bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study of amniotic fluid index in normal pregnancy in Nigerian women
Authors: Chama C.M , Bobzom D.N , Mai M.A 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To establish normal reference values of amniotic fluid index by week of gestation for normal pregnancies in our population. Method: A longitudinal prospective assessment of amniotic fluid index in healthy pregnant women carrying singleton pregnancies. The subjects were recruited at 20 or 22 weeks of gestation and concluded at 40 or 42 weeks of gestation. The numeral data were analyzed on an IBM personal system 2 computer with statistical and graphical packages. Result: from a mean of 17.18 cm at 20 weeks gestation, the amniotic fluid index rose progressively to a peak of 20.39 cm at 26 weeks gestation. It then gradually declined to a mean of 8.37 cm at 42 weeks gestation. Conclusion: Gestational age specific values of amniotic fluid index should be used and the 5th and 95th percentiles taken as lower and upper limits of normal, respectively.
Active management of labor: is it suitable for a developing country?
Authors: Chanrachakul B , Herabutya Y , Panburana P 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of active management of labor in the setting of a developing country. Methods: This historical cohort study compared the labor characteristics and outcome of all anti‐HIV positive nulliparous pregnant women (n=96), who delivered between January 1991 and March 1999, treated with traditional labor management to all anti‐HIV negative nulliparous pregnant women (n=1856), who delivered in 1998, treated with active management of labor in the tertiary center of a developing country. The year 1998 was chosen by using the total cesarean section rate of nulliparous patients from 1991 to 1998 to find the mean, then selected the year with cesarean section rate nearest to the mean as a control. Data were analyzed by the chi‐square and t‐tests. Results: The length of labor was significantly shortened in the active management group (6.3±3.3 h vs. 8.9±6 h, P<0.001). A significantly greater proportion of the traditional management group had prolonged labor (29.3% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001). However, the cesarean section rate was not different between the two groups (active vs. traditional=17% vs. 14.6%, P=0.7) with dystocia as a major indication in both groups. Maternal and fetal complications were not different. Conclusion: The active management of labor shortened the duration of labor and reduced prolonged labor; however, it did not decrease the cesarean section rate.
A biogenic-silica δ18O record of climatic change during the last glacial–interglacial transition in southwestern Alaska
Authors: Hu Feng Sheng , Shemesh Aldo 
Published: May 2003

AbstractDespite growing evidence for environmental oscillations during the last glacial–interglacial transition from high latitude, terrestrial sites of the North Pacific rim, oxygen-isotopic records of these oscillations remain sparse. The lack of data is due partially to the paucity of lakes that contain carbonate sediment suitable for oxygen-isotopic analysis. We report here the first record of oxygen-isotopic composition in diatom silica (δ18OSi) from a lake in that region. δ18OSi increases gradually from 19.0 to 23.5‰ between 12,340 and 11,000 14C yr B.P., reflecting marked climatic warming at the end of the last glaciation. Around 11,000 14C yr B.P., δ18OSi decreases by 1.7‰, suggesting a temperature decrease of 3.5–8.9 °C at the onset of the Younger Dryas (YD) in southwestern Alaska. Climatic recovery began ca. 10,740 14C yr B.P., as inferred from the increase of δ18OSi to a maximum of 23.9‰ near the end of the YD. Our data reveal that a YD climatic reversal in southwestern coastal areas of Alaska occurred, but the YD climate did not return to full-glacial conditions.
