bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cystatin C, β‐2‐microglobulin and β‐trace protein in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: KRISTENSEN K. , WIDE‐SWENSSON D. , SCHMIDT C. , BLIRUP‐JENSEN S. , LINDSTRÖM V. , STREVENS H. , GRUBB A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. An altered renal function is an essential component of the patho‐physiology of pre‐eclampsia. The plasma levels of low molecular mass proteins, e.g. β‐trace protein, β‐2‐microglobulin and cystatin C, are increased in the third trimester of normal pregnancy. The plasma levels of cystatin C and β‐2‐microglobulin are further increased in pre‐eclampsia, and the cystatin C level has been reported to be a reliable marker for the disease. The aim of this investigation was to study the plasma levels of β‐trace protein, β‐2‐microglobulin and cystatin C in pre‐eclampsia, and to determine the diagnostic performance of these proteins compared to that of urate and creatinine. Methods. A case‐control study of 57 women diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia, and 218 healthy women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Women in the catchment area of Lund, Sweden, were included during an 18‐month period from October 2003 to April 2005. Venous blood samples were drawn upon inclusion when diagnosis was made. The maternal plasma concentrations of the 3proteins were analysed by automated particle‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric assays. Results. The plasma levels of the 3 proteins were significantly higher in the third trimester of pre‐eclamptic patients compared to healthy pregnant women in the third trimester. The upper reference limits (parametric 97.5 percentile) were 2.57mg/l for β‐2‐microglobulin, 0.72mg/l for β‐trace protein and 1.37mg/l for cystatin C. ROC analysis showed similar diagnostic performance for the 3 proteins, with β‐trace protein displaying the best diagnostic performance of all the analytes. Conclusions. In this study, the maternal plasma levels of β2‐microglobulin, β‐trace protein and cystatin C were all significantly elevated in pre‐eclampsia compared to those of healthy pregnant women, and displayed similar diagnostic performance for diagnosing pre‐eclampsia. The results indicate that low molecular mass proteins are useful as markers of renal impairment in pre‐eclampsia.
The use of atosiban and ritodrine in external cephalic version
Authors: STERGIOTOU IOSIFINA , TALBOT FLEUR , YOONG WAI 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective. To compare the efficacy of atosiban and ritodrine as tocolytic agents for successful external cephalic version (ECV). Factors affecting the success of ECV, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes are reviewed. Method. A retrospective review of women who underwent ECV with either atosiban (2004) or ritodrine (2002). Results. Atosiban and ritodrine were similarly effective (28 versus 41%, p>0.05). Side effects were more common with ritodrine. No significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were recorded following procedures with either tocolytic. Conclusion. Atosiban is a safe choice for ECV with less maternal side effects. However, it is no more effective than ritodrine and the benefit of safety has to be balanced against that of cost.
Pregnancy and oral health: utilisation of dental services during pregnancy in northern Greece
Authors: DINAS KONSTANTINOS , ACHYROPOULOS VASSILIOS , HATZIPANTELIS EMMANOUEL , MAVROMATIDIS GEORGIOS , ZEPIRIDIS LEONIDAS , THEODORIDIS THEODOROS , DOVAS DIMITRIOS , TANTANASIS THEOHARIS , GOUTZIOULIS FOTIOS , BONTIS JOHN 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. Recent studies have shown that gingivitis and periodontal infection during pregnancy represent an independent risk factor for pre‐term birth. However, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of dental attendance during pregnancy. Methods. During the first 3 days postpartum, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to 425 women in order to explore their dental condition and utilisation of dental health services during pregnancy, as well as their perceptions on the potential associations between dental care during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Results. Almost half of the respondents (46.8%) reported symptoms of gingivitis during their pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis was independently associated with non‐Greek ethnicity (p = 0.008), multiparity versus primiparity (p<0.005), lower economic class versus middle and upper classes (p = 0.001), and the lack of routine primary dental care (p = 0.005). Some 27.3% reported a visit to the dentist during their pregnancy. The majority (72.2%) believed that dental treatment during pregnancy might have a negative affect on pregnancy outcome. The presence of pregnancy gingivitis and the belief that dental treatment during pregnancy is safe were both independently associated with visiting a dentist during pregnancy (p<0.0005 for both). Conclusions. Despite the increased prevalence of dental problems among pregnant women, few women seek dental services in this population, which can be primarily attributed to women's erroneous beliefs regarding the safety of dental examination. Therefore, there is an imperative need to offer oral health education and develop preventive programs for women of reproductive age.
