bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Status, trends and management of sturgeon and paddlefish fisheries
Authors: Pikitch Ellen K , Doukakis Phaedra , Lauck Liz , Chakrabarty Prosanta , Erickson Daniel L 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe 27 extant species of sturgeons and paddlefishes (Order Acipenseriformes) represent a unique and relict lineage of fishes. Producers of coveted black caviar, sturgeons are one of the most valuable wildlife commodities on earth. The group is among the most endangered fishes with all species listed under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I (two species) or II (25 species), only two species considered Lower Risk by IUCN, four of the nine US taxa and one Caspian species protected under the Endangered Species Act, and local extinctions recorded for 19 of 27 species. Despite their well‐publicized imperilled status, commercial pressure on 15 species persists. Here, after reviewing the biological characteristics of sturgeons and paddlefishes and their commercial use, an overview of global fisheries is presented. The synopsis demonstrates that, with few exceptions, sturgeon and paddlefish are imperilled across the globe and long‐term survival in the wild is in jeopardy. All major sturgeon fisheries have surpassed peak productivity levels, with 70% of major fisheries posting recent harvests <15% of historic peak catches and 35% of the fisheries examined crashing within 7–20 years of inception. Even in Caspian Sea fisheries, the most important globally, present catches are below 10% of historic peak landings. Improved domestic and international fisheries management and attention to habitat and species restoration is now needed. Although captive rearing offers promise for caviar alternatives and endangered species restoration, it must advance cautiously to avoid environmental harm. To ensure a continued supply of caviar and the survival of these unique fishes we offer recommendations for priority conservation action for the future.
Adaptations of amphibious fish for surviving life out of water
Authors: Sayer Martin D J 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThere are a small number of fish species, both marine and freshwater, that exhibit a truly amphibious habit that includes periods of aerial exposure. The duration of emersion is reflected in the level of physical and physiological adaptation to an amphibious lifestyle. Fish that are only briefly out of water retain predominantly aquatic attributes whereas there are semi‐terrestrial species that are highly adapted to prolonged periods in the aerial habitat. Desiccation is the main stressor for amphibious fish and it cannot be prevented by physiological means. Instead, amphibious fish resist excessive water loss by means of cutaneous modification and behavioural response. The more terrestrially adapted fish species can tolerate considerable water loss and may employ evaporation to aid thermoregulation. The amphibious habit is limited to fish species that can respire aerially. Aerial respiration is usually achieved through modification to existing aquatic pathways. Freshwater air‐breathers may respire via the skin or gills but some also have specialized branchial diverticula. Marine species utilize a range of adaptations that may include modified gills, specialized buccopharyngeal epithelia, the intestine and the skin. Areas of enhanced respiratory activity are typified by increased vascularization that permits enhanced perfusion during aerial exposure. As with other adaptations the mode of nitrogenous elimination is related to the typical durations of emersion experienced by the fish. Intertidal species exposed on a regular cycle, and which may retain some contact with water, tend to remain ammoniotelic while reducing excretion rates in order to prevent excessive water loss. Amphibious fish that inhabit environments where emersion is less predictable than the intertidal, can store nitrogen during the state of emersion with some conversion to ureotelism or have been shown to tolerate high ammonia levels in the blood. Finally, the more amphibious fish are more adapted to moving on land and seeing in air. Structural modifications to the pectoral, pelvic, dorsal and anal fins, combined with a well‐developed musculature permit effective support and movement on land. For vision in air, there is a general trend for fish to possess close‐set, moveable, protruberant eyes set high on the head with various physical adaptations to the structure of the eye to allow for accurate vision in both air and water.
Is it necessary to catheterise the bladder routinely before gynaecological laparoscopic surgery?
Authors: TANG Kwok Keung , WONG Chung Kit , LO Siu Fai Leslie , NG Tai Keung 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:  Catheterisation of the bladder was routinely performed before gynaecological laparoscopy, but such an established practice is not evidence based and may lead to an increase in postoperative urinary symptoms and urinary tract infection.Aims:  To compare routine urethral catheterisation and non‐catheterisation before laparoscopic surgery with respect to bladder injury, postoperative urinary symptoms and urinary tract infection (UTI).Methods:  This was a prospective, double blind randomised study. All women undergoing gynaecological laparoscopy, both elective and emergency, were invited to participate in the study. Cases involving bladder dissection, second trimester pregnancy and those who could not void preoperatively were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated to catheterise group and non‐catheterise group. Requirement of catheterisation in the non‐catheterise group, bladder injury, postoperative catheterisation, urinary symptoms and UTI were studied.Results:  Two hundrend and seventy‐nine women were recruited of whom 262 were suitable for final analysis. Each group contained 131 cases. Patient characteristics and operative parameters were comparable in both groups. There was no bladder injury. Four percent of the women in the non‐catheterise group needed catheterisation and catheterisation was significantly associated with surgery longer than 90 min (P < 0.001). Postoperative UTI was insignificantly reduced in the non‐catheterised group. When postoperative urinary symptoms and urinary tract infections were studied as a composite outcome, they were statistically significantly reduced in the non‐catheterise group (P = 0.017).Conclusions:  The policy of non‐catheterisation before gynaecological laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible. Although the reduction in UTI is insignificant, the overall postoperative urinary problems (urinary symptoms or UTI) are reduced significantly.
