bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 in Liver and Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cell‐cycle Variation during in vitro Differentiation
Authors: Shibuta Kenji , Mori Masaki , Shimoda Katsuhiro , Inoue Hiroshi , Mitra Prasenjit , Barnard Graham F.
Published: August 2005

The CXCL12/CXCR4 system may be important in carcinoma. Expression of the a‐chemokine SDF‐lα (stromal cell derived factor‐lα)/CXCL12 mRNA is reduced in many carcinomas, yet its tissue protein expression may guide metastasis. Here we first compare the mRNA and protein expression of CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in human liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, and malignant cell lines, and then assess cell cycle variation in CXCR4 expression. CXCR4 mRNA was present in most normal human tissues and malignant cell lines; it was only marginally reduced in hepatomas, while CXCL12 was markedly reduced, P<0.0001. Immuno‐histochemical staining of adjacent non‐malignant liver showed regional CXCR4 cytoplasmic and cell‐surface staining, limited to those hepatocytes around the central vein, a distribution resembling that of CXCL12. CXCL12 protein was not present in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo, nor was cytoplasmic CXCR4 staining; nuclear CXCR4 protein expression in some malignant hepatocytes and CXCR4 staining of capillary endothelial cells around tumor cells were noted. In some malignant cell lines that had no CXCL12 on northern blots CXCL12 was weakly detectable by RT‐PCR or protein staining in the cytoplasm of a few cells. With a view to future manipulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 expression and growth we noted that in HT‐29 cells CXCR4 protein expression was less on confluent than on non‐confluent cells and varied during the cell cycle. Higher expression was associated most closely with the percentage of cells in the S‐phase and inversely with the percentage of cells in the G1‐phase. Treatment of HT‐29 cells with butyrate reduced CXCR4 cell surface expression and reduced the percentage of cells in S‐phase. In summary, CXCL12 protein expression parallels its mRNA, being markedly reduced in malignant cell lines and hepatomas; in liver, the regional distributions of CXCL12 and cytoplasmic CXCR4 are similar; finally, in HT‐29, CXCR4 expression correlates with the S‐phase of the cell cycle and is reduced during butyrate‐induced differentiation.
Allelotype Analysis of Common Epithelial Ovarian Cancers with Special Reference to Comparison between Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma with Other Histological Types
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Tsuda Hitoshi , Takarabe Teruko , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Taketani Yuji , Hirohashi Setsuo
Published: August 2005

Determination of the histological type of epithelial ovarian cancer is clinically important to predict patient prognosis. To estimate accurately the chromosomal regions that frequently show loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in each histological type, LOH at 55 loci on 38 chromosomal arms was examined by means of laser capture microdissection and PCR‐LOH analysis in 45 epithelial ovarian cancers composed of clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), serous adenocarcinoma (SEA), endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EMA) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (MUA). In addition, p53 (exons 5–8) gene mutations and the nuclear immunoreactivity of p53 proteins in these tumors were examined by PCR‐SSCP and immunohistochemistry. In CCA, LOH was detected primarily on 1p (69%) followed by 19p (45%) and 11q (43%). On the other hand, in SEA, LOH was detected in at least 50% of cases on 1p, 4p, 5q, 6p, 8p, 9q, 12q, 13q, 15q, 16p, 17p, 17q, 18p, 18q, 19p, 20p and Xp. The incidences of LOH on 5q, 12q, 13q and 17p were significantly lower in CCA than in SEA (P=0.019, 0.031, 0.0035 and 0.012). EMA showed a tendency for frequent LOH on 7p, whereas MUA showed significantly high occurrence of LOH at 17p13.1. The incidences of p53 mutation and p53 nuclear immunoreactivity also differed between CCA and SEA: 0% and 7% in the former and 64% and 45% in the latter (P=0.0006 and 0.039). These findings clarify that there are differences in LOH distribution patterns among different histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. In CCA, p53 tumor‐suppressor gene (TSG) is not involved in carcinogenesis and tumor‐suppressor genes located on 1p are considered to play an important role in tumor development.
Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor, Marimastat, Decreases Peritoneal Spread of Gastric Carcinoma in Nude Mice
Authors: Kimata Masaru , Otani Yoshihide , Kubota Tetsuro , Igarashi Naoki , Yokoyama Takeyoshi , Wada Norihito , Yoshimizu Nobunari , Fujii Masato , Kameyama Kaori , Okada Yasunori , Kumai Koichiro , Kitajima Masaki
Published: August 2005

Marimastat, a matrix metalloproteinese inhibitor, was examined for the ability to prevent peritoneal dissemination of a human gastric cancer xenograft, TMK–1. Even with novel approaches such as molecular targeting of cancer chemotherapy, peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer has little sensitivity to anticancer drugs, and it is impossible to inhibit its growth completely. Intraperitoneal injection of TMK–1 into nude mice at 5 × 105 cells/body resulted in carcinomatous peritonitis that mimicked clinical cases. Continuous administration of marimastat (18 mg/kg/day) from 24 h after the tumor inoculation successfully inhibited the growth of peritoneal dissemination nodules. Combined administration of marimastat (18 mg/kg/day) and mitomycin C (MMC, 2 mg/kg) showed synergistic inhibition of growth of peritoneal dissemination, being superior to MMC alone (2 mg/kg). Although marimastat alone could not increase survival tune with statistical significance, combined administration of marimastat and MMC had a survival benefit with statistical significance. The combination of marimastat and MMC increased the preventive effect on peritoneal dissemination. Marimastat seems to be a candidate for the prevention of peritoneal spread of gastric carcinoma.
Drainage evolution in response to fold growth in the hanging‐wall of the Khazar fault, north‐eastern Alborz, Iran
Authors: Reza Ghassemi Mohammad
Published: August 2005

