bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietin, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 during the normal menstrual cycle
Authors: Makinoda S , Mikuni M , Sogame M , Kobamatsu Y , Furuta I , Yamada H , Yamamoto R , Fujimoto S 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: Menstruation and ovulation are the main events during the menstrual cycle. Menstruation may influence the complete blood count because of its blood loss. Since ovulation is an inflammatory‐like phenomenon, white blood cell count may change during ovulation. For these reasons, we have investigated the complete blood count and peripheral serum concentrations of associated cytokines during the normal menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: Normal healthy female volunteers (N = 9; age, 21–33 years) with menstrual cycles of 25–33 days recorded basal body temperature every day and venous blood samples were collected three times per week. Complete blood count was performed and erythropoietin, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone) were measured. Results: The red blood cell, total white blood cell, granulocyte and platelet counts showed no statistically significant changes during the menstrual cycle when using analysis of variance with the Scheffe F‐test. No changes in erythropoietin, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 were seen throughout the menstrual cycle. In contrast, serum granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor concentrations increased significantly to 28.0 ± 3.1 pg/ml (mean ± S.E.M.) during the ovulatory phase, compared to 10.7 ± 0.6 pg/ml in other phases. Conclusion: These results indicate that menstrual blood loss does not affect the complete blood count and suggest that granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor plays an important role in the mechanism of ovulation.
Contraceptive methods: potential for abuse
Authors: Benagiano G. , Cottingham J. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractContraceptive technologies are one of the most extraordinary advances of the twentieth century, enabling women and men to prevent unwanted pregnancy. They have also been criticized for giving rise to abusive practices in the name of population control. Some people have even argued that contraceptive methods which have a potential for abuse should not be developed. We maintain that eliminating research on such methods does not address the problem of abuse. Abuse has been defined as the violation of the right to liberty and security of the person, which requires that an individual's free and informed consent be given before research is done on, or treatment is provided to, that individual. A number of international guidelines on the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects, and on the provision of medical services, emphasise the importance of informed consent as part of informed decision‐making of individuals. Irrespective of the contraceptive methods already available or under development, much public education is needed to ensure that investigators, health providers, users of services and research participants fully understand what informed consent means, what it implies and how it should protect people. Non‐governmental organizations and others can use the various national and international mechanisms that exist to investigate cases of alleged abuse and to bring redress in such situations. The international community has a duty to foster and strengthen ethical practices in research and service provision of contraceptive methods.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for adjuvant pain‐relief during labor and delivery
Authors: Kaplan B , Rabinerson D , Lurie S , Bar J , Krieser U.R , Neri A 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: We examined the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in general and the new Freemom TENS device (LifeCare, Israel) in particular, for pain relief during labor and delivery. Methods: The study group consisted of 104 women. Forty‐six nulliparas (44.2%) and 58 multiparas (55.8%), all of whom used the TENS device for pain relief during labor. All participants completed a questionnaire on the degree of pain relief afforded them by TENS during the delivery and related questions. The objective evaluation was based on the documented labor and delivery parameters including medical interventions during delivery. Results: The majority of subjects (72% of the nulliparas and 69% of the multiparas) considered TENS effective for the relief of pain during labor. Most of them (67% of the nulliparas and 60% of the multiparas) responded positively to the use of TENS in future deliveries. Sixty‐five percent of the multiparas considered TENS at least as effective as the other pain relief methods they had used before. TENS significantly reduced the duration of the first stage of labor P<0.001 for nulliparas, P<0.005 for multiparas and it significantly decreased the amount of analgesics administered to individual patients. No significant difference was found in fetal heart rate tracings, Apgar scores and cord blood pH between the study group and an equal number of matched controls who used other forms of pain management. Conclusions: TENS is an effective non‐pharmacological, non‐invasive adjuvant pain relief modality for use in labor and delivery. TENS application reduced the duration of the first stage of labor and the amount of analgesic drug administered. There were no adverse effects on mothers or newborns.