Human papillomavirus‐type predict the clinical outcome of imiquimod therapy for women with vulvar condylomata acuminata*
Authors: DEDE MURAT , KUBAR AYHAN , YENEN MUFIT CEMAL , ALANBAY IBRAHIM , GUVEN SULEYMAN , MESTEN ZEKI , BASER ISKENDER 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate the effect of determination of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtype on the success of imiquimod therapy in women with vulvar condylomata acuminata. Methods. A total of 132 women with biopsy‐proven vulvar condylomata acuminata were enrolled in this prospective study. HPV DNA detection and determination of genotype were made through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The women were treated with imiquimod cream 5% in the area of the visible lesions, three times a week at night for 16 weeks. Results. Twelve of the 132 women (9.1%) failed to detect any improvement with this therapy during the 16‐week period. However, 80 women (60.6%) experienced total clearance of the lesions, and 20 women (15.2%) observed a partial response. The complete response rates were 76.2% for HPV‐6, 66.7% for HPV‐11, 35% for HPV‐6 plus 11, and 6.3% for unclassified HPV subtypes (other HPV subtypes than HPV 6 and ‐11). Conclusions. Topical imiquimod 5% cream is an appropriate treatment modality for HPV‐6 or ‐11 positive vulvar warts.
The genetic predisposition to produce high levels of TGF‐β1 impacts on the severity of eclampsia/pre‐eclampsia
Authors: STANCZUK GRAZYNA A. , MCCOY MELANIE J. , HUTCHINSON IAN V. , SIBANDA ELOPY N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectives. To investigate the hypothesis that women who are genetically programmed to produce higher levels of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 are more likely to develop severe eclampsia/pre‐eclampsia. Design. Case–control study. Methods. Blood samples from women whose pregnancy was complicated by eclampsia (n = 37) or pre‐eclampsia (n = 49) and healthy controls (n = 86) were analyzed for the presence of polymorphisms at codons 10 and 25 of the transforming growth factor‐beta 1 gene. The polymorphisms are thought to determine whether an individual produces low, medium, or high levels of the cytokine. The analysis was carried out using the ARMS‐PCR technique. Results. Women who developed eclampsia/pre‐eclampsia with severe renal and neurological complications or had neonatal deaths/still births were more likely to have the high‐producer allele T in codon 10 of the transforming growth factor‐beta 1 gene than healthy controls. By contrast, the transforming growth factor‐beta 1 producer genotype and allele frequency as determined by gene polymorphisms at codon 25 were comparable in cases and controls. The cytokine producer status per se appears to had no bearing on whether a patient developed eclampsia/pre‐eclampsia. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that women who experience eclampsia/pre‐eclampsia with severe maternal and/or fetal complications are more likely to have a genetic predisposition to produce high levels of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 as defined by polymorphisms at codon 10. While it is recognized that eclampsia/pre‐eclampsia has heterogenous pathomechanisms, we have demonstrated a strong relationship between poor maternal and pregnancy outcomes and codon 10 polymorphisms. The characterization of the immunogenetic make‐up of the women may be an additional tool in the differentiation of component pathologies and/or prediction of severity of the syndrome.
