bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preprogramming Complex Hydrogel Responses using Enzymatic Reaction Networks
Authors: Postma Sjoerd G. J. , Vialshin Ilia N. , Gerritsen Casper Y. , Bao Min , Huck Wilhelm T. S.
Published: January 2017

The creation of adaptive matter is heavily inspired by biological systems. However, it remains challenging to design complex material responses that are governed by reaction networks, which lie at the heart of cellular complexity. The main reason for this slow progress is the lack of a general strategy to integrate reaction networks with materials. Herein we use a systematic approach to preprogram the response of a hydrogel to a trigger, in this case the enzyme trypsin, which activates a reaction network embedded within the hydrogel. A full characterization of all the kinetic rate constants in the system enabled the construction of a computational model, which predicted different hydrogel responses depending on the input concentration of the trigger. The results of the simulation are in good agreement with experimental findings. Our methodology can be used to design new, adaptive materials of which the properties are governed by reaction networks of arbitrary complexity.
Fullerene im Weltraum
Authors: Maier John P. , Campbell Ewen K.
Published: January 2017

Im Jahr 1985 wurde für das Buckminsterfulleren, C60, eine Fußball‐Struktur vorgeschlagen, die 1990 bestätigt wurde. Schon zu Beginn dieser Forschung beschäftigte man sich mit dem Vorkommen von C60 und C60+ im Weltraum, vor allem im Zusammenhang mit den rätselhaften diffusen interstellaren Banden. Diese stammen von Absorptionen, die man in den Spektren des Lichts roter Sterne findet. Das Absorptionsspektrum von C60+ wurde 1993 in einer Neonmatrix bei 5 K gemessen, und es enthielt zwei prominente Banden nahe 9583 Å und 9645 Å. Anhand dieser Datengrundlage wurde vorhergesagt, in welchem Wellenlängenbereich die Gasphasenabsorptionen von C60+ liegen sollten. In dieser Spektralregion wurden 1994 zwei diffuse interstellare Banden gefunden und C60+ zugeschrieben. Erst 20 Jahre später konnte man das Absorptionsspektrum von C60+ unter ähnlichen Bedingungen messen, wie sie in den diffusen Wolken vorherrschen. Komplexe Labormessungen bestätigten 2015, dass diese beiden interstellaren Banden tatsächlich von C60+ herrühren.
Fullerenes in Space
Authors: Maier John P. , Campbell Ewen K.
Published: January 2017

In 1985 the football structure of C60, buckminsterfullerene was proposed and subsequently confirmed following its macroscopic synthesis in 1990. From the very beginning the role of C60 and C60+ in space was considered, particularly in the context of the enigmatic diffuse interstellar bands. These are absorption features found in the spectra of reddened star light. The first astronomical observations were made around one hundred years ago and despite significant efforts none of the interstellar molecules responsible have been identified. The absorption spectrum of C60+ was measured in a 5 K neon matrix in 1993 and two prominent bands near 9583 Å and 9645 Å were observed. On the basis of this data the likely wavelength range in which the gas phase C60+ absorptions should lie was predicted. In 1994 two diffuse interstellar bands were found in this spectral region and proposed to be due to C60+. It took over 20 years to measure the absorption spectrum of C60+ under conditions similar to those prevailing in diffuse clouds. In 2015, sophisticated laboratory experiments led to the confirmation that these two interstellar bands are indeed caused by C60+, providing the first answer to this century old puzzle. Here, we describe the experiments, concepts and astronomical observations that led to the detection of C60+ in interstellar space.
Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of a thionin‐like peptide from Capsicum annuum fruits and combinatorial treatment with fluconazole against Fusarium solani
Authors: Taveira Gabriel B. , Mello Érica O. , Carvalho André O. , Regente Mariana , Pinedo Marcela , de La Canal Laura , Rodrigues Rosana , Gomes Valdirene M.
Published: January 2017

Many Fusarium species are able to cause severe infections in plants as well as in animals and humans. Therefore, the discovery of new antifungal agents is of paramount importance. CaThi belongs to the thionins, which are cationic peptides with low molecular weights (∼5 kDa) that have toxic effects against various microorganisms. Herein, we study the mechanism of action of CaThi and its combinatory effect with fluconazole (FLC) against Fusarium solani. The mechanism of action of CaThi was studied by growth inhibition, viability, plasma membrane permeabilization, ROS induction, caspase activation, localization, and DNA binding capability, as assessed with Sytox green, DAB, FITC‐VAD‐FMK, CaThi‐FITC, and gel shift assays. The combinatory effect of CaThi and FLC was assessed using a growth inhibition assay. Our results demonstrated that CaThi present a dose dependent activity and at the higher used concentration (50 µg mL−1) inhibits 83% of F. solani growth, prevents the formation of hyphae, permeabilizes membranes, induces endogenous H2O2, activates caspases, and localizes intracellularly. CaThi combined with FLC, at concentrations that alone do not inhibit F. solani, result in 100% death of F. solani when combined. The data presented in this study demonstrate that CaThi causes death of F. solani via apoptosis; an intracellular target may also be involved. Combined treatment using CaThi and FLC is a strong candidate for studies aimed at improved targeting of F. solani. This strategy is of particular interest because it minimizes selection of resistant microorganisms.
Randomized clinical trial comparing standard diet with perioperative oral immunonutrition in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Ida S , Hiki N , Cho H , Sakamaki K , Ito S , Fujitani K , Takiguchi N , Kawashima Y , Nishikawa K , Sasako M , Aoyama T , Honda M , Sato T , Nunobe S , Yoshikawa T
Published: January 2017

Background

Total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is associated with excessive weight loss and decreased calorie intake. Nutritional support using eicosapentaenoic acid modulates immune function and limits catabolism in patients with advanced cancer, but its impact in the perioperative period is unclear.

