bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous transcatheter embolization in arterial injuries of the lower limbs
Authors: Aksoy M. , Taviloglu K. , Yanar H. , Poyanli A. , Ertekin C. , Rozanes I. , Guloglu R. , Kurtoglu M. 
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (PTE) in lower extremity arterial injuries. Material and Methods: From January 2000 to June 2004, patients who presented with a penetrating trauma of the lower limbs, along with bleeding and with no sign of ischemia or hemodynamic instability, were included in the study. The injuries were embolized by coils and Gelfoam. The efficacy of PTE was defined as its ability to stop bleeding both radiographically and clinically, and its safety was determined by the complication rate. Results: There were 10 embolizations, which consisted of 5 profundal femoral, 3 superior gluteal, and 2 inferior gluteal artery embolizations. PTE was effective in all patients. There were two inguinal hematomas, which did not require any intervention, and there was a temporary renal function alteration. The mean hospital stay of these patients was 2.67±0.91 days. Conclusion: PTE may be an effective and safe method of treatment in certain cases with lower limb arterial injuries. However, patients should be selected meticulously by both the vascular surgeon and the interventional radiologist, and PTE should be undertaken only in experienced hands.
Multi-detector computed tomography angiography of the hepatic artery in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Boraschi P. , Donati F. , Cossu M. C. , Gigoni R. , Vignali C. , Filipponi F. , Bartolozzi C. , Falaschi F. 
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of multi-detector row computed tomography angiography (CTA) in detecting hepatic artery complications in the follow-up of liver transplant patients, performing volume-rendering as reconstruction technique.Material and Methods: The anatomy of hepatic artery was studied in 27 liver transplant recipients with a four-row CT scanner using the following parameters: collimation, 1 mm; slice width, 1 mm; table feed, 6–8 mm/s; spiral reconstruction time, 0.5 s; reconstruction interval, 0.5 mm; mAs, 160; kVp, 120. Before the study, the patients received 1000 ml of water as oral contrast agent to produce negative contrast in the stomach and the small bowel. A non-ionic contrast medium was infused intravenously at a rate of 5 ml/s with a bolus tracking system. Volume-rendering of hepatic artery was performed with the 3D Virtuoso software.Results: The celiac trunk, the hepatic artery, and the right and left hepatic arteries were successfully displayed in high detail in all patients. Side branches, including small collaterals, and hepatic artery anastomosis could also be readily visualized. Volume-rendered CTA detected six hepatic artery stenoses, two hepatic artery thromboses, and two intrahepatic pseudoaneurysms. In two cases, CT detected hepatic artery stenosis with a diameter reduction of less than 50%, while digital subtraction angiography showed a normal artery.Conclusion: Volume-rendered multi-detector CTA is a promising non-invasive technique, since it allows images of high quality to be generated with excellent anatomical visualization of the hepatic artery and its complications in liver transplant recipients.
Serial high-resolution computed tomography imaging in patients with wegener granulomatosis: differentiation between active inflammatory and chronic fibrotic lesions
Authors: Lohrmann C. , Uhl M. , Schaefer O. , Ghanem N. , Kotter E. , Langer M. 
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To evaluate pulmonary pathologies in Wegener granulomatosis with sequential computed tomography (CT) in order to differentiate active inflammatory lesions from chronic fibrotic lesions. Material and Methods: Serial CT findings in 38 patients with Wegener granulomatosis were retrospectively analyzed (mean follow-up period, 21 months). The presence, extension, and distribution of the following findings were evaluated with CT: parenchymal nodules, masses, ground-glass attenuation, airspace consolidation, bronchial wall-thickening, bronchiectasis, linear areas of attenuation, pleural irregularities, pleural effusions, hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Results: Observed in 92% of patients, nodules were the most common CT pathology. Areas of ground-glass attenuation, consolidation, masses of linear attenuation, and tracheal/bronchial wall-thickening were detected in 24%, 26%, 32%, 39%, and 68% of patients. At follow-up, the clearance of lesions was most consistent for areas of ground-glass attenuation (89%), masses (87%), and cavitated nodules (85%). In the follow-up scan, 58% of all nodules, 47% of pulmonary consolidations, and 66% of bronchial wall-thickening were completely resolved. Areas of bronchiectasis and septal/non-septal lines remained stable in 70% and 71% of patients. Conclusion: The majority of the lesions decreased or resolved completely with or without areas of linear attenuation. Ground-glass attenuation, cavitated nodules and masses appear to represent active inflammatory lesions. In most probability, areas of bronchiectasis and septal/non-septal lines more often represent chronic fibrotic changes rather than active inflammatory changes. In combination with clinical evaluation and bronchoscopy, CT assists in the assessment of disease activity.
