bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro- and In Vivo-Induced Transgene Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Derivatives
Authors: Xia Xiaofeng , Ayala Melvin , Thiede Benjamin R. , Zhang Su-Chun 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a research and therapeutic tool will be facilitated by conditional gene expression. Here, we report drug-induced transgene expression, both in vitro and in vivo, from a tet-on hESC line with &gt;95% purity. Using green fluorescent protein as an indicator, we demonstrated that the tet-on system allowed a tight control of the gene expression in both undifferentiated hESCs and differentiated cells of the three germ layers. More importantly, after the cells were transplanted into animals, the gene expression remained to be regulated by an orally administered drug. These results provide a technical basis for regulation of gene expression in hESCs and derivatives in vitro and in vivo.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
The Effect of Labetalol on Contractility of Human Myometrial Preparations
Authors: Thulesius Olav , Lunell Nils‐Olov , Ibrahim Mamoun , Moberger Birgitta , Angilivilayil Cherian 
Published: November 2007

Because of results in animal experiments which demonstrated a partial β2‐adrenoceptor activity of labetalol on rat uterine smooth muscle the present study was conducted in human preparations. The following results were obtained:1. Rhythmic uterine contractions with a defined steady‐state amplitude and frequency were elicited spontaneously and after methylergometrine.2. Labetalol reduced amplitude of contractions dose‐de‐pendently after 3 h of incubation. Frequency was unaffected.3. The tocolytic effect of labetalol is apparent only at high concentrations, above those used in the treatment of hypertension.4. Neither β2‐specific adrenoceptor blokade with ICI 118,551 nor alpha‐blockade with phentolamine changed amplitude of contraction, either alone or in combination with labetalol.5. Labetalol has little tocolytic effect on human myometrium in vitro. This effect is unrelated to a‐or β‐antagonism, but seems to depend on a direct smooth muscle depressant effect.In conclusion, from the present in vitro experiments using human myometrial preparations, it seems unlikely that labetalol would interfere with the normal process of labor when used for the treatment of pregnancy hypertension.
The Role of Vaginal Secretory Immunoglobulin a, Gardnerella Vaginalis, Anaerobes, and Chlamydia Trachomatis in Post Abort al Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Heisterberg Lars , Branebjerg Poul Erik , Bremmelgaard Annie , Scheibel Jens , Høj Lene 
Published: November 2007

In a prospective study of 129 women undergoing induced first‐trimester abortion, 14 (10.9%) contracted postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Samples of vaginal secretion for quantitation of secretory immunoglo‐bulin A (slgA) as well as isolates from cervix/urethra for the culture of anaerobes and aerobes, including Bacteroides fragilis et melaninogenicus and Gardnerella vaginalis, were obtained at the preoperative visit. Two blood samples from each woman with postabortal PID were analysed for antibodies against G. vaginalis. Twenty‐five per cent of women with a history of PID developed postabortal PID, and 25% with vaginitis contracted postabortal infection (p< 0.001 and p<0.005).Twenty‐five per cent of women harboring C. trachomatis at the time of abortion developed infection. The presence of anaerobes or G. vaginalis was not associated with the frequency of postabortal PID (all p‐values >0.1). One woman with postabortal PID produced a culture positive for G. vaginalis and a rise in specific antibody titer. The levels of vaginal sIgA were not significantly associated with a positive history of PID (p >0.6), with postabortal PID (p >0.4) or with the presence of anaerobes or G. vaginalis at the time of abortion (p>0.3). However, significantly elevated levels of slgA were found in women harboring C. trachomatis (p <0.05). Thus, the study could not demonstrate any correlation between vaginal slgA and PID, but increased sIgA in Chlamydia‐positive women. A history of PID and vaginitis entailed a significant risk of contracting postabortal PID.
Sexual Behavior, Contraception and Unintended Pregnancy Among Young Females
Authors: Wielandt Hanne , Hansen Unni Mølholm 
Published: November 2007

