bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system on uterine artery blood flow 1 year after insertion
Authors: Haberal A. , Kayikcioglu F. , Gunes M. , Kaplan M. , Ozdegirmenci O. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether the morphological alterations of the endometrium induced by the levonorgestrel intrauterine system affect the uterine artery vasculature.MethodsForty‐eight premenopausal women attending our gynecology clinic because of menorrhagia were enrolled into the study. Clinical measures of menstrual bleeding, endometrial thickness and Doppler flow of the uterine artery (resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices) were evaluated before and 1 year after insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system. Thirty‐three (69%) women were available for re‐evaluation at the end of the first year and the continuation rate was 76% (n = 25). A paired samples t‐test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for comparison of values between groups.ResultsThe mean age of the thirty‐three patients was 44.3 ± 7.6 years. Nine patients (27.3%) were amenorrheic and three patients were in menopause at the end of the year. After excluding the women in menopause, the increase in mean RI 1 year after insertion was statistically significant (0.86 ± 0.07 vs. 0.81 ± 0.08; P = 0.046), as was the decrease in uterine volume (736.9 ± 276.9 mL vs. 972.75 ± 465.71 mL; P = 0.029). The mean endometrial thickness decreased 1 year after insertion, but not significantly (4.6 ± 1.6 mm vs. 6.6 ± 3.5 mm; P = 0.07) and there was no statistically significant difference in mean PI between the groups (2.00 ± 0.63 and 2.03 ± 0.64 pre‐ and post‐insertion, respectively; P = 0.83).ConclusionThe increase in mean RI of the uterine artery and the decrease in uterine volume 1 year after insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system may be related to its progestational effect. This increase in RI may have a role in cessation of menstruation. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal clavicle length throughout gestation: a nomogram
Authors: Sherer D. M. , Sokolovski M. , Dalloul M. , Khoury‐Collado F. , Osho J. A. , Lamarque M. D. , Abulafia O. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo create a nomogram of fetal clavicle length (CL) throughout gestation.MethodsCross‐sectional study of patients between 14 and 42 weeks' gestation. Inclusion criteria consisted of well‐established dates (consistent with early ultrasound), singleton, non‐anomalous fetuses, and intact amniotic membranes. Sonographic measurements included biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), humerus length (HL) and sonographically estimated fetal weight (SEFW). For every case, the average of three separate measurements of the CL was used. The 5th, 50th and 95th centiles were obtained by least squares regression. Pearson's correlation coefficient and associated P‐values for the relationships between CL and other biometric measurements were calculated. The data were compared to a nomogram of the CL generated in 1985 from the measurement of 85 fetuses.ResultsA total of 623 consecutive patients were studied. In all but three cases, CL was successfully measured. Mean maternal age was 27.7 ± 6.2 years, median gravidity 3 (range, 1–14) and median parity 1 (range, 0‐9). Mean CL (mm) = −75.30 + 32.70*ln(GA) and SD = −0.41 + 0.08328*GA, where ln represents the natural logarithm and GA the gestational age in weeks. Fetal CL correlated significantly and strongly with BPD, HC, AC, HL, FL and the logarithm of SEFW, with Pearson correlation values of 0.973, 0.977, 0.976, 0.979, 0.977 and 0.979, respectively (all P < 0.001). Measurements according to comparable 1985 data were consistently substantially below the present data (smaller CL for any given GA except below 17 weeks' gestation).ConclusionsWe propose a new nomogram of CL, which differs significantly from the previously published nomogram. We suggest that the present data reflect the use of high‐resolution ultrasound technology and propose that these data, based on a large number of fetuses, replace the previous nomogram. We also suggest that the ‘1 mm = 1 week’ rule of thumb should no longer be used, since it can be erroneous by as much as 6 weeks. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meckel–Grüber syndrome: sonography and pathology
Authors: Ickowicz V. , Eurin D. , Maugey‐Laulom B. , Didier F. , Garel C. , Gubler M. C. , Laquerrière A. , Avni E. F. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo define a specific sonographic pattern for the appearance of the kidneys in fetuses affected by Meckel–Grüber syndrome (MGS).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 30 cases, collected from five centers, with ultrasound features suggestive of MGS. Only fetuses with a confirmed diagnosis of MGS were finally included. Analysis included a detailed evaluation of the sonographic findings and comparison with pathological follow‐up.ResultsSeventeen cases met the pathological criteria for a diagnosis of MGS and were included in the study. In all cases, a typical sonographic pattern was seen: the kidneys were enlarged (mean, + 4.8 SD) and showed unusual corticomedullary differentiation, occurring as early as the first trimester. In most cases, the medullary areas appeared excessively large and mottled due to the presence of multiple small cysts.ConclusionsThe kidneys of fetuses with MGS are enlarged, cystic and have unusual corticomedullary differentiation. These features can be observed as early as the first and early second trimesters. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of breastfeeding on women's health
Authors: Kennedy K.I. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractResearch about the effects of breastfeeding on maternal health has concentrated primarily on breast cancer, bone loss, and maternal depletion. Breastfeeding may provide some protection against breast cancer. Adequate maternal nutrition, a prolonged period of weaning, and adequate child spacing are expected to alleviate any potential bone loss or maternal depletion caused by breastfeeding. Regardless of how one chooses to weigh the relative benefits and risks of breastfeeding to the mother, it seems clear that the programmatic tasks are to see that breastfeeding women are adequately fed and enabled to space their pregnancies.