Neurohumoral prediction of left‐ventricular morphologic response to β‐blockade with metoprolol in chronic left‐ventricular systolic heart failure
Authors: Groenning Bjoern A. , Nilsson Jens C. , Hildebrandt Per R. , Kjaer Andreas , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Larsson Henrik B.W. , Sondergaard Lars 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground:In order to tailor therapy in heart failure, a solution might be to develop sensitive and reliable markers that can predict response in individual patients or monitor effectiveness of therapy.Aims:To evaluate neurohumoral factors as markers for left‐ventricular (LV) antiremodelling from metoprolol treatment in patients with chronic LV systolic heart failure.Methods:Forty‐one subjects randomised to placebo or metoprolol were studied with magnetic resonance imaging and blood samples to measure LV dimensions and ejection fraction, epinephrine, norepinephrine, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, atrial (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptides, arginine–vasopressin and endothelin‐1 at baseline, 5 weeks and 6 months after randomisation.Results:Baseline ANP was identified as sole independent marker for changes in LV end‐diastolic (ΔLVEDVI: r=−0.70, P=0.002), and end‐systolic (ΔLVESVI: r=−0.53, P=0.03) volumes during metoprolol treatment. Change in ANP during the study was an independent marker for ΔLVEDVI: r=0.66, P=0.004, and ΔLVESVI: r=0.69, P=0.002 in the entire metoprolol group, but at the individual patient level, results were less clear.Conclusion:The pre‐treatment plasma level of ANP may be a predictor of LV antiremodelling from treatment with metoprolol in patients with chronic heart failure. However, the potential for individual neurohumoral monitoring of the effects on LV dimensions during β‐blockade appears limited.
Thyronin treatment in adult and pediatric heart surgery: clinical experience and review of the literature
Authors: Carrel Thierry , Eckstein Friedrich , Englberger Lars , Mury Raymond , Mohacsi Paul 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThyroid hormone has multiple direct and indirect effects on the heart and the vasculature. Many signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are manifest by the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, many cardiovascular diseases are adversely affected by the concomitant presence of either hyper‐ or hypothyroidism: it is still being debated whether these alterations are the consequence of increased cardiac workload alone or are due to the intrinsic properties of thyroid hormone. There are three potential mechanisms by which thyroid hormone might exert a cardiovascular action: (1) direct effects at the cellular level (inotropic and chronotropic effect); (2) interaction with the sympathetic nervous system; and (3) alteration of the peripheral circulation through changes in preload, afterload and energy metabolism. We treated 54 adult and seven pediatric patients suffering from severe low cardiac output in different clinical conditions with a mean bolus dosage of 2±1.5 μg h−1 of T3, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.4±0.3 μg h−1 for a mean duration of 48±12 h. In 45 patients, stabilization of the hemodynamic situation with a decrease in inotropic support requirement was observed; however, in 11 patients no beneficial effects were observed. From this experience we suggest that T3 treatment may improve hemodynamics in a substantial proportion of cardiac and cardiosurgical patients in whom more conventional treatment is unsuccessful.
Using ensemble forecasts to predict the size of forecast changes, with application to weather swap value at risk
Authors: Jewson Stephen , Ziehmann Christine 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe show that the standard deviation of the distribution from which changes in the ensemble mean are drawn can be predicted using the ensemble spread. Such a forecast has direct application for companies that trade weather swaps and need to evaluate their risk. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The IgG antibody profile to various antigen regions of hepatitis C virus differs in oral fluid and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Matičič M. , Poljak M. , Seme K. , Skalerič U. 
Published: May 2003

Matičič M, Poljak M, Seme K, Skalerič U. The IgG antibody profile to various antigen regions of hepatitis C virus differs in oral fluid and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Oral Microbiol Immunol 2003: 18: 176–182. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003.Antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be detected not only in serum but also in oral fluid. The aim of the study was to determine IgG antibody reactivity directed to six antigen regions of HCV in oral fluid and to evaluate the significance of the antibody pattern in oral fluid compared to serum. Oral fluid and serum samples of 32 HCV viremic patients were collected to detect antibodies to six antigen regions incorporated as antigen bands into modified commercial updated third generation line immuno‐assay. Compared to serum, a significantly lower cumulative antibody response and reactivity to five HCV antigens was found in oral fluid. The significantly highest prevalence of oral fluid reactivity was recorded with antigen C1 (78%), whereas in serum the most significantly frequent reactivity was detected with antigen NS3 (100%). The absence of antibody reactivity with antigen E2 was similar in both body fluids. The discrepancy in antibody pattern to HCV antigens between oral fluid and serum indicates the possible existence of local viral replication, viral mutants, viral inhibitors in oral cavity and, most probably, leakage of the muco‐vascular barrier.
