bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Cesarean Section Frequencies in two Norwegian Hospitals
Authors: Nilsen Stein Tore , Bergsjö Per , Lökling Arnt , Skarsten Kjell W. , Johannessen Kristina H. , Blaas Harm‐Gerd 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. The two largest Norwegian obstetrical departments, in the cities of Bergen and Stavanger, differ markedly with regard to the frequency of Cesarean section. During the 1970′s the proportions rose in both departments, but the Stavanger rate remained about half of that in Bergen, the latter following the national average. These differences were not reflected in the perinatal mortality, which had the same rates and fell equally in both hospitals.To search for explanations, all records of Cesarean section cases from the years 1974 and 1979 were studied in both hospitals. We found that mechanical indications, meaning disproportion and prolonged labor, accounted for most of the difference, whereas there was no significant rise in the frequencies for the indication fetal asphyxia in either of the hospitals, these being numerically the most important indications.In fact, there was no significant rise for mechanical indications in Stavanger between 1974 and 1979, whereas in Bergen the increased frequency for this indication gave the highest significance level for any of the seven subgroups of indications.It is suggested that the chain of command may be an important cause of the observed differences between the two departments, although this is not reflected in any stated or conscious policy in either place.
AUDITORY EVOKED RESPONSES IN THE HUMAN FETUS
Authors: Luz Nilo Pereira 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. The author presents his observations made on the behavior of an auditory evoked response of the human fetus during labor, elicited by a standardized sound stimulus at 1 500 cycles/second. The method was applied to 233 women during labor and the pattern of responses evoked by sound stimulation was studied in all clinical conditions present in this high‐risk population. A fair number of observations was made on vigorous/depressed newborns by Apgar rating, in the presence of definite cardiotocographic signals of fetal distress, in cases of intact or ruptured membranes, in cephalo‐pelvic disproportion, in the presence of maternal risk factors, in cases of cord entaglement, in cases of meco‐nium present in amniotic fluid, in intra‐uterine growth retardation, hypertensive disease of pregnancy, and in familial and class A diabetes. A significant decrease in the response to sound stimulation was observed in cases of fetuses born in a depressed condition, after more than 2 hours following membrane rupture, in the presence of maternal obstetric risk factors, and in cases of hypertension in pregnancy. Women with intra‐uterine growth retardation and cephalo‐pelvic disproportion presented smaller changes and in cases of umbilical cord entanglement, presence of meco‐nium in amniotic fluid and with history of familial or class A diabetes, no differences in the patterns of responses to sound stimulation as compared with normal could be observed. The author observed a good correlation between the auditory evoked response and fetal conditions during the course of labor and suggests that this method should be further developed as a simple method of evaluating the cerebral function of the unborn human fetus.In the first published part of this study (19) we described the modifications in the auditory evoked response of the human fetus caused by the progress of labor. A closer scrutiny of our data revealed the influence of several other factors acting upon the pattern of fetal response to sound stimulation. The present paper describes studies on those factors influencing the behavior of the human fetus following sound stimulation.
ANTENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF BILATERAL CONGENITAL CHYLOTHORAX WITH PERICARDIAL EFFUSION
Authors: Jaffa Ariel J. , Barak Shimon , Kaysar Nehemia , Peyser M. Reuben 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Many fetal anomalies can be detected by ultrasound examination. The antenatal diagnosis of pathological disorders in the fetus can complicate management plans.We report here a case of bilateral chylothorax with pericardial effusion diagnosed antenataly.
ESTROGEN‐PROGESTOGEN REPLACEMENT IN CLIMACTERIC WOMEN, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS A NEW TYPE OF CONTINUOUS REGIMEN
Authors: Mattsson Lars‐Åke , Samsioe Göran 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Twenty‐six peri‐ and postmenopausal women were treated with daily dose of 2 mg 17‐β‐estradiol, 1 mg estriol and 1 mg norethisterone‐acetate in a continuous regimen for 12 months. Clinical parameters such as vasomotor symptoms, bleeding patterns and histopathology were recorded. Blood samples were collected before, after 3 months and after 12 months of treatment and were analysed for estradiol‐17‐β, estrone, androstenedione in serum and lipoprotein lipids.A marked reduction of hot flushes and sweatings was noted and the number of days with bleeding gradually decreased during treatment, especially in the postmenopausal group of women. No signs of hyperplasia of the endometrium were recorded. A decrease in the serum concentration of testosterone and androstenedione was found during treatment. The reduction in triglycerides in very low density lipoproteins after 3 months, concomitant with a decrease in the cholesterol content of high density lipoproteins, was interpreted as an effect mainly of the progestogen component in the preparation.The present formulation of estrogen‐progestogen, continuously administered, may be an appropriate alternative treatment regimen for many women. One proposition of how to treat women with climacteric complaints around the menopause is presented.
INTRA‐UTERINE INFECTION DUE TO EIKENELLA CORRODENS
Authors: Sporken J. M. J. , Muytjens H. L. , Vemer H. M. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract. Infections associated with Eikenella corrodens have become increasingly recognized in recent years. Although E. corrodens has been implicated in a wide variety of clinical infections (1), most of the reported infections involve the head and neck or the abdominal area (2, 3).The microorganism is part of the resident flora of mucous membranes, including the human oral and intestinal flora. As we are not aware of any report of an obstetrical or gynecological infection associated with E. corrodens, we describe here a patient who developed an intra‐uterine infection during pregnancy due to this organism.
Perinatal Mortality from Rh(D) Hemolytic Disease in Finland, 1975—1984
Authors: Eklund Jarl , Nevanlinna H. R. 
Published: December 2009

