bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Situational analysis of maternal and child health services for foreign residents in Japan
Authors: HOTTA MASANAKA , ALI MOAZZAM , USHIJIMA HIROSHI , LEE SETSUKO , NAKAMURA YASUHIDE , SHIGETA MASANOBU , KOBAYASHI NOBORU 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: Since the 1980s, the number of foreign residents in Japan has continuously been on the rise. In order to improve the foreign resident support services infrastructure and effectiveness, a survey was conducted at a national level from February to August 2002. The survey was done via a mailed questionnaire to all municipalities in Japan.Methods: For the purpose of the study, municipalities were divided into four groups based on level of urbanization and numbers of foreign residents in the area. The situation of the foreign maternal and child support programs were compared and the municipal administrations were evaluated. In addition, the attribution analysis and evaluation of the foreigner support program was conducted in each municipality group.Results: The evaluation of the current service support program for foreigner was not judged positively in the majority (95%) of the municipalities. In the non‐urbanized municipalities with a low composition of foreigners, the foreigner mother and child support program were not functional compared with other regions. Additionally, various factors were highlighted based on attribution analysis among each group. Although most of the municipalities recognized the importance of the foreign resident support program, the evaluations showed a wide gap between intention and reality.Conclusion: It is recommended that the barriers as identified in the research results are rectified, and the current situation improved based on municipality characteristics, local demands and the needs of the population. The efficient use of limited fiscal and human resources is also advocated by strengthening of cooperation with other official bodies and also employing foreign residents to work in public offices for facilitating the foreign residents support programs.
A case of pulmonary type of ovarian small cell carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Kameyama Kaori , Hirao Takeshi , Susumu Nobuyuki , Mukai Makio , Aoki Daisuke 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSmall cell carcinoma is a rare form of ovarian cancer with a poor prognosis. It is divided into two types, the hypercalcemic and the pulmonary type, of which the latter is extremely rare. A 49‐year‐old woman presented with an acute abdomen and was suspected to have torsion of a left ovarian tumor, which was followed up with an emergency operation. Postoperative pathological examination gave a diagnosis of the pulmonary type of ovarian small cell carcinoma. Six courses of paclitaxel and carboplatin therapy were given as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient has survived for 36 months without recurrence. Here we present an extremely rare patient with the pulmonary type of ovarian small cell carcinoma.
How does a concomitant surgery effect the outcomes of Burch colposuspension?
Authors: Sivaslioglu Ahmet A. , Haberal Ali , Dolen Ismail , Deveci Zehra S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the outcomes of 90 Burch colposuspension procedures with or without concomitant surgery after a 6‐year follow‐up period.Methods:  The study was carried out in the urogynecology department of Ankara Etlik Women's and Maternity Teaching Hospital, Turkey. Ninety women who were diagnosed as having genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSI) were enrolled in this study. The Burch colposuspension procedure was performed for the treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence with or without a concomitant surgeryResults:  After a 6‐year follow‐up, it has been noted that concomitant surgeries have no effect on the outcome of continence (P > 0.05). Pelvic prolapse incidence was 7%. No voiding difficulty was observed.Conclusion:  The study shows that concomitant surgeries have no effect on the outcome of continence. However, concomitant surgery can increase operational morbidity. Modified McCall culdoplasty does not seem to be a preventive measure for pelvic organ prolapse.
