bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐temporal patterns of major ions in urban stormwater under cold climate
Authors: Taka Maija , Kokkonen Teemu , Kuoppamäki Kirsi , Niemi Tero , Sillanpää Nora , Valtanen Marjo , Warsta Lassi , Setälä Heikki
Published: January 2017

Multiple natural and anthropogenic factors affect urban water chemistry. However, little is known about the abundance or temporal variation of major ions in urban runoff. This study explores the spatio‐temporal variation of major dissolved ions (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, NO3, and SO4) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in cold climate urban stormwater. Three watersheds with varying degrees of urban land use intensity and imperviousness (from 36% to 66%) in Helsinki, Finland, were continuously monitored for 5 years using an automated sampling procedure to obtain stormwater discharge and ion concentrations and, thus, loadings. High‐resolution datasets, including long‐term continuous discharge, both measured and simulated (using Storm Water Management Model), and automatic water quality sampling enabled the accurate calculation of loads of ions and TDS. Water quality was related to explanatory watershed characteristics (e.g., watershed physiography and sampling time) using hierarchical clustering, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and hierarchical partitioning methods. Urban land use contributed to increased ion concentrations and loads year‐round. This study highlights how stormwater ion concentrations are elevated across seasons, indicating chronic pollution phenomena. The greatest loads occurred during summer (except for Na and Cl), while the highest variation in loads was observed in autumn. Significant clusters among ions were found in the hierarchical cluster analysis, suggesting similar temporal patterns and sources for the ions in each cluster. The importance of land use was evident, though in the most urbanized watershed, concentrations were not linked to any of the investigated watershed characteristics. Based on our results, only Na and Cl are manageable by alternative winter road antiskid practices, whereas other ions resulted from diffuse pollution sources, being therefore more difficult to control. Finally, this study contributes to an increased understanding of the temporal and spatial patterns of ions in stormwater and highlights the need for consistent time series data for ion monitoring under cold climatic conditions in order to enable reliable estimates of their loads to adjacent water bodies. Finally, year‐round stormwater treatment is highly recommended.
The Privilege of Looking at the Molecular Details of Biochemical Reactions
Authors: Gutman Menachem , Nachliel Esther
Published: January 2017

The introducing the Laser‐Induced‐Proton‐Pulse (1979) allowed to monitor, at real time, the response of multi equilibria systems to pulse protonation. The reaction was initiated by the excitation of “photo acid” that releases a proton in the sub‐ns time‐scale, offsetting all acid base equilibria. This method was used to study the interaction of the protons with water, dyes, membranes, and proteins. The complexity of the systems increased from the most basic properties of dynamics up to mapping the structure of proton collecting antenna on protein surfaces, monitoring the chemical activity of water inside proteins, studying the electro‐neutral mechanism of proton ion exchange across bio‐membranes and charting the trajectories of ions inside ionic channels. The analysis of these systems led to deeper understanding of the physical chemical properties of micro‐environments like active sites and ionic channels, as well as a tool for advanced kinetic analysis of multi‐equilibria systems.
Intrapartum fetal head circumference and estimated fetal weight as predictors of operative delivery
Authors: Rabei Noha H. , El‐Helaly Amr M. , Farag Amr H. , El‐Naggar Ahmed K. , Etman Mohamed K. , El‐Moteily Moataz M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To assess intrapartum sonographic measurements of fetal head circumference (HC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) to predict operative delivery.

Methods

In a prospective study, 200 spontaneously parturient primiparous women aged 20–30 years were enrolled at a teaching hospital in Cairo, Egypt, between October 2, 2015, and January 28, 2016. HC and EFW were measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. After delivery, the association between type of delivery and ultrasonography findings was assessed.

Results

Intrapartum HC and EFW were significantly higher among women with operative delivery (n=76) than among those with normal vaginal delivery (n=124; P<0.001 for both). Intrapartum HC of 36.8 cm or more was associated with an increased risk of operative delivery (relative risk [RR] 2.87, 95% CI 1.87–4.41), as was EFW of 3920 g or more (RR 3.69, 95% CI 2.13–6.40). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.807 and 0.748 for HC and EFW, respectively (P<0.001 for both). At 36.8‐cm cutoff, HC had 44.7% sensitivity, 91.9% specificity, 77.3% positive predictive value (PPV), and 73.1% negative predictive value (NPV). At 3920‐g cutoff, EFW had 68.4% sensitivity, 82.3% specificity, 70.3% PPV, and 81.0% NPV. Intrapartum HC and EFW were directly correlated with second‐stage duration (P=0.005 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

Intrapartum HC and EFW seem to be good predictors of operative delivery.
The Effect of Intra‐Amniotic Injection of Hypertonic Urea on Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) Secretion
Authors: Segal S. , Ben‐David M. , Anteby S. O. , Polishuk W. Z.
Published: January 2017

Segal, S., Ben‐David, M., Anteby, S. O. and Polishuk, W. Z. (Depts. of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pharmacology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel). The effect of intra‐amniotic injection of hypertonic urea on human placental lactogen (HPL) secretion.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 193–196, 1975.