Obstetric outcome of immigrants from mainland China in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung T.N. , Lau T.K. , Roach V.J. , Wilson D. , Rogers M.S. , Chang A.M.Z. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To compare obstetric outcomes in two socio‐economically distinct populations; illegal immigrants, who travelled across the Chinese border near term to deliver in Hong Kong between 1994 and 1996, and local Hong Kong residents. Methods: We identified two obstetric populations in our hospital with distinct social characteristics and patterns of antenatal care. A retrospective study of pregnancy outcome was conducted in these women. Results: When compared with Hong Kong residents, the illegal immigrants had a significantly lower incidence of antenatal complications, a lower requirement for obstetric intervention, and comparable obstetric outcome with the exception of a higher rate of delivery before arrival at hospital. Conclusion: Our findings were in contrast to previous reports, and contrary to our expectations. Obstetric outcome is multifactorial and previous assumptions about unbooked or socially disadvantaged patients should be re‐evaluated.
Single‐dose amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid vs. ampicillin prophylaxis in emergency cesarean section
Authors: Chittacharoen A , Manonai J , Suthutvoravut S , Phaupradit W 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To study the safety and efficacy of single‐dose prophylaxis intravenous amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid vs. ampicillin given after clamping of the cord in the emergency cesarean section. Methods: We conducted a randomized prospective double‐blind study of 340 pregnant women undergoing emergency cesarean section. Each group received unlabeled but number coded 1.2 g of amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid or 2 g of ampicillin single‐dose intravenously. The patients' characteristics, operation variables and febrile morbidity of each group were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in mean age, parity, duration of labor, duration of ruptured membranes, number of vaginal examinations and indications for cesarean section. The incidence of febrile morbidity in the amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid and ampicillin groups were 5.88 and 11.88%, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. The febrile morbidity in patients who had more than six vaginal examinations was no different from patients who had less than six vaginal examinations in both groups. Conclusion: The febrile morbidity after emergency cesarean section in the amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid group was no different from the ampicillin group in this study. Cost‐effectiveness of both drugs should be further studied.
HIV: mother to child transmission, current knowledge and on‐going studies
Authors: Giaquinto C , Ruga E , Giacomet V , Rampon O , D'Elia R 
Published: July 2002

AbstractIt is estimated that approximately 6000 women of childbearing age, mostly living in the developing world, acquire HIV infection every day. Taking into account that approximately 98% of HIV infected children have acquired HIV from the mother, during pregnancy, at delivery or through breastfeeding, therefore, prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) is a major health priority. Several studies have showed how MTCT of HIV may be prevented using antiretrovirals. Results from a study conducted in Thailand have also recently showed how a short oral zidovudine course during pregnancy and labor may reduce the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 50%. These findings represent a major challenge for the International Health Agencies and Organizations that will have the major obligation to provide HIV tests, counseling and antiviral drugs in settings with high HIV prevalence.
Relationship of gestational age and cervical dilation to the timing of delivery
Authors: Guinn D.A , Goldenberg R.L , Cliver S.P , Owen J 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To determine the effect of gestational age and cervical dilation on pregnancy continuation in women with idiopathic preterm labor who were treated with parenteral tocolysis. Method: A total of 950 women with singleton gestations, intact membranes and preterm labor treated with tocolysis prior to 34 weeks' gestation were retrospectively studied. These women were identified from the March of Dimes prematurity prevention program database. For analysis, women were categorized into five gestational age groups and three cervical dilation groups. The primary outcomes measured were the percentage of women who remained undelivered at 48 h and at 14 days post‐initiation of therapy. Result: Overall, 82% of women remained undelivered after 48 h and 65% remained undelivered at 14 days. As cervical dilation advanced, the number of women remaining undelivered at 48 h and 14 days significantly decreased. However, even at ≥4 cm, 52% of women remained undelivered at 48 h. If the cervix was dilated <2 cm, gestational age did not influence the number of days gained prior to delivery. However, if the cervix was dilated ≥2 cm, women at <25 weeks' gestation were more likely to deliver compared to women at the same dilation but with more advanced gestational ages. Conclusion: Overall, 82% of women in preterm labor and 52% of those presenting with ≥4‐cm cervical dilation, delivered after 48 h. Therefore there appears to be ample opportunity for most women in preterm labor with intact membranes, even those at advanced dilations, to receive a complete course of corticosteroid therapy.
Endometriosis and infertility: an integrated approach
Authors: Ledger W.L 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To define an integrated approach to endometriosis‐associated infertility. Methods: Review of published literature with grading of evidence by quality. Results: Laparoscopy remains the investigation of choice in cases of endometriosis‐associated infertility and allows the possibility of surgical ablation at diagnosis. This improves fertility in minimal/mild disease, whereas danazol therapy has no benefit. Both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and superovulation with intrauterine insemination improve fertility in mild/minimal disease. Neither surgery nor medical treatment have been shown to improve fertility in moderate/severe disease. IVF with prolonged pituitary down‐regulation produced by long‐acting gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists after surgical debulking offers the best hope in such cases. Conclusions: Endometriosis‐related infertility should be treated as rapidly as possible with thorough investigation and the minimum delay between diagnosis and therapy.
