bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of violence against pregnant women in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: FAWOLE Adeniran Olubukola , HUNYINBO Kehinde Isaac , FAWOLE Olufunmilayo Ibitola 
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of violence to pregnant women within 12 months prior to and during the current pregnancy.Methods:  Cross‐sectional study of 534 pregnant women attending three secondary and one tertiary health facility in Abeokuta, Nigeria using semistructured interviewer‐administered questionnaires.Results:  Prevalence of violence within 12 months prior to pregnancy was 14.2%. Polygamous union, low level of education in both woman and partner and consumption of alcohol by partners were significant (P < 0.05) risk factors of violence prior to pregnancy. Verbal abuse was the most common (66.2%) type of abuse. Others included flogging (10.8%), slaps (9.5%), threats of violence (6.8%) and forced sexual intercourse (2.7%). The perpetrators were often husbands (65.8%) and the parents (15.8%).Some 2.3% of pregnant women had experienced violence during current pregnancy. Low level of education was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with experiencing violence during pregnancy. Although almost 25% of the pregnancies were unplanned, this was not significantly associated with experiencing violence (P > 0.05). There were similarities in the perpetrators and forms of violence experienced before and during pregnancy, with partners being the most common perpetrators.Conclusion: Gender‐based violence is common in our environment. Health‐care providers should routinely screen for gender‐based violence during antenatal visits in order to protect the health of both mother and child.
Prevalence and correlates of dysmenorrhea among Nigerian college women
Authors: LOTO Olabisi M. , ADEWUMI Tomi A. , ADEWUYA Abiodun O. 
Published: October 2008

The study assessed first year students in a Nigerian university (n = 409) for dysmenorrhea. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 53.3% and most students experienced pain at onset of menses. About half of the students reported that menstrual pain interferes with their normal daily activity. The independent predictors of dysmenorhea were longer days of menstrual flow, younger age at menarche and lower scores on extraversion scale. College health‐care providers should screen routinely for dysmenorrhea among students and offer treatment. As dysmenorrhea reportedly affects school performance and attendance, more attention should be devoted to providing health education on this topic to students.
What is the place of uterine artery embolisation in the management of symptomatic uterine fibroids?
Authors: HICKEY Martha , HAMMOND Ian 
Published: October 2008

Background:  Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is an alternative to surgical management for symptomatic uterine fibroids and is increasingly performed in Australia.Aims:  To review the evidence for the efficacy, safety and acceptability of UAE and to evaluate the place of UAE in AustraliaMethods:  The study used literature review.Results:  UAE compares favourably to hysterectomy and myomectomy in terms of short‐term symptom relief, cost, patient satisfaction and complications. There is a paucity of evidence regarding fertility and pregnancy after UAE. A significant minority of women require re‐intervention following UAE.Conclusions:  UAE should be considered as an alternative to surgical management of symptomatic uterine fibroids in carefully selected and informed patients.
Violence during pregnancy: Associations with pregnancy intendedness, pregnancy‐related care, and alcohol and tobacco use among a representative sample of New Zealand women
Authors: FANSLOW Janet , SILVA Martha , ROBINSON Elizabeth , WHITEHEAD Anna 
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To explore the extent of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with pregnancy intendedness and pregnancy‐related behaviours among a representative sample of New Zealand women.Methods:  Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 2391 women who had ever been pregnant, aged 18–64 years old in two regions (urban and rural) in New Zealand.Results:  Six per cent of urban women and 9% of rural women had ever experienced violence during pregnancy; approximately 40% of these had experienced violence in more than one pregnancy. Women who had experienced violence in pregnancy, compared with those who had not, were less likely to report their last pregnancy had been wanted at that time (28% vs 55%), and less likely to report that their partner wanted the pregnancy (40% vs 57%). Antenatal and postnatal care attendance was almost universal during the last pregnancy. Women who had experienced violence during pregnancy were more likely to smoke tobacco during pregnancy (67% vs 22%, P < 0.0001), and more commonly, consumed alcohol (31% vs 20%, not significant). For the most recent pregnancy in which women had experienced violence, most was perpetrated by the child's biological father (96%), and most women (74%) reported that the same man had also beaten her before she was pregnant.Conclusions:  Violence during pregnancy is a significant problem for New Zealand women, with negative health implications for both women and their children. Active intervention and support is necessary to mitigate potential consequences.
Once‐daily extended‐release levetiracetam as adjunctive treatment of partial‐onset seizures in patients with epilepsy: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Peltola Jukka , Coetzee Christo , Jiménez Fiacro , Litovchenko Tetyana , Ramaratnam Sridharan , Zaslavaskiy Leonid , Lu Zhihong (Sarah) , Sykes Deanne M. ,   Levetiracetam XR N01235 Study Group
Published: October 2008