Hemodynamic vulnerability to acute hypoxia in day 10.5–16.5 murine embryos
Authors: Furukawa Seishi , Tinney Joseph P. , Tobita Kimimasa , Keller Bradley B. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  We tested the hypothesis that murine embryonic cardiovascular (CV) function is vulnerable to transient changes in maternal transplacental oxygen support during the critical period of CV morphogenesis.Methods:  We measured maternal heart rate (MHR), maternal blood pressure (MBP), and embryonic heart rate (EHR) during mechanical ventilatory support, then induced transient maternal hypoxia daily from gestation day (ED) 10.5 to ED16.5 in pregnant ICR mice. Hypoxia was induced by suspending mechanical ventilation for 30 s or by the replacement of inspired oxygen with nitrogen (75% or 100%) for 30 s while maintaining ventilation.Results:  We noted a rapid onset of maternal hypotension in response to hypoxia that quickly recovered following reoxygenation. Following a brief lag time that was not gestation specific, EHR decreased in response to hypoxia. The magnitude of embryo bradycardia and the rate of EHR decline and recovery displayed gestation specific patterns. The magnitude of embryo bradycardia was similar from ED10.5 to ED13.5 and then increased with gestation. Before ED13.5, only 40% of embryos recovered to the baseline EHR following transient maternal hypoxia (vs 80% of embryos after ED 13.5). EHR following recovery exceeded baseline EHR after ED15.5. Nitrogen inhalation (75% or 100%) produced changes in maternal and embryonic hemodynamics similar to suspended ventilation induced hypoxia.Conclusions:  The mammalian embryo is vulnerable to transient decreases in maternal oxygenation during the critical period of organogenesis and the gestational specific EHR response to hypoxia may reflect both increased embryonic oxygen demand and the maturation of neurohumoral heart rate regulation.
Effect of maternal fasting on uterine arterial blood flow
Authors: Mirghani Hisham M. , Salem Muntha , Weerasinghe Sarath D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  To determine the effect maternal diet pattern on the uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry.Methods:  This is a cross‐sectional observational study. The uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry was measured between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation in healthy pregnant women observing Ramadan. For each fasting mother, a non‐fasting healthy pregnant woman was recruited as a control. Maternal blood glucose level was measured.Results:  A total of 106 pregnant women were studied. The mean hours since last oral intake were significantly longer, and the maternal glucose level was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. The Mean (95% CI) of the uterine artery pulsatility index, resistance index, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and systolic/diastolic ratio was similar in both groups.Conclusion:  Maternal fasting is not associated with significant changes in the uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry.
Comparison of midline and Pfannenstiel incision for radical hysterectomy with pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in cervical carcinoma
Authors: Ayhan Ali , Dursun Polat , Gultekin Murat , Yuce Kunter 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  To compare Pfannenstiel and midline incisions with respect to efficacy and early postoperative surgical site complications in patients with early stage cervical carcinoma.Methods:  Patients with cervical carcinoma who underwent radical hysterectomy during 1995–2004 are retrospectively reviewed. There were 40 patients in the Pfannenstiel group and 71 patients in the midline group. Patients' age, type of incision, operative time, hospitalization length, postoperative surgical site complications, pre and postoperative Hb levels, number of extracted pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes were the variables collected from the patients' files and oncology follow‐up forms.Results:  Mean age (53.5 ± 6.96 vs 55.9 ± 10.5, P = 0.2) and preoperative Hb levels of patients (12.52 ± 1.48 vs 12.94 ± 1.34, P = 0.17) were not statistically different in midline and Pfannenstiel groups, respectively. Operative time (141.8 ± 36 vs 135.8 ± 31 min), number of extracted lymph nodes in pelvic (23.05 ± 9.7 vs 23.5 ± 8.07) and paraaortic areas (3.17 ± 1.68 vs 2.66 ± 1.15) were not significantly different among the midline and Pfannenstiel groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Although postoperative incisional complications were more common in the midline group, this difference did not reach a significant level (11.3% vs 7.5%, P = 0.52). Duration of hospitalization was not significantly different between the midline and Pfannenstiel groups, respectively (6.3 ± 2.69 vs 6.2 ± 2.72 days, P = 0.21). Multivariate analysis revealed postoperative Hb levels to be significantly different among the groups (P = 0.017, OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.08–2.35).Conclusion:  Pfannenstiel incision can be used for radical hysterectomy with pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in selected patients with cervical carcinoma, without any negative influence on optimal resectability of tumor and surgical morbidity.
