bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of COX‐1, COX‐2, and PPAR‐γ in the gastric mucosa of children with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Haruna Hidenori , Shimizu Toshiaki , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Yarita Yukiko , Fujii Tohru , Kudo Takahiro , Yamashiro Yuichiro
Published: February 2008

Background: Gastric inflammation in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection is considered to be regulated by many kinds of inflammatory and cytoprotective factors. The present study examined the effects of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐1, ‐2, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) on gastric mucosal injury in children with H. pylori infection.

Methods: The subjects were 24 children who underwent endoscopy for the evaluation of anemia or gastrointestinal symptoms, and they were divided into two groups: a H. pylori‐positive group and ‐negative group. The numbers of neutrophils in the gastric mucosa of children with and without H. pylori infection and expression of COX‐1, ‐2, and PPAR‐γ were examined, using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The numbers of neutrophils were significantly higher in the H. pylori‐positive group than in the H. pylori‐negative group. The ratio of COX‐1 mRNA to COX‐2 mRNA in the H. pylori‐positive group was significantly lower than that in the H. pylori‐negative group. The ratio of PPAR‐γ m‐RNA to β‐actin mRNA was significantly higher in the H. pylori‐positive group than the H. pylori‐negative group.

Conclusions: Enhanced production of COX‐2 and PPAR‐γ in the gastric mucosa has cytoprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects, although the relationship to the carcinogenic activity of COX‐2 and PPAR‐γ should be clarified.
Assessment of myocardial involvement using cardiac troponin‐I and echocardiography in rheumatic carditis in İzmir, Turkey
Authors: Tavli Vedide , Canbal Abdullah , Şaylan Berna , Saritaş Türkay , Meşe Timur , Atlihan Füsun
Published: February 2008

Background: Acute rheumatic carditis is still a major problem in developing countries. Cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI) has been identified as a sensitive and specific marker in the diagnosis of myocarditis in children and adults.

Methods: A prospective study was performed using Doppler echocardiography and cTnI in order to detect myocardial involvement in 26 consecutive patients with acute rheumatic valvular disease. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1, rheumatic fever with carditis (n > 16); group 2, rheumatic fever without carditis (n > 10).

Results: Clinically age, gender, body temperature, heart rate and white blood count did not differ significantly between the groups and the age‐matched control group. C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anti‐streptolysin‐O were significantly different. Left ventricular fractional shortening was normal in all patients (group 1, 37 ± 10%; group 2, 34 ± 5%; NS). Left ventricular dimensions were larger in group 1, in which all patients except two had moderate to severe mitral and/or aortic valvular regurgitation (5.05 ± 0.75 cm/m2) compared to group 2, in which none had valvular regurgitation (3.27 ± 0.26 cm/m2, P < 0.05). None of the patients in either group presented with or developed pericarditis. Mean cTnI was 0.12 ± 0.034 ng/mL in group 2 and 0.077 ± 0.02 in group 1, the difference of which was not statistically significant. Neither significant cTnI elevations nor echocardiographic systolic function abnormalities were found in the present patients with rheumatic carditis.

Conclusions: The present results indicate the absence of myocardial involvement in acute rheumatic carditis without congestive heart failure.
Efficacy of fluticasone metered‐dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler for pediatric asthma
Authors: Miyahara Hiroaki , Korematsu Seigo , Nagakura Tomokazu , Izumi Tatsuro
Published: February 2008

Background: For the treatment of bronchial asthma, two types of fluticasone inhaler devices are available, namely, metered‐dose inhaler with spacer (MDI‐S) and the dry powder inhaler (DPI). The former is recommended for young children with a low peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and the latter for adolescents and adults. But the difference in the therapeutic efficacy between them has been studied only rarely in adolescent patients.

Methods: In the present study, 21 post‐elementary school‐age patients with moderate persistent bronchial asthma (age 8–15 years, 10.3 ± 2.1 years), who all had a sufficient PIF of 114 ± 29 L/min, were examined in order to compare the two types of fluticasone inhalers. Eleven of 21 patients inhaled 200 μg/day Flutide using the MDI‐S twice daily for 1 month in the first month, and the same dose using the DPI for the next month. The other 10 patients inhaled the opposite regimens. At the end of the each treatment, spirometry was examined.

Results: Measurements done before therapy and then at the end of MDI‐S and DPI therapy, respectively, were as follows: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0), 72.4 ± 18.2%, 91.5 ± 18.2% and 84.1 ± 16.3% (MDI‐S vs DPI, P > 0.040); maximal mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF), 62.0 ± 23.6%, 88.7 ± 26.5%, 79.3 ± 33.4% (P > 0.044) and the peak expiratory flow (PEF) was 73.9 ± 25.0%, 95.6 ± 32.8%, and 90.5 ± 29.5%, respectively (n.s.). MDI‐S was thus found to be more effective in terms of %FEV1.0 and in %MMEF.