SummaryPurpose: Double‐blind randomized trial to assess efficacy and tolerability of once‐daily extended‐release levetiracetam (LEV XR) tablets (2 × 500 mg) as add‐on therapy in patients (12–70 years old) with partial‐onset seizures (POS) refractory to one to three antiepileptic drugs.Methods: After an 8‐week prospective baseline‐period, eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to once‐daily LEV XR 1,000 mg/day or placebo for 12 weeks. Evaluations included changes from baseline in POS‐frequency/week, responders (≥50% reduction in POS‐frequency/week), seizure‐freedom, adverse events, laboratory tests, physical and neurologic examinations, vital signs, body‐weight, and 12‐lead electrocardiogram.Results: Of 188 patients screened, 158 were randomized (intention‐to‐treat population): LEV XR (n = 79) or placebo (n = 79). Seventy‐one (89.9%) LEV XR and 72 (91.1%) placebo patients completed the trial. Median POS‐frequency/week reduction was 46.1% on LEV XR and 33.4% on placebo. Estimated reduction with LEV XR over placebo was 14.4% (p = 0.038). Thirty‐four (43%) LEV XR and 23 (29.1%) placebo patients experienced ≥50% reduction in POS‐frequency/week. Eight (10.1%) patients receiving LEV XR and one (1.3%) receiving placebo were free of POS during the 12‐week treatment period. Forty‐one (53.2%) LEV XR and 43 (54.4%) placebo patients reported ≥1 adverse event. Adverse events reported with an incidence >5% and seen more often with LEV XR than with placebo were somnolence, influenza, irritability, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, and nausea.Discussion: Once‐daily LEV XR 1,000 mg was effective and well‐tolerated as adjunct therapy in patients with POS. Ten percent of patients randomized to LEV XR experienced freedom from POS. These results support the clinical value of this new LEV XR formulation.
Human Calmodulin‐Like Protein (CLP) Expression in Oral Squamous Mucosa and in Malignant Transformation
Authors: Brooks Michael D. , Bennett Richard D. , Strehler Emanuel E. , Sebo Thomas J. , Eckert Stephen E. , Carr Alan B. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test whether calmodulin‐like protein (CLP) is expressed in normal human oral mucosal cells and if downregulation of CLP occurs in malignant transformation. Materials and Methods: Oral mucosal tissue was taken from three individuals in a double‐blind manner. The samples were cut, measured, and homogenized. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. Each cDNA sample was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR fragments were purified, cloned, and sequenced to verify the presence of CLP. Three oral mucosal tissue samples with biopsy‐confirmed squamous cell carcinoma were obtained. These samples demonstrated regions of normal epithelial cells as well as invasive squamous cell carcinoma. One normal breast epithelial sample was also obtained for positive control. Sections were stained with an affinity‐purified CLP antibody and counterstained with a diluted hematoxylin. Two observers evaluated the specimens for expression of CLP. Staining patterns and intensity were noted in normal oral mucosa, comparing them to the normal breast epithelium sample. Staining patterns and intensity were then observed in squamous tumor cells, comparing them to the patterns of benign squamous mucosa. Results: CLP coding sequences were positively identified from the normal oral mucosal tissue samples by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with 100% identity to the published CLP sequence (accession #M58026). In the three oral mucosa tissue samples with known squamous cell carcinoma, expression of CLP was readily detected in areas of normal oral mucosa, while a notable downregulation of CLP expression occurred in areas of malignant transformation. The staining intensity was equivalent to the staining seen in the benign breast epithelium used as a control. In the areas of squamous cell carcinoma, a decrease in CLP immunoreactivity occurred. There was a sharp contrast in staining quality and clarity between benign and malignant tissue. In the majority of the carcinoma regions, a complete lack of immunoreactivity was noted. Conclusions: The RNA for human CLP is found in normal oral mucosa. CLP expression is seen in normal oral mucosa with a downregulation of CLP expression in malignant transformation.
Surgical Stent Fabrication for Unilateral Nasal Obstruction of the Anterior Portion of the Nasal Airway