Analysis of 41 deaths from Rh(D) hemolytic disease (HDN) in Finland in the past 10 years revealed that 17 occurred in mothers immunized before anti‐D IgG was available and three in mothers immunized by blood transfusion in earlier years. Nine deaths were related to loopholes in the anti‐D program and could presumably have been prevented by ensuring that all eligible Rh‐negative women received anti‐D IgG after delivery and abortion. Six deaths were due to immunization during a first pregnancy after the 28th week and three to maternal immunization despite anti‐D IgG. Immunization from these sources can only be reduced by anti‐D IgG injected antenatally as well as postnatally, though the complete eradication of HDN seems to be beyond our grasp.Giving anti‐D IgG to Rh‐negative women after the birth of a Rh‐positive infant or after an abortion has been common practice in Finland, the former since 1969 and the latter since 1971. Although anti‐D prophylaxis has been very effective in reducing the incidence of Rh(D) hemolytic disease, new cases continue to occur. Since the prophylaxis fails to prevent perinatal mortality, we decided to discover how the mothers whose infants died from HDN had become immunized in the past 10 years.
Effects of antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drains on bacterial culture results: an in vitro analysis
Authors: Stevens E. Andrew , Palavecino Elizabeth , Sherertz Robert J. , Shihabi Zakariya , Couture Daniel E. 
Published: December 2009

Object
Treatment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections frequently requires placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD). Surveillance specimens obtained from antibiotic-impregnated (AI) EVDs may be less likely to demonstrate bacterial growth, potentially resulting in undertreatment of an infection. The purpose of this study was to assess whether AI EVDs had any significant effect on bacterial culture results compared with nonantibiotic-impregnated (NAI) EVDs.

Methods
In vitro assays were performed using AI EVDs containing minocycline and rifampin (VentriClear II, Medtronic) and NAI EVD controls (Bioglide, Medtronic). The presence of antibiotics was evaluated via capillary electrophoresis of sterile saline drawn from AI and NAI EVDs after predefined incubation intervals. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by evaluating zones of inhibition created by the catheter aspirates on plates inoculated with a quality control strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (American Type Culture Collection strain 12228). To determine the effects of cultures drawn through AI compared with NAI EVDs, the quality control strain was then incubated within 4 new AI and 4 new NAI EVDs for predefined intervals before being plated on culture media. Spread and streak plate culture results from each type of catheter were compared at each time interval.

