bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AYRE AND THE ARMOVICAL CERVICAL SPATULAE
Authors: Bounds W. , Grubb C. , Metaxas N. , Vessey M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe Ayre and the Armovical cervical spatulae were compared in a randomized trial involving 982 women of childbearing age. It was found that the Armovical spatula was slightly less effective than the Ayre spatula in obtaining adequate numbers of squamous cells. The Armovical spatula was, however, far better at providing a sample of endocervical or metaplastic cells and, as a result, yielded a substantially higher proportion of ‘satisfactory’ smears (54 per cent as against 39 per cent). Red blood cells were more often present in smears taken with the Armovical spatula than with the Ayre spatula, Although the data in the present study were too few to prove that the Armovical spatula is better than the Ayre spatula at detecting cellular abnormalities, it seems likely that this is so.
FETAL CEPHALOMETRY AN IMPROVED METHOD AND AN EVALUATION
Authors: Davies P. , Richardson R. E. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA method of fetal cephalometry is described which is an advance on the combined A and B scan technique previously used. A flow chart has been prepared which clearly specifies the procedure to be followed. The criteria used when making an estimation are reported. The method is applicable to various types of machine and it can be taught to a good degree of accuracy in a short time to people with limited obstetric knowledge. There may be a significant difference between operators but this difference is roughly the same from patient to patient and decreases with training. It is considered that the chief source of variation is the failure to measure the same diameter on each occasion.
SERUM OESTRIOL IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Hay D. M. , Lorscheider F. L. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerial measurements of serum oestriol (E3) were made in 56 normal pregnancies from 10 to 40 weeks gestation using a radioreceptor assay. Several parameters of the assay and its intrapatient variability were examined. The mean curve for pregnancy E3 levels and limits of normal variation have been identified and compared with those of other series. A positive correlation was found to exist between infant birth weight and the last E3 value in normal pregnancies prior to the onset of labour. Advantages of serum E3 assays over urinary E3 determinations are discussed.
THE CAUSE OF THE FALL IN SERUM FOLATE IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Hall Marion H. , Pirani B. B. K. , Campbell Doris 
Published: August 2005

SummaryStudy of a complete antenatal population, a group of normal primigravid singleton pregnancies, and a group of normal twin pregnancies, suggests that the fall in the serum folate concentration which occurs in normal pregnancy is due principally to plasma volume expansion and should therefore be regarded as physiological.
PROSTAGLANDIN DEHYDROGENASE IN THE PLACENTA BEFORE AND AFTER THE ONSET OF LABOUR
Authors: Keirse M. J. N. C. , Hicks B. R. , Turnbull A. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryInactivation of prostaglandins in the placenta was studied using an assay for 15‐hydroxy‐prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH). Forty‐four patients with normal single pregnancies between 38 and 42 weeks gestation were studied. Placentae were obtained before the onset of labour in 9, after spontaneous labour in 18, and after oxytocin‐induced labour in 17 cases, PGDH‐activity ranged from 54 to 495 nanomoles PGF2α/g placenta/minute, with a mean±SEM of 207 ±18 nanomoles/g/minute. The results indicate that the PGDH content of the human placenta does not change markedly with the onset or during the process of labour. The length of either spontaneous or oxytocin‐induced labour was not influenced by the PGDH content of the placenta.