The Khazar fault is an active thrust fault in the northern part of the Alborz Range, which is associated with folding (the Khazar anticline) in its hanging‐wall. Regional geological studies indicate activity of the fault in Cenozoic time, and active propagation of the fault‐related folding towards the west. The Neka river drainage basin, which is a longitudinal river flowing mostly in the backlimb of the Khazar anticline, shows evidence for active folding and faulting influencing drainage evolution. Observations are made in different parts of the Neka river course, according to which a new morphotectonic feature is introduced within the river basin, termed as ‘tilted reach’. This feature is considered as a result of river course tilting in the backlimb of the growing fold, diversion, and capture of the river by other rivers. Consecutive episodes of similar events would have resulted in the development of a long drainage basin parallel to the growing fold structure.
Clinoform nucleation and growth in coarse‐grained deltas, Loreto basin, Baja California Sur, Mexico: a response to episodic accelerations in fault displacement
Authors: Mortimer Estelle , Gupta Sanjeev , Cowie Patience
Published: August 2005

We investigate the controls on the architecture of coarse‐grained delta progradational units (PUs) in the Pliocene Loreto basin (Baja California Sur, Mexico), a half‐graben located on the western margin of the Gulf of California. Dorsey et al. (1997b) argued that delta progradation and transgression cycles in the basin were driven by episodic fault‐controlled subsidence along the basin‐bounding Loreto fault. Here we test this hypothesis by a detailed analysis of the sedimentary architecture of 11 exceptionally well‐exposed, vertically arranged fluvio‐deltaic PUs, each of which shows lateral facies transition from proximal alluvial facies palaeo‐seaward into distal pro‐delta facies. Of these 11 PUs, seven exhibit a lateral transition from a shoal water to Gilbert‐delta facies associations as they are traced palaeo‐seaward. This transition is characterised by down‐transport development of foresets, which grow in height up to 35 m. Foreset units thicken in a basinward direction, with initially an oblique topset–foreset geometry that becomes increasingly sigmoidal. Each delta is capped by a shell bed that records drowning of the delta top. This systematic transition in delta architecture records increasing water depth through time during individual episodes of progradation. A mechanism that explains this transition is an accelerating rate of fault‐controlled subsidence during each PU. During episodes of low slip rate, shoal‐water deltas prograde across the submerged topography of the underlying delta unit. As displacement rate accelerates, increasing bathymetry at the delta front leads to steepening of foresets and initiation of Gilbert deltas. Subsequent delta drowning results from sediment starvation at the shoreline at high slip rates because of sediment trapping upstream. The observed delta architecture suggests that the long‐term (>100 kyr) history of slip on the Loreto fault was characterised by repetitive episodes of accelerating displacement accumulation. Such episodic fault behaviour is most likely to be because of variations in temporal and spatial strain partitioning between the Loreto fault and other faults in the Gulf of California. A physical explanation for the acceleration phenomenon involves evolving frictional properties on the episodically active Loreto fault.
Identification of a novel BTB‐zinc finger transcriptional repressor, CIBZ, that interacts with CtBP corepressor
Authors: Sasai Nobuhiro , Matsuda Eishou , Sarashina Emiko , Ishida Yasumasa , Kawaichi Masashi
Published: August 2005

The transcriptional corepressor C‐terminal binding protein (CtBP) is thought to be involved in development and oncogenesis, but the regulation of its corepressor activity is largely unknown. We show here that a novel BTB‐zinc finger protein, CIBZ (CtBP‐interacting BTB zinc finger protein; a mouse ortholog of rat ZENON that was recently identified as an e‐box/dyad binding protein), redistributes CtBP to pericentromeric foci from a diffuse nuclear localization in interphase cells. CIBZ physically associates with CtBP via a conserved CtBP binding motif, PLDLR. When heterologously targeted to DNA, CIBZ represses transcription via two independent repression domains, an N‐terminal BTB domain and a PLDLR motif‐containing RD2 region, in a histone deacetylase‐independent and ‐dependent manner, respectively. Mutation in the PLDLR motif abolishes the CIBZ‐CtBP interaction and transcriptional repression activity of RD2, but does not affect the repression activity of the BTB domain. Furthermore, this PLDLR‐mutated CIBZ cannot target CtBP to pericentromeric foci, although it is localized to the pericentromeric foci itself. These results suggest that at least one repression mechanism mediated by CIBZ is recruitment of the CtBP/HDAC complex to pericentromeric foci, and that CIBZ may regulate pericentromeric targeting of CtBP.
Endostatin phenylalanines 31 and 34 define a receptor binding site
Authors: Stahl Sonja , Gaetzner Sabine , Mueller Thomas D. , Felbor Ute
Published: August 2005