Methods

This was a randomized phase III clinical trial of addition of eicosapentaenoic acid-rich nutrition to a standard diet in patients having total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Patients were randomized to either a standard diet or standard diet with oral supplementation of an eicosapentaenoic acid (ProSure®), comprising 600 kcal with 2·2 g eicosapentaenoic acid, for 7 days before and 21 days after surgery. The primary endpoint was percentage bodyweight loss at 1 and 3 months after surgery.

Results

Of 127 eligible patients, 126 were randomized; 124 patients (61 standard diet, 63 supplemented diet) were analysed for safety and 123 (60 standard diet, 63 supplemented diet) for efficacy. Across both groups, all but three patients underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Background factors were well balanced between the groups. Median compliance with the supplement in the immunonutrition group was 100 per cent before and 54 per cent after surgery. The surgical morbidity rate was 13 per cent in patients who received a standard diet and 14 per cent among those with a supplemented diet. Median bodyweight loss at 1 month after gastrectomy was 8·7 per cent without dietary supplementation and 8·5 per cent with eicosapentaenoic acid enrichment (P = 0·818, adjusted P = 1·000). Similarly, there was no difference between groups in percentage bodyweight loss at 3 months (P = 0·529, adjusted P = 1·000).

Conclusion

Immunonutrition based on an eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched oral diet did not reduce bodyweight loss after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer compared with a standard diet. Registration number: UMIN000006380 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/)
Electrochemical Biosensors in Point‐of‐Care Devices: Recent Advances and Future Trends
Authors: da Silva Everson T. S. G. , Souto Dênio E. P. , Barragan José T. C. , de F. Giarola Juliana , de Moraes Ana C. M. , Kubota Lauro T.
Published: January 2017

The use of biosensors in point‐of‐care (POC) testing devices has attracted considerable attention in the past few years, mainly because of their high specificity, portability, and relatively low cost. Coupling these devices with miniaturized electrochemical transducers has shown great potential toward simple, rapid, and cost‐effective analysis that can be performed in the field, especially for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food quality control. For this reason, the number of publications in this field has grown exponentially over the past decade, making it a trending topic in current research. Although great improvement has been achieved in the field of electrochemical biosensing, there are still some challenges to overcome, especially concerning the improvement of sensing materials and miniaturization. In this Review, we summarize some of the most recent advances achieved in POC electrochemical biosensor applications, focusing on new materials and modifiers for biorecognition developed to improve sensitivity, specificity, stability, and response time.
Solution and Gas‐Phase Reactivity of Me12Fe8− and Related Cluster Ions
Authors: Parchomyk Tobias , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: January 2017

The cluster ion Me12Fe8− is an unprecedented representative of organoiron species, which are of great interest because of their possible role as intermediates in iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. To learn more about its behavior in solution, the possible formation of related cluster ions, and their reactivity, electrospray–ionization mass spectrometry and gas‐phase experiments were performed. Me12Fe8− adopts a highly dynamic behavior in solution and disappears in the presence of the chelating ligand N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine. Besides homoleptic Me12Fe8−, its heteroleptic analogues Me12−nFe8Phn−, n=1–5, are also accessible. Me12Fe8− undergoes iron–halogen exchange reactions with aryl halides. These substrates, as well as their alkyl counterparts, mediate the formation of new homoleptic cluster ions up to Me18Fe12−. In contrast, no evidence was found for oxidative additions or related reactions. Gas‐phase fragmentation of the cluster ions results in numerous different reactions, ranging from the loss of single methyl radicals to the reductive elimination of MePh.
Lithium Aryloxide Thin Films with Guest‐Induced Structural Transformation by ALD/MLD
Authors: Nisula Mikko , Linnera Jarno , Karttunen Antti J. , Karppinen Maarit
Published: January 2017

Crystalline Li–organic thin films are grown with the atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) technique from lithium hexamethyldisilazide and hydroquinone. The as‐deposited films are found to undergo a reversible structural transformation upon exposure to ambient humid air. According to density functional theory calculations, the guest‐induced transformation may be related to an unsaturated Li site in the crystal structure.
Silver/graphene nanocomposites as catalysts for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol: Materials preparation and reaction kinetics studies
Authors: Liu Jiangyong , Ran Chenxin , Pu Yuan , Wang Jie‐Xin , Wang Dan , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: January 2017

Ag/graphene nanocomposites have been demonstrated to be promising catalysts for hydrogenation reduction of p‐nitrophenol (p‐NP) to p‐aminophenol (p‐AP). Herein, we reported the synthesis of graphene‐supported silver nanoparticles (Ag/G) using one‐step and stabilizer‐free process. The obtained Ag/G nanocomposites were demonstrated to be efficient catalysts for the reduction of p‐NP to p‐AP. The reaction kinetics of the catalytic reduction, including the effects of catalyst concentrations and temperatures are reported. These results are of significant values for the scale‐up of using Ag/graphene catalysts for hydrogenation reduction.
Bayesian multiplicity control for multiple graphs
Authors: Mitra Riten , Müller Peter , Ji Yuan
Published: January 2017