Conclusions: High therapeutic efficacy was obtained with the use of the MDI‐S in fluticasone inhalation for post‐elementary school‐age patients with sufficient inspiration ability.
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus gastroenteritis in Soma, Japan, 2001–2003
Authors: Onishi Noriko , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Matsumoto Ayumi , Imamura Takashi , Katayose Masahiko , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Hashimoto Osamu , Hayashi Akio , Ishiko Hiroaki , Suzuki Hitoshi
Published: February 2008

Background: The aim of the present paper was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of norovirus gastroenteritis in Japan using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent phylogenetic analysis.

Methods: From September 2001 to August 2003, 515 stool samples or rectal swabs were collected from almost all children visiting the Department of Pediatrics, Public Soma General Hospital with gastroenteritis. Samples were examined on reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR to detect norovirus genome. The nucleotide sequences of the PCR products were determined and phylogenetic analysis performed.

Results: The norovirus genome was detected in 66 samples. The peak season of norovirus gastroenteritis was from November 2001 to February 2002 and from September 2002 to December 2002. Norovirus gastroenteritis occurred most frequently in 1‐year‐old children. Norovirus strains produced four distinct clusters on phylogenetic analysis. Some strains detected in Soma were closely related to the strains detected in other regions in the world. The Mexico type and Lordsdale type were predominant in the 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 seasons, respectively, and the outbreaks continued for several months.

Conclusions: Genetically different noroviruses might cause repeated gastroenteritis outbreaks every year in the Soma area. The long duration of the outbreak by a predominant strain in an epidemic season and the prevalence of infection mainly in the young age group suggested that norovirus epidemics were caused by person‐to‐person transmission rather than foodborne transmission. Based on molecular epidemiology, it is suggested that the annual prevalence of norovirus gastroenteritis in the Soma area might be caused by person‐to‐person transmission of genetically different norovirus strains, which might be transmitted from other region in the world.
Extrauterine growth restriction in preterm infants of gestational age ≤32 weeks
Authors: Sakurai Motoichiro , Itabashi Kazuo , Sato Yuko , Hibino Satoshi , Mizuno Katsumi
Published: February 2008

Background: Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in low‐birthweight (LBW) infants affects their growth and developmental prognoses as well as their incidence of adult diseases. The aim of the present paper was to determine the frequency and contributing factors of EUGR in infants ≥32 weeks of gestational age.

Methods: The subjects consisted of 416 infants from 22 facilities born between February and October 2002, whose gestational age was ≥32 weeks. For EUGR assessment, subjects whose body measurements in the 37–42 week postmenstrual age (PMA) period were below the 10th percentile of the standard normal distribution, were selected.

Results: EUGR incidence rates for weight, length, and head circumference were 57%, 49%, and 6%. In appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age infants, a negative correlation was found between number of gestational weeks and EUGR incidence rates for weight, length, and head circumference, but in small‐for‐gestational‐age infants this was true only for head circumference. Lower gestational age and age in days to achieve complete feeding were among the shared factors contributing to EUGR incidence for weight, length, and head circumference. The significant factors for EUGR incidence for weight and length included whether the infant was small for gestational age, whether oxygen was administered at 36 weeks PMA, age in days at which breast‐feeding was initiated, and age in days when the infant regained birthweight.

Conclusions: The growth retardation of preterm LBW infants in the neonatal intensive care unit continues to pose challenges. Relevant factors other than gestational age include intrauterine growth restriction, severe chronic lung disease, and poor nutrition.
Transient receptor potential A1 mediates an osmotically activated ion channel
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Feng , Chen Jun , Faltynek Connie R. , Moreland Robert B. , Neelands Torben R.
Published: February 2008

Transient receptor potential (TRP)A1 channel has been implicated in various physiological processes, including thermosensation and pain. A recent study of TRPA1 knockout mice demonstrated deficits in sensing mechanical stimuli, suggesting a role for TRPA1 also in somatic mechanosensation. However, direct evidence of TRPA1 activation by mechanical forces has thus far been lacking. Here we show, using an intracellular calcium assay, that hypertonic solution (HTS) activates TRPA1 channels in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transiently expressing rat TRPA1. In contrast, hypotonic solution has no effect. Single‐channel recordings reveal that HTS opens an ion channel that displays similar single‐channel conductance to that evoked by the TRPA1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) in both recombinant rat TRPA1 cell lines and rat dorsal root ganglia neurons. Ruthenium red reduces the open probability of the single‐channel currents and blocks the whole‐cell currents evoked by HTS. Camphor also blocks the whole‐cell currents evoked by HTS. HTS‐activated channel openings are only observed in patches that are also sensitive to AITC. Finally, like AITC, HTS depolarizes the membrane potential of dorsal root ganglia neurons leading to the generation of action potentials. Taken together, these findings indicate that TRPA1 mediates an osmotically‐activated ion channel and support a role for TRPA1 in mechanosensation.
Effects of centrifugal pathways on responses of cochlear nucleus neurons to signals in noise
Authors: Mulders W. H. A. M. , Seluakumaran K. , Robertson D.
Published: February 2008

