bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three Cups of Tea: Building Collaborations to Assess Earthquake Hazard in Pakistan: Modern Methods in Seismic Hazard Assessment; Nagarkot, Nepal, 8–12 June 2009
Authors: Hough Susan E. , Yong Alan 
Published: December 2009

The M7.6 Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, earthquake struck the Pakistani Kashmir on 8 October 2005, claiming more than 80,000 lives. The earthquake underscored two points about earthquake hazard in Pakistan: first, that it is high, and, second, that it is poorly understood. In Karachi, for example, hazard is generally considered to be low, yet this rapidly growing megacity is as close to a major strike‐slip fault system as Los Angeles is to the San Andreas fault.The Pakistani engineering community has sought guidance from seismologists on improved characterization of seismic hazard. This requires both improved hazard assessment methodology and improved constraints on the critical inputs to seismic hazard maps, for example, assessment of fault slip rates and geological site characterization. These inputs are currently unavailable. Efforts to map seismicity and attenuation and to estimate fault slip rates have been hampered by political instability. Yet there is no shortage of intellectual energy—Pakistan boasts an eager community of trained earthquake professionals.
Decrease of pregnant women's pelvic pain after acupuncture: a randomized controlled single‐blind study
Authors: LUND IRÉNE , LUNDEBERG THOMAS , LÖNNBERG LENA , SVENSSON ELISABETH 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. The efficacy of acupuncture on low‐back and/or pelvic pain in late pregnancy is reviewed in few reports. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of two different acupuncture stimulation modes on pelvic pain intensity and some emotional symptoms due to the pain condition. Methods. In a prospective randomized controlled single‐blind study, pregnant women with pelvic pain, median gestational age 26 weeks (range 18–35), were given 10 acupuncture treatments. Needles were inserted subcutaneously over acupuncture points without further stimulation (superficial, n=22), or intramuscular and stimulated repeatedly until a perceived sensation of numbness, de qi, (deep, n=25). Self‐reported pain intensity at rest and during daily activities was assessed on a visual analog scale. The variables pain, emotional reactions, and loss of energy were assessed according to the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire. Changes in assessed variables were analyzed with a nonparametric statistical method allowing for analysis of systematic group changes separated from additional individual changes. Results. After acupuncture stimulation, significant systematic group changes towards lower levels of pain intensity at rest and in daily activities as well as in rated emotional reaction and loss of energy were seen. The results also showed additional individual changes in most variables. In this study, no differences between the effects induced by the superficial and deep acupuncture stimulation modes were observed. Conclusion. Acupuncture stimulation that is individually designed may be a valuable treatment to ameliorate suffering in the condition of pelvic pain in late pregnancy.
Multiple pregnancy in rural Burkina Faso: frequency, survival, and use of health services
Authors: JAHN ALBRECHT , KYNAST‐WOLF GISELA , KOUYATÉ BOCAR , BECHER HEIKO 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective. To assess the birth of twins in rural Burkina Faso with respect to prevalence, mortality, and provision of obstetric care. Methods. A descriptive demographic analysis of population‐based and health service data was performed with multivariate modeling by Poisson regression. Health service data were derived from a document review in health facilities in the Nouna District for the years 1994–2001. The district hospital provides obstetric care for the entire district with its 252,000 population (1998). Population‐based data (deliveries, live births, deaths) were derived from the demographic surveillance system in the surveillance area within the Nouna District, Burkina Faso (population under surveillance: 30,988 in 1998). All births in the period from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998 (9,457 recorded deliveries with 9,610 live births) were included and followed up until April 30, 2002. The main outcome measures were the prevalence of twin delivery as well as age‐ and sex‐specific mortality risks. Results. Mortality of twins is high, with one out of three dying before reaching the age of five years – 2.5 times the mortality risk of singletons. Among twins, mortality is particularly high in the neonatal period (RR 5.16; CI: 3.6–7.5) and in twins born to mothers above the age of 35 (RR 5.12; CI: 3.5–7.6). The overall population‐based prevalence of twin delivery is 1.6% (CI: 1.4–1.9) versus a hospital‐based prevalence of 2.8% (CI: 2.2–3.1). Despite this moderate trend towards hospital‐based obstetric care, most twins (90.5%) are still delivered outside a hospital setting. Conclusions. The high neonatal mortality in twins points to the need for special care in pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum. Maternity services fail to adequately cover the vast majority of multiple pregnancies and deliveries.
