bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal echocardiography at the time of the nuchal translucency scan
Authors: Lombardi C. M. , Bellotti M. , Fesslova V. , Cappellini A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe fetal heart is not studied routinely in the first trimester because of technical and time limitations. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of performing a fetal cardiac study in pregnancies referred for nuchal translucency (NT) screening, using high‐frequency linear transabdominal transducers with a specific ultrasound preset.MethodsA single trained operator assessed the fetal heart in pregnancies with a fetal crown–rump length (CRL) of 60–84 mm that had been referred for NT screening. A 15‐ or 6‐MHz transabdominal linear transducer with a specific preset suitable mainly for color‐flow mapping was used to confirm or refute normal cardiac anatomy rather than to establish a specific diagnosis. Fetuses having an increased risk for congenital heart disease were referred to a tertiary center for a further examination within 1 week. This group consisted of all fetuses with NT > 95th centile and those in which a family history or the initial heart scan increased the risk.ResultsA total of 608 fetuses with a median CRL of 65 mm was examined between 2003 and 2005. A cardiac scan was performed successfully in 456 (75%) using a 15‐MHz linear transducer alone, and the additional use of a 6‐MHz transducer allowed diagnostic images to be obtained in a further 152. Normal cardiac anatomy was assessed confidently within 10 min in 517/608 (85%) pregnancies; in 85 (14%) a longer time was needed and six patients were rescheduled within 2 weeks because of non‐diagnostic images at the initial scan. In 571/608 (94%) the risk for congenital heart disease (CHD) was not increased and the heart was considered normal at initial echocardiography; this was confirmed by later scans and at postnatal follow‐up. In 37/608 (6%) fetuses the risk for CHD was increased (35 for NT > 95th centile and two for family history). In this group normal heart anatomy was described in 34 fetuses and confirmed by subsequent specialist echocardiography. Cardiac defects were suspected in three fetuses (all with increased NT) and confirmed by a fetal cardiologist in each case.ConclusionsA trained operator can perform a fetal heart study during the NT screening test using transabdominal high‐resolution transducers in an acceptable length of time. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity: a new Doppler parameter in the assessment of growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Mari G. , Hanif F. , Kruger M. , Cosmi E. , Santolaya‐Forgas J. , Treadwell M. C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe aims of this study were to determine if there is a relationship between middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) and perinatal mortality in preterm intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) fetuses, to compare the performance of MCA pulsatility index (PI), MCA‐PSV and umbilical artery (UA) absent/reversed end‐diastolic velocity (ARED) in predicting perinatal mortality, to determine the longitudinal changes that occur in MCA‐PI and MCA‐PSV in these fetuses, and to test the hypothesis that MCA‐PSV can provide additional information on the prognosis of hypoxemic IUGR fetuses.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 30 IUGR fetuses (estimated fetal weight < 3rd percentile; UA‐PI > 95% CI) in which the last MCA‐PI, MCA‐PSV and UA values were obtained within 8 days before delivery or fetal demise. Among the 30 fetuses, there were 10 in which at least three consecutive measurements were performed before delivery and these were used for a longitudinal study. MCA‐PSV and MCA‐PI values were plotted against normal reference ranges and were considered abnormal when they were above the MCA‐PSV or below the MCA‐PI reference ranges.ResultsGestational age at delivery ranged between 23 + 1 and 32 + 5 (median, 27 + 6) gestational weeks. Birth weight ranged from 282 to 1440 (median, 540) g. There were 11 perinatal deaths. Forward stepwise logistic regression indicated that MCA‐PSV was the best parameter in the prediction of perinatal mortality (odds ratio, 14; 95% CI, 1.4–130; P < 0.05) (Nagerlke R2 = 31). In the 10 fetuses studied longitudinally, an abnormal MCA‐PI preceded the appearance of an abnormal MCA‐PSV. In these fetuses, the MCA‐PSV consistently showed an initial increase in velocity; before demise or the appearance of a non‐reassuring test in seven fetuses, there was a decrease in blood velocity. The MCA‐PI presented an inconsistent pattern.ConclusionsIn IUGR fetuses, the trends of the MCA‐PI and MCA‐PSV provide more clinical information than does one single measurement. A high MCA‐PSV predicts perinatal mortality better than does a low MCA‐PI. We propose that MCA‐PSV might be valuable in the clinical assessment of IUGR fetuses that have abnormal UA Doppler. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intertwin discordance in umbilical venous volume flow: a reflection of blood volume imbalance in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto M. , Nasr B. , Ortqvist L. , Bernard J.‐P. , Takahashi Y. , Ville Y. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo compare umbilical venous volume flow (UVVF) between donor and recipient twins in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) using an index that is independent of gestational age and to correlate changes in this index with outcome following endoscopic laser surgery.MethodsUVVF was calculated in 84 cases of TTTS by multiplying the umbilical vein cross‐sectional area at its entry into the fetal abdomen by time averaged blood velocity. All cases were classified according to the Quintero staging system. The ratio between UVVF in recipients and donors (R/D‐UVVF) in each pair of twins was calculated before and 48 h after laser treatment, and changes in R/D‐UVVF were correlated with pregnancy outcome. Intraobserver and interobserver UVVF measurement reliability was assessed in 19 singletons, and 13 donor and recipient twins before laser treatment using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsTwenty‐five, 32, 21 and six cases presented as Quintero Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, at a median gestational age of 20 (range, 15–26) weeks. Intraobserver and interobserver ICC for UVVF measurement in twins were 0.97 and 0.67, respectively. UVVF was a median of 2.13‐fold (range, 0.3–19‐fold) higher in recipients than in donors (137 mL/min vs. 64 mL/min, P < 0.001) and increased with gestational age (r = 0.58, P < 0.001 for recipients, r = 0.62, P < 0.001 for donors). From 68 cases in which R/D‐UVVF could be measured 48 h following laser surgery, cases with a favorable outcome showed a significant decrease in R/D‐UVVF from a median of 1.97 to 1.27 (P < 0.01) and cases with recurrent TTTS (n = 6) did not (decrease in R/D‐UVVF from a median of 2.32 to 2.19, P = 0.17). Using a cut‐off of < 30% reduction of R/D‐UVVF, 66% of the cases with recurrence could be predicted, and the odds ratio for recurrence was 3.13 (95% CI, 0.52–18.29). A significant UVVF imbalance between recipient and donor twins was found in cases with Quintero Stages 1–3 but not in those with Stage 4.ConclusionsIn TTTS, UVVF is significantly higher in recipients than in their donor cotwins and the R/D‐UVVF seems adequately to indicate the flow imbalance between twins, regardless of gestational age. A decrease in R/D‐UVVF could be predictive of a favorable evolution following laser treatment. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Better Lifestyle During Surgical Clerkship May Not Increase Application Rates to General Surgery
Authors: Minor Samuel , Park Jason , Belliveau Paul , Walker Ross 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundLifestyle has been identified by numerous studies as the number one deterrent to pursuing a career in general surgery. This study tests the hypothesis that a better lifestyle during general surgery clerkship correlates with a higher application rate to general surgery.MethodsCanadian Residency Matching Service data from the past 10 years were used to identify institution‐specific application rates to general surgery. Through a survey of all fourth‐year medical students applying to general surgery in Canada and Canadian undergraduate surgery program directors, the lifestyle of each general surgery clerkship was described and given a score.ResultsMultiple descriptions of the clerkship structure were obtained for every school in Canada to reduce recall bias, with an average of 4 sources per program. One school stood out as the most prolific producer of general surgery applicants, with an average of 7.9% of the total class applying to general surgery each year. This represented 80% more general surgery applicants relative to the national average (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, however, this institution also had the worst clerkship lifestyle score, having a higher call requirement, not sending their clerks home at noon post call, and placing a higher burden of responsibility on their clerks.ConclusionsThis study suggests that a lifestyle‐friendly surgical clerkship may not be necessary to increase recruitment into general surgery.