Endostatin has achieved much attention as a naturally occurring inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth. Endostatin is derived from collagen XVIII's C‐terminal domain and deleted or truncated in most patients suffering from Knobloch syndrome blindness. To evaluate the functional significance of two surface‐exposed hydrophobic phenylalanines at positions 31 and 34 of endostatin and two human sequence alterations within endostatin, A48T and D104N, we applied the alkaline phosphatase fusion protein method. Replacement of F31 and F34 with alanines led to complete loss of characteristic in situ binding while heparin binding remained intact. In contrast, a non‐heparin binding alkaline phosphatase‐tagged human endostatin lacking R27 and R139 bound to specific tissue structures. The two Knobloch syndrome‐associated endostatin sequence variants did not result in altered in situ binding to murine embryonal tissues, human endothelial cells, heparin and immobilized laminin. However, expression of the endostatin mutant A48T was significantly reduced. This observation may be explained by a lower folding efficiency due to the structural constraints of A48 residing in the hydrophobic core. Our data suggest that residues F31 and F34 form a putative receptor binding site acting independently from heparan sulfate binding and that the A48T mutation destabilizes the endostatin molecule.
Plasma prostanoids in pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: KOULLAPIS E. N. , NICOLAIDES K. H. , COLLINS W. P. , RODECK C. H. , CAMPBELL S.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The concentrations of 13,14‐dihydro‐15‐oxo‐prostaglandin F2α (PGFM), 6‐oxo‐prostaglandin F1α,a (6‐oxo‐PGF1α) and thromboxane B2 (T×B2) were measured by radioimmunoassay in peripheral plasma from 183 pregnant women attending routine antenatal clinics. A total of 141 patients (47 nulliparous, 94 parous) remained normotensive and had uncomplicated pregnancies. The results from this group showed that there was no significant difference in the concentration of any metabolite in relation to parity or gestational age. The concentrations (pmol/1; means±SD) were PGFM 373±105, 6‐oxo‐PGF1α 391±104 and T×B2 373±121. Nineteen patients (12 nulliparous, 7 parous) who had pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) by the time of sampling (three) or who subsequently developed the symptom (mean time from sampling to diagnosis 11 weeks, range 1–24 weeks) had significantly higher levels of 6‐oxo‐PGFlα(574±216; P<0.0005, Student's test) and T×B2 (603±268; P <0.0005). The concentrations in seven nulliparous patients with PIH and proteinuria were 656±276 for 6‐oxo‐PGF3α and 754±228 pmol/1 for T×B2.
Social and obstetric features associated with smoking in pregnancy
Authors: CARDOZO L. D. , GIBB D. M. F. , STUDD J. W. W. , COOPER D. J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The smoking habits of 2000 consecutive pregnant women have been analysed in relation to their race, social features and obstetric results. Only 60% of white patients were non‐smokers compared with 80% of blacks and 90% of Asians, and whereas 20% of white patients smoked heavily only 3% of blacks or Asians did. Smokers booked later and were more frequently unsure of their dates, unemployed, unmarried and defaulters from the antenatal clinic. The incidence of antepartum haemorrhage was doubled amongst the heavy smoking multigravid patients in spite of a slightly decreased incidence of hypertensive disease. More non‐smokers required induction of labour for raised blood pressure, and more smokers for fetal distress. The most significant differences between the smokers and non‐smokers were the decrease in mean birth‐weight associated with increased smoking (3.31 kg for non‐smoking primi‐gravidae compared with 3.14 kg for heavy smokers) and the threefold increased incidence of small‐for‐dates babies amongst the heavy smokers. There was no significant difference in the perinatal mortality.
Pregnancy after autografting and allografting vascularized ovaries and en bloc vascularized ovaries with adnexa in rabbits
Authors: GREEN C. J. , SIMPKIN S. , GRIMALDI G. , JOHNSON A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Initially, techniques for autografting ovaries with or without adnexa were developed but a 30% vascular failure rate was experienced by day 14. Of the technically successful grafts, 50% proved fertile. Single vascularized ovaries with their oviducts were then allografted into bilaterally ovariectomized rabbits by microsurgical techniques and the vascular failure rate was reduced to 5% of 40 grafts. The time‐course of rejection in untreated recipients was mapped by histological examination and by 24‐h culture of fallopian tubes after autopsy at different times after transplantation. Control allografts were consistently rejected by day 20. Striking prolongation of both types of graft was obtained with a short 17‐day course of cyclosporin A at 10 or 15 mg day−1kg−1. Indeed, significant evidence of rejection was found in only two ovaries out of 20 so far examined histologically. Mating behaviour, ovulation, ciliary function and transport of ova appeared normal in 80% of the recipients as long as 18 weeks after stopping cyclosporin A treatment. Only one of the ovarian allografted rabbits has so far been mated and this produced seven normal young 126 days after transplantation. However, none of the five animals mated after being allografted with en bloc adnexa have so far become pregnant.