Cervical cancer incidence in Denmark over six decades (1943–2002)
Authors: KYNDI MARIANNE , FREDERIKSEN KIRSTEN , KRÜGER KJÆR SUSANNE 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIntroduction. The purpose of the study was to describe developments in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer in Denmark, focusing on histological types, over a period of 60 years. We also describe developments in the incidence of carcinoma in situ and mortality. Material and methods. The study is based on the Danish Cancer Registry database of 39,623 reported cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed among Danish women in the period 1943–2002. The most important variables and measures are age‐specific and age‐standardized incidence and estimated annual percent changes in incidence. Results. A significant reduction in incidence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma among women over 30 during the last 35 years and in incidence of invasive adenocarcinoma among women over 40 during the last 15 years has been seen. In both histological subgroups the relative estimated annual percent change in incidence was largest in the period 1988–2002 as compared to 1968–1987, coinciding with an increase in the number of Danish women covered by the organized screening program. Women 20–29 years old showed a relatively stable squamous cell carcinoma incidence but an increasing adenocarcinoma incidence throughout the study period. Conclusions. These results suggest that the increasing coverage of the Danish organized screening program is associated with a significant reduction in incidence of invasive squamous cell carcinoma among women over 30, and of invasive adenocarcinoma among women over 40. So far, squamous cell carcinoma incidence and adenocarcinoma incidence among women 20–29 years old seem quite unaffected by the organized screening program.
Maternal and fetal outcome after severe anemia in pregnancy in rural Ghana
Authors: GEELHOED DIEDERIKE , AGADZI FLORENCE , VISSER LUCIA , ABLORDEPPEY EMELIA , ASARE KOFI , O'ROURKE PETER , VAN LEEUWEN JULES SCHAGEN , VAN ROOSMALEN JOS 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Anemia in pregnancy contributes to poor outcome for mother and child in low‐income countries. This study analyzes adverse maternal and fetal outcome after severe anemia in pregnancy in rural Ghana. Methods. A cohort study in two (sub)district hospitals, including 157 pregnant women exposed to severe anemia (Hb < 8.0 g/dl) and 152 nonexposed pregnant women (Hb ≥ 10.9 g/dl), matched for age and parity strata. Adverse outcomes analyzed were postpartum hemorrhage, need for blood transfusion, maternal mortality, low birth‐weight, and perinatal mortality. Results. Compared to nonexposed women, exposed women had an increased risk of maternal death (5/157 versus 0/152). Fetal outcome did not significantly differ between the study groups, although perinatal mortality was increased with exposure to Hb < 7.0 g/dl (OR 3.1; 95%CI 1.0–9.4), and low birth‐weight was increased with exposure to Hb < 6.0 g/dl (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.2–5.4). Overall fetal outcome was significantly better when hemoglobin prior to childbirth was at least 8.0 g/dl (OR 3.9; 95%CI 1.6–9.6), body mass index at least 20 kg/m2 (OR 2.8; 95%CI 1.5–5.3), and number of antenatal visits at least 4 (OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.7). Conclusions. Severe anemia in pregnancy results in relatively poor maternal and fetal outcome. Apparently maternal risks increase prior to fetal risks. In order to improve maternal and fetal outcome, it is recommended that district hospitals in low‐income countries make prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of severe anemia in pregnancy a priority.
Does laparoscopic removal of nonendometriotic benign ovarian cysts affect ovarian reserve?