Sudan: a flawed peace process leading to a flawed peace
Authors: Young John 
Published: September 2005

Peace is more than the cessation of military hostilities, more than simple political stability. Peace is the presence of justice and peace building entails addressing factors and forces that stand as impediments to the realisation of all human rights.
1

The hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people hang on the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)2 peace process and there are increasing doubts whether it can deliver lasting peace, much less democracy and justice. It is too early to give up on the process, but not too late to analyse and critique it, in the hope that this will encourage debate and stimulate the Sudanese to take control of the process from self-proclaimed leaders and an ‘international community’ which has not encouraged broad participation. This is all the more important because there is every indication that the flaws discussed below will be repeated in trying to resolve the conflict in Darfur.
The following points are articulated in the pages that follow: (1) most Sudanese in both the north and south have been denied access to the IGAD peace process; (2) this process has been dominated by a handful of Western states led by the US which have injected their own interests into the process; (3) democracy and justice do not figure highly among their concerns; (4) the peace protocols that have been signed do not adequately address fundamental issues of power sharing, equity, and human rights; (5) the security agreements reached thus far, and the instruments they establish, lack accountability, transparency and professionalism; and (6) given the weaknesses of the peace process, the belligerents are indicating by their actions, if not their words, that they are not discounting the possibility of returning to war.
Imiquimod Does not Affect Shedding of Viable Chlamydiae in aMurine Model of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Tract Infection
Authors: Ramsey Kyle H. , Shaba Namir , Cohoon Kevin P. , Ault Kevin A. 
Published: September 2005

Objective: We postulated that either oral or vaginal administration of the immune response modifier imiquimod
would decrease vaginal shedding of Chlamydia trachomatis, mouse pneumonitis strain (MoPn), in a murine model.Methods: Female BALB/c mice were infected intravaginally withC. trachomatis (MoPn) and were administered
imiquimod either orally (30 mg/kg) or vaginally (10 μl of 5%imiquimod cream) prior to infection and every second
day after infection for a total of four doses. The course of infection was monitored by collecting cervical–vaginal
swabs and isolation in HeLa 229 cell culture. To determine whether the drug affected T helper type 1 or T helper
type 2 immune response polarization, immunoglobulinG(IgG) subclass antibody responses were assessed at day 56
after infection.Results: There was no significant difference in the course of infection when imiquimod‐treated mice were
compared with sham‐treated controls, regardless of whether the drug was administered orally or vaginally. IgG
subclass antibody responses, and by extension, T helper type 1 to T helper type 2 immune response polarization,
were also unaffected.Conclusions: Imiquimod has no efficacy in controllingC. trachomatis (MoPn) infection in the murine model.
Clinical Safety‐in‐Use Study of a New Tampon Design
Authors: Shehin Stacey E. , Jones Michaelle B. , Hochwalt Anne E. , Sarbaugh Frank C. , Nunn Stephen 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To confirm the safety of a new experimental Tampax ® tampon and applicator compared with that
of a currently marketed Tampax ®
tampon and applicator using comprehensive gynecological and microbiological
assessments.Methods: A 2‐month, single‐blind, randomized, crossover study was conducted in which each subject served
as her own control. Safety was evaluated by comparing potential product‐related irritation (using colposcopic
examination and subject diary data), assessment of vaginal discharge, vaginal pH, and effects on selected microorganisms
(yeast, Escherichia coli ,Staphylococcus aureus and group B streptococci) obtained by vaginal swab
cultures after normal menstrual use in the experimental and control groups.Results: In total, 110 women completed the study. There were no significant differences between the groups
that used either the experimental or control tampon with regard to prevalence or mean cell density for the
selected microorganisms. No differences were observed in the incidence or severity of erythema, in abrasion
or ulceration of the cervix, vagina, introitus, vulva or perineum, or in mean vaginal pH and discharge assessments.
