bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor. Part I: two‐dimensional aspects
Authors: Dietz H. P. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractUltrasound imaging is rapidly replacing radiological methods in the investigation of pelvic floor disorders. Transrectal, transvaginal/introital and transperineal/translabial methods are being employed, with the latter probably the most widespread due to ease of use and availability of equipment. Position and mobility of the bladder neck, bladder wall thickness, pelvic floor muscle activity and uterovaginal prolapse can be quantified, and color Doppler may be used to document stress urinary incontinence. Ultrasound imaging has simplified audit activities and enhanced our understanding of the effects of incontinence and prolapse surgery, such as the new synthetic suburethral slings. In recent years, imaging methods have contributed significantly to our understanding of the traumatic effects of childbirth on the pelvic floor. Finally, the assessment of pelvic floor biomechanics may have implications for clinical obstetrics and ultimately for the prevention of delivery‐related pelvic floor trauma. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Width of the fetal lateral ventricular atrium between 10 and 12 mm: a simple variation of the norm?
Authors: Signorelli M. , Tiberti A. , Valseriati D. , Molin E. , Cerri V. , Groli C. , Bianchi U. A. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectivesThe prognosis of borderline forms of anomalies that can be detected by ultrasound is one of the most challenging issues in prenatal diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis for fetuses presenting with isolated mild ventriculomegaly (MVM).MethodsFetuses in which the width of the lateral ventricular atria was 10–12 mm and which had no other detectable chromosomal or morphological anomalies were followed by monthly ultrasound examinations until delivery. For the cases identified up to December 1997, postnatal information was gathered retrospectively through interviews. Children born from January 1998 onwards were included in a protocol involving planned neuropsychiatric visits at 12 and 18 months of age in which the Griffith scale was used to assess neurodevelopment.ResultsBetween September 1992 and January 2001, 60 fetuses with isolated MVM were identified. Ventricular dilatation diminished in 18 cases (and became normal in nine of these) and stabilized in 42 cases. Information was obtained on 38 children born up to December 1997 and their neurodevelopment was found to be completely normal. The 22 children born from January 1998 onwards showed normal development at 12 and 18 months of age.ConclusionsWhen MVM is observed on prenatal ultrasound examination it can be very difficult to offer parents appropriate counseling. It is important to exclude aneuploidy or morphological abnormalities but even then there will be anxieties about long‐term neurological outcome. Our data, which show normal neurodevelopment between 18 months and 10 years after birth in cases of MVM (10–12 mm), should provide a basis for reassuring counseling. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex‐specific fetal weight prediction by ultrasound
Authors: Schild R. L. , Sachs C. , Fimmers R. , Gembruch U. , Hansmann M. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo improve sonographic birth‐weight prediction by developing fetal gender‐specific formulae.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional study. Two gender‐specific formulae were produced from the data of 527 patients and the data of a further 349 patients were used to evaluate the formulae. Inclusion criteria were a singleton live fetus, gestational age above 25 weeks, birth weight between 1000 g and 4500 g and fetal biometry within 8 days of delivery. Data retrieval was specifically for the purpose of this study.ResultsTo yield the best‐fit weight formula for each fetal gender we employed step‐wise regression analysis based on fractional polynomials with the biometric parameters biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), transverse abdominal diameter (TAD), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL): estimated fetal weight for girls (g) = − 4035.275 + 1.143 × BPD3 + 1159.878 × AC1/2 + 10.079 × FL3 − 81.277 × FL2 [in cm]; estimated fetal weight for boys (g) = 43576.579 + 1913.853 × log10BPD + 0.01323 × HC3 + 55.532 × AC2 − 13602.664 × AC1/2 − 0.721 × AC3 + 2.31 × FL3 [in cm]. These formulae showed superior results compared with those of conventional weight formulae.ConclusionGender‐related fetal weight calculation allows optimized prediction of fetal weight at birth. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caroli's disease: prenatal diagnosis, postnatal outcome and genetic analysis