We discuss inference for graphical models as a multiple comparison problem. We argue that posterior inference under a suitable hierarchical model can adjust for the multiplicity problem that arises by deciding inclusion for each of many possible edges. We show that inference under that hierarchical model differs substantially from inference under a comparable non‐hierarchical model. With increasing size of the graph the difference between posterior distributions under the two models, as measured by Kullback–Liebler (KL) divergence, increases. We discuss several stylized inference problems, including estimation of one graph, comparison of a pair of graphs, estimation of a pair of graphs and, finally, estimation for multiple graphs. Throughout the discussion we assume that the graph is used to identify a conditional independence structure, that is, the graph represents a Markov random field. Model construction starts with a prior model for the random graph, conditional on which a sampling model is proposed for the observed data. There are no constraints on the nature of the sampling model. Most of the discussion is general and remains valid for any sampling model, subject to some technical constraints only. The discussion is motivated by two case studies. The first application is to model single cell mass spectrometry data for inference about the joint distribution of a set of markers that are recorded for each cell. Another application is to model Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) protein expression data, for inference about changes of underlying biomolecular pathways across three biologic conditions of interest.The Canadian Journal of Statistics45: 44–61; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Lead–Sulfide–Selenide Quantum Dots and Gold–Copper Alloy Nanoparticles Augment the Light‐Harvesting Ability of Solar Cells
Authors: Das Aparajita , Deepa Melepurath , Ghosal Partha
Published: January 2017

Lead–sulfide–selenide (PbSSe) quantum dots (QDs) and gold–copper (AuCu) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated into a cadmium sulfide (CdS)/titanium oxide (TiO2) photoanode for the first time to achieve enhanced conversion of solar energy into electricity. PbSSe QDs with a band gap of 1.02 eV extend the light‐harvesting range of the photoanode from the visible region to the near‐infrared region. The conduction band (CB) edge of the PbSSe QDs is wedged between the CBs of TiO2 and CdS; this additional level coupled with the good electrical conductivity of the dots facilitate charge transport and collection, and a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.44 % is achieved for the champion cell with the TiO2/PbSSe/CdS electrode. Upon including AuCu alloy NPs in the QD‐sensitized electrodes, light absorption is enhance by plasmonic and light‐scattering effects and also by the injection of hot electrons to the CBs of the QDs. Comparison of the incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency enhancement factors in addition to fluorescence decay and impedance studies reveal that the PbSSe QDs and AuCu alloy NPs promote charge injection to the current collector and increase the photogenerated charges produced, which thus enables the TiO2/PbSSe/CdS/AuCu cell to deliver the highest PCE of 5.26 % among all the various photoanode compositions used.
Cellular Internalization and Biocompatibility of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles with Tunable Morphologies: From Nanospheres to Nanowires
Authors: Fatieiev Yevhen , Croissant Jonas G. , Alamoudi Kholod , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: January 2017

This work describes the sol–gel syntheses of para‐substituted phenylene‐bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable morphologies ranging from nanowires to nanospheres. The findings show the key role of the addition of organic co‐solvents in the aqueous templates on the final morphologies of PMO NPs. Other factors such as the temperature, the stirring speed, and the amount of organic solvents also influence the shape of PMO NPs. The tuning of the shape of the PMO nanomaterials made it possible to study the influence of the particle morphology on the cellular internalization and biocompatibility.
European Medicines Agency Perspective on Oncology Study Design for Marketing Authorization and Beyond
Authors: Jonsson B , Martinalbo J , Pignatti F
Published: January 2017

In the development of highly active anticancer drugs, the European situation may be viewed as paradoxical. Limited data may support marketing authorization, but may be insufficient for the health economic appraisal needed for reimbursement and market uptake. To achieve this, conventional confirmatory studies may be needed. For products of special interest, studies aimed at optimizing cost‐effectiveness may be warranted. Efficient designs of studies to meet these objectives constitute challenges to all stakeholders.
A tractable analytical model for interference characterization and minimum distance enforcement to reuse resources in three‐dimensional in‐building dense small cell networks
Authors: Saha Rony Kumer , Aswakul Chaodit
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we address mainly 2 important issues, namely, characterizing co‐channel interference and enforcing a minimum distance between femtocell base stations (FCBSs) for reusing resources in FCBSs deployed in a 3‐dimentional multi‐floor building. Each floor is modeled as a group of square‐grid apartments, with one FCBS per apartment. We propose a simple yet reasonable analytical model by using planar‐Wyner model for intra‐floor interference and linear‐Wyner model for inter‐floor interference modeling in a 3‐dimensional multi‐floor building to derive a minimum distance between co‐channel FCBSs for optimization constraints, namely, link level interference, spectral efficiency, and capacity. As opposed to orthogonal resource reuse and allocation (ORRA) where resources are reused once, using the proposed model, we develop 2 strategies for reusing resources more than once, that is, non‐ORRA, within a multi‐floor building. An algorithm of the proposed model is developed by including an application of the model to an ultra‐dense deployment of multi‐floor buildings. With an extensive numerical analysis and system level simulation, we demonstrate the capacity outperformance of non‐ORRA over ORRA by manifold. Further, with a fairly accurate yet realistic estimation, we show that the expected spectral efficiency of fifth‐generation networks can be achieved by applying the proposed model to an ultra‐dense deployment of FCBSs.
Formation of Orthographic Representations in Spanish Dyslexic Children: The Role of Syllable Complexity and Frequency
Authors: Suárez‐Coalla Paz , Cuetos Fernando
Published: January 2017