Serum human placental lactogen (HPL) levels were studied in 27 women with normal pregnancies in their second trimester in whom abortion was induced by intra‐amniotic (IA) hypertonic urea. The levels of HPL remained stable during the procedure and up to the delivery of the placenta. The condition of the fetus (dead or alive) or the injection‐abortion interval did not affect HPL levels. It is thus concluded that HPL secretion is not impaired by the hypertonic urea, that it plays no role in initiation of uterine contractions, and whatever damage induced by the hypertonic urea solution does not affect HPL activity.
Control of DIC in the Dead Fetus Syndrome Prior to Uterine Evacuation
Authors: Granat Menachem , Ghitis Jacob , Elrad Haim , Sharf Mordechai
Published: January 2017

Granat, M., Ghitis, J., Elrad, H. and Sharf, M. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Hematology Unit, Rothschild University Hospital, Aba Khoushy School of Medicine, Haifa, Israel). Control of DIC in the dead fetus syndrome prior to uterine evacuation.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13:233–235, 1975.

A patient with prolonged retention of a dead fetus showed laboratory findings consistent with dis‐seminated intravascular coagulation. There was no bleeding tendency in spite of very low fibrinogen levels and the platelet counts were not below the lower normal limit. Heparin administration resulted in improvement of the impaired clotting mechanism, and only then was oxytocin drip initiated. Vaginal bleeding during and after curettage was minimal. Diagnosis of the coagulopathy and monitoring of treatment are described, stressing their accomplishment by means of procedures available to an average clinical laboratory. Control of the DIC process by heparin in spite of the retained dead fetus is demonstrated, and therapeutic conclusions are drawn.
Effect of Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy and Estrogen Therapy on Libido
Authors: Utian Wulf H.
Published: January 2017

Utian, W. H. (Dept. of Gynaecology, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa).
The Relationship between Beliefs about the Menstrual Cycle and Choice of Fertility Regulating Methods within Five Ethnic Groups
Authors: Scott Clarissa S.
Published: January 2017

Scott, C. S. (The Health Ecology Project, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA).
Studies on Maternal Mortality in Mexico
Authors: Karchmer Samuel , Armas‐Domínguez Juan , Chávez‐Azuela José , Shor‐Pinsker Velvl , MacGregor Carlos
Published: January 2017

Karchmer, S., Armas‐Domínguez, J., Chávez‐Azuela, J., Shor‐Pinsker, V. and MacGregor, C. (Research Department Hospital de Gineco‐Obstetricia No. 1, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico). Studies on maternal mortality in Mexico.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 449–454, 1976.

The sociocultural, psychological, and medical effects of maternal death are described and analyzed for the purpose of appraising the value of the given death as a measure of the quality of medical care. The work of the Maternal Mortality Committee of the Hospital de Gineco‐Obstetricia No. 1 of the Mexican Social Security Institute over its three years of operation and some results on responsibility for death and its possible predictability are presented. The results show that it is necessary to broaden the Committee's functions in a social, professional, and institutional context so that the indicated factors may be objectively assessed and also that the Committee be transformed into a dynamic organism that will contribute to solving the problem. Recommendations for the operation of the Maternal Mortality Committees are given.
Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin in Normal Pregnancy in an Asian Population
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Salmon J. A. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: January 2017

Chew, P. C. T., Salmon, J. A. and Ratnam, S. S. (Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Singapore, Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore 8). Human chorionic somatomammotropin in normal pregnancy in an Asian population.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 522–524, 1976

Serial Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (HCS) levels were measured during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy in 57 patients (375 samples). There was a gradual rise from 5.6 μg/ml at the 30th week to 6.5 μgl ml at the 40th week, with a plateau during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. No correlation could be found of HCS levels with parity, maternal age, maternal height, maternal weight, foetal weight and foetal sex. A weak but significant relationship was found between HCS and plasma oestriol (r=2.4, p<0.001).

In recent years, much attention has been directed towards the determination of the Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (HCS) level as an index of placental function. The levels in Caucasian populations have been investigated by many authors (1, 8, 9, 11, 15), but in Asian women, no equivalent information has been available. The present study was therefore undertaken to measure HCS levels during the last trimester of normal pregnancy in Singapore women.
Acute Carcinomatous Myopathy Associated with Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Magyar Eva , Talerman A.
Published: January 2017

Magyar, Eva and Talerman, A. (Dept. of Pathology, Rotterdamsch Radio‐Therapeutisch Instituut, Rotterdam, Holland). Acute carcinomatous myopathy associated with ovarian carcinoma.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 533–536, 1976.

