bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of solid lipid microparticle carriers on skin penetration of the sunscreen agent, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
Authors: Scalia Santo , Mezzena Matteo , Iannuccelli Valentina
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to prepare lipid microparticles (LMs) loaded with the sunscreen agent, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), to achieve decreased skin penetration of this UV filter. The microparticles were produced by the melt dispersion technique using tristearin as lipidic material and hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine as the surfactant. The obtained microparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Release of 4-MBC from the LMs was found to be slower than its dissolution rate. The influence of the LMs' carrier system on percutaneous penetration was evaluated after their introduction in a model topical formulation (emulsion). In-vitro measurements were performed with cellulose acetate membranes in Franz diffusion cells. The 4-MBC release and diffusion was decreased by 66.7–77.3% with the LM formulation, indicating that the retention capacity of the microparticles was maintained after incorporation into the emulsion. In-vivo human skin penetration of 4-MBC was investigated by tape stripping, a technique for selectively removing the upper cutaneous layers. The amount of sunscreen penetrating into the stratum corneum was greater for the emulsion containing non-encapsulated 4-MBC (36.55% of the applied dose) compared with the formulation with the sunscreen-loaded microparticles (24.57% of the applied dose). The differences between the two formulations were statistically significant in the first (2–4) horny layer strips. Moreover, the LMs' effect measured in-vivo was less pronounced than in-vitro. The increased 4-MBC retention on the skin surface achieved by its incorporation in the LMs should enhance its efficacy and reduce the potential toxicological risk associated with skin penetration.
Radical-scavenging polyphenols: new strategies for their synthesis
Authors: Bovicelli Paolo
Published: November 2007

New strategies for the synthesis of polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant properties contained in every kind of plants, are discussed. Syntheses of different classes of polyphenols, namely ubiquinones, present in many natural systems in which electron-transfer mechanisms are involved, hydroxy-tyrosol, one of the main components of the phenol fraction in olives, and flavonoids, widespread in the plant kingdom, were approached by simple and environmentally sustainable methods.
Antioxidant activity of 4-methylcoumarins
Authors: Pedersen Jens Z , Oliveira Cristina , Incerpi Sandra , Kumar Vineet , Fiore Anna Maria , De Vito Paolo , Prasad Ashok K , Malhotra Sanjay V , Parmar Virinder S , Saso Luciano
Published: November 2007

Polyphenolic coumarins are known to act as antioxidants in biological systems, but it is difficult to distinguish their antioxidant activity from the many other effects they produce in cells. We have determined the radical scavenging capacity of 22 structurally related natural and synthetic 4-methylcoumarins, by measuring their reaction with radicals, galvinoxyl and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Efficient antioxidant activity of 4-methylcoumarins in cells was verified using the DCF fluorescent probe assay for determination of intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. As expected, the o-dihydroxysubstituted coumarins were found to be excellent radical scavengers and better than the m-dihydroxysubstituted or monohydroxysubstituted analogues, but surprisingly the corresponding o-diacetoxy derivatives also turned out to be good scavengers, even in the absence of an esterase. Another unexpected result was that the anti-oxidant efficiency of 4-methylcoumarins could be modulated by introducing an ethoxycarbonyl-ethyl substituent at the C-3 position; this effect cannot be explained by simple electron donating/withdrawing properties. Coumarin concentrations of 10 μm or less were used in all experiments, corresponding to the levels relevant for therapeutic purposes. Considering that 4-methylcoumarins, in contrast to many other coumarins, are not metabolized to toxic epoxide intermediates, these results indicate promising new strategies for the design of non-toxic antioxidant coumarin-based drugs.
Bargaining in Physical Planning in Israel: A comparison with the British Experience
Authors: Azmon Yael
Published: November 2007

The latest research in the field of physical planning in England indicates that there is an impressive rise in bargaining between the planning authorities and applicants for building permits. The physical planning system in England has undergone another process of change in the last decade: a growing flexibility manifested in the change from ‘development plans’, which are binding plans, to ‘structure plans’ that present only general principles of planning to be taken into consideration by planning authorities when granting building permits. Thus the following question presents itself: Are the two processes of change in the area of physical planning related to each other? Is the rising amount of bargaining with planning authorities due to the growing flexibility in the physical planning system; or is the rising bargaining in the area of physical planning, as J. Jowell suggests, due mainly to a more general phenomenon of increasing corporatism in English politics; or to both of them? To put it in more general terms: Is the increase in bargaining within the functioning of the physical planning system related to factors internal to the physical planning system or external to it?
Collaboration Between the Health and Social Services: Part I, A Case Study of Joint Care Planning
Authors: Booth Timothy A.
Published: November 2007

Central government has a long-standing interest in the co-ordination of health and welfare resources: an interest which produced the Hospital Plan of 1962 and the complementary long-term plans of local authority health and welfare departments in 1963; which lay behind the re-organisation of Whitehall departments in 1968 and the creation of a single ministry – the Department of Health and Social Security – with responsibility for all health and personal social services; and which was further advanced following the Seebohm Report by the creation of unified social services departments by the 1970 Social Services Act.