Copper intrauterine devices: evaluation for long‐term use A review
Authors: NEWTON JOHN R.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The design, biological effects and clinical use of copper‐bearing intrauterine devices are comprehensively reviewed.
Interim insertion of Multiload Cu 250 IUCD
Authors: MYLOTTE M. J. , LOUDON N.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Two hundred and ninety nine women (58 nulliparous) were fitted with Multiload Cu 250 IUCDs in five family planning clinics and followed up for 1 year. Women months (2425) of use were computerized and analyzed according to the life‐table method, yielding a zero pregnancy rate and an expulsion rate of 5·0. No serious complications were observed and there was a low incidence of difficulty in fitting or removal.
The ML Cu250; clinical experience in Belgium and The Netherlands
Authors: THIERY M. , VAN KETS H. , VAN DER PAS H. , VAN OS W. , DOMBROWICZ N.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The ML Cu250, a copper‐wired intrauterine contraceptive device, was inserted in 5736 women, at interval or immediately after delivery of the placenta. Forty‐eight months after insertion, the data covering 196214 woman‐months were computerized and then analysed according to the life‐table method. Interval insertion was more effective than postplacental insertion. In nulligravidas interval insertion did not increase the removal rates for other medical reasons (including pelvic inflammatory disease), but expulsion rates were higher relative to the entire group (a variety of parities).
5. Growth during pregnancy in Nigerian teenage primigravidae
Authors: FLEMING A. F. , BRIGGS N. D. , ROSSITER C. E.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Sixty‐nine primigravidae, 59 of them aged between 13 and 16 years, were placed on various combinations of antimalarial drugs, folic acid and iron throughout the second half of pregnancy and the puerperium. Between their first attendance at the antenatal clinic and 1–60 days after delivery, more than half of these pregnant teenage girls increased in height by 2–16 cm. Haematinic supplementation and growth of both the fetus and the mother were found to be linked. When compared with girls who did not receive nutritional supplements, a significantly greater proportion of girls who were supplemented grew by ≥2 cm during pregnancy and showed a significant correlation between increase in height and mean weekly weight gain. This growth during pregnancy was highly related to the haematocrit level at the 28th week of pregnancy, after an average of 10 weeks' treatment. Fetal birthweight was correlated with serum folate activity at the 36th week of pregnancy. Because young teenage girls continue to grow during pregnancy, when determining the relation between their heights and reproductive performance, calculations must be based on heights taken towards the end rather than at the beginning of pregnancy.
6. Relations between maternal height, fetal birthweight and cephalopelvic disproportion suggest that young Nigerian primigravidae grow during pregnancy
Authors: ROSSITER C. E. , CHONG H.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The outcome of pregnancy was compared in 1065 booked and 1216 unbooked (emergency admissions) Hausa–Fulani primigravidae, half of them aged 10–16 years. The height of every woman was measured only once; this was either in early pregnancy in the booked primigravidae (range 122–176 cm) or at delivery in the unbooked primigravidae (range 130–186 cm). Mean fetal birthweights differed very significantly, being 2.91 kg and 2.76 kg for the booked and unbooked primigravidae respectively. The prevalence of cephalopelvic disproportion and of delivery by caesarean section or embryotomy were 9% and 11% respectively for the booked and 30% and 30% for the unbooked. There were two reasons why the booked primigravidae were less likely to develop cephalopelvic disproportion despite producing bigger babies; one was selection bias in the unbooked and the other (and more important) was growth of a teenage primigrivadae during pregnancy.
7. Multiple pregnancy
Authors: ROSSITER C. E.
Published: August 2005