Recent studies have suggested that Spanish children with dyslexia have difficulty storing orthographic representations of new words. But given that the syllable plays an important role in word recognition in Spanish, it is possible that the formation of orthographic representations is influenced by the characteristics of the syllables that make up the words. The objective of this study was to determine whether syllabic frequency and syllabic complexity influence orthographic learning in children with dyslexia. We compared the performance of a group of dyslexic children with that of a group of typical readers on a task that involved reading short and long pseudowords six times; we manipulated the frequency and complexity of the syllables from which the pseudowords were constructed. The results showed that dyslexic children do not benefit from syllabic simplicity or frequency when it comes to storing orthographic representations as the length effect in the dyslexic group remained was unchanged after repeated readings, regardless of stimulus characteristics. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of light quality on a native Louisiana Chlorella vulgaris/Leptolyngbya sp. co‐culture
Authors: Barnett Jonathan Z. , Foy Jacob , Malone Ronald , Rusch Kelly A. , Gutierrez‐Wing Maria Teresa
Published: January 2017

Light effect on cultures of microalgae has been studied mainly on single species cultures. Cyanobacteria have photosynthetic pigments that can capture photons of wavelengths not available to chlorophylls. A native Louisiana microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) and cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya sp.) co‐culture was used to study the effects of light quality (blue–467 nm, green–522 nm, red–640 nm and white–narrow peak at 450 nm and a broad range with a peak at 550 nm) at two irradiance levels (80 and 400 μmol m−2 s−1) on the growth, species composition, biomass productivity, lipid content and chlorophyll‐a production. The co‐culture shifted from a microalgae dominant culture to a cyanobacteria culture at 80 μmol m−2 s−1. The highest growth for the cyanobacteria was observed at 80 μmol μmol m−2 s−1 and for the microalgae at 400 μmol m−2 s−1. Red light at 400 μmol m−2 s−1 had the highest growth rate (0.41 d−1), biomass (913 mg L−1) and biomass productivity (95 mg L−1 d−1). Lipid content was similar between all light colors. Green light had the highest chlorophyll‐a content (1649 μg/L). These results can be used to control the species composition of mixed cultures while maintaining their productivity.
Functional lipidomics: Palmitic acid impairs hepatocellular carcinoma development by modulating membrane fluidity and glucose metabolism
Authors: Lin Ling , Ding Ying , Wang Yi , Wang Zhenxin , Yin Xuefei , Yan Guoquan , Zhang Lei , Yang Pengyuan , Shen Huali
Published: January 2017

Lipids are essential cellular components and energy sources of living organisms, and altered lipid composition is increasingly recognized as a signature of cancer. We performed lipidomic analysis in a series of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and identified over 1,700 intact lipids originating from three major lipid categories. Comparative lipidomic screening revealed that 93 significantly changed lipids and decreased palmitic acyl (C16:0)–containing glycerophospholipids were positively associated with metastatic abilities of HCC cells. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that C16:0 incubation specifically reduced malignant cell proliferation, impaired cell invasiveness, and suppressed tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Biochemical experiments demonstrated that C16:0 treatment decreased cell membrane fluidity and limited glucose metabolism. A phosphoproteomics approach further revealed such C16:0 incubation attenuated phosphorylation levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway proteins. Multiple reaction monitoring analysis of 443 lipid molecules showed 8 reduced C16:0‐containing lipids out of total 10 altered lipids when cancer tissues were compared with adjacent nontumor tissues in a cohort of clinical HCC specimens (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These data collectively demonstrate the biomedical potential of using altered lipid metabolism as a diagnostic marker for cancerous cells and open an opportunity for treating aggressive HCCs by targeting altered C16:0 metabolism. (Hepatology 2017;66:432–448).
A liver‐specific long noncoding RNA with a role in cell viability is elevated in human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Atanasovska Biljana , Rensen Sander S. , van der Sijde Marijke R. , Marsman Glenn , Kumar Vinod , Jonkers Iris , Withoff Sebo , Shiri‐Sverdlov Ronit , Greve Jan Willem M. , Faber Klaas Nico , Moshage Han , Wijmenga Cisca , van de Sluis Bart , Hofker Marten H. , Fu Jingyuan
Published: January 2017

