bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE KARYOPYKNOTIC INDEX OF AMNIOTIC FLUID CELLS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO OESTROGEN CONCENTRATION
Authors: Hudson Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryEstimations of karyopyknotic index and amniotic fluid oestrogen concentration were made on 107 specimens of amniotic fluid obtained between the 25th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. The karyopyknotic index was shown to fall with advancing gestation as the amniotic fluid oestrogen concentration increased. The negative correlation between karyopyknotic index and amniotic fluid oestrogen concentration was highly significant when the fetus was female but was not significant when the fetus was male. Intermediate cells from the genital tract of the female fetus can account for the cytological difference between amniotic fluid from male and female fetuses. The fall in amniotic fluid karyopyknotic index when the fetus is female is comparable with the fall in maternal vaginal karyopyknotic index towards term which suggests that the fetal vagina responds in the same way as the maternal vaginal epithelium to the circulating hormones and not to the oeslrogens in the amniotic fluid.
PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF GONADOTROPHINS, OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE IN THYROTOXIC WOMEN
Authors: Akande E. O. , Hockaday T. D. R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen and progesterone were measured daily in 15 thyrotoxic women in the reproductive age for 28 to 30 consecutive days before commencement of therapy and for a similar period following restoration of the euthyroid state. Five of these patients had secondary amenorrhoea whilst the other 10 had hypomenorrhoea. Twelve healthy volunteer euthyroid women of similar age and parity, with no history of menstrual abnormality, served as controls. The levels of both gonadotrophins (LH and FSH) and oestrogen were found to be significantly raised in all thyrotoxic patients in comparison with levels in the euthyroid female controls (P<0.001). “Mid‐cycle” LH and FSH peaks were present in thyrotoxic patients who were still menstruating whilst they were absent in those who had developed amenorrhoea. Plasma oestrogen concentration rose to a peak on the day before the surge of LH (and FSH) in all euthyroid female controls as well as in thyrotoxic patients who were still menstruating. In contrast, oestrogen peaks occurred without ensuing LH (and FSH) peaks in thyrotoxic patients who had developed amenorrhoea, suggesting a failure of the positive feed‐back mechanism. The levels and patterns of plasma progesterone in thyrotoxic subjects who were still menstruating were similar to those of euthyroid controls. However, no significant circulating plasma progesterone was detected in thyrotoxic subjects who were amenorrhoeic. The levels and patterns of all these hormones (gonadotrophins, oestrogen and progesterone) became normal after restoration of euthyroid state and normal menstruation.
PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF GONADOTROPHINS, OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE IN HYPOTHYROID WOMEN
Authors: Akande E. O. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn an effort to determine the influence of hypothyroidism on the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐ovarian axis plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen and progesterone were measured daily for 10 to 14 consecutive days in five women with hypothyroidism. In all subjects investigated the levels of all the hormones measured were low in comparison with the values in euthyroid women. FSH/LH ratios were, however, higher in hypothyroid women than in both phases of the menstrual cycle in euthyroid controls. It is postulated that changes in the FSH/LH ratio may be related to the low levels of oestrogen and probably to failure of ovulation in hypothyroid women.
ROLE OF SEX‐HORMONE‐BINDING GLOBULIN IN HORMONAL CHANGES AND AMENORRHOEA IN THYROTOXIC WOMEN
Authors: Akande E. O. , Anderson D. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen, testosterone and sex‐hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) were determined in 15 thyrotoxic women in the reproductive age before and after treatment with carbimazole. The levels of these hormones and SHBG were compared with those of 12 euthyroid healthy female volunteers of comparable age and parity. Plasma gonadotrophins (LH and FSH), oestrogen, testosterone and SHBG were all markedly elevated in thyrotoxic subjects but became normal when the euthyroid state and normal menstruation were restored after treatment. From the results a hypothesis is suggested which relates the hormonal disturbance primarily to a thyroid hormone‐induced rise in SHBG levels.
