bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endometrial prolactin in hyperprolactinemic women
Authors: Arie M.H.A , Fonseca A.M , Arie W.M.Y , Carvalho F.M , Bagnoli V.R , Pinotti J.A 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: To observe the behavior of endometrial prolactin in hyper‐ and normoprolactinemic women. Method: Forty women were selected due to alterations in menstrual cycle and/or galactorrhea and/or sterility. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A, 19 hyperprolactinemic women; and Group B, 21 normoprolactinemic women. Their mean age was 28.3 years. Laboratory assessments were carried out in the initial follicular phase (days 3–9), initial luteal phase (days 15–21), and late luteal phase (days 22–29) in menstruating women (samples 1, 2 and 3, respectively). In the non‐menstruating women, samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 21 after the initial appointment (samples 1, 2 and 3, respectively). LH, FSH, prolactin and estradiol were measured in sample 1, while prolactin and progesterone were measured in samples 2 and 3. All women were submitted to two biopsies of the endometrium for observing the menstrual cycle, dating, and immunohistochemical detection of endometrial prolactin. Biopsies were obtained simultaneously to samples 2 and 3. To compare the two groups, Student's t‐tests or Mann–Whitney statistics were performed. Result: Results showed that the mean percentage of endometrial prolactin were higher in the late luteal phase compared to the initial one in hyper‐ and normoprolactinemic women. Conclusion: The data allowed us to conclude that serum prolactin is not correlated to endometrial prolactin, and that the synthesis of the latter is directly correlated to the differentiation of stromal cells, that is induced by progesterone in a decidualized endometrium.
Transdermal methimazole treatment in cats with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Hoffmann G , Marks SL , Taboada J , Hosgood GL , Wolfsheimer KJ 
Published: April 2003

The objectives of this study were to assess serum thyroxine concentrations and clinical response in hyperthyroid cats to treatment with transdermal methimazole, and to determine if further investigation is indicated. Clinical and laboratory data from 13 cats with hyperthyroidism were retrospectively evaluated. Methimazole (Tapazole, Eli Lilly) was formulated in a pleuronic lecithin organogel (PLO)-based vehicle and was applied to the inner pinna of the ear at a dosage ranging from 2.5 mg/cat q 24 h to 10.0 mg/cat q 12 h. During the treatment period, cats were re-evaluated at a mean of 4.3 weeks (recheck-1), and again at a mean of 5.4 months (recheck-2). Clinical improvement was observed, and significant decreases in thyroxine concentrations were measured at recheck-1 (mean: 39.57 nmol/L, SEM: 14.4, SD: 41.2) and recheck-2 (mean: 36.71 nmol/L, SEM: 13.9, SD: 45.56) compared to pretreatment concentrations (mean: 97.5 nmol/L, SEM: 11.42, SD: 39.5). No adverse effects were reported.
Role of nitric oxide in posthypoxic contractile dysfunction of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: El‐Omar Magdi M. , Lord Roger , Draper Nick J. , Shah Ajay M. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractWe investigated the role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the contractile dysfunction of diabetic cardiomyopathy, comparing streptozotocin‐treated (60 mg/kg) diabetic Wistar rats with matched non‐diabetic controls. Isolated isovolumic heart function was studied during normoxia and in response to brief hypoxia‐reoxygenation. Diabetic hearts had significantly lower left‐ventricular pressure and slower isovolumic relaxation than controls (relaxation time constant, T 40.2±2.3 vs. 27.7±0.9 ms; P<0.05) and a blunted response to hypoxia. These abnormalities were unaffected by NOS inhibition. Upon reoxygenation after brief hypoxia, diabetic hearts exhibited substantial worsening of LV relaxation compared to normal hearts (T 69.1±3.3 vs. 56.6±7.9 ms; P<0.05). This post‐hypoxic diastolic dysfunction was significantly attenuated either by the non‐selective NOS inhibitor L‐NAME, the iNOS inhibitor L‐NIL, or the reactive‐oxygen‐species (ROS) scavenger thiourea. Only diabetic hearts expressed iNOS protein, whereas eNOS expression was similar in both groups. In conclusion, diabetic hearts exhibit markedly abnormal post‐hypoxic relaxation, which is attributable to both ROS and NO derived from iNOS.