The medial olivocochlear (MOC) system, which originates in the brainstem and projects to the outer hair cells in the cochlea, is thought to be involved in improving signal detection in noisy backgrounds. This proposition arises from the observation that the input–output functions of auditory primary afferent fibres to pure tones recorded in a continuous background noise are unmasked by MOC activation, improving the dynamic range, and is supported by both animal and human behavioural experiments. However, it is not known how the unmasking effects observed in the cochlea are translated into higher auditory brain centres, such as the cochlear nucleus, where intrinsic circuitry can potentially modulate any effect. In this study we have investigated the effects of continuous background noise without and with MOC system activation, on responses of different neuron types in the ventral cochlear nucleus of the guinea pig. Results show that the unmasking effects of MOC system activation on tone responses in continuous background noise are present in the cochlear nucleus. These unmasking effects manifest themselves as decompression of input–output functions as well as an improved slope, which results in an improvement in intensity discrimination of the tones. The data show, however, that the strength of the unmasking effects of MOC system activation varies between the different neuronal types. Unmasking was not detected in onset chopper neurons despite its demonstrable presence in other neuronal types in the same animals. These observations may reflect the level of involvement of different neuronal types in intensity discrimination.
The impact of spontaneous tumour perforation on outcome following colon cancer surgery
Authors: Abdelrazeq A. S. , Scott N. , Thorn C. , Verbeke C. S. , Ambrose N. S. , Botterill I. D. , Jayne D. G.
Published: February 2008

Objective  The impact of spontaneous tumour perforation on survival following surgery for colon cancer is unclear. This study compares survival outcomes for patients with perforated colonic cancer with stage‐matched nonperforated cancer.

Method  A prospective histological database was searched for all patients undergoing resection for adenocarcinoma of the colon between 1996 and 2002. Patients with T4 cancer were selected and classified into those with spontaneous perforation at the tumour site and those with nonperforated tumour. Patients with synchronous colonic and rectal cancers, familial polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, iatrogenic or remote colonic perforation were excluded. Histological variables were combined with clinical data obtained by case note review. Data were analysed for differences in demographics, histological variables, operative mortality, disease‐free and overall survival. Multivariate analysis of factors predictive of overall survival in both groups was performed.

Results  Of 960 patients identified, 52 patients had spontaneous tumour perforation and 82 patients served as the T‐stage matched control group. Overall survival at 2 years was 47% and 54% and at 5 years was 28% and 33% for perforated and nonperforated cancers respectively. Patients with perforated cancers were more likely to present with metastatic disease and undergo emergency surgery with a higher 30‐day mortality. There was a trend towards reduced overall survival in the perforated group (P = 0.06), but no difference in disease‐free survival (P = 0.43). On multivariate testing, ‘emergency surgery’ and ‘age >75 years’ were the only independent predictors of mortality in the perforated and nonperforated group respectively.

Conclusion  Both perforated and nonperforated T4 colon cancers have a poor prognosis. Spontaneous perforation of the cancer is associated with reduced overall survival, due to higher 30‐day mortality, but in itself does not appear to significantly impact on disease‐free survival. Rather, it is the advanced oncological stage at which perforated cancers present that determines outcome.
The effects of stress on food choice, mood and bodyweight in healthy women
Authors: Roberts C. J.
Published: February 2008

Summary  This paper examines the effects of stress on the neuroendocrine production of cortisol and links this to potential changes in food choice, mood and bodyweight. Animal and human studies suggest that stressful conditions can result in low mood, increased energy intake, particularly from fatty acids and non‐milk extrinsic sugars (NMES), and potential changes in bodyweight. With current unsustainable rises in obesity in the Western world, tackling predictors of weight increase remains a primary target for intervention. In a longitudinal naturalistic study of 71 healthy women, we found an increase in cortisol secretion during a period of chronic stress to be strongly correlated with changes in food choice and increased energy consumption, as well as an increase in intake of saturated fatty acids and NMES. This resulted in an increase in bodyweight. We also found that anxiety and depression increased significantly during the stress period; however, we could find no correlation with mood, food choice or energy intake. Furthermore, we found that women with a body mass index (BMI) on the higher side of ‘healthy’, who experienced a significant increase in cortisol secretion under chronic stress, were more vulnerable to increases in bodyweight than women with lower BMIs and a smaller increase in cortisol secretion. Further research is needed to investigate whether cognitive behavioural/remedial therapies to reduce the impact of stress can help to minimise changes in diet, bodyweight and mental health.
Modelling the elements of country vulnerability to earthquake disasters
Authors: Asef M.R.
Published: February 2008

Earthquakes have probably been the most deadly form of natural disaster in the past century. Diversity of earthquake specifications in terms of magnitude, intensity and frequency at the semi‐continental scale has initiated various kinds of disasters at a regional scale. Additionally, diverse characteristics of countries in terms of population size, disaster preparedness, economic strength and building construction development often causes an earthquake of a certain characteristic to have different impacts on the affected region. This research focuses on the appropriate criteria for identifying the severity of major earthquake disasters based on some key observed symptoms. Accordingly, the article presents a methodology for identification and relative quantification of severity of earthquake disasters. This has led to an earthquake disaster vulnerability model at the country scale. Data analysis based on this model suggested a quantitative, comparative and meaning full interpretation of the vulnerability of concerned countries, and successfully explained which countries are more vulnerable to major disasters.
TAUX D'INTERET EFFECTIF, VIABILITE FINANCIERE ET FINANCEMENT DES PETITS OPERATEURS ECONOMIQUES PAR LES INSTITUTIONS DE MICROFINANCE AU BENIN
Authors: ACCLASSATO Denis H.
Published: February 2008