Cancer Family History Reporting: Impact of Method and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Kelly Kimberly M. , Shedlosky‐Shoemaker Randi , Porter Kyle , Remy Amber , DeSimone Philip , Andrykowski Michael A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFamily history is one the greatest risk factors for disease and one of the most important informational tools in medical genetics for the purpose of diagnosis, risk assessment, prevention and treatment. However, research is needed on the comparability of different methods of cancer family history assessment and the influence of psychosocial factors in family history reports. The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals had discrepancies between written and interview reports of cancer family history and the role of psychosocial factors in these discrepancies. Oncology patients (n=104) were administered a survey to assess psychosocial factors (i.e., information‐seeking, worry, perceived risk, and health literacy) and were asked to provide family history in a written and an interview form. Randomization determined which form individuals received first. No differences in the amount of missing data or the amount of unspecified data were noted between the written and interview method. Psychosocial factors did not differentiate between those who had discrepancies in family history reports and those who did not have discrepancies in family history reports; although there was a trend for those with lower literacy and those who were blunters to be more discrepant on type of cancer diagnosis. In sum, this preliminary study indicates that written and interview methods of family history assessment for first degree relatives may be used interchangeably. The ability to use written methods will facilitate collection of basic family history information in the oncology clinic.
Synthesis of SnS nanocrystals by the solvothermal decomposition of a single source precursor
Authors: Koktysh Dmitry S , McBride James R , Rosenthal Sandra J 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
SnS nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized from bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) tin(II) in oleylamine at elevated temperature. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigation and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the synthesized SnS particles are monocrystalline with an orthorhombic structure. The shape and size tunability of SnS NCs can be achieved by controlling the reaction temperature and time, and the nature of the stabilizing ligands. The comparison between experimental optical band gap values shows evidence of quantum confinement of SnS NCs. Prepared SnS NCs display strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions making them promising candidates for solar cell energy conversion.
Intravaginal gemeprost and second‐trimester pregnancy termination in the scarred uterus
Authors: Marinoni E. , Santoro M. , Vitagliano M.P. , Patella A. , Cosmi E.V. , Di Iorio R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective: To investigate the effectiveness and complication rate of intravaginal gemeprost, a prostaglandin E1 analogue, for second‐trimester pregnancy termination in women with a scarred uterus. Methods: Of 439 women undergoing induced abortion between the 13th and the 23rd week of pregnancy, 67 had a scarred uterus because of 1 or more cesarean sections or myomectomy. All women received a 1 mg dose of gemeprost intravaginally every 3 h, up to 5 times over 24 h. Those who did not respond received further cycles of gemeprost treatment. Results: The rate of successful abortions among women with uterine scars was not different from that observed in the nulliparous controls, but previously vaginal delivery was associated with a shorter induction to abortion interval. The rate of severe complications did not differ between the groups, and was about 1%. Conclusion: The rate of complications following intravaginal administration of a PGE1 analogue for second‐trimester pregnancy termination was similar in women with a scarred or unscarred uterus.
Fatal anaphylactic reaction to tetracycline in the postoperative period
Authors: SINGH C. V. , GROVER V. , KAMRA G. L. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA case of anaphylactic reaction in the form of acute cyanosis, hypotension with sudden and unexpected death of a patient in the postoperative period following the administration of tetracycline is described. There was no history of previous exposure to the drug.
Topography of the lumbar epidural space
Authors: HUSEMEYER R.P. , WHITE D.C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryPolyester resin was injected into the epidural space of fresh adult cadavers to study the shape of the lumbar epidural space and the spatial relationship between the dura mater and vertebral canal. In most of the anatomical preparations the shape of the lumbar dural sac was distinctly triangular and in some cases a dorso‐median fold of the dura was apparent. These observations support the explanation suggested by others to account for the midline translucency seen in contrast radiological examination of the lumbar epidural space. Factors which may influence the shape and dimensions of the lumbar epidural space are discussed. It is suggested that these anatomical observations may have clinical significance in the practice of lumbar epidural analgesia.