Hepatocyte apoptosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis, which permanently damage the liver. Understanding the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis is therefore important to identify therapeutic targets that may prevent the progression of NASH to fibrosis. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding (lnc) RNAs are involved in various biological processes and that their dysregulation underlies a number of complex human diseases. By performing gene expression profiling of 4,383 lncRNAs in 82 liver samples from individuals with NASH (n = 48), simple steatosis but no NASH (n = 11), and healthy controls (n = 23), we discovered a liver‐specific lncRNA (RP11‐484N16.1) on chromosome 18 that showed significantly elevated expression in the liver tissue of NASH patients. This lncRNA, which we named lnc18q22.2 based on its chromosomal location, correlated with NASH grade (r = 0.51, P = 8.11 × 10–7), lobular inflammation (r = 0.49, P = 2.35 × 10–6), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (r = 0.48, P = 4.69 × 10–6). The association of lnc18q22.2 to liver steatosis and steatohepatitis was replicated in 44 independent liver biopsies (r = 0.47, P = 0.0013). We provided a genetic structure of lnc18q22.2 showing an extended exon 2 in liver. Knockdown of lnc18q22.2 in four different hepatocyte cell lines resulted in severe phenotypes ranging from reduced cell growth to lethality. This observation was consistent with pathway analyses of genes coexpressed with lnc18q22.2 in human liver or affected by lnc18q22.2 knockdown. Conclusion: We identified an lncRNA that can play an important regulatory role in liver function and provide new insights into the regulation of hepatocyte viability in NASH. (Hepatology 2017;66:794–808).
Smoking at the time of diagnosis and mortality in cancer patients: What benefit does the quitter gain?
Authors: Tabuchi Takahiro , Goto Atsushi , Ito Yuri , Fukui Keisuke , Miyashiro Isao , Shinozaki Tomohiro
Published: January 2017

Few studies have examined the association between smoking behavior (especially quitters) at the time of diagnosis and mortality among cancer patients. Our objective was to examine the benefits of quitting on all‐cause mortality among cancer patients. 30,658 eligible cancer patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2009, identified by a hospital‐based cancer registry in Japan, were followed up for up to 10 years. We evaluated smoking behavior at cancer diagnosis (especially recent quitters vs. current smokers) in association with all‐cause mortality using Cox‐proportional hazards models and covariates‐adjusted survival curves. Risk of death was estimated to be reduced by 11% in recent quitters compared with current smokers. According to adjusted survival curves, median survival time was 8.25 years for recent quitters versus 7.18 years for current smokers, indicating an absolute difference of 1.07 year for a median survivor. Similarly, never and former smokers had 18% and 16% lower risk of death with 1.90 years and 1.77 years gained, respectively, compared with current smokers. In addition to former and never smokers, recent quitters showed consistently higher survival rates than current smokers during the 10‐year calendar period after diagnosis among cancer patients. Because recent quitters may be similar to patients who stop smoking shortly after cancer diagnosis in terms of smoking duration, the latter may be able to decrease their risk of death, suggesting that smoking cessation could be part of cancer care.
The Clinical Efficacy of the Repeated Transcervical Instillation of Quinacrine for Female Sterilization
Authors: Zipper J. , Medel M. , Goldsmith A. , Edelman D. , Pastene L. , Rivera M.
Published: January 2017

Zipper, J., Medel, M., Goldsmith, A., Edelman, D., Pastene, L. and Rivera, M. (Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, and Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hospital Sotero del Rio, Puente Alto, Chile, and International Fertility Research Program, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA). The clinical efficacy of the repeated transcervical instillation of quinacrine for female sterilization.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14:499–502, 1976.

The safety and efficacy of the repeated transcervical instillation of quinacrine hydrochloride in a suspension of 5 ml of 2% Xylocaine was evaluated in 200 patients. All instillation procedures were performed during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle: the second instillation was made in the first menstrual cycle following the initial instillation and the third and last instillation at 6 months after the first. None of the patients used any adjunctive contraceptives. Follow‐up visits were scheduled at 6‐month intervals after the last instillation. The potentially serious complications following the instillation were four cases of cortical exitation, and one case of acute adnexitis. The second instillation was not performed for 16.0% and the third instillation was not performed for 16.7% of the patients, for medical and/or personal reasons. Fifty‐one pregnancies were reported, 41 (80.4%) before completion of the three instillations. The results of this study show that the instillation schedule used is unsatisfactory for widespread use. Additional studies are currently being conducted to evaluate the use of an adjunctive contraceptive up to the time of the third instillation in order to reduce the high pregnancy rate.
The Use of the Ultrasonic Echo Technique in Examining the Normal and Pathological
Authors: Szoke B. , Kiss D.
Published: January 2017

Szoke, B. and Kiss, D. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Municipal Hospital, Dunaujváros, Hungary). The use of the ultrasonic echo technique in examining the normal and pathological involution in the puerperium.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 513–516, 1976.

The involution of the uterus in the puerperium was investigated after 50 normal, and 15 pathological pregnancies. By means of daily performed ultrasonic examinations the size and location of the uterus can be well determined, and the pace of the involution as well as the existing subinvolution can be diagnosed. It was found that in multiparas and in cases of uterine malformations the pace of the involution is somewhat slower, while in premature deliveries it is faster. By the help of this harmless and repeatable diagnostic technique the puerperal complications can be recognized and thus prevented.
Homotransplantation of the Amniotic Membrane for the Treatment of Congenital Absence of the Vagina
Authors: Tözüm Rükneddin
Published: January 2017

Tözüm, R. (Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cer‐Rahpasa Medical School of Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. Homotransplantation of the amniotic membrane for the treatment of congenital absence of the vagina.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 553–554, 1976.