A case of acute, fatal, rapidly progressive pure myopathy associated with ovarian carcinoma is described. The first symptoms of carcinomatous myopathy occurred 8 months after surgical treatment and combined chemotherapy. The patient died 2 months after onset of myopathy. The clinical and pathologic findings of the myopathy are discussed.
A Comparison of Chemical and Densitometric Determination of Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratios on Thin‐layer Chromatograms
Authors: Ekelund Laila , Enhörning Göran
Published: January 2017

The value of amniotic fluid lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio (L/S ratio), determined by phosphorus quantitation, was compared with that obtained by densitometry. A good correlation was found, but the densitometry values were 25–30% lower. Acetone precipitation was included in the densitometry analysis, but not in the assay based on phosphorus quantitation. Since all the sphingomyelin was precipitated, but only a portion of the lecithin, the precipitation procedure could explain the lower densitometry values. It was concluded that the faster densitometry technique was acceptable, but should not include acetone precipitation. If it does, the value will be approximately 25–30% lower.
Preovulatory Overripeness of the Egg in the Human Subject
Authors: Jongbloet P. H. , Zwets J. H. J.
Published: January 2017

Anomalies of conception which endanger the ensuing pregnancy have been reviewed. The range of possible consequences include “occult” and early spontaneous abortions, a wide spectrum of chromosome defects, developmental anomalies, such as those of the brain (with a wide range of neuro‐psychopathology as a consequence) and possibly some other abnormalities of gestation. Pathology either of the pregnancy or of the products of conceptions caused by preovulatory overripeness ovopathy may be expected from conceptions that occur at times of changing endocrine patterns, reflected clinically in a transition from anovulation and vice versa. One can anticipate finding this conceptopathology reflected epidemiologically in a U‐shaped curve in relation to the reproductive age of the mother, in another U‐shaped curve relevant to the duration of the conception interval, and finally in a 4‐peaked birth curve related to seasonal variations of the ovulatory patterns.
The Use of Tranexamic Acid (AMCA) in lUDs as an Anti‐bleeding Agent
Authors: Ragab M. I. , Thomas M. N.
Published: January 2017

Menstrual blood loss was evaluated in 200 women receiving a U‐coil intrauterine contraceptive device loaded with the antifibrinolytic, tranexamic acid (AMCA). The IUDs were inserted in patients at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, in May 1974; the women were followed up for 6 months. The AMCA‐loaded U‐coil has a core containing 38 mg of crystalline tranexamic acid loaded with a silastic tube 52 mm in length with an inside–outside diameter of 1.57–2.41 mm. The daily release rate of tranexamic acid was determined to be 4.3 μg with an initial high release of 29.0 μg. This group of women was compared to a similar group previously fitted with a copper loaded U‐coil. There were no pregnancies reported in either group, and expulsions were minimal. The 6‐month removal rates for the tranexamic acid U‐coil group was 1.1 per 100 acceptors. The corresponding figure for the copper comparison group was 9.9 per 100 acceptors. Reports of heavy menstrual bleeding were more prevalent at the one‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups for the copper U‐coil acceptors than for those using the AMCA loaded U‐coil. There were no apparent differences at the 6‐month follow‐up. The demonstrated capacity of tranexamic acid to reduce menstrual blood loss based on perceptual reports suggests that this agent can be valuable in increasing the acceptability and safety of intrauterine devices.
Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait among Subfertile Women in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Ajabor L. N. , Ezimokhai M.
Published: January 2017

The electrophoretic patterns of haemoglobin were investigated in order to determine the distribution of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait among 80 subfertile women in Benin City. Nigeria. Sickle cell trait was present in 25%, normal haemoglobin genotype in 73.75%, and sickle cell anaemia in 1.25%. No patient had sickle cell haemoglobin C disease or variants thereof. Observations on the influence of sickle cell trait in relation to foetal wastage in the same group of women are made and the literature reviewed. While the average parity, and the incidence of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths amongst women with haemoglobin AA and haemoglobin A/S in this study were comparable but significantly lower than the general obstetric patients in Benin, the percentage of neonatal deaths on the other hand was significantly higher in women with the sickle cell trait, due to intrapartum asphyxia. Factors which contributed to reduced fertility in the study groups are discussed.
Plasma Hormone Profile of Threatened Abortion and Its Prognosis
Authors: Miyakawa Isao , Ikeda Isao , Maeyama Masao
Published: January 2017

Hormone levels in patients with threatened abortion were compared with those of women with normal pregnancies to determine the relationship between these hormone patterns and patient prognoses. Plasma progesterone, plasma unconjugated estradiol‐17β (estradiol), and plasma human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) were measured serially in 27 patients with threatened abortion. Twelve of these patients were able to continue their pregnancies, and 15 patients aborted. Of the 3 indices tested, 2 (plasma estradiol and HCS levels) showed marked differences in women who were able to continue their pregnancies and women whose pregnancies ended in abortions; moreover, these findings indicated that these 2 levels could be used as indices for the evaluation of a pregnant patient's prognosis.
Interruption of First Trimester Pregnancy by Prostaglandins
Authors: Bygdeman M. , Green K. , Lundström V.
Published: January 2017