Postpartum curettage: An audit of 200 cases
Authors: PATHER Selvan , FORD Monica , REID Rosemary , SYKES Peter 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAim:  To assess whether delivery details, clinical features at presentation and laboratory investigations could accurately predict the presence of retained products of conception (RPOC) following a postpartum curettage (PPC) and to assess the morbidity associated with this procedure.Methods:  A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent a PPC at a tertiary referral hospital over a 5‐year period.Results:  Two hundred patients were included in the study and 50% of patients who had histological evaluation demonstrated retained product of conception. Mode of delivery, placental status at delivery and immediate postpartum haemorrhage was unrelated to final histology however, patients presenting with pelvic infection were significantly less likely to have RPOC, χ2 = 6.358 (P = 0.042). The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in detecting RPOC was 94% and 16%, respectively; the presence of an echogenic focus together with a thickened endometrium of more than 10 mm was the most accurate ultrasound feature of RPOC (positive predictive value 80%). Seventeen (8.5%) patients experienced major morbidity following curettage and 14 (7%) underwent a repeat procedure with further morbidity. Patients presenting with pelvic infection were more likely to experience postoperative morbidity.Conclusion:  A PPC has a low diagnostic yield and is associated with a significant complication rate. While the therapeutic benefit of this procedure is unclear, expectant management is appropriate especially in the presence of pelvic sepsis.
Midurethral Tissue Fixation System sling – a ‘micromethod’ for cure of stress incontinence – preliminary report
Authors: PETROS Peter E. P. , RICHARDSON Peter A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAims:  To assess the effectiveness of the Tissue Fixation System (TFS) in patients with stress incontinence. The TFS uses two small plastic anchors to fix an (adjustable) midurethral polypropylene mesh sling into the soft tissues below the pubic bone.Patients and methods:  Thirty‐six patients with stress incontinence, mean age 55 (35–87), mean weight 76 kg (33–117 kg), mean 0.8 previous operations for stress incontinence, underwent a TFS midurethral sling operation. The patients were preoperatively assessed with a structured questionnaire, 24‐h urinary diary, cough stress test, transperineal ultrasound, and urodynamics. Using the TFS delivery system, a midurethral mesh tape was attached to the fibromuscular tissues behind the perineal membrane. The suburethral vaginal fascia was also tightened. Post‐operatively. the patients were reviewed at 6 weeks, and at 3‐monthly intervals with ultrasound, and cough stress tests.Results:  Primary symptomatic cure rate at mean 9 months (3–15 months) was 83.4% (n = 36). Pad test loss decreased from a mean 12.7 g to a mean of 0.2 g; mean operating time was 5 min, and mean hospital stay was 24 h (12–48 h). There were no cases of obstructed micturition, and minimal analgesia only was required postoperatively.Conclusion:  The TFS is a promising new method. The results at this stage are similar to those achieved previously with the ‘tension‐free’ tape operations, but with greater safety and shorter operating time. Testing by other surgeons will be required to evaluate this method further.
Is there increased monozygotic twinning after assisted reproductive technology?
Authors: TOLEDO Manuela G. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractOver the past two decades there has been an association between assisted reproductive technologies and increased monozygotic twinning. The association is not clear nor are the causes of assisted reproductive technology‐related monozygotic twinning understood, although there are several theories as to the possible mechanisms involved. This review looks at some of the assisted reproductive technologies which may be associated with an increased risk of monozygotic twinning such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection, assisted hatching and blastocyst transfers. Determining the true incidence of monozygotic twinning after assisted reproductive technologies is important as there is a well‐documented increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality of monozygotic twins compared to singleton and dizygotic pregnancies.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Sydney women
Authors: CHEN Marcus Y. , ROHRSHEIM Richard , DONOVAN Basil 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:  In Australia, reported rates of Chlamydia trachomatis infection have been rising progressively since the mid‐1990s. Opportunistic testing of sexually active young women attending clinical services for other reasons has already been implemented in a number of other countries.Aims:  To help guide chlamydia testing of women, this study aimed to establish factors predictive of chlamydial infection in an Australian clinical setting.Methods:  Women attending a sexual health service in Sydney who tested positive for C. trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction and who did not have any concurrent urogenital infections (n = 170) were compared with chlamydia‐negative controls (n = 170). Factors independently associated with chlamydia were determined using logistic regression.Results:  Although they were present in only a minority of infected women, symptoms of dysuria [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.2 (95% CI: 1.2–9.1), P = 0.03] and postcoital bleeding [AOR = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.0–7.1), P < 0.05] were each independently associated with chlamydia. Symptoms of vaginal discharge (P = 0.3), abdominal pain (P = 0.2), or intermenstrual bleeding (P = 0.1) did not help to discriminate between infected and uninfected women. The following factors were independently associated with chlamydia: younger age (P = 0.003); being overseas‐born [AOR = 2.3 (95% CI: 1.3–4.0), P = 0.005]; sex with a partner from overseas [AOR = 2.0 (95% CI: 1.3–12.3), P = 0.01]; and sex with a partner known or suspected to be chlamydia‐infected [AOR = 7.4 (95% CI: 3.6–15.0), P < 0.001].Conclusions:  Chlamydia testing is clinically indicated in sexually active young women with dysuria, postcoital bleeding or contact with a suspected chlamydia‐infected partner. Consideration should be given to enhanced screening programs for travelling and migrant men and women in Australian cities.