RÉSUMÉ**:  Les institutions de microfinance (IMF) ont accompli le miracle de faciliter l'accès aux services financiers à des milliers d'exclus du système bancaire classique dans les pays en développement. Mais une polémique naît quant aux coûts élevés associés auxdits services. Cette étude a évalué le niveau de taux d'intérêt viable pour la microfinance en termes d'offre de services financiers. Les résultats montrent que les micro‐projets dont le taux de rentabilité interne ne dépasse pas 42% ne pourraient être financés par les institutions de microfinance. Quasiment aucune IMF n'assurerait son autosuffisance opérationnelle, donc sa pérennité en respectant le seuil légal fixéà 27%.
Developing actionable strategy
Authors: Birnik Andreas , Moat Richard
Published: February 2008

Andreas Birnik and Richard Moat believe that it's critical to have everyone involved in managing strategy reading off the same page. Literally.
Modeling Road Centerlines and Predicting Lengths in 3‐D Using LIDAR Point Cloud and Planimetric Road Centerline Data
Authors: Cai Hubo , Rasdorf William
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Transportation is one of a few engineering domains that work with linear objects—roads. Accurate road length information is critical to numerous transportation applications. Road lengths can be obtained via technologies such as ground surveying, global positioning systems (GPS), and Distance Measurement Instruments (DMI). But using these methods for data collection and length determination is time‐consuming, labor intensive, and costly. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and feasibility of an alternative. This article reports on a study that provides an alternative to obtaining road centerline lengths by measurement; instead it proposes using geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) point cloud data. In this study, a three‐dimensional (3‐D) vector model based on linear referencing systems (LRS) concepts was developed to represent road centerlines in a 3‐D space and to predict their 3‐D lengths. A snapping approach and an interpolation approach to obtain 3‐D points along lines when working with LIDAR point clouds were proposed and discussed. Quality control measures were initiated to validate the approach. The accuracy of the predicted 3‐D distances was evaluated via a case study by comparing them to distances measured by DMI. The results were also compared to road lengths obtained by draping planimetric road centerlines on digital elevations models (DEMs) constructed from LIDAR points. The effects of the average density of 3‐D points on the accuracy of the predicted distances were evaluated. This study concluded that the proposed 3‐D approach using LIDAR data was efficient in obtaining 3‐D road lengths with an accuracy that was satisfactory for most transportation applications.
Attention and Vigilance in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Trezise Kim L. , Gray Kylie M. , Sheppard Dianne M.
Published: February 2008

Background  Down syndrome (DS) has been the focus of much cognitive and developmental research; however, there is a gap in knowledge regarding sustained attention, particularly across different sensory domains. This research examined the hypothesis that children with DS would demonstrate superior visual rather than auditory performance on a sustained attention task and that this modality difference would not be seen in children with non‐specific intellectual disability (NSID).

Materials and Methods  Eleven children with DS and 16 children with NSID were compared on two versions of the sustained attention to response test (SART), varying only in presentation modality (visual or auditory). Errors of commission (failure to withhold response to target) and errors of omission (failure to respond to non‐target distractors) were recorded.

Results  Significant group differences were found in the visual modality and mental age was also found to effect error rates in the visual condition. No effect of group or mental age was observed in the auditory SART.

Conclusions  Results suggest that, for individuals with DS, presentation of education material in a visual medium may facilitate sustained attention and thus learning. Further research using tools such as the SART to explore modality differences in sustained attention and additional cognitive domains is recommended.
Female‐biased sex ratios in subarctic common frogs
Authors: Alho J. S. , Herczeg G. , Merilä J.
Published: February 2008

In vertebrates with genetic sex determination, large deviations from the 1:1 sex ratio at the population level are rare and demand an explanation. We investigated adult sex‐ratio variation of common frogs Rana temporaria in two subarctic breeding ponds over a 6‐year (1999–2004) period using capture–mark–recapture (CMR) methods. Using the same data, we also tested for the occurrence of the biannual breeding cycle in female common frogs and sought evidence for population size decline. Sex ratios were highly female biased in both populations: on average, only about 30% of breeding individuals were males. CMR analyses further suggested that the female‐biased sex ratio was not explainable by higher adult mortality among males as the survival probabilities over years were similar (c. 70%) for both sexes. Alternative explanations for these highly female‐biased sex ratios include sex‐specific mortality at earlier life stages and environmental influences on the sex determination system. While further studies are required to differentiate between the alternatives, the observed sex‐ratio bias is among the strongest reported in any amphibian population so far, and also in the direction opposite to that usually observed (males>females). Our analyses found no support for the contention that female common frogs in northern populations may reproduce only in every second year. However, both study populations were declining during the study period.
Neural correlates of cue retrieval, task set reconfiguration, and rule mapping in the explicit cue task switching paradigm
Authors: Travers Stephanie , West Robert
Published: February 2008