Vacuum aspiration is today's most used method for pregnancy termination before 13 weeks of gestation. Under certain circumstances, the administration of prostaglandins may offer clinically important advantages. Intrauterine administration of primary prostaglandins (PGE2 or PGF2α) or their analogues, or vaginal administration of 15‐(S)‐15 methyl PGF2α methyl ester or of 16,16 dimethyl PGE2 are effective for terminating early first trimester pregnancy (up to 3 weeks following the first missed menstrual period). Compared to the vacuum aspiration procedure, the frequency of complete abortion is the same for prostaglandins administration, but the time to complete the procedure, duration of bleeding and frequency of gastrointestinal side effects are superior for vacuum aspiration. Since intrauterine administration technically resembles vacuum aspiration, it appears that it offers no major clinical advantages over vacuum aspiration. If the vaginal route is used, the simplicity of the method, which allows for self‐administration on an outpatient basis, is for some patients more important than the advantages of the surgical prcedure. In addition, administration of prostaglandins to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical dilatation is a clinically valuable method, especially in primigravid patients.
I. Benign Hydatidiform Mole in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbode O.
Published: January 2017

A study was conducted to analyze 61 patients with benign hydatidiform mole (HM) who were admitted to the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, during a 5‐year period. The hospital incidence of HM was 1:205 pregnancies, and the condition was seen most commonly in young women, probably because early marriage is customary in our culture. Management of the condition generally was conservative because of the patients' youth. There was no correlation between HM and parity. Vaginal secondaries due to an embolic phenomenon were detected in 5% of the patients. Subsequent pregnancies followed within 6 months of treatment because the majority of the patients failed to heed medical advice to delay pregnancy for 2 years. No diagnostic problems were encountered in the patients who became pregnant during the follow‐up period.
III. High Frequency of Hydatidiform Mole in Native Alaskans
Authors: Martin Peter M.
Published: January 2017

The frequency of hydatidiform mole per delivery in the native Alaskan for fiscal years 1969 through 1974 was 1:257. Nutritional studies do not support the suggestion of protein deficiency as an etiologic factor. It is suggested that genetic factors may be involved.
Metronidazole Treatment in Pregnancy
Authors: Morgan Isabel
Published: January 2017

Vaginal trichomoniasis was treated with standard courses of oral metronidazole in 597 pregnant women. In 283 other pregnant women, the infection remained untreated. The incidences of low‐birth‐weight infants, stillbirths and congenital abnormalities were not affected by metronidazole treatment of trichomoniasis in pregnancy.
Variable Range Directional Doppler and Abdominal ECG for FHR Monitoring
Authors: Lauersen Niels H. , Hochberg Howard M. , George Michael E. D.
Published: January 2017

Antepartum nonstress fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring may become a valuable screening tool for all pregnancies. Two methods proposed for an antepartum FHR monitor are examined: abdominal electrocardiogram (AECG) and variable range directional Doppler (RDD). A good quality (detailed, clearcut baseline) RDD FHR record was obtained in 74/75 (99%) examinations, and a good quality AECG record was obtained in 31/75 (41%). Each patient was monitored in the supine, lateral and sitting positions. Considering all positions, 76% of the RDD records and 19% of the AECG records were good. The RDD system was efficacious for routine, clinical antepartum FHR monitoring, but the performance of the AECG was too limited for this purpose.
Surgical Closure of the Incompetent Cervix: 15 Years' Experience
Authors: Ritter H. A.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the author's experience, over a 15‐year period, with 33 patients who demonstrated cervical incompetence and who were treated by surgical procedures. The surgical approach is unique in that the band is placed under direct vision above the uterosacral ligaments and through the cardinal ligaments. Slippage of the band, with resultant loss of pregnancy, is most unlikely. Fifty‐three pregnancies occurred in this group. Each patient treated by the described technique produced one or more living children. Complications which occurred in the group are also discussed.
The Midwife as a Counselor on Nutrition
Authors: Uprichard M. E.
Published: January 2017

Amid divided opinion among professionals about the effect of nutrition on the outcome of pregnancy, one indisputable fact which emerges is that a good diet is essential during pregnancy and lactation. The role of the midwife in counseling and educating pregnant women on their own and their babies' nutritional needs is discussed.
Adenocystic Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: A Clinicopathologic Study
Authors: Gupta Saroj , Gupta I. M. , Sanyal B.
Published: January 2017

Eight cases of adenocystic carcinoma of the uterine cervix, a rare histologic variant, are presented, with a brief review of 41 cases previously reported in the literature. They represent only 0.27% of 3254 cervical carcinomas that we encountered between 1962 and 1977. In all eight cases, there was early parametrial involvement, and the majority behaved aggressively. All eight patients were multiparas, and six of them were postmenopausal. Interestingly, including this series, 15 of 49 reported cases of this entity have been from India.
The Effect of Oral Thyrotropin‐Releasing Hormone on Thyroid Function and the Composition of Breast Milk in Puerperal Women
Authors: Kivinen Seppo , Ylikorkala Olavi , Kauppila Antti , Timonen Eija , Haapalahti Jouko
Published: January 2017