Isolated torsion of fallopian tube in a premenarcheal 12‐year‐old girl
Authors: Goktolga Umit , Ceyhan Temel , Ozturk Haluk , Gungor Sadettin , Zeybek Nazif , Keskin Ugur , Çiftpinar Tolga , Baser Iskender 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIsolated torsion of fallopian tubes should be considered even at premenarcheal ages in cases of acute pelvic pain, and prompt surgery can preserve the tube and thus fertility. It is an uncommon emergency event and a difficult condition to evaluate clinically. This report focuses on a 12‐year‐old premenarcheal girl who presented with acute pelvic pain of 2 days. Pelvic ultrasound showed an adnexal mass on the left side. Laparoscopy was performed and an isolated tubal torsion was discovered. The tube was necrotic and salpingectomy was performed. The appendix appeared to be hyperemic and erectile. Appendectomy was also performed to rule out appendicitis. It's our recommendation that in the differential diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain of girls, isolated torsion of the fallopian tubes should be considered. Also, preservation of the tube and fertility should be possible with prompt surgical intervention.
Clinical pitfalls of pain recurrence in endometriosis arising in the posterior vaginal fornix
Authors: Tachibana Masahito , Murakami Takashi , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Terada Yukihiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEndometriotic nodules in the lower genital tract often cause dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. We report here a case of posterior vaginal fornix endometriosis that was overlooked for several years. We performed a trans‐vaginal resection after the associated pain was not relieved by repetitive gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) therapy or abdominal surgery. After the resection, the patient's symptoms disappeared. The patient subsequently conceived and proceeded to a full‐term delivery. The pathological diagnosis was ‘endometriosis of the vagina.’ Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the progesterone receptor‐positive cells outnumbered the estrogen receptor‐positive cells. We emphasize that the existence of vaginal lesions should be considered in cases in which pain has not improved despite long‐term GnRHa administration, or in cases involving dyspareunia. To provide appropriate treatment, attentive evaluation and careful examination of the disease are necessary for a patient with prolonged unsatisfactory progress.
Comparative study of transperineal and transabdominal sonography in the diagnosis of placenta previa
Authors: Rani Peddireddy Reddi , Haritha Pandara Harihavan , Gowri Raju 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  To assess the role of transperineal sonography (TPS) in the diagnosis of placenta previa in the third trimester and to compare it with transabdominal sonography (TAS).Methods:  Seventy‐five suspected cases of placenta previa were subjected to TAS with half full bladder and to the TPS with empty bladder to visualize the inner surface of the cervix and inferior edge of the placenta. The presence or absence of placenta previa was confirmed at delivery.Results:  TAS depicted the inferior edge of placenta in 98.7% of cases compared to 96% with TPS. Internal cervical os was visualized in 98.7% with TAS compared to 100% with TPS. Placenta previa was confirmed at delivery in 74 cases with one false positive in TPS, six false positive in TAS. The positive predictive value (PPV) value in the diagnosis of placenta previa was 92% with TAS compared to 98.6% with TPS. Accuracy of TPS in diagnosing placenta previa was 98.7%. PPV in the diagnosis of minor degree placenta previa was less 86.36% with TAS compared to TPS 100% though for major degree both are in agreement.Conclusion:  TPS is a valuable procedure to compliment TAS in the diagnosis of placenta previa and helps to exclude false positive and to determine the mode of delivery, although it cannot replace TAS.
Severe, gestational, non‐familial, non‐genetic hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Eskandar Osama , Eckford Seumas , Roberts Tim L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSevere hypertriglyceridemia is a rare condition in pregnancy. All the cases of severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia that have been reported previously in the literature were caused by genetic mutations or familial hypertriglyceridemia secondary to lipoprotein lipase deficiency or apolipoprotein C‐II deficiency. We report the first case of severe, non‐genetic, non‐familial, pregnancy‐induced hypertriglyceridemia. The genetic underlying causes were excluded by molecular genetic investigation. The reported case was managed solely by strict dietary control. Hypertriglyceridemia was diagnosed incidentally during pregnancy, in this case, while taking a blood sample to check her hemoglobin level. Acute pancreatitis, which is a relatively common life threatening complication of this condition, was avoided. This report reviews the subtypes of hyperlipidemia, clinical picture, antenatal management and its effect on pregnancy and vice versa. It is important that the clinician has a clear understanding of the normal lipid profile during pregnancy, the clinical picture, the potential complications, available treatment options of hypertriglyceridemia particularly during pregnancy. The timing and route of delivery should be individualized.