Differential expression of nestin in normal and pre‐eclamptic human placentas
Authors: HWANG HAN‐SUNG , CHO NAM‐HOON , MAENG YONG‐SUN , KANG MYUNG‐HWA , PARK YONG‐WON , KIM YOUNG‐HAN 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. Nestin is a type VI intermediate filament protein originally described in neural stem cells. Recent reports have documented nestin expression in endothelium of newly formed blood vessels and suggested its role as a marker of capacity for neovascularization and angiogenesis in endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of nestin in normal and pre‐eclamptic human placentas. Methods. Placental tissues from 12 women with severe pre‐eclampsia and 15 gestational age‐matched normotensive women were collected at the time of their cesarean section. Western blot analysis for each placental tissue was performed for nestin quantification. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to localize nestin‐positive cells and to investigate differential staining intensity in each placental cell. Results. Nestin expression was detected in all of the normal and pre‐eclamptic placental tissues by Western blotting. Compared with the normal placentas, tissues from severe pre‐eclamptic placentas showed higher expression of nestin (p<0.001). Nestin immunoreactivity was localized only to endothelial cells of chorionic villi. However, mesenchymal connective tissue cells, cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and decidual cells did not reveal any specific signal for nestin. Conclusions. We suggest that the capacity for neovascularization and angiogenesis in endothelial cell is increased in pre‐eclamptic placenta compared to that from normal pregnancy. Such changes may be a compensatory mechanism for the reduced maternofetal exchanges and long‐lasting fetal hypoxia in pre‐eclamptic pregnancy. Furthermore, these changes in endothelial cells of chorionic villi in pre‐eclamptic pregnancy may give an explanation for fetal response to pre‐eclamptic conditions.
Prevalence and genotyping of human papillomavirus infection in women with vulvodynia
Authors: ORLANDI AUGUSTO , FRANCESCONI ARIANNA , ANGELONI CATERINA , PALMIERI GIAMPIERO , FULVIA GLORIA , CIOTTI MARCO , CRISCUOLO ANNA , SESTI FRANCESCO , SPAGNOLI LUIGI GIUSTO 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. Evidence of vulvar human papillomavirus infection varies and the frequency of the different genotypes has not been adequately assessed. Methods. Fifty consecutive sexually active healthy patients with vulvodynia and suspected of human papillomavirus infection underwent a vulvoscopy and biopsy. Ten normal vulvar samples were also enrolled as control. Histological and vulvoscopic findings were compared in relation to human papillomavirus‐DNA presence and genotyping by a broad‐spectrum polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization line probe assay. Results. Although the clinical and histological diagnoses did not always coincide, a good association was found (p<0.0001). Human papillomavirus‐DNA was detected in 42% of all biopsies and in none of the controls, and less frequently in acetowhite‐positive patients (33.3%, p<0.03). Squamous papillomatosis (74%) was the most frequent histological diagnosis, followed by condyloma (20%). Condyloma (90%) but not squamous papillomatosis (29.7%) was significantly associated with human papillomavirus‐DNA presence. Out of the vulvoscopically normal patients, one (33%) was human papillomavirus‐DNA positive. Out of the recorded microscopic features, only koilocytosis was associated with human papillomavirus‐DNA presence. Eight different human papillomavirus genotypes were detected: high‐risk 16 (43%), 31 (19%), 52 (14.3%), 68, and 59 (4.8% each), and low‐risk types 6 (71.4%), 11, and 40 (4.8% each); 33.3% of infections were multiple, ranging from 2 to 4 genotypes. Out of the human papillomavirus‐DNA positive squamous papillomatosis, 72.7% showed a high‐risk type but the infection remained episomal. Conclusions. Our data confirm human papillomavirus as a frequent cause of vulvodynia and its frequent association with squamous papillomatosis or condyloma. The high‐risk human papillomavirus in squamous papillomatosis suggests screening for possible undiagnosed cervical infection.
