bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORMAL LABOUR IN DIFFERENT RACIAL GROUPS
Authors: Duignan N. M. , Studd J. W. W. , Hughes A. O. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe characteristics of normal labour in 1306 white, Asian and black parturients have been established following a prospective study of 3217 consecutive labours. Asian patients were found to be of significantly shorter stature than white or black women (p<0.001) and their infants significantly lighter than those of white (p<0.001) and of black (p<0.05) women, and a low positive correlation was found between maternal height and infant birth weight. The mean duration of the first stage of labour, taken from the time of admission to the labour ward, was 5‐6 hours in primiparae and 3.7 hours in multiparae. The mean durations of the second stage of labour were 41.5 and 17.4 minutes respectively. The correlations between the duration of the first and second stages of labour were too low to be of value in patient management. Similar low correlations were found between the duration of the second stage of labour and both infant birth weight and the Apgar score at one minute. Cervical dilatation‐time curves, constructed with reference to the cervical dilatation found on admission to the labour ward, revealed no significant differences in the progress of normal labour in the different racial groups.
INFERTILITY IN WOMEN WITH APPARENTLY OVULATORY CYCLES
Authors: Dodson Kay S. , Macnaughton M. C. , Coutts J. R. T. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerial daily plasma profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and oestradiol 17β throughout single menstrual cycles from seven patients with a history of infertility but with normal menstrual rhythm and no apparent ovarian dysfunction were compared with those from apparently normally menstruating women. This comparison showed that the infertile group produced poor corpora lutea after poor follicular growth. The poor follicular growth may be related to depressed pituitary release of FSH in response to a negative feedback effect of elevated progesterone levels.Thanks are due to Mr. W. McNally, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who performed the art work; to Mr. Alan Craig of Searle Scientific Services, who supervised the FSH assays; to Dr. Philip England of Research Department, Royal Maternity Hospital, who supervised the LH assays; to Mr. Archie Robertson, Research Department, Royal Maternity Hospital, who was responsible for photography; to Dr. P. D. G. Dean for a gift of oestradiol antiserum, and to the Medical Research Council (Grant G971/222/C) for financial assistance.
MATERNAL PLASMA ALPHAFETOPROTEIN LEVELS IN THE SECOND HALF OF NORMAL PREGNANCY: RELATIONSHIP TO FETAL WEIGHT, AND MATERNAL AGE AND PARITY
Authors: Leek A. E. , Ruoss C. F. , Kitau M. J. , Chard T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA semi‐automated radioimmunoassay for plasma alphafetoprotein has been developed, suitable for routine clinical use. Several hundred samples can be assayed in a working week, with results available within 24 hours. The use of extensive quality controls ensures that good precision is maintained both within and between assays. The range of plasma concentrations of alphafetoprotein in the second half of pregnancy has been established in 100 normal subjects. The levels rise progressively to reach a peak at 32 weeks, and thereafter fall until term. No relationship between circulating alphafetoprotein levels and birth weight was observed.
ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT OF FETAL ABDOMEN CIRCUMFERENCE IN THE ESTIMATION OF FETAL WEIGHT
Authors: Campbell Stuart , Wilkin David 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA method of estimating fetal weight by ultrasonic measurement of the fetal abdominal circumference is described. Assessment of birth weight predictions on 140 fetuses who were delivered within 48 hours of this measurement showed that the accuracy of predictions varied with the size of the fetus; at a predicted weight of 1 kg, 95 per cent of birth weights fell within 160 g, while at 2 kg, 3 kg and 4 kg the corresponding values were 290 g, 450 g and 590 g respectively. Expressed as a percentage of the predicted weight, confidence limits remained constant throughout the birth weight range. Extrapolation of these data to routine screening of the obstetric population showed that with a single measurement at 32 weeks menstrual age, 87 per cent of babies below the 5th centile would be detected by this method but that the diagnosis rate would fall to 63 per cent at 38 weeks. The false positive diagnosis rate would remain constant between 32 and 38 weeks at just over 1 per cent.
