bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-assembling layers created by membrane proteins on gold
Authors: Shah D.S. , Thomas M.B. , Phillips S. , Cisneros D.A. , Le Brun A.P. , Holt S.A. , Lakey J.H. 
Published: May 2007

Membrane systems are based on several types of organization. First, amphiphilic lipids are able to create monolayer and bilayer structures which may be flat, vesicular or micellar. Into these structures membrane proteins can be inserted which use the membrane to provide signals for lateral and orientational organization. Furthermore, the proteins are the product of highly specific self-assembly otherwise known as folding, which mostly places individual atoms at precise places in three dimensions. These structures all have dimensions in the nanoscale, except for the size of membrane planes which may extend for millimetres in large liposomes or centimetres on planar surfaces such as monolayers at the air/water interface. Membrane systems can be assembled on to surfaces to create supported bilayers and these have uses in biosensors and in electrical measurements using modified ion channels. The supported systems also allow for measurements using spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance and atomic force microscopy. By combining the roles of lipids and proteins, highly ordered and specific structures can be self-assembled in aqueous solution at the nanoscale.
Insulin producing primary ovarian carcinoid tumor
Authors: MORKEN NILS‐HALVDAN , MAJAK BERNARD , KAHN JARL A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCarcinoid tumors are slow growing and originate most frequently from gastrointestinal tissue (1). They may also appear in genital tissue like the ovaries. Primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are rare and contribute to less than 0.1% of all ovarian carcinomas (2).We report the first case of insulin producing primary carcinoid tumor of the ovary, initially presented with amnesia and hypoglycemia and subsequently successfully treated with surgery.
Determination of a saliva cotinine cut‐off to distinguish pregnant smokers from pregnant non‐smokers
Authors: HEGAARD HANNE K. , KJÆRGAARD HANNE , MØLLER LARS F. , WACHMANN HENRIK , OTTESEN BENT 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Objective validation of smoking status is necessary. Earlier studies have used saliva cotinine concentrations between 14.2 and 30 ng/ml as cut‐off values to distinguish pregnant smokers from non‐smokers. However, these cut‐offs derive from studies including men and non‐pregnant women. This constitutes a problem, as recent studies have reported an accelerated metabolism in pregnant smokers. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum cut‐off cotinine level distinguishing pregnant smokers from pregnant non‐smokers. Methods. An observational study of 620 pregnant women, 359 self‐reported smokers and 261 self‐reported non‐smokers, with complete data on smoking status and saliva cotinine. The study was conducted at a large university hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark. Saliva was sampled at the first antenatal visit to the midwife and analyzed for cotinine level by gas chromatography. Participants completed a questionnaire immediately after the first visit. Results. A saliva cotinine cut‐off level of 13 ng/ml, corresponding to a sensitivity of 0.99 and specificity 0.98, was found to be the optimum cut‐off value separating pregnant smokers from non‐smokers. The sum of the sensitivity and specificity was at its maximum, 1.981. A 95% bootstrap confidence interval for the optimum cut‐off was (8–14 ng/ml). Conclusion. From the present data we recommend that in future studies on smoking cessation and pregnancy a cut‐off level of 13 ng/ml should be applied to distinguish between pregnant smokers and non‐smokers.
Denial of pregnancy ‐ characteristics of women at risk
Authors: WESSEL JENS , GAURUDER‐BURMESTER ANNETT , GERLINGER CHRISTOPH 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground.Denial of pregnancy is a woman's subjective lack of awareness of being pregnant. Denial throughout most of gestation or until delivery may be associated with significant risks for both mother and fetus. We wanted to investigate if maternal characteristics were useful in order to identify women at risk.Methods.A 1‐year prospective study was performed to recruit all women with denied pregnancies in Berlin, Germany. Maternal parameters were analysed and sociodemographic variables were compared with the regional birth register.Results.Sixty‐five women were recruited. Maternal age was between 15 and 44 years (median 27 years). Only 21 women had never been pregnant before. A large majority (83%) had a close partner. Three women had a psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia, and only one a current abuse of analgesics/tranquilizer.Conclusions.The group of women with denied pregnancy was heterogeneous, and a clear‐cut typology of a ‘pregnancy denier’ could not be established.