Authors: Sgro M. , Rossetti S. , Barozzino T. , Toi A. , Langer J. , Harris P. C. , Harvey E. , Chitayat D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractCaroli's disease is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and infantile polycystic kidney disease. We report a case with Caroli's disease detected prenatally at 33 weeks' gestation with fetal ultrasound findings of a cystic liver mass and echogenic kidneys. Postnatal investigation confirmed enlarged and echogenic kidneys with dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts consistent with the diagnosis of Caroli's disease. Genetic analysis of the gene, PKHD1, associated with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) showed that the patient had compound heterozygous mutations, confirming that this early onset Caroli's disease was part of the spectrum of ARPKD. To our knowledge this is the third case of Caroli's disease detected prenatally and the first in which the infant survived. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrast‐enhanced sonography during uterine artery embolization for the treatment of leiomyomas
Authors: Marret H. , Tranquart F. , Sauget S. , Alonso A. M. , Cottier J.‐P. , Herbreteau D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractUterine artery embolization (UAE) is a successful and safe treatment for symptomatic leiomyomas. However, rare complications such as premature menopause and uterine necrosis can arise because of embolization of non‐target tissues. We studied the feasibility of using contrast‐enhanced sonography with intravenous SonoVue just before, during and after complete occlusion of both uterine arteries. In a patient with multiple, large, symptomatic leiomyomas, contrast‐enhanced imaging established that the UAE was technically successful and that myometrial vascularity was not reduced. Our case suggests that ultrasound contrast agents may have a role in monitoring UAE and thus may help prevent ischemic complications. Further studies are required to confirm this. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cocoon sign: a potential sonographic pitfall in the diagnosis of twin – twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Quintero R. A. , Chmait R. H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the frequency and clinical importance of the cocoon sign in twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsCharts and ultrasound images of all pregnancies with TTTS that underwent selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels at our institution over a 1‐year period were retrospectively reviewed for a cocoon sign. TTTS had been diagnosed and prospectively staged if monochorionicity was suspected and the maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of amniotic fluid in one gestational sac was ≥8 cm, while the MVP in the other gestational sac was ≤2 cm. The cocoon sign was diagnosed when there was an ultrasound finding of a donor twin with severe oligohydramnios enveloped by dividing membranes and connected to the uterine wall by a laminar stalk of these membranes.ResultsThe cocoon sign was noted in 9/58 (15.5%) cases. There were no differences in gestational age and stage of TTTS upon presentation, gestational age at delivery or number of neonatal survivors between the groups of TTTS cases with and those without a cocoon sign. One patient in the cocoon group had been misdiagnosed because the donor twin's MVP was measured from the donor's tethered membranes to the posterior wall of the uterus within the recipient's sac.ConclusionsThe cocoon sign is present in at least 15% of patients with TTTS. Its recognition is important to avoid misdiagnosis of TTTS. The practical implications and potential complications of this sonographic sign are discussed. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The value of detection of normal ovarian tissue (the ‘ovarian crescent sign’) in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses
Authors: Hillaby K. , Aslam N. , Salim R. , Lawrence A. , Raju K. S. , Jurkovic D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether the presence of normal ovarian tissue adjacent to an adnexal tumor (the ‘ovarian crescent sign’) could assist in the preoperative differential diagnosis of adnexal lesions.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study including 100 women with a preoperative diagnosis of an adnexal mass. Demographic and biochemical data were collected and all women underwent a detailed transvaginal ultrasound scan. Tumor volume, morphological characteristics and Doppler features were recorded in each case. In addition, the tissue adjacent to the cyst was systematically examined for the presence of normal ovarian tissue. All the findings were compared to the final histological diagnosis.ResultsSixty‐seven (67%) of the cysts removed were benign, nine (9%) were borderline and 24 (24%) women had invasive malignant lesions. Normal ovarian tissue was seen in 58/76 (76%) women with non‐invasive lesions, and in one woman (4%) with an invasive malignancy. In the absence of normal ovarian tissue, ovarian cancer was diagnosed with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 76%.ConclusionThe presence of normal ovarian tissue adjacent to an ovarian cyst is a useful morphological feature that may be used to help exclude an invasive ovarian malignancy in women with adnexal masses detected on ultrasound scan. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal heart rate and blood flow velocity variability in the presence of increased nuchal translucency: a preliminary study
