bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMNIOTIC FLUID LEVELS OF FIBRIN(OGEN) DEGRADATION FRAGMENT E AND ALPHA–FETOPROTEIN IN NORMAL PREGNANCY AND WITH FETAL NEURAL TUBE DEFECT
Authors: Gordon Y. B. , Ratky S. M. , Leighton P. C. , Kitau M. J. , Chard T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAmniotic fluid levels of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and fibrin(ogen) degradation fragment E (FgE) were measured in 214 normal subjects and 27 pregnancies associated with an abnormal fetus (open neural tube defect or exomphalos). AFP levels showed no overlap between the normal and abnormal groups, thus confirming the reliability of the AFP assay in the detection of these abnormalities. FgE levels however showed considerable overlap and could not be used as a diagnostic parameter. Agarose gel chromatography of the amniotic fluid revealed the presence of large molecular weight FgE related antigen in open neural tube defect suggesting that leakage of proteins from exposed capillaries is responsible for the elevation of amniotic fluid protein levels.
PLASMA LEVELS OF PREGNANCY–SPECIFIC β1–GLYCOPROTEIN IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Towler C. M. , Horne C. H. W. , Jandial V. , Campbell Doris M. , MacGillivray I. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPregnancy‐specific β1–glycoprotein (PSβG) is a major product of the trophoblast which has only recently been identified. Like human placental lactogen, the concentration of PSβG in maternal blood rises throughout pregnancy until about 34 weeks, thereafter tending to remain constant until term, with only a small day‐to‐day variation in individuals. The circulating maternal levels of PSβG between 34 weeks and term are about 200 μg/ml, 20 to 30 times greater than the levels of placental lactogen, thus allowing detection and measurement of PSβG by relatively simple techniques. The levels of PSβG are above the normal range in the majority of twin pregnancies. It is suggested that PSβG measurements may be useful in assessing placental function and may help in the detection of multiple pregnancies at an early stage of gestation.
THE CONCENTRATIONS OF PROSTAGLANDIN E2 AND PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN TISSUES WITHIN THE FETOPLACENTAL UNIT AFTER SPONTANEOUS OR INDUCED LABOUR
Authors: Willman Eve A. , Collins W. P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) were measured by radioimmunoassay in portions of umbilical cord, placenta, amnion, chorion and decidua. The samples were obtained during 12 confinements immediately after the delivery of a healthy baby. Labour had either occurred spontaneously (6 subjects) or had been induced approximately two weeks after the estimated date of delivery. The results showed that the concentration of PGE2 was significantly higher (Student's ‘t’ test) in samples of placenta (P<0.05), decidua (P<0.025), umbilical cord (P<0.0125) and amnion (P<0.0025) from those patients who had started labour spontaneously. In contrast, the concentration of PGF2α was only raised to a significant extent (P<0.025) in the amnion. The findings are discussed.
DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS USING INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES
Authors: Wittmann B. K. , Chow Therese T. S. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA group of 80 patients was scanned by ultrasound within 24 hours of insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and re‐examined clinically and/or by ultrasound after the next menstrual period. An attempt was made to identify factors such as uterine size, uterine flexion and the position of the IUCD which might be related to its expulsion or removal when, on initial scanning, the device was not located in the fundal area; removal was necessary in 5 out of 6 patients. In patients with an endometrial cavity of less that 40 mm length and/or acute uterine flexion, the overall figure for expulsion and removal was 54 per cent (13 out of 24). It is hoped that a consideration of these factors will lead to a reduction of the failure rate of the IUCD.
INFERTILITY AND BILHARZIASIS OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT
Authors: Bullough C. H. W. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn a prospective study, 138 African patients with infertility and 42 patients with incomplete abortion were examined for evidence of bilharziasis. There appeared to be a significant association between primary infertility and bilharziasis due to Schistosoma haematobium.