Results
Capillary electrophoresis showed that more minocycline than rifampin was eluted from the AI EVDs. Sterile saline samples incubated within the AI EVDs demonstrated zones of growth inhibition when placed on plates of S. epidermidis at all time intervals tested. No zones of inhibition were noted on NAI EVD control plates. When a standardized inoculum of S. epidermidis was drawn through AI and NAI EVDs, antimicrobial effects were observed after incubation in the AI EVD group only. Colony counting demonstrated that significantly fewer colonies resulted from samples drawn through AI compared with NAI EVDs at the multiple time intervals. Similarly, streak plating yielded a statistically significant number of false-negative results from AI compared with NAI EVDs at 2 time intervals.

Conclusions
The findings in the current study indicate that the risk of a false-negative culture result may be increased when a CSF sample is drawn through an AI catheter. In the management of a known shunt infection, a false-negative result from an EVD culture specimen may lead to an inappropriately short duration of antibiotic therapy. These data have significant clinical implications, particularly given the widespread use of AI drains and the current high rates of shunt reinfection after EVD use worldwide.
Memory outcome after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery: corticoamygdalohippocampectomy versus selective amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Tanriverdi Taner , Dudley Roy William Roland , Hasan Alya , Jishi Ahmed Al , Hinai Qasim Al , Poulin Nicole , M.Ed.  , Colnat-Coulbois Sophie , Olivier André 
Published: December 2009

Object
The aim of this study was to compare IQ and memory outcomes at the 1-year follow-up in patients with medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis. All patients were treated using a corticoamygdalohippocampectomy (CAH) or a selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SelAH).

Methods
The data of 256 patients who underwent surgery for MTLE were retrospectively evaluated. One hundred twenty-three patients underwent a CAH (63 [right side] and 60 [left side]), and 133 underwent an SelAH (61 [right side] and 72 [left side]). A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was assessed before and 1 year after surgery, and the results were compared between the surgical procedures. Furthermore, seizure outcome was compared using the Engel classification scheme.

Results
At 1-year follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the surgical approaches with respect to seizure outcome. Overall, IQ scores showed improvement, but verbal IQ decreased after left SelAH. Verbal memory impairment was seen after left-sided resections especially in cases of SelAH, and nonverbal memory decreased after right-sided resection, especially for CAH. Left-sided resections produced some improvement in nonverbal memory. Older age at surgery, longer duration of seizures, greater seizure frequency before surgery, and poor seizure control after surgery were associated with poorer memory.

Conclusions
Both CAH and SelAH can lead to several cognitive impairments depending on the side of the surgery. The authors suggest that the optimal type of surgical approach should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
A partially ossified solid and cystic Rathke cleft cyst
Authors: Ogawa Yoshikazu , Tominaga Teiji 
Published: December 2009

A Rathke cleft cyst is considered to arise from the remnants of the Rathke pouch, and it consists of single cuboidal or columnar epithelium including cilia and goblet cells, which secrete mucus into the cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging characteristically shows a thin membranous cystic wall that enhances with Gd, and homogeneous intensity of the content suggesting fluid collection. Cases with an irregularly thickened and/or calcified cyst wall, presumably due to chronic inflammation of the wall, are rare.
A 21-year-old woman presented with an extremely rare case of a solid and cystic Rathke cleft cyst with partial ossification, manifesting as bitemporal hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a massive solid sellar lesion extending upward and compressing the optic chiasm and floor of the third ventricle. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed, resulting in total removal of the lesion and immediate recovery of visual function. Postoperative histological examination disclosed that the major part of the lesion consisted of various phases of clotting and granulation with significant fibrosis. Mature bone formation and abundant cholesterin clefts were also seen. Single cuboidal epithelium including goblet cells and cilia was found along this granulation, and the diagnosis was a Rathke cleft cyst. An ossified Rathke cleft cyst is extremely rare, and a solid Rathke cleft cyst has not before been reported. This case illustrates the extremely long and complex nature of this disease.
Serum Levels of Surface Large Envelope Proteins: Prognostic Markers for Hepatitis B e Antigen-Negative Patients with Adefovir Dipivoxil Treatment
Authors: Fan Xiao , Fang Dong , Bin Du , Xueyong Li , Jun Cheng , Hongshan Wei 
Published: December 2009