There were equivalent low incidences of reported symptoms such as discomfort during insertion, wear or removal,
and a similar low incidence of burning, stinging or itching during use of either the control or experimental tampon.
There was a more favorable overall product rating for the experimental tampon (p = 0.003).Conclusions: This approach provides a combination of gynecological, microbiological and self‐reported (diary
recall) methodologies in order to assess tampon safety during use more thoroughly than has previously been
reported, and it supports a comparable safety profile for the experimental tampon and a currently marketed
tampon.
Group B Streptococcal Endocarditis in Obstetric andGynecologic Practice
Authors: Crespo Antonio , Retter Avi S. , Lorber Bennett 
Published: September 2005

Background: We describe a case and review ten other instances of group B streptococcal endocarditis in the
setting of obstetric and gynecologic practice reported since the last review in 1985.Case: Abortion remains a common antecedent event, but in contrast to earlier reports, most patients did not have
underlying valvular disease, the tricuspid valve was most often involved, and mortality was low. Patients with
tricuspid valve infection tended to have a subacute course, whereas those with aortic or mitral involvement typically
had a more acute, fulminant course.Conclusion: Despite an improvement in mortality, morbidity remains high, with 8 of 11 patients having clinically
significant emboli.
The Effect of Treating Bacterial Vaginosis on Preterm Labor
Authors: Tebes Christine C. , Lynch Catherine , Sinnott John 
Published: September 2005

Objective: Multiple studies suggest that bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes preterm labor; yet its routine treatment
remains controversial. In order to help to elucidate this controversy, we performed a thorough review of studies
with levels of evidence ranging from I to II–II.Methods: We searched for all of the studies from the years 1994 to 2001 via Medline’s database, including
MD Consult and Ovid Mednet.Results: Several trials discovered a decrease in the incidence of preterm labor when BV was treated, but most
of those trials were performed on women with a history of preterm labor. However, the majority of trials
reviewed advise against treatment of a general low‐risk obstetric population, as there was no significant decrease
in preterm labor.Conclusions: Therefore, based on the above studies and the current guidelines of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), treating pregnant women in high‐risk populations who are diagnosed with BV
provides the clinician with an opportunity to possibly prevent preterm labor in this population. In nulliparous
women without a history of preterm birth, treatment is recommended if other risk factors are present (e.g.
gonorrhea or chlamydia). However, in the general low‐risk populations, routine screening is not indicated.
Bacterial Colony Counts During Vaginal Surgery
Authors: Culligan Patrick , Heit Michael , Blackwell Linda , Murphy Miles , Graham Carol A. , Snyder James 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To describe the bacterial types and colony counts present before and during vaginal surgery.Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken of patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with or without
reconstructive pelvic surgery. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were obtained immediately before and
throughout the surgical cases at preselected time intervals. Standard antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered in
all cases. Mean total colony counts and mean anaerobic colony counts were determined by adding all colonies
regardless of bacteria type. ‘Contamination’ was defined as ≥ 5000 colony‐forming units/ml.Results: A total of 31 patients aged 26 to 82 years (mean age ± SD, 51 ± 15) were included. The highest total and
anaerobic colony counts were found at the first intraoperative time interval. On the first set of cultures (30 minutes
after the surgical scrub), 52% (16/31) of the surgical fields were contaminated, and at 90 minutes, 41% (12/29)
were contaminated. A negligible number of subsequent cultures were contaminated.Conclusions: Any future interventions designed to minimize bacterial colony counts should focus on the first 30
to 90 minutes of surgery.
Tubo‐Ovarian Abscess Occurring 16 Years AfterSupracervical Hysterectomy
Authors: Tohya Toshimitsu , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Onoda Chikashi 
Published: September 2005

Background: Supracervical hysterectomy is seldom performed and there are few reports of tubo‐ovarian
abscess (TOA) after supracervical hysterectomy.Case: The case of a 49‐year‐old woman with a right TOA is reported. This patient had received a supracervical
hysterectomy 16 years earlier due to rupture of the uterus. At this admission, she presented with complaints of
lower abdominal pain and fever. Bimanual and transvaginal ultrasound examinations demonstrated a tender mass
in the right adnexal region. Laparotomy, pathologic examination and microbiologic study confirmed the diagnosis
of right TOA.Conclusion: After supracervical hysterectomy, patients may develop endocervicitis, parametritis and/or TOA.