Variation in the amniotic fluid index following moderate physical activity in water during pregnancy
Authors: DERTKIGIL MARCIA SAN JUAN , CECATTI JOSE GUILHERME , SARNO MANUEL A.C. , CAVALCANTE SERGIO RICARDO , MARUSSI EMILIO FRANCISCO 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. To evaluate changes in the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in low‐risk pregnant women before and after physical activity in water. Methods. This was a prospective trial with a before‐after approach. Women carried out moderate physical activity for 50 min, 3 times a week, while partially immersed in a swimming pool at 30°C. Women with 2 or more previous cesarean sections, with a high‐risk pregnancy or medical contra‐indications for physical activity were excluded. They were evaluated weekly by ultrasonography, from 20 weeks of pregnancy until delivery, to evaluate AFI before and after physical activity in water. A second observer also performed the AFI measurements, in order to establish inter‐observer variability. Analysis was performed using Student's t‐test or Wilcoxon tests. The linear correlation coefficient was used to assess inter‐observer variability. Results. A total of 25 pregnant women, 19–36 years of age, participated in the study between May 2003 and December 2004. A total of 232 ultrasonographic evaluations of AFI were carried out, a mean of 9.28 examinations per woman. Statistically significant increases in AFI were found following immersion at almost every week of pregnancy. The increase in AFI post‐immersion compared to pre‐immersion values ranged from 8.8 to 21.5%. There was good inter‐observer agreement. The correlation coefficient for the inter‐observer variability was 0.78 for pre‐immersion measurements, and 0.70 for post‐immersion measurements. Conclusions. Physical activity in water appears to significantly increase AFI. Since this is a non‐invasive therapy, we speculate that its clinical application may have significant value.
Are clinical symptoms more predictive than laboratory parameters for adverse maternal outcome in HELLP syndrome?
Authors: CAVKAYTAR SABRI , UGURLU EVIN NIL , KARAER ABDULLAH , TAPISIZ OMER LUTFI , DANISMAN NURI 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. To determine the risk factors for adverse maternal outcome among women with HELLP syndrome. Methods. Sixty‐one pregnancies with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome diagnosed antenatally were reviewed between 2003 and 2005. Maternal outcomes analyzed included eclampsia, abruptio placentae, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), acute renal failure, need for transfusion of blood products, cesarean delivery and maternal death. Risk factors included maternal age, parity, gestational age at diagnosis, mean arterial blood pressure, headache, visual changes, nausea‐vomiting, epigastric pain, blood platelet count (≤50,000 versus>50,000 cells/mm3), and peak serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase. Results. Eclampsia was present in 52%, abruptio placentae in 11%, and DIC in 8% of 61 women with HELLP syndrome. 23% women required transfusion of blood products, 15% had acute renal failure, and 73% had cesarean section. Women with eclampsia had significantly more headache, nausea‐vomiting, visual changes and epigastric pain (p<0.05). Transfusion was significantly more frequent among women with blood platelet counts≤50,000 cells/mm3 (33 versus 21%; p<0.05). Women with a platelet count≤50,000 cells/mm3 had a higher rate of DIC compared to women with a platelet count>50,000 cells/mm3 (33.3 versus 3.8%; p<0.05). In women with acute renal failure and abruptio placentae, there were no significant differences in all the variables studied between those with and without these complications. Conclusions. Clinical symptoms, such as headache, visual changes, epigastric pain and nausea‐vomiting, are more predictive than laboratory parameters for adverse maternal outcomes.