Subsequently, the re-organisation of local government and the NHS opened up new opportunities for closer liaison and greater co-operation by organising the new health and local authorities into matching areas of administration; by putting a statutory obligation on health authorities and their corresponding local authorities to collaborate so as to secure the health and welfare of the people of their areas; and by establishing the machinery for collaboration at the local level in the form of joint consultative committees and their supporting teams of officers.
Don du franais et parole (post) coloniale
Authors: Dubreuil Laurent
Published: November 2007

This article aims to give a renewed theoretical substance to the words of francophonie. It tries to reconstruct the conditions of enunciation which characterize the French (post) colonial scene from the Ancien Rgime to the present. In each epoch of the French colonial empire, a theologico-political
core governed the effects of censorship and of lingual reduction through the so-called gift of languages. If, according to the Code noir especially, a slave was mute or inaudible by definition, the French and Haitian Revolutions opened a new space for a black discourse in French. Such a lingual
event, as well as the triumph of the Jacobinist conception of the national idiom, helps us to understand the uses and ruses of the Third Republic regarding the teaching of the French language in the colonies. Thus, a necessarily (post)colonial francophonie could name the process of bypassing
the colonial order of speech and silence.
A descent into crime: explaining Mongo Beti's last two novels
Authors: Higginson Pim
Published: November 2007

This study examines Mongo Beti's last two novels,Trop de soleil tue l'amour(1999) andBranle-bas en noir et blanc(2000). Using his 1955 essay Afrique Noire, littrature rose, it ties his earliest literary work to these final narrative endeavours. In particular, Afrique Noire insists on two criteria for literary excellence: realism (meaning an acknowledgement of the crimes of colonialism) and popularity (meaning something accessible and read by the Cameroonian people). The problem, according to the author, is that Africans are largely illiterate and too poor to afford books; and France controls the editorial means of production. These combined factors make reconciling the two criteria of popularity and realism impossible. If a novel is popular (sells), which it can only do in France, it is because it does not realistically represent the crimes of colonialism. On the other hand, if the novel is realistic, no one will ever publish or distribute it. Thus, according to Beti, within the colonial and subsequent postcolonial context, the classical realist novel cannot achieve his stated goals. Mongo Beti's turn to crime fiction cunningly reconciles these otherwise contradictory criteria by turning to a popular genre particularly well equipped to speak of the conditions of his homeland.
Listening to Caribbean history: music and rhythm in Daniel Maximin's L'Isol soleil
Authors: Munro Martin
Published: November 2007

This article deals with the relationship between music, rhythm and black Caribbean history and identity. It begins by considering briefly some of the ways that sounds, including music and rhythm, shaped and defined the experience of slavery, and then argues that despite the importance
of rhythm to this experience and to subsequent Caribbean cultural history, most critics and scholars have tended to neglect or ignore rhythm in their work. Drawing evidence from Daniel Maximin's novel L'Isol soleil (1981), the article argues that the grand historical sweep of Maximin's
novel, and the recurrence of rhythm and music in the text at many key stages of Guadeloupean, Caribbean and broader black diasporic history seems to suggest an intimate bond between rhythm, music and Caribbean identity, a bond that Maximin implies has been continually strengthened, even as
it has mutated, from the slavery period to the present. The article also considers some of the ways in which Maximin's work relates to that of douard Glissant, notably in terms of narrative structures, and in the authors' conceptions of history, memory and music. Finally, I suggest that Maximin's
novel prefigures the current interest among historians of understanding the past through considering its auditory aspects.
Transitive projective planes
Authors: Gill Nick
Published: November 2007

A long-standing conjecture is that any transitive finite projective plane is Desarguesian. We make a contribution towards a proof of this conjecture by showing that a group acting transitively on the points of a non-Desarguesian projective plane must not contain any components.
Groups of type L
2(q) acting on polytopes
Authors: Leemans Dimitri , Schulte Egon
Published: November 2007

We prove that if G is a string C-group of rank 4 and G ≅ L
2(q) with q a prime power, then q must be 11 or 19. The polytopes arising are Grünbaum's 11-cell of type {3, 5, 3} for L
2(11) and Coxeter's 57-cell of type {5, 3, 5} for L
2(19), each a locally projective regular 4-polytope.
Automorphisms of Hilbert's non-desarguesian affine plane and its projective closure
Authors: Schneider Thomas , Stroppel Markus
Published: November 2007

Hilbert constructed an early example of a non-desarguesian plane by modifying the lines of the real plane inside an ellipse. We employ methods from elementary algebraic geometry to show that the group of automorphisms of this plane leaves the ellipse invariant (unless the ellipse is a circle). Using this result, we determine the group of automorphisms of Hilbert's plane and some generalizations.
Paramétrisation des courbes multiples primitives
Authors: Drézet Jean-Marc
Published: November 2007

The primitive curves are the multiple curves that can be locally embedded in smooth surfaces (we will always suppose that the associated reduced curves are smooth). These curves have been defined and studied by C. Bănică and O. Forster in 1984. In 1995, D. Bayer and D. Eisenbud gave a complete description of the double curves. We give here a parametrization of primitive curves of arbitrary multiplicity. Let Z

n
= spec(ℂ[t]/(t

n
)). The curves of multiplicity n are obtained by taking an open cover (U

i
) of a smooth curve C and by glueing schemes of type U

i
× Z

n
using automorphisms of U

ij
× Z

n
that leave U

ij
invariant. This leads to the study of the sheaf of nonabelian groups G

n
of automorphisms of C × Z

n
that leave the reduced curve invariant, and to the study of its first cohomology set. We prove also that in most cases it is the same to extend a primitive curve C

n
of multiplicity n to one of multiplicity n + 1, and to extend the quasi locally free sheaf D

n
of derivations of C

n
to a rank 2 vector bundle on C

n
.
A Musical Mood Induction Alleviates Dysfunctional Attitudes in Needy and Self-Critical Individuals
Authors: Mongrain Myriam , Trambakoulos John
Published: November 2007