Wrigley forceps to deliver a bulky uterus following a total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer
Authors: NEPPE Cliff , LAND Russell , OBERMAIR Andreas 
Published: September 2005

AbstractMorcellation of the uterus is contraindicated in endometrial cancer and a uterine size of 11 weeks or larger has been considered a contraindication for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in endometrial cancer. We describe a new technique of removing a bulky uterus in a patient with endometrial cancer with the use of Wrigley forceps following a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Factors associated with low immunity to rubella infection on antenatal screening
Authors: SATHANANDAN Deshanie , GUPTA Leena , LIU Bette , RUTHERFORD Alison , LANE Jennifer 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground:  Rubella infection during the first trimester results in congenital rubella syndrome. There has been little recent published evidence identifying those at‐risk of infection in the first trimester of pregnancy. This study examined the level of rubella immunity in pregnant women in a part of Sydney and risk factors for non‐immunity.Methods:  We looked at data on all confinements at two maternity hospitals in Sydney in the 2‐year period between July 1999 and June 2001. Variables included in our data set included mother's country of birth, mother's date of birth, hospital status (public or private patient), parity, rubella status and postpartum rubella vaccination.Results:  Of the 8096 confinements, the mother was documented as being non‐immune to rubella in 567 cases (7%) of cases. Of the 567 confinements where rubella status was documented as non‐immune, Asian‐born women comprised of 65% (366) of non‐immune women while 13% (73) were Australian‐born. Country of birth remained a strong predictor of immunity, even after controlling for age, parity and hospital status. Maternal age > 35 years and nulliparity were also significant risk factors for non‐immunity.Conclusion:  Programs targeting underimmunised populations for rubella vaccination should focus on overseas‐born women, particularly those born in Asia, nulliparous women and also women > 35 years of age.
Transvaginal cervical length measurement; Its current application in a regional Australian level II maternity hospital
Authors: VAN RIJSWIJK Suzanne , NAGTEGAAL Mariëtte J. C. , MCGAVIN Steward , DEKKER Gus 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the impact of cervical length (CL) measurements in pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery on intervention and pregnancy outcome.Design:  Retrospective study.Setting:  Regional high‐level II maternity unit.Methods:  Hospital databases were reviewed for all women delivering between March 2001 and March 2003. Women at an increased risk for preterm birth with transvaginal (TV) cervical length measurements during pregnancy were included in this audit. Patients (n = 204) were analysed together and in subgroups with different risk profiles.Results:  For women with a significant obstetrical history, most of the cervical lengths ≤ 2.5 cm were found between 24 and 28 weeks gestational age. None of the patients with twin pregnancy as single indication for cervical length measurements developed a cervical length ≤ 2.5 cm. In women with twin pregnancy plus additional risk factor as indication for cervical length measurement, 60.87% showed shortening of cervical length to ≤ 2.5 cm. Patients with previous gynaecological operations as the only risk factor had optimal perinatal outcomes. Notwithstanding the potential beneficial effects of therapeutic measures, patients with singleton pregnancies and a significant obstetrical history, and a short cervical length had a relative risk of 3 for preterm delivery. In the group of women presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of threatening preterm delivery and a short cervical length, significantly more patients were treated with nifedipine compared to similar patients with ‘normal’ cervical length.Conclusions:  For patients with a high‐risk obstetrical history, a first cervical length measurement at the time of foetal morphology scan followed by one measurement at about 24 weeks would result in a timely diagnosis of almost all cases of clinically relevant cervical shortening. Just having a twin pregnancy, in the absence of other risk factors for preterm birth, does not require cervical length monitoring. Having a twin pregnancy plus additional risk factors clearly identifies a group requiring cervical length measurement and intervention. Previous LLETZ procedures or ≥ 3 preceding curettages were not found to be a major risk factor for preterm birth.
