniques were also discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Recombination processes in rare‐earth doped MAl2O4 (M = Ca, Sr) persistent phosphors investigated by optically‐detected magnetic resonance
Authors: Schweizer S. , Henke B. , Rogulis U. , Yen W. M.
Published: March 2007

Single crystalline MAl2O4 (M = Ca and Sr) persistent phosphors, which are nominally pure or additionally doped with Eu and Nd or Dy, respectively, were investigated for their recombination luminescence (RL) and microwave‐induced changes in the RL at low temperatures. The analysis of the optically‐detected electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, recorded after ultraviolet excitation at 4.2 K, shows that intrinsic donor and acceptor centres are involved in the recombination process. Spectral dependent RL‐EPR measurements on undoped CaAl2O4 (CAO) and SrAl2O4 (SAO) show that we deal with only one donor but at least two different acceptors. The g value of the donor is 1.99 in CAO and 1.97 in SAO; the g value of the acceptors is about 2.02. The donor–acceptor recombination energy is either emitted directly (undoped samples) or almost completely transferred to the rare‐earth activators (doped samples). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Luminescence from europium, europium–chromium, erbium, samarium and terbium‐activated powder, ceramic and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride
Authors: Shishonok E. M. , Leonchik S. V. , Steeds J. W.
Published: March 2007

A wide range of luminescent materials has been produced based on cubic boron nitride and studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy at room temperature and 7 K. These materials were in the form of micropowders, ceramic compacts and polycrystalline aggregates. The luminescence was excited by 325 nm or 488 nm excitation of Eu, Eu–Cr, Er, Sm and Tb additions to the various preparations. Eu–Cr pair emission has been discovered for the first time with its main line at 686 nm in Eu and Cr codoped polycrystalline cBN. The emitted light, which was quite intense in some cases, spanned a wide range of the visible spectrum. It was often highly structured and could be related to the well‐known emission characteristics of the 3+ charge states of the relevant ions. The materials have potential applications as phosphors that are required to operate in extreme environmental conditions. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Calorimetric study and Landau analysis of the phase transitions in PbZr1–xSnxO3 single crystals with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4
Authors: Jankowska‐Sumara Irena
Published: March 2007

Differential scanning calorimetry experiments have been performed for PbZr1–x Snx O3 single crystals where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 at the temperature range of 100–600 K. The temperatures and orders of particular phase transitions have been determined and the phase diagram was compared to dielectric measurements. The first order character of the phase transitions in PbZr1–x Snx O3 was discussed. The total transitions energy and entropy at the phase transitions were calculated. The excess specific heat and excess entropy associated with the phase transitions were analysed using Landau theory. The comparison of calorimetric data with the evolution of the order parameter indicates that the phase transitions in PbZr1–x Snx O3 single crystals seem to follow a mean field Landau potential. The results are compared to the earlier dielectric and birefringence experiments. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
DFT studies on the mechanism of the reaction of C2H5S with NO2
Authors: Tang Yi‐Zhen , Sun Hao , Pan Ya‐Ru , Pan Xiu‐Mei , Wang Rong‐Shun
Published: March 2007

The mechanisms for the reaction of C2H5S with NO2 are investigated at the QCISD(T)/6‐311++G(d, p)//B3LYP/6‐311++G(d, p) level on both single and triple potential energy surfaces. The geometries, vibrational frequencies and zero‐point energy (ZPE) corrections of all stationary points involved in the title reaction are calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d, p) level. The results show that the reaction is more predominant on the single potential energy surface, while it is negligible on the triple potential energy surface. Without barrier height in the whole process, the major channel is R → C2H5SONO (IM1 and IM2) → P1 (C2H5SO+NO). With much heat released in the formation of C2H5SNO2 (IM3) and the transition state involved in the subsequent step more stable than reactants, P4 (CH3CHS + t‐HONO) is subdominant product energetically. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
FurA modulates gene expression of alr3808, a DpsA homologue in Nostoc (Anabaena) sp. PCC7120
Authors: Hernández José A. , Pellicer Silvia , Huang Lionel , Peleato M. Luisa , Fillat María F.
Published: March 2007