Information about contraceptive usage and sexual experiences was sampled in 1985–86 from 16–20‐year‐old Danish females admitted for legally induced abortion on Funen (N = 140). In attempts to elucidatec the causal relations behind undesired pregnancy among teenagers, data were in the present context compared with answers to the same questions from a representative Danish sample of sexually experienced, non‐pregnant females of the same age (N = 201).Of the reference sample, 83,6% were using contraceptives at the time of the interview—mostly oral contraceptives (O.C.). Of the abortion sample, 90.7% said they had used contraception earlier in their reproductive life. Approximately one third conceived in spite of contraception (most frequently the condoms). O.C. was the contraceptive method used most recently (by 43.6%). Thus, a pause in an effective contraceptive often precedes an unintended pregnancy, pointing to the need for follow‐up counselling when O.C. is prescribed to teenagers.Only the minority could state the total number of times they had experienced sexual intercourse. Significantly more females in the abortion sample were in an alliance with a male partner with whom they had regular sexual intercourse. However, they also reported a higher average number of different sexual partners, indicating an association between changing sexual relationships and undesired pregnancy.In the abortion sample significantly more pregnancies prior to the index pregnancy were reported during a corresponding period of risk of conception lasting only a few years. Taking the widespread use of contraception into account, it is possible that an increased fecundity might be a co‐factor behind unsuccessful contraception.
An epidemiological study of obstetric ultrasound examinations in Denmark 1989–1990
Authors: Jørgensen Finn Stener 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To provide an epidemiological description of the use of ultrasound in obstetrics in Denmark and to analyse whether screeningper sereduces the mean number of obstetric ultrasound examinations for all pregnant women.Design: Questionnaire study based on hospital records and patient interviews.Setting: AH Danish hospital departments with delivery services (n= 57).Patients: 2268 women who gave birth to a child in a two week period February 1990.Results: The main findings of the study are: 1) Women with an offer of screening had a significantly higher mean number of obstetric ultrasound examinations during pregnancy (1.8) than women without (1.3), no matter at which type of department they had antenatal care and their delivery; 2) 45% of the women without an offer of screening had an ultrasound examination on indication in the interval of 14–20 weeks of gestation ‐ at which time an examination may include what is performed at a screening examination and 3) The study shows great regional variations in the use of ultrasound in obstetrics.Conclusion: The results question the presumption that screeningper sewill reduce the mean number of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy.
Comparison of actual and ultrasound estimated second trimester gestational length in in‐vitro fertilized pregnancies
Authors: Geirsson Reynir T. , Have Grethe 
Published: November 2007

Objective. To compare actual and calculated gestational age in pregnancies conceived by in‐vitro fertilisation.Methods. In 36 healthy women conceiving by in‐vitro fertilisation an equation described for use in a Nordic population was used for calculating gestational age from the biparietal diameter and femur length at a routine 18–19 week scan. This was compared to actual gestational length estimated from the day between oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer.Results. The mean difference amounted to −0.86 days with a standard deviation of 2.86 days, a range of −5 to +6 days and a 95% confidence interval −0.11 to 1.83 (t=1.806, df = 35, p = 0.8). Correlation between the two methods was highly significant.Conclusion. The equation used allows prediction of term with sufficient accuracy for general use in our population.
Anti‐cardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgA) in women with recurrent fetal loss correlate to clinical and serological characteristics of SLE
Authors: Bagger Peter Valdemar , Andersen Vagn , Baslund Bo , Beck Bjarne , Hove Hanne , Høier‐Madsen Mimi , Petersen Jørgen , Philip John , Schaadt Ole , Skouby Sven Olav , Starup Jørgen , Thorsen Sixtus , Wiik Allan 
Published: November 2007