Authors: Vinkesteijn A. S. M. , Ursem N. T. C. , Struijk P. C. , Wladimiroff J. W. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo study the power spectrum distribution of heart rate and umbilical artery flow velocity variability in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT).MethodsDoppler velocity waveforms were collected from long‐lasting (>20 s) umbilical artery recordings in 18 fetuses with increased NT (>3 mm) and 18 normal controls matched for gestational age at 11–14 (median, 12) weeks. The NT group included 11 abnormal karyotypes: trisomy 18 (n = 3), 45,X (n = 4), trisomy 21 (n = 3) and a balanced translocation. Absolute heart rate as well as the coefficient of variation for both beat‐to‐beat heart rate variability and umbilical artery blood flow velocity variability were determined. The ratios of the integrated low‐frequency components (0.05–0.2 Hz) and the integrated high‐frequency ones (0.25–1.6 Hz; LH ratio) from normalized power spectrum distributions were established to reflect sympathovagal balance.ResultsThe mean heart rate was not significantly different between the two groups. However, mean heart rate variability and time‐averaged flow velocity variability were significantly increased in the NT group, while there was no significant difference in the LH ratios between the two groups. The mean umbilical artery pulsatility index was significantly higher in the NT group.ConclusionThe autonomic nervous system does not seem to play a role in the altered cardiovascular homeostasis in the presence of increased fetal NT. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surveillance and outcome of fetuses with gastroschisis
Authors: Brantberg A. , Blaas H.‐G. K. , Salvesen K. Å. , Haugen S. E. , Eik‐nes S. H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectivesInfants with gastroschisis have a high survival rate. However, the rate (10–15%) of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) is considerable, and the association with fetal distress is well known. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. The impact of correct prenatal diagnosis, surveillance and signs of complicating risk factors were evaluated.MethodsAll fetuses with prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis at the National Center for Fetal Medicine from January 1988 to August 2002 were registered and prospectively evaluated with regular ultrasound examinations. From 34–36 completed gestational weeks the fetuses were monitored daily to every second day with cardiotocography (CTG).ResultsGastroschisis was diagnosed in 64 fetuses at a mean gestational age of 19 + 2 weeks. All had normal karyotype. Associated anomalies were found in four cases (6.3%). Three pregnancies (4.7%) were terminated, all for reasons other than gastroschisis. One fetus (1.6%) died in utero. Thirteen fetuses (22%) had abnormal CTG leading to subsequent Cesarean sections. Mean gestational age at delivery was 36 + 1 weeks. Mean birth weight was 2586 g. Thirteen infants (22%) were small for gestational age (SGA). In 15 cases (25%) meconium‐stained amniotic fluid was found; 14 of these had abnormal CTG and/or were SGA. Small bowel atresia was found in four infants (6.7%). Four infants died postnatally at the age of 0–9 months.ConclusionsCTG surveillance of fetuses with gastroschisis may improve the outcome through detection of fetal distress thereby reducing the risk of IUFD. Other clinical situations of importance that are associated with gastroschisis are described and discussed. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic measurement of cervical length in twin pregnancies in threatened preterm labor
Authors: Fuchs I. , Tsoi E. , Henrich W. , Dudenhausen J. W. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether sonographic measurement of cervical length in twin pregnancies presenting with threatened preterm labor helps distinguish between true and false labor.MethodsIn 87 women with twin pregnancies presenting with regular and painful uterine contractions at 24–36 (median, 30) weeks of gestation, cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasound. Women presenting in active labor, defined by the presence of cervical dilation of 3 cm or more, with ruptured membranes and those who underwent a prior or subsequent cervical cerclage, were excluded from the study. The clinical management was determined by the attending obstetrician without taking into account the cervical length. Primary outcome of the study was delivery within 7 days of presentation.ResultsDelivery within 7 days of presentation occurred in 19/87 (22%) pregnancies and this was inversely related to cervical length, decreasing from 80% (4/5) at 1–5 mm, to 46% (6/13) at 6–10 mm, 29% (4/14) at 11–15 mm, 21% (4/19) at 16–20 mm, 7% (1/15) at 21–25 mm and 0% (0/21) at >25 mm. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that significant independent contribution in the prediction of delivery within 7 days was provided by cervical length (odds ratio (OR) = 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.89, P < 0.001) and use of tocolytics (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02–0.76, P = 0.024), with no significant contribution from gestation at presentation, chorionicity, ethnic origin, maternal age, body mass index, parity, previous history of preterm delivery, cigarette smoking, contraction frequency, vaginal bleeding or the administration of antibiotics or steroids.ConclusionIn women with twin pregnancies presenting with threatened preterm labor, sonographic measurement of cervical length helps distinguish between those who deliver within 7 days and those who do not. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex‐specific antenatal reference growth charts for uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 15–40 weeks of gestation
Authors: Schwärzler P. , Bland J. M. , Holden D. , Campbell S. , Ville Y. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveFemale fetuses, on average, weigh less than male fetuses at all gestational ages. The purpose of this study was to compare female and male fetuses in terms of intrauterine ultrasound growth measurements and to develop gestational‐age‐related charts based on a computerized perinatal database.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of unselected women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, who had a normal scan at 10–14 weeks. Data analysis was performed using measurements obtained from a mixed‐race population of 4234 women, who underwent 5198 ultrasound examinations. The scans were performed by four trained sonographers, according to a standardized protocol. Routine measurements included biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL). The main end‐points were sex‐ and race‐specific differences in fetal biometry, which were also used to estimate fetal weight.ResultsThe base‐line demographic characteristics and risk factors were comparable in female and male fetuses. Significant differences in fetal BPD, HC, AC and estimated fetal weight, but not FL, were seen between male and female fetuses. Centile charts for each of these variables were constructed for both male and female fetuses.ConclusionsThis study suggests that small but consistent sex‐related differences in prenatal BPD, HC and AC measurements are established by as early as 15 weeks of gestation. The use of sex‐specific nomograms may improve the prenatal assessment of fetal growth as well as the diagnosis of structural abnormalities. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal Structure, Phase Transition and Ferroelastic Properties of [N(CH3)4]3[As2Cl9]
Authors: Wojtaś M. , Bator G. , Ciunik Z. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe crystal structure of [N(CH3)4]3[As2Cl9] is determined at 293 K. It crystallizes in trigonal space group P31c: a = 9.2199(8), c = 21.065(3)Å, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0505, wR2 = 0.1283. The crystal is built of the discrete bioctahedral [As2Cl9]3— anions and the deformed tetramethylammonium cations. A structural phase transition in [N(CH3)4]3[As2Cl9] is detected by the DSC and dilatometric techniques at 146/151 K (on cooling/heating). Dielectric relaxation studies in the frequency range 75 kHz — 5 MHz indicate reorientations of the tetramethylammonium cations within the high temperature phase. Optical observations show the existence of the ferroelastic domain structure below 146 K. The possible mechanism of phase transition is discussed on the basis of the presented results.
Preparation and Crystal Structure of Ni16Si9Al
Authors: Richter Klaus W. , Prots Yurii , Grin Yuri 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe new ternary phase Ni16Si9Al was synthesized from the elements. The compound is formed in a presumably peritectoid reaction at 786 °C and has a narrow homogeneity range around the nominal composition. It adopts an orthorhombic structure (space group Cmcm) related to Ni3Si2. It was found, that one particular position is occupied by aluminum together with silicon causing slight splitting and thus leading to a local symmetry break in the structure. Both, Ni16Si9Al and Ni3Si2, show related structural motifs and can be described by a combination of flat layers and puckered slabs with interatomic distances indicating covalent interactions between the atoms.