Authors: Wong Fong , Smith Christopher R. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA description is given of the indication and technical steps for fabricating a unilateral nasal stent to maintain patency of the nasal passage after surgical opening of an obstruction in a pediatric case. The methodology uses a two‐step impression of the contralateral unobstructed naris and exterior valve region to generate a two‐piece injection mold. The mold is used to fabricate a soft silicone‐based anatomical stent. It supports an intranasal skin graft that was placed to reduce the risk of granulation.
Markers of platelet activation and apoptosis during storage of apheresis‐ and buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates for 7 days
Authors: Albanyan Abdul‐Majeed , Harrison Paul , Murphy Michael F. 
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: The different production methods for platelet concentrates (PCs) result in products with variable in vitro quality and in vivo viability. The aim of this study was to compare in vitro variables of PCs produced by apheresis (AP‐PC) or the buffy coat (BC‐PC) method by applying a number of new and established assays.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Standard TRIMA Accel (Gambro BCT) AP‐PCs (n = 20) and BC‐PCs (n = 20) were stored in 100 percent plasma and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were assessed using 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethlybenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide (JC‐1) dye on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The capacity of platelets (PLTs) for oxidative phosphorylation was also monitored by measuring oxygen consumption using a Clark‐type electrode. PLT viability was measured using a new assay that utilizes the vital stains calcein‐AM and FM4‐64. Expression of phosphatidylserine (PS), CD42b, CD47, CD61, and CD62P was also assessed.RESULTS: Although the JC‐1 ratio (FL2/FL1) decreased significantly in both preparations, the percentage of PLTs with depolarized ΔΨm increased significantly in BC‐PCs but not in AP‐PCs. However, no significant change was detected in the PLTs' ability to consume oxygen in both preparations. PLTs in BC‐PCs also showed significantly lower GPIb, CD47, and CD61 expression than AP‐PCs on Day 1. PLTs in both preparations, however, showed a similar increase in CD62P and PS expression during storage, without significant loss of viability.CONCLUSIONS: PLTs in AP‐PCs and BC‐PCs undergo different degrees of deterioration in mitochondrial integrity and thus may undergo different degrees of apoptosis. Interventions that maintain mitochondrial integrity may improve PLT viability in vitro.
Efficacy and safety of the use of autologous plasma rich in platelets for tissue regeneration: a systematic review
Authors: Martínez‐Zapata Ma José , Martí‐Carvajal Arturo , Solà Ivan , Bolibar Ignasi , Ángel Expósito José , Rodriguez Luciano , García Joan 
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Autologous plasma rich in platelets (PRP) is a derived blood product whose application in clinical practice is growing. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A search was performed in electronic databases. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in adult patients were included and assessed for methodologic quality. The main outcomes were “tissue regeneration” and “safety.” Relative risks (RRs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to show pooled estimates for these outcomes. When the results heterogeneity was more than 50 percent, a sensitivity analysis was performed.RESULTS: Twenty RCTs were included (11 of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 7 of chronic skin ulcers, and 2 of surgery wounds). Four RCTs evaluated the depth reduction in gingival recession in chronic periodontitis; the SMD was 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.92) mm, favorable to PRP. Three RCTs evaluated the clinical attachment level in chronic periodontitis; the SMD was 0.33 (95% CI, −0.71 to 1.37) mm. Six RCTs assessed the complete skin epithelialization in wound ulcers; the RR was 1.40 (95% CI, 0.85 to 2.31). Only 6 RCTs reported adverse effects without differences between groups.CONCLUSIONS: PRP improves the gingival recession but not the clinical attachment level in chronic periodontitis. In the complete healing process of chronic skin ulcers, the results are inconclusive. There are little data about PRP safety. There are several methodologic limitations and, consequently, future research should focus on strong and well‐designed RCTs that assess the efficacy and safety of PRP.
Impact of Remote Magnetic Catheter Navigation on Ablation Fluoroscopy and Procedure Time
Authors: KIM ALBERT M. , TURAKHIA MINTU , LU JONATHAN , BADHWAR NITISH , LEE BYRON K. , LEE RANDALL J. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , TSENG ZIAN H. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN , OLGIN JEFFREY E. 
Published: October 2008