Homotransplantation of the amniotic membrane for the treatment of congenital absence of the vagina is described. Two years’ follow‐up with biopsy specimens revealed that amniotic membrane cells divide mitotically and activate vaginal epithelial proliferation of the squamous type and which respond to exogenous estrogens.
Perforation of the Uterus by Copper‐IUDs
Authors: Liedholm P. , Åstedt B.
Published: January 2017

Liedholm, P. and Åstedt, B. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Lund, Allmänna Sjukhuset, Malmö, Sweden). Perforation of the uterus by copper‐IUDs.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 557–558, 1976.

In about 5000 copper‐IUD insertions 5 cases of perforation were found. One woman had 2 devices inserted, both of them perforated. Copper‐T was responsible for 3 corporal perforations and copper‐7 for 2 corporal and 1 cervical perforation.
Immunoglobulin D in Amniotic Fluid, Maternal and Fetal Serum
Authors: Prevedourakis C. , Antsaklis A. , Papaevangelou G. , Xygakis A.
Published: January 2017

Amniotic fluid, maternal and cord serum IgD determinations were performed in 30 healthy pregnant women during labor. Immunoglobulin D was determined by simple radial immunodiffusion by using low concentration immunoplates. Maternal serum IgD mean level amounted to 4.39 mg/100 ml, while in fetal serum and amniotic fluid no immunoglobulin D was detected in any of the cases presented. The absence of IgD in the amniotic fluid supports the view of a special mechanism which exerts selective inhibition of its passage into the amniotic cavity.
Menstrual Regulation: Risks and “Abuses”
Authors: Brenner William E. , Edelman David A.
Published: January 2017

The definitions, methods, and techniques of menstrual regulation (MR) are presented. The risks and abuses of performing MR by vacuum aspiration to terminate pregnancies of less than 7 menstrual weeks are reviewed.
The Pregnant Couple
Authors: Shane Rachel , Linn Margaret W.
Published: January 2017

Although the husband's reactions to and feelings about his wife's pregnancy are frequently overlooked, his wife is always concerned about his perception of her. She often feels unattractive and is most interested in how satisfied her husband is with her pregnant body. The present study attempts to determine whether the husband or wife viewed the wife's body more positively, whether the husbands and wives could accurately predict each other's satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the pregnant body, and whether husbands' and wives' attitudes about important perinatal issues differed significantly. The data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance, comparing the husbands' and wives' satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the pregnant body. The body cathexis scale was used to measure such satisfaction and Osgood's semantic differential measured attitudes toward “pregnancy”, “spouse”, “unborn baby”, and “labor and delivery”. Findings show that husbands were more satisfied with their wives' pregnant bodies than the wives themselves were. The wives were not able to predict their husbands' levels of satisfaction, although the men accurately predicted their wives' responses. Husbands also tended to hold more positive attitudes toward perinatal issues.
Rapid Assays of Urinary Estriol in Pregnant Women
Authors: Miyakawa Isao , Nakayama Michio , Miyazaki Kouji , Maeyama Masao , Mori Norimasa
Published: January 2017

Two devices designed for rapid assay of urinary estriol, the E3KIT and the E3HAIR KIT, were evaluated using urine samples taken from pregnant women. Additionally, the clinical application of these devices in pregnancy management was examined. Correlations were high between an established method and the E3KIT method (r=0.819, p<0.001) and between the E3HAIR KIT method and the E3KIT method (r=0.936, p<0.01). E3HAIR KIT assays showing E3values of less than 20 μg/ml (positive at 100‐fold dilution of the urine) after the 36th week of pregnancy suggested fetoplacental dysfunction and indicated that more detailed tests were required. The E3KIT, which provided rapid quantitative assay of urinary estriol, was capable of measuring 10 samples in approximately 3 hours. The E3HAIR KIT provided semiquantitative assays of 10 samples in 2 hours. The speed, simplicity, and accuracy of the E3HAIR KIT indicates its high clinical value as a prospective large‐scale screening method for fetoplacental function.
Effects of X‐ray on a Gravida with Severe Hemoconcentration: A Case Report
Authors: Cotton David B. , Haesslein Hanns C. , Goodlin Robert C.
Published: January 2017

A gravida with severe hemoconcentration was studied with intravenous urography because of right upper quadrant pain. She subsequently developed renal failure. The potential hazard of urography in the presence of a severe blood volume contraction state is noted.
Comparative IUD Study: Lippes Loop D, Dalkon Shield and TCu‐200
Authors: Medel Mario , Martinez Carlos , Morehead Jean E. , Osorio Alicia , Pastene Laura , Rivera Mirta , Zipper Jaime
Published: January 2017

A study was undertaken to look at the clinical behavior of the Dalkon Shield, the Lippes Loop D and the TCu‐200 inserted by physicians and midwives. Differences among the three devices were not statistically significant, although lower expulsion rates and higher pregnancy rates were reported for the Dalkon Shield. No differences were observed between insertions performed by physicians and those performed by midwives; this emphasizes the efficiency of using paramedical personnel in the field of intrauterine contraception.
Consumption Coagulopathy Associated With Intrauterine Fetal Death: The Role of Heparin Therapy
Authors: Strauss John H. , Ballard James O. , Chamlian Dikran
Published: January 2017

