bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal fibronectin and microorganisms in vaginal fluid of women with complicated pregnancies
Authors: Goffeng Anette Rossel , Holst Elisabet , Milsom Ian , Lindstedt Göran , Lundberg Per‐Arne , Andersch BjöRn 
Published: March 2008

Objectives. To determine vaginal fetal fibronectin in women with pregnancies complicated by preterm labor (PTL), preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) or bleeding; to investigate possible relationships to the vaginal microflora; and to assess the ability to predict preterm delivery from these measures.Material and methods. Group comparative study between women of the same gestational age with a normal pregnancy (n=28) and consecutive women admitted with PTL (n=63), PPROM (n=18) and bleeding (n=21). Samples of vaginal fluid were collected at the time of admission in complicated pregnancies and from the women with normal pregnancies. Fetal fibronectin was determined by enzyme immunoassay and quantitative aerobic and anaerobic microbiological cultures were performed.Results. The number of positive (± 0.05 mg/L) vaginal fetal fibronectin values was higher among women with PTL, PPROM and bleeding compared to controls (p<0.001). A positive fibronectin value was predictive of delivery ± 34 weeks (sensitivity 64%, specificity 87%). The absence of hydrogen peroxide‐producing lactobacilli was predictive for preterm delivery <34 weeks (sensitivity of 100%, specificity 35%).Conclusions. The presence of vaginal fibronectin and the absence of hydrogen peroxide‐producing lactobacilli was indicative of an increased risk for preterm delivery < 34 weeks.
Comparative study of three vaginal markers of the premature rupture of membranes: Insulin like growth factor binding protein 1 Diamine‐oxidase pH
Authors: Gaucherand Pascal , Salle Bruno , Sergeant Philippe , Guibaud Suzanne , Brun Jocelyne , Bizollon Charles Albert , Rudigoz R. C. 
Published: March 2008

Objective. To assess the diagnostic value of three vaginal markers ‐ insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 1 (=1GFBP1), diamine‐oxidase (=DAO) and pH ‐ for diagnosis of the premature rupture of membranes.Study. One hundred pregnant women participated in the study. They were divided into three groups: group A (34 cases with intact membranes), group B (35 cases with total rupture of the membranes), group C (31 cases of suspected rupture of the membranes). Each patient underwent three successive tests for each of the three markers. The test order was allocated at random. For pH the reaction is colorimetric, for DAO the reaction is radio‐enzymatic and for IGFBP1 the reaction is immuno‐chromatographic. All three reactions are qualitative in nature. The parameters studied were conventional statistical parameters (sensitivity=SN, specificity=SP, positive predictive value=PPV and negative predictive value=NPV).Results. The analysis of the statistics gave the following results in percentages for SN, SP, PPV and NPV respectively: pH: 90.7%, 77.2%, 75%, 91.7%. DAO: 83.7%, 100%, 100%, 89%. IGFBP1: 95.3%, 98.2%, 97.6%, 96.5%.Conclusion. The determination of variations in pH is not satisfactory. IGFBP1 is at least better than DAO with, additionally, advantages of rapidity and simplicity.
Epidemiology of endometriosis in a Norwegian county
Authors: Moen Mette Haase , Schei Berit 
Published: March 2008