Optic nerve hypoplasia in cholestatic infants: a multiple case study
Authors: Fahnehjelm Kristina Teär , Fischler Björn , Jacobson Lena , Nemeth Antal 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To present four infants with optic nerve hypoplasia and cholestasis.Methods:  All patients underwent detailed ophthalmological and hepatological assessment. Their endocrinological and neuroradiological examinations were re‐evaluated.Results:  All four infants presented with cholestasis and were subsequently found to have optic nerve hypoplasia. One child was blind according to the WHO definition and two had low vision. The fourth child had unilateral optic nerve hypoplasia and was too young to be assessed with optotypes. All four children had central nervous system and/or endocrine dysfunction. However, only one child had septo‐optic dysplasia. The longterm outcome of liver disease seemed favourable in all children.Conclusion:  Early assessment by a paediatric ophthalmologist as well as a multidisciplinary approach is of great importance in cholestatic infants.
A new technique for removing the inner wall of Schlemm's canal using cyanoacrylate
Authors: Naruse Shigeta , Mori Kazuhiko , Kinoshita Shigeru 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To introduce a new technique for removing the inner wall of Schlemm's canal using cyanoacrylate.Methods:  Two donor eyes were used in this study. A limbal‐based scleral flap was dissected. The external wall of Schlemm's canal was opened and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal was exposed. Ethyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate was applied uniformly to the inner wall. After it had solidified, it was removed with fine forceps. The operated sites were then studied by light microscopy.Results:  After cyanoacrylate removal, the aqueous humour was seen percolating through the thin remaining trabecular meshwork. Histopathological findings at the operated sites revealed that the lining of the Schlemm's endothelial cells was irregular. Endothelial cell nuclei were rarely seen along the canal wall. Microperforation to the anterior chamber was not seen.Conclusion:  This new technique is potentially a safer method for removing the inner wall of Schlemm's canal than the conventional method.
Transpupillary thermotherapy of predominantly occult choroidal neovascularization in age‐related macular degeneration with 12 months follow‐up
Authors: Algvere Peep V. , Libert Carina , Lindgärde Gunnar , Seregard Stefan 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To perform a phase I/II safety and efficacy study in order to assess the outcome following transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with no or minimally classic CNV in age‐related macular degeneration.Methods:  The study comprised 113 referred patients (79 females, 34 males) aged 59–89 years (mean 77.7 years) with predominantly occult CNV. There were 49 cases of occult with no classic CNV and 64 of occult with minimally classic CNV. According to their greatest linear dimension, lesions were classified as being < 3.0 mm or > 3.0 mm. Transpupillary thermotherapy was delivered with a diode laser, emission at 810 nm, duration 60 seconds, laser power 500–800 mW. Clinical examination, ETDRS logMAR visual acuity and fluorescein angiography were carried out at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months in all cases.Results:  The average baseline visual acuity was 0.20 (50.6 letters). Following TTT, it was 0.12 (42.0 letters) at 6 months and 0.12 (38.0 letters) at 12 months. Visual acuity improved in 9/113 eyes (8.0%), remained unchanged in 46 (40.7%) eyes, and deteriorated in 58 (51.3%) eyes. There was no significant difference in the proportion of eyes that had lost at least 15 letters at 12 months in the subgroup of occult with no classic CNV (18/49; 36.7%) versus those with minimally classic lesions < 3.0 mm (15/39; 38.5%). However, 13/25 (52.0%) of cases with minimally classic lesions > 3.0 mm had lost at least 15 letters at 12 months (p = 0.31). The most common complications in the 46 eyes that suffered visual loss comprised subretinal progressive fibrosis (18 eyes) and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (13 eyes).Conclusions:  This study shows that TTT generally prevents moderate and severe visual loss at 12 months follow‐up in occult CNV with no classic CNV. Eyes with minimally classic lesions with a greatest linear dimension of < 3.0 mm also show the same positive outcome. These results compare favourably with published data on the natural course of the disease. However, minimally classic lesions of > 3.0 mm responded poorly in this treatment setting.