Event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) were used in two experiments to examine the neural correlates of processes underlying task switching in the information‐reduction task switching paradigm. Each experiment included 22 participants. The paradigm included two cues for each task. This element of the design allowed us to differentiate the ERP correlates of cue retrieval, task set reconfiguration, and rule mapping. The ERP data revealed a parietal slow wave that was sensitive to processes associated with cue retrieval and task set reconfiguration and a frontal‐polar slow wave that was sensitive to processes associated with rule mapping. These findings further the proposal that an endogenous act of control supporting processes related to task set reconfiguration and rule mapping may facilitate performance of the explicit cue task switching paradigm.
Role of ATP‐binding cassette transporters in brain lipid transport and neurological disease
Authors: Kim Woojin Scott , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Garner Brett
Published: February 2008

The brain is lipid‐rich compared to other organs and although previous studies have highlighted the importance of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters in the regulation of lipid transport across membranes in peripheral tissues, very little is known regarding ABC transporter function in the CNS. In this study, we bring together recent literature focusing on potential roles for ABC transporters in brain lipid transport and, where appropriate, identify possible links between ABC transporters, lipid transport and neurological disease. Of the 48 transcriptionally active ABC transporters in the human genome, we have focused on 13 transporters (ABCA1, ABCA2, ABCA3, ABCA4, ABCA7 and ABCA8; ABCB1 and ABCB4; ABCD1 and ABCD2; ABCG1, ABCG2, and ABCG4) for which there is evidence suggesting they may contribute in some way to brain lipid transport or homeostasis. The transporters are discussed in terms of their location within brain regions and brain cell types and, where possible, in terms of their known functions and established or proposed association with human neurological diseases. Specific examples of novel treatment strategies for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy that are based on modulation of ABC transporter function are discussed and we also examine possible functions for specific ABC transporters in human brain development.
Age‐related changes of germline stem cell activity, niche signaling activity and egg production in Drosophila
Authors: Zhao Rui , Xuan Yang , Li Xinghua , Xi Rongwen
Published: February 2008

Adult stem cells are important in replenishing aged cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. Aging in turn may exert profound effects on stem cell's regenerative potential, but to date the mechanisms of such stem cell aging are poorly understood, and it is not clear to what extent stem cell aging contributes to tissue or organ aging. Here we show in female Drosophila that germline stem cell (GSC) division rate progressively declines with age, which is accompanied by reduced decapentaplegic (dpp) niche signaling pathway activation within GSCs. Egg production also rapidly declines with age, which is accompanied by both decreased stem cell division and increased incidence of cell death of developing eggs, especially in the oldest females. Genetically increasing dpp expression delays GSC activity decline and transiently increases egg production. We conclude that age‐related decline of reproduction is caused by both decreased GSC activity and increased incidence of cell death during oogenesis, while decreased GSC activity is attributed to declined signaling from the regulatory niche. We suggest that niche functional decay may be an important mechanism for stem cell aging and system failure.
The Diagnosis of Disorders in the Newborn
Authors: Colebatch John H. , Pitt David B.
Published: February 2008

IN Victoria about 1,600 children die each year. Of these, at least 53 per cent die in the first month of life, and 46 per cent in the first week. There is an undeniable challenge to the medical profession in these figures. In the first year of life the number of deaths per 1,000 live births, i.e. the infant mortality rate, has fallen continuously and dramatically throughout this century. However, although the infant mortality rate has fallen to less than one‐fifth of the rate in 1900, the fall in the neonatal mortality rate has been much less gratifying (Fig. 1). Thus, in this State the infant mortality rate has fallen from 100 in 1900 to 19.2 in 1958, while the neonatal mortality rate has only fallen from 34 in 1900 to 13.5 in 1958. Half a century ago the neonatal period provided 30 per cent of all deaths in the first year of life; today it provides 75 per cent. These figures surely speak for themselves and we must ask ourselves: how often is this loss of neonatal life preventable?
Obstetrical Factors in the Aetiology of Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Mathew Alexander G.
Published: February 2008

The literature concerning the aetiology of cerebral palsy has been reviewed. The histories of a series of 50 cases of cerebral palsy and associated conditions have been analysed with special reference to the occurrence of abnormalities during pregnancy, labour and the neonatal period. The most significant abnormalities appear to be prematurity and neonatal jaundice; a prolonged second stage of labour and postmaturity were probably
Care of the Infant with Haemolytic Disease Due to Rh Incompatibility*
Authors: Campbell Kate
Published: February 2008

The routine care of infants suffering from haemolytic disease of the newborn has been outlined, with particular reference to exchange transfusion.

The management of complications which have been observed in these infants has also been discussed.

A series of 293 Rh‐positive infants from iso‐immunized mothers has been briefly reviewed in relation to neonatal mortality. The corrected mortality rate was 6.2%.
Traumatic Perforation of the Uterus
Authors: Smith G. O.
Published: February 2008

The clinical features and management of 40 cases of traumatic perforation of the uterus have been reviewed. Of these 40 cases, 20 were emergency admissions.