The probability of successful IVF outcome after poor ovarian response*
Authors: SALDEEN PIA , KÄLLEN KARIN , SUNDSTRÖM PER 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. To evaluate the relationship between age and poor ovarian response to pregnancy and cancellation rate after IVF stimulation. Methods. Poor ovarian response was defined as ≤5 follicles at ovum pick up (OPU). Out of 1,706 consecutive OPUs performed during 2003/2004, 290 poor responders were identified. This cohort of poor responders was divided into two groups, ‘older’ and ‘younger’, with a cut‐off at the median age of 37 years. The pregnancy and cancellation rates after OPU were analysed. Results. Women aged >37 years, who were poor responders, had a significantly lower pregnancy rate per OPU (3.0%) compared to normal to high responders in the same age group (22.1%, p<0.05). Also, 43.6% of women >37 years, who were classified as poor responders, did not receive an embryo transfer (ET), compared to 13.2% of normal to high responders in this age group (p<0.05). Poor responders who were ≤37 years had a significantly lower pregnancy rate/OPU compared to normal to high responders who were ≤37 years (14.0 versus 34.5%, p<0.05) and a higher cancellation rate (40.1 versus 10.5%). Logistic regression analyses showed strong correlations between treatment outcome and the number of oocytes, age, and the mean and cumulative FSH dose given. The variable with the strongest impact on negative outcome was an interactive term between mean age and mean‐FSH dose (p = 5.0×10−5), indicating that women >37 years, who receive high doses of FSH have a significantly poorer treatment outcome than can be explained by either age or FSH dose alone. Conclusions. Poor ovarian response after IVF stimulation requires thorough counselling prior to OPU, regardless of the woman's age. In poor responders >37 years of age, especially those who require high FSH doses, we suggest that the decision whether or not to proceed to OPU should include the couple after thorough counselling, even though the chance of successful outcome is extremely low.
Young women's sexual health and their views on dialogue with health professionals
Authors: WENDT EVA , HILDINGH CATHRINE , LIDELL EVY , WESTERSTÅHL ANNA , BAIGI AMIR , MARKLUND BERTIL 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Many women who experience sexual problems or who have been subjected to sexual abuse, do not seek help, and often health professionals avoid raising such issues. The aim of this study was to describe young women's sexual health and their views on a dialogue about aspects of sexuality in connection with a gynecologic examination. Method. Cross‐sectional study. Women, 23, 26 and 29 years of age, called for gynecologic screening between March and July 2006 (n = 488; response rate 75%). Descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression and bivariate analysis were used. Results. The majority (95%) had a positive attitude towards sexuality, although many women reported sexual problems, and one‐fifth (22%) were dissatisfied with their sex life. Women considered it appropriate to be asked about sexuality in general (92%), while a majority (72%) found questions about sexual abuse appropriate. However, depending on the area, the majority (76–99%) had never been asked such questions. Demographic variables, aspects of life, sexuality and sexual abuse were irrelevant for whether women considered it appropriate to be asked questions about aspects of sexuality, by a midwife/doctor in connection with a gynecologic examination. Conclusion. The result can activate health professionals to initiate a dialogue about sexual issues among young women. In this way, many women who experience sexual problems or have been subjected to sexual abuse, may be provided the opportunity to improve their sexual health.
Risk of preterm delivery in relation to maternal low birth weight
Authors: DE BARNA , LIN STEPHANIE , LOHSOONTHORN VITOOL , WILLIAMS MICHELLE A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective. We examined the relationship between maternal low birth weight and preterm delivery risk. Methods. Information concerning maternal birth weight was collected during in‐person interviews. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Preterm delivery cases were studied in aggregate, in subgroups (spontaneous preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, medically induced preterm delivery, moderate preterm delivery [gestational age at delivery 34–36 weeks], and early preterm delivery [gestational age at delivery <34 weeks]). Results. After adjusting for confounders, women weighing <2,500 g at birth had a 1.54‐fold increased risk of preterm delivery versus women weighing = 2,500 g (95% CI 0.97–2.44). Maternal low birth weight was associated with a 2‐fold increased risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (95% CI 1.03–3.89), but weakly associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 0.67–3.09) and medically induced preterm delivery (OR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.43–2.82). Maternal low birth weight was more strongly associated with early preterm delivery (OR = 1.94) than with moderate preterm delivery (OR = 1.46). Women weighing <2,500 g at birth and who became obese (pre‐pregnancy body mass index, = 30 kg/m2) before pregnancy had a 3.65‐fold increased risk of preterm delivery (95% CI 1.33–10.02) versus women weighing =2,500 g at birth and who were not obese prior to pregnancy (<30 kg/m2). Conclusions. Results confirm earlier findings linking maternal low birth weight with future risk of preterm delivery.