Breastfeeding in family planning programs: A help or a hindrance?
Authors: Huffman S.L. , Labbok M.H. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBreastfeeding is a major contributor to child spacing and reproductive health, and, as such, is a vital women's issue. Further, if breastfeeding levels were to decline, the increase in family planning services that would be required to replace the lost fertility impact would be prohibitive, both in terms of cost and difficulty. This concern places breastfeeding centrally as a family planning policy issue as well. This paper discusses how breastfeeding contributes to child spacing and reduced fertility; the appropriate and timely introduction of complementary family planning methods during breastfeeding; issues and controversies in the support of breastfeeding as a family planning issue in the context of women's concerns, including the concept of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, the encouragement and support to maintain breastfeeding after 6 months, and the use of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and other family planning methods in the early postpartum period; and the role of family planning programs in supporting women's informed reproductive health choices.
Breastfeeding as a women's issue: Conclusions and consensus, complementary concerns, and next actions
Authors: Labbok M.H. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTwelve themes arose during the conference which, when presented to the group in a summary session, were greeted by general consensus and approval. These themes fall into four categories: women and health care; women and other life choices; women and men; and women and political action. Additional concerns that were not included in the 1‐day conference are outlined, including a discussion of: (1) respect for the reproductive roles of women, the three ‘I's’, and other reproductive health issues; (2) a 7‐stage approach to women's nutrition; (3) the supervisory role of the health care provider versus a role as a creator of self‐efficacy; (4) the cost of breastfeeding; and (5) the impact on the environment. Conclusions and next actions also are presented for consideration.
Improved activity of streptozotocin‐selected insulinoma cells following microencapsulation and transplantation into diabetic mice
Authors: Bloch K. , Vorobeychik M. , Yavrians K. , Azarov D. , Bloch O. , Vardi P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe have recently shown that repeated streptozotocin (STZ) treatment induces the selection of insulinoma cells (RINmS) with both improved resistance to diabetogenic toxins and functional activity, compared to parental RINm cells. The aim of the present study was to estimate the potential of RINmS cells to maintain their engineered characteristics during in vivo hyperglycemic conditions. It was found that microencapsulation and transplantation into diabetic mice preserved a three‐fold higher level of insulin content in selected RINmS cells when compared to the parental ones. Retrieval of transplanted encapsulated cells from the peritoneal cavity of diabetic mice had a significantly higher insulin content and a more intense insulin response to secretogogues in selected RINmS cells when compared to retrieved RINm cells. In conclusion, our results show that RINmS cells do not lose their improved functional characteristics after encapsulation and transplantation into diabetic mice.
The effect of p21 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with normal p53 function
Authors: Liu Xiu‐Fang , Xia Yun‐Fei , Li Man‐Zhi , Wang Hong‐Mei , He Yu‐Xiang , Zheng Mei‐Lian , Yang Hui‐Ling , Huang Wen‐Lin 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective: p21WAF1/CIP1 is transcriptionally activated by p53 and is required for G1 to S phase progression. p21 plays a critical role in DNA repair after DNA damage. Thus, cells with defective p21 may result in an enhancement of radiation induced apoptosis and improved radiosensitivity. We tested the hypothesis that p21 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (p21 AS ODNs) can be used to reduce p21 expression level and increase radiosensitivity in CNE‐1‐wtp53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line with normal p53 function.Methods and materials: The p21 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (p21 AS ODNs) and the random control oligodeoxynucleotides (p21 RD ODNs) were synthesized. p21 AS ODNs sequence: 5′‐TGTCATGCTGGTCTGCCGCC‐3′; p21 RD ODNs sequence: 5′‐CCGGTGAACGAGCGAGCACA‐3′. p21 AS ODNs and p21 RD ODNs were transfected into CNE‐1‐wtp53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line. The protein expression levels of P21 were evaluated using Western blotting analysis. Cell cycle progression and apoptotic cells were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. The clonogenic survival assay was performed to determine the survival fraction. The parameters D0, Dq, and N for the single‐hit multitarget model and the parameters α, β, α/β, and SF2 for the linear‐quadratic model were calculated. BALB/c nude mice were used to investigate the effect of p21 AS ODNs on the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal xenografts in vivo.Results: p21 AS ODNs were detected mainly in plasma with fluorescence microscopy investigation. P21 protein level dramatically decreased and the amount of apoptotic cells increased in p21 AS ODNs transfected cells than in p21 RD ODNs transfected cells after irradiation. The percentage of G1 arrest decreased in p21 AS ODNs transfected cells 24 h after radiation, then G2 arrest decreased 48 h after radiation. The values of D0, Dq, SF2 decreased and α value increased in p21 AS ODNs transfected cells than in control cells. The inhibition rate in tumor xenografts exposed to X ray of 10 Gy alone was 39.1%, while it was 51.4% in xenografts injected with p21 AS ODNs before exposure to radiation. Unfortunately, there was no significant difference between these two groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: p21 Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides led to inhibition of P21 protein expression, loss of G1 arrest, increase of apoptosis in CNE‐1‐wtp53 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides may become a promising strategy to enhance radiosensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with normal p53 function.
Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate induces differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Chen Ye , Shao Jian‐Zhong , Xiang Li‐Xin , Guo Jian , Zhou Qing‐Jun , Yao Xing , Dai Li‐Cheng , Lu Yong‐Liang 
Published: January 2006

AbstractEmbryonic stem (ES) cells, derived from blastocyst‐stage of early mammalian embryos, have the potential to differentiate into derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers. Here we reported the first evidence that murine pluripotent ES cells could be induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes by cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) in vitro. Spontaneously beating of cardiac cell clusters began to be observed within the outgrowths of embryoid bodies (EBs) as early as 2 days after the onset of differentiation. By days 5–8 after induction, a maximum level of cardiomyocyte differentiation could be achieved. Incubation of EBs with cAMP at concentrations ranging from 0.01 mg/L to 1 mg/L resulted in a significant elevation in differentiation rate, reaching a maximum value of 44.0 ± 1.3% at 0.03 mg/L of exposure. At 0.03 mg/L concentration point, an approximately 8.1‐fold increase in cardiomyocyte differentiation was observed in comparison with 5.4 ± 0.9% of untreated controls. The differentiation rate induced by cAMP was shown to be similar to that of RA/DMSO treated controls, indicating that cAMP has the same inducing effect as RA/DMSO. However, no significant co‐inducing effects between cAMP and RA/DMSO were seen. Cardiomyocytes were evident as they expressed cardiac cell specific genes and protein markers including GATA4, Nkx2.5, β‐MHC, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and alpha‐actin when analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical staining. The results from the present study suggested a novel role of cAMP in cardiomyocyte differentiation and provided a new research model for the study of cardiac cell biology.
Expression cloning screen for modifiers of amyloid precursor protein shedding
Authors: Schöbel Susanne , Neumann Stephanie , Seed Brian , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractEctodomain shedding of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a key regulatory step in the generation of the amyloid β peptide (Aβ), which is thought to provoke the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. To better understand the cellular processes that regulate ectodomain shedding of APP we used human embryonic kidney 293 cells and applied a sib‐selection expression cloning approach. In addition to a known activator of APP shedding – protein kinase A – the following cDNAs were identified: the endocytic proteins endophilin A1 and A3, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3), palmitoyl‐protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1), Numb‐like and the kinase MEKK2. Endophilins A1 and A3, as well as mGluR3 activated APP shedding relatively specifically. They had little or no effect on the shedding of the unrelated membrane proteins TNF receptor 2 and P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1. In contrast, MEKK2 and PKA also increased shedding of TNF receptor 2, suggesting that these kinases contribute to a general program regulating ectodomain shedding. The strongest activator of APP shedding, endophilin A3, reduced the rate of APP endocytosis and specifically increased APP shedding by the protease α‐secretase, as measured in an antibody uptake assay and by immunoblot analysis. This suggests that endophilin A3 is a novel modulator of APP trafficking affecting access of APP to α‐secretase. In summary, this study shows that expression cloning is a suitable way to identify proteins controlling ectodomain shedding of membrane proteins.