Summary. There were 357 twin pairs, six sets of triplets and one pair of conjoined twins born in the group of 15020 booked women compared with 392 twin pairs, 10 sets of triplets, two sets of quadruplets and two sets of conjoined twins in the 7654 emergency admissions (unbooked women). Rising maternal age, parity and height were all associated with rising twinning rate. Maternal death rates were 0.8% for singleton pregnancies, 2.0% for twin pregnancies, 6.3% for triplet pregnancies and none for the two women who had quadruplets. The mean fetal birthweights were 3.08 kg for singletons, 2.28 kg for twins, 1.71 kg for triplets and 1.36 kg for quadruplet babies. Fetal loss was 10% for singletons, 24% for twins, 42% for triplets and 75% for quadruplet babies. The poorer maternal and fetal outcomes in multiple pregnancy compared with those in singleton pregnancy were due to the combined effects of certain pregnancy complications, including the retention of the second twin, of inadequacies in our health care facilities and of unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances especially lack of antenatal care.
Phenytoin kinetics during pregnancy and the puerperium
Authors: KNOTT CHRISTINE , WILLIAMS CLIVE P. , REYNOLDS FELICITY
Published: August 2005

Summary. During pregnancy changes in maternal physiology and plasma composition may alter drug binding and dose requirements. We have measured plasma unbound and total phenytoin, and saliva concentrations at intervals in 11 pregnant epileptics. Plasma albumin concentrations were also measured in pregnant and non‐pregnant women. Saliva phenytoin correlated closely with the plasma unbound concentrations (r= 0·98). The sa1iva:plasma (S:P) ratio, reflecting the free fraction, was variable during pregnancy but tended to increase to maximal values at delivery and return to non‐pregnant values within 2–8 weeks thereafter. Plasma albumin concentrations correlated poorly with phenytoin binding. Binding in umbilical cord plasma appeared higher than that in maternal plasma and total fetal concentrations correlated closely with maternal plasma concentrations at delivery. No ill effects of phenytoin were detected in the newborn infant. During the third trimester phenytoin dose increments were necessary to maintain therapeutic concentrations. After delivery maternal saliva phenytoin concentrations rose, and dose reductions were necessary to avoid clinical symptoms of toxicity. It is therefore appropriate to monitor saliva phenytoin concentrations regularly both during pregnancy and the puerperium.
Early conceptual loss in subfertile patients
Authors: SHARP N. C. , ANTHONY F. , MILLER J. F. , MASSON G. M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The incidence of early conceptual loss was studied in 27 subfertile women by measuring their serum and urine hCG levels in the luteal phase. Eleven patients eventually had clinically confirmed pregnancies, nine of whom had had significant hCG elevations in previous menstrual cycles. In the remaining 16 patients, who have so far failed to achieve a clinical pregnancy, only three had had elevated hCG results. Thus ‘apparent’ early conceptual loss in non‐pregnancy cycles was found to be more often associated with the fertile group of patients.
Perinatal listeriosis. A report of six cases
Authors: KHONG T. Y. , FRAPPELL J. M. , STEEL H. M. , STEWART C. M. , BURKE M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The clinical and pathological findings in six patients with perinatal listeriosis are presented. One pregnancy resulted in a liveborn infant who developed listerial septicaemia but made a complete recovery following prompt treatment. The other pregnancies ended in intrauterine death. Often antecedent maternal prodromal illness preceded expulsion of a macerated fetus by only a matter of hours making early diagnosis difficult. In all cases the diagnosis of listerial infection was apparent only after the birth of the fetus or new born.
Classifying perinatal death: an obstetric approach
Authors: COLE S. K. , HEY E. N. , THOMSON A. M.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Consultation between the clinicians and epidemiologists responsible for the Perinatal Mortality Surveys in Scotland and in the Northern Regional Health Authority in England showed that the classification of perinatal death introduced more than 30 years ago by Sir Dugald Baird still retained its utility, but that unintentional differences in the way cases were being classified had threatened the validity of temporal or geographical comparisons. To overcome this problem an effort has now been made to define the main terms used in this classification more precisely. To preserve continuity, the main structure of the original groupings has been retained; but the opportunity has been taken to adjust certain minor groups in conformity with recent ideas, and also to modify definitions to take into account the greatly improved prognosis for babies of very low birthweight. Otherwise, it is thought that subclassification of the main groups offers a better method of exploring new hypotheses than any radical alteration of the main groups themselves.
Assessment of an on‐line computerized perinatal data collection and information system
Authors: MARESH M. , DAWSON A. M. , BEARD R. W.
Published: August 2005

Summary. An on‐line maternity data collection system has been designed to provide the information required for perinatal audit and to allow many of the letters and forms required for effective communication in pregnancy to be produced automatically. The system meets the requirements of the Korner Committee on Health Services Information and has been approved by the Computer Policy Committee. Pregnancy is followed prospectively from the first antenatal clinic visit until the file is closed 28 days after delivery. Data are entered by midwives and secretaries onto a network of microcomputers placed at convenient points in the maternity unit. The system has been fully operational with no significant problems since the beginning of 1984 and has led to improved communication between hospital and the community. Analysis of 253 consecutive case notes showed a high level of accuracy of the data recorded on computer. Reports and clinical audit are readily available both from the system locally, from standard programmes on the regional mainframe computer and via a mainframe computer at London University
Immunosuppressive properties of pregnancy serum on the mixed lymphocyte reaction
Authors: NICHOLAS N. S. , PANAYI G. S.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The human fetus may escape immunological attack because of serum factors which have immunomodulatory influence on maternal cellular effector responses. Paired peripheral and retroplacental sera were shown to inhibit the allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) used as an in‐vitro model of cell‐mediated immunity. There was no correlation between the suppressive effect of the peripheral and retroplacental sera and the serum concentrations of four pregnancy‐related proteins (α‐fetoprotein, pregnancy‐associated α2 glycoprotein, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A and Schwangerschaftsprotein 1) to which immunosuppressive properties have been ascribed, but there was a negative correlation between peripheral AFP and MLR inhibition (r =−0·62, P < 0·001). Hence, the factor or factors responsible for suppressing the MLR are not those investigated in the present study.
The night‐a dangerous time to be born?
Authors: DOMENIGHETTI GIANFRANCO , PACCAUD FRED
Published: August 2005

Summary. An analysis of perinatal mortality by hour of birth among 10 059 births in Canton Ticino (Switzerland) during the years 1979–1982 showed that fewer births occurred at night than during the day. The variations in number of births by hour of birth were attributed to obstetric practices. The perinatal mortality rate for night‐time births was more than twice as high as that for the daytime births (+127%, P<0·001) and the rates for night‐time births exceeded those for daytime births for 13 of the 19 causes of death examined. A higher proportion of the low and very‐low–birthweight babies (<2500g and <1500g) were born at night between 19·00 and 06·59 hours.
The effect of electrode compression during fetal transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring
Authors: NICKELSEN CARSTEN , WEBER TOM
Published: August 2005