Cardiovascular aging and heart failure
Authors: Oxenham Helen , Sharpe Norman 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe aging process is a major factor that contributes to changes seen in the cardiovascular system in older people. Stiffening of the arterial tree alters afterload and left ventricular geometry and although resting left ventricular systolic function is maintained, left ventricular diastolic function changes substantially. Cardiovascular function in older people during exercise is also significantly altered but can be modified by exercise training in older adults or genetic modification in animals. Age‐related changes in cardiovascular structure and function also lower the threshold at which cardiac diseases become apparent. This review describes the changes in cardiovascular structure and function at rest and during exercise in older people and highlights their consequences.
The distribution of ATP within tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.) embryos correlates with germination whereas total ATP concentration does not
Authors: Spoelstra Patrick , Joosen Ronny V.L. , Van der Plas Linus H.W. , Hilhorst Henk W.M. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe distribution of ATP in tomato seeds was visualized by monitoring the luminescence of frozen sections on top of a gel containing all the components of the luciferase reaction, but excluding ATP. ATP was imaged in germinating tomato seeds at intervals of 3, 6, 17, 24 and 48 h and in seeds with primary or secondary dormancy. ATP was present mainly in the embryo and concentrated in the radicle tip towards the completion of germination. In contrast to germinating seeds, ATP was distributed more evenly in dormant seeds. For germination, the ratio of ATP concentration in the radicle tip versus cotyledons was decisive, rather than the absolute concentration.
Vegetation-derived abscisic acid and four terpenes enforce dormancy in seeds of the post-fire annual,Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Krock Bernd , Schmidt Sybille , Hertweck Christian , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe native tobacco,Nicotiana attenuata, synchronizes its germination with the immediate post-fire environment with a combination of germination stimulants found in wood smoke and inhibitors from the unburned litter of the dominant vegetation. The inhibitors override the stimulants and prevent seeds from germinating maladaptively in unburned habitats adjacent to burns. To understand the physiological basis of this environmental control of germination, we tested several previously isolated signals, phytohormones and their respective biosynthesis inhibitors. The germination inhibitors methyl jasmonate (MeJA, a constituent of sagebrush litter), bornane-2,5-dione (BD, a constituent of juniper litter extract, JLE) and JLE did not alter abscisic acid (ABA) content of imbibed seeds. Treatment with the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor, fluridone, inhibited the dormancy-inducing effects of BD, JLE and MeJA, but surprisingly did not affect endogenous ABA levels in treated seeds. However, ABA leached from litter of the species, which dominate the plant community before fires, plays an important role in germination control. We conclude thatN. attenuataseeds, which can lie dormant in the soil for 150 years between fires, time their germination with the post-fire environment by responding to smoke, ABA and four terpenes (BD, 1,8-cineole, β-thujaplicin and camphor) leaching from the litter of the dominant vegetation.
Simplification of the clinical phase of IVF and ICSI treatment in programmed cycles
Authors: Vlaisavljević V , Kovačič B , Gavrić‐Lovrec V , Reljič M 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the success of a protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation allowing patient self‐selection into groups for ovulation stimulation planned 8 weeks and more in advance following cycle synchronization, drug self‐administration as well as a reduced number of folliculometries. Methods: A total of 714 patients received the same stimulation protocol. In 260 cases GnRH‐a was applied daily and in 454 as depot. In all patients FSH‐HP was self‐administered subcutaneously for ovarian stimulation. In 316 patients IVF and in 398 patients ICSI was performed. Results: The delivery rate per started cycle was higher in patients receiving depot GnRH‐a in the IVF and ICSI group (30.2 vs. 23.4) than in those receiving subcutaneous GnRH‐a (20.2 vs. 22.1). Conclusion: Programming of the IVF/ICSI cycle greatly simplifies treatment. A comparison of pregnancy rate and delivery rate per cycle between depot and subcutaneous daily application of GnRh‐a did not confirm any statistically significant difference.
Transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in the management of primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Moya R.A. , Moisa C.F. , Morales F. , Wynter H. , Ali A. , Narancio E. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: Increased intra‐uterine pressure due to exaggerated myometrial contractions is an important factor in the pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea, its treatment being associated with uterine muscle relaxation. Diminished synthesis of endogenous nitric oxide has been shown to induce myometrial contractions and, conversely, the administration of exogenous nitric oxide has successfully resulted in uterine relaxation in a variety of obstetrical/gynecological disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the role of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate, as a source of exogenous nitric oxide, in the management of primary dysmenorrhea. Method: This was a multi‐national, double‐blind, randomized and cross‐over study in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Eighty‐eight patients from six countries were evaluated during three menstrual cycles while receiving glyceryl trinitrate patches, 0.1 mg/h (×) or matching placebo patches. Pain intensity scores assessed on a visual analog scale and the time‐weighted sum of the pain intensity differences (SPID) were evaluated during days 1, 2 and 3 of each cycle using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model. Overall assessment of efficacy and the incidence of adverse events were analyzed by the Stuart–Maxwell or the McNemar tests as appropriate. Results: Efficacy was determined for the first day of each cycle, all days/all cycles and for patients who completed at least one cycle in each treatment modality. In all three analyses, SPIDs were statistically superior (P<0.01) for the glyceryl trinitrate patches. Pain intensity differences from hours 1 to 6 also showed statistically significant differences in favor of the active treatment. In the overall assessment of efficacy, glyceryl trinitrate patches were statistically superior as well. The incidence of headache was 26% for the active drug and 6.1% for placebo (P<0.01). Conclusions: The data indicate that transdermal glyceryl trinitrate, as a source of exogenous nitric oxide, is useful as a modulator of uterine contractility representing, therefore, a new and mechanistically different therapeutic alternative for the management of primary dysmenorrhea.
Management of non‐neoplastic ovarian cysts with sclerotherapy
Authors: Kafali H. , Yurtseven S. , Atmaca F. , Ozardali I. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate sclerotherapy with alcohol and erythromycin in the management of simple ovarian cysts. Methods: Twenty‐four simple ovarian cysts were subjected to sclerotherapy with alcohol and erythromycin. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. Cytological examination was carried out in all cases and two patients were excluded from the study because of suspicious cytological results. The patients were followed up monthly with color Doppler sonography for more than 12 months. Results: Cyst fluid was serous in 17 cases and dark‐chocolate colored in seven cases. The volume of aspirated fluid ranged from 100 to 220 ml. The size of ovarian masses and cyst‐wall thickness ranged from 5.5 to 8.5 cm and 1.5 to 5 mm, respectively. Cytological analysis of 15 cysts revealed acellular sediment, seven cysts were compatible with endometrioma, and two were reported as suspicious. During the 12‐month follow‐up, seven cyst recurrences were detected. Conclusion: Aspiration and sclerotherapy with alcohol and erythromycin are followed by a relatively high recurrence rate when the aspirate is bloody. However, patients with a simple cyst that is painful or liable to torsion could benefit from sclerotherapy. Such patients, who are at low risk for malignancy, are relieved with sclerotherapy while avoiding surgery.
Successful pregnancy in a woman with acromegaly treated with somatostatin analog (octreotide) prior to surgical resection
Authors: Mozas J , Ocón E , López de la Torre M , Suárez A.M , Miranda J.A , Herruzo A.J 
Published: April 2003

AbstractA 27‐year‐old woman with a GH‐secreting pituitary macroadenoma was treated with continuous s.c. infusion of octreotide prior to surgical resection. Subsequently, she was found to be 6 months pregnant. Fetal echographs were normal, the newborn had no malformation, and postnatal development was normal.