PREVENTION OF THE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME IN PREMATURE INFANTS BY ANTEPARTUM GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY
Authors: Caspi E. , Schreyer P. , Weinraub Z. , Reif R. , Levi I. , Mundel G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA trial of antepartum dexamethasone therapy was carried out in 55 mothers in whom premature delivery threatened between 28 to 36 weeks gestation in the hope of reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndromes (RDS). The control group was made up of 62 mothers who delivered prematurely in the same gestational age without any treatment. In the treated group isoxsuprine was used to delay delivery when necessary. The respiratory distress syndrome occurred less often in the treated group of infants (8.3 per cent) than in the controls (35.2 per cent; p<0.001). The difference was more marked in babies of under 32 weeks gestation. Considering only cases with intact membranes the incidence of RDS was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the treated group. Early neonatal mortality was 6.6 per cent in the treated group and 38 per cent (p<0.0001) in the controls. In 12 cases the L/S ratio was measured during dexamethasone administration and in the majority of these the L/S ratio rose sharply to mature values following treatment. This rise was observed as soon as 48 hours after beginning of dexamethasone. Antepartum isoxsuprine in the treated group had no apparent effect on the incidence of RDS. No adverse effects of steroid therapy were observed. This trial confirms the studies of others that antepartum glucocorticoid can significantly reduce the incidence of RDS in premature infants.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLEXION IN VACUUM EXTRACTOR DELIVERY
Authors: Bird G. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTwo modifications of Malmström's cup were used in a study of the position of the cup in 500 vacuum extractor deliveries. The incidence of completely flexing applications varied from 0 to 92 per cent according to the level of the head and the position of the occiput when the cup was applied and, in occipito‐posterior positions, the type of cup that was used. With mid‐cavity occipito‐posterior positions it was 30 per cent with one modification (suction tube attached eccentrically to the dome of the cup–the ‘modified’ cup) and 92 per cent with the other (tube attached to the lateral wall of the cup–the ‘occipito‐posterior cup’ or ‘OP cup’). The high incidence of face‐to‐pubis or occipitio‐lateral delivery when cups with a dome‐attached suction tube were used in mid‐cavity occipitoposterior positions was found to be largely the result of deflexing applications. It was concluded that cups of this type are unsuitable for use in these cases. A study of two large series of vacuum extractor operations suggested that failed vacuum extractor rates can be reduced by using cups that are more manoeuvreable and which accept stronger oblique traction than Malmström's cup.
HYPEREXTENSION OF THE FETAL HEAD IN BREECH PRESENTATION: RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: Ballas S. , Toaff R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryDamage of the cervical cord is not rare in breech delivery with hyperextension of the fetal head. Among 57 cases from the literature and one of ours in which the angle of extension could be measured on X‐ray films, 20 had an extension angle greater than 90°. Of these, 11 were delivered vaginally and included 8 cases of damage to the cervical cord. It is recommended that elective Caesarean section be performed when the angle of extension exceeds 90°.
MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN AND PREVIOUS NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
Authors: Wald N. , Barker Sheila , Peto R. , Brock D. J. H. , Bonnar J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA case‐control study involving 63 pregnancies showed that women who had previously had an infant with anencephaly or spina bifida did not have raised serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels in subsequent unaffected pregnancies. The value of a serum AFP determination in such women is discussed. If the serum AFP level is normal and if ultrasonography excludes anencephaly the risk of spina bifida might be low enough (about 1 per cent) to make diagnostic amniocentesis difficult to justify. Conversely, a high serum AFP value in such women should not be acted on without confirmation of an abnormality by ultrasonography and, if that is negative, by diagnostic amniocentesis.
PLASMA OESTRIOL AND HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN MEASUREMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH RISK PREGNANCIES
Authors: Edwards R. P. , Diver M. J. , Davis J. C. , Hipkin L. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryMaternal plasma oestriol and human placental lactogen (HPL) were measured serially in 383 at‐risk pregnancies. Eighty‐five infants were growth retarded and 122 developed fetal distress or neonatal asphyxia. Of the infants whose mothers had either abnormal plasma oestriol or HPL levels, 58 per cent were growth retarded, while 65 and 73 per cent in each group respectively developed fetal distress. The incidence of fetal complications when both plasma oestriol and HPL were abnormal was consistently greater than 66 per cent.
SERUM CYSTINE AMINOPEPTIDASE AND THE SMALL‐FOR‐DATES BABY IN HYPERTENSIVE PREGNANCY
Authors: Chapman L. , Burrows‐Peakin R. , Rege V. P. , Silk E. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerum cystine aminopeptidase levels and gradients have been assessed retrospectively in hypertensive mothers delivering small‐for‐dates babies, compared with those delivering normal weight babies. The average accuracy of predicting the weight range of the infant (normal or small‐for‐dates) would have been about 82 per cent.