To determine the effect of oral administration of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) on the thyroid function and on the composition of breast milk in the early puerperium, six lactating women were treated with a single dose of 40 mg of synthetic TRH and six women were treated with placebo. Serial serum samples taken before and between one and 25 hours after TRH administration were assayed with specific radioimmunoassays for thyrotropin (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxine (T4). Milk samples were collected three times a day and their major fatty acids were determined by gas‐liquid chromatography and were compared with those obtained from normal lactating women. A statistically significant TSH elevation was observed between one and six hours after TRH administration, with a peak value of 23.7 ± 10.6 mU/liter at three hours. The T3 concentration rose between three and nine hours after TRH administration, with a peak of 6.3 ± 1.2 nmole/liter at six hours. The T4 elevation was statistically significant between six and 12 hours after TRH administration. The fatty acid content of milk samples from women treated with TRH did not differ from the normal series. A single daily dose of oral TRH thus caused a temporary thyroid stimulation. It is doubtful whether this could lead to hyperthyroidism since the levels of thyroid hormones became normal within ten hours after TRH administration.
Bowel Injury in Septic Abortion: The Need for More Aggressive Management
Authors: Megafu Uche
Published: January 2017

An analysis of bowel injury in cases of septic abortion treated over a six‐year period at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital at Enugu is presented. Seventy‐three percent (11/15) of the patients who underwent laparotomy had concomitant injury to the bowels. Overall, 16.4% of the 67 patients with septic abortion had intestinal injuries (this does not include the patients who died as a result of fulminating peritonitis before surgery could be performed). The survival of those patients with intestinal injuries was very much dependent on the operative procedures adopted. When a dysfunctioning colostomy was raised, the mortality was nil. In patients who had simple closure of the perforation and in those who had primary resection and anastomosis, mortality was 66.6%. The importance of performing laparotomy much sooner than usual is discussed.
Paradoxical Effect of Flavoxate on Human Uterine Contractility in Vivo
Authors: Coutinho E. M. , Darzé E. , Gesteira S. Kalil
Published: January 2017

Flavoxate's effect on uterine contractility was investigated in 20 women with histories of primary dysmenorrhea. After 100 mg of the smooth muscle relaxant was injected intravenously, intrauterine pressure was recorded continuously for 1‐2 hours. Immediately after the injection, intrauterine pressure and the frequency of contractions increased for 5‐15 minutes at all phases of the menstrual cycle. After the activating response, there was a reduction in both the frequency of contractions and uterine tonus below preinjection levels in some patients. The paradoxical effect of flavoxate on uterine motility may be caused by its relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, which results in increased blood flow and, consequently, increased oxygen supply to the myometrium.
The Relationship Between Hematocrit Levels in Gravidae and Their Newborn
Authors: Ogunbode O.
Published: January 2017

The changes in hematocrit levels during pregnancy in 90 Nigerian women, both anemic and nonanemic, were studied. The maternal levels at term were compared to the hematocrit levels of their newborns. The anemic patients received 200 mg of ferrous sulfate three times daily throughout pregnancy. Generally, the hematocrit level either decreased slightly or remained unchanged during the first half of pregnancy, with or without iron supplements. The decrease was, however, more noticeable in the nonanemic patients. Babies delivered by patients who remained anemic at term had hematocrit levels that were actually in the upper limits of the normally acceptable range.
Ovarian Production of Estrogens in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Grönroos M. , Klemi P. , Salmi T. , Rauramo L. , Punnonen R.
Published: January 2017

We investigated the possible secretory capacity of the ovaries of 79 postmenopausal women with and without endometrial carcinoma using chemical, enzymehistochemical and ultrastructural methods. The mean serum levels of estrone, estradiol and total estrogens were higher in ovarian effluent blood than the corresponding values in cubital venous blood. There was a positive correlation between the difference of total estrogens in ovarian and cubital vein sera and, on the other hand, enzymehistochemical and ultrastructural findings in ovarian tissue. No statistical differences were found in the peripheral mean values of estrone and total estrogens between the two groups. The mean level of estradiol, however, seemed to be higher and that of estriol lower in the carcinoma patients than in the control groups.
False‐Positive Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests for Pregnancy with Tubo‐ovarian Abscess
Authors: Jacobson Edward , Rothe Desider
Published: January 2017

A 21% incidence of false‐positive hemagglutination inhibition tests for pregnancy associated with tubo‐ovarian abscess is described. Five illustrated cases and the causes for such false‐positive reactions are discussed. Substances generated by pelvic inflammatory masses may interfere with immunologic assays for pregnancy, resulting in misdiagnosis or inappropriate management.
Intravaginal Administration of Conjugated Estrogens in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Furuhjelm Mirjam , Karlgren Erva , Carlström Kjell
Published: January 2017

Daily doses of 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens were administered intravaginally for 14 days to 12 postmenopausal women (six with highly atrophic and six with slightly atrophic vaginal mucosa), resulting in vaginal mucosae similar to those found in premenopausal women in all 12 subjects. In a second experiment, serum estrogens, folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined before and hourly for six hours after a single intravaginal dose of 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens was given to five postmenopausal women and to five premenopausal women on cycle days 6‐8. Serum levels of unconjugated immunoreactive estrogens and total estrone increased rapidly in four of five postmenopausal women. Luteal phase values were found after only two hours, but there were no effects on serum FSH and LH. One of the postmenopausal women, who had an unatrophied vaginal mucosa, showed a considerable lower resorption of estrogens. There were no significant changes in the serum estrogen levels of the premenopausal women. Thus, we conclude that daily vaginal administration of 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens for 14 days is sufficient to restore an atrophic vaginal mucosa to a premenopausal condition. Furthermore, the condition of the vaginal mucosa seems to influence the resorption, thus indicating an inbuilt mechanism of protection against overdosage of intravaginally applied estrogens.
Reduction of Menstrual Blood Loss by Naproxen in Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Users
Authors: Davies A. J.
Published: January 2017