CORD PLASMA GLUCOSE AND INSULIN CONCENTRATIONS AND MATERNAL‐FETAL RELATIONS
Authors: Lind T. , Gilmore Elizabeth A. , McClarence Maureen 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe concentration of glucose and insulin was estimated in 854 samples of umbilical cord blood plasma and 503 concurrently collected maternal blood samples. The mean cord insulin concentration, excluding all infants born to known diabetic mothers, was 7 μU./ml., but the distribution was skewed with 10 per cent of infants having a value of 12 μU./ml. or more. The giving of intravenous sugar‐coating fluids to the mother during labour tended to exaggerate the skewness rather than move the whole distribution to the right. Babies born by the vaginal route, whatever the presentation or method of delivery, had slightly lower mean insulin values than those born by Caesarean section. It thus seems unlikely that “stress” is a factor causing high cord insulin values at birth. Other data concerning maternal‐fetal glucose and insulin relations are discussed.
SERUM CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS AND MAGNESIUM LEVELS IN PREGNANT AND NON‐PREGNANT NIGERIANS
Authors: Olatunbosun D. A. , Adeniyi F. A. , Adadevoh B. K. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerum calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium were determined in 282 Nigerian women comprising 213 pregnant women, 37 non‐pregnant controls, and 32 postpartum women. There was very little change in the serum calcium levels throughout pregnancy; the slight reduction which occurred during the 8th and 9th months was not statistically significant. There was a significant reduction in the serum concentrations of inorganic phosphorus and magnesium during the 8th and 9th months of gestation; the levels of both minerals rose to non‐pregnant levels at term.
THE EFFECT OF A LOW CALORIE DIET OR A THIAZIDE DIURETIC ON THE INCIDENCE OF PRE‐ECLAMPSIA AND ON BIRTH WEIGHT
Authors: Campbell Doris M. , Macgillivray Tan 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA 1200 calorie diet or cyclopenthiazide with potassium was given to two groups of 51 high weight gain primigravidae and baby weight and the incidence of pre‐eclampsia were compared with those in a matched control group. There was no difference in the development of pre‐eclampsia, but the weight of babies in the control group was higher than in the treated groups. The body fat was reduced in the diet group and the total body water in the diuretic group.
THE ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS FETAL HEART RATE TRACES IN THE FIRST AND SECOND STAGES OF LABOUR
Authors: Thomas Gareth , Blackwell R. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn the search for a simplified method of fetal heart rate trace assessment 50 traces recorded during the first stage of labour and those recorded in the last hour of each of a further 50 labours have been analysed intensively. The importance of baseline variability in predicting possible fetal distress in both the first stage and the last hour of labour is shown and the possible use of an objective measurement of baseline variability in the further screening for fetal acidosis is described. The importance of lag time measurement in the first stage of labour is demonstrated and the relationships between fetal scalp blood pH and other heart rate parameters is discussed Significant inverse correlations between one‐minute Apgar score and maximum amplitude of deceleration and total deceleration area in the last hour of labour are also shown. Temporal relationships between intrauterine pressure rises and transient changes of fetal heart rate failed to give significant correlations in the last hour. These findings in the last hour of labour are compared with those obtained in the first stage of labour and the differences are discussed.
USE OF PROPRANOLOL IN DYSFUNCTIONAL LABOUR
Authors: Mitrani A. , Oettinger M. , Abinader E. G. , Sharf M. , Klein A. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryLabour pains associated with fear and anxiety increase the blood level of catecholamines. This in turn causes dysfunctional labour due to the weak uterine contractions which follow stimulation of uterine adrenergic beta receptors. Intravenous propranolol was administered to ten primigravidae with typical dysfunctional labour. This was shortly followed by normal uterine activity and delivery without any significant maternal or fetal complications. To the best of our knowledge this is the first attempt to treat dysfunctional labour by the intravenous administration of a beta‐blocking agent, and our preliminary results are encouraging.
THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF AMNIOCENTESIS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FETAL LUNG MATURITY
Authors: Rome R. M. , Glover Jenifer I. , Simmons S. C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAmniocentesis for estimation of the lecithin: sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was performed on 483 patients on 552 occasions. The introduction of this test has been associated with a highly significant (p < 0.001) decrease of 59 per cent in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome. The finding of a low L/S ratio (< 2.0) enabled delivery to be deferred until lung maturity had been reached in 43 (10.3 per cent) of the 419 patients who had successful amniocentesis. Fetal death occurred after amniocentesis in two patients (0.41 per cent). One fetus died after haemorrhage occurred behind an anterior placenta and the other died of exsanguination. Failed amniocentesis occurred in 64 patients (13.2 per cent), and was more common when the placenta was anterior or was not located before the procedure and when fetal growth was retarded. Fetal distress in labour occurred more commonly after failed amniocentesis. Spontaneous labour followed amniocentesis in 47 patients (9.7 per cent) and was significantly more prone to occur after 38 weeks gestation. Rhesus isoimmunization did not occur in any of the rhesus‐negative patients who delivered rhesus‐positive babies and who were screened six or more months after amniocentesis, although anti‐D immunoglobulin was not given routinely after amniocentesis. Suggestions are made as to how the success rate of this valuable procedure can be improved and how some of the serious fetal and maternal sequelae can be avoided.
UTERINE ACTION AFTER INDUCTION OF LABOUR WITH ORAL PROSTAGLANDIN E2 TABLETS COMPARED WITH INTRAVENOUS OXYTOCIN
Authors: Elder M. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryUterine action throughout the whole of labour induced by low amniotomy and either oral prostaglandin E2 tablets or intravenous oxytocin was studied in 10 randomly matched pairs of patients. Oral prostaglandin E2 tablets induced fewer contractions per hour, and these contractions were longer and more variable in length than those induced by intravenous oxytocin. There was no difference in basal uterine tone or in the amplitude of contractions. A comparison was made between the outcome of labour induced by low amniotomy and either oral prostaglandin E2 tablets 0.5 mg. hourly in 65 patients, or intravenous oxytocin in 41 patients. This dose of prostaglandin E2 tablets was an inadequate adjunct to low amniotomy in nulliparous patients. Despite this, the induction‐delivery interval for the whole prostaglandin group was not significantly greater than that for the oxytocin group. There were no significant differences in fetal heart rate pattern, or in the incidence of gastro‐intestinal side‐effects between the two groups.
A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF SONAR “CROWN‐RUMP LENGTH” MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Robinson H. P. , Fleming J. E. E. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn a study to evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of the sonar technique of measurement of the in vivo fetal crown‐rump length (Robinson, 1973), a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments was performed in which the random and systematic errors inherent in the technique were assessed. The potential sources of random error were those of operator judgement, movement of the fetus and mother, machine sensitivity settings and measurement from the photograph; while the sources of systematic error were those of oscilloscope scale factor, and velocity calibration inaccuracies, and the effect of beam width. The overall effect of the random errors, that is, the reproducibility of the technique, was assessed in an in vivo blind trial in which three independent measurements were made of the fetus. In a series of 30 experiments the average standard deviation of the three readings was found to be 1.2 mm. Evaluation of the systematic errors by in vivo experimentation, on the other hand, showed that the basic sonar measurements were in error by an overestimate of 1 mm for the beam width effect and 3.7 per cent for the scale factor and velocity calibration errors. A weighted non‐linear regression analysis of 334 measurements was performed in order to obtain a “curve of best fit” for the period covering 6 to 14 weeks of menstrual age. The values obtained were corrected for the systematic errors and compared with widely quoted anatomical figures. In the second part of this investigation the original data was further analyzed to determine on a statistical basis the accuracy of the technique as a method of estimating maturity. It was shown that such an estimate could be made to within 4.7 days with a 95 per cent probability on the basis of a single measurement, and to within 2.7 days if three independent measurements were made.
A SEMI‐AUTOMATED SERUM ALPHAFETOPROTEIN RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR PRENATAL SPINA BIFIDA SCREENING
Authors: Vince J. D. , Mcmanus T. J. , Ferguson‐Smith M. A. , Ratcliffe J. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA simple, reliable, semi‐automated and inexpensive radioimmunoassay for serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) is described which fulfils the requirements for a screening test for open neural tube defects. The normal range for serum AFP throughout pregnancy has been determined in 1534 samples. In a retrospective study of 15 samples of maternal serum taken from nine pregnant women carrying a fetus affected with a neural tube defect, the serum AFP level was found to be above the 95th centile in four of the five cases of open defect sampled between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. Preliminary results of a prospective study are reported in which two cases of enencephaly were detected among 671 unselected pregnancies sampled between 15 and 20 weeks gestation.
THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY
Authors: Pridmore B. R. , Murray K. H. , Mcallen P. M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFifteen patients were treated with oral anticoagulants during pregnancy. At 37 weeks they were changed to heparin and were given 5 mg of Vitamin K1 by intravenous injection. Labour was induced seven to ten days later. All infants were normal and healthy and in the 12 tested the cord prothrombin times were within the normal range.
EFFECT OF BROMOCRIPTINE AND CHLOROTRIANISENE ON TNHIBITION OF LACTATION AND SERUM PROLACTIN A COMPARATIVE DOUBLE‐BLIND STUDY
Authors: Utian W. H. , Begg G. , Vinik A. I. , Paul M. , Shuman L. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA double‐blind study to compare the effect of 2‐Br‐alpha‐ergocryptine (bronio‐criptine, CB 154, Sandoz) an ergot alkaloid with chlorotrianisene (Tace, Mer‐National) on the inhibition of postpartum lactation was carried out in 38 women. At the dosages selected bromocriptine was more effective than chlorotrianisene in inhibiting lactation. Furthermore, bromocriptine significantly reduced serum prolactin levels to low normal values by the seventh day of treatment, whereas chlorotrianisene did not alter the normal progressive reduction in prolactin postpartum. Neither drug had significant toxic effects.
“GESTATION SAC” VOLUMES AS DETERMINED BY SONAR IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY
Authors: Robinson Hugh P. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySonar estimates of “gestation sac” volumes in the first trimester of pregnancy were made from a series of 319 measurements; the volumes estimated included the amniotic fluid, the extraembryonic coelom and the fetus. The technique employed involved the use of parallel section scans taken in series from one end of the gestation sac to the other, followed by planimetric measurements of the sac areas so produced. The potential errors which may be incurred in these measurements are discussed, and it is considered that the technique carries an overall possible error in the order of ±10 per cent. Growth curves produced from the measurements in this series show that the sac increases in volume from a mean of 1 ml. at 6 weeks to a mean of 100 ml. at 13 weeks, initially in an exponential fashion but latterly in a more linear manner. The mean values of the sonar gestation sac fluid volumes (after subtraction of the estimated fetal volume) in the 10 to 13 week range, show good correlation with those amniotic fluid values reported in the literature where direct measurements were made at the time of hysterotomy. As a method of assessing the maturity of a pregnancy this technique is of lesser value than the sonar measurement of fetal crown‐rump length because of the relatively wider scatter of results. It has, however, found a useful place in clinical practice in the early sonar diagnosis of blighted ova or anembryonic pregnancies.
THE DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL HYDRONEPHROSIS, MEGAURETER AND URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION BY ULTRASONIC ECHOGRAPHY
Authors: Garrett Williams J. , Kossoff George , Osborn Robertt A. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTwo cases of fetal urethral obstruction, one with megaureter and obvious hydro‐nephrosis, were diagnosed by two‐dimensional ultrasonic echography. With good quality echograms it should be possible to make the diagnosis early in pregnancy.
THE AETIOLOGY, CHARACTERISTICS AND DIAGNOSTIC OBSTETRIC RELEVANCE OF LATE DECELERATION PATTERNS IN ROUTINE PRACTICE
Authors: Thomas Gareth 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA retrospective study is described in which all the late deceleration patterns seen in one obstetric unit over the course of 34 months have been reviewed with regard to their apparent aetiology, their characteristics and associated abnormal fetal heart rate patterns and the incidence of fetal distress. The results show that, regardless of the aetiology and the characteristics, the incidence of fetal distress (defined as a pH of less than 7.25 or an Apgar score of less than 7 at one minute) lies between 40 and 50 per cent. The implications of this degree of diagnostic inaccuracy are discussed and the importance of fetal blood sampling as the final arbiter in the diagnosis is emphasized. During the course of the study a significant relationship was demonstrated between the use of epidural analgesia and the incidence of late deceleration patterns. This finding is discussed.