Objective. To estimate the prevalence and incidence of endometriosis in Norwegian women aged 40 to 42, and to evaluate reproductive events and life‐style as risk factors for endometriosis as well as to evaluate related health‐problems.Material and methods. The study was performed partly as a cross‐sectional study to estimate occurrence of endometriosis, partly as a case‐control study to look for factors associated with endometriosis. The study group consisted of all female inhabitants‐born 1950 to 1952‐living in the county of Sør‐Trøndelag. In connection with a cardiovascular screening program information about reproductive events and gynecological problems including endometriosis and infertility was obtained.Results. Totally 5 139 women were asked to participate, and a questionnaire was completed by 4 034 (78.5%). Endometriosis was reported by 2.0% of the women. Life‐time risk for endometriosis was estimated to 2.2%. The annual incidence of new cases of endometriosis in this age group is less than 0.3%. There was a significant association between endometriosis and menarche before age 13, and frequent menstrual periods. Nulliparity was more common in women with endometriosis as were infertility problems and pelvic pain. No significant association was found between endometriosis and exercise, smoking, body mass index and education. There was a high risk for women with endometriosis having had cervical conization or gynecological laparotomies such as infertility surgery, operations on ovaries as well as hysterectomies.Conclusion. In Sør‐Trøndelag county the prevalence of endometriosis is 2.0% and the annual incidence is less than 0.3% for women in their early forties. A woman's life‐time risk for endometriosis might be 2.2%. Early menarche, frequent menstruations, pelvic pain, infertility and nulliparity are associated with endometriosis.
Agreement between two successive transvaginal salpingosonography assessments of tubal patency
Authors: Tekay Aydin , Spalding Heli , Martikainen Hannu , Jouppila Pentti 
Published: March 2008

Objective. To evaluate the agreement between repeat transvaginal sonographic assessments of tubal patency using a combination of air and saline.Material and methods. Twenty‐nine patients were examined twice by the same investigator (H.S.). There was a three‐month interval between the observations, and the investigator was blinded to the results of the first examination. Each patient was evaluated using three categories classified as: 1) bilateral patency, 2) unilateral patency and 3) bilateral occlusion. In addition, the pooled data from individual tubes was examined with respect to the detection of patency or occlusion. Data from the right and left tubes were analyzed separately as well. Agreement between the two examinations was subsequently determined using Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). When there were more than two categories, a weighted kappa coefficient was used. Results. There was good (k=0.61) agreement between the two examinations when each patient was evaluated individually. For the pooled data of all tubes (n=46), the kappa coefficient was 0.53, but increased to 0.66 after correction for prevalence. There was no systematic bias between the successive examinations of tubes. There was more consistency between repeated observations in the right (k = 0.70) than in the left (k = 0.37) tubes. The prevalence of occlusion was higher in the left tubes.Conclusion. Transvaginal salpingosonography was shown to be a reliable method for the assessment of tubal patency.
Carcinoma of the uterine cervix in pregnancy: A study of the incidence and treatment in the Western region of Sweden 1973 to 1992
Authors: Norström Anders , Jansson Inge , Andersson HÅKan 
Published: March 2008

Objective. To review the incidence, treatment and outcome of cervical cancer during pregnancy in the Western region of Sweden.Methods. Population based data on cervical cancer during pregnancy were collected from 1973 to 1992.Results. Cervical carcinoma was diagnosed in 33 women in association with pregnancy, giving an incidence of 11.1 cases per 100,000 deliveries and 7.5 cases per 100,000 pregnancies. Pregnancy complicated one of every 55 cases of invasive carcinoma. Twelve women were in the 3rd trimester and nine women were post partum.Abnormal bleeding was the symptom that led to examination and diagnosis in 54.5% of the women and 45.5% of the women were asymptomatic but had an abnormal cervico‐vaginal cytological test (39.4%) or abnormal finding at vaginal examination (6.1%) in association with pregnancy. In the 1st‐2nd trimester all but one woman and in the 3rd trimester all but two women, had a stage I carcinoma. Post partum five women were in stage I, three women were in stage II and one woman had a stage III carcinoma. Histology revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 29 women, adenocarcinoma in three women and adenosquamous carcinoma in one woman. During the follow up period 1/12 women in the 1st trimester, 4/12 in the 3rd trimester and 2/9 women post partum have died of disease.Conclusion. During the years of this study different modalities of treatment were used, with a change from primary radiation to primary surgery.
Vasospastic action of hydrogen peroxide in human umbilical artery: Relation to protein kinase C and calcium influx
Authors: Okatani Yuji , Watanabe Kazushi , Wakatsuki Akihiko , Sagara Yusuke 
Published: March 2008