Summary. The influence of electrode compression by the cervix on transcutaneous CO2 measurements (tc‐Pco2) was studied during 20 deliveries by simultaneous measurements with two electrodes, one positioned under the cervical edge and the other free of the cervix. At a cervical dilatation of <8 cm, significantly higher values were measured by the electrode exposed to cervical compression, and tc‐Pco2 fluctuations with uterine contractions were observed. This study confirms that the tonsure effect usually does not interfere with tc‐Pco2 monitoring.
Sexual activity in girls under 16 years of age
Authors: BARRON S. L.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Data on pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted disease and cervical dysplasia in girls under the age of 16 years were collected from British and American publications. Over half the pregnancies in girls under 16 ended in induced abortion, and those that continued had increased maternal and perinatal mortality, partly due to failure to attend for care. A prospective study in young teenagers found a high rate of fetal loss in pregnancies that followed abortions. Apart from an increased risk of cervical injury, abortion in girls under 20 carried the same risk of complications as for the American population as a whole. The risk of developing carcinoma of the cervix was doubled in women who began sexual activity before the age of 17 and a large survey found that 1.9% of the girls aged between 15 and 19 years had abnormal cervical cytology. Discouraging sexual activity before the age of consent seems to have a medical as well as a moral basis.
Interval from rupture of the membranes to delivery and neonatal respiratory adaptation
Authors: WENNERGREN M. , KRANTZ M. , HJALMARSON O. , KARLSSON K.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The influence of the time interval from rupture of the membranes to delivery on neonatal respiratory adaptation was analysed in a prospective study of all infants born in Goteborg, Sweden in one year. The correlation between the incidence of respiratory disorders and the rupture‐delivery interval was analysed in all preterm infants (≤36 weeks, n=240) and in all term infants born by caesarean section (n=452). A uniform pattern was found for all preterm infants, irrespective of mode of delivery, and for the term infants born by caesarean section. The curve was ‘U‐shape? with higher incidence of respiratory diseases in infants born immediately after rupture of the membranes than in those born 3–36 h after membrane. rupture. The incidence increased again in infants born >36 h after membrane rupture. The same pattern was found for all kinds of respiratory diseases including idiopatic respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, there seems to be no advantage in postponing delivery 36h after rupture of the membranes.
Detection of antibodies in pregnancy serum reacting with isolated placental basement membrane collagen
Authors: BIEGLMAYER C. , RUDELSTORFER R. , BARTL W. , JANISCH H.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Adsorption of human IgG from pregnancy sera to placental basement membrane collagen could be demonstrated by an in‐vitro assay. Polystyrene tubes were coated with purified type IV collagen and incubated with serum samples. Bound human IgG was detected using 125I labelled antihuman IgG. Median adsorption levels were 4000 (interquartile range 2500–9500) cpm/ml serum in 25 uncomplicated pregnancies and 21000 (interquartile range 14500–44500) cpm/ml serum in 14 pre‐eclamptic women. Specifity of the adsorption reaction could be demonstrated using uncoated tubes and collagenase treated coated tubes, which all showed low binding. In competition experiments with dissolved collagen fractions (type I, III, IV) most effective displacement of binding was observed with type IV collagen. This indicates collagen selectively of the adsorption reaction of human IgG to basement membrane collagen. Our in‐vitro studies support immunohistological findings of IgG binding to trophoblastic basement membranes and their ultrastructural abnormalities detected in pre‐eclamptic placenta.
Intracellular binding proteins for retinol and retinoic acid in early and term human placentas
Authors: GREEN TIMOTHY , FORD HENRY C.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Specific binding of both [3H]retinol and [3H]retinoic acid was observed in the cytosol fraction from term placentas and specific binding of [3H]retinol but not [3H] retinoic acid was detected in the cytosol fraction from placentas of 8–12 week pregnancies. The elution volume of the bound radioactivity on Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography was within the range expected for proteins of molecular weight 14500, in agreement with the results of others for cellular retinol‐and retinoic acid‐binding proteins from other tissues. The role of these proteins in mediating the effects of vitamin A on growth and differentiation of the placenta and fetus has yet to be determined.
Clinical and microbiological investigation of women with acute salpingitis and their consorts
Authors: KINGHORN G. R. , DUERDEN B. I. , HAFIZ S.
Published: August 2005

Summary. To determine the microbiological causes of pelvic inflammatory disease, 43 women with acute salpingitis (AS) and 160 controls were studied. Amongst AS women there were significantly higher endocervical isolation rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (54%vs 6%), Chlamydia trachomatis (40%vs 13%), Mycoplasma hominis (60%vs 19%), enterobacteria (26%vs 11%) and anaerobic bacteria (58%vs 29%). A polymicrobial pathogenic endocervical flora was present in both gonococcal and non‐gonococcal AS. Laparoscopic sampling of the fallopian tubes rarely provided useful microbiological data but did reveal the inaccuracy of clinical diagnosis of AS. Thirty‐four male consorts of AS women were investigated; 20 had gonorrhoea and 27 had non‐gonococcal urethritis (NGU). A high proportion of infected men had asymptomatic gonorrhoea (35%) and/or asymptomatic NGU (56%). These findings had implications for the management of AS.
Does 24‐hour supervisory staff coverage in the labour and delivery area change the emergency caesarean section rate?
Authors: CHUONG C. JAMES , LEE CHANG Y. , CHUONG MONICA C. , DRUKKER BRUCE H.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The influence on the emergency caesarean section rate of 24‐h supervisory staff coverage in the labour and delivery area was investigated. In period I (1978–1979), the supervisory staff were inside the hospital from 07.01 to 17.00 hours, and on call at home from 17.01 to 07.00 hours of the next day, and in period I1 (1980–1981), the supervisory staff were inside the hospital 24 h a day. The section rate for fetal distress increased during period II. The rate for maternal complications also increased in the 17.01–24.00 hours shift and decreased in the 07.01–17.00 hours shift during period 11. However, the overall emergency caesarean section rate did not change between the two periods.
Maternal stress response associated with caesarean delivery under general and epidural anaesthesia
Authors: LOUGHRAN P. G. , MOORE J. , DUNDEE J. W.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The maternal stress response to caesarean delivery with either general or epidural anaesthesia was investigated. Patients given a general anaesthetic showed statistically significant increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of plasma catecholamines, cortisol and glucose. Epidural anaesthesia, to at least the T6 dermatome, obtunded these responses. The significance of these findings to the choice of method of anaesthesia is discussed.
A simple database system for an in‐vitro fertilization programme using commercial software
Authors: RISS P. A. , REINTHALLER A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. We present a simple database system for an IVF programme for use on a personal computer (IBM‐PC) using commercial software (dBase 11). The system permits storage of a basic set of data and automatic computation of 13 statistical variables.
Fetal and maternal effects of forceps and vacuum extraction
Authors: PUNNONEN R. , ARO P. , KUUKANKORPI A. , PYSTYNEN P.
Published: August 2005