Perforation of the uterus is more common in the diagnostic group than in the incomplete abortion group. However, the incidence is greater in missed and therapeutic abortions than in either of the above groups, although the numbers are much smaller.

The curette was more frequently implicated in perforation of the incomplete abortion cases, whereas it was the dilator or the sound that held the major responsibility in the diagnostic group.

In 10 of the 20 patients referred to the hospital, the perforation was associated with removal or insertion of a Gräfenberg ring.

In this study it has not been possible to follow‐up those patients who have subsequently become pregnant. Although there are reports of patients who have had an uneventful pregnancy after perforation of the uterus (Heineck, 1908, and Rosenfeld, 1954), much will depend on the extent of the initial injury and the nature of its repair.

The importance of having an accurate knowledge of the position and size of the uterus prior to instrumentation should be evident from this report. Such information can usually be ascertained clinically, particularly in the anaesthetized patient; additional useful information can be obtained by careful use of the uterine sound.

In general, providing that the patient's condition is good and there has been no obvious trauma to intra‐abdominal structures, cases can be observed in a suitable institution where special facilities are available. However, should there be deterioration, or an inadequate response to treatment, immediate laparotomy must be performed, because the risks of treating such a patient conservatively far outweigh those entailed in the performance of laparotomy.
Pregnancy and Renal Disease A Ten‐Year Survey
Authors: Mackay E. V.
Published: February 2008

IN recent years there has been an increased awareness of the problem of renal disease complicating pregnancy. The importance of latent pyelonephritis, particularly in women of the childbearing period, is being realized, as well as the relationship of renal disease to pre‐eclampsia and hypertension.
Major Malformations and Multiple Births
Authors: Pitt David B.
Published: February 2008

Twenty‐one multiple births have been studied in a series of 338 infants with major congenital malformations. The incidence of twin births in this group was about four times the normal expectation. It was not possible in this series to indicate whether monozygotic or dizygotic twinning was related to congenital malformation.

Comments and data are given about the diagnosis of zygosity. It is apparent from this study that membrane diagnosis is still being used loosely in obstetrical records to indicate types of twins.
Recurrent Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: Hammouda A. A.
Published: February 2008

A short review of the literature relating to recurrent hydatidiform mole is made. A case report is given of a patient who had four hydatidiform moles in succession; these followed one normal delivery and one abortion. The question of the advisability of hysterectomy in such patients is briefly considered.
Experimental Foetal Bradycardia during Postmaturity in the Rabbit
Authors: Martin J. D. , Young Maureen
Published: February 2008

Relatively large doses of adrenaline given intravenously to the maternal rabbit from the 25th day to the 30th day (term) of pregnancy, produced a transient bradycardia in the foetus. There was no increased sensitivity of the utero‐placental circulation to vasoconstrictors with advancing gestational age.

The injection of progesterone and chorionic gonadotrophin to the mother tended to increase the sensitivity of the uteroplacental vessels to adrenaline during four days of postmaturity but care is needed in the interpretation of these results.

The response of the foetal heart to low oxygen tensions was unaltered from the 25th‐34th days of gestation.
The Design of a Foetal Heart Ratemeter
Authors: Cox L. W. , Wall I. B. , Wood A. E. R.
Published: February 2008

A combined foetal electrocardiograph, phonocardiograph, tachometer and tocograph is described.
The Effect of Treatment of Abortion‐Prone Women with Secrosteron and Provera
Authors: Krieger Vera I.
Published: February 2008

Pregnanediol excretion curves for abortion‐prone women treated with ethisterone, secrosteron and provera are discussed.

Secrosteron and provera treatment of abortion‐prone women resulted in only a slight increase in the number of mature pregnancies with living babies in comparison with similar patients treated with ethisterone.

Secrosteron‐ and provera‐treated women with low pregnanediol excretion curves produced 4 times as many living mature babies as similar women treated with ethisterone.
Intra‐uterine Death Due to Foetal Erythroblastosis
Authors: Townsend Lance , Shelton J. Grantley
Published: February 2008

When foetal death in utero due to Rh isoimmunization has been diagnosed, labour should be induced by artificial rupture of the membranes and intravenous oxytocic infusion.

This method is safe and effective. Twenty patients in whom foetal death occurred between the 20th and the 35th weeks of gestation were treated in this way and all were delivered within 24 hours. There were no complications.

Adequate chemotherapy must be used.

The strength of the oxytocin infusion can be increased to 100 units per litre (or more if necessary) to initiate uterine contractions.

The method eliminates the development of hypofibrinogenaemia, which in un‐treated foetal death due to Rh iso‐immunization developed in approximately half the patients in whom the foetus was re‐tained for more than 5 weeks.

The method also relieves the patient of a period of anxiety in which depressive symptoms may develop.
Intravenous Infusion of Pitocin for the Induction of Labour
Authors: Truskett I. D.
Published: February 2008

A series of 309 Pitocin infusions in 256 patients is presented.

The success rate was 66%.

The indications, method of induction, the obstetrical complications, foetal wastage, and neonatal morbidity is discussed.

This method of induction is practical and is usually successful in patients with uterine inertia and in patients with rupture of the membranes.