Monitoring parameters in the management of patients with tubo‐ovarian complexes
Authors: Reljič M , But I 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: The aim of the study was to determine which of the monitored parameters is most suitable for following the treatment of tubo‐ovarian complex (TOC). Methods: In 35 patients treated conservatively for TOC, serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), erytrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and tumor‐associated antigen 125 (CA‐125) were determined at the beginning as well as on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 of treatment. TOC size was measured ultrasonographically prior to and on day 20 of treatment. We compared the dynamics of these parameters. Spearman's correlation test was used to establish the connection between levels of CRP, ESR, CA‐125 and the size of the TOC. Results: CRP follows the course of acute inflammation quickly, ESR and CA‐125 with some delay. The correlation between the size of the tumor on admission and the CRP levels was established on days 5–10, ESR from the beginning until day 15 and the CA‐125 levels on days 10–20 of treatment. On day 20, only the levels of CA‐125 correlated with the size of the TOC measured on the same day (R=0.49, P=0.01) and only the difference between its levels correlated with the difference in TOC (R=0.41, P=0.01). Conclusion: Determination of CRP, and somewhat less ESR, is more suitable for following the treatment of TOC in the acute phase while CA‐125 and measuring of TOC size is more suitable in the subacute phase.
The classification of gestational trophoblastic disease: a critical review
Authors: Tham K.F. , Ratnam S.S. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractGestational trophoblastic disease defines a group of conditions which arises from the fetal chorion. Two of the most important advances in the management of gestational trophoblastic disease have been the standardisation of terminology, and the concept of risk assignment based on classification or staging systems which allows rationalisation of treatment. Gestational trophoblastic disease is unique as the prognosis is dependent not only on the anatomic extent but also the presence of prognostic factors. A staging system similar to that used for other cancers does not apply to this disease because in most cases diagnosis is bases not on histology but on clinical or biochemical parameters. Metastatic spread to distant organs can occur early, even in the absence of disease in the uterus or pelvis. Staging in gestational trophoblastic disease must include prognostic factors in addition to anatomic extent of disease. Broadly there are two categories of classification in current use. The first is based on the usual staging system as in other cancers, with four stages of disease, but at the same time prognostic factors are incorporated. This has the important advantages of simplicity and uniformity with other staging systems. However the main pitfall is that no recommendations are made for treatment. The other broad category consists of risk tables, based on anatomic spread as well as prognostic factors. Here patients are assigned varying risk scores, with guidelines for multiagent chemotherapy at the outset in high‐risk patients to minimise drug resistant disease. The ideal system would be one which has four stages of disease, so that comparison is easier, with recommendations for combination chemotherapy beyond a certain stage of disease.
The prevalence of domestic violence against pregnant women in a Chinesecommunity
Authors: Leung W.C. , Leung T.W. , Lam Y.Y.J. , Ho P.C. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To study the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a local teaching hospital. Study design: All pregnant women attending their first antenatal clinic in Tsan Yuk Hospital between 11th August and 3rd November, 1998 were interviewed by a designated research nurse (Y.Y.J.L.) using a standard questionnaire (Abuse Assessment Screen) to detect the incidence of domestic violence, the nature of violence, the frequency of violence and the perpetrator of abuse. Demographic factors of the abused group were compared with those of the non‐abused group using student's t‐test and chi‐square test. Results: Pregnant women (631) were interviewed; 113 of them (17.9%) had a history of abuse; 99 women (15.7%) had been abused in the last year; 27 of them (4.3%) had been abused during their current pregnancy; 59 women (9.4%) had been sexually abused in the last year. The husband was the perpetrator in the majority of cases. The nature of violence during pregnancy was mainly psychological in the form of threats of abuse without any physical injury. Risk factors included unplanned pregnancy (P=0.002) and women with husbands/partners who were unemployed or manual workers (P<0.05). Unexpectedly, domestic violence occurred more commonly in permanent local residents rather than new immigrants (P<0.05). Conclusion: This is probably the first study on the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant women in a Chinese community. The incidence is comparable to that from American studies. Routine screening with structured questions during the antenatal visits is necessary in order to identify the abused women so as to prevent potential trauma and to interrupt existing abuse.