THE THEORY, FEASIBILITY AND ACCURACY OF AN ULTRASONIC METHOD OF ESTIMATING FETAL WEIGHT*
Authors: Morrison J. , McLennan M. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryWe present the theory, method, feasibility and accuracy of estimating fetal weight by measuring the fetal volume using compound ultrasonic scanning. The two parameters had a very high coefficient of correlation (0.9794), and the standard error in one series of 20 patients was only ±106 g. The correlation coefficient achieved by one of us who was new to ultrasound techniques was 0.82, which compared favourably with correlations between fetal weight and biparietal diameter measurements (r = 0.26). A discussion as to the correction factors required to allow for the unknown value of the velocity of ultrasound in fetal tissues, the clinical use of this method, and the possible means by which the accuracy of estimating fetal weight may be further improved is included.
THE EFFECTS OF THE FENOTEROL HY DROBROMIDE (PARTUSISTEN) AEROSOL ON UTERINE ACTIVITY AND THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Authors: Lipshitz J. , Baillie P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFenoterol hydrobromide (Partusisten) aerosol was used in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, double crossover trial to study its effects on oxytocin‐induced uterine contractions and the maternal cardiovascular system. The active and placebo aerosols were each administered a total of ten times or twice each in five patients who were in established oxytocin‐induced labour with intact membranes. Five puffs, of 200 μg each, of the active aerosol reduced uterine activity by more than half; the effect on the cardiovascular system was to cause a mild tachycardia and to widen the pulse pressure.
UMBILICAL VEIN CORTISOL AFTER SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED LABOUR AND AT ELECTIVE CAESAREAN SECTION
Authors: Weekes A. R. L. , Wade A. P. , West C. R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryUmbilical vein (W) plasma cortisol levels were assayed at delivery after spontaneous labour, oxytocin‐induced labour, prostaglandin E,‐induced labour and after delivery by elective Caesarean section. Higher mean UV cortisol levels were observed after vaginal delivery than after delivery by elective Caesarean section. The highest mean UV cortisol level was observed in the PGEa group which accords with the known ability of prostaglandins to increase steroid production. The significance of these findings is discussed.
RELATION OF UMBILICAL VEIN CORTISOL TO NEONATAL BILIRUBIN CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: Weekes A. R. L. , Wade A. P. , West C. R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryUmbilical vein cortisol levels were assayed following spontaneous labour in 30 patients. Serum bilirubin was measured in the infants born at three days after delivery. No correlation was demonstrated between third day bilirubin concentration and the cord blood cortisol. The implications of this finding are discussed.
PLACENTAL TRANSFER AND FETAL UPTAKE OF 3H‐DIGOXIN IN HUMANS
Authors: Saarikoski S. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlacental transmission and fetal distribution of 3H‐digoxin were studied in seven pregnant women undergoing legal termination of pregnancy during the first half of gestation. The radioactivity in fetal and maternal plasma and in fetal tissues was estimated using the oxidation method, and the integrity of the labelled drug by thin layer chromatography. The 3H‐digoxin activity was clearly demonstrated in the umbilical cord blood five minutes after injection of the drug into the maternal blood, and the fetal plasma concentrations of 3H‐digoxin approximated to the maternal value 30 minutes after drug administration. The distribution of 3H‐digoxin in the fetal tissues was relatively even, with the highest 3H concentrations found in the heart and placenta, the lowest in the brain. The results suggest that the capacity of human fetal heart to bind digoxin during the first half of gestation is limited.
TERMINATION OF ABNORMAL INTRAUTERINE PREGNANCIES WITH INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF DIHOMO 15 METHYL PROSTAGLANDIN F2α
Authors: Karim S. M. M. , Ratnam S. S. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA synthetic compound, 2a, 2b dihomo 15 (S) 15 methyl prostaglandin F2α methyl ester given 8 hourly by intramuscular injection was used to terminate pregnancies in 72 patients with a missed abortion, intrauterine fetal death, molar or anencephalic pregnancies. Treatment was successful in all cases. A 4 mgdose of loperamide given orally at 15 to 30 minutes before the injection of prostaglandin analogue prevented diarrhoea as a side effect.
ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE UTERINE CERVIX: CYTOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF A LONG PRECLINICAL EVOLUTION
Authors: Boddington M. M. , Spriggs A. I. , Cowdell R. H. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAdenocarcinoma of the cervix occurred in 13 women who had previously had ‘negative’ cervical smears. These smears were reviewed, and abnormalities were found in six cases, the intervals ranging from two to eight years. It is concluded that adenocarcinoma, like squamous carcinoma of the cervix, can have a prolonged evolution during which it is cytologically detectable.
