bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The natural history of adnexal cysts incidentally detected at transvaginal ultrasound examination in postmenopausal women
Authors: Valentin L. , Akrawi D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the natural history of adnexal cysts incidentally detected at transvaginal ultrasound examination and judged to be benign in postmenopausal women.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐four postmenopausal women referred for ultrasound examination and found to have an adnexal cyst judged to be benign and not causing any symptoms were followed with transvaginal ultrasound at 3, 6 and 12 months, and then every 12 months. The referring physician treated the patient at his/her own discretion.ResultsOne hundred and sixty cysts were found, 121 (76%) being unilocular and 39 more complicated. Seventy‐two cysts (45%) had a largest diameter of 3–19 mm and 88 (55%) had a largest diameter of 20–80 mm. Median follow‐up time was 3 (range, 0.3–8) years. In twelve women (9%) the cysts were removed during follow‐up, all their cysts (n = 14) being benign. The indication to operate was a change in cyst morphology or increased cyst size in five (4%) women. In 39 (29%) women, the cysts disappeared; in 18 (13%), new cysts developed; and, in 65 (49%), the number of cysts and their location remained unchanged. Regression of cysts was observed in 54% (33/61) of women < 60 years vs. in 8% (6/73) of those ≥ 60 years (P = 0.0001). Ultrasound findings remained unchanged in 34% (21/61) of women < 60 years vs. in 77% (56/73) of those ≥ 60 years (P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe results support conservative management of adnexal cysts incidentally detected at transvaginal ultrasound examination and judged to be benign in postmenopausal women. Whether such cysts need to be followed‐up at all and, if they do, how often and for how long, remains an open question.
Lactacidosis in the neonate is minimized by prenatal detection of congenital heart disease
Authors: Verheijen P. M. , Lisowski L. A. , Stoutenbeek P. , Hitchcock J. F. , Bennink G. B. W. E. , Meijboom E. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the impact of prenatal detection of congenital heart disease on preventing severe preoperative lactacidosis.DesignPatients operated upon for congenital heart disease during the first 31 days of life (n = 209) were studied retrospectively, 21 were diagnosed prenatally and 188 patients had not been diagnosed prenatally. Preoperative lactate, pH and base excess were evaluated.ResultsDifferences were noted in preoperative pH (7.28 ± 0.03 vs. 7.24 ± 0.01, P = 0.29), base excess (−5.83 ± 0.64 vs. −6.93 ± 0.46 mmol/L, P = 0.10) and lactate (3.05 ± 0.35 vs. 6.08 ± 0.45 mmol/L, P < 0.001), indicating a significant difference in blood lactate values in favor of the prenatally diagnosed group.ConclusionsPrenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease and the resulting immediate postnatal care prevent lactate increase in the preoperative period of these patients. This may decrease the risk of cerebral damage and result in the patient being in better condition at surgery. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Cardiac ventricular performance in the appropriate‐ for‐gestational age and small‐for‐gestational age fetus: relation to regional cardiac non‐uniformity and peripheral resistance
Authors: Tsyvian P. , Malkin K. , Artemieva O. , Blyakhman F. , Wladimiroff J. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between parameters of diastolic function, loading conditions and remodeling of the left ventricle in the appropriate‐for‐gestational age and small‐for‐gestational age fetus.MethodsTwo‐dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular images were digitized in 24 appropriate‐for‐gestational age and 14 small‐for‐gestational age fetuses. The maximal short axis and long axis were measured. The left ventricular contour was divided into 12 segments. The changes in whole left ventricular cavity area were calculated for ventricular global area change assessment. The coefficient of variation for segmental fractional area change was calculated for the evaluation of left ventricular regional wall motion non‐uniformity.ResultsMean left ventricular long axis/short axis ratio in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus (1.11 ± 0.08) was smaller (P < 0.01) than in the appropriate‐for‐gestational age fetus (1.75 ± 0.26). Mean fractional area change in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus was larger (P < 0.01) than in the appropriate‐for‐gestational age fetus (37.8 ± 17.6% vs. 21.1 ± 9.9%). Mean left ventricular global area change in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus was smaller (P < 0.05) than in the appropriate‐for‐gestational age fetus (53.2 ± 7.4% vs. 61.5 ± 10.3%). Mean ventricular isovolumic relaxation time in the appropriate‐for‐gestational age fetus was shorter (P = 0.03) than in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus (37 ± 6 ms vs. 57 ± 9 ms). Mean transmitral E‐wave/A‐wave ratio in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus was smaller (P < 0.01) than in the appropriate‐for‐gestational age fetus (0.69 ± 0.08 vs. 0.80 ± 0.08). A negative correlation (P < 0.05) was demonstrated