bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergent and elective cervical cerclage for cervical incompetence
Authors: Wu M.Y. , Yang Y.S. , Huang S.C. , Lee T.Y. , Ho H.N. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: The clinical outcomes of emergent and elective McDonald cerclage including cases of prolapsed amniotic sac were compared. Method: Forty‐eight patients undergoing elective cervical cerclage suture and 21 patients receiving emergent cervical cerclage including eight cases of prolapsed fetal membranes in the vagina were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Prolongation of pregnancy (145 ± 27 vs. 58 ± 56 days, P < 0.001), delay of delivery (37.0 ± 3.1 vs. 28.3 ± 7.8 gestational weeks, P < 0.001), higher birth weight (3033 ± 751 vs. 1410 ± 1139 g, P = 0.001), better fetal salvage rate (98 vs. 52%, P < 0.05), and fewer lower Apgar scores (score < 7: 4/48 vs. 13/21at 1 min, P = 0.000; 2/48 vs.10/21 at 5 min, P = 0.000) were attained in the elective group compared with those in the emergent group. The clinical outcomes were not significantly different between those with and those without prolapsed fetal membranes, but this may have been due to the small sample size. Conclusion: In addition to elective cervical cerclage, we recommended this procedure in emergency cases even in those with a prolapsed amniotic sac.
Differential regulation of astrocyte TNF‐α expression by the cytokines TGF‐β, IL‐6 and IL‐10
Authors: Benveniste Etty N. , Tang Li Ping , Law Robert M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrate that transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) inhibit tumor necrosis factor‐alpha expression by primary rat astrocytes. Treatment of astrocytes with TGF‐β alone had no effect on TNF‐α expression, however, TGF‐β suppressed induction on TNF‐α expression at both the protein and mRNA level. In contrast, IL‐10 and IL‐6 both inhibited TNF‐α protein expression by astrocytes, but had no effect on mRNA levels. The extent of IL‐6 mediated inhibition was greatest when astrocytes were pretreated with IL‐6 for 12–24 hr, then exposed to the inducing stimuli, while IL‐10 was an effective inhibitor even when added simultaneously with the inducing stimuli. Collectively, these data indicate that TGF‐β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 are all capable of inhibiting TNF‐α expression by astrocytes, although these immunosuppressive cytokines act at different levels of gene expression; i.e. TGF‐β at the transcriptional level and IL‐10/IL‐6 at the translational level. These results indicate that TGF‐β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 are important regulators of cytokine production by astrocytes under inflammatory conditions in the brain, and can contribute to controlling the production of detrimental cytokines such as TNF‐α.
Signal transduction pathways in oligodendrocytes: Role of tumor necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Soliven B. , Szuchet S. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWe have used a combination of electrophysiological and biochemical approaches to investigate the effects and the mechanisms of action of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on cultured oligodendrocytes (OLGs). Our studies have led to the following conclusions: (1) prolonged exposure of mature ovine OLGs to TNF‐α leads to inhibition of process extension, membrane depolarization and a decrease in the amplitudes of both inwardly rectifying and outward K+currents; (2) brief exposure of OLGs to TNF‐α does not elicit membrane depolarization or consistent changes in cytosolic Ca2+levels; (3) incubation of OLGs with TNF‐α for 1 hr results in inhibition of phosphorylation of myelin basic protein and 2′, 3′‐cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase. Ceramides, which have been shown to be effectors of TNF‐α, are ineffective in inhibiting phosphorylation, whereas sphingomyelinase mimicks TNF‐α in this action. These observations suggest that other products of sphingomyelin hydrolysis may be the mediator(s) of TNF‐α effect on protein phosphorylation. We have thus demonstrated that TNF‐α can perturb the functions of OLGs via modulation of ion channels and of protein phosphorylation without necessarily inducing cell death. It is conceivable that modulation of ion channels and protein phosphorylation constitutes effective mechanisms for the participation of cytokines in signal transduction during myelination, demyelination and remyelination.