The “mood-state hypothesis” (Miranda & Persons, 1988) suggests that dysfunctional beliefs are latent in individuals vulnerable to depression until activated by a negative mood. The purpose of the current study was twofold: (a) to validate a new musical mood induction procedure and (b) to test the cognitive reactivity (or changes in the endorsement of dysfunctional beliefs) in individuals hypothesized to be vulnerable to depression (Blatt, Zohar, Quinlan, Zuroff, & Mongrain, 1995). The mood induction procedure was found to be highly effective for both the positive and the negative conditions. Needy and self-critical participants reported increases in the endorsement of dysfunctional attitudes with the depressing music. With the elating music, needy and self-critical participants experiencing an increase in happiness reported lower levels of dysfunctional attitudes. The findings support state-trait models of depressive vulnerability (Zuroff, Blatt, Sanislow, & Bondi, 1999) and further illustrate how positive mood states can ameliorate the report of maladaptive thoughts.
Simulated Interpersonal Provocation and Fears of a Loss of Impulse Control as Determinants of Aggressive Mental Intrusions
Authors: Riskind John H. , Ayers Catherine R. , Wright Edward
Published: November 2007

Although cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder focus on the importance of misinterpretations of intrusive thoughts, they have given little attention to where intrusive cognitions come from, suggesting that they are merely “flotsam” of the mind. The present study is a preliminary test of an analysis that attempts to examine whether intrusive thoughts might actually have systematic, functional relationships to internal processes and external circumstances. Specifically, we advance and test the hypothesis that intrusive thoughts with aggressive-harming content can arise because current goals or passage to desired goals are blocked or thwarted, eliciting threat or frustration, most often because of the perceived provocative or threatening actions of other people (whether real or imaginary). On this hypothesis, this can instigate the generation of accompanying spontaneous imagined mental scenarios or fantasies about ways to rid oneself of the threat (e.g., remove the persons who are posing the obstruction). These imagined scenarios and images, elicited by provocation conditions, produce intense, distressing cognitions for individuals who are afraid of impulses. The results of a simulated provocation design provided evidence for this hypothesis.
Components of Self-Complexity as Buffers for Depressed Mood
Authors: Brown Gary , Rafaeli Eshkol
Published: November 2007

The self-complexity model (Linville, 1987) predicts that individuals who have numerous self-aspects with little overlap among them will be buffered against the effects of stressful life events and will experience less depression. Despite some evidence to this effect, many replication attempts have failed (cf. Rafaeli-Mor & Steinberg, 2002). The present studies reexamine the self-complexity model, incorporating recent theoretical and methodological critiques of its original formulation (e.g., Brown, Hammen, Wickens, & Craske, 1995; Rafaeli-Mor, Gotlib, & Revelle, 1999). Two prospective studies provide some support for a revised self-complexity hypothesis, which examines separately the effects of differentiation (number of self-aspects) and integration (overlap among them) and considers more carefully the role of stress.
Ultrasound Screening for Detection of Intra‐Uterine Growth Retardation
Authors: Laurin Jan , Persson Per‐Håkan
Published: November 2007

Intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a major problem in contemporary obstetrics. Early antenatal diagnosis is important if morbidity and mortality are to be minimized. We present the results of one years ultrasound fetometric screening for IUGR of the pregnant population in the city of MalmO. All pregnancies were dated by early bi‐parietal diameter (BPD) measurement. From findings at 32 weeks of gestation, an IUGR risk‐group (n =436) was selected on the basis of predicted birthweight deviations with reference to standard curves, established at the Department, for BPD, abdominal diameter, femur length, and intra‐uterine weight, all plotted against gestational age. The risk‐group, which included 60 (77%) of the 78 IUGR infants eventually born, was subjected to additional fetometry examinations at 34, 36 and 38 weeks of gestation, in the total pregnant population of 2068, each pregnancy was the subject of 2.3 examinations. Other fetometry variables were evaluated for their efficacy as IUGR markers, but were not found to be superior to the current screening procedure in which BPD and abdominal diameter are combined in a simple formula to assess intra‐uterine growth. Overall, the screening procedure currently used at Malmd had a sensitivity of 64.1% and a specificity of 96.5%, the prevalence for IUGR being 3.8%.
Ultrasonically Guided Fetal Tissue Biopsy
Authors: Kurjak Asim , Alfirevic Zarko , Jurkovic Davor
Published: November 2007

From January 1984 to October 1986, a total of 185 prenatal diagnostic procedures were performed, viz. 120 chorionic villus samplings, 42 fetal blood samplings, 12 skin biopsies and 11 tumor biopsies. All procedures were performed under continuous ultrasound guidance. The methods are described, and indications for each procedure and clinical outcome discussed. Preliminary results have shown that ultrasonically guided fetal tissue biopsy is feasible for prenatal diagnosis, but randomized trials are needed for evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio.
Outpatient Treatment of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: The CO2 laser versus cryotherapy, a randomized trial
Authors: Berget Arne , Andreasson Benny , Bock Johannes E. , Bostofte Erik , Hebjørn Søren , Isager‐Sally Lennart , Philipsen Torben , Schantz Anne , Weber Tom
Published: November 2007