between: (i) fractional area change and global area change in both small‐for‐gestational age (r = −0.62) and appropriate‐for‐gestational age fetuses (r = −0.58); (ii) umbil‐ical artery systolic/diastolic ratio and transmitral E‐wave/A‐wave ratio in both appropriate‐for‐gestational age (r =−0.58) and small‐for‐gestational age (r = −0.60) fetuses. A positive correlation existed between fractional area change and isovolumic relaxation time in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus (r = +0.72;P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe changes in ventricular shape, wall motion, spatial non‐uniformity and diastolic function in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus could be considered as adaptive changes, known as ventricular remodeling. It is proposed that the leading cause of ventricular remodeling in the small‐for‐gestational age fetus is chronic pressure overload due to increased placental vascular resistance. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A normal second‐trimester ultrasound does not exclude intracranial structural pathology
Authors: Malinger G. , Lerman‐Sagie T. , Watemberg N. , Rotmensch S. , Lev D. , Glezerman M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo report the prenatal diagnosis and management of 34 fetuses with various intracranial structural pathologies diagnosed following a normal second‐trimester ultrasound examination.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the images of 203 abnormal central nervous system ultrasound examinations performed between 13 and 37 weeks of gestation at our prenatal diagnosis unit. In 34 (16.7%) of them at least one previous second‐trimester ultrasound examination had been performed and considered normal. These 34 fetuses represent the study group.ResultsThe following intracranial pathologies were diagnosed: dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly, cerebral cysts or hemorrhage, migrational disorders, vermian dysgenesis, arachnoid cysts, macrocephaly, enlarged subarachnoid space, brain calcifications and microcephaly.ConclusionA normal second‐trimester ultrasound scan does not rule out significant intracranial anomalies. Parents and physicians should be informed about the limitations of second‐trimester sonography as far as brain diagnosis is concerned. A repeat third‐trimester scan may enable more accurate diagnosis and counseling. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Middle cerebral artery Doppler in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Jouannic J.‐M. , Benachi A. , Bonnet D. , Fermont L. , Le Bidois J. , Dumez Y. , Dommergues M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveA previous anthropometric study has shown that neonates with transposition of the great arteries have a smaller head circumference and intracranial volume, which may be related to a lower oxygen content of blood delivered to the head and upper extremities. The aim of this study was to compare Doppler blood flow velocity waveforms in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries with those in healthy fetuses.MethodsDoppler blood flow velocimetry was performed in the middle cerebral artery, the umbilical artery, the aorta and the ductus venosus in a consecutive series of 23 fetuses with transposition of the great arteries between 36 and 38 weeks' gestation. The control group consisted of 40 healthy fetuses matched for gestational age.ResultsThere was no significant difference in pulsatility indices in the umbilical artery, the aorta and the ductus venosus between fetuses with transposition of the great arteries and controls. The median middle cerebral artery pulsatility index in the group with transposition of the great arteries was 1.37 (range, 1.10–2.02) and was significantly lower than that in the control group (median, 1.68; range, 1.46–2.04) (P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney test).ConclusionsThe lower pulsatility indices observed in the middle cerebral artery of fetuses with transposition of the great arteries may reflect a trend towards cerebral vasodilation. This phenomenon could be an indicator of hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia restricted to areas perfused by the preisthmus aorta and be related to the characteristics of the circulation in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Congenital periventricular pseudocysts: prenatal sonographic appearance and clinical implications
Authors: Malinger G. , Lev D. , Ben Sira L. , Kidron D. , Tamarkin M. , Lerman‐Sagie T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivePeriventricular pseudocysts (PVPC) are diagnosed in approximately 1% of premature newborns that undergo brain sonography during the first 24 h of life. These pseudocysts are thought to develop antenatally due to germinal matrix hemorrhage, but have not been described until now in prenatal ultrasound studies. The aim of this study was to report the identification, differential diagnosis, and prognosis of PVPC detected by prenatal ultrasound examination.DesignBetween 1997 and 2001 we made an ultrasound diagnosis of PVPC in 11 fetuses. In nine fetuses the findings were characteristic of PVPC and these patients represent our study group. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging was performed in five patients. Termination of pregnancy was carried out in three patients, in one case intrauterine fetal death occurred at 31 weeks, and one infant died in the neonatal period. The surviving four newborns are being followed in the pediatric neurology clinic.ResultsPVPC were diagnosed by ultrasound scan in fetuses between 16 and 37 weeks of gestation (mean, 29.7 weeks). Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of PVPC in two cases. In eight cases the pseudocysts were unilateral and in one case bilateral. They were an isolated finding in five patients. Four of these fetuses were delivered at term and have normal neurological development at ages ranging from 6 to 25 months. All fetuses with additional pathologies (coarctation of the aorta, hemimegalencephaly, cytomegalovirus infection, hypoplasia of the vermis with dysmorphism) did not survive.ConclusionsThe prenatal diagnosis of PVPC warrants an extensive search for possible associated pathological findings. As an isolated finding, antenatal PVPC seem to carry a good prognosis. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Role of immune cells in animal models for inherited neuropathies: facts and visions*
Authors: Mäurer Mathias , Kobsar Igor , Berghoff Martin , Schmid Christoph D. , Carenini Stefano , Martini Rudolf 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMice heterozygously deficient in the peripheral myelin adhesion molecule P0 (P0+/− mice) are models for some forms of Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) neuropathies. In addition to the characteristic hallmarks of demyelination, elevated numbers of CD8‐positive T‐lymphocytes and F4/80‐positive macrophages are striking features in the nerves of these mice. These immune cells increase in number with age and progress of demyelination, suggesting that they might be functionally related to myelin damage. In order to investigate the pathogenetic role of lymphocytes, the myelin mutants were cross‐bred with recombination activating gene 1 (RAG‐1)‐deficient mice, which lack mature T‐ and B‐lymphocytes. The immunodeficient myelin mutants showed a less severe myelin degeneration. The beneficial effect of lymphocyte‐deficiency was reversible, since demyelination worsened in immunodeficient myelin‐mutants when reconstituted with bone marrow from wild‐type mice. Ultrastructural analysis revealed macrophages in close apposition to myelin and demyelinated axons. We therefore cross‐bred the P0+/− mice with spontaneous osteopetrotic (op) mutants deficient in the macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), hence displaying impaired macrophage activation. In the corresponding double mutants the numbers of macrophages were not elevated in the peripheral nerves, and the demyelinating phenotype was less severe than in the genuine P0+/− mice, demonstrating that macrophages are also functionally involved in the pathogenesis of genetically mediated demyelination. We also examined other models for inherited neuropathies for a possible involvement of immune cells. We chose mice deficient in the gap junction component connexin 32, a model for the X‐linked form of CMT. Similar to P0‐deficient mice, T‐lymphocytes and macrophages were elevated and macrophages showed a close apposition to degenerating myelin. We conclude that the involvement of T‐lymphocytes and macrophages is a common pathogenetic feature in various forms of slowly progressive inherited neuropathies.
An investigation of thoracic and lumbar cancellous vertebral architecture using power‐spectral analysis of plain radiographs*
Authors: Buck A. M. , Price R. I. , Sweetman I. M. , Oxnard C. E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe internal architecture of the vertebral bodies spanning the levels T1 to L5 in seven male columns was studied using mammographic‐resolution radiographs of 2.5‐mm‐thick planar parasagittal slices. The overlapping radiographic shadows of vertebral trabeculae combined in the image to form a series of ‘elements’, broadly representative of the cancellous structure. The orientations and sizes of these elements were analysed by applying the Fast Fourier transform (FFT) to the digitized radiographic images. Elements aligned in the ‘vertical’ orientation, along the long axis of the column, were the most prominent for all vertebral levels. The relative prominence of horizontal to vertical elements was generally constant along the column below T5. In contrast, the relative prominence of oblique to vertical elements declined in the cranio‐caudal direction, particularly in individuals aged ≥ 60 years. The ratio of ‘large’ (x > 0.3 mm) to ‘small’ (0.15 mm ≤ x ≤ 0.3 mm) elements was unchanged cranio‐caudally in specimens < 60 years. However, in individuals ≥ 60 years, large elements increased in relative prominence in the caudal direction. These results suggest that a basic orthogonal pattern of trabeculae is found along the male human spine, regardless of differences in vertebral body size. Power‐spectral analysis is shown to yield information summarizing the predominant orientations and sizes of radiographically rendered architectural elements of vertebral cancellous bone, to define the effects of ageing on architecture, and to identify broad structural differences between vertebral levels in the adult male spine.