The non‐invasive assessment of hibernating myocardium in ischaemic cardiomyopathy—a myriad of techniques
Authors: Galasko Gavin I.W. , Lahiri Avijit 
Published: April 2003

AbstractHeart failure is placing an ever‐increasing burden on society. Many subjects with heart failure and underlying coronary artery disease have a significant amount of akinetic but viable myocardium that is able to contract should myocardial perfusion improve (hibernating myocardium). Non‐randomised studies have shown prognostic benefit in subjects with hibernating myocardium undergoing revascularisation. Several non‐invasive techniques have been developed to assess the presence or absence of hibernating myocardium. This review will examine the epidemiology and underlying pathogenesis of hibernating myocardium; evaluate the non‐invasive techniques for diagnosing hibernating myocardium, and look at therapeutic intervention in subjects with hibernating myocardium.
Heart failure in a multiethnic population in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Chong Aun‐Yeong , Rajaratnam Ratna , Hussein Nur‐Run , Lip Gregory Y.H. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBackground:There are established differences in cardiovascular disease in different racial groups. Worldwide, the literature regarding the clinical epidemiology of congestive heart failure (CHF) in non‐white populations is scarce.Objectives:To document the prevalence of CHF in the multiracial population of Malaysia, and to describe the clinical features and management of these patients.Setting:Busy city centre general hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Results:Of 1435 acute medical admissions to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital over the 4‐week study period, 97 patients (6.7%) were admitted with the primary diagnosis of CHF. Coronary artery disease was the main aetiology of CHF, accounting for almost half (49.5%) the patients, followed by hypertension (18.6%). However, there were variations in associated aetiological factors between ethnic groups, with diabetes mellitus affecting the majority of Indians—as well as underutilisation of standard drugs for CHF, such as the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which were only used in 43.3%.Conclusion:Amongst acute medical admissions to a single centre in Malaysia the prevalence of CHF was 6.7%. Coronary artery disease was the major aetiological factor in heart failure accounting for almost half the admissions. The under‐prescription of ACE inhibitors was similar to other clinical surveys carried out amongst Caucasian populations in the West.
The effects of potassium nitrate and NO-donors on phytochrome A- and phytochrome B-specific induced germination ofArabidopsis thalianaseeds
Authors: Batak Ivana , Dević Marijana , Gibal Zlatko , Grubišić Dragoljub , Poff Kenneth L. , Konjević Radomir 
Published: April 2003

AbstractNitrogenous compounds, such as potassium nitrate, potentiate germination of different species of light-requiring seeds. Using light-inducedArabidopsis thalianaseed germination as a model system, our data suggested that only phytochrome A (phyA)-specific induced germination was affected after the exogenous application of nitrates, different nitric oxide (NO)-donors (such as organic nitrates) or sodium nitroprusside. The stimulative effect was very pronounced. Treated seed samples reached maximal germination after very short periods of red-light irradiation. To a far lesser extent, these substances affected phytochrome B (phyB)-specific induced germination. In phyB-specific induced germination, potassium nitrate was most effective, but germination percentages never exceeded 50%. The least effective was sodium nitroprusside, which practically did not affect phyB-specific induced germination. These results were confirmed using corresponding phytochrome mutants.