CHANGES IN LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Petrucco O. M. , Seamark R. F. , Holmes Kerry , Forbes I. J. , Symons R. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA gradual increase in spontaneous lymphocyte DNA synthesis was demonstrated in each trimester of pregnancy. Autoradiographic studies indicated that lymphocytes were primarily responsible for this activity. PHA‐induced lymphocyte transformation in both fetal calf serum and autologous serum was significantly reduced in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Spontaneous lymphocyte DNA synthesis was significantly reduced in patients with mild pre‐eclampsia. However, no significant differences were seen in patients with severe pre‐eclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy compared with the normal control subjects. No evidence was adduced to implicate inhibitory humoral factors affecting the peripheral blood lymphocytes in pregnant patients in experiments in which washed lymphocytes were cultured in medium containing heterologous serum. In vitro experiments demonstrated that cortisol, progesterone and HPL caused a significant reduction in lymphocyte DNA synthesis, and HGH and HCG had a variable effect. However, only cortisol was regularly inhibitory at physiological concentrations. The progesterone effect was dose‐related, producing 90 per cent inhibition of activity at a concentration of 10 μg/ml. No synergism could be shown between HPL and progesterone on lymphocyte transformation. The increase in activity of circulating immunoreactive cells during pregnancy and its depression with the onset of pre‐eclampsia is discussed.
DOLICHOCEPHALY–A SOURCE OF ERROR IN SERIAL CEPHALOMETRY
Authors: Houlton M. C. C. , Brennan D. T. M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTwo patients are presented in whom ultrasonic cephalometry suggested intrauterine fetal growth retardation. The respective newborn infants were normally grown and had dolichocephaly with a normal head circumference. Dolichocephaly should be considered when cephalometry alone suggests a diagnosis of placental insufficiency.
PLATELETS AND INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Trudinger B. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn pre‐eclampsia, but not essential hypertension of pregnancy, reduced maternal levels of circulating platelets were found to correlate with intrauterine growth retardation. This suggests that disseminated intravascular coagulation and fibrin deposition contribute to the placental damage of pre‐eclampsia.
CIRCULATING LEVELS OF FIBRIN/FIBRINOGEN DEGRADATION FRAGMENT E MEASURED BY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY IN PRE‐ECLAMPSIA
Authors: Gordon Y. B. , Ratky S. M. , Baker L. R. I. , Letchworth A. T. , Leighton P. C. , Chard T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryLevels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products have been measured by a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay in pregnancies associated with pre‐eclampsia or essential hypertension. The incidence of elevated levels was low (2.4 per cent) in mild and moderate cases, and rather higher (30 per cent) in severe cases. In no patients were the levels consistently elevated prior to the onset of clinical signs.
THE PLACENTAL AND FETAL RESPONSE TO THE INTRA‐AMNIOTIC INJECTION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN MIDTRIMESTER ABORTIONS
Authors: Jouppila P. , Ylikorkala O. , Karvonen P. , Haapalahti J. , Suonoja L. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe placental and fetal response to the intra‐amniotic injection of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) for midtrimester abortions was evaluated. Maternal blood samples for radioimmunological determinations of serum progesterone, human placental lactogen (HPL) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) were taken before and serially until 24 hours after the injection of 40 mg (nine patients) or 75 mg (seven patients) of PGF2α. Fetal heart action was monitored ultrasonically during the same period. The average induction‐abortion interval was 22.6 hours and was independent of the dose of PGF2α used. The mean progesterone and HPL levels showed a significant fall half an hour after PGF2α. The constant decreases began only at 5 hours and later. The mean AFP levels increased rapidly after 5 hours following injection of PGF2α. The fetal heart stopped at a mean of 10.4 hours (range 0.5 to 25 hours) after the injection of PGF2α. No relationship between the time of fetal death or rises in AFP and the induction‐abortion interval could be detected. The primary hormonal response of the placenta and the efficacy of exogenous PGF2α were not related, indicating the possibility that the abortifacient property of PGF2α is not related to its primary effect on placental hormone synthesis or release.
PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATORS IN THE ENDOMETRIUM OF WOMEN USING INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES
Authors: Kasonde J. M. , Bonnar J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlasminogen activators in the endometrium before and after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were studied; an increase in the concentration was found following IUCD insertion in 16 of the 20 women. This change will enhance endometrial fibrinolysis and may explain the increased menstrual bleeding which usually follows insertion of an IUCD.