Background The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the prognostic role of pretreatment serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface large envelope protein (LHBs) levels in the curative effects after 48-week adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment. Methods A total of 128 patients received ADV once daily for 48 weeks. Serum levels of LHBs were detected by ELISA. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyse HBV genotype and HBV DNA copies in serum. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the optimal cutoff value of pretreatment LHBs for predicting the curative effects of ADV treatment. Results After ADV treatment for 48 weeks, viral response and partial response were 31.4% (16/51) and 29.4% (15/51), respectively, in patients from the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive group; viral response and partial response were 39.7% (27/68) and 39.7% (27/68), respectively, in patients from the HBeAg-negative group. HBeAg-negative patients with high serum levels of LHBs had low response rates to antiviral therapy. ROC curve analysis showed that HBeAg-negative patients with serum LHBs levels ≥3.889 μg/ml at baseline predicted non-response to antiviral therapy. The sensitivity was 42.5% and specificity was 92.86%. Among a total of 19 patients with high serum levels of LHBs (≥3.889 μg/ml) at baseline, only 2 (11%) patients responded to antiviral therapy. There was no correlation observed between HBV genotype and effects of ADV treatment. Conclusions HBeAg-negative patients with high serum levels of LHBs (≥3.889 μg/ml) at baseline should not be recommended to receive ADV treatment.
Evaluation of minority populations of HIV type-1 with K103N and M184V drug resistance mutations among children in Argentina
Authors: Vignoles Moira , Barboni Graciela , Agosti María R , Quarleri Jorge , García Mariel K , Ayala Silvia González , Salomón Horacio 
Published: December 2009