PC12 CELL AGGREGATION AND NEURITE GROWTH IN GELS OF COLLAGEN, LAMININ AND FIBRONECTIN
Authors: Baldwin Samuel P. , Krewson Christine E. , Saltzman W. Mark 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPC12 cells form aggregates when suspended within three‐dimensional, self‐assembled, type I collagen gels; these aggregates increase in size over time. In addition, when the cells are cultured in the presence of nerve growth factor, they express neurites, which extend through the three‐dimensional matrix. In this report, the roles of fibronectin, laminin and nerve growth factor in PC12 cell aggregation and neurite growth following suspension in collagen matrices were evaluated. Single cells and small clusters of cells were suspended in collagen gels; the kinetics of aggregation were determined by measurement of the projected area of each aggregate, and neurite lengths were determined by measurement of end‐to‐end distance. Fibronectin and laminin inhibited the aggregation of PC12 cells at 50 μg/ml, and fibronectin, but not laminin, inhibited the growth of neurites at 100 μg/ml. In the absence of serum, the aggregation of cells cultured with nerve growth factor was almost completely inhibited, but the average neurite length was unaffected. In the presence of nerve growth factor, the extent of cell aggregation could not be explained simply by an increase in cell number, suggesting the presence of two separate mechanisms for aggregate growth: one dependent on cell motility and another dependent on cell proliferation.
Pain control in medical abortion
Authors: Wiebe E 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectives: In patients having medical abortions with methotrexate and misoprostol: (1) to determine if giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen plus codeine with misoprostol (prior to onset of pain) prevented severe pain; and (2) to determine if there were predictors of medical abortion pain. Methods: A group of 281 women randomized to receive placebo, ibuprofen or acetaminophen with codeine. This was taken at home with the misoprostol 4–6 days after the methotrexate. Results: There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to age, gestational age, parity, anxiety, depression, worst period pain score, and ethnicity. There was no significant difference with respect to rates of severe pain scores. The mean pain score for the entire group was 6.2 on a scale of 0 to 10. Severe pain (scores of 9 or 10) were reported by 23.4% of women and in this group, the mean maternal age was lower (P=0.05), parity was lower (P=0.01), worst period pain scores were higher (P=0.001), anxiety scores were higher (P=0.05) and satisfaction was lower (P=0.01). Conclusions: The pain experienced in medical abortion causes significant distress and more research is needed to reduce it.
The incidence of congenital malformations in a Turkish population
Authors: Himmetoglu O. , Tiras M.B. , Gursoy R. , Karabacak O. , Sahin I. , Onan A. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To determine the incidence and types of congenital anomalies in a Turkish population. Method: The total number of neonates (9160) born in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine during 1988–1995 were studied retrospectively. Newborns with congenital anomaly were identified from their birth registries. The total incidence, types and combined anomalies were determined. Also, the relationship between congenital anomalies and maternal age and/or gender were investigated. For statistical evaluation, Chi‐square test, Yates correction and Fisher's exact tests were used where appropriate. Results: The overall congenital anomaly incidence was 1.11% and the NTD incidence was 0.27% in our population. Anencephaly was the second most common NTDs with the ratio of 40%, following the spina bifida cases. There was a significant difference between female and male newborns with ancephalocele (P < 0.05). Urogenital system anomalies were found to be the second most common type of malformation with an incidence of 0.21%. Facial and musculoskeletal system abnormalities were the third and fourth most common malformations. Omphalocele incidence in our population was 5 in 9160 births and gastrochisis was 1 in 9160 births. Conclusion: The overall congenital anomaly incidence in newborns in our population is 1.11%. The most common malformations were CNS and urogenital abnormalities. NTDs incidence was 0.27% in a Turkish population.