COMPARISON OF INTRAVENOUS OXYTOCIN AND PROSTAGLANDIN E2FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR USING AUTOMATIC AND NON‐AUTOMATIC INFUSION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Calder A. A. , Embrey M. P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA double blind trial of prostaglandin E2and oxytocin given by intravenous infusion after amniotomy for induction of labour in 100 primigravidae with unfavourable induction features is reported. No clear‐cut advantage of either drug emerged although PGE2was perhaps superior when the cervix was highly unfavourable. Prostaglandin E2appeared to produce less deleterious effects on the fetus but was associated with a higher incidence of maternal side effects. The automatic Cardiff Infusion apparatus was found to be a safe means of PGE2infusion and to have advantages over the use of non‐automatic techniques both for PGE2and for oxytocin infusion.
THE PREDICTIVE VALUE OF THYROID “TEST PROFILE” IN HABITUAL ABORTION
Authors: Winikoff Dora , Malinek Malvina 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA characteristic thyroid test profile is observed in pregnancy; it consists of an elevated serum thyroxine (TJ), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) and electro‐phoretic index (EI) with lowered triiodothyronine resin uptake (T3U), the free thyroxine index (FTI) remaining in the normal range. An investigation was made of progressive changes in these parameters in 70 normal pregnant women, 34 pregnant women with a past history of habitual abortion who carried to term, seven habitual aborters who miscarried again, and 49 women at the time of spontaneous miscarriage. The results indicated that normal women reached a typical pregnancy thyroid test profile at seven to eight weeks' gestation while habitual aborters carrying a pregnancy to term reached it at 14 to I5 weeks and almost all patients who miscarried never reached it at all. In addition, four women who had aborted previously and were treated with thyroxine throughout six pregnancies, developed a normal “thyroid profile” and carried their pregnancy to term. The significance of the “predictive value” of the test profile is discussed.
THE UTERINE CERVIX FROM ADOLESCENCE TO THE MENOPAUSE
Authors: Singer Albert 
Published: August 2005

SummaryDuring adolescence the physiological transformation zone of the cervix in the virgin undergoes limited change when compared to that of girls who are sexually promiscuous; the latter often show large areas of metaplastic squamous epithelium and the development of an atypical transformation zone. During pregnancy, particularly the first, the transformation zone increases in size and acquires increased amounts of squamous metaplastic epithelium, probably due to the effect of acidic vaginal fluid on endocervical columnar epithelium. Evidence exists for the development of an atypical transformation zone during pregnancy with its own variable neoplastic potential. After delivery the atypical epithelium of the cervix may be partly or completely removed with resulting regression of the lesion. Alternatively, neoplastic potential may alter or the lesion may remain static or recur in its previous form. After the childbearing era the physiological transformation zone undergoes minimal change until the menopause when the whole cervix shrinks. As the studies described above dramatically show, the sexually promiscuous woman at all ages has an increased risk of developing cervical neoplasia; this risk seems to be highest in the third decade of life.