Aim of study. We investigated to which degree IgG, IgA and IgM anti‐cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) are associated in recurrent abortion or late fetal death with other signs of autoimmune disease and in particular SLE.Material and methods. Serological variables typical of SLE and of the anti‐phospholipid antibody syndrome were measured once eight to 16 weeks after the last fetal loss in 158 women with recurrent abortion or late fetal death; women with manifest autoimmune rheumatic disease were excluded.Results. (1) Positive values, i.e. above the 99th percentile of reference material, of IgG aCL and IgA aCL were observed in 4% and 7%, respectively, whereas 26% had positive values of IgM aCL. (2) IgG aCL and IgA aCL but not IgM aCL correlated to anti‐nuclear antibodies and to anti‐double stranded DNA. (3) Anti‐double stranded DNA, IgG aCL and IgA aCL but not IgM aCL correlated to previous occurrence of thrombosis. (4) ANA correlated to lower blood platelet concentrations and higher erythrocyte sedimentation ratesConclusions. Women with recurrent abortion or late fetal death who have higher but not necessarily abnormally high levels of IgG aCL or IgA aCL constitute a group with increased occurrence of clinical and serological characteristics of SLE. We suggest that these women be kept under surveillance for future development of autoimmune disease especially SLE. The women with high IgM aCL constitute another group without these characteristics.
Management of prelabor rupture of membranes at term
Authors: Sperling Lene S. , Schantz Anne L. , Wahlin Anne , Duun Susanne , Jaszczak Poul , Scherling Brigitte , Carstensen Anne A. , Frese Susanne , Hvilsom Elsebeth , Ploug‐Jensen Birgit 
Published: November 2007

Objective. To compare the rate of obstetric interventions, length of labor, and maternal morbidity in pregnancies with prelabor rupture of membranes at term after either early or late induction of labor in both primiparous and pluriparous women.Design. Prospective. randomized study.Subjects. 362 women with singleton pregnancies, cephalic presentations, gestational age of 36 completed weeks or more were allocated at random to induction with oxytocin either 6 hours after PROM (n = 62) (early) or 24 hours (n = 62) (late). Those eligible, but not participating in the study, totalled 238 women.Main obstetric measures. Time of spontaneous labor in the late induction group. length of labor. obstetric intervention rate, maternal morbidity. and the degree of histologic chorioamnionitis.Results. The length of labor was longer in the late induction group than in the early induction group in both primiparous and pluriparous (p<0.05). There were no overall differences in the rate of obstetric interventions or maternal morbidity, but there were marked differences between primiparous and pluriparous women. Increasing time span between the period from rupture of membranes to delivery increased the degree of histologic chorioamnionitis.Conclusion. If a woman wants a short labor, she will benefit from early induction. We did not find statistical differences in the rate of obstetric intervention or in the maternal morbidity, but there was a tendency towards adverse effects of late induction.
Progesterone receptor content in endometrial carcinoma correlates with serum levels of free estradiol
Authors: Nyholm Henrik C. J. , Nielsen Anette L. , Lyndrup Jens , Thorpe Susan M. 
Published: November 2007

Objective. To study a possible relationship between serum levels of estrogens and androgens and the tumor content of estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in endometrial cancer.Study design. Fifty postmenopausal patients were included. Receptors were determined biochemically in tissue cytosol by dextran charcoal‐coated assay and immunohistochemically on frozen sections. Serum sex hormones were measured by radioimmunoassays. Main findings. Tumor biochemical progesterone receptor content correlated positively (p < 0.05) with free estradiol serum levels. No correlations were observed between estrogen receptor content and any of the serum sex hormones. The progesterone/estrogen receptor ratio, calculated from the biochemical values, correlated positively (p < 0.05) with the serum levels of free estradiol. This relation was not affected by tumor histologic grade or stage. Furthermore, this ratio correlated positively with body mass index, probably reflecting a correlation between body mass and serum estrogens. Biochemical and immunohistochemical receptor values were correlated.Conclusions. These findings suggest that hormonal regulation of receptor levels may remain preserved in at least some endometrial cancer cells.
Outpatient CO2 laser excisional conization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia under local anesthesia
Authors: Helkjaer Poul E. , Eriksen Poul Sindberg , Thomsen Carl F. , Skovdal Jan 
Published: November 2007