Rupture of the scarred uterus
Authors: GROSSETTI E. , VARDON D. , CREVEUIL C. , HERLICOVIEZ M. , DREYFUS M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess the risk of uterine rupture of the scarred uterus according to mode of delivery in subsequent births recorded as spontaneous labour, labour induced by oxytocin, labour after ripening with prostaglandin E2, and planned cesarean section. Methods. Retrospective study of 2,128 births with a low transversal scar after a previous cesarean section. The study population was realised in a level III university hospital from 1995 to 2003. The association between mode of delivery and uterine rupture was studied in a multivariate logistic regression model, and adjusted for specific antenatal confounding factors. Results. Over 9 years, we collected 22 cases (1%), including 11 asymptomatic ruptures in a population of 2,128 scarred uteri out of 28,248 deliveries. Uterine rupture occurred at a rate of 0.3 per 100 among women with repeated cesarean delivery without labour, 1 per 100 among women with spontaneous onset of labour, 1.4 per 100 among women with oxytocin‐induced labour, and 2.2 per 100 among women with prostaglandin cervical ripening. Compared to women with a planned cesarean section, women with spontaneous onset of labour were more likely to have uterine rupture (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 0.8–42.0). A greater relative risk was observed among women with oxytocin‐induced labour (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 0.3–60.0), and particularly those with prostaglandin‐induced labour (OR: 8.7; 95% CI: 1.5–97.3, p = 0.01). Conclusion. In women with a scarred uterus, prostaglandin E2 induction of labour is a risk factor for uterine rupture. The practice of a systematic cesarean section in cases with Bishop score <3, appropriate induction procedure, and rigorous monitoring of the labour, could make for a safer delivery.
Intraperitoneal octenidindihydro‐chloride – phenoxyethanol solution to prevent peritoneal adhesion formation in a rat peritonitis model
Authors: GÜZELSAĞALTICI NIHAT , GIRGIN SADULLAH , GEDIK ERCAN , BÜYÜKBAYRAM HÜSEYIN , BAÇ BILSEL 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Peritoneal adhesion is a common complication following abdominal surgery. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, it still presents a problem for the patients and surgeons. In the present study, we investigated the effects of octenidindihydro‐chloride – phenoxyethanol (OCP) on peritoneal adhesions. Method. Rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (saline), Group 2 (peritonitis plus saline), Group 3 (OCP), and Group 4 (peritonitis plus OCP). Peritonitis was induced in the rats of Groups 2 and 4. The abdominal cavities of the rats in Groups 1 and 2 were washed with saline, while those of the rats in Groups 3 and 4 were irrigated with 1:10 OCP solution. Adhesion and fibrotic scores were determined by re‐laparotomy after 21 days. Results. The adhesion scores in Groups 1 (saline), 2 (peritonitis plus saline), 3 (OCP) and 4 (peritonitis plus OCP) were 3.30±0.94, 5.25±1.03, 1.12±0.83 and 0.28±0.48, respectively. Statistical analysis of adhesion scores revealed significant differences between groups, except between Groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.265). Statistical analyses of grades of histopathological signs showed that Group 1 differed from Groups 2 and 4 (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, respectively); Group 2 differed from Groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, differences between Group 3 and Groups 1 and 4 were not significant (p = 0.06, p = 0.08, respectively). Conclusion. OCP decreased the peritoneal adhesion formation macroscopically and microscopically in the presence or absence of peritonitis. Peritoneal defects due to trauma are to be left open and OCP diluted 1:1 should not be used intraperitoneally.