A gravida with intrauterine fetal death who developed progressive chronic consumption coagulopathy was treated with heparin. When serial fibrinogen levels fell below 100 mg% and the prothrombin time was significantly prolonged, intravenously injected heparin corrected hypofibrinogenemia. A safe delivery followed administration of oxytocin. The authors emphasize the infrequent need for heparin therapy in the majority of cases of the intrauterine fetal death syndrome. Therapeutic guidelines for its use in selected cases are reviewed.
Histologic Malignancy Grading in Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva
Authors: Kabulski Z. , Frankman O.
Published: January 2017

A preliminary report on a histologic malignancy grading of vulvar carcinoma is presented. A retrospective histologic study of 40 vulvar carcinoma cases stage I and II (TNM‐system) with a minimum five‐year follow‐up was carried out and correlated to the course of the disease. Morphologic criteria characterizing the tumor cell population, as well as the tumor‐host relationship, were examined and scored. The scores obtained could be divided into three groups that correlated well with the clinical outcome. The low‐score group had no metastases or recurrence, whereas 82% of the high‐score group had both metastases and fatalities. Depth of invasion was found to have a strong correlation to clinical outcome. A more accurate morphologic malignancy grading of such carcinomas could lead to a more individual and often less radical treatment plan.
The Midwife in Indonesia
Authors: Wiknjosastro Hanifa
Published: January 2017

In Indonesia, where a large percentage of the population lives in rural areas, the traditional midwife or dukun is essential in the field of obstetrics. Means to further her knowledge and improve her skills so that the population at large may benefit are discussed.
The Use of Paramedics in Family Planning Services in Iran
Authors: Ghorbani F. S.
Published: January 2017

In the Family Planning Department of Farah Maternity Hospital, from 1968 to 1976, paramedics were trained to administer all reversible methods of family planning and pregnancy termination up to ten weeks and to perform a limited number of abdominal and vaginal tubectomies (1). From 1974 to 1976, all the above methods, except tubal ligation, were performed satisfactorily on 460 417 acceptors at a clinic not located in the hospital. The complication rate of 1%–5% was the same whether the procedures were performed by paramedics or by physicians. The project has been economical. It has been accepted by both patients and paramedics and has freed doctors to carry out other work.
46,XX Gonadal Dysgenesis Associated with Congenital Nerve Deafness
Authors: Granat Menachem , Reiter Alexander , Dar Hana , Sharf Mordechai
Published: January 2017

A sporadic case of a woman presenting with the combination of pure 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis and congenital nerve deafness is reported. A similar association had been reported as a rare familial occurrence. The apparent heterogeneity of phenotypic characteristics among the previously reported individuals and the possible genetic implications are discussed.
Progestogen Treatment of Uterotubal (Cornual) Block
Authors: Mahgoub S. El
Published: January 2017

High dose progestogen was used to treat 112 cases of primary sterility due to uterotubal block, after tuberculosis and cornual myomata were excluded as causes of the condition. The duration of sterility ranged from three to 18 years. Patients were treated for six or 12 months, depending on their responses to the drug. The results of treatment were very favorable; bilateral and unilateral patency was achieved in 74.0% and 11.6% of the patients, respectively. Pregnancy occurred in 42.8% of all cases studied.
The Value of Simple Tests in the Detection of Human Ovulation
Authors: Lotan Y. , Diamant Y. Z.
Published: January 2017

Cervical mucus viscosity (CMV) and fern test (FT), leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) activity, basal body temperature (BBT) and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were determined during 31 normal menstrual cycles of 29 volunteers. The day of the serum LH surge was taken as a reference point in evaluating the reliability and sensitivity in predicting ovulation of the other tests studied. Serum LH surge was accompanied by a sudden decrease in CMV, an increase in LAP activity, a gradual increase in FT and biphasic changes of BBT. In about 95% of cycles studied, the lowest values of CMV and peak values of LAP activity appeared on the day of the serum LH surge or one day before or one day after. The lowest point of the BBT coincided with the LH surge in only 26% of cycles. In 53% of cycles, the span was greater than one day before or after the LH peak. The FT corresponded to the LH surge in only 33% of the cycles, while in an additional 33% the preovulatory FT response occurred more than one day before or after the LH surge. The results indicate that CMV and LAP tests are rapid, simple and reliable for monitoring follicular maturation and the timing of ovulation when carried out daily, and may be of value in monitoring treatment during the induction of ovulation.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy: Public Opinion in an Urban Population
Authors: Charles S. X. , Charles Vimala
Published: January 2017

The influence of religion, education and socioeconomic status on opinion regarding medical termination of pregnancy were examined. A random sample of 514 married, urban women was selected. The study revealed that religion, education and economic status influenced the formation of opinion regarding pregnancy termination. The women gave many reasons for considering it beneficial. The most common reasons were that pregnancy termination offered increased opportunities for better education and nutrition. The limitation of family size and elimination of unwanted pregnancies were also noted as needs of the community.
Intrauterine Fetal Arrhythmia: Atrial Premature Beats
Authors: Itskovitz Joseph , Timor‐Tritsch Ilan , Brandes Joseph M.
Published: January 2017