Is prostate‐specific antigen a potential new marker of androgen excess in polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Vural Birol , Özkan Sebiha , Bodur Harika 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAim:  To determine whether serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels are increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the possibility of PSA to be used as a diagnostic marker of hyperandrogenism in females.Methods:  A total of 43 women with PCOS and 43 age‐matched healthy females were recruited in this prospective case‐control study. The subjects were compared by means of demographic parameters, hormonal and metabolic measures and serum PSA levels. The correlations between this marker and a wide variety of hormonal, biochemical, anthropometric measures were evaluated. Student's t‐test, χ2‐test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used for the statistical analysis where appropriate. Statistical significance was assumed with a value of P < 0.05.Results:  Mean body mass index, waist/hip ratio, Ferriman–Gallwey scores (FG), lutenizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone ratio, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein levels were demonstrated to be significantly higher in PCOS (P = 0.02, P = 0.008, P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.007, P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). Total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosteronesulfate (DHEAS) levels appeared to be significantly higher in PCOS (P = 0.002, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). Serum PSA levels were found to be significantly higher in PCOS (PSA: 0.026 ± 0.023 ng/mL in PCOS, PSA: 0.009 ± 0.008 ng/mL in control cases, P < 0.001). Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was significantly lower in the subjects with PCOS (P < 0.001). Additionally, positive correlations between PSA and FG scores (r: 0.417, P ≤ 0.001), PSA and TT (r: 0.456, P = 0.03) and between PSA and DHEAS (r: 0.268, P = 0.02) were found. A negative correlation between SHBG and PSA was apparent (r : −0.40, P = 0.04).Conclusion:  PSA is a well‐established tumor marker of prostatic adenocarcinoma. It is also shown to be produced by extraprostatic tissues and fluids. As the gene expression of PSA is upregulated by the androgens and progestins in hormonally responsive tissues, hyperandrogenic syndromes such as PCOS may be associated with elevated serum PSA levels. PSA appears to be a promising marker of endogenous androgen excess in females suffering from PCOS.
THE SCOTS MAY BE BRAVE BUT THEY ARE NEITHER HEALTHY NOR HAPPY
Authors: Bell David , Blanchflower David G. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTOn almost all measures of physical health, Scots fare worse than residents of any other region of the UK and often worse than the rest of Europe. Deaths from chronic liver disease and lung cancer are particularly prevalent in Scotland. The self‐assessed well‐being of Scots is lower than that of the English or Welsh, even after taking into account any differences in characteristics. Scots also suffer from higher levels of self‐assessed depression or phobia, accidental death and suicide than those in other parts of Great Britain. This result is particularly driven by outcomes in Strathclyde and is consistent with the high scores for other measures of social deprivation in this area. On average, indicators of social capital in Scotland are no worse than in England or Wales. Detailed analysis within Scotland, however, shows that social capital indicators for the Strathclyde area are relatively low. We argue that these problems need to be directly targeted as they seem unlikely to be fixed by more indirect policies aimed at raising economic growth.
MONEY, SEX AND RELIGION: THE CASE OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Authors: Smith Ian , Sawkins John W. , Mochrie Robert I. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTThis empirical study addresses whether the gender of a minister has any effect on remuneration in the Church of Scotland in 2004. The data set merges three cross‐sectional sources, namely denominational data, church census information and local geographic (postcode) characteristics. We find that male ministers are more likely to be matched to affluent churches permitted to pay a voluntary stipend premium all else equal. Moreover, conditional on eligibility, there is evidence that male clergy are more likely to receive this bonus. The data are unable to discriminate between demand and supply side explanations of these findings.