THE EFFECT OF PROLACTIN ON THE RESPONSE OF HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES TO PHYTOHAEMAGGLUTININ
Authors: Karmali R. A. , Horrobin D. F. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryLymphocytes were collected from ten normal human males and incubated with or without phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the absence or presence of ovine prolactin in concentrations found in normal individuals and in human pregnancy. Prolactin consistently inhibited lymphocyte transformations. The degree of inhibition became progressively less as PHA concentrations were increased.
RELATIONSHIP OF ORAL CONTRACEPTION TO DEVELOPMENT OF TROPHOBLASTIC TUMOUR AFTER EVACUATION OF A HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
Authors: Stone M. , Dent J. , Kardana A. , Bagshawe K. D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe need for chemotherapy for trophoblastic tumour after evacuation of a hydatidiform mole was found to be significantly increased in patients taking oral contraceptives before normal human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) values were obtained. Oral contraception was also found to delay the fall in HCG excretion in patients not requiring treatment with cytotoxic drugs.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROGRAMME OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY DONOR SEMEN WITHIN THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
Authors: Ledward R. S. , Crich Joan , Sharp Patricia , Cotton R. E. , Symonds E. M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA human semen bank has been established in Nottingham for artificial insemination using donor semen (AID). Frozen semen has been used for all inseminations. The introduction and organization of such a programme within the National Health Service is described. Six pregnancies have so far been confirmed and two normal infants have been delivered.
EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO OBSTETRIC CARE: PART I
Authors: Chalmers I. , Lawson J. G. , Turnbull A. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe obstetric management and results obtained by two obstetric teams working in the Cardiff Maternity Hospital over a five‐year period are compared. One team had a more active approach to induction of labour and antepartum monitoring with urinary oestrogen assay and serial ultrasound cephalometry than the other. After controlling for differences in the attributes of the two groups of patients treated, it was not possible to show any striking advantage or disadvantage of the more active approach.
PERINATAL INFECTIONS BY GROUP B β‐HAEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: Becroft D. M. O. , Farmer Keitha , Mason G. H. , Morris M. C. , Stewart J. H. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySince 1970 there has been an increase in isolations of Group B β‐haemolytic streptococci from infants and mothers at the National Women's Hospital and the organism has become the major cause of fatal perinatal infection. Forty‐three of 60 stillborn and liveborn infants with postmortem isolations of Group B streptococci had pneumonia and of these a minority also had meningitis and/or septicaemia. Amnionitis was found in 15 of 20 placentae examined from these patients and an ascending infection from the maternal genital tract, often through intact membranes, was considered likely in the majority. However, a review of the prenatal histories of 33 infants showed that only a minority had premonitory features such as prolonged rupture of membranes, prolonged labour or maternal fever. Thirteen of 26 liveborn infants had a birth weight less than 2500 g. The majority presented within one hour of birth with respiratory distress or apnoea and died within 48 hours of birth. Early diagnosis of Group B infection is possible if bacteriological and radiological evidence is sought in infants of low birth weight, with low Apgar scores and with early onset of respiratory distress syndrome or apnoea in addition to those having the more usual indications of intrauterine infection. Group B streptococci were carried vaginally in 9 per cent of women attending an antenatal clinic and this high carrier rate is considered to preclude prophylactic treatment.
THE OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY AFTER GONADOTROPHIN THERAPY
Authors: Caspi E. , Ronen J. , Schreyer P. , Goldberg M. D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryOne hundred and ten women conceived 143 times following induction of ovulation by gonadotrophins. The abortion rate was 21 per cent. Some bleeding occurred in 38.7 per cent of pregnancies and 54 per cent of them ended in abortion. For the 112 pregnancies reaching 20 weeks, the multiple pregnancy rate was 26.8 per cent (21 twins, 5 triplets, 3 quadruplets and 1 sextuplet). Hypertension was present in 8.9 per cent of patients and in 3.3 per cent of those with multiple pregnancy. The length of gestation was related to the number of fetuses at birth and postmaturity did not occur. The Caesarean section rate was 32.1 per cent. The birth weight of the infants was normal and the male to female sex ratio was 0.64 for singleton births and 0.78 for twins. The fetal loss was 15.9 per cent (7.1 per cent for pregnancies of over 28 weeks). Growth and development of the children were apparently normal. The incidence of all congenital malformations was 7 per cent.