Authors: SOMIGLIANA EDGARDO , RAGNI GUIDO , INFANTINO MIRCO , BENEDETTI FRANCESCA , ARNOLDI MARIANGELA , CROSIGNANI PIER GIORGIO 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. The objective of this study was to investigate whether laparoscopic excision of nonendometriotic benign ovarian cysts is associated with a significant injury to ovarian reserve. Methods. Women selected for IVF‐ICSI cycles who previously underwent laparoscopic excision of a monolateral nonendometriotic benign ovarian cyst were retrospectively identified. The operated ovary and the contralateral intact gonad of the same patient were compared in term of basal ovarian volume before initiating ovarian stimulation and number of dominant follicles at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin administration. Non‐parametric Wilcoxon Rank test was used to investigate differences between the two ovaries. Results. Seventeen cases were recruited. The numbers of dominant follicles were 4.6±2.5 and 2.7±2.4 in the control ovary and in the previously operated ovary, respectively (p=0.01). This drop corresponded to a mean reduction of 42% (95% confidence interval: 10–74%). Basal volumes of the intact and the operated gonads were 5.7±3.3 and 3.4±2.3 cm3 respectively (p=0.01), corresponding to a mean reduction of 39% (95% confidence interval: 12–66%). Conclusions. Laparoscopic excision of nonendometrioid benign ovarian cysts is associated with a significant injury to ovarian reserve.
Chronic malnutrition in pregnant adolescents in rural Malawi: An anthropometric study
Authors: KALANDA BONIFACE F. , VERHOEFF FRANCINE H. , BRABIN BERNARD J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground.The anthropometry of adolescent pregnancy has been little described in developing countries. This paper outlines the anthropometry of adolescents living in poor rural communities in southern Malawi.Methods.A cross‐sectional descriptive analysis of 991 women who attended for their first antenatal visit before 18 weeks’ gestation at two rural hospitals. Of these, 190 were adolescent (12–19 years).Results.Of adolescent attendees, 82.6% were primigravidae, and 77.9% were illiterate. Adolescents had a higher prevalence of low values for weight for age, mid‐upper arm circumference (bothp<0.01), and body mass index (p=0.06) than nonadolescent women. At all maternal ages, illiterate women were shorter than literate women. Percentile values for adolescents for weight, height and upper‐arm circumference and body mass index showed consistent evidence of chronic undernutrition during adolescence. The age‐specific cross‐sectional curves provide evidence for continued linear growth until early adulthood.Conclusions.Chronic undernutrition and illiteracy were common amongst adolescent pregnant women in these communities where childbearing starts early in adolescence. The nutritional consequences of this for these young mothers and their offspring are considerable. Innovative health and literacy strategies are required to address this problem.
Accuracy of serum uric acid determination in predicting pre‐eclampsia: A systematic review
Authors: Cnossen Jeltsje S. , de Ruyter‐Hanhijärvi Hanna , van der Post Joris A. M. , Mol Ben W. J. , Khan Khalid S. , ter Riet Gerben 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Pre‐eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Early prediction of pre‐eclampsia may be used to target high‐risk women for effective preventative treatments. Hyperuricemia is associated with pre‐eclampsia and it has been tested in early pregnancy for its ability to predict the later onset of the disease.Objective. To systematically review the accuracy of determining serum uric acid before the 25th gestational week in predicting pre‐eclampsia.Methods. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medion, bibliographies of review articles and eligible primary studies, and contacted experts in the field. Language restrictions were not applied. Reviewers working independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed validity according to eight criteria. Sensitivities and specificities were plotted in a Receiver Operating Characteristic plot.Results. We identified five primary articles, with a total of 572 women, including 44 who developed pre‐eclampsia. Study populations differed clinically, with incidences ranging from 3.4% to 40.1%. Sensitivity ranged from 0.0% to 55.6% and specificity ranged from 76.9% to 94.9%. Clinical heterogeneity and poor reporting precluded sensible pooling of data. In particular, consecutive entry of eligible women, blind assessment of the reference standard, and treatment to prevent pre‐eclampsia were poorly reported.Conclusion. Contrary to previous reviews, we conclude that there is currently insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions about the accuracy of serum uric acid determination in predicting pre‐eclampsia.