Summary.Between 1976 and 1984, 223 forceps deliveries were compared with the next vacuum extraction that occurred in the labour ward. The groups did not differ in gestational age, parity, presentation and station of fetal head at start of the delivery, infant birthweights, or the indication for the procedure. Of the forceps deliveries, 66% were performed by a specialist, compared with only 16% of the vacuum extractions. Maternal complications were equally common in both groups. Severe birth canal trauma occurred in 7% of each group. Low 1‐min Apgar scores (<7) were found significantly (P<0.0l) more often in the vacuum extraction group (36 infants) than in the forceps group (17 infants).Cephalohaematomas and scalp lesions, neonatal jaundice and clavicular fracture were all significantly less common after forceps than after vacuum extraction. One infant in the vacuum group had a cranial fracture.
Subpopulations of Langerhans’ cells in cervical neoplasia
Authors: TAY S. K. , JENKINS D. , MADDOX P. , CAMPION M. , SINGER A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Multiple markers were used to count Langerhans’ cells in the cervix. In the normal cervix, thymocyte antigen (T6) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) demonstrated the largest population of Langerhans’ cells. MHC Class II positive cells were equivalent to 60%, and S100 positive cells were equivalent to 35% of T6 or ATPase positive cells. Whereas Langerhans’ cells demonstrated by T6, ATPase, and MHC Class II antigen were evenly distributed throughout the epithelium, the S100 positive cells were seen predominantly near lymphocytic aggregates and capillaries. In human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia the numbers of T6, ATPase, or MHC Class II positive Langerhans’ cells were reduced by 60% but the S100 positive cells were almost completely depleted. These findings suggested that there were different subpopulations of Langerhans’ cells in the cervical epithelium. The depletion of Langerhans’ cells, particularly the selective depletion of the S100 positive subpopulation, might cause a localized immunodeficiency that impairs immune surveillance and the cell‐mediated immune response to human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Plasma β‐endorphin immunoreactivity in premenstrual tension
Authors: TULENHEIMO ANNTKA , LAATIKAINEN T. , SALMINEN KATARIINA
Published: August 2005

Summary. Plasma samples were collected twice during the follicular phase and three times during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in 12 women with premenstrual tension (PMT) and in 14 control subjects without symptoms. Concentrations of β‐endorphin (β‐E) immunoreactivity, cortisol, oestradiol, progesterone and LH were determined. Comparison of the mean concentrations of LH, cortisol, oestradiol and progesterone did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the PMT and the control groups. In the early luteal phase, the mean plasma β‐E immunoreactivity was lower in the PMT group (10.7, SE 0.7 pg/ml) than in the control group (14.6, SE 1.6 pg/ml, P<0.05), suggesting that endorphin secretion is decreased in PMT. No significant change in the plasma β‐E level was found in the PMT patients between the follicular and luteal phase when symptoms appeared. This does not exclude the possibility that in the central nervous system abnormal changes occur in the activity of endogenous opioids in PMT.
Spontaneous abortion following mid‐trimester amniocentesis. Clinical significance of placental perforation and blood‐stained amniotic fluid
Authors: KAPPEL B. , NIELSEN J. , HANSEN K. BROGAARD , MIKKELSEN M. , THERKELSEN AA. J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The clinical significance of placental perforation and bloodstained amniotic fluid was studied in a group of 7238 Danish women undergoing mid‐trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis under ultrasound guidance. The risk of spontaneous abortion was significantly increased both in pregnancies where the placenta was perforated and in those with blood‐stained amniotic fluid. The risk estimate nearly doubled after placental perforation and more than doubled with a bloody tap. It is concluded that for women at relatively low risk of a fetal genetic abnormality, the indication of the amniocentesis should be reconsidered if a placental perforation is unavoidable.
The effect of epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section on maternal uterine and fetal umbilical artery blood flow velocity waveforms
Authors: GILES WARWICK B. , LAH FRANK X. , TRUDINGER BRIAN J.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The blood flow resistance in the maternal uteroplacental and fetal umbilical artery circulation was studied in eight otherwise normal patients undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section. The systolic/diastolic A/B ratio (the ratio of peak systolic to least diastolic flow velocity) for the uteroplacental and fetal umbilical circulation was determined from the artery blood flow velocity‐time waveform and used as an index of blood flow resistance. Each patient received a 1 litre intravenous crystalloid infusion before an epidural bupivicaine injection. Both crystalloid infusion and epidural anaesthesia resulted in a significant decrease in the maternal uteroplacental systolic/diastolic (A/B) ratios, associated with a decrease in fetal umbilical artery A/B ratio. This study suggests a beneficial fetal effect from the improved maternal uterine perfusion after epidural anaesthesia.
Fetal distress and the condition of the newborn using cardiotocography and fetal blood analysis during labour
Authors: VAN DEN BERG P. , SCHMIDT S. , GESCHE J. , SALING E.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The efficacy of electronic fetal monitoring combined with fetal blood analysis during labour in identifying fetal distress was investigated in a retrospective study. Operative delivery for fetal distress diagnosed during labour was performed in 9% of 2659 deliveries. All had continuous fetal heart rate monitoring and 22% had a fetal scalp blood analysis. Operative delivery had been performed in 53% of the infants who were acidotic at birth (umbilical artery pH <7.20) and in 46% of those with a low modified Apgar score (<7). These results show that the use of continuous fetal heart rate monitoring and fetal scalp blood sampling detects fetal distress without resulting in a high rate of operative delivery.
Isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis in pure culture from the uterine cavity of patients with irregular bleedings
Authors: KRISTIANSEN FRANK V. , MØLLER BIRGER. R. , ØSTER SOLVEIG , KORSAGER BIRGITTE , BOUSTOULLER YVONNE
Published: August 2005