Background:

Remote magnetic catheter navigation (RCN) is gaining acceptance in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, but details regarding how RCN affects procedure execution are not well characterized.
Methods:

From January 1, 2005, to November 30, 2007, 721 cases were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Of these, 127 used RCN and 594 used manual catheter navigation (MCN). Data including procedure time, fluoroscopy time, ablation catheter, procedural success, and complications were extracted from our procedure database and compared between RCN and MCN.
Results:

RCN use significantly decreased fluoroscopy time for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation (−29 minutes, P < 0.001), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ablation (−14 minutes, P < 0.001), and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia ablation (−18 minutes, P = 0.045). While RCN significantly increased mean procedure time for AF (+36 minutes, P = 0.003) and atypical atrial flutter cases (+116 minutes, P = 0.016), RCN AF procedure time diminished with increasing number of cases performed. Two cases of tamponade occurred during AF ablation using MCN (2.2%, 2 of 91 cases). No tamponade occurred during all 75 AF ablations with RCN.
Conclusion:

RCN can reduce fluoroscopy time and may reduce complications during catheter ablation. While it may increase total procedure duration, procedure times decrease with increasing operator experience.
Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Resulting from Right Ventricular Apical Pacing: Relevance of Baseline Assessment
Authors: PASTORE GIANNI , NOVENTA FRANCO , PIOVESANA PIERGIUSEPPE , CAZZIN ROBERTO , AGGIO SILVIO , VERLATO ROBERTO , ZANON FRANCESCO , BARACCA ENRICO , RONCON LORIS , PADELETTI LUIGI , BAROLD S. SERGE 
Published: October 2008

Objectives:

Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in patients undergoing short‐term right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing and correlation with baseline echocardiographic and clinical characteristics.
Background:

RVA pacing causes abnormal ventricular depolarization that may lead to mechanical LV dyssynchrony. The relationships between pacing‐induced LV dyssynchrony and baseline echocardiographic and clinical variables have not been fully clarified.
Methods:

Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in 153 patients before and after RVA pacing. LV dyssynchrony was measured by the time between the shortest and longest electromechanical delays in the five basal LV segments (intra‐LV). The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was evaluated in three groups: baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, 35–55%, and ≥55%. The intrapatient effect of RVA pacing was determined as the percent increase in intra‐LV value (Δintra‐LV%). The pacing‐induced intra‐LV was correlated with baseline variables.
Results:

The prevalence and degree of LV dyssynchrony after RVA pacing was significantly higher in patients with lower LVEF (P < 0.001). ΔIntra‐LV% was inversely correlated with baseline intra‐LV and LVEF (B =−2.6, B =−4.2, P < 0.001). Baseline intra‐LV and LV end‐systolic volume correlated positively with intra‐LV after RVA pacing (B = 0.49, B = 0.6, P < 0.001), whereas LVEF showed an inverse correlation.
Conclusions:

The degree of LV dyssynchrony induced by RVA is variable. Patients with higher baseline LV dyssynchrony, more dilated LV, and more depressed LVEF showed a higher degree of LV dyssynchrony during pacing. These findings may assume importance in predicting the risk of heart failure in pacemaker patients.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of the Small Heat Shock Protein alphaB‐Crystallin in Term Human Placenta
Authors: Mineva Ivelina , Stamenova Maria , Gartner Wolfgang , Wagner Ludwig 
Published: October 2008