Spatial and temporal variability of Holocene temperature in the North Atlantic region
Authors: Kaplan Michael R. , Wolfe Alexander P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe early Holocene climate of the North Atlantic region was influenced by two boundary conditions that were fundamentally different from the present: the presence of the decaying Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) and higher than present summer solar insolation. In order to assess spatial and temporal patterns of Holocene climate evolution across this region, we collated quantitative paleotemperature records at sub-millennial resolution and synthesized their temporal variability using principal components analysis (PCA). The analysis reveals considerable spatial variability, most notably in the time-transgressive expression of the Holocene thermal maximum (HTM). Most of the region, but especially areas peripheral to the Labrador Sea and hence closest to the locus of LIS disintegration, experienced maximum Holocene temperatures that lagged peak summer insolation by 1000–3000 years. Many sites from the northeastern North Atlantic sector, including the Nordic Seas and Scandinavia, either warmed in phase with maximum summer insolation (11,000–9000 years ago) or were less strongly lagged than the Baffin Bay–Labrador Sea region. These spatially complex patterns of Holocene climate development, which are defined by the PCA, resulted from the interplay between final decay of the LIS and solar insolation forcing.
Rodent paleofaunas as indicators of climatic change in Europe during the last 125,000 years
Authors: Hernández Fernández Manuel 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a quantitative reconstruction of the European late Pleistocene paleoclimate based on 72 rodent assemblages of five sequences from France, Germany and Bulgaria, covering the last interglacial–glacial cycle. They show a pattern of severe changes in temperature, with reduced precipitation during the coldest periods. A tentative correlation between the isotopic and palynological records and the paleotemperature changes is shown. These changes are consistent with variations in atmospheric circulation patterns in response to an expanding–retracting Fennoscandian ice-sheet. They can be attributed to the enhancement–weakening of the Scandinavian-Polar anticyclone and its associated dry winds, the south–north shifting of the North Atlantic Polar Front, and the varying supply of moist air from the Atlantic. Qualitative paleoenvironmental analysis shows broadleaved-deciduous forests in France and Bulgaria during most of the studied period. Taiga and tundra appeared in eastern France during the lower Würm. The German sequence indicates the presence of coniferous forests. These results are broadly consistent with other paleobiological records (mammalian, avian and insect faunas, isotopic record in dental tissue, palynology). The main discrepancies with the paleoclimate inferred from the palynological record are found during the coldest periods and are probably due to the interaction between vegetation, climate, and atmospheric CO2 levels.
Mental health care in Madrid
Authors: Ferre Navarete F. , Palanca I. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAimTo describe principles and characteristics of mental health care in Madrid.MethodBased on existing data, service provision, number of professionals working in services, funding arrangements, pathways intocare, user/carer involvement and specific issues are reported.ResultsIn Madrid, mental health services are organized into 11 zones/areas, divided into 36 districts, where there is a mental healthoutpatient service with a multi-disciplinary team. Home treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation services have been developed. Specialist programmes exist for vulnerable client groups, including Children and Adolescents, Addiction/Alcohol and Older People. The Madrid Mental Health Plan (2003–2008) is regarded as the key driver in implementing service improvement and increased mental health and well-being in Madrid. It has a meant global budget increase of more than 10% for mental health services. Results of the first 2 years are: an increase in mental health staff employed (17%), four new hospitalization units, 50% increase in places for children and adolescents Day Hospitals, 62 new beds in long care residential units, development of specific programmes for the homeless and gender-based violence, a significant investment in information systems (450 new computers) and development of best practice and operational guidelines. Mental health system was put to the test with Madrid's March 11th terrorist attack. A Special Mental Health Plan for Affected people was developed.DiscussionUnlike some European countries, public mental health service is the main heath care provider. There are no voluntary agenciescollaborating with mental health care. Continuity of care and coordination between all mental health resources is essential in service delivery. Increased demand of care for minor psychiatric disorders, children and adolescent mental health care, and implementation of rehabilitation and residential facilities for chronic patients are outstanding challenges similar to those in other European capitals. Overall, the mental health system had successfully coped with last year's increased care demand after March 11th terrorist attack in Madrid.
Mental health care in Rome
Authors: Gaddini A. , Ascoli M. , Biscaglia L. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAimTo describe principles and characteristics of mental health care in Rome.MethodBased on existing data, service provision, number of professionals working in services, funding arrangements, pathways tocare, user/carer involvement and specific issues are reported.ResultsAfter the Italian psychiatric reform of 1978, an extensive network of community-based services has been set up in Romeproviding prevention, care and rehabilitation in mental health. A number of small public acute/emergency inpatient units inside general hospitals was created (median length of stay in 2002 = 8 days) to accomplish the shift from a hospital-based to a community-based psychiatric system of care. Some private structures provide inpatient assistance for less acute conditions (median length of stay in 2002 = 28 days), whilst the large Roman psychiatric hospital was closed in 1999.DiscussionWhilst various issues of mental health care in Rome overlap with those in other European capitals, there also are some specific problems and features. During the last two decades, the mental health system in Rome has been successfully converted to a community-based one. Present issues concern a qualitative approach, with an increasing need to foresee adequate evaluation, especially considering mental health patients' satisfaction with services and economic outcomes.