Level of S100B protein expression in the amnion at various gestational ages in the third trimester of normal pregnancies
Authors: TSKITISHVILI EKATERINE , KOMOTO YOSHIKO , KINUGASA YUKIKO , KANAGAWA TAKESHI , SONG MIHYON , MIMURA KAZUYA , TOMIMATSU TAKUJI , KIMURA TADASHI , SHIMOYA KOICHIRO 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. S100B protein is a unique calcium‐binding protein. Its biological role within the cell populations is not completely defined. Some pathological conditions that develop during pregnancy could affect S100B concentrations in the amniotic fluid, cord blood, and maternal serum. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between S100B protein expression in the amnion, amniotic fluid and gestational age in the third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancies.Methods. Amnion, amniotic fluid, maternal peripheral and umbilical cord blood samples were collected from healthy women who delivered at 31–36 weeks (n= 17), 37–40 weeks (n= 22), and 41–42 weeks (n= 21). The expression of S100B in the amnion was assessed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time (RT)‐PCR, and its concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal and cord blood sera were determined by ELISA.Results. The S100B protein expression in the amnion and its concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal and cord blood sera of patients in the third trimester were not significantly different at various gestational ages.Conclusions. The S100B protein expression in the amnion and the S100B protein concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal and cord blood do not vary significantly in the third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancies.
Serum resistin level is a predictor of ovarian response in in vitro fertilisation cycle
Authors: CHEN YU‐CHIEH , TSAI EING‐MEI , CHEN HUNG‐SHENG , LIU YUNG‐HSIEN , LEE CHIEN‐HUNG , CHOU FAN‐HAO , CHEN I‐JU , CHEN SU‐YIN , JONG SHIANG‐BIN , CHAN TE‐FU 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectives. To measure serum resistin levels in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilisation‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET), and to find any correlations between serum resistin levels and body weight, body mass index, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the outcome of IVF‐ET. In addition, to assess whether there is any difference in serum resistin levels between infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility caused by other female factors. Methods. We designed a case‐control study, and a total of 44 infertile women were enrolled. The blood samples for resistin measurement were collected on day 3 of the menstrual cycle prior to the administration of gonadotropin during in vitro fertilisation. These cases were then divided into 2 subgroups (PCOS group versus non‐PCOS group) and a number of variables were measured and compared, including serum resistin levels. Results. Serum resistin levels were inversely correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved (r = −0.371, p = 0.013). No significant correlation was found between serum resistin levels and body mass index or body weight, either in the whole group or in the 2 subgroups. Serum resistin levels in the non‐PCOS group were significantly higher than in the PCOS group (p = 0.049). Serum resistin levels in the non‐PCOS group were inversely correlated to the number of oocytes retrieved (r = −0.386, p = 0.039), but no similar correlation was found in the PCOS group. There was no correlation between serum resistin levels and fertility rate or clinical pregnancy rate in either subgroup. Conclusions. We observed a negative correlation between serum resistin levels and the number of oocytes retrieved during IVF. However, this phenomenon was only present in the non‐PCOS group. This result suggests that serum resistin levels might be a good predictor of ovarian response in infertile women without PCOS during IVF. The role of serum resistin in response to inflammation caused by endometriosis or chronic pelvic infection, both of which are major causes of female infertility, should be examined in a further study.
Outcome of site‐specific fascia repair for rectocele
Authors: SARDELI CHRYSANTHI , AXELSEN SUSANNE M. , KJÆR DANIEL , BEK KARL M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. This article presents the anatomic and functional outcome of site‐specific fascia repair for rectocele performed under local anesthesia. Methods. In this case series, 51 consecutive patients underwent site‐specific rectocele repair under local anesthesia. Patients were subsequently reviewed in the outpatient clinic. Results. The mean follow‐up period was 26.7 months. Pelvic examination revealed recurrence of posterior vaginal wall prolapse in 31% (16/51). Improvement in emptying the rectum was achieved in 23% (7/30), and 23% (7/30) were relieved from constipation. One patient developed de novo dyspareunia. Some 92% of the patients (47/51) would recommend local anesthesia. Conclusions. Anatomic correction of posterior vaginal wall prolapse does not guarantee alleviation of all symptoms, especially those regarding defecation; however, postoperative dyspareunia levels are low. The use of local anesthesia is associated with high patient satisfaction. Patients should be informed that total recovery from accompanying subjective symptoms cannot be guaranteed.