Problem  Expression of heat shock proteins has been described in different tissues relevant to human reproduction, including placenta. AlphaB‐crystallin is a member of the small heat shock protein family (sHsp) exerting biologically important chaperon functions.Method of study  Immunofluorescence; immunoblot analysis; quantitative real‐time‐PCR; CpG island methylation analysis.Results  In this study, we once again describe the expression of alphaB‐crystallin in the stroma of the placental villi and in the cytoplasm of decidual cells by immunofluorescence. In contrast, Hsp27 – another sHsp family member – was detected exclusively in the syncytiotrophoblast layer. This varying expression pattern provides additional support to earlier reports of functional differences between both proteins. Semi‐quantitative immunoblot analysis of placenta tissue specimens (n = 6) revealed Hsp27 expression exceeding that of alphaB‐crystallin, albeit with inter‐individual variations. Inter‐individual alphaB‐crystallin expression variations were confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR. CpG island methylation was ruled out as the underlying cause for the inter‐individual alphaB‐crystallin expression variations. However, the expression extent of GATA3, which is a transcription factor with corresponding elements within the alphaB‐crystallin gene (CRYAB) promoter, paralleled that of alphaB‐crystallin. We demonstrated remarkable GATA3 expression in placental tissue, exceeding that of other endocrine organs.Conclusion  We can conclude that the differential expression patterns of alphaB‐crystallin and Hsp27 indicate functional differences between these highly related proteins in placental tissues.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Effect of Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide and Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha on Ovarian Function
Authors: Williams Erin J. , Sibley Kelly , Miller Aleisha N. , Lane Elizabeth A. , Fishwick John , Nash Deborah M. , Herath Shan , England Gary C. W. , Dobson Hilary , Sheldon I. Martin 
Published: October 2008

Problem  Pelvic inflammatory disease and metritis are important causes of infertility in humans and domestic animals. Uterine infection with Escherichia coli in cattle is associated with reduced ovarian follicle growth and decreased estradiol secretion. We hypothesized that this effect could be mediated by the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα).Method of study  In vitro, bovine ovarian theca and granulosa cells were treated with LPS or TNFα and steroid secretion measured. In vivo, the effect of LPS or TNFα intrauterine infusion was determined by ovarian ultrasonography and measurement of hormones in cattle.Results  Lipopolysaccharide reduced granulosa cell estradiol secretion, whilst TNFα decreased theca and granulosa cell androstenedione and estradiol production, respectively. In vivo, fewer animals ovulated following intrauterine infusion with LPS or TNFα.Conclusion  Lipopolysaccharide and TNFα suppress ovarian cell function, supporting the concept that pelvic inflammatory disease and metritis are detrimental for bovine ovarian health.
Continuing Medical Education: Regulation of Epididymal Contractility During Semen Emission, the First Part of the Ejaculatory Process: A Role for Estrogen (CME)
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Morelli Annamaria , Luconi Michaela , Jannini Emmanuele , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionEjaculation is an important step of the male sexual response, and consists of three separate phases: emission, ejection, and orgasm. In contrast to the erectile process, whose neurological and vascular mechanisms have been well elucidated, the pathophysiology of the ejaculatory process remains yet to be completely investigated. In humans, the emission and the ejection phases are regulated by an integrated and time-coordinated activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, which finally leads to sperm propulsion from the urethra. The first step in the ejaculatory process involves the epididymis, where a series of contractile waves begins, allowing sperm progression throughout the duct and toward the vas deferens.Interestingly, along with the complex neurological pathways, some non-neuronal factors (oxytocin [OT] and endothelin-1 [ET-1]) and sex hormones (estrogen) have been demonstrated to take part in the peripheral regulation of epididymal contractility.AimThis article reviews some of the physiological non-neuronal mechanisms underlying the epididymal contractility, and reports evidences of an estrogenic regulation.MethodsWe reviewed here our and other groups' publications on the role of ET-1/OT and estrogens in modulating the epididymal contractility.Main Outcome MeasureData were obtained by an extensive examination of the published peer-reviewed literature on this topic.ResultsEvidences support that, although the epididymis has a rich innervation, other local, non-neuronal factors participate in the nerve-independent epididymal contractility. ET-1 and OT, along with their cognate receptors, have been demonstrated to act, in an estrogen-dependent autocrine and paracrine loop, to regulate epididymal contractile activity in rabbit, and at least partially, in humans.ConclusionEjaculation is the result of the complex, and today still not fully elucidated, interplay between neuronal and non-neuronal, sex-steroid-dependent factors.