Background The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of minority populations of viruses carrying mutations K103N and M184V in drug-naive HIV type-1 (HIV-1)-infected children, and to further evaluate their effect on the selection of drug-resistant viruses within highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods Newly diagnosed vertically HIV-1-infected children were evaluated. The HIV-1 pol gene was sequenced for subtyping and antiretroviral drug resistance analysis. Standard genotypic sequencing and sequence-selective real-time PCR (SPCR) to quantify minority viral populations were used. Results From December 2004 to July 2006, we included 35 children who were studied at baseline and during their first HAART regimen (follow-up median time 29.4 months). Of them, 82.9% were infected with intersubtype B/F recombinant variants. At baseline, all children had a drug-susceptible viral population that was studied by bulk sequencing. SPCR showed that 4 children had between 2–10% of M184V, 11 had <0.7%, 18 had no detectable mutation and 2 could not be amplified. No K103N minority populations were found. Once under HAART, children who had 2–10% of M184V at baseline further selected it in percentages >20% in less time than those with 0.1–0.6% or without minority populations ( P=0.01). Conclusions It was shown that having 2–10% of M184V at baseline enhanced its selection in high percentages in a short time after HAART initiation. Further research regarding the presence of minority quasispecies before initiation of HAART in large paediatric populations should be undertaken to evaluate their clinical effect during HAART.
Tuning the Topography of Non‐Wetting Surfaces to Reduce Short‐Term Microbial Contamination Within Hospitals
Authors: van den Berg Desmond , Asker Dalal , Kim Jungchul , Kim Ho‐Young , Aizenberg Joanna , Hatton Benjamin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMicrobial contamination of hospital surfaces is a major contributor to infectious disease transmission. This work demonstrates that superhydrophobic (Cassie‐Baxter) micro post topographies can significantly reduce cell attachment compared to flat controls. For ordered micro post arrays (post diameters 0.3 to 150 µm), the attachment of four pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans) from discrete contaminant droplets upon short‐term contact (15 s to 30 min) are assessed. There is a 3‐4‐log decrease in microbial attachment when reducing the micro posts diameters from 150 to 0.3 µm for all strains, with large posts (>20 µm) exhibiting similar attachment rates to flat controls. The critical, maximum feature size to prevent attachment can be tuned depending on the ratio of the cell size to post diameter. Two potential mechanisms are discussed for this size effect. First, application of the random sequential adsorption model shows that this relative post/cell size effect may be due to a reduced probability of attachment, which is theorized to be the dominant mechanism. Alternatively, a physical model is suggested for bacterial cell “pull‐off” due to surface tension forces during droplet dewetting. This work may be important for the design of non‐wetting antimicrobial surfaces within healthcare environments.
Intra‐Articular Injection of Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: From Lubrication Function Restoration to Cell and Gene Therapy
Authors: Yang Yinuo , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent joint disease affecting many people globally, presents significant challenge in current treatments, which often only manage symptoms without halting disease progression. This review illuminates novel approaches in OA therapy, focusing mainly on intra‐articular injection of nanomaterials. The innovative materials, designed to either mimic or augment natural joint lubrication, show promise in restoring joint biomechanics and alleviating pain. The review delves into an array of biomimetic lubricants, including polymer brush, nanocomposite hydrogel, and nanoparticles, underscoring their roles in anti‐inflammation, targeting, cartilage repair, and drug delivery. Furthermore, the potential of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into chondrocytes, coupled with the delivery of these cells and their exosomes via nanomaterials, has promoted cell therapy avenues for OA. The review also highlights the function of non‐coding RNAs such as miRNA, siRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, and antisense oligonucleotides in impeding OA progression, with nanomaterials facilitating their delivery, thus facilitating advanced therapeutic possibilities including immune evasion and bone cell proliferation. Overall, this review encapsulates the evolution of nanomaterials in OA treatment from material to cell, and ultimately to gene therapy, forecasting a future where nanomaterials evolve toward integrated, personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for OA.
Tunable Solid‐State Properties and Anisotropic Charge Mobility in Hydrogen‐Bonded Diketopyrrolopyrrole Polymers via Automated Device Fabrication and Characterization
Authors: Nyayachavadi Audithya , Wang Chengshi , Vriza Aikaterini , Wang Yunfei , Ma Guorong , Mooney Madison , Mason Gage T. , Hu Anita , Liu Yuzi , Gu Xiaodan , Chan Henry , Xu Jie , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe optoelectronic properties of semiconducting polymers and device performance rely on a delicate interplay of design and processing conditions. However, screening and optimizing the relationships between these parameters for reliably fabricating organic electronics can be an arduous task requiring significant time and resources. To overcome this challenge, Polybot is developed—a robotic platform within a self‐driving lab that can efficiently produce organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) from various semiconducting polymers via high‐throughput blade coating deposition. Polybot not only handles the fabrication process but also can conduct characterization tests on the devices and autonomously analyze the data gathered, thus facilitating the rapid acquisition of data on a large scale. This work leverages the capabilities of this platform to investigate the fabrication of OFETs using hydrogen bonding‐containing semiconducting polymers. Through high‐throughput fabrication and characterization, various data trends are analyzed, and large extents of anisotropic charge mobility are observed in devices. The materials are thoroughly characterized to understand the role of processing conditions in solid state and electronic properties of these organic semiconductors. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of automated fabrication and characterization platforms in uncovering novel structure–property relationships, facilitating refinement of rational chemical design, and processing conditions, ultimately leading to new semiconducting materials.