Use of uterine Doppler in an Australian level II maternity hospital
Authors: NAGTEGAAL Mariëtte J. C. , VAN RIJSWIJK Suzanne , MCGAVIN Steward , DEKKER Gus 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the clinical usefulness of uterine Doppler.Design:  Retrospective study between March 2001 and March 2003.Setting:  A high‐risk population of pregnant women in a busy level II Maternity unit.Methods:  Resistance index (RI) measurements of the right and left uterine artery were obtained by using pulsed wave Colour Doppler. The presence of a unilateral or bilateral early diastolic notch was noted. An abnormal result was defined as a mean RI ≥ 0.58 with no, one or two notches or a mean RI < 0.58 in the presence of bilateral notches.Results:  Pre‐eclampsia was found in 45 (24.7%) women, gestational hypertension (GH) in 22 (12.1%) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in 42 (23.1%) of women included (total 59.9%). In the overall group, 127 (69.8%) women were found to have abnormal uterine artery Doppler results and 55 (30.2%) of patients had a normal Doppler study. No significant differences were found between the group of women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler and the women with a normal velocity waveform in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia, IUGR and GH, this was also true in the various high‐risk‐subgroups.Conclusions:  Uterine Doppler is not particularly useful to the obstetrician in the management of patients with an a priori very high risk to develop uteroplacental insufficiency.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics
Authors: Elitsur Yoram , Yahav Jacob 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTThe diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection continues to challenge practicing physicians around the world. In the last year, several reports from Africa tried to examine the epidemiology of H. pylori infection in nursing babies, while others investigated the association between recurrent abdominal pain symptoms and H. pylori. In the diagnostic arena, attempts were made to improve diagnostic accuracy, mainly by using a new monoclonal version of the stool antigen test, and by applying the urea breath test in smaller children. In the current report, the most important studies on H. pylori infection in children published in the last year are also reviewed.
Bacteria and Mucosal Inflammation of the Gut: Lessons from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kuipers Ernst J. , Michetti Pierre 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTThe human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by an abundance of bacteria, which are in constant interaction with the epithelial lining usually leading to an intricate balance between tolerance and immunological response. There is ample evidence that the abundant presence of bacteria thus plays a role in the maintenance of human health, as well as in the induction of chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Research in this field is, however, considerably hampered by the abundance of bacterial species, many of which have not even been characterized, and are difficult to culture specifically. These important limitations may to some extent be overcome by recent molecular biologic methods. Furthermore however, the adherent mucosal flora may differ largely from the luminal flora and that in excreta. These characteristics do not pertain to Helicobacter pylori, which generally colonizes the human stomach as a single strain with stable characteristics. Such colonization is stable throughout life, but can be treated. Furthermore, the association with chronic gastritis is very strong. For these reasons, H. pylori serves as an excellent model for the understanding of the processes involved in bacterial colonization and host response including mediation of immunoregulation, and the mechanisms by which this response can lead to disease.
Inflammation, Immunity, and Vaccines for Helicobacter Infection
Authors: Permin Henrik , Andersen Leif P. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTPro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐18, IFN‐γ, and IL‐1β play a significant role in the inflammation induced by Helicobacter. During the recent years of H. pylori research, the main focus has been on development of vaccines for therapeutic or prophylactic use against the infection. Both bacterial components of H. pylori as well as engineered vaccines have been tested as well as different forms of administration including systemic and oral/intranasal pathways.
Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Malignancy
Authors: Fischbach Wolfgang , Chan Annie On‐On , Wong Benjamin Chun‐Yu 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTLast year there were a few important clinical data on long‐term prognosis of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma after eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Similarly, there were clinical data to support the role of eradication of H. pylori in the primary prevention of gastric cancer. We understand more about the host susceptibility as well as the pathogenetic mechanisms of the bacteria in the gastric mucosa. This article summarizes the important breakthroughs in H. pylori and gastric malignancies last year.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Figueiredo Céu , Machado José Carlos , Yamaoka Yoshio 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTAs with many infectious diseases, only a fraction of people infected with Helicobacter pylori develop clinical disease, and host genetics, host immune response, and bacterial virulence factors appear to play critical roles. There has been considerable interest in putative bacterial virulence factors and, while several have been identified, it is not clear whether they act independently or in concert. Disease associations have been proposed for the cag pathogenicity island (PAI), vacA, and genes encoding outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Numerous studies published in the last year have provided new insights into the function of these putative virulence factors in gastroduodenal pathogenesis. This article will review the recent novel findings (from April 2004) for the roles of the putative disease‐associated virulence factors as well as their interaction with host.