Surgical staging, treatment, and follow‐up of borderline tumors in different hospital categories: a prospective nationwide survey in Finland
Authors: KUMPULAINEN SALLA , KUOPPALA TAPIO , LEMINEN ARTO , KOMULAINEN MARJA , PUISTOLA ULLA , SANKILA RISTO , MÄKINEN JUHA , GRÉNMAN SEIJA 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Surgical treatment and staging of ovarian borderline tumors have been reported to be often suboptimal and differ considerably. We evaluated the extent of surgical treatment of these tumors in different hospital categories. Material and methods. A prospective survey performed in 1999 included 65 patients operated on for borderline ovarian tumors and covered 78% of such patients reported to the Finnish Cancer Registry. Detailed information of demographic data and surgical treatment was reported by the responsible physicians using a special questionnaire after confirmation of histopathology. Results. Fifty‐eight patients (89%) had stage I tumor, only two patients (3%) had stage II disease and five patients (8%) had stage III disease with peritoneal implants. The majority of the patients underwent bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (66%) and hysterectomy (58%). Unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy was performed for 21 (32%) and omentectomy for 22 (34%) patients. Ten out of the 16 women under 40 years of age had fertility‐sparing surgery. Peritoneal biopsies were taken in 16 (25%) women and lymphadenectomy was performed for 9 (14%) patients with clinical suspicion of invasive ovarian carcinoma. Frozen section was taken in half of the patients and the histology remained the same in 72% of the final pathology reports. No clear differences of the extent of surgical treatment were detected between different hospital categories. Overall cumulative 5‐year relative survival rate was 96%. Conclusions. Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and hysterectomy was performed for the majority of patients with borderline ovarian tumor. More attention should be paid to adequate staging of borderline tumors in all hospital categories.
Medical management of first trimester miscarriage according to ultrasonographic findings
Authors: VEJBORG T.S. , NILAS L. , RØRBYE C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. The efficacy of medical treatment of first trimester miscarriages may depend on the regimen used, the definition of success, clinical symptoms, and, possibly, on the ultrasonographic findings. Our primary aim was to assess if a single dose of misoprostol could reduce the number of surgical interventions in early pregnancy failure, and to compare efficacy in different ultrasonographically‐defined subgroups. Methods. A retrospective review of 355 consecutive patients treated for a first trimester miscarriage with a single dose of vaginal misoprostol (400 μg), followed by vaginal ultrasonography after either 1, 2 or 3 days. Treatment was successful if a complete abortion was diagnosed at follow‐up. The women were divided into 4 ultrasonographically‐defined groups: missed abortion with a crown rump length (CRL) ≥6 mm (Group A1) or CRL <6 mm (Group A2), anembryonic gestation with gestational sac ≥18 mm (Group B1) or <18 mm (Group B2). Results. The overall success rate was 39.2% (139/355). The regimen was more efficacious in Group A2 (50%) and less efficacious in Group B1 (26.6%) than in the other groups. The success rates were lower 1 day after treatment (30.2%) compared to days 2 and 3 (43.6%; p<0.05), and the difference was largest in Group B1 (12.9 versus 35.4%; p<0.05). Conclusions. Single dose misoprostol reduced the number of surgical interventions. The success rates of medically‐treated first trimester miscarriages varied according to the ultrasonographic definitions of pregnancy failure, time of assessment, and the criteria for success.
Testosterone versus clobetasol for maintenance of vulvar lichen sclerosus associated with variable degrees of squamous cell hyperplasia
Authors: AYHAN ALI , GUVEN EMINE SEDA GUVENDAG , GUVEN SULEYMAN , SAKINCI MEHMET , DOGAN N. UTKU , KUCUKALI TURKAN 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the therapeutic regimens and symptomatic response rates in patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus associated with variable degrees of squamous cell hyperplasia (mixed disease). Material and methods. Eighty‐three women with biopsy‐proven vulvar mixed disease were evaluated for this retrospective study. All patients were initially treated with topical fluorinated corticosteroids, and then 2% testosterone propionate in petrolatum or 0.05% clobetasol 17‐propionate (44 (53%) versus 39 (47%)). Results. The remission rates were 82 and 93% in the testosterone and clobetasol subgroups at the end of 6 months (p = 0.112), respectively. The disease recurred in 8% of the patients. The recurrence rates in the testosterone and clobetasol arms were 13 and 5%, respectively (p = 0.163). The histopathological review of the repeat vulvar biopsies of the patients without symptomatic relief revealed 6 (60%) patients with persistent disease, 2 (20%) with lichen sclerosus, 1 (10%) with atypical squamous hyperplasia, and 1 (10%) with VIN1. Two patients with recurrent disease and 2 patients with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia I–II or atypical squamous hyperplasia were treated with skinning vulvectomy. Conclusions. Clobetasol resulted in higher remission and lower recurrence rates than those in testosterone therapy, although statistically significant differences were not obtained. In the evaluation of patients without symptomatic relief, the first step should be a vulvar biopsy to exclude the presence of atypical components.