PRACTOLOL PERITONITIS PRESENTING AS A PELVIC MASS
Authors: Trudinger B. J. , Fitchett D. H. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA case of sclerosing fibro‐peritonitis occurring as a result of practolol therapy is presented. This may occur months after cessation of the practolol because of other side effects and may present to the gynaecologist as a pelvic mass.
COAGULATION AND FIBRINOLYSIS IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION
Authors: Elder M. G. , Myatt L. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySaline extracts were made from portions of 17 normal placentae and from 8 placentae from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth retardation, but not hypertension. The ability of these extracts to inhibit urokinase‐induced fibrinolysis was measured using a fibrin plate technique. Placental extracts from pregnancies complicated by fetal growth retardation exhibited greater inhibition of urokinaseinduced fibrinolysis. There was no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in these patients, but certain coagulation factors in the peripheral blood were raised.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE FREE CORTISOL INDEX IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Brien T. G. , Dalrymple I. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTotal plasma cortisol, the ‘cortisol resin uptake ratio’ (cortisol RUR), and ‘free cortisol index’ (FCI) were estimated in 23 pregnant women from 12 weeks to term and at six weeks post partum. Total plasma cortisol rose continually throughout pregnancy; the cortisol RUR rose up to 20 to 23 weeks and then fell slowly and the FCI also rose although more slowly than the total cortisol. All parameters fell to non‐pregnant levels at six weeks post partum. It is confirmed that a true rise in metabolically active cortisol occurs during pregnancy.
IRON STORES IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH ANAEMIA AND HAEMOGLOBIN S
Authors: Roopnarinesingh S. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryMarrow aspiration in 22 pregnant women with haemoglobin S revealed a high incidence of iron deficiency. Eighteen patients showed depleted iron stores while depots were adequate in four patients. The practice of denying iron to pregnant women with haemoglobinopathies is not recommended; nor is the use of prophylactic iron in all patients with sickle cell disease or trait advised. It is suggested that it is better to diagnose and treat the iron deficiency specifically.
INDIVIDUAL FREE FATTY ACIDS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND IN PLASMA F PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Hagenfeldt L. , Hagenfeldt Kerstin 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIndividual free fatty acids (FFA) were measured in 77 amniotic fluid samples and in 57 maternal plasma samples Gestational age ranged from 16 to 40 weeks. Amniotic fluid FFA decreased from 20.4±6.0 μmol/l in the second trimester to 17.0±6.5 μmol/1 in the last six weeks of pregnancy. This was almost entirely accounted for by a decrease in the concentration of free stearic acid, while oleic acid increased slightly. No correlation between amniotic fluid FFA and maternal plasma FFA was found in samples obtained on the same day. It is suggested that amniotic fluid FFA may partly derive from renal excretion by the fetus.
PUERPERAL ULTRASONIC HYSTEROGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL UTERINE MALFORMATIONS
Authors: Bennett J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPuerperal ultrasonic hysterography has been found to be a safe and simple technique. It is suggested as a screening procedure prior to radiological hysterography in patients whose recent reproductive performance suggests a diagnosis of congenital malformation of the uterus.
RADIATION‐INDUCED IMMUNE CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER OF THE CERVIX
Authors: Yamagata S. , Green G. H. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryImmunological methods were used to estimate the therapeutic effect of irradiation and its influence on the immune capacity of patients with cervical cancer. Patients were examined during and following radiotherapy by means of lymphocyte counts, lymphocytic response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and the depressive effect of their sera on the response of normal lymphocytes to PHA stimulation. Lymphocyte counts and lymphocyte responses during radiotherapy were depressed to 20 to 50 per cent and 10 to 33 per cent respectively of the values found before treatment. Lymphopenia and depressed T‐cell function persisted for years in many patients. The highest values for both lymphocyte counts and reactivities were found in those patients who had unexpectedly good responses to radiotherapy. The immunodepressive effect of patients' sera on normal lymphocyte reactivity decreased and disappeared during therapy and was not present in previously treated patients showing a good prognosis, whereas it showed no change or even increased during therapy in patients with a poor prognosis. The results suggest that not only does immune capacity influence the effect of radiation and the prognosis of the patient, but also that study of the serum‐depressive effect could give important information about both the dosage and therapeutic effects of irradiation.