In a randomized study, 204 patients were allocated to either laser or cryo treatment for cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN). The patients were treated on an outpatient basis without anesthesia unless other conditions requiring anesthesia had to be dealt with at the same time. Both the laser and the cryo method were highly acceptable to the patients. Slightly more patients experienced moderate or severe pain during laser treatment, compared with cryo treatment (P=0.05). Peroperative hemorrhage did not exceed 25 cc except for one laser‐treated patient. Postoperative vaginal discharge was more often seen after cryo coagulation, the discharge being malodorous in 36% of cryo‐treated patients and in 17% of laser‐treated patients. Pelvic inflammatory disease was found in one patient in each treatment group. Postoperative spotting occurred more often in laser‐treated patients (49%) than in cryo‐treated patients (22%). At follow‐up colposcopy 3 months after treatment, the squamocolum‐nar junction was fully visible significantly more often in laser‐treated patients (P< 0.001). The cure rates after one laser or cryo treatment were 90% and 91%, respectively. Subsequent to 19 initial treatment failures, 8 patients have at present been retreated with the same method as initially used, and all 8 are cured. The cure rates after one or two treatments are 96% in the laser group and 93% in the cryo group. The rates are preliminary, due to the short observation time. Publications will appear when all patients have been followed for 2 and 5 years.
Primary Hepatic Pregnancy
Authors: Veress Béla , Wallmander Thomas
Published: November 2007

A case of primary hepatic pregnancy in a 31‐year‐old woman is reported. She underwent laparotomy due to abdominal symptoms suggesting peritonitis. A 2×2 cm large bleeding lesion was found on the upper side of the right lobe of the liver. Microscopic examination of the excised lesion showed chorionic villi and trophoblast cells. The patient made an uneventful recovery.
Theca Lutein Cysts with Maternal Virilization and Elevated Serum Testosterone in Pregnancy
Authors: Ito Masaharu , Tohya Toshimitsu , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Matsui Kazuo , Fujisaki Shunichi , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: November 2007

A clinicopathological study was performed on a pregnant patient with bilateral multiple ovarian cysts, who presented with pre‐eclampsia, marked virilization and exceedingly high levels of serum testosterone. The female fetus showed no evidence of virilization. Microscopic examination of the ovaries revealed theca lutein cysts with granulosa cells which showed the existence of testosterone by immunoperoxidase staining.
Cervical Carcinoma Complicated by Malignant Pericarditis
Authors: Vesterinen Ervo , Kivinen Seppo , Nieminen Usko
Published: November 2007

Malignant pericarditis is a rare complication of cervical cancer. In the present case a metastatic pericardial disease developed in a patient who was initially treated by radiation therapy for stage lib cervical carcinoma. Shortly after the first cycle of chemotherapy with cisplatin, VP‐16 and hexamethylmelamine, a pericardial effusion was observed. After drainage of the pericardium and diagnosis of malignant metastatic disease the patient was successfully treated with the initial combination chemotherapy. The patient is still alive 12 months after pericardiotomy.
Serum Ferritin and Iron Status in Mothers and Newborn Infants
Authors: Milman Nils , Ibsen Karsten Kaas , Christensen Jytte Molin
Published: November 2007

Iron status, including hemoglobin, S‐ferritin, S‐iron, S‐transferrin, transferrin saturation and the erythrocyte zincprotophorphyrin/hemoglobin (ZPP:Hb) ratio, was evaluated in 85 healthy iron‐supplemented mothers at parturition and in 74 of their term newborn infants. Of the mothers, 17% had a S‐ferritin level < 15 μg/l (i.e. depleted iron stores), 9.9% had S‐ferritin < 15 μg/l and transferrin saturation < 15% (i.e. latent iron deficiency), and 2.4% had S‐ferritin <15 μg/l, transferrin saturation <15% and Hb < 120 g/l (i.e. iron deficiency anemia). Newborn infants had higher S‐ferritin than mothers: median 128 μg/l versus 21 μ/l (p<0.0001), higher transferrin saturation: 48% vs. 21% (p<0.0001), and higher ZPP:Hb ratio: 74 μmol/mol Hb vs. 41 μmol/mol Hb (p<0.0001). During the first 5 post‐natal days, median S‐ferritin rose from 128 to 236 μg/l (p<0.0001). S‐ferritin appeared to be the best single indicator of maternal iron status. Ferritin levels in newborn infants were correlated to levels in mothers (rs = 0.36, p<0.01), indicating that fetal iron reserves are dependent on maternal iron stores.
The Evaporation test for Detecting Rupture of the Fetal Membranes
Authors: Schiøtz Hjalmar
Published: November 2007