Apoptosis in the cortex of the developing mouse kidney
Authors: Foley Jonathan G. D. , Bard Jonathan B. L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPublished levels of apoptosis in developing rat kidney (∼2.5%) seem large for a tissue with no obvious need for continual cell death. This paper examines the levels and patterns of apoptosis and mitosis in the cortical region of the developing metanephros of the mouse, the standard mammalian model embryo. Using confocal microscopy on specimens stained with propidium iodide to highlight nuclear morphology, optical sections of wholemount kidneys to a depth of ∼50 µm were analysed and mitotic, apoptotic and interphase nuclei counted in the various compartments. Of the ∼200 000 cells examined over E11.5–16.5, 2–3% were mitotic, confirming observations based on cryosections; the mitotic index peaked at E14.5, dropping to ∼0.5% by P14. The mean apoptotic index during this period was 0.28%; this figure from wholemounts was ∼10% of that earlier reported in cryosectioned rat kidneys. One possible explanation for the difference is that cryosectioning turns out to create small nuclear fragments that can stain strongly with propidium. Such fragments are not seen in wholemounts and do not stain with TUNEL. Wholemount mouse E11.5 tails and E16.5 lungs were also analysed and both their mitotic and their apoptotic indexes were similar to those in wholemount developing kidneys. These results show that the level of apoptosis in wholemount embryonic mouse kidney cortex is far less than previously reported in cryosectioned rat embryonic kidneys, and typical of that in other mouse embryonic tissues whose development seems not to require apoptosis.
Optical projection tomography as a new tool for studying embryo anatomy
Authors: Sharpe James 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOptical projection tomography (OPT) is a new technique for three‐dimensional (3D) imaging of small biological tissues. It is particularly useful for reconstructing vertebrate embryos and for examining the 3D anatomy of developing organs. The advantages of this technique over previous methods will be explained: in particular, its ability to image at a higher resolution than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while at the same time being able to image specimens much larger than those possible using confocal laser‐scanning microscopy. Being an optical technique, OPT is also able to take advantage of the many coloured and fluorescent dyes which have been developed for tissue‐specific or gene‐specific staining. This becomes particularly important for the visualization of the 3D shapes of specific organs and tissues as it allows the computer to automatically determine the outline of the desired structure.