Carcinoma of the cervix: aspects of clinical presentation and management in Benin City
Authors: Gharoro E.P. , Abedi H.O. , Okpere E.E. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractCarcinoma of the cervix is the most common gynecological cancer in Benin City. Late presentation, poverty and grand multiparity featured prominently. Multiplicity of sexual partners was rather uncommon.
Screening for cervical neoplasia during pregnancy
Authors: Cronjé H.S. , van Rensburg E. , Niemand I. , Cooreman B.F. , Beyer E. , Divall P. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To evaluate cytology as a screening method for cervical neoplasia in pregnancy and to compare it with cervicography and the acetic acid test (AAT). Methods: In a large antenatal clinic in South Africa, 842 women were screened utilizing cytology, cervicography and the acetic acid test simultaneously. The proportion of positive results of the different tests were compared and the agreement calculated by the kappa statistic. Results: The mean age of the women was 27 years, and 12.5% smoked. Cytological smears were abnormal (low‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion and higher degrees of abnormality) in 1.4% of cases, cervicography in 6.3% and the AAT in 14.3% (P=0.5400). Kappa values were as follows: cytology vs. cervicography 0.01, cytology vs. AAT 0.0 and cervicography vs. AAT 0.2. Conclusions: As a result of cytology's rather low yield and the small measure of agreement between the tests, cytology should be supplemented by an additional screening test in pregnancy.
Reengineering service operations: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Narasimhan Ram , Jayaram Jayanth 
Published: July 2002

AbstractExamples of business process reengineering efforts have tended to emphasize manufacturing applications over service operations. This paper reports on a recently completed longitudinal reengineering project conducted by the authors in a service context. Key lessons learned from the experiences of the case study are presented in the form of propositions. Based on these propositions, a process model for successfully planning and implementing business process reengineering efforts is offered. In the process model, key influencing factors for each stage are identified. The process model can be helpful in overcoming risks of failure associated with business process reengineering initiatives.
Issues in the choice of supplier alliance partners
Authors: McCutcheon David , Stuart F.Ian 
Published: July 2002

AbstractSupplier alliances have been widely touted but there are probably a limited number of situations where they are applicable. This paper develops a model of important factors that define which suppliers offer the best choices for pursuing alliance‐like relationships. Some factors relate to the technology of the goods or services being sourced; others relate to the ability to develop mutual goodwill trust with the targeted supplier. The model was developed through a combination of extensive literature reviews and a series of interviews with managers in 15 manufacturing and service firms.
Asynchronous changes in size, number, and shape of synapses in the developing superior colliculus
Authors: Correa‐Gillieron Elenice M. , Cavalcante Leny A. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe ultra‐structural development of synapses in retino‐receptive layers of the opossum superior colliculus was studied by the ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E‐PTA) method. There was a tendency for a slight reduction in the diameter of synaptic disks, a rise and fall of numerical densities and, except for an ephemeral period, a general increase in the proportion of “frown” among curve synapses. The lack of strict synchrony and the occurrence of different patterns of changes suggest that multiple factors contribute to synaptic maturation.
G‐protein expression in melanotropes changes coincident with innervation of the developing rat pituitary intermediate lobe
Authors: Sands Scott A. , Chronwall Bibie M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe two isoforms of the dopamine D2 receptor, the D2short and the D2long differ in a 29 amino acid insert in the third cytoplasmic loop with which G proteins interact. We have previously reported that in rat melanotropes, expression of D2short increases markedly at the end of the first postnatal week which is concurrent with innervation of the intermediate lobe. Using immunohistochemistry, this study examined expression of Gαi1/2, Gαi3, Gαo and Gαs proteins before and after dopaminergic innervation. Gαi3 increased through gestational day 20, and then remained level to postnatal day 6. At this time, coinciding with the induction of D2short expression, Gαi3 immunoreactive intensity increased markedly, possibly indicating co‐regulation of these receptors. On postnatal day 6, Gαs immunoreactive intensity increased in some, but not all, melanotropes. The resulting heterogeneity in Gs expression persisted in the adult. Gαi1/2 immunoreactivity did not change and Gαo was detected only subsequent to the event of innervation. Thus, dopamine released from axons and acting through D2 receptor stimulation could increase Gαi3 immunoreactivity and decrease Gαs immunoreactive intensity in some melanotropes.