A method for detecting rupture of the fetal membranes, first described by Iannetta in 1984 has been tested. It is based on the heating of endocervical material on a glass slide to evaporate water, thus leaving a white residue if amniotic fluid is present and a brown residue if it is not. The method is simple, quick and inexpensive. The study showed the method to be reliable if the result is positive, but also to produce some false‐negative results. Interpretation may in some cases be open to observer bias unless clearly positive. Positive results were seen as early as in week 26. This method may prove to be a valuable addition to other tests for detecting rupture of the fetal membranes.
Successful Treatment with Bromocriptine of Hypertension Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Disease
Authors: Ito Masaharu , Matsuura Kohei , Aiko Akira , Matsui Kazuo , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: November 2007

The use of bromocriptine, 5 mg per day, markedly improved the severe hypertension (up to 180/120 mmHg) of a patient suffering from polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). The response was rapid, with decreasing concentrations of serum testosterone and 11‐deoxycorticosterone (DOC). Bromocriptine induced further renewal of the ovulatory cycle. Bromocriptine may thus be of considerable value in the treatment hypertensive patients with PCOD.
Massive ovarian edema
Authors: Bychkov Vladimir , Kijek Mark
Published: November 2007

Four cases of massive ovarian edema (MOE) with symptoms persisting for 6 months and even up to 4 years are presented. No stromal changes other than edema were found histologically, and no functional anomalies were detected clinically. The reported cases are compared with the published data on MOE with stromal changes (fibromatosis, thecal hyperplasia, luteinization), concluding that there are at least two types of MOE: primary (without concomitant pathology), and secondary (superimposed on already altered ovaries).
Zinc in danish women during late normal pregnancy and pregnancies with intra‐uterine growth retardation
Authors: Jepsen Lissi Voss , Clemmensen Karin
Published: November 2007

Zinc and alkaline phosphatase were examined in 41 pregnant women (gestational weeks 35‐41) and in 12 women within 24 h of delivery. The serum‐zinc level was reduced in all the women, though to a lesser degree in women giving birth to small for gestational age (SGA) babies than in the control mothers. The difference between the two groups was significant (p = 0.019). Erythrocyte‐zinc increased during pregnancy, more in control mothers than in SGA mothers (p = 0.020). Granulocyte‐zinc was not significantly reduced in pregnancy and no difference was found between SGA mothers and control mothers. Alkaline phosphatase levels in serum and granulocytes were elevated equally in the two groups. These findings show that zinc level changes occur in pregnancy, but that the changes do not appear to be a dominant cause of SGA pregnancy, in Danish women.
The effect of bedrest in hospital on fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated by intra‐uterine growth retardation
Authors: Laurin Jan , Persson Per‐Hakan
Published: November 2007

A prospective study was made to evaluate whether bedrest in hospital is beneficial in pregnancies where intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was suspected. Diagnosis was based on routine fetometry at 32 weeks of gestation, in conjunction with general ultrasound screening. 107 patients with suspected IUGR‐pregnancies were divided into two groups, 49 in a hospital bedrest group and 58 in an ‘outpatient’ group. Fifteen women in the bedrest group refused hospitalization, and 8 women in the out‐patient group had to be hospitilised for medical reasons other than suspected growth retardation, leaving 79% of the women in their allocated group. The women in the bedrest group were hospitalized for a mean duration of 29.2 days (range 5‐54). The results suggest that bedrest in hospital is not beneficial, either to fetal growth or to pregnancy outcome.
Latex agglutination test for a‐fetoprotein in the diagnosis of premature rupture of the amniotic membranes (prom)
Authors: Hjertberg R. , Belfrage P. , Eneroth P.
Published: November 2007

A rapid latex agglutination test for a‐fetoprotein (AFP) was compared with a pH‐indicator and patient history in the detection of premature rupture of the amniotic membranes. Of 120 patients examined, 34 had an established rupture of the membranes, and 56 had suspected rupture. Thirthy patients had no evidence of membrane rupture. The vaginal content was examined with a pH‐indicator. Samples of vaginal content were also obtained to perform the latex agglutination test, and 103 of these samples were analysed by a radio‐immunoassay (RIA) technique for AFP. Our results indicate that the latex agglutination test is of doubtful value due to the many inconclusive test results. The sensitivity of the latex test is less than 15%, and the specificity is 80%. Patient history combined with pH‐indicator test is far more informative than the latex agglutination test.
The prognostic significance of virus‐associated changes in grade 1 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Bagi Per , Worning Anne Marie , Nordsten Merete , Berget Arne , Badsberg Edith
Published: November 2007

Virus‐associated changes of the cervix uteri were assessed in patients treated for grade 1 cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN). Of 106 patients evaluated, 67 (63%) had virus‐associated changes. The patients were treated without regard to the presence/abscence of virus‐associated changes. In 26 patients the treatment was unsuccessful (persistence, recurrence, or progression of the neoplasia). The frequency of treatment failure was 33% in patients with, and 10% in patients without virus‐associated changes (p < 0.025). It is recommended that patients with CIN 1 and virus‐associated changes should, after initial treatment, be followed‐up with increased attention.
Lyme disease during pregnancy
Authors: Mikkelse A. L. , Palle C.
Published: November 2007

Lyme disease is a tick borne illness caused by a spirochete, Borrelia burgdorpheri (1). The first symptom, is a distinctive skin lesion, erythema chronicum migrans, at the site of the tick bite (2). Early in the disease the spirochete spreads hematogenously and during pregnancy it may even spread transplacental to the fetus (3). Usually antibiotic treatment with tetracycline, penicillin, or eryhromycin will be curative (4).