Characterization of the host genotype and fungal diversity in Scots pine ectomycorrhiza from natural humus microcosms using isozyme and PCR‐RFLP analyses
Authors: TIMONEN SARI , TAMMI HANNA , SEN ROBIN 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe early development of indigenous and introduced Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) ectomycorrhiza in natural forest humus was examined using molecular fingerprinting techniques. Non‐mycorrhizal or mycorrhizal (Suillus bovinus (L. ex Fr.) O. Kuntze or Paxillus involutus (Batsch ex Fr.) Fr.) seedlings were placed in transparent two‐dimensional microcosms on a thin layer of sieved humus to allow observation of ectomycorrhizal development and fungal growth. Twelve ectomycorrhizal morphotypes, mainly based on colour, gross morphology and outer mantle structure, were identified over a 3‐month period. No successional trends in mycorrhiza formation were observed. For further characterization, individual ectomycorrhiza representing the different morphotypes were subjected to analyses of esterase (EST) isozyme profiles and RFLPs of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) from fungal rRNA genes following amplification using PCR. All 10 morphotypes analysed displayed different esterase isozyme profiles, and the characteristic s. bovinus species diagnostic band (S. b. EST8) was detected in two white morphotypes. Ten Pink and Black ectomycorrhiza were all separated into one and three groups, respectively. A fast‐running plant‐specific polymorphic locus (Z) was also confirmed in most ectomycorrhizal morphotypes. Diagnostic species‐specific (S. bovinus and Pink) EST bands were detected in intact external mycelium colonizing soil. Successful amplification of the ITS from individual ectomycorrhiza, of eight different morphotypes, was found to be mainly influenced by the DNA template concentration. Different RFLPs (Hinf I, Mbo I and Hha I) of the ITS placed the white morphotypes into two groups, one corresponding to S. bovinus, in agreement with the esterase fingerprinting. By contrast, Pink and Beige morphotypes displayed different EST profiles but nearly identical RFLP fingerprints. The ITS amplification success rate of standardized DNA template concentrations from 10 individual Pink and Black ectomycorrhiza was 90 and 50%, respectively. In all successful amplifications, the black morphotype yielded the smallest ITS fragment, similar to earlier reports for Cenococcum geophilum, that gave identical RFLPs. The ecological significance of the observed mycorrhizal diversity and combined application of these two identification methods is discussed.
Effects of potassium deficiency on cell water relations and elongation of tap and lateral roots of maritime pine seedlings
Authors: TRIBOULOT MARIE‐BÉATRICE , PRITCHARD JEREMY , LEVY GÉRARD 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe effects of potassium deficiency (KD) and all‐macronutrient deficiency (MD) on elongation of tap and lateral roots were studied on maritime pine seedlings (Pinus pinaster Ait.) in hydroponic culture.Tap root elongation was unaffected by either of the two deficiencies. By marked contrast, lateral root elongation was strongly reduced. The analyses of cell turgor pressure and relative elemental growth rate (REGR) profile in the growing zone allowed us to determine the effects of the nutrient stresses on cell‐wall properties. For both deficiency treatments, elongation rate, REGR profile (measured only for control and KD) and turgor pressure in the fastest growing cells were unaffected in the tap root, suggesting that KD and MD did not modify cell‐wall properties in the growing zone. In lateral roots, KD shortened the growing zone and significantly reduced REGR. However, turgor pressure remained unaffected in this region. The absence of turgor pressure change suggests that KD reduced elongation of lateral roots by tightening cell walls. In mature cells of the two types of roots, turgor and osmotic pressures tended to be reduced by the nutrient deficiencies, indicating that these parameters were better maintained in the growing cells.Cell turgor and osmotic pressures of control plants were 0.1 MPa lower at 30 mm (mature cells) than at 2–4 mm (expanding cells) from the meristem. Moreover, these parameters were 0.1 MPa lower in expanding cells of lateral roots than in those of tap the root. Turgor and osmotic pressures were not homogeneous throughout the root system and were affected differently by the nutrient deficiencies depending on the location in the root system.
Cloning plant genes differentially during colonization of roots of Hordeum vulgare by the vesicular—arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices
Authors: MURPHY P. J. , LANGRIDGE P. , SMITH S. E. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA model system was developed for the molecular analysis of plant‐mycorrhizal fungus interactions using Hordeum vulgare cv. Galleon and Glomus intraradices Schenk and Smith. High levels of early‐colonization stage mycorrhizas (20–35 % of the total root length) were routinely obtained in the roots of 12–14–d‐old barley seedlings. Detailed colonization studies showed that most colonization occurred in the first 5–10 lateral roots, and that colonization in primary roots and younger lateral roots was low. Differential screening of a cDNA library prepared from the highly colonized region of the root system and subsequent northern analyses identified four differentially expressed cDNA clones. Two clones, BMR6 and BMR78, detect RNA transcripts that accumulate to much higher levels in mycorrhizal roots than in non‐mycorrhizal root tissues. DNA hybridization analysis confirmed that both of the clones were of plant rather than fungal origin. Hybridization and sequence analysis strongly suggests that BMR78 represents a partial cDNA of a low copy proton‐ATPase gene. This finding is consistent with the extensive proliferation of the periarbuscular membrane and high ATPase activity associated with it. BM6 detects a low copy gene whose function is unknown.