THE ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT OF FETAL CROWN‐RUMP LENGTH AS A METHOD OF ASSESSING GESTATIONAL AGE
Authors: Drumm J. E. , Clinch J. , Mackenzie G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) was measured by means of pulsed ultrasound, and the normal values between 47 and 101 days from the onset of the last menstrual period were determined from cross‐sectional data in 253 patients. For any given CRL, the range was found to be within three days of the menstrual age with a maximum variation for a given occasion of three days. Detailed statistical analysis showed that the acceleration in the rate of change in the CRL was a constant and that the intrapatient variability, where measured, was low. A close correlation between the measurement and the date of ovulation was demonstrated in a further 40 patients.
THE CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF MAJOR CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE FETAL CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Edwards R. P. , Balfour R. P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryDuring the ten years between 1965 and 1974, 207 infants with a major congenital abnormality of the central nervous system were born at Mill Road Maternity Hospital, Liverpool; open neural tube defects occurred in 92 per cent of cases. Only cases of anencephaly were frequently diagnosed clinically before labour and this was rarely so for spina bifida alone. Only 11 patients (5.3 per cent) had previously been delivered of an affected infant. The routine screening of pregnant patients is briefly discussed.
URINARY OESTRIOL MEASUREMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTEPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE
Authors: Muir K. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn 51 patients with antepartum haemorrhage, 24‐hour urinary oestriol was measured continuously until delivery. A total of 765 24‐hour urinary oestriol measurements was obtained and there were two stillbirths, one neonatal death and three cases of intrauterine growth retardation in this group of patients. It was felt that none of the fetal deaths would have been prevented by obstetrical treatment based on 24‐hour urinary oestriol measurements and that these have ittle practical value in the management of patients with antepartum haemorrhage.
PLASMA OESTRIOL IN NORMAL PREGNANCY IN AN ASIAN POPULATION
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Ratnam S. S. , Salmon J. A. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerial plasma oestriol levels were measured by a radioimmunoassay in 49 normal pregnancies. Plasma oestriol rose from 43 ng/ml (149.1 nmol/1) at 22 weeks to 357 ng/ml (1237.91 nmol/1) at 40 weeks. The rise was gradual etween 22 and 32 weeks and steep between 32 and 40 weeks. No significant relationship could be found between lasma oestriol and parity, maternal age, maternal height, maternal weight or fetal sex. However, a significant but low correlation was found between birth weight and plasma oestriol prior to labour and also oestriol increments from 30 weeks to delivery. The average day to day coefficient of variation of plasma oestriol in 11 patients was found to be 16.2 per cent.
THE USE OF THE AMNIOTIC FLUID LECITH1N/SPHINGOMYELIN (L/S) RATIO, CREATININE CONCENTRATION AND NILE BLUE SULPHATE TESTS, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN COMBINATION, IN THE ASSESSMENT OF FETAL LUNG MATURITY
Authors: Rome R. M. , Simmons S. C. , Bearne Margaret , Watson D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe lecithin‐sphingomyelin (LS) ratio is a good, but not absolute, test of fetal lung maturity. A total of 373 infants was delivered within 72 hours of amniotic fluid collection for assessment of the L/S ratio. Five of 43 infants (11–6 per cent) with an L/S ratio of 2.2 or less developed the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), whereas only one of 320 infants (0.31 per cent) with a higher L/S ratio developed RDS. The risk of RDS could be further defined by using the creatinine concentration (critical value 19 mg/1) and the Nile blue sulphate test (critical value 4 per cent) in combination with the L/S ratio. All three tests were performed in 320 pregnancies and in each instance delivery took place within 72 hours. When all three test results were low, 3 of 5 infants (60 per cent) developed RDS, whereas when all three results were high, none of 175 infants developed RDS. When one or two results were low, 2 of 140 infants (1.4 per cent) developed RDS.
THE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN (L/S) RATIO IN TWIN PREGNANCIES
Authors: Sims C. D. , Cowan D. B. , Parkinson Christine E. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio has been estimated in the amniotic fluid from 20 patients with a twin pregnancy. The values in each pair of amniotic fluids were closely related. If amniotic fluid from one sac only is available, it is suggested that a ratio of 2·5:1 is taken as the lower limit to predict the functional lung maturity of both twins.