Background. We have demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) potentiated vascular tension in human umbilical artery, perhaps by suppressing the synthesis of nitric oxide and prostacyclin. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) or voltage‐dependent calcium channel mediated the vasospastic effect of H2O2Methods. Helical sections of the umbilical artery were obtained from healthy pregnant women who delivered between 37th and 39th week of gestation. Changes in the maximal tension induced by prostaglandin F2 α (9X10−7M) were measured (isometric mechanical activity). Segments were treated with H2O2 (10−6 ∼ 10−4M) alone or H2O2 after pretreatment with a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals (mannitol, 10−2M), an inhibitor of PKC (H‐7, 6X10−7M). Effect of an activator of PKC (12‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13 acetate, TPA, 10−6M) on PG F2 α‐induced tension was determined. Effects of H2O2 (10−5M) on the response of umbilical artery segments to an external calcium (10−6 ∼ 10−3M) were determined.Results. Vascular tension was potentiated by H2O2 in a concentration‐dependent manner. Pretreatment with mannitol significantly suppressed the vasospastic effect of H2O2. Pretreatment with H‐7 did not alter the response to H2O2. TPA did not produce a significant change in PG F2 α‐induced tension. Pretreatment with H2O2 (10−5M) did not alter the contractile response to external calcium.Conclusion. H2O2 potentiated vascular tension in human umbilical arteries, a process that is independent of PKC and the voltage‐dependent calcium channel. The vasospastic effect of H2O2 may be mediated by a suppression of the activity of nitric oxide and prostacyclin.
Release of prorenin and placental hormones from superfused minced chorion laeve
Authors: Lenz Tomas 
Published: March 2008

Subject. Prorenin, the biosynthetic precursor of renin, is present in organs of the human reproductive system.Method and material. In this study we tested whether the release of prorenin from superfused minced human chorion laeve tissue is related to that of other placental hormones. We also investigated whether intracellular second messenger systems are involved in the prorenin release from placental tissue.Results. More than 95% of the total renin released was in the form of prorenin. The release pattern of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estradiol and progesterone was similar to that of prorenin. Exogenous hCG, the estrogen receptor blocker tamoxifen and the progesterone receptor blocker RU 486, 8‐bromo cyclic AMP, diltiazem and angiotensin II did not affect prorenin release.Conclusion. We conclude that prorenin, not active renin, is released from placental cytotrophoblastic tissue. This release occurs in parallel to that of other placental hormones but it is not regulated by steroid receptors, hCG, intracellular calcium or cyclic AMP.
The prognosis of fetuses with transient nuchal translucency in the first and early second trimester
Authors: Fukada Yukihito , Yasumizu Takehiko , Takizawa Motoi , Amemiya Atsuhito , Hoshi Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2008

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of fetuses with transient nuchal translucency before 15 weeks of gestation.Study design. A nuchal translucency's measurement of >5 mm was considered abnormal. In the period from 1994 to 1995, twelve fetuses were diagnosed at our institution with nuchal translucency. The fetuses all underwent karyotyping and a complete ultrasonographic search for any associated anomalies and a resolution of nuchal translucency at 1‐2 week gestational age intervals.Results. Five cases (‘Transient NT’) demonstrated transient nuchal translucency. Seven cases (‘Persistent NT’) demonstrated persistent nuchal translucency. The 984 cases with no or less than 5 mm of nuchal translucency (control group) gave birth at the same time. The mean initial week of diagnosis was 12.0±1.6 weeks in ‘Transient NT’, and 13.6±1.8 weeks in ‘Persistent NT’. The mean maternal age was 30.8±6.3 years old in ‘Transient NT’, 28.9±3.0 years old in ‘Persistent NT’, and 30.5±43 years old in the control group. Abnormal karyotypes were detected in one case in ‘Transient NT’, and in four cases in ‘Persistent NT’. Structural malformations were detected in two cases (40%) in ‘Transient NT’, seven cases (100%) in ‘Persistent NT’, and 30 cases (3.0%) in the control group.Conclusions. Regardless of the spontaneous resolution of abnormal nuchal translucency, there was a high association with both karyotypical and structural abnormalities, and the prognosis of such cases was generally poor, especially persistent NT's prognosis.
Obstetric outcome in 100 women with severe anxiety over childbirth
Authors: Sjögren Berit , Thomassen Peter 
Published: March 2008