Complement activation during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: HASLAM P.L. , TOWNSEND P.J. , BRANTHWAITE M.A. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryConversion of C3, the third component of complement, has been studied using a two‐dimensional immunoelectrophoretic method. Evidence of C3 conversion has been obtained in stored donor blood, in patients during and after cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass, and occasionally during thoractomy for pulmonary resection. It is suggested that complement activation is one factor contributing to tissue injury after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Lorazepam as night sedation and premedication: a comparison with diazepam
Authors: Studd C. , Eltringham R. J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryFifty healthy female patients scheduled for surgery were randomly allocated into two groups in a double‐blind study. One group received lorazepam 2·5 mg orally at 2200 h on the evening before surgery as night sedation, and again at 0800 h on the morning before surgery as premedication. The second group received diazepam 10 mg orally at the same times.The quality of sleep the right before surgery was superior in the lorazepam group (p <0 02). The frequency of effective sedation produced pre‐operatively was similar in both groups. Although the incidence of amnesia for Visual stimuli following lorazepam was higher (p < 0·05) than with diazepam, there was no difference in the recall of auditory and painful stimuli. The overall incidence of side effects was similar for each drug and at the dosage used no difference was found in the time to awaken from anaesthesia.
Solar‐powered ventilator alarm
Authors: BARNETT T.G. , KOEZE T.H. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA ventilator alarm device is described with some unique features.It has a very low current consumption. This allows prolonged operation from small batteries which may be recharged from the ambient light in the room.The device is automatically activated and de‐activated by the pressure wave from the ventilator. No external switches or other controls are necessary.The very small size means that the device can be directly attached to a ventilator ‘in line’ with the ventilator circuit. There are no tubing connexions between the ventilator and the alarm device and no separate shelf‐space is required.
Normocapnic anaesthesia with enflurane for intraocular surgery
Authors: ROSE N.M. , ADAMS A.P. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe intraocular pressure was measured by applanation tonometry in 13 patients undergoing lens extraction with normocapnic anaesthesia with 1 % enflurane and controlled ventilation of the lungs with large tidal volumes (13 ml/kg). The intraocular pressure was consistently reduced by about 35% and was associated with a similar reduction in systolic arterial pressure. Provided care is taken with those patients with hypertension or heart disease who might become hypotensive, the technique is suitable for lens extraction surgery especially where it is desirable to avoid the administration of halothane.
Alphaxalone infusion during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: CONIAM S.W. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA continuous infusion of alphaxalone (as Althesin) was used to maintain anaesthesia for patients undergoing open heart surgery. Plasma levels of the drug were measured at intervals during the procedure. It was found that alphaxalone was adequately removed from the circulation, despite a period of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia, and provided suitable anaesthesia for this type of surgery.
Systemic side‐effects of extradural steroids
Authors: KNIGHT C.L. , BURNELL J.C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe use of extradural (epidural) steroids in the management of selected cases of lumbosciatic syndrome is well known.1,2 This paper reports the appearance of systemic side‐effects in four cases after each had received an injection of 6–10 ml of methylprednisolone and 0·25% bupivacaine into the extradural space at the site nearest to the affected nerve roots.
Mixing of antacids with stomach contents
Authors: HOLDSWORTH J.D. , JOHNSON K. , MASCALL G. , ROULSTON R. GWYNNE , TOMLINSON P.A. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryAn investigation was carried out into the readiness with which magnesium trisilicate mixture BPC, Andursil suspension (Geigy) and 0·33 M aqueous sodium citrate mixed with gastric contents, to evaluate their suitability for use as an antacid before the induction of anaesthesia in obstetric patients.Laboratory investigations demonstrated that magnesium trisilicate and Andursil did not mix adequately with gastric contents, whereas sodium citrate mixed readily. A clinical investigation of sodium citrate revealed significant improvement in the mixing of gastric juice with the antacid if the patient was turned into the right lateral position following its administration (p <0·05), but highly significant improvement followed a rotation through 360° (p<0·005).It was thought that these findings were caused by the division of the stomach into two sacs, a phenomenon confirmed by radiological studies and the use of a pig's stomach as a model of the human stomach.