Bleeding disorders among young women: A population‐based prevalence study
Authors: FRIBERG BRITT , KRISTIN ÖRNÖ ANN , LINDGREN ANNIKA , LETHAGEN STEFAN 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Bleeding problems are prevalent in the general population but may indicate a general bleeding disorder. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of perceived bleeding symptoms, including menorrhagia, in young healthy females. Methods. By aid of school nurses we distributed a questionnaire to all girls (n=1,410) in the first grade of the upper secondary schools in the town of Malmö, Sweden. We received 1,019 (72%) responses. The questionnaire consisted of 17 main questions addressing general bleeding problems, menses and menstrual bleeding problems, family history, and other health related questions. Results. The mean age of the girls was 16.7 years. Eight girls had a previously diagnosed bleeding disorder and had a higher frequency of most bleeding symptoms. Seventy‐three percent of girls experienced at least one bleeding symptom, 43% had more than one symptom, 23% were troubled by more than two symptoms, and 10% more than three symptoms. Thirty‐seven percent experienced heavy menstruation and of these 22% had different drugs as treatment for menorrhagia. Thirty‐eight percent had a family history of heavy menstruation and half of them suffered from heavy menstruation themselves. Conclusions. Bleeding symptoms were relatively prevalent in this population and similar to other population‐based studies.
Impaired glucose tolerance is associated with changes in clinical and biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Walch Katharina , Grimm Christoph , Nagele Friedrich , Huber Johannes , Wölfler Monika , Vytiska‐Binstorfer Elisabeth , Unfried Gertrud , Hefler Lukas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. To characterize the phenotype of women with polycystic ovary syndrome with and without impaired glucose tolerance by determining various polycystic ovary syndrome‐associated clinical and laboratory parameters.Methods. In a prospective clinical study, we evaluated a series of 102 Caucasian women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Women completed a detailed questionnaire and underwent a standardized oral glucose tolerance test. Various polycystic ovary syndrome‐associated laboratory values such as hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined in these women and correlated to clinical data and the presence/absence of impaired glucose tolerance. Furthermore, the insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment index and correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters.Results. Eighty‐eight (86.3%) and 14 (13.7%) women were diagnosed as having non‐impaired glucose tolerance and impaired glucose tolerance, respectively. Presence of impaired glucose tolerance was associated with an increased body mass index, increased body weight, elevated serum levels of bioavailable testosterone, insulin like growth factor‐1, insulin, HbA1c, leucocytes, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, hepatic C‐reactive protein, and decreased serum levels of sex‐hormone binding globulin. No association was ascertained with subfertility, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities. We ascertained a positive correlation between the homeostasis model assessment index and body mass index, body weight, alkaline phosphatase, and hepatic C‐reactive protein.Conclusions. Impaired glucose tolerance seems to be associated with a specific phenotype within polycystic ovary syndrome. This phenotype is more likely to present with biochemical parameters similar to an inflammatory reaction and a metabolic disorder.
Variation of force applied during external cephalic version with different patients’ characteristic and outcome of version
Authors: LEUNG TAK YEUNG , SAHOTA DALJIT SINGH , CHAN LIN WAI , FOK WING YEE , LAW LAI WA , LAU TZE KIN 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. To compare the degree of force applied during external cephalic version, between different patients’ characteristic and outcomes of version. Methods. It is a prospective observational study in a cohort of patients undergoing external cephalic version at or above 36 weeks of gestation. During external cephalic version, the operator wore a pair of pressure‐sensing gloves which had ultra‐thin piezo‐resistive pressure sensors positioned on the palmer surface. Readings from each of the sensors were recorded in real time throughout each version attempt and analyzed by a computer program. The pressure exerted on individual sensors over time, the pressure–time integral (PTI; mmHg s), was calculated for each sensor from the start to the end of each version attempted. The degree of force applied for each attempt (PTI‐A) was represented by the sum of pressure–time integrals across all sensors. PTI‐A was analyzed in relation to different patients’ characteristics and outcome of version. Results. Ninety‐two patients were recruited, 73% of whom had a successful external cephalic version. The median PTI‐A of the successful attempt in women who completed version after 1 and 2 attempts were 17,180 and 17,736 mmHg s, respectively. They were significantly lower than that of the women who required 3 or more attempts for a successful version (32,351 mmHg s), as well as the highest PTI‐A among all attempts received by women who finally had a failed version (31,638 mmHg s) (p<0.05, Kruskal–Wallis Test and Dunn test). Within the same subject, there was no difference in PTI‐A between the successful attempt and the preceding failed attempt, suggesting that the failure may not be due to insufficient force but rather to inefficient application of the force. Uterine tone was found to be the only clinical variable that was significantly associated with the degree of applied force during a version (p<0.05). A tenser uterus was associated with a stronger applied force. Conclusion. The degree of force required for a successful version is highly variable, being lowest when version can be completed within 2 attempts, but doubled when 3 or more attempts are required. Failure of version is usually not due to inadequate force but inefficient application of force. Uterine tone is significantly related to the degree of applied force, with stronger force being exerted when the uterus is tense.