Telemedicine in ophthalmology
Authors: Lamminen Heikki , Voipio Ville , Ruohonen Keijo , Uusitalo Hannu 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Objectives:  To give an overview of telemedical applications in ophthalmology and to provide background information on new tele‐ophthalmological applications.Methods:  We carried out a literature review, a database search and an Internet search.Results:  According to published research, the cost‐efficiency of telemedicine in ophthalmology has not been established. It has been found to have educational benefits and patients have been satisfied with the possibility of obtaining specialist care without having to travel.Conclusions:  Most studies have been pilot studies and telemedicine is still seldom the primary mode of operation. Technical problems have not been significant, but many open questions about organizational and operational issues remain. Further studies should be directed towards solving these problems and establishing technical standards.
Mitochondrial volume densities in the smokeless tobacco‐treated hamster cheek pouch epithelium
Authors: Alonge OK , Ashrafi SH , Colvard MD 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVES: To compare the morphological changes and quantitative distribution of mitochondria in the hamster cheek pouch (HCP) epithelium treated with smokeless tobacco (ST).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archives of experimental material from previously published studies (Ashrafi et al., 1992) were utilized. Animals in experimental group received moist ST (snuff) in their right pouch, 5 days weekly for 24 months, while no snuff was given to control group. After 24 months, the epithelial tissues were processed for electron microscopy study. Volume densities of mitochondria were assessed by morphometry.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mitochondrial volume densities in the two groups, experimental vs control.RESULTS: In both control and experimental groups mitochondria were concentrated between the nucleus and basal cell plasma membrane. A decrease in the mean mitochondrial volume density (Vvmit) was observed from the basal layer to the more superficial layers in both groups. The experimental HCP displayed more mitochondria than control, and the granular epithelial cell layer in experimental group showed significantly a higher mean Vvmit than the control group (P = 0.03). It was concluded that greater numbers of mitochondria were retained in ST‐treated granular cells of the hyperplastic epithelia than in the normal epithelium.
In vitro effect of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB on collagen synthesis and proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Ojima Y , Mizuno M , Kuboki Y , Komori T 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVES: Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB is a polypeptide growth factor which has been shown to stimulate periodontal regeneration. In this study, we investigated the time‐ and dose‐dependent effect of PDGF‐BB on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the proliferation assay, PDL cells were cultured in 0.01–10 ng ml−1 of PDGF‐BB for 12 or 24 h, and cell numbers were counted. For the collagen synthesis assay, PDL cells were cultured in 0.1–10 ng ml−1 of PDGF‐BB for 1 to 24 h. The ratio of collagen content in total protein was evaluated, and the gene expression of type I collagen was assessed quantitatively by Northern blotting analysis.RESULT AND CONCLUSIONS: PDGF‐BB stimulated the proliferation of PDL cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner with the maximum effect at 10 ng ml−1. PDGF‐BB induced the collagen synthesis of PDL cells with the maximum effect for 24‐h treatment, and 1 ng ml−1 of PDGF‐BB. PDGF‐BB exhibits an inverse dose‐dependent effect on proliferation and collagen synthesis by PDL cells. These findings suggest that PDGF‐BB is one of the important regulators of the maintenance of the extracellular matrix in PDL, and may play an important role in the regeneration of PDL.