Summary. Hysterectomy was performed in three patients because of persistent irregular vaginal bleeding. Before the operation samples were taken from the cervical os for cultivation of Gardnerella vaginalis, yeasts, viruses, Chlamydia trachomatis, and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Immediately after the operation, the uterus was opened under sterile conditions and samples obtained from the isthmus and fundus of the uterine cavity were examined microbiologically. In all three patients G. vaginalis was grown in pure culture from the fundus. Serum antibody titres against G. vaginalis were significantly raised in all three patients, and histology revealed mononuclear cells in the endometrium. The isolation of G. vaginalis from the endometrium of patients with clinical and histological signs of inflammation and with antibodies to G. vaginalis in serum indicates that the organism may play a causative role in endometritis.
Individualization of patients for adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical treatment of cervical cancer
Authors: UEKI M. , OKAMURA S. , MAEDA T.
Published: August 2005

Summary.Adjuvant chemotherapy using Tegafur (l‐(2‐tctra hydrofuryl)‐5‐fluorouracil) was given to 52 of 216 patients with recurrence risk of cervical cancer after primary surgical treatment, the degree of risk of recurrence having been formulated as a discriminant function by computer analysis of risk factors involved in disease recurrence. Using the formula, we have managed outpatients in three groups—no recurrence and recurrence after, and before 5 years. Under existing circumstances the power of the discriminant function we have achieved is not yet entirely satisfactory although clinically of value in patient management. Oral, long‐term adjuvant chemotherapy in risk groups was of value, with a 37.4% instantaneous recurrence rate and mild side‐effects. An instantaneous recurrence rate of 37.4% signifies that the recurrence rate in the group of patients given chemotherapy would be 37.4% if it were 100% in the patients not so treated—an improvement factor of just less than 3.
Combined Doppler and echocardiographic measurement of cardiac output: theory and application in pregnancy
Authors: ROBSON S. C. , DUNLOP W. , MOORE M. , HUNTER S.
Published: August 2005

Summary. A non‐invasive technique for the measurement of cardiac output in pregnancy by combined cross‐sectional and Doppler echocardiography at three intracardiac sites is described. The validity of the technique for use during pregnancy is reviewed. Comparison with cardiac output determined simultaneously by the direct Pick technique in 15 non‐pregnant subjects showed close agreement for all three measurement sites. Acceptable measurements were obtained from the aortic and pulmonary valves in all pregnant subjects and from the mitral valve in 84% of pregnant subjects. The within‐patient intra‐observer and hour‐to‐hour variabilities of cardiac output in pregnant and non‐pregnant subjects were <5% of the mean for all three valves studied. Flow measurements at each of the three intracardiac sites correlated closely. The advantages and limitations of the technique for use during pregnancy are discussed.
Rest versus heavy work during the last weeks of pregnancy: influence on fetal growth
Authors: MANSHANDE J. P. , EECKELS R. , MANSHANDE‐DESMET V. , VLIETINCK R.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The influence of rest versus hard work on fetal growth at the end of pregnancy was assessed prospectively in a population of women who normally work hard during pregnancy. A group of 554 women living in Kalima area (Central Zaire) was admitted for rest in a maternity village for a median duration of 22 days. Self‐selection, age, parity, number of living children, socio‐economic status, maternal weight and height and gestational age were controlled for. Energy intake estimated in a sample of women in the maternity village and a sample of those staying at home was similar. Protein intake was found to be higher in the resting women. The duration of rest had a strong influence on birth‐weight and length in the newborn females but to a lesser extent in the newborn males. There was a 7.5‐fold decrease in the rate of low birth‐weight in girls when the duration of maternal rest was <21 days. In boys the low‐birthweight rate remained unchanged. Although this sex difference could not be explained it is concluded that, in developing countries, avoidance of heavy work can help to raise birth weight and perhaps reduce perinatal mortality.