Eleven patients with objective evidence of menorrhagia (>80 ml menstrual blood loss for two cycles) while fitted with an IUD were treated during three consecutive menstruations with the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor naproxen. Menstrual blood loss was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) from a pretreatment value of 131 ± 12 ml to 88 ± 9 ml on naproxen therapy. In the cycle following naproxen therapy, menstrual blood loss returned to the pretreatment level of 129 ± 10 ml. Continued IUD usage was made more acceptable by naproxen therapy.
Postoperative Pleural Effusion Caused by Dextran
Authors: Adoni A. , Adatto‐Levy R. , Mogle P. , Palti Z.
Published: January 2017

Dextran is widely used in order to prevent intraperitoneal adhesions during pelvic surgery. Of 25 women who underwent laparotomy and in whom dextran was instilled intra‐peritoneally, almost half developed pleural effusions. These were generally mild and required no treatment. None of a control group of 20 women developed a pleural effusion. The mechanism of this type of effusion is discussed.
Drug Approval and Surveillance
Authors: Potts Malcolm
Published: January 2017

The author proposes that current regulations governing the licensing of drugs, particularly in the United States, need to be changed and replaced by a system of provisional or conditional licensing and increased postmarketing surveillance of drug use.
LH‐RH Agonists and Antagonists
Authors: Schally Andrew V. , Coy David H. , Arimura Akira
Published: January 2017

Large doses of stimulatory analogues of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) caused paradoxical anti‐fertility effects. These effects are being utilized for the possible development of contraceptive methods. Several inhibitory analogues of LH‐RH have been tested in men and women and shown to be active. The synthetic approach based on inhibitory analogues of LH‐RH has been proven to be feasible for development of new methods of birth control. Continued research and testing along these lines may lead to the development of contraceptives based on inhibitory analogues of LH‐RH that could be conveniently applied as a nasal spray and that could be free of undesirable side effects.
A Complication of a Traditional Puerperal Practice in Nigeria
Authors: Ezem B. U. , Otubu J. A.
Published: January 2017

A complication of a traditional puerperal practice of a hot bath, which is practiced by the Hausa/Fulani of Northern Nigeria, is reported.
Severe Infection Following Pudendal Anesthesia
Authors: Qvigstad Erik , Jerve Fridtjof
Published: January 2017

A case of severe infection following pudendal anesthesia is presented. The probable spread of the infection to the subgluteal space and the complications are discussed. Musculoskeletal symptoms arising in the hip area and the pelvis during the early postpartum period pose a challenging diagnostic problem. When these symptoms are accompanied by fever and pain, the possibility of a severe infection with possible abscess in the subgluteal or retropsoas space must be considered. The treatment consists of prompt surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotics.
Preconceptional Selection of Fetal Sex
Authors: Stolkowski Joseph , Lorrain Jacques
Published: January 2017

Background information is given on postconceptional and preconceptional methods of selecting fetal sex. Among the preconceptional methods presented are treatment of the sperm to isolate either the X or the Y chromosome, timing of insemination and the effect of ionic concentrations in the woman's body as controlled by the dietary intake of minerals. The authors studied 281 couples, 21 of whom were later excluded, who adhered to a diet specific in its amounts of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. This dietary method of preconceptional selection of fetal sex resulted in the anticipated outcome in about 80% of the cases.
Relationship of Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Maternal and Cord Blood and Birth Weight
Authors: Atinmo T. , Mbofung C. , Osinusi B. O.
Published: January 2017

Twenty and 30 Nigerian women who delivered infants weighing 1500 gm‐2500 gm and more than 2500 gm, respectively, were studied. Cord and maternal blood samples collected at delivery were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for zinc and copper content. The mean plasma zinc in maternal and cord blood was significantly lower and the mean plasma copper was significantly higher in the low‐birth‐weight group than in the control group. The zinc level in cord blood was higher than that in maternal blood in both groups. However, the copper level in both groups was lower in cord than in maternal blood.
Monetary Policy and Asset Prices: A Markov‐Switching DSGE Approach
Authors: Hur Joonyoung
Published: January 2017

This paper estimates a Markov‐switching dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model by incorporating stock prices in monetary policy rules in order to identify the Federal Reserve's stance toward them. Based on the data from 1984:Q1 to 2009:Q2, I find that historical evidence of the policy reaction toward stock prices is weak except for the stock market bubble of the 1990s. A counterfactual exercise shows that the rapid growth in stock prices during that period would have been significantly higher if monetary policy had been independent of the stock market. However, unconditional macroeconomic volatility increases with the degree of policy responsiveness toward stock prices. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knockdown of REV3 synergizes with ATR inhibition to promote apoptosis induced by cisplatin in lung cancer cells
Authors: Jiang He‐Guo , Chen Ping , Su Jin‐Yu , Wu Ming , Qian Hai , Wang Yi , Li Jian
Published: January 2017