Background. Extreme fear of delivery with request of cesarean section is a problem. The obstetric outcome in women given psychological and obstetric support is described.Methods. Women, consecutively referred to the Psychosomatic outpatient clinic because of fear of delivery (n= 100), were compared to a matched reference group (n=100).Results. The women in the study group had higher frequency of psychic problems than the references. The majority, 68 of the women (68%) initially requested cesarean section (CS). After individualized psychological and obstetrical support, 38 of these women agreed to vaginal delivery (38%) and 30 had an elective CS (30%). In the end another 13 (13%) women had a CS for obstetric or mixed reasons. Complication rate was low and similar in the groups. The 57 women who eventually had a vaginal delivery (57%) showed an obstetric outcome similar to the reference group. They had a higher frequency of induction of labor (p=0.02), and of epidural and pudendal blocks for pain relief (p=0.002 and 0.05 respectively). They had shorter labor time (p=0.05). The cost of the psychological therapy was well compensated for by the savings due to the reduction in the number of CS.Conclusions. Psychosomatic support for women with severe fear of delivery resulted in a 50% reduction of CS for psychosocial indications and vaginal deliveries similar to a reference group. The cost of psychosomatic support was less than savings due to fewer cesarean sections.
Different types of acid‐base changes at birth, fetal heart rate patterns, and infant outcome at 4 years of age
Authors: Herbst Andreas , Thorngren‐Jerneck Kristina , Wu Lianfang , Ingemarsson Ingemar 
Published: March 2008

Background. To study the relationship between different types of acidemia in umbilical artery blood at birth, fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns during labor, and infant long‐term outcome.Methods. Case‐control study of 48 infants with pure high base deficit (base deficit (BD)>12 mmol/L and pCO2>8.0 kPa), 51 with mixed acidemia (BD>12 mmol/L and pCO2>8.0 kPa), born at or after term, and controls matched for maternal age, parity, and gestational age at birth. FHR patterns during labor and the results of developmental screening at age 4 were compared between the groups.Results. Late decelerations were associated with pure high base deficit and complicated variable decelerations with mixed acidemia. Both types of acidemia were correlated with Apgar scores below 7 at 1 minute, and mixed acidemia with more admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit. Developmental screening at age 4 years showed no significant differences between infants with mixed acidemia or pure high base deficit and controls. Twelve infants with mixed acidemia and six controls had deficits in language/speech development.Conclusions. Late decelerations may be an indicator of a metabolic component of acidemia and complicated variable decelerations an indicator of mixed acidemia. The higher rate of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit in cases with mixed acidemia may suggest that a concomitant hypercapnia (resulting in lower pH) in metabolic acidemia at birth may be of importance for the outcome. A possible relation between acidemia at birth and deficits in speech/language development should be further evaluated.
Relationship of bacteriological characteristics to semen indices and its influence on fertilization and pregnancy rates after IVF
Authors: Bussen Stefanie , Zimmermann Martin , Schleyer Manfred , Steck Thomas 
Published: March 2008

Background. To determine if routine semen culture is useful in asymptomatic couples joining an in‐vitro fertilization (IVF/ET) program.Methods. Bacterial cultures and semen analysis according to WHO recommendations were performed on semen samples obtained before oocyte recovery from 88 asymptomatic couples undergoing IVF during a 7‐month period.Results. In 46 cultures at least one kind of microorganisms could be isolated. Forty‐two cultures either contained bacterias regarded as normal skin flora (n=14) or showed no growth of microorganisms (n=28). No differences were found in sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology between the semen samples with positive bacteriology and those with negative culture results. Sperm motility was decreased before Percoll preparation if microorganisms were present. Positive culture results had no effect on either fertilization or pregnancy rates.Conclusions. These observations suggest that bacteriospermia is not associated with abnormal sperm function after Percoll preparation or adverse IVF outcome.
Significance of yolk sac measurements with vaginal sonography in the first trimester in the prediction of pregnancy outcome
Authors: Cepni Ismail , Bese Tugan , Ocal Pelin , Budak Erdal , Idil Mehmet , Aksu M. Feridun 
Published: March 2008