Without careful selection, the likelihood of success in patients with prolonged pregnancy is no greater than 50%.

The likelihood of success is greatly increased if surgical rupture of membranes is also carried out

Increasing the concentration above 5 units per litre does not increase the likelihood of success.

If labour is not established within 3 hours of the commencement of the infusion, the likelihood of success is markedly reduced.
Bilirubin‐Binding‐Capacity of Blood Plasma in Relation to Foetal Erythroblastosis
Authors: Watson D.
Published: February 2008

A method is described for the determination of plasma bilirubin‐binding‐capacity (BBC).

In pregnant women the capacity of the plasma to carry bilirubin exceeded the binding 5 of 7 infants of severely iso‐immunized pregnant patients had plasma BBC levels considerably less than those anticipated from the plasma albumin levels.
The Place of the Vacuum Extractor in Obstetric Practice
Authors: Blunt Alan
Published: February 2008

Experiences in the use of the vacuum extraction in a series of 114 patients are described.

Some of the problems associated with the instrument are discussed, and indications for its use are given.
A Survey of Carcinoma of the Cervix in the Christchurch Area 1945–1959
Authors: Louisson G. L.
Published: February 2008

The results of treatment in 246 patients with carcinoma of the cervix over a 15‐year period are discussed.

The 5‐year cure rate compares quite favourably with that for the whole of New Zealand, and also with that of trie Stockholm workers.
Experience with a Method for Implantation of the Fallopian Tubes into the Uterus
Authors: Wirtz J. W.
Published: February 2008

In THE management of infertility, the correction of anatomical obstruction of the fallopian tubes plays a small but important part.
Post Partum Eclampsia in Nigeria
Authors: Wren Barry G.
Published: February 2008

Seventeen patients with eclamptic fits occurring for the first time after delivery are presented.

At least 3 of the patients showed no evidence of pre‐eclampsia before delivery.

Two patients had post partum haemorrhage due to retained pieces of placental tissue.

A patient with convulsions occurring 11 days after delivery is presented and it is suggested that there may be a connection between viable placental tissue and eclampsia.

There were no maternal deaths in the post partum group, which is in contrast to the ante partum group, where there were 8 deaths in 46 patients.
Clinical Trial of an Oxytocin‐Ergometrine Mixture
Authors: Francis H. H. , Miller J. M. , Porteous C. R.
Published: February 2008

Standpoint of reducing the amount of bleeding, the value of administering an oxytocic agent intravenously at the end of the second stage of labour has long been established (Adair et al., 1935). It has also repeatedly been shown that, although both are safe, ergometrine is more effective than oxytocin (Lister, 1950).
Heterotopic Bone Formation in the Ovary
Authors: Shipton Eva A. , Meares S. Devenish
Published: February 2008

An example of heterotopic bone in the ovary is reported. The literature is reviewed and possible causes of the condition discussed.
Resting Tension in the Human Uterus
Authors: Wood Carl
Published: February 2008

J. The resting tension of the uterus has been determined by cutting strips of muscle from the uterus at hysterotomy and Caesarean section and subsequently measuring their resting tension in vitro.

2. A rise in resting tension in the uterus occurs in late pregnancy and this must partly contribute to the resting intra‐amniotic pressure.

3. A further rise in the resting tension of the lower uterine segment occurs during the progression of labour and this constitutes part of the resistance to the uterine expulsive force.

4. The resistance of the lower uterine segment will depend partly on the expansile capacity of the muscle and partly on the size of the presenting part distending it.

5. The factors influencing the rate of cervical dilatation include not only the uterine expulsive force and the cervical resistance, but also the dual effects of stretching of the lower segment in labour, an increase in resistance to dilatation on the one hand and a decrease in contractile power on the other.
Secondary Haemorrhage from the Ovarian Blood Vessels—A Case Report
Authors: McDonald Ian A.
Published: February 2008

1. Secondary haemorrhage from an ovarian blood vessel has been described after a difficult hysterectomy.

2. Bleeding occurred upwards into the soft tissues of the loin and it was some days before external evidence of the haemorrhage was seen.

3. Pressure on sympathetic nerve fibres produced a severe degree of paralytic ileus, although bowel sounds were increased.

4. Chest signs were present because of elevation of the diaphragm on the affected side.

5. It was important to differentiate this condition from a mechanical obstruction of the bowel and from a perforated hollow viscus in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.

6. A considerable amount of air remained in the abdominal cavity for a week after laparotomy.
Evaluation of 6‐Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase in Carcinoma in Situ of the Cervix
Authors: Speechely R. A. , Way Stanley
Published: February 2008

Estimations of 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in vaginal fluid have been carried out on 24 patients (33 tests) with carcinoma in situ and 9 patients (13 tests) with invasive carcinoma of the cervix.

 A negative result was obtained in 14 tests in the first group and 1 test in the second group.

 The proportion of false negative results obtained leads us to conclude that the test as performed at present is an unsatisfactory substitute for good cytology.
Percutaneous Arterial Infusion for Pelvic Malignancy
Authors: Campbell B. L. , Green G. H.
Published: February 2008

The technique of percutaneous catheteri‐sation of the internal iliac arteries from the contralateral femoral arteries for the infusion of chemotherapeutic drugs in pelvic cancer is described.