BLOOD COAGULATION, FIBRINOLYSIS AND PLASMA PROTEINS IN WOMEN WITH NORMAL AND WITH EXCESSIVE MENSTRUAL BLOOD LOSS
Authors: Hahn L. , Cederblad G. , Rybo G. , Pehrsson N‐G. , Korsan‐Bengtsen K. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA group of women with excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) without any known local or general underlying disease was studied and compared to a group of women with normal menstrual blood loss. Blood coagulation, platelet function and fibrinolysis as well as a variety of plasma proteins were analyzed on six occasions during one menstrual cycle. Womenwith menorrhagia were found to have a slightly higher concentration of fibrinogen–fibrin degradation products, a higher factor V and VIII activity, higher antithrombin III, alpha1‐antitrypsin concentrations and higher antifibrinolytic activity than the normal women. The concentration of albumin, betaIE‐globulin, orosomucoid, ceruloplasmin and IgG were lower in women with menorrhagia than in normals. The capillary fragility did not differ significantly between the groups. The observed differences in clotting factors between the groups could not have caused the differences in blood losses.
PLASMA SOLUTE CONCENTRATIONS DURING GONADOTROPHIN‐INDUCED OVULATION
Authors: Macdonald H. N. , Good W. , Hancock K. W. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe effects of ovulation induction on some plasma solute concentrations were investigated serially in eleven women, nine of whom conceived in that cycle. Increasing oestrogen output during the follicular phase was associated with decreasing levels of osmolality, urea, total protein and the albumin free protein fraction. Smaller decreases in the concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide combining power (CO2CP) and albumin were not statistically significant. The luteal phase was marked by a rise in osmolality and a fall in CO2CP but no other significant changes. Levels of osmolality, sodium and potassium fell in early pregnancy when oestrogen output was further increased. These results appear consistent with an oestrogen induced expansion of the extracellular fluid compartment by retention of water in excess of solute, which might also account for the similar changes in pregnancy.
HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING OVULATION‐INDUCTION BY GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Good W. , Hancock K. W. , Macdonald H. N. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe oestrogen response to ovulation‐induction by gonadotrophins initiates a preovulation rise in total leucocytes and promotes fluid retention. In consequence of the latter, cyclic changes occur in blood haemoglobin and the haematocrit. The level of oestrone excretion in the follicular phase of induced cycles indicates that multiple follicular development probably occurs, and this also appears to affect the luteal phase. It seems likely, therefore, that the data present a rather exaggerated picture of the situation which obtains in normal menstrual cycles.
FIBRINOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN UTERO AND BLEEDING COMPLICATIONS WITH INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES
Authors: Bonnar J. , Kasonde K. , Haddon M. , Hassanein M. K. , Allington M. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIncreased menstrual loss and irregular uterine bleeding are major drawbacks to acceptibility of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). Fibrinolytic activity around IUCDs removed from 80 women was measured by embedding the device immediately after removal in a plasminogen‐rich fibrin plate. In fifteen of the women an endometrial biopsy was also taken at the time of removal of the IUCD. In women who had the IUCDs removed because of bleeding a much higher fibrinolytic activity was found than in women not complaining of excessive bleeding. The fibrinolytic activity was shown to be due to plasminogen activator and not plasmin. The findings suggest that the excessive menstrual bleeding which occurs with the IUCD may be due to enhancement of fibrinolytic activity in the endometrium which can be modified by fibrinolytic inhibitors such as epsilon aminocaproic acid.