The effects of six months of treatment with a low‐dose of conjugated oestrogens in menopausal women
Authors: Schlegel W. , Petersdorf L. I. , Junker R. , Schulte H. , Ebert C. , Von Eckardstein A. 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVEHormone replacement therapy (HRT) is usually prescribed as medium‐ to high‐dose formulations. Little is known, however, about dose‐dependency of oestrogen effects on plasma hormone levels, markers of cardiovascular risk in lipid metabolism and the haemostatic system, or markers of bone turnover.SUBJECTS AND DESIGNIn an open trial, three groups of 12 or 13 healthy, non‐obese postmenopausal women received conjugated equine oestrogens (CEE) for 6 months at doses of 0.3 mg/day (group 1), 0.6 mg/day (group 2) or 1.25 mg/day (group 3). From day 1 to day 10, CEE was administered alone, and from day 11 to day 21, in combination with 5 mg of medrogestone. Each treatment cycle was followed by a pause of 7 days. Fasting blood samples were obtained before treatment as well as on days 10, 21 and 28 of the first, third and sixth months on treatment. All results obtained on day 10 were grouped together as phase A, on day 21 as phase B, and on day 28 as phase C.MEASUREMENTSPlasma concentrations of oestradiol (E), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S), total testosterone (T), FSH, PRL, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), type I procollagen propeptide (PICP) and the cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (apo) A‐1, apo B, lipoprotein(a)[Lp (a)], fibrinogen, factor VIIc and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1) were evaluated with commercially available kits.RESULTSDose‐dependently, the three regimens increased E, SHBG and factor VIIc activity and decreased FSH, DHEAS, cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and apoB. HDL‐cholesterol and apoA‐1 were slightly decreased in group 1 but increased in groups 2 and 3. The high CEE dosage in group 3 resulted in a significant increase of TG and decrease of Lp(a) and PAI‐1. Markers of bone turnover were not significantly changed by any CEE dosage.CONCLUSIONSSix months of treatment with 0.3 mg/day of conjugated equine oestrogen significantly lowers serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol without causing the adverse increases of triglycerides or factor VIIc, which were observed at higher doses. However, this low‐dose treatment did not yield the maximal LDL‐cholesterol lowering effect. Moreover, the positive effects of HRT on HDL‐cholesterol, apolipoprotein A‐I, lipoprotein (a) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 required at least the medium dose of 0.6 mg conjugated equine oestrogens per day. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine which dose of conjugated equine oestrogens has the optimal effect on cardiovascular risk and bone turnover.
SiCf–SiBC composites: microstructural investigations of the as‐received material and creep tested composites under an oxidative environment
Authors: Farizy G. , Chermant J.‐L. , Sangleboeuf J. C. , Vicens J. 
Published: May 2003

SummarySiCf–SiBC composites fabricated by Snecma Propulsion Solide (St Médard en Jalles, France) were investigated by SEM and HRTEM in the as‐received state and after creep tests performed in air, in a temperature range 1423–1573 K, under 170 and 200 MPa. These composites are reinforced by Hi‐Nicalon fibres (Nippon Carbon). A pyrocarbon interphase was first deposited on the fibres. The matrix was then deposited on the fibrous preform by several chemical vapour infiltrations (CVI). As a result the matrix is multilayered and based on the Si–B–C ternary system. This matrix is self‐sealing: this is due to the presence of boron inducing the formation of a sealant glass if the material is heated in an oxidative environment. This glass will protect fibres and fibre/matrix interphases against oxidation. Hi‐Nicalon fibres as well as the different matrix layers were studied by HRTEM and EDX. Some investigations were carried out on the creep‐tested specimens in order to characterize modifications observed in the different constituents of the composites, particularly at the interfaces between the matrix layers and at the fibre/matrix interface. It was shown that several matrix layers crystallized during the creep tests. Moreover, a thin silica layer was observed at the pyrocarbon/matrix interfaces. Differences between the behaviour of the same type of material creep tested under neutral atmosphere are discussed.
Retention of fluorescent probes during aldehyde‐free anhydrous freeze‐substitution
Authors: Hyde G. J. , Davies D. S. , Cole L. , Ashford A. E. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryFluorescent probes are widely used for microscopy of live‐cell processes, but few such probes can also be used with classically fixed or otherwise immobilized material, and none has been used without aldehyde fixation, which can introduce artefacts of structure and probe localization. Here we show that the fluorescence patterns in fungal hyphae loaded with chloromethyl aminocoumarin (CMAC), and then anhydrously freeze‐substituted, without any aldehyde fixation, are similar to those seen in living hyphae. Probe loss into the mounting medium (Spurr's resin) with CMAC and five other probes tested indicated that some unwanted solubilization of probe occurred during embedding, but nevertheless vacuoles could be imaged by their retention of probe.