The method was successful in 13 of 15 cases in which it was tried, the 2 failures being due to extreme tortuosity of the common iliac arteries.

The only worthwhile results obtained in the 13 treated cases were palliation of such symptoms as sciatic nerve or bone pain and offensive discharge in 8 patients.

There were serious complications, including 2 deaths, in 5 of the patients.

The comparative ease of the technique makes the risks of treatment worth taking where palliation of symptoms is the chief aim.
Spontaneous Premature Rupture of the Membranes
Authors: Townsend Lance , Aickin D. R. , Fraillon J. M. G.
Published: February 2008

Sixty patients with premature rupture of the membranes occurring between 26 and 37 weeks of gestation who were not in labour 48 hours later were studied prospectively.

 There were 12 perinatal deaths (20%).

 The average prolongation of pregnancy with a regime of strict bed rest was 14 days. This regime was considered preferable to one of active intervention, since the perinatal loss from infection was offset by the gain resulting from increased maturity.

 Progestogen therapy in the doses used was ineffective in postponing the onset of labour.

 Four perinatal deaths were associated with infection: in one infant a significant infection in the vagina caused a neonatal pneumonia, in another infant the pneumonia was acquired by transplacental infection, whilst in the other 2 infants the portal of entry of the infection was not demonstrated.

 Serial vaginal bacteriological smears and white cell counts were usually of no assistance in detecting the foetus at risk.

 Induction of labour in selected instances is not practicable in the absence of some means of detecting the foetus at risk. No such means of detection became apparent in this study.
Megaloblastic Anaemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Mellor Peter
Published: February 2008

summary

The Serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels have been investigated in a clinically normal series of 97 patients. There was tendency for subnormal values to be reached toward the end of pregnancy in serum folic acid levels but not in those of vitamin B12.

an analysis of 9 patient with established megaloblastic anaemia seen in the period tendency for to be reached An Of patients with April, 1960‐December, 1966 in the Willingtonarea is presented. The importance of associated factors in these patients is emphasized.
Mesonephric Remnants in the Human Female
Authors: Churches C. K.
Published: February 2008

summary

The embryology of the mesonephric has been reviewed briefly. A syndrome has been described of persistence of the entire length of the mesonephric duct, accompanied by renal agenesis of the same side.

Four case reports are presented to illustrate the clinical features.

The treatment suggested is marsupialization of the vaginal aspect of the retention cyst.
Procidentia in the Newborn
Authors: Wren Barry G.
Published: February 2008

Kepler (1911) in a survey of the world literature, discovered 151 reported cases of prolapse in nulliparous women and he suggested that when this disorder occurred in the neonate it was due entirely to some congenital defect, of which spina bifida was the most common. Palmer Findley (1916) reported similar views.
Postmenopausal Genital Bleeding An Analysis of 132 Cases
Authors: J. Benzie Ranald
Published: February 2008

It has been stated that 70 per cent of all uterine carcinomata present initially with postmenopausal bleeding (Lewis, 1965). Such bleeding usually prompts the patient to seek medical advice. However, some postmenopausal women may disregard this important sign because of pre‐menstrual familiarity with vaginal loss and because of ignorance of the import of bleeding (Abbas, 1960).
Blood Oxytocin in Dysmenorrhoea
Authors: L. Warren N. , W. Hawker R.
Published: February 2008

Contractions of the uterus are not necessarily painful. Nevertheless it is now generally acknowledged that they are responsible for the pain associated with dysmenorrhoea. The non‐gravid uterus has a characteristic contraction‐relaxation pattern depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle (Moir, 1944; Dahle, 1950), but the contractions become hypertonic, exaggerated and dysrhythmic during dysmenorrhoea (Bickers, 1941; Woodbury, 1950; Garrett, 1960). The basic cause of these cramps is unknown, although there have been many hypotheses.
The Place of Hysterotomy in the Treatment of Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: S. H. Tow W.
Published: February 2008

Traditional teaching has credited ab‐dominal hysterotomy with certain advantages over vaginal evacuation in the conservative treatment of hydatidiform mole. The abdominal operation is claimed to be safer if the uterus has exceeded the size of a 16‐week pregnancy and especially if the cervix is not dilated. Haemorrhage is supposed to be more easily controlled, the risks of future malignancy reduced by curet‐age under direct vision and, finally, it is claimed that any malignancy can be seen and treated at hysterotomy. The foregoing arguments are supported by authori‐cies such as Eastman (1962), Jeffcoate (1962), and Moir (1964). They appear so convincing that their validity is seldom ques‐tioned.
Acute Intestinal Obstruction During Pregnancy: A Brief Review and Report of Two Cases
Authors: A. Hammouda A.
Published: February 2008

Intestinal obstruction is extremely uncommon during pregnancy. According to Bakeret al.(1953) the incidence varies from 0.0014 to 0.0034 per cent. Smith and Bartlett (1940) found only one case in over 66,000 deliveries. Hansen (1941) collected 84 cases from the literature.