THE RENAL CLEARANCE OF OESTRIOL IN LATE HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Swapp Garden H. , Masson Gorden M. , Klopper Arnold I. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe renal clearance of unconjugated oestriol, oestriol glucosiduronate and oestriol sulphate by the kidney in late human pregnancy has been compared with simultaneous measurements of inulin clearance. The results for the fractions not bound to protein indicate that after glomerular filtration, unconjugated oestriol is completely reabsorbed, oestriol glucosiduronate is both filtered and excreted actively by the tubules, and that oestriol sulphate is filtered but not excreted or absorbed by the tubules; the administration of probenecid confirms these observations on tubular handling. The possibility of using endogenous oestriol sulphate as a means of measuring the glomerular filtration rate in pregnancy is suggested.
ASSESSMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Chan Vivian , Paraskevaides C. A. , Hale J. F. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone and of the two thyroid hormones were compared in pregnant women and in non‐pregnant control subjects. Circulating levels of thyroid stimulating hormone did not alter significantly throughout pregnancy. Total thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations increased markedly during the first and second trimesters, associated with a progressive increase in the thyroid binding capacity of serum proteins. Urinary triiodothyronine and thyroxine excretion during the third trimester of pregnancy was comparable to that found in non‐pregnant euthyroid females and, it is concluded, provides the simplest method of assessing thyroid function during pregnancy.
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN MATERNAL LYMPHOCYTES IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Knobloch Viktor , Jouja Vladimir , Svobodová Marie 
Published: August 2005

SummaryBy use of staining with toluidine blue, the changes in the nucleoli of lymphocytes in 150 healthy women were studied. The patients were divided into five groups: non‐pregnant women; women in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy; and women who were five days post parturn. A progressive and statistically significant rise in the number of lymphocytes with micronucleoli was found during pregnancy and there was a fall after delivery. This increase was associated with a decrease in the incidence of ring‐shaped nucleoli. There were no significant changes in the absolute number of lymphocytes and in “active” lymphocytes during pregnancy.
MATERNAL CARDIOMYOPATHY OF PREGNANCY CAUSING STILLBIRTH
Authors: Rand R. J. , Jenkins D. M. , Scott D. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryCardiomyopathy of pregnancy developed in a healthy primigravida at 34 weeks gestation and was followed two weeks later by the spontaneous delivery of a fresh stillbirth. An immunological basis underlying both the mother's condition and the fetal death was suggested by the presence of myocardial antibodies in maternal and cord blood. Reference is made to two other cases in which a similar pathological process may have occurred.
THE FUNCTION OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY‐ADRENAL CORTEX AXIS IN HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
Authors: Kauppila A. , Ylikorkala O. , Järvinen P. A. , Haapalahti J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn order to study the function of the pituitary‐adrenal axis, serum ACTH and cortisol levels were estimated before and after insulin induced hypoglycaemia in nine women with hyperemesis gravidarum, seven women in normal early pregnancy and in eight non‐pregnant controls. Before hypoglycaemia, the basal ACTH level in the hyperemesis group (102.4±62.9 pg/ml) was higher than in normal early pregnancy (67.5±19.2 pg/ml; p<0.05) or in non‐pregnant controls (54.8±25.2 pg/ml; p<0.01). Correspondingly, the mean cortisol value in hyperemesis (0.47±0.16 μmol/1) was higher than in normal early pregnancy (0.39±0.10 μmol/1; p>0.05) or in non‐pregnant controls (0.32±0.13 μmol/1; p<0.01). After insulin the elevation of ACTH (p>0.05) and cortisol (p<0.01) was observed in every group. The level of ACTH and cortisol was highest in hyperemesis group. Our results do not support the idea that hypofunction of the pituitary‐adrenal axis contributes to the aetiology or pathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum. The high ACTH level might be evidence of the psychic instability of hyperemesis gravidarum patients.