A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol® on the climacteric syndrome in peri‐menopausal women
Authors: YANG HAN‐MING , LIAO MEI‐FEN , ZHU SHU‐YUAN , LIAO MEI‐NAN , ROHDEWALD PETER 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) was found to alleviate menstrual pain and reduce hyperactivity in clinical studies. These results suggest the possibility to observe positive effects in treating climacteric syndrome. Objective. Clinical investigation of the effect of Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark extract, on the climacteric syndrome. Methods. Some 200 peri‐menopausal women were enrolled in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, and treated with Pycnogenol® (200mg) daily. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated by the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), patients were checked for antioxidative status and routine chemistry. A total of 155women completed the study. Results. All climacteric symptoms improved, antioxidative status increased and LDL/HDL ratio was favourably altered by Pycnogenol®. No side effects were reported. Conclusion. Pycnogenol® may offer an alternative method to reducing climacteric symptoms without unwanted effects.
Population‐based Swedish studies of outcomes after in vitro fertilisation
Authors: NYGREN KARL‐GÖSTA , FINNSTRÖM ORVAR , KÄLLÉN BENGT , OLAUSSON PETRA OTTERBLAD 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. Various outcomes have been described during pregnancy and among infants born to women after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. This mini‐review summarises recent population‐based Swedish studies about the short‐ and long‐term effects of IVF on the infant and child, and also comments on disturbances of pregnancies and deliveries occurring after IVF. Methods. Data on women who had IVF treatments and gave birth in Sweden during the period 1982–2001 were collected from all clinics performing IVF. By linkage with the Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Swedish Register of Congenital Malformations, the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register, the Swedish Cancer Register, and the Swedish Cause of Death Register, data on short‐ and long‐term complications were retrieved. Results. From 1982 to 2001, a total of 13,261 women gave birth to 16,280 infants after IVF treatment. During the final years of the study, nearly half of the pregnancies occurred after intracytoplasmic sperm injection intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Characteristics of women who delivered after IVF were analysed. Various anomalies in pregnancy and delivery outcome were found, but few long‐term effects. Conclusions. Most deviations, except for multiple pregnancies, could be explained by parents characteristics, notably their subfertility status. Little difference was found between pregnancies after standard IVF and pregnancies after ICSI.
The effects of α‐methyldopa on myometrial noradrenaline release and myometrial contractility in rat
Authors: CSONKA DÉNES , ZUPKÓ ISTVÁN , MINORICS RENÁTA , MÁRKI ÁRPÁD , CSÍK GÁBOR , FALKAY GEORGE 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. α‐Methyldopa is a classic antihypertensive agent, used routinely in the treatment of pregnancy‐induced hypertension. However, only a few data are available about its direct uterotropic effect. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate the direct effects of α‐methyldopa on the myometrial adrenergic functions in rat. Methods. The effects of α‐methyldopa on the sympathetic transmission in the non‐pregnant, early pregnant and late‐pregnant myometrium were investigated by a superfusion technique. Myometrial samples from control and α‐methyldopa‐treated (200 mg/kg i.p. for 7 days) non‐pregnant, 7‐day and 21‐day pregnant rats were saturated with [3H]noradrenaline, and the liberation evoked by electric field stimulation was determined. The contractility responses to α‐ and β‐adrenergic stimulation were additionally characterised by generating concentration–response curves of myometrial rings to noradrenaline and terbutaline in the same arrangement. The changes in the density and affinity of the adrenergic receptors (α2 and β2) were investigated by a radioligand binding technique. Results. The treatment with α‐methyldopa substantially decreased both the [3H]noradrenaline uptake and release in both the non‐pregnant and early pregnant uterus, while treatment‐dependent changes were observed at term only in the uptake capacity. The contractility response to exogenous α‐sympathomimetics was higher in the group treated in early pregnancy, and a decreased terbutaline‐induced relaxation was observed in the non‐pregnant state and at term. The treatment resulted in increased affinity for α2 receptors in early pregnancy, while Kd for β2 was increased at term. Conclusions. Our experimental data suggest that besides its antihypertensive effect, α‐methyldopa may influence the adrenergic transmission of the pregnant uterus. Our results indicate that the agent decreases the efficacy of β2‐adrenergic agonists at term pregnancy and increases the response to α‐sympathomimetics in early pregnancy.