The choice of anaesthesia as a career by undergraduates in a developing country
Authors: Akinyemi O.O. , Soyannwo A.O. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe choice of anaesthesia as a future career by 54 undergraduates of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria was studied. None of the students selected anaesthesia as first choice; the specialty ranked sixth. The short duration of exposure to anaesthesia, insufficient participation in practical anaesthesia during their posting and inadequate provision of teaching aids were considered by the students to require improvement. The authors also suggest early introduction of anaesthesia in their curriculum.
Nominal group technique
Authors: HORTON J.N. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryCommittee‐work which involves decision‐making from a range of alternatives is frequently time‐consuming, inefficient, and frustrating. Nominal Group Technique is a structured method of group decision‐making which allows a rich generation of original ideas, balanced participation of all members of the group, and a rank‐ordered set of decisions based on a mathematical voting method. A brief description of a Nominal Group Technique session is given and its application to decision‐making by committees of anaesthetists is illustrated by an example.
Anaesthesia and demyelinating disease
Authors: JONES R.M. , HEALY T.E.J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe demyelinating diseases are classified and the current concepts of the aetiology and pathophysiology of the most common of these diseases, multiple sclerosis, are described. The effects of the impaired function, local responses and known complications of the disease on the choice of anaesthetic, drugs and techniques are discussed.
Cold agglutinins
Authors: WILLIAMS A. C. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryAn unusual case of re‐exploration of the site of previous ventricular aneurysmectomy is reported. The conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass was complicated by the presence of cold agglutinins with a wide thermal range active up to 30°C. There follows a brief description of cold agglutinins, and the difficulties they cause during cross‐matching.
Early opposition to obstetric anaesthesia
Authors: FARR A.D. 
Published: February 2007

SummarySome of the arguments used to oppose the introduction of inhalation anaesthesia–especially in obstetrics—are considered. These arguments were mainly based upon a desire to retain the sensation of pain, either as a factor necessary for survival or as a diagnostic aid: moral arguments were also adduced but religious opposition is no more than a myth of historiography. The opposition to anaesthesia lasted for less than 15 years and is seen as essentially a reflection of contemporary views on the role of pain.
Human volunteer studies of Alfentanyl (R39209), a new short‐acting narcotic analgesic
Authors: KAY B. , PLEUVRY B. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryAlfentanyl is a new narcotic analgesic with a rapid onset and very short duration of effect, and a potency about one third of that of fentanyl.The respiratory effects of 1·6, 3·2 and 6·4 μg/kg Alfentanyl were studied in a randomised controlled trial in five volunteers. Alfentanyl 6·4 μg/kg induced a significant increase in respiration at 1 minute, then significant depression of mean minute volume 3 and 4 minutes after slow intravenous injection, compared with saline control, and pre‐injection values. Mean end‐expired carbon dioxide concentration was increased after Alfentanyl 6·4 μg/kg, significantly from 2 to 9 min after injection, and highly significantly at 3,4 and 5 minutes. Examination of the effect on expired CO2 concentration at 4 minutes reveals a highly significant dose‐response relationship with the three doses of Alfentanyl.The transient effect of Alfentanyl was confirmed by the fact that no change in mean ventilatory response to carbon dioxide was demonstrable 30 or 50 minutes after any dose. When Alfentanyl was given 1 minute before testing the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide the response curves showed a highly significant dose‐related shift to the right.There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure after Alfentanyl, but the drug produces the typical subjective effects of the opiates.