THE EFFECT OF DAILY NORETHISTERONE (0.35 mg) ON CERVICAL MUCUS AND ON URINARY LH, PREGNANEDIOL AND OESTROGEN LEVELS
Authors: Elstein M. , Briston P. G. , Hewitt K. J. , Kirk D. , Miller H. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe effect of 0.35 mg of norethisterone daily on cervical mucus and on urinary LH, pregnanediol and oestrogen levels was studied during two treatment cycles in five subjects who had been observed during a control cycle. Variable changes in hormone excretion patterns were found and are discussed.
PRECISION OF ULTRASONIC FETAL CEPHALOMETRY
Authors: Poll V. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryUltrasonic measurement of the biparietal diameter is a frequently used technique in the assessment of fetal maturity. The popularity of this technique is based partly upon the claim that it can be performed with considerable precision, but recently published work has not supported this claim. This paper describes a blind clinical trial in which the precision of a single biparietal measurement was determined under normal clinical conditions. The results show that this measurement can be determined with a precision better than ±1.6 mm (±2 standard deviations). The clinical significance of this result is discussed.
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND FETAL BREATHING MOVEMENTS
Authors: Manning F. A. , Feyerabend C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryCigarette smoking caused a reduction in the incidence of fetal breathing movements in normal and abnormal pregnancies. The size of the reduction varied, being greatest in small‐for‐dates pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by fetal distress in labour and least in pre‐eclamptic pregnancies. The fall in the amount of fetal breathing movements was significantly related to the rise in maternal plasma nicotine after smoking but was unrelated to the rise in carboxyhaemoglobin. Smoking non‐nicotine (herbal) cigarettes produced increases in carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations similar to those observed after smoking tobacco cigarettes, and was not associated with a fall in the incidence of fetal breathing movements. Chewing gum containing nicotine produced rises in plasma nicotine concentration similar to those observed after smoking tobacco cigarettes and was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of fetal breathing movements. Hence nicotine appeared to be the factor in cigarette smoke responsible for the reduction in the incidence of fetal breathing movements. Nicotine was present in the cord blood of infants whose mothers smoked. The possible mechanism by which nicotine caused a reduction in the incidence of fetal breathing movements and its possible relevance to the detrimental effects of smoking on the fetus are considered.
STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL PRE‐ECLAMPTIC TOXAEMIA ON PLACENTAL WEIGHT AND ON HEAD SIZE AND BIRTH WEIGHT OF THE NEWBORN
Authors: De Souza S. W. , John R. W. , Richards B. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe influence of pre‐eclamptic toxaemia (PET) on head size and birth weight of newborn infants and placental weight was studied in single live births after 35 to 42 weeks gestation from mothers with or without toxaemia. There were no significant differences in the distribution of mean birth weight, head size, placental weight, head size/birth weight ratio or placental weight/birth weight ratio between the toxaemic and non‐toxaemic groups. There were significant differences between toxaemic and non‐toxaemic mothers as regards parity, height and smoking habits. Since such maternal characteristics influence birth weights a correction was applied for them. The influence of maternal mid‐term weight and sex of the infants was also taken into account. No significant differences in corrected birth weights, between toxaemic and non‐toxaemic groups were detected on further analysis. It is suggested that the present obstetric management has prevented the retarding effect of pre‐eclamptic toxaemia on fetal and placental growth by reducing the severity and duration of the illness.
ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN LEVELS IN MATERNAL PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING PROSTAGLANDIN‐INDUCED MID‐TRIMESTER ABORTIONS: THE RELATION TO FETAL DISTRESS AND DEATH
Authors: Ward R. H. T. , Whyley G. A. , Fairweather D. V. I. , Thomas G. , Chard T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAlpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels were measured in both plasma and amniotic fluid during 43 abortions induced with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and their relationship to the induction‐abortion interval and signs of fetal distress or intrauterine death examined. The mean plasma AFP levels showed a progressive rise after PGF2α administration but abnormally high levels were found infrequently until the time of delivery. Feto‐maternal bleeding could explain the abnormally high plasma AFP levels which occurred early in a few cases. A shorter induction‐abortion interval was found in patients with normal plasma AFP levels. Neither fetal distress nor intrauterine death were associated with abnormally high plasma AFP levels. No change in AFP levels in amniotic fluid was found.