The DNA‐binding protein from stationary phase (Dps) protein family plays an important role in protecting microorganisms from oxidative and nutritional stresses. In silico analysis of the promoter region of alr3808, a dpsA homologue from the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. PCC7120 shows putative iron‐boxes with high homology with those recognized by FurA (ferric uptake regulator). Evidence for the modulation of dpsA by FurA was obtained using in vitro and in vivo approaches. SELEX linked to PCR was used to identify P
dpsA
as a FurA target. Concurrently, EMSA assays showed high affinity of FurA for the dpsA promoter region. DpsA expression analysis in an insertional mutant of the alr1690‐αfurA message (that exhibited an increased expression of FurA) showed a reduced synthesis of DpsA. These studies suggest that FurA plays a significant role in the regulation of the DpsA.
Overexpression of pitx3 upregulates expression of BDNF and GDNF in SH‐SY5Y cells and primary ventral mesencephalic cultures
Authors: Peng Changgeng , Fan Songhua , Li Xuping , Fan Xiaolan , Ming Ming , Sun Zhe , Le Weidong
Published: March 2007

The transcription factor Pitx3 plays an important role in the development of midbrain to promote the growth and differentiation of dopamine neurons. The present study has demonstrated that overexpression of Pitx3 in SH‐SY5Y cells and primary ventral mesencephalic (VM) cultures significantly increased the mRNA levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and remarkably elevated the protein levels of these two neurotrophic factors. Our data provide the first evidence that pitx3‐expressing cells are able to upregulate the expression of BDNF and GDNF. Therefore, Pitx3 might be a good target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Female Genital Mutilation: Cultural Awareness and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Braddy Cathleen M. , Files Julia A.
Published: March 2007

Clinicians in the United States are increasingly encountering girls and women who have undergone female genital mutilation. To foster a more trusting relationship with such patients, health care providers must have an accurate understanding of the cultural background surrounding this practice, a working knowledge of the different types of female genital mutilation procedures that may be encountered, and an awareness of both the acute and long‐term complications. Some of these complications are potentially fatal, and the correct clinical diagnosis can be lifesaving.
Brick in Bayswater
Authors: Jones Russell
Published: March 2007

The design of a brick house draws on English and Danish building cultures to challenge the growing tendency to divorce expression from structure and obsession with surface styling.
Evidence from diatom‐bound nitrogen isotopes for subarctic Pacific stratification during the last ice age and a link to North Pacific denitrification changes
Authors: Brunelle Brigitte G. , Sigman Daniel M. , Cook Mea S. , Keigwin Lloyd D. , Haug Gerald H. , Plessen Birgit , Schettler Georg , Jaccard Samuel L.
Published: March 2007

In a piston core from the central Bering Sea, diatom microfossil‐bound N isotopes and the concentrations of opal, biogenic barium, calcium carbonate, and organic N are measured over the last glacial/interglacial cycle. Compared to the interglacial sections of the core, the sediments of the last ice age are characterized by 3‰ higher diatom‐bound δ15N, 70 wt % lower opal content and 1200 ppm lower biogenic barium. Taken together and with constraints on sediment accumulation rate, these results suggest a reduced supply of nitrate to the surface due to stronger stratification of the upper water column of the Bering Sea during glacial times, with more complete nitrate consumption resulting from continued iron supply through atmospheric deposition. This finding extends the body of evidence for a pervasive link between cold climates and polar ocean stratification. In addition, we hypothesize that more complete nutrient consumption in the glacial age subarctic Pacific contributed to the previously observed ice age reduction in suboxia and denitrification in the eastern tropical North Pacific by lowering the nutrient content of the intermediate‐depth water formed in the subpolar North Pacific. In the deglacial interval of the Bering Sea record, two apparent peaks in export productivity are associated with maxima in diatom‐bound and bulk sediment δ15N. The high δ15N in these intervals may have resulted from greater surface nutrient consumption during this period. However, the synchroneity of the deglacial peaks in the Bering Sea with similar bulk sediment δ15N changes in the eastern Pacific margin and the presence of sediment lamination within the Bering Sea during the deposition of the productivity peaks raise the possibility that both regional and local denitrification worked to raise the δ15N of the nitrate feeding Bering Sea surface waters at these times.
Localized aurora beyond the auroral oval
Authors: Frey Harald U.
Published: March 2007

Aurora is the result of the interaction between precipitating energetic electrons and protons with the upper atmosphere. Viewed from space, it generally occurs in continuous and diffuse ovals of light around the geomagnetic poles. Additionally, there are localized regions of aurora that are unrelated to the ovals and exhibit different morphological, spatial, and temporal properties. Some of these localized aurorae are detached from the oval poleward or equatorward of it. Others are located within the oval and are brighter than the surrounding diffuse aurora. Many of them occur only during preferred solar wind conditions and orientations of the interplanetary magnetic field. This review describes the different localized aurorae and their particle sources in the plasma sheet, at the plasmapause, or at the magnetopause. Their origin is still not completely understood, and the study of aurorae can teach a great deal about their underlying physical processes of reconnection, electrostatic acceleration, or wave‐particle interactions.