We report the case of a woman who developed Lyme disease during pregnancy. She was given penitcillin and gave birth at term to a normal infant.
A Prospective Study of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Following Legal Abortion
Authors: Giertz Gustav , Kallings Ingegerd , Nordenvall Margaretha , Fuchs Tommy
Published: November 2007

In a prospective study, 288 women were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in the cervix prior to legal abortion. In the control group (n = 259), CT culturing was carried out only when postoperative infection was suspected. CT was isolated in 14.2% of asymptomatic women. These patients were treated preoperatively with Doxycyc‐line. In this group, no cases of postoperative infection were detected. Among those cases where CT was not detected, 4.9% contracted the infection, while in the control group the rate of infection was 9.7%. In the control group all the infections due to CT gave late symptoms after the operation (1–4 weeks).
Prevalence of Condylomatous Atypia and Human Papilloma Virus Antigen in Cervical Biopsies in 1972 and 1983
Authors: Kock Kirsten Friis , Johansen Preben
Published: November 2007

To compare the frequency of pure condylomas and condylomatous atypia in cervical intra‐epithelial neo‐plasia in 1972 and 1983, two equally sized consecutive series of specimens from the uterine cervix were reviewed. The 1972 material contained only 5 cases of pure condyloma, all of these being flat lesions, while the 1983 material contained 33 pure condylomas, 23 flat and 10 papillomatous cases. The prevalence of cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia with condylomatous atypia was significantly greater in the 1983 material. In both years, condylomatous atypia was more frequent in intra‐epithelial neoplasia of lower degrees, and patients with intra‐epithelial neoplasia with condylomatous atypia were younger than patients with neoplasia only. The proportion of patients with cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia with condylomatous atypia showing positive reaction for HPV‐Ag was also larger in the 1983 material. The results are discussed, especially regarding the possible role of HPV infection in cervical carcinogenesis and the increasing rate of invasive carcinoma of the cervix, observed during recent years.
Metroplasty and Fetal Survival
Authors: Rasmussen P. E. , Pedersen O. Due
Published: November 2007

During the period 1973–83, metroplasty for infertility was performed in 20 cases of symmetric uterine malformation. Apart from a vaginal septum in 2 cases, no other genital malformations were noted. A modified Jones & Jones technique was performed in 16 cases. 3 were unified a.m. Tompkins and 1 a.m. Strassman. No operative complications were noted. Prior to operation, 19 of the 20 women were pregnant, 46 times in all. Of these, 40 ended in spontaneous abortion, 5 in preterm birth, of which 2 infants survived, and 1 in birth at term. Postoperatively, 17 of the 20 women became pregnant, 22 times in all, and of these, 3 ended in spontaneous abortion and 19 with live infants born at term. The metroplasty changed the fetal survival rate from 6.5% prior to operation, to 86.4% after the operation. Pregnancy occurred 15 months, on average, after the operation. Only a few minor complications occurred during the pregnancies. Cesarean section was performed electively in 13 cases and acutely in 3 cases. A vaginal delivery occurred in the last 3 cases. There were only a few abnormal presentations and all the infants were born at term with a mean weight of 3400 g. Metroplasty seems to be an operation which clearly improves fetal survival rate in women with both symmetric uterine malformations and a history of habitual abortions and/or preterm births. Subsequent pregnancies are not associated with any increased risk of complications.
Influence of Pelvic Outlet Capacity on Labor: A prospective pelvimetry study of 1429 unselected primiparas
Authors: Floberg Jan , Belfrage Patrick , Ohlsén Hans
Published: November 2007

The influence of pelvic outlet capacity on labor and the efficiacy of routine low‐dose radiological pelvimetry to anticipate dystocia during labor were studied pro‐spectively among 1 429 unselected term primiparas, all having fetal head presentation and normal pregnancy. Outlet contraction was found in 0.9% and borderline outlet measurement in 5.3%. In 1 402 cases labor started spontaneously and 83 emergency cesarean sections were done. The incidence of cesarean section because of dystocia increased in inverse proportion to decreasing pelvic outlet capacity. The incidence of other emergency cesarean sections was not influenced by pelvic outlet size. In 79% of cesarean section interventions due to dystocia, pelvic outlet capacity was normal. Apgar score less than 7 at one minute was more commonly associated with a small pelvic outlet. Apgar score at 5 minutes and neonatal morbidity were not influenced by pelvic outlet size. Pelvic outlet capacity had a marked influence on the mode of delivery, but the practical value of radiological pelvimetry by fetal head presentation is rarely considered, except in very selected cases.
Influence of the Pelvic Outlet Capacity on Fetal Head Presentation at Delivery
Authors: Floberg Jan , Belfrage Patrick , Ohlsén Hans
Published: November 2007