It has been demonstrated that REV3, the catalytic subunit of the translesion synthesis (TLS) polymerase ζ, play an important role in DNA damage response (DDR) induced by cisplatin, and Ataxia‐telangietasia mutated and Rad‐3‐related (ATR) knase is a central player in activating cell cycle checkpoint, stabilizing replication forks, regulating DDR, and promoting repair of DNA damage caused by cisplatin. Cancer cells deficient in either one of REV3 and ATR are more sensitive to cisplatin. However, whether co‐inhibition of REV3 and ATR can further increase sensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to cisplatin is not clear. In this study, we show that REV3 knockdown combined with ATR inhibition further enhance cytotoxicity of cisplatin in NSCLC cells, including cisplatin‐sensitive and ‐resistant cell lines, compared to individual knockdown of REV3 or ATR, which are accompanied by markedly caspase‐dependent apoptosis response, pronounced DNA damage accumulation and severe impediment of interstrand crosslink (ICL), and double strand break (DSB) repair. Our results suggest that REV3 knockdown synergize strongly with ATR inhibition to significantly increase sensitivity of cisplatin in NSCLC cells by inhibiting ICL and DSB repair. Thus simultaneously targeting REV3 and ATR may represent one approach to overcome cisplatin resistance and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in NSCLC treatment.
A Novel NF‐κB Inhibitor, Edasalonexent (CAT‐1004), in Development as a Disease‐Modifying Treatment for Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Phase 1 Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics in Adult Subjects
Authors: Donovan Joanne M. , Zimmer Michael , Offman Elliot , Grant Toni , Jirousek Michael
Published: January 2017

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), NF‐κB is activated in skeletal muscle from infancy regardless of the underlying dystrophin mutation and drives inflammation and muscle degeneration while inhibiting muscle regeneration. Edasalonexent (CAT‐1004) is a bifunctional orally administered small molecule that covalently links 2 compounds known to inhibit NF‐κB, salicylic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Edasalonexent is designed to inhibit activated NF‐κB upon intracellular cleavage to these bioactive components. Preclinical data demonstrate disease‐modifying activity in DMD animal models. Three placebo‐controlled studies in adult subjects assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single or multiple edasalonexent doses up to 6000 mg. Seventy‐nine adult subjects received edasalonexent, and 25 received placebo. Pharmacokinetic results were consistent with the intracellular cleavage of edasalonexent to its active components. Food increased plasma exposures of edasalonexent and salicyluric acid, an intracellularly formed metabolite of salicylic acid. The NF‐κB pathway and proteosome gene expression profiles in peripheral mononuclear cells were significantly decreased (P = .02 and P = .002, respectively) after 2 weeks of edasalonexent treatment. NF‐κB activity was inhibited following a single dose of edasalonexent but not by equimolar doses of salicylic acid and DHA. Edasalonexent was well tolerated, and the most common adverse events were mild diarrhea and headache. In first‐in‐human studies, edasalonexent was safe, well tolerated, and inhibited activated NF‐κB pathways, suggesting potential therapeutic utility in DMD regardless of the causative dystrophin mutation, as well as other NF‐κB–mediated diseases.
Gene Ages, Nomenclatures, and Functional Diversification of the Methuselah/Methuselah‐Like GPCR Family in Drosophila and Tribolium
Authors: Friedrich Markus , Jones Jeffery W.
Published: January 2017

Affecting lifespan regulation and oxidative stress resistance, the G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) gene methuselah (mth) plays important roles in the life history of Drosophila melanogaster. Substantial progress has been made in elucidating the molecular pathways by which mth affects these traits, yet conflicting ideas exist as to how old these genetic interactions are as well as how old the mth gene itself is. Root to these issues is the complex gene family history of the Mth/Mthl GPCR family, which experienced independent expansions in a variety of animal clades, leading to at least six subfamilies in insects. Within insects, drosophilid flies stand out by possessing up to three times more Mth/Mthl receptors due to the expansion of a single subfamily, the mth superclade subfamily, which contains an even younger subfamily introduced here as the melanogaster subgroup subfamily. As a result, most of the 16 Mth/Mthl receptors of D. melanogaster are characterized by n:1 orthology relationships to singleton mth superclade homologs in nondrosophilid species. This challenge is exacerbated by the inconsistent naming of Mth/Mthl orthologs across species. To consolidate this situation, we review established ortholog relationships among insect Mth/Mthl receptors, clarify the gene nomenclatures in two important satellite model species, the fruit fly relative D. virilis and the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and discuss the genetic and functional evolution of the D. melanogaster Mth GPCR.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Unsymmetrical Dendrimers With Indazole, Salicylates and Anthranilates as Surface Units
Authors: Jayanthi Mani , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: January 2017