Structure and Thermal Stability of a Novel 2‐D Layered Copper(II) Coordination Polymer with the Bidentate Ligand 1, 2, 4‐Triazol‐5‐one
Authors: Ma Gui Xia , Zhang Tong Lai , Zhang Jian Guo , Yu Kai Bei 
Published: February 2004

AbstractSingle crystals of {[Cu(TO)2(H2O)2](NO3)2}n (TO: 1, 2, 4‐triazol‐5‐one) were grown by slow evaporation from aqueous solution. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca, with a = 7.082(1), b = 10.285(1), c = 17.911(3)Å, V = 1304.6(3)Å3, Z = 4. The CuII distorted octahedra are bridged by bidentate TO ligands into infinite 2‐D interlaced rhombic grid‐like network planes, {[Cu(TO)2(H2O)2]2+}n. Hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and weak van der Waals' forces assemble these planes and the NO3— anions to a layered structure. The title compound decomposes at 153.4 °C to the final products, Cu(CN)2 and CuO.
Ternary Aluminides with the Ideal Composition A2Pt6Al15 (A = Y, Gd—Tm, Zr)
Authors: Niermann Jens , Jeitschko Wolfgang 
Published: February 2004

AbstractTernary rare earth platinum aluminides were prepared by arc‐melting of the elemental components followed by annealing in a high‐frequency furnace. Their crystal structure was determined for the yttrium compound from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data. It has hexagonal symmetry with a = 428.1(1) pm, c = 1638.3(3) pm, space group P63/mmc, and was refined to a conventional residual of R = 0.018 for 325 F values and 19 variable parameters. Of the five crystallographic positions, the yttrium position and one of the three aluminum positions show partial occupancies corresponding to the composition Y1.357(3)Pt4Al9.99(2) with the Pearson symbol hP20 — 4.65. These partially occupied sites are that close to each other that at best only one can be fully occupied. A model for an ordered distribution of occupied and unoccupied Y and Al sites requires a √3 larger a axis with the Pearson symbol hP20 — 4.67 for the subcell, very close to the experimental result. Corresponding superstructure reflections could be observed on an image‐plate single‐crystal diffractometer only in the form of diffuse streaks. The compound has the ideal composition Y2Pt6Al15 with Z = 2 for the superstructure. This corresponds to the formula Y1.33Pt4Al10 with Z = 1 for the subcell. The compounds A1.33Pt4Al10 with A = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm were found to be isotypic with that of the yttrium compound. This structure is closely related to or isotypic with, respectively, those of Yb2Fe4Si9, Sc1.2Fe4Si9.8, Ce1.2Pt4Ga9.8, Ce2Pt6Ga15, Tb0.67Ni2Ga5—xSix, RE0.67Ni2Ga5—xGex> (with RE = Y, Sm, Ho), and Gd0.67Pt2Al5, reported in earlier investigations. The new compound Zr1.00(1)Pt4Al10.22(3) has nearly the same hexagonal structure with a = 426.1(1) pm and c = 1622.8(3) pm. It was refined from four‐circle diffractometer data to a residual of R = 0.021 for 288 structure factors and 19 variable parameters.
Alkali‐Metal meta‐Hydroxyphenolates: Syntheses and Crystal Structures from Powder X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Couhorn Uwe , Dronskowski Richard 
Published: February 2004

AbstractM[m‐C6H4O(OH)] (M = Li—Cs) have been obtained as highly air‐ and moisture‐sensitive powders from reaction mixtures of the appropriate alkali metals and resorcinol in thf. Both the potassium and rubidium compounds were structurally characterized by means of powder X‐ray diffraction using the Simulated Annealing method and the Rietveld profile refinement technique including C—C/C—O bond distance and C—C—C angle restraints. K[m‐C6H4O(OH)] (orthorhombic P212121) forms infinite alternating chains of meta‐hydroxyphenolate anions connected by K—O bonds and short charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds, thereby generating a three‐dimensional network of corrugated layers similar to the structure of pure resorcinol. The potassium cations are surrounded by a triangle of oxygen and, moreover, coordinated by six adjacent phenylene rings to form a distorted octahedron. The complex crystal structure of Rb[m‐C6H4O(OH)] (monoclinic Pa) is characterized by layers of hydrogen‐bonded meta‐hydroxyphenolate triple units separated by corrugated rubidium layers. The three crystallographically different Rb atoms are coordinated by three, four, and five oxygens with irregular polyhedra, and the rubidiums are also involved in further electrostatic interactions by up to eight phenylene rings.