STUDIES ON COAGULATION AND FIBRINOLYSLS IN BLOOD FROM PUERPERAL WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT OESTROGEN TREATMENT
Authors: Gjønnáss Halvard , Fagerhol Magne K. , Stormorken Helge 
Published: August 2005

SummaryCoagulation and fibrinolytic studies were made on 25 women who had a normal puerperium and breast fed their babies and on 32 otherwise healthy women who had lactation suppressed by diethylstilboestrol. In the untreated patients the fibrinogen, Factors VIII and IX, platelet count, and antifibrinolytic activity increased, and the levels of Factors II, VII, and X and of plasminogen and plasminogen proactivator decreased. The incidence of cold activation of Factor VII decreased slowly from the 5th postpartum day onwards. The concentration of antithrombin TI1 which was depressed in pregnancy, increased in the puerperiuin and was the only observed change that counteracted an increased coagulation potential. Oestrogen treatment produced further increases of Factors II, VII, and X, platelet count, and the cold activation of Factor VII while it decreased the concentration of antithrombin III. These changes favoured coagulation but were possibly to some degree counterbalanced by an increased concentration of plasminogen and decreased antifibrinolytic activity.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Cudworth A. G. , Veevers A. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryBlood sugar, serum insulin and growth hormone levels in response to 100 g. of oral glucose were studied under carefully controlled conditions on days 9, 18 and 27 of the menstrual cycle in 20 healthy women aged 18 to 20 years. The results indicate that blood sugar and serum insulin levels in response to oral glucose loading do not alter significantly in the menstrual cycle. Seven of the women had repeat studies on the same days three cycles later. No significant change in blood sugar or serum insulin levels occurred between cycles. The fasting growth hormone level was highest at the time of impending menstruation in 11 subjects (55 per cent) but the difference in mean values for the group as a whole was not statistically significant. It is concluded that the changes in endogenous hormone levels in a menstrual cycle do not produce significant alterations in carbohydrate metabolism in normal women in this age group. The reported divergence of blood glucose and insulin levels after oral glucose in the menstrual cycle may reflect the interaction of other factors such as age and parity on glucose tolerance. It is suggested that investigations into the metabolic effects of oral contraceptive steroids on these parameters should be performed in nulliparous women in a similar age range.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE INFLUENCE OF POSTURE ON RENAL PLASMA FLOW AND GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE DURING LATE PREGNANCY
Authors: Dunlop W. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryRenal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were investigated in three positions (supine, left lateral and sitting) in a group of eighteen healthy women during late pregnancy and again after the puerperium. No difference in renal function could be attributed to the position adopted. However, an unexplained decrease in both of the indices occurred during the course of prolonged infusion in any position.
PLACENTAL GLYCOGEN
Authors: Robb Stephanie A. , Hytten F. E. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe quantity and distribution of glycogen has been studied in 86 placentae from the last trimester of pregnancy and 8 of 8 to 16 weeks gestational age. In the first trimester glycogen concentrations were high, between 4.5 to 6.5 mg/g of blood‐free tissue, but from about 12 weeks to term the concentrations were within a narrow range around 1.5 mg/g. The level did not deviate appreciably from normal in a range of clinical conditions: diabetes, intrauterine growth retardation, pre‐eclampsia or acute fetal distress, and was unaffected by the length of labour and whether or not the mother had been given an infusion of dextrose. Nor was it affected by a wide range of glucose concentrations in the maternal and fetal plasma and in the placental tissue itself or by insulin concentrations in either circulation. After the first few weeks of pregnancy glycogen in the placenta was shown to be restricted to the vicinity of major fetal blood vessels. Here it may be presumed to act as an energy reserve for vasomotor activity. All the evidence suggests that any importance placental glycogen may have is likely to be local, in relation to the placental vessels; a more general role, as an emergency energy source for the fetus, seems unlikely.
THE FAILURE OF PYRIDOXINE IN SUPPRESSION OF PUERPERAL LACTATION
Authors: Macdonald H. N. , Collins Y. D. , Tobin M. J. W. , Wijayaratne D. N. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe benefits of pyridoxine in the suppression of lactation were assessed in a double blind controlled trial on 175 puerperal women. No significant differences were demonstrated between pyridoxine and the placebo whether assessed by subjective discomfort or by the persistence of lactation.
NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA FOLLOWING THE USE OF PROSTAGLANDIN E2 IN LABOUR
Authors: Beazley J. M. , Weekes A. R. L. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA prospective study of 447 labours and the resulting newborn failed to reveal any significant difference between the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, denned as a level of at least 205 μmol/1 (12 mg/100 ml), following spontaneous labour and after labour induced or accelerated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The incidence of unexplained neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia after spontaneous labour was 4 ± 5 per cent. There was no significant association betweeen the incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and the total dose of PGE2 used for induction. None of the babies of the six mothers who required more than 1.5 mg of PGE2 to induce labour developed hyperbilirubinaemia. No association was demonstrated between neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and birth weight or the duration of labour. The implications of these findings are discussed.
HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING NORMAL PREGNANCY: IRON INDUCED MACROCYTOSIS
Authors: Taylor D. J. , Lind T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryHaematological indices in 300 pregnant and 50 non‐pregnant women were obtained by Coulter Counter analysis. In 147 women who did not receive iron supplements during pregnancy, haemoglobin concentration fell from a mean of 12.23 g/dl in early pregnancy to 11.04 g/dl at 34 weeks gestation, a level which was maintained until term. In the 153 women to whom iron supplements were given during pregnancy, the initial fall in haemoglobin concentration was less, was arrested by 28 weeks gestation and then rose to a level equivalent to the booking level. This different pattern in iron supplemented pregnancies was due to an increase in the red cell count together with a change in mean cell volume. Although the changed mean cell volume usually remained within the normal range in the group who did not take iron, a few women developed microcytosis which could reflect iron deficiency; a macrocytic change was noted in a small number of the women who received routine iron supplements and this could reflect iron ‘over sufficiency’. The results are discussed in relation to the possible effects of giving routine oral iron to all pregnant women.
THE RESPONSE OF THE FETAL HEART RATE TO AMNIOCENTESIS
Authors: Ron M. , Polishuk W. Z. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFetal heart rate monitoring during 107 amniocenteses suggested that acceleration of the fetal heart rate indicated fetal well–being. Eight out of the 19 fetuses who did not show this response (as against 2 out of the 88 others) had a low Apgar score at birth.
THE EFFECT OF OXYTOCICS ON THE HUMAN CERVIX DURING MIDTRIMESTER PREGNANCY
Authors: Mackenzie I. Z. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryObservations of the effects of oxytocics on the human pregnant cervix have been made in vivo using a double open ended catheter technique. Prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2α and oxytocin had similar but no specific effects upon the intracervical canal pressure; ergometrine caused contractions of the cervix. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to cervical rupture and cervico–vaginal fistulae that have been reported following second trimester abortion induced with prostaglandins.
CELLULAR DEVELOPMENT OF SOME EMBRYONIC ORGANS AND THE CHORION DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Gellén J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe DNA, RNA and protein content of chorionic tissue, heart, liver, kidney, lung and brain was estimated in 27 fetuses obtained at termination of pregnancy between 50 and 105 days of menstrual age. For brain, heart and liver, growth appeared to be most rapid at the earliest period studied (50 to 60 days) whereas kidney and lung development was most rapid later in the first trimester. It is suggested that these periods of particularly rapid growth may be the times at which those tissues are most vulnerable to injury.
STUDY OF THE UTERINE CAVITY BY ULTRASOUND IN THE EARLY PUERPERIUM
Authors: Rodeck C. H. , Newton J. R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe uterine cavity length, maximum width and area were determined by ultrasonic scanning in ten women after their first full term delivery (primiparae) and ten women after their second full term delivery (secundiparae) during the first eight days of the puerperium. A consistent and progressive decrease in all three measurements was found; although faster between days 1 and 3 than between days 3 and 8 the difference was statistically significant only for cavity area. The rates of involution for both parity groups were similar and were not influenced by breast feeding. The cavity length in primiparae and secundiparae was also similar, but the maximum width on days 3, 5 and 8 and the area on days 3 and 5 were significantly greater in secundiparae. A correlation between the infant birth weight and cavity length on day 1 and between infant birth weight and cavity area on days 1, 3 and 5 was found in secundiparae.
THE EFFECT OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON PLASMA CORTISOL AND CORTISOL BINDING CAPACITY THROUGHOUT THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN NORMAL WOMEN
Authors: Durber Susan M. , Lawson June , Daly J. R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlasma cortisol and cortisol binding capacity (CBC) was measured throughout the menstrual cycle in 25 healthy women aged between 20 and 35 years. Ten women were taking an oral contraceptive containing 50 μg oestrogen and progestogen (‘combined pill’), one patient took a progestogen‐only contraceptive and 14 served as controls. Despite the low oestrogen content of the combined pill the level of plasma cortisol and CBC were significantly higher than in controls at all stages of the cycle, and the cortisol/CBC ratio greater than unity during most of it. Levels in the woman taking a progestogen‐only contraceptive were indistinguishable from controls. The plasma cortisol and CBC levels were significantly higher in the last week of the cycle than in the first in the combined pill group, but there was no significant variation in the controls.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RAISED MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN LEVELS
Authors: Monk Antoinette M. , Goldie D. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA radioimmunoassay for alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is described and normal ranges for both maternal serum and in amniotic fluid throughout pregnancy are defined. Maternal serum AFP levels in at risk pregnancies were found to be no different from those in normal pregnancies. AFP levels in pregnancies complicated by neural tube and other congenital defects, fetal death or maternal hypertension are documented. Eight patients with a fetus deformed by anencephaly or an open spina bifida were tested before 22 weeks; seven of them had raised serum AFP levels. Other causes of raised serum AFP levels are described and the significance of a raised serum AFP level is discussed with particular reference to screening programmes.