Postoperative voiding, bacteriuria and urinary tract infection with Foley catheterization after gynecological surgery
Authors: SCHIØTZ HJALMAR A. , TANBO TOM G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. The use of bladder drainage to avoid urinary retention after gynecological surgery is more or less custom based, and duration of drainage varies considerably. In this paper the use of 1‐day drainage by transurethral Foley catheter was investigated with regard to impaired voiding, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and urinary tract infection. Furthermore, the use of methenamine hippurate was studied with regard to postoperative asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infection. Methods. This summary is based on six published papers totaling 917 patients. In three case series, 1‐day catheterization was used in women undergoing gynecological laparotomy, colposuspension, or vaginal plastic surgery. To compare 1‐ and 3‐day Foley catheterization, two open, randomized trials were performed on women undergoing vaginal plastic surgery or colposuspension. The last study was a double‐blind trial between methenamine hippurate and placebo as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria using 1‐day catheterization. Results. Postoperative voiding problems and urinary tract infection occurred infrequently with 1‐day catheterization, and no more frequently than with catheterization for three days. Methenamine hippurate decreased the incidence of urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria by 80 and 40%, respectively. Conclusions. One‐day bladder drainage by transurethral Foley catheter may be used routinely in common gynecological surgery with a low rate of voiding problems, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and urinary tract infection. Methenamine hippurate prophylaxis effectively reduces postoperative urinary tract infection.
Patient‐controlled epidural analgesia in labor does not always improve maternal satisfaction
Authors: NIKKOLA EEVA , LÄÄRÄ ARJA , HINKKA SUSANNA , EKBLAD ULLA , KERO PENTTI , SALONEN MARKKU 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. We investigated whether patient‐controlled epidural analgesia in labor with bupivacaine and fentanyl provides more satisfaction to mothers than intermittent bolus epidural analgesia or patient‐controlled epidural analgesia with plain bupivacaine. Methods. Ninety mothers with term, uncomplicated pregnancies were randomized to receive intermittent bolus epidural analgesia (bupivacaine + fentanyl), patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (bupivacaine + fentanyl), or patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (bupivacaine). Pain during labor was evaluated with a visual analog scale. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were recorded. After delivery, the mothers were given a questionnaire covering the following themes: experience of labor pain, feeling of control, fears and expectations associated with pregnancy/with delivery/with becoming a mother, as well as pain, physical condition and emotions after delivery. To elaborate on these answers, 30 mothers were further randomized to a semistructured interview, in which the same topics were discussed. The main outcome measure was maternal satisfaction. Results. The intermittent bolus epidural analgesia group felt they could influence labor most (p=0.03), and in the interview they expressed most satisfaction. In this group, the total drug utilization was smallest (bupivacaine: p<0.0001 comparing all groups, fentanyl: p=0.03 comparing the two fentanyl‐receiving groups). No differences in pain occurred. Vomiting (p=0.04) and pruritus (p<0.0001) were more common or more severe in the groups receiving fentanyl. Conclusions. We found no advantages for patient‐controlled epidural analgesia over intermittent bolus epidural analgesia in terms of maternal satisfaction.