Inappropriate use of new technology: impact on women's health
Authors: Sheth S.S. , Malpani A.N. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWhile medical technology is very useful we need to be aware of its inappropriate use. Examples are given, such as: continuous vs. intermittent electronic fetal monitoring; widespread use of magnetic resonance image technology where simple methods could be as effective; laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies replacing simple vaginal hysterectomies and increasing the cost; ultrasound to provide the first pictures of the baby or to detect female fetuses for female feticide; use of technology for defensive medicine rather than using it for the patient's welfare, and pecuniary indications. Woe betide the doctor who does not make enough money — he may find that his contract is not renewed. We need to empower patients with information, so that they can judge the technology and its appropriateness as it relates to them. Opinion programs have helped to curb the misuse of unnecessary surgery, and audit and peer review programs also provide a check on the misuse of technology. The provision of consensus statements, e.g. by the National Institutes of Health, USA, have helped to clarify issues and to guide doctors as to the appropriateness of the newer technologies, and practice guidelines formulated by experts are also very helpful. We need to teach medical students and residents how to be critical, how to evaluate claims and study the literature, so that they are not hoodwinked by ‘authority’ or misled by manufacturer's claims. Gynecology and Obstetrics
Growth in width of the metacarpals — an investigation in human fetuses
Authors: Uhthoff Hans K. , Trudel Guy , Matsumoto Fujio 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe process of growth in width of the human hand during fetal life has never been described. Do metacarpals grow concentrically and separation between the bones occurs through expansion of soft tissues? Or is growth eccentric, a process termed drift by Enlow, a relocation in space of organs? Hands of 10 spontaneously aborted fetuses (age range: between 14.5 and 24 weeks of gestation) were examined paying special attention to the bone bark. A thicker bone bark was taken as an indication of growth in that direction. The thickness of the bone bark was measured at the radial and ulnar sides at the level of the proximal and of the distal physes of the second to fifth metacarpals. A ratio of radial over ulnar bone bark thickness (R/U ratio) was calculated. The third metacarpal grew almost concentrically (R/U ratio 1.12 ± 0.06). The second metacarpal grew in a radial direction (R/U ratio 3.29 ± 0.19) and the fourth and more so the fifth metacarpal grew in an ulnar direction (R/U ratio 0.70 ± 0.04 and 0.42 ± 0.02, respectively). The differences in R/U ratios between every metacarpal were statistically significant for all comparisons P ≤ 0.001. Fetal growth in width of the human metacarpals is eccentric and not concentric. It is concluded that during growth in width the metacarpals move away from the midline of the hand and that growth occurs through eccentric bone apposition rather than through soft tissue expansion. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb of the frogXenopus Laevis shows unique patterns during embryonic development and metamorphosis
Authors: Fritz Anne , Gorlick Dennis L. , Burd Gail D. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractWe determined the time of origin of neurons in the olfactory bulb of the South African clawed frog,Xenopus laevis. Tritiated thymidine injections were administered to frog embryos and tadpoles from gastrulation (stage 11/12) through metamorphosis (stage 65), paraffin sections were processed for autoradiography, and the distribution of heavily and lightly labeled cells was examined. In the ventral olfactory bulb, we observed that the mitral cells were born as early as stage 11/12 and continued to be generated through the end of metamorphosis. Interneurons (periglomerular and granule cells) were not born in the ventral bulb until stage 41, and birth of these cells also continued through metamorphosis. Labeled cells were observed in the accessory olfactory bulb, beginning at stage 41. In contrast, the cells of the dorsal olfactory bulb were not born until the onset of metamorphosis (stage 54); at this stage in the dorsal bulb, the genesis of mitral cells, interneurons, and glial cells completely overlapped. The results indicate that olfactory axon innervation is not necessary to induce early stages of neurogenesis in the ventral olfactory bulb. On the other hand, the results on the dorsal olfactory bulb are consistent with the hypothesis that innervation from new or transformed sensory neurons in the principal cavity induces neurogenesis in the dorsal bulb.