RELATION OF PLASMA OESTRIOL TO CHANGES IN BLOOD PRESSURE IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Kurnia P. , Ratnam S. S. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerial plasma oestriol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 24 patients with severe hypertension in pregnancy. No significant correlation could be found between plasma oestriol and percentage change in diastolic blood pressure. It seems unlikely that hypotensive therapy significantly improves fetoplacental function.
PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTRIOL‐17β OESTRIOL AND HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN DURING BED REST
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Mok H. , Ratnam S. S. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlasma unconjugated oestradiol‐17/2, total oestriol and human placental lactogen levels were measured in twelve healthy volunteers admitted for bed rest in the last trimester of pregnancy. No significant alteration in levels was observed.
LOCATION OF THE PROTEIN HORMONES OF THE PLACENTA BY THE IMMUNOPEROXIDASE TECHNIQUE
Authors: Gau G. , Chard T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAn attempt has been made to locate human placental lactogen (HPL) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in cells within the human term placenta. Using immunoperoxidase techniques on frozen sections of tissue, no difference could be found between specific antisera and control sera. A theory is put forward that it may not be possible to visualize these hormones in the placenta using present immunoperoxidase techniques.
THE COLPOSUSPENSION OPERATION FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE
Authors: Stanton S. L. , Williams J. E. , Ritchie D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryForty‐two patients with urinary incontinence and related symptoms were treated by colposuspension. Two patients were lost to follow‐up and the results of surgery in the remaining 40 patients are presented and discussed. The place of vaginal surgery in women with urinary symptoms is also discussed.
THE MEASUREMENT OF UTERINE ACTIVITY IN INDUCED LABOUR
Authors: Woolfson J. , Steer P. J. , Bashford C. C. , Randall N. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA simple electronic system for quantifying uterine activity in labour has been developed. The basic construction of the system is described. It has been used to confirm the hypothesis of Steer et al (1975) that oxytocin‐induced labour has a stable phase during which uterine activity is largely independent of oxytocin infusion rate.
COMPONENTS OF THE HAEMOSTATIC MECHANISM AT BIRTH IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Condie R. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA comparative study of proteinuric pre‐eclampsia and normal pregnancy has been carried out to assess changes in the haemostatic mechanism in maternal and umbilical vein blood at birth. The results demonstrated changes in pre‐eclampsia compatible with hypercoagulability with, in particular, depressed fibrinolysis. No strong pattern of differences from normal pregnancy or pre‐eclampsia emerged when growth retarded infants were studied as a separate group.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE ARTERIAL SUPPLY OF THE HUMAN PLACENTA IN PREGNANCY COMPLICATED BY FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Sheppard B. L. , Bonnar J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe ultrastructure of the arterial supply of the human placenta was studied in 15 pregnancies with severe fetal growth retardation. There were five patients with essential hypertension and superimposed pre‐eclampsia, five patients with preeclampsia, and five patients with no hypertension. The patients were delivered by elective Caesarean section and biopsies of the placental bed were taken under direct vision. Extensive placental infarction was invariably present and the degree of infarction reflected the extent of pathological changes in the spiral arteries. In both hypertensive and normotensive patients the spiral arteries and basal arteries of the decidua showed occlusive atheromatous lesions with considerable fibrin deposition and accumulation of lipid‐laden cells in both the intima and media of the vessel walls.