A case of antepartum fetal arrhythmia is reported. The diagnosis of atrial premature beats was confirmed during labor by simultaneous recording of fetal heart rate and fetal electrocardiogram. The possibility of fetal distress during labor was excluded by fetal heart rate and acid‐base monitoring. The difficulty of reaching a definitive antepartum diagnosis of the arrhythmia and its significance in relation to fetal well‐being are discussed.
Condylomatous Epithelial Changes in the Uterine Cervix and Their Relationship to Cervical Carcinogenesis
Authors: Syrjänen Kari J.
Published: January 2017

Two hundred twenty‐six (226) women with histologically verified dysplastic or neoplastic epithelial lesions in the uterine cervix were assessed for the presence (CO‐series) or absence (N‐CO‐series) of the three newly established types of condylomatous lesions. Both the CO‐series and the N‐CO‐series comprised 113 patients. Histologic changes fulfilling the previously outlined criteria of the (a) flat, (b) inverted and (c) papillomatous condylomas were found in association with all degrees of epithelial atypia, from mild dysplasia to frankly invasive carcinoma. The flat type was most common, comprising 69% of all condylomas. The inverted and papillomatous types were relatively rare, with frequencies of 18.6% and 12.4%, respectively. The mean age of the patients in the CO‐series was 30.9 years, that of the N‐CO‐series patients was 39.3 years (p < 0.0001). The causal relationship between the cervical condylomas and cervical carcinoma is discussed. The conclusion is drawn that this possibility needs to be seriously considered when searching for a venereally transmitted agent as an etiologic factor of cervical carcinoma.
Leimyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata in the Nonpregnant Female: A Case Report
Authors: Castillo Hector Del , Rubio Pedro A. , Farrell Edward M.
Published: January 2017

The fifth case of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata in a nonpregnant female is documented. Following total abdominal hysterectomy, the patient has remained free of symptoms for a follow‐up period of one year.
The Tunisian Experience in Legal Abortion
Authors: Nazer Isam
Published: January 2017

In 1965, Tunisia became the first Moslem country to liberalize abortion laws. This paper is a review of Tunisia's experience and is, therefore, significant to other Moslem countries. The experience is also of interest to the developing world, as it demonstrates that such liberalization does not lead to excessive use or abuse of abortion, nor does it burden hospital services. The study shows, a first for a developing country, that liberalization of abortion can improve contraceptive practice.
Prostaglandin F Production by Tissue Expiants from Term Pregnancies
Authors: Lackritz Richard , Cohen Wayne R. , Tulchinsky Dan
Published: January 2017

Explants of various tissues obtained from pregnant women at term and from nonpregnant women were maintained in culture and their capacities to synthesize prostaglandin (PGF) were evaluated. Myometrial and decidual tissues from pregnant women produced significantly smaller amounts of PGF than those from nonpregnant women, suggesting that PGF production is inhibited during gestation. Decidual PGF synthesis was also inhibited by the addition of progesterone, estradiol or indomethacin. The PGF synthesis of the chorion of women in labor was lower than that of women not in labor. In the latter group, the chorion, decidua and myometrium produced significant amounts of PGF, but amniotic PGF production was negligible. Our findings show that the decidua and chorion, as well as the myometrium, are potentially important sources of PGF production. PGF synthesis during pregnancy also may be affected by local inhibitory influences.
Prostaglandin Production by Rhesus Monkey Corpora Lutea in Vitro: Effects of Estrogen Administration
Authors: Balmaceda Jose P. , Valenzuela Guillermo V. , Eddy Carlton A. , Asch Ricardo H.
Published: January 2017

Luteolysis was induced in normal cycling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by daily administration of estradiol cypionate (50 μg/kg) from day 1 to 7 postovulatory (controls received vehicle). Luteectomy was performed after treatment, using microsurgical techniques and minimal manipulation. Serum progesterone concentrations did not demonstrate characteristic luteal rise in estrogen‐treated animals as compared to controls. Estrogen treatment increased prostaglandin F2α/ E ratio produced in vitro by the corpora lutea twofold compared to controls. These results support our previous observations that luteolysis in the rhesus monkey is associated with increased production of prostaglandin F2α and decreased production of prostaglandin E by the corpus luteum.
Immediate Postpartum Insertion of a Sutured Lippes Loop
Authors: Kamal I. , Ezzat R. , Zaki S. , Shaaban H. , Kessel E.
Published: January 2017

Use of the sutured Lippes Loop for immediate postpartum insertion was evaluated in 100 volunteers at the Kasr‐el‐Aini Hospital in Cairo. The intrauterine devices were inserted manually immediately after delivery of the placenta. There was an expulsion rate of 1.2 per 100 women at three months, one case of infection requiring treatment and one removal because of bleeding. One woman became pregnant and expelled the Loop. The two major problems associated with the use of an intrauterine device, high expulsion rate and perforation, were overcome by hand insertion of the Loop.
Treatment of Dysmenorrhea: A Relaxation Therapy Program
Authors: Ben‐Menachem Michael
Published: January 2017

Relaxation therapy was used to treat ten high school‐aged girls suffering from dysmenorrhea. A self‐judgment sheet was used to evaluate the results of the therapy. The treatment group improved significantly (p < 0.01) on the symptoms “cramps” and “nausea,” and on “difficult to concentrate,” “unambitious” and “being irritable” (p < 0.05).