Valproic acid suppresses G1 phase‐dependent sialylation of a 65 kDa glycoprotein in the C6glioma cell cycle
Authors: Bacon Christopher L. , O'Driscoll Esther , Regan Ciaran M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe influence of valproate on invitro glycosylation events in C6 glioma has been investigated, as this major human teratogen restricts proliferation in the mid‐G1 phase of the cycle and alters the prevalence and/or glycosylation state of cell surface glycoproteins with the potential to mediate cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions critical to development. C6 glioma cultured continuously in the presence of 1 mM valproate exhibited a significant depression of exponential growth but attained confluency one day later, when the majority of cells entered the G1 phase of the cycle. Glycoprotein sialyltransferase, which exhibited a four‐fold increase during exponential growth and a small decrease at confluency, was markedly attenuated in valproate‐exposed cells in a manner which was indirect. This was associated with an inhibition of transient α2,3 sialylation of a 65 kDa glycoprotein expressed maximally at 4 hr into the G1 phase of the cell cycle. This effect was cell‐cycle phase‐specific, as exposure of synchronized cells to valproate inhibited transient sialylation at 4 and 5 hr into the G1 phase. Inhibition of the 65 kDa glycoprotein sialylation by valproate is suggested to arise from impaired signal transduction preceding the eventual arrest by the drug at a 5–6 hr G1 phase restriction point.
The links between body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders
Authors: Rabe-Jablonska Jolanta J. , Sobow Tomasz M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe aim of the study was to search for a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) period preceding the symptoms meeting the criteria of either anorexia or bulimia nervosa, and an evaluation of the prevalence of BDD symptoms in a control group of girls without any eating disorder. Ninety-three girls (12–21 years old) were included in the study (36 with anorexia nervosa, 17 with bulimia nervosa and 40 healthy controls). The Structured Clinical Interview (SCID), including the BDD module, and a novel questionnaire (for the presence of preceding life events) were used. We found the symptoms of BDD in 25% of anorexia nervosa sufferers for at least six months before observing a clear eating disorder picture. Moreover, other mental disorders were also present among these patients. The results may support the idea that BDD and anorexia nervosa both belong to either OCD or affective disorders spectra.
Neuropsychological correlates of schizophrenic syndromes in patients treated with atypical neuroleptics
Authors: Moritz S. , Andresen B. , Jacobsen D. , Mersmann K. , Wilke U. , Lambert M. , Naber D. , Krausz M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThere is widespread evidence that schizophrenic symptomatology is best represented by three syndromes (positive, negative, disorganized). Both the disorganized and negative syndrome have been found to correlate with several neurocognitive dysfunctions. However, previous studies investigated samples predominantly treated with typical neuroleptics, which frequently induce parkinsonian symptoms that are hard to disentangle from primary negative symptoms and may have inflated correlations with neurocognition. A newly developed psychopathological instrument called the Positive and Negative and Disorganized Symptoms Scale (PANADSS) was evaluated in 60 schizophrenic patients. Forty-seven participants treated with atypical neuroleptics performed several neurocognitive tasks.A three-factor solution of schizophrenic symptomatology emerged. Negative symptomatology was associated with diminished creative verbal fluency and digit span backward, whereas disorganization was significantly correlated with impaired Stroop, WCST and Trail-Making Test B performance.Data suggest that disorganization is associated with tasks that demand executive functioning. Previous findings reporting correlations between negative symptomatology and neurocognition may have been confounded by the adverse consequences of typical neuroleptics.