Background.The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to determine and evaluate the prognostic value of secondary yolk sac diameter of the embryo on pregnancy outcome.Methods. One hundred and thirty pregnant women in the first trimester were included in the study. Crown‐rump length (CRL) and yolk sac diameters were measured in every patient and the outcome of the pregnancies were compared with the measurements. Intact normal pregnancy (group A), threatened abortion (group B) and missed abortion (group C) were diagnosed in 67, 43 and 20 pregnancies, respectively.Results. We detected a significant linear correlation between secondary yolk sac diameter and gestational age in group A (r=0.5085; p<0.0001) and a moderate correlation in group B (r=0.4048; p=0.007) and C patients (r=0.3478; p=0.1333). When the groups were evaluated irrespective of gestational age, a significant difference in secondary yolk sac diameters among the groups was noted (p=0.037). When confidence intervals for secondary yolk sac diameters of intact normal pregnancies (group A) were calculated by linear regression, two patients in group B were below the 5% confidence interval. However, in group C patients, the yolk sac diameter of six patients were detected below the 5% confidence interval, while two of the measurements were above 95% confidence interval. Therefore, eight measurements (40%) of group C patients were outside the 5‐95% confidence interval.Conclusion. In the first trimester, when discrepancy is detected between secondary yolk sac diameter and gestational age, additional sonographic investigation should be performed one or two weeks later, in order to estimate the pregnancy outcome.
Fibromyomas and uterine contractions
Authors: Szamatowicz Jacek , Laudanski Tadeusz , Bulkszas Bartlomiej , Åkerlund Mats 
Published: March 2008

Background. Women with uterine fibromyomas may suffer from dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia or infertility, which all may be due to an effect of the fibroids on uterine activity. The effect of myomectomy on uterine contractility is unknown.Methods. In women undergoing myomectomy because of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia or infertility, intrauterine pressure was recorded before and three months after the operation on corresponding days of the menstrual cycle. Records were obtained during spontaneous uterine activity as well as after oxytocin and vasopressin challenge by intravenous bolus injections of 10 pmol/kg body weight. The area under the recording curve (AUC), maximal amplitude of uterine contractions and deformation index of uterine pressure recordings were measured.Results. In six women, in whom recordings could be obtained before and after operation on corresponding days of late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the AUC and maximal amplitude of contractions increased after myomectomy. The effect of oxytocin injection also varied, whereas no difference was seen in effect of vasopressin.Conclusions: It is suggested that women with uterine fibromyomas may have disturbed uterine spontaneous contractions and responsiveness, which may be regulated by myomectomy.
Fetal breathing recorded by actocardiogram and real ‐ time ultrasonography a comparison
Authors: Malcus Peter , Razvi Khalil , Arulkumaran Sabaratnam , Ratnam Shan S. 
Published: March 2008

Background. The aim of the study is to evaluate the ability of fetal actocardiogram to assess fetal breathing movements.Methods. A descriptive study. Evaluation of the agreement between real‐time ultrasound and actocardiographic assessment of fetal breathing movements. Eleven unselected pregnancies admitted because of various pregnancy complications.Results. In six cases the breathing pattern recorded by the actocardiogram correlated to the findings with real‐time ultrasonography. In five cases where fetal breathing was observed on the ultrasound screen, the actocardiogram did not either indicate breathing or was of an indecisive appearance. Two cases where no breathing was observed on real‐time ultrasound yielded actocardiograms without patterns typical of breathing, but with activity difficult to distinguish from breathing.Conclusions. With the paper speed set at 3 cm/min it is possible to detect some types of fetal breathing or the absence of breathing with accuracy on the actocardiogram. However, in cases without deep and regular diaphragmatic excursions it is not possible to evaluate breathing with certainty by the actocardiogram.