Unsymmetrical dendrimers with indazole and methyl/ ethyl/ isopropyl salicylates as surface units and 4‐(bromomethyl)phenol as core unit were synthesized in good yields by O‐alkylation. Similarly unsymmetrical dendrimers with indazole and methyl/ ethyl/ isopropyl anthranilates as surface units and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid as core unit were synthesized in good yields by amide coupling reaction. The antimicrobial activities of the newly synthesized dendrimers were evaluated against four human pathogenic bacteria viz., E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis under in vitro conditions by “cup plate method”.
Standardized fluoroscopy‐based technique to measure intraoperative cup anteversion
Authors: Zingg Matthieu , Boudabbous Sana , Hannouche Didier , Montet Xavier , Boettner Friedrich
Published: January 2017

Direct anterior approach (DAA) with the patient lying supine has facilitated the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy and allows for standardized positioning of the patient. The current study presents a new technique to measure acetabular component anteversion using intraoperative fluoroscopy. The current paper describes a mathematical formula to calculate true acetabular component anteversion based on the acetabular component abduction angle and the c‐arm tilt angle (CaT). The CaT is determined by tilting the c‐arm until an external pelvic oblique radiograph with the equatorial plane of the acetabular component perpendicular to the fluoroscopy receptor is obtained. CaT is determined by direct reading on the C‐arm device. The technique was validated using a radiopaque synbone model comparing the described technique to computed tomography anteversion measurement. The experiment was repeated 25 times. The difference in anteversion between the two measuring techniques was on average 0.2° (range −3.0–3.1). The linear regression coefficients evaluating the agreement between the experimental and control methods were 0.99 (95%CI 0.88–1.10, p < 0.001) and 0.33 (95%CI −1.53–2.20, p = 0.713) for the slope and intercept, respectively. The current study confirms that the described three‐step c‐arm acetabular cup measuring technique can reproducibly and reliably assess acetabular component anteversion in the supine position, as compared to CT‐imaging. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2307–2312, 2017.
Raman spectroscopic investigation on pure D2O/H2O from 303 to 573 K: interpretation and implications for water structure
Authors: Hu Qingcheng , Ouyang Shunli , Li Jie , Cao Zhao
Published: January 2017

D2O and H2O structure are investigated by Raman spectroscopy from 303 to 573 K at saturated vapor pressures in a fused silica capillary tube. As temperature increases to 573 K, Raman peak of D2O is blue‐shifted by 93 cm−1, lower than that of H2O by 128 cm−1, but the two Raman shoulders of D2O/H2O nearly remain unchanged in wavenumber. By fitting the spectra into five Gaussian components assigned to water molecules with different hydrogen bonding (HB) environments, these spectral features are interpreted by a mechanism that D2O and H2O have equal types of water molecules with similar HB degrees – fully hydrogen‐bonded H2O/D2O (FHW/D) and partially hydrogen‐bonded H2O/D2O (PHW/D) but distinct HB configurations that O…D–O is more symmetric and stronger than O…H–O. Much smaller values but slightly weaker temperature dependence of full widths at half maxima for D2O spectra ((FWHM)D2O) than (FWHM)H2O are primarily due to much weaker but slightly less temperature‐dependent intermolecular couplings in D2O than in H2O. Enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) on transition from FHW/D to PHW/D are determined based on Gaussian fitting. At low temperatures, a higher ΔHD2O (8.62 ± 0.06 kJ mol−1) than ΔHH2O (7.19 ± 0.05 kJ mol−1) further indicates that O…D–O is about 20% stronger than O…H–O. However, difference between O…D–O strength and O…H–O strength tends to diminish above 434 K, suggested by the rather close ΔHD2O and ΔHH2O, and same value of ΔSD2O and ΔSH2O. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resonance Raman and UV–VIS spectroscopic investigation of the reaction of tetracyanoethylene and N‐methyldiphenylamine
Authors: Monezi Natália M. , Ando Rômulo A.
Published: January 2017

Tetracyanoethylene is an archetypal electron acceptor and in the presence of aromatic amines forms charge transfer π‐complexes, which subsequently leads to the formation of a tricyanovinylation product by the electrophilic aromatic substitution at para position of tertiary amine ring. Factors as amine concentration and solvent polarity influence both the rate and extension of reaction. In contrast to the aromatic amines containing only one phenyl ring, in the case of N‐methyldiphenylamine, the rate of reaction is much slower in particular conditions allowing the spectroscopic characterization (ultraviolet–visible and Raman) of all the species involved, including the neutral adduct and zwitterionic intermediate species. The stabilities of such intermediate species in solution can be controlled by both the concentration of amine and solvent polarity. The results illustrate the dual role played by the amine as a reactant and as a catalyst in the proton abstraction, the rate determining step. The comparison of the reactions in dichloromethane and acetonitrile shows that the neutral adduct and zwitterionic intermediate species are stabilized in nonpolar medium, revealing the role played by the solvent in defining the mechanistic pathways of this model charge transfer initiated reaction. Quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory were used to obtain the theoretical vibrational and electronic spectra and showed fair agreement with experimental data. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.