Alcoholism among homeless men in Munich, Germany
Authors: Fichter MM , Quadflieg N , Greifenhagen A , Koniarczyk M , Wölz J 
Published: July 2002

SummaryProbably in association with changes in the economic structure and high unemployment rates in western industrialized countries, homelessness is becoming more apparent publicly and receiving increased media attention. More studies on the issue of mental illness and homelessness have been performed in recent years in North America while hardly any representative and reliable data exists concerning Germany and some other European countries. The aim of our study was 1) to assess alcohol abuse and dependency as well as other mental disorders in a representative sample of homeless men in Munich using reliable methods of case identification (Diagnostic Interview Schedule [DIS and DIS/DSM-III diagnoses); 2) to compare homeless alcoholics with homeless non-alcoholics in our sample on relevant variables and issues and 3) to compare our data from the sample of homeless men in Munich with data obtained by others using the same case identification procedure (DIS/DSM-III diagnoses). According to our results, the lifetime prevalence of any DIS/DSM-III Axis I diagnoses was 94.5% and the lifetime prevalence of substance use disorder was 91.8%. The single most prevalent diagnosis among homeless males in Munich was alcohol dependency (lifetime 82.9%), while alcohol abuse (lifetime 8.2%) and drug abuse/dependency were considerably lower (lifetime 17.8%). Data show that alcoholism and its consequences were more severe in the Munich as compared to the Los Angeles homeless sample. Homeless alcoholics showed a high comorbidity with other mental disorders (lifetime) such as affective disorders (44.4%), anxiety disorders (22.6%), drug abuse/dependence (18.8%) and schizophrenia (12.0%); 64% of those with alcoholism at some time during their life had at least one other lifetime mental disorder. Alcohol-related patterns of living and symptoms as well as social or role functioning are described for homeless alcoholics in Munich and compared with data from other relevant studies. Considering the extremely high prevalence of alcohol dependence frequently in combination with other mental disorders, the use of alcohol rehabilitation and other services as well as self-help groups was minimum among Munich homeless alcoholics. New concepts to deal with these problems are needed and if they exist, they need to be implemented.
Suicide attempts and job insecurity: a complex association
Authors: Chastang F , Rioux P , Dupont I , Baranger E , Kovess V , Zariflan E 
Published: July 2002

SummaryObjective:Since Durkheim, epidemiological studies have revealed a significant, complex association between unemployment and suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between parasuicide and job instability, including unemployment, French social measures against unemployment and occasional work.Method:Demographic data, personal and familial characteristics were collected in 541 suicide attempters.Results:Seventy-seven per cent were socially active, with 61.5% in regular employment, and 38.5% in precarious employment. The female-to-male ratio approached 2 in the securely employed sample, and fell to 1 for those with poor social and professional integration. Depression, parasuicide, and alcohol abuse were more common in the families of repeaters in secure employment. The impact of the familial psychiatric background was no longer significant in the job insecurity group. Fostering in childhood was a risk factor for repeat suicidal behaviour in the group with job insecurity.
Is there a relationship between muscle fatigue resistance and cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise in mild chronic heart failure?
Authors: Carrington Charlotte A. , Fisher Wendy J. , Davies Michael K. , White Michael J. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:Exercise intolerance in chronic heart failure (CHF) may be due to altered fatigue resistance and muscle afferent input to the cardiovascular system from dysfunctional skeletal muscle.Aim:To determine whether calf muscle fatigue resistance was associated with the magnitude of a muscle afferent driven cardiovascular response to isometric exercise.Methods and results:Cardiovascular responses were recorded in eight stable CHF patients (ejection fraction 20–40%) and nine healthy, age‐matched controls during voluntary and electrically evoked isometric plantar flexion and post‐exercise circulatory occlusion. The force developed by the plantar flexors during a 2‐min submaximal electrically evoked fatigue test was measured. There was no relationship between ischaemic muscle fatigue and cardiovascular changes during and after voluntary contraction in either group nor evoked contraction in the CHF group. In the control group, the change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the end of evoked contraction was related to the severity of fatigue at 90 s and 120 s (FI=0.01ΔDBP+0.3, r=0.81, P<0.05 and FI=0.02ΔDBP+0.8, r=0.84, P<0.01, respectively).Conclusion:Muscle fatigue resistance did not relate to the magnitude of the cardiovascular stress generated by isometric exercise of the same muscle in these patients.