ENDOGENOUS ECONOMIC POLICY AND THE STRUCTURE OF PRODUCTION: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Soo Kwok Tong 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper develops and tests a model that predicts a positive relationship between absolute levels of capital stock and how favourable are policies toward capital. The theoretical model we use is a model of campaign contributions and electoral competition, extended to consider the implications for factor mobility and hence the structure of production. There are two main predictions. First, countries with more capital stock tend to implement more pro‐capital policies. Second, in a two‐country model, the country that initially has more capital will be able to attract capital inflows from the other country. Given additional assumptions on the production side, this yields the prediction that the more different are countries' policies, the more different will be the set of goods that they produce. These predictions of the model are confirmed using panel data on cross‐state differences in policies and economic outcomes in India.
MONETARY POLICY IN EMU WITH ASYMMETRIC TRANSMISSION AND NON‐TRADABLE GOODS
Authors: Gros Daniel , Hefeker Carsten 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTWhich policy objective should a central bank pursue in a monetary union with asymmetric monetary transmission and different rates of inflation? Should it base its decisions on the EU‐wide average of inflation and growth or should it instead focus on (appropriately weighted) national utility losses based on national rates of inflation and growth? We find that a policy which minimises the sum of national utility losses leads to higher average utility if the variability of common shocks is large relative to idiosyncratic demand shocks in the non‐tradables sectors. We draw conclusions for the appropriate weight of common and national objectives in the union.
DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY: ROBUST RULES IN MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Demertzis Maria , Tieman Alexander F. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTWe argue that in seeking to insure against model uncertainty, monetary policy makers are often ready to trade ex post performance for greater certainty in the outcome. They thus look for rules that although not optimal ex post, have certain properties that qualify them as robust. We apply first, Gul's approach of ‘disappointment’ aversion to describe policy makers' aversion to uncertainty and then define the properties the notion of ‘robustness’ entails. With these two tools we then link the desirability of such robust rules to the degree of policy makers' aversion to uncertainty. We thus show that provided such robust rules exist, a larger degree of disappointment aversion leads to a greater emphasis on robustness in policy implementation.
Reluctant Kings and Christian Conversion in Seventh‐Century England
Authors: TYLER DAMIAN 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article challenges the generally accepted notion that conversion to Christianity was unambiguously beneficial for early Anglo‐Saxon kings. It argues that the behavioural requirements of conversion frequently clashed with the social and political norms of early English kingdoms and thus often made it an unattractive option. The article concentrates on the relationships between kings and politically powerful groups within their kingdoms. It is suggested that Christianity often posed a threat to the positions of these groups and that because kings relied on the support of the elites it was only under exceptional circumstances that a ruler would embrace the new religion.
Persistence, Principle and Patriotism in the Making of the Union of 1707: The Revolution, Scottish Parliament and the squadrone volante
Authors: PATRICK DEREK J. , WHATLEY CHRISTOPHER A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSince the 1960s most historians of the Union of 1707 have considered it a less than glorious chapter in Scotland's history. Driven by ambition and greed, Scots politicians, covetous of English wealth and swayed by promises and bribes, bartered their nation's independence for personal gain. Those genuinely committed to political union were in a minority. The following article maintains that this interpretation is based on an essentially short‐term approach to the subject. Concentrating on the worsening relations between Scotland and England in the years immediately preceding the Union gives a distorted impression of what was a more enduring concern. It suggests the Revolution of 1688–9 had a far greater impact on the politics of union than previously anticipated, with the religious and political freedoms it guaranteed shaping the beliefs of a large number of Scots MPs who sat in Parliament 1706–7, almost half of whom had been members of King William's Convention Parliament with a majority supporting union. Focusing on the squadrone volante– one of the two much‐maligned Scots unionist parties – the article traces the ideological roots of its key members and illustrates the various factors that led them to endorse an incorporating union which offered security for presbyterianism and a solution to Scotland's economic underdevelopment. Not denying that management and ambition played a significant part in securing the Union, it highlights the fact that amongst the Scottish political elite there was also a degree of genuine commitment and principled support.