This series may be a subtype of ascending infections in the female genital tract.
Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection Among Sexually Transmitted Disease‐Infected, Inner City Obstetric Patients
Authors: Choy Youyin , Gittens-Williams Lisa , Apuzzio Joseph , Skurnick Joan , Zollicoffer Carl , McGovern Peter G. 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To test the hypothesis that our inner city obstetric patients who have been infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection than the general population and to identify specific risk factors and high‐risk groups.Methods: All patients in our prenatal clinic (July 1997–April 1999) who tested positive for one or more STDs were asked to return for hepatitis C antibody testing. Medical charts of all patients who returned for hepatitis C testing were reviewed.Results: A total of 106 patients with STDs were tested for hepatitis C. Positive screening tests for anti‐hepatitis C antibody were found in 6.6% (7/106) of the patients (95% CI = 2.7–13.1%). This frequency is significantly higher than the hepatitis C prevalence (1.8%) in the general United States population (p = 0.006). Multiple logistic
regression analysis confirmed only older age (p = 0.016) and positive HIV status (p = 0.023) to be significant predictors of hepatitis C infection.Conclusions: Inner city STD‐infected obstetric patients are at high risk for hepatitis C infection compared with the general population. Increasing age and HIV‐positive status are risk factors which are significantly associated with hepatitis C infection.
Screening Protocols for Group B Streptococcus: Are TransportMedia Appropriate?
Authors: Teese Nicolette , Henessey Daneeta , Pearce Christopher , Kelly Nigel , Garland Suzanne 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To evaluate group B streptococcus (GBS) detection in an in vitro setting, using a low and controlled
inoculum from swabs directly inoculated into a selective medium, as compared to delayed inoculation following
a period in a commercial Amies transport medium with charcoal (Venturi Transystem ™
Copan, Italy).Study design: Clinical isolates of GBS (n = 103), were inoculated into the Amies transport medium with charcoal
in a concentration of 100 colony‐forming units (cfu)/ml (10 cfu/swab). Swabs were then transferred to an
enrichment broth (NPC) at time intervals of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours. Broths were then incubated for 18–24 hours
at 35 °C in air, before being transferred to New Granada Medium Modified (NGM) for GBS detection and incubated
for a further 18–24 hours at 35 °Cin air. If the characteristic orange pigmented colonies were observed after
this period, the specimen was recorded as + (1–10 colonies) or ++ (more than 10 colonies).Results: Overall 92.2% (95/103) of isolates were detected in all tubes and at all times. An additional two isolates
were non‐hemolytic, non‐pigment forming GBS. Of note, 3.9% (4/103) were negative until 2 hours delayed
inoculation and 1.9% (2/103) gave inconsistent results, likely due to the low inoculum used.Conclusion: Delayed inoculation into selective enrichment broth following a period in transport medium,
even with a low inoculum, gave a similar and acceptable GBS detection rate to direct inoculation. Hence,
Amies transport medium with charcoal is an appropriate transport medium to use, where it is not practical for
clinical specimens to be directly inoculated into selective enrichment broth and as endorsed in the Centers
for Diseases Control (CDC) Guidelines, 2002.
Maternal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Genital TractColonization at Term in Women who Have AsymptomaticGBS Bacteriuria
Authors: McKenna David S. , Matson Scott , Northern Ike 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To determine the rate of positive group B streptococcus (GBS) cultures at 35–37 weeks gestation
in women who have first trimester asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria.Methods: Pregnant women with asymptomatic first trimester GBS bacteriuria had genital cultures for GBS
performed at 35–37 weeks gestational age. Serotyping was performed by the standard Lancefield capillary
precipitin method.Results: Fifty‐three women with positive urine cultures had genital cultures performed at 35–37 weeks. Sixteen
of the 53 (30.2%; 95% confidence interval: 18.4–44.3%) third trimester vaginal cultures were positive for GBS.