The influence of pelvic outlet capacity on fetal head presentation in 1402 term primiparas with normal pregnancies was studied. In all cases radiological pelvimetry was carried out and labor started spontaneously. Occiput posterior (OP) delivery occurred in 5.1%. As pelvic outlet capacity decreased an increased frequency of OP presentations and need for epidural anesthesia (EDA) was found. With OP presentation the duration of labour was longer, the frequency of EDA, instrumental delivery, cesarean section and low Apgar score at 1 minute were all higher, all compared with occiput anterior (OA) presentation. No difference in fetal morbidity was found. When the influence of the pelvic outlet capacity was eliminated through comparison of matched groups, the course of delivery became more similar whether the presentation was OA or OP and the frequency of EDA became the same. Reduced pelvic outlet capacity seemed to be one cause of both OP presentation and the use of EDA.
Ovarian Pregnancy Associated with the Intra‐Uterine Contraceptive Device: A survey of two decades
Authors: Sandvei Roar , Sandstad Eldbjørg , Steier Johan Arnt , Ulstein Magnar
Published: November 2007

Records of 25 cases of ovarian pregnancy in the period 1965 to 1984 were reviewed. Seventeen cases (68%), had an IUCD in situ, and 15 of these had occurred during the last decade. The ratio of ovarian pregnancy to all ec‐topic pregnancies was 1:13 in the IUCD group versus 1:78 in the non‐IUCD group (p<0.025). In contrast to patients with tubal pregnancies, those with ovarian pregnancy very seldom have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or earlier pelvic operations. Subsequent fertility is good compared with patients with tubal pregnancies, for patients both with and without IUCD.
Serum Estrogen Levels After Topic Application of Estradiol‐17β on two Different Cutaneous Areas
Authors: Hoist Juhani , Carlström Kjell , von Schoultz Bo
Published: November 2007

Circulating estrogen concentrations were compared in 11 postmenopausal women during 3 months of percutaneous administration of estradiol‐17β on the skin of the abdomen and on the thigh. The absorption from the the two different cutaneous areas was equally effective and the serum levels of estradiol‐17β were in the same range as previously reported after oral therapy with doses of 2 mg est‐radiol. In contrast to oral therapy the excessive conversion into estrone was avoided. The medial inner aspect of the thigh could be used as an alternative to abdominal application during percutaneous estrogen therapy.
Short Stature in Scandinavian Women: An obstetrical risk factor
Authors: Kappel B. , Eriksen G. , Hansen K. B. , Hvidman L. , Krag‐Olsen B. , Nielsen J. , Videbech P. , Wohlert M.
Published: November 2007

We have carried out a case‐controlled study on relations between short stature (i.e. less than 156 cm tall) and problems with childbirth in Danish women. Data obtained from 182 pregnant, short women (short mothers) were compared with those obtained from a control group of 2116 pregnant women who were between 166 and 175 cm tall (control mothers). The prevalence rate for acute cesarean section was three‐fold greater in short mothers than in controls, and the prevalence rate for elective cesarean section was twice as high in short mothers as in controls. Moreover, the prevalence rates of intra‐uterine asphyxia, intra‐uterine growth retardation and low Apgar scores were higher in babies of short mothers than in those of control mothers, despite the increased level of obstetric intervention in the former group. Since the findings show that short stature in pregnant women is an obstetrical risk factor, we recommend that it should be given attention in order to detect early signs of intra‐uterine asphyxia and to apply the best form of active management of labor if necessary.
Laparoscopy After Previous Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Kjer J. J.
Published: November 2007

A total of 87 women underwent sterilization by primary laparotomy because of previous abdominal surgery. In no case were adhesions seen between the bowel and the anterior abdominal wall and in only 5 women were the adhesions between the omentum and anterior abdominal wall or uterus/adnexae so significant that the view at laparoscopy would have been insufficient. It is concluded that sterilization of women with a history of previous uncomplicated laparotomy can be done laparoscopically if the history and physical examination arouses no suspicion of severe adhesions. The procedure should be done by experienced senior staff in cases with previous abdominal surgery.
Clinical evaluation of focal excision of myometrial lesion for treatment of invasive hydatidiform mole
Authors: Kanazawa K. , Sasagawa M. , Suzuki T. , Takeuchi S.
Published: November 2007

To determine the clinical significance of conservative surgical therapy, namely focal excision of myometrial molar deposits, 22 patients with invasive hydatidiform mole (HMI who had received the therapy were analysed for their postoperative clinical course and reproductive performance. They were operated on because of their prolonged HCG regression curve and the presence of abnormal shadows in the uterine wall revealed by pelvic angiography, ultrasonography and computerized tomography after evacuation of intra‐uterine molar tissue. A definitive diagnosis of invasive HM was established histopathologically in all of the extirpated materials. Seven of the patients were given postsurgical chemotherapy because of prolongation of their HCG decrease after the operation. The following items were emphasized as necessary criteria when selecting patients for surgery consisting in complete resection of the myometrial lesion: (1) urinary HCG titers below 10,000 IU/day; (2) no evidence of pulmonary metastatic involvement; or (3) metastases in the lungs, controlled with chemotherapy prior to the operation. Their reproductive performance was almost the same as that of comparable patients who were treated by chemotherapy alone.
Phagocytic cell activity in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Berge Lillian Nordbø , Østensen Monika , Revhaug Arthur
Published: November 2007