The release of secondary dormancy by ethylene inAmaranthus caudatusL. seeds
Authors: Kępczyñski Jan , Bihun Magdalena , Kępczyñska Ewa 
Published: April 2003

AbstractNeither ethylene nor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) was able to prevent the induction of secondary dormancy ofAmaranthus caudatusat 45°C. Both ethylene (4.5 × 10-9–4.5 × 10-7M) and ACC (10-3–10-2M) removed secondary dormancy at 25°C, although ethylene was much more effective. The presence of ethylene for only 10 h was sufficient to remove secondary dormancy in almost all seeds. Incubation of secondary dormant seeds for up to 5 d at 25°C did not change sensitivity to ethylene. The breaking of secondary dormancy by ethylene was prevented by 2,5-norbornadiene (NBD; 1.5 × 10-5–3 × 10-4M), indicating the physiological action of ethylene. Abscisic acid (ABA; 10-4–10-3M) increased the requirement for exogenous ethylene. It is suggested that secondary dormancy inA. caudatusseeds might be related to insufficient ethylene production associated with an insufficient amount of ACC.
The cost of emergency obstetric care: concepts and issues
Authors: Desai J 
Published: April 2003

AbstractEmergency obstetric care (EmOC), like any health intervention, requires resources, and resources are almost always limited. This forces decision makers to take into account the costs (and effectiveness) of EmOC provision and compare them with the costs (and effectiveness) of other health interventions. This is not inordinately complicated, but it does require paying attention to the fact that EmOC services require different types of inputs and are produced in facilities that also provide other health care services. This paper discusses the basic concepts underlying the costing of EmOC services, and the essential issues one must take into account while assessing the cost‐effectiveness of EmOC interventions. A definition of EmOC provision cost is offered and then explained by progressively refining a simple measure of expenditures on all that is used to provide EmOC services. Thereupon the process of collecting cost data and calculating costs is outlined using a simple spreadsheet format, and issues related to the analysis of costs and cost‐effectiveness are discussed.
The FIGO Save the Mothers Initiative: the Ethiopia–Sweden collaboration
Authors: Mekbib T. , Kassaye E. , Getachew A. , Tadesse T. , Debebe A. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe overall goal of the FIGO Save the Mothers Fund was to establish basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care (EmOC) with the specific objectives of increasing the availability and utilization of quality obstetric care as measured by the UN indicators. As a result of this commitment by FIGO, the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) launched the Save the Mothers Project (SMP) in West Showa Zone (WSZ), Ethiopia in 1998 to implement and test a demonstration project and evaluate the feasibility and impact of the intervention. The overall objectives matched FIGO's—reducing maternal deaths by promoting the availability, access and utilization of EmOC services for women with complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The intervention package included capacity building as a major activity, and physicians and other service providers from Ambo Hospital, Shenen and Ijaji Health Centers were trained in EmOC. This was intended to combat the high staff turnover in the area. Equipment, materials and supplies were also provided to the demonstration sites to enable them provide basic and comprehensive EmOC services. The interventions, begun in 1999, led to improvements in availability, utilization and met need, which suggests that such an approach may eventually lead to the reduction of maternal deaths. The cesarean section rate for Ambo Hospital increased from 3.7% in 1998 to 17.3% in 2001—an almost six‐fold increase. At Ambo Hospital both the total number of deliveries and cases admitted with obstetric complications have increased from baseline. Patients with obstructed labor comprise 39% of all obstetric patients making it the leading cause of hospitalization. Obstetric hemorrhage comes next with 24% of all admissions. The case fatality rate (CFR) (for direct maternal deaths) decreased from 7.2% at baseline, to 4.6% in 2001—showing a definite trend of improvement. Currently, there is 24‐h EmOC service at Ambo Hospital where an obstetrician and general medical practitioners with EmOC training are responsible for the service. Shenen and Ijaji health Centers are upgraded in terms of training of staff members, provision of equipment and supplies, and regular supervision so that the community in these areas has access to basic EmOC services. To replicate similar activities, in a setting like ours, EmOC projects have to be low cost to attract decision‐makers. The SMP used almost US $100 000 over 3 years to ensure availability of EmOC services for women in WSZ. A favorable political climate such as maintenance of relative peace, and flexibility in adapting to local conditions also contributed to the success of the