Five of eight (63%) of the women with typable urine serotypes had the same typable serotype in the third
trimester genital culture.Conclusion: Genital tract cultures at 35–37 weeks for GBS correlate poorly with first trimester asymptomatic GBS
bacteriuria. Recommendations for GBS prophylaxis in labor in women who have first trimester asymptomatic
GBS bacteriuria should be investigated further and reconsidered.
Improving Appropriate Use of Antifungal Medications: The Roleof an Over‐the‐Counter Vaginal pH Self‐Test Device
Authors: Roy Subir , Caillouette James C. , Faden Joel S. , Roy Tapon , Ramos Diana E. 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To determine whether patients can understand and use the vaginal pH device in the diagnosis of
vaginitis. To compare whether vaginal pH readings determined by patients and healthcare providers are similar.
To determine whether vaginalpHcan reduce inappropriate over‐the‐counter (OTC) antifungal medication use and
improve the correct diagnosis of vaginitis.Methods: One hundred and fifty‐one women indicated their belief about the cause of their vaginal infection, read
the instructions of the vaginal pH device package insert, used the device and interpreted the findings. The patient
interpretations were compared with results obtained by healthcare providers, blinded to patient findings.Results: Over 96% of patients stated that they could easily read the instructions, use the vaginal pH device and
interpret the readings. They obtained the same readings as healthcare professionals (Kappa = 0.9). Restricting
the use of OTC antifungal medications to those individuals with vaginitis symptoms and vaginal pH ≤ 4.5
significantly reduced inappropriate use by approximately 50%, Fisher′s exact test,p‐value = 0.018. Conversely,
seeking healthcare provider assessment with vaginal pH > 4.5, leads to correct diagnosis of vaginitis.Conclusions: The vaginal pH device can be used as an OTC diagnostic tool by consumers when a vaginal infection
is suspected. Vaginal pH readings would direct patients whether to purchase an antifungal medication or seek
professional diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Understanding and use of this vaginal pH device could reduce
inappropriate use of OTC antifungal medications by approximately 50% and improve the correct diagnosis of
vaginitis.
Unilateral Ovarian Abscess Caused by Salmonella
Authors: Tohya Toshimitsu , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Onoda Chikashi 
Published: September 2005

Background: Patients with unilateral ovarian abscesses due to Salmonella are rare.Case report: A 48‐year‐old woman with a left ovarian abscess caused by Salmonella group O7 is reported.Conclusion: In our patient, the ovary may have been seeded hematogenously by salmonellae and may have
evolved into a local infection.
Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Early‐Onset NeonatalSepsis Patterns
Authors: Edwards Rodney K. , Jamie Whitney E. , Sterner Donald , Gentry Susan , Counts Kathy , Duff Patrick 
Published: September 2005

Objective: To compare the relative effects of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis regimens on patterns of
early‐onset neonatal sepsis.Methods: We performed an historical cohort study of 17 187 infants born at our center from September 1993
to February 2000. A risk‐based strategy was employed prior to July 1996 and a screening‐based strategy was
utilized thereafter. Ampicillin was utilized prior to March 1995 and penicillin was used thereafter.Results: There were 75 cases of neonatal sepsis, 34 (4.10/1000) in the risk‐based era and 41 (4.63/1000) in the
screening‐based era (p = 0.62). There were fewer ampicillin‐resistant isolates during the risk‐based than
the screening‐based era (32 versus 61%; p = 0.014). The only significant change in organism‐specific sepsis
rates was an increase in the rate of infection caused by coagulase‐negative staphylococci in the screening‐based
era (0.36 versus 1.46/1000; p = 0.018), but 75% of infants infected with these organisms were not exposed to
ß‐lactam antibiotics within 72 h prior to delivery. For the risk‐ and screening‐based eras, respectively, the rates
of Gram‐negative sepsis (1.21 versus 1.46/1000; p = 0.65) and the proportions of Gram‐negative pathogens
that were ampicillin‐resistant (70 versus 77%; p = 1.0) were similar. The drug employed for prophylaxis did
not appear to affect the pattern of sepsis cases.Conclusion: In our patient population, coagulase‐negative staphylococci have become the most common cause
of early‐onset neonatal sepsis. The cause of this shift in pathogen prevalence is uncertain and seemingly unrelated
to intrapartum antibiotic exposure.