To compare the immune response in normal and pathological pregnancy, some functions of phagocytic cells were studied in 8 women with pre‐eclampsia and 7 healthy women matched for age and parity. Free oxygen radical activity determined by chemiluminescence (CL) of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes (MN) during phagocytosis of preopsonized zymosan, and cell migration measured by tube migration of PMN were studied together during and after pregnancy. CL of MN decreased or remained unchanged during normal pregnancy, but a marked increase was observed in pre‐eclampsia. CL of PMN increased, too, in the pre‐eclamptic patients, but the difference was not significant. Tube migration was enhanced during pregnancy compared with baseline values, but the values were significantly lower in the pre‐eclamptic group. Immunoglobulins (Ig G, Ig M and Ig A) were studied in both groups. A decline in Ig G level from baseline to the 3rd trimester was observed in patients. The complement fractions C3 and C4 were not altered during pregnancy in any group. The study indicates a difference in behavior of phagocytic cells in normal vs. pre‐eclamptic pregnancy.
Effect of exercise on cathecolamines and plasma renin activity in pregnant women
Authors: Eneroth‐Grimfors Eva , Bevegärd Sture , Nilsson Bo A. , Sätterström Gun
Published: November 2007

Strenuous muscular exercise is known to induce increases in plasma values of adrenalin (A) and noradrenalin (NA) and a twofold increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) in healthy men and women. The effect in pregnant women is not known. In 36 pregnant women, systolic blood pressure and plasma levels of PRA, A and NA were determined at rest, during an orthostatic test and during submaximal leg exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Eight of these women were re‐examined after delivery and served as a non‐pregnant control group. The pregnant women had a significantly greater increase in systolic blood pressure than the non‐pregnant subjects. PRA showed a sevenfold increase during pregnancy, but exercise caused no further change in plasma values. As expected, the non‐pregnant PRA values doubled during exercise. Resting values of A and NA were not altered by pregnancy. Near‐maximal exercise caused a significant rise in A and NA, both in pregnant and in non‐pregnant women. The results indicate that there is no activation of the sympathetic nervous system either at rest or during strenuous exercise in pregnancy and that the sensitivity of the circulatory system seems to be well adjusted to the increased activity of the renin angiotensin system during pregnancy.
Induced abortion: Chlamydia trachomatis and postabortal complications
Authors: Skjeldestad Finn Egil , Tuveng Jon , Solberg Arnt Gunnar , Molne KÄRe , Dalen Are , Buhaug Harald
Published: November 2007

The overall prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among 873 abortion‐seeking women was 9.3% during 1985. Significantly higher age‐specific prevalences of C. trachornatis occurred among younger women (p<0.000l). None of 17 women treated for C. trachomatis before the abortion was carried out, was readmitted to the hospital. Of 64 Chlamydia‐positive women, who commenced treatment within the first 2 weeks after the abortion was carried out, 14.1% were readmitted to the hospital, compared with 5.7% of Chlamydia‐negative women (p < 0.02). Postabortal salpingitis was verified at readmission among 10.9% of Chlamydia‐positive women and 3.2% of Chlamydia‐negative women (p < 0.01). An analysis of screening of all abortion‐seeking women is estimated to be worthwhile when the prevalence of C. trachomatis exceeds 4.3%. We recommend screening for Chlamdyia trachomatis of all abortion‐seeking women, 30 years or younger, at the preabortion visit, provided that treatment can be completed before the abortion is carried out.
Endometrial carcinoma following chronic anovulation in a premenopausal woman with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sekiya S. , Iwasaki H. , Takeda B. , Takamizawa H.
Published: November 2007

Endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed in a premenopausal woman suffering with systemic lupus erythematosus. She had received both predonisolone and an im‐munosuppressive agent for more than 10 years. Anovulatory cycles persisted during drug administration, along with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The serum estrogen: progesterone ratio was high. Repeated endometrial biopsies revealed a progression of change from benign proliferation to cystic hyperplasia, adenomatous hyperplasia, atypical hyperplasia and invasive adenocarcinoma. These clinical data suggest that a result of long‐term unopposed endogenous estrogen can have been the cause of the endometrial carcinoma.
Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser syndrome with ectrodactyly
Authors: Massafra C. , Bartolozzi M. , Bartolozzi P. , Scillone L.
Published: November 2007

This paper describes an 18‐year‐old patient with Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser (R‐K‐H) syndrome. In this case, apart from the usual alterations associated with the R‐K‐H syndrome, such as aplasia of the Mullerian ducts, renal agenesis, ectopic kidney and anomalies of vertebral column, ribs and hips, rare skeletal, unilateral abnormalities of the left hand and foot were present, such as ectrodactyly. This malformation, seen in prepubertal age, had led to an incorrect diagnosis of acrorenal syndrome.
Preoperative Clindamycin Treatment And Vaginal Drainage In Hysterectomy
Authors: Munck Anne‐Marie , Jensen Hakon Kaalund
Published: November 2007

In a randomised study, comprising 166 patients, aged 25–75 years, the effect of a single preoperative dose of Clindamycin was compared with no antibiotic treatment at all in patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomywith drainage of the upper part of the vagina. Febrile Morbidity, frequency of postoperative infections, the amount of secretion and the number of hospital days were recorded. Preoperative administration of clindamycin resulted in a reduction (from 24% to 14%) in the febrile morbidity, and in the amount of secretion (from 24 to 12.5 ml) both of marginal statistical significance, whereas the reduction in the frequency of postoperative infections (from 19 to 10%) was without statistical significance. A statistically significant reduction in the hospitalisation period (from 8.4 to 7.9 days) was observed. The frequency of urinary tract infections was similar in the two groups. No adverse reactions occurred in connection with the clindamycin treatment.