Aim and objective. To evaluate the feasibility of CO2 laser excisional conization in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Design. A prospective study of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia over one year recording early and late complications, cure rate, and patients' compliance. The procedure was performed with a Coherent CO2 laser connected to the colposcope with a micromanipu‐lator. The equipment attaining 19,700 W/cm2, spot diameter 0.43 mm, focus distance 300 mm, and continuous beam.Results. The material included 81 women. Seventy‐eight women were treated as outpatients, while three women were admitted for 24 hours observation due to surgical and technical complications during the treatment. Sixty‐six percent of the women had bleeding less than 10 ml during the treatment. One woman was admitted 24 hours after surgery due to bleeding requiring suturing. Median operation‐time was 11 minutes (range 3–60). All specimens contained CIN. In 76% of the cases the pre‐ and postoperative diagnosis were identical. Twelve specimens had CIN in one or both margins. Abnormal cytology after conization was found in three cases (4.2%). High patient compliance was found as 92% of the treated women would choose the same kind of treatment if it had to be repeated.Conclusion. High success rate, few complications and high patient compliance make the procedure adequate as a routine procedure in treatment and diagnosis of CIN.
The localization and concentration of copper in the fallopian tube in women with or without an intrauterine contraceptive device
Authors: Wollen Anne‐Lone , Sandvei Roar , Skare Arne , Justesen Nils‐Petter Berg 
Published: November 2007

The localization and concentration of copper in cryostat sections of human fallopian tubes from women using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and controls was determined by light microscopic‐ and atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. The copper was visually accumulated in the epithelium and the copper concentration in the tubal tissue was increased in the IUCD user group.We also measured the concentration of copper and ceruloplasmin in serum, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups studied. Our results indicate that the IUCD has effects beyond the uterine cavity. The accumulation of copper may be associated with earlier observations of the morphological changes and infiltration of inflammatory cells observed in the fallopian tube in IUCD users.
Blood flow velocities in human intraplacental arteries
Authors: Kirkinen Pertti , Kurmanavichius Juozas , And Albert Huch , Huch Renate 
Published: November 2007

Objective. To characterise the physiological findings of blood circulation in intraplacental arteries in normal and complicated pregnancies.Design. A descriptive cross‐sectional study. Umbilical and intraplacental artery resistance index (RI) Doppler recordings during the last trimester of pregnancy.Subjects. Forty‐nine normal pregnancies and ten pregnancies complicated by fetal growth retardation.Results. RI values decreased from the proximal umbilical artery to the distal umbilical artery and to intraplacental arteries. All of these vessels had decreasing RI values towards the end of pregnancy. In pathological pregnancies an abnormal flow pattern in umbilical arteries could be associated with either an abnormal or normal flow pattern in the intraplacental arteries.Conclusions. Blood flow in intraplacental arteries can be recorded by sensitive color Doppler in normal pregnancies, but in complicated pregnancies variation of the Doppler findings, together with imaging difficulties of intraplacental arteries, seem to impair the applicability of this examination as a diagnostic tool.
Urinary trypsin inhibitor may have a protective effect on endothelial cells in preeclampsia
Authors: Maradny Emad El , Kanayama Naohiro , Halim Abdul , Maehara Kayoko , Terao Toshihiko 
Published: November 2007

Urinary trypsin inhibitor is a glycoprotein which has an inhibitory effect on many enzymes, especially neutrophil elastase. The concentration of urinary trypsin inhibitor in serum (maternal and fetal), urine and amniotic fluid was measured in 20 cases of preeclampsia and compared with levels in normal pregnancy. Urinary trypsin inhibitor levels were significantly increased in the maternal and fetal serum of preeclamptic patients compared to normal pregnancy (p < 0.0001), as well as in urine and amniotic fluid of the same patients. Relative fluorescence release of a calcium chelating agent (fura‐2) from human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures was significantly increased by preeclamptic serum compared to serum of normal pregnant women (p < 0.03). After incubation of urinary trypsin inhibitor with the cultures, significant decrease of fura‐2 release was observed (p < 0.03).Urinary trypsin inhibitor has an effect on suppression of activated neutrophils, elastase production and may have a protective effect on endothelial cells.
Increased concentration of the free β‐subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Goodwin Thomas Murphy , Hershman Jerome M. , Cole Laurence 
Published: November 2007

Objective. The amount of free β subunit hCG (free β) has been reported to be increased in trophoblast disease and Down's syndrome, conditions also associated with high total hCG. Increased total hCG has been reported in hyperemesis gravidarum. We sought to determine if sera from singleton gestations with hyperemesis gravidarum contained a higher proportion of free β hCG compared to controls of comparable gestational age.Methods. Sera from 39 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum was compared with that from 23 control subjects of comparable gestational age with respect to β hCG and its subunits (free β and free α).Results. Hyperemesis patients and controls were comparable with respect to age, weight and gestational age. The concentration of hCG was greater in hyperemesis patients (9237 ± 3613 ng/ml, mean ± s.d.) compared to controls (5543 ± 2290, p < 0.005) as was the concentration of free β hCG (101±70 ng/ml vs. 31 + 31,p < 0.001). Free α did not differ between hyperemesis patients and controls (399±231 ng/ml vs. 377±214). A percent free β greater than 0.6 was found in 33/39 hyperemesis patients (85%) compared to 5/23 controls (22%),p < 0.001. Conclusion. Increased free β hCG is found in hyperemesis gravidarum. This finding, strengthens the association of hyperemesis with abnormal metabolism of hCG.
No relation between maternal weight gain and stillbirth
Authors: Rydhström Håkan , Tydén Tommy , Herbst Andreas , Ljungblad Ulf , Walles Bengt 
Published: November 2007

Background. To evaluate the relationship between stillbirth in singleton pregnancy (≥28 weeks gestation) and maternal weight (weight gain) from 24 completed weeks.Results. Mothers experiencing stillbirth had a significantly lower mean body weight at 24 weeks gestation than control mothers (63.5 kg vs 67.3 kg; t = 2.4,p < 0.05). No significant difference between cases and controls was found in mean weight gain during pregnancy from 24 completed gestational weeks to delivery, even when the last three measurements before delivery for cases and controls were compared separately.Methods. All fetal deaths (n = 210) at five delivery units during seven years in southern Sweden were analysed. To each case a control mother was selected, the only matching criteria being parity and place of delivery. Regression analysis was used for comparison of body weight gain in cases and controls.Conclusion. There is no difference in body weight gain between mothers with stillbirth and mothers giving birth to a live infant.
Emergency cesarean section: the effect of delay on umbilical arterial gas balance and Apgar scores
Authors: Korhonen Juha , Kariniemi Veikko 
Published: November 2007

Background. We wanted to conduct a prospective study on the dynamics of emergency cesarean section (ECS) in terms of fetal survival and morbidity.Methods. The study covered 101 cases of ECS in Helsinki City Hospital, in which the time of alarm, the starting time of the operation, the time of birth, the umbilical arterial gas values, and Apgar scores were known. This group consisted of 60 cases with the operating team in the hospital (group 1) and 41 cases with the team on call (group 2). Means of the parametric variables were compared by the analysis of variance using separate or pooled t‐tests after Levene's test of variances. Difference between the rate of adverse outcome (dead or handicapped) in each group was calculated using chi‐square test.Results. In group 1, the time between the clinical decision and the time of delivery (mean±s.e.mean) was 13.5±0.7 min, in group 2, 23.6±0.9 min. The groups did not differ in terms of birthweight, placental weight, Apgar scores, and umbilical arterial gas values, except for pO2. The mean pO2 in group 1 was lower (1.9±0.1 kPa) than in group 2 (2.5±0.2 kPa). p=0.0023. In group 2, one infant was handicapped by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and three fetuses had died in utero. The rate of survivors was significantly higher when the operating team was in hospital (p=0.05).Conclusion. The risk of fetal loss is evident when the operating team is on call outside the hospital, at least if the alarm to operation interval exceeds 20 minutes. The present study suggests that 24‐hour services of anesthesia and operating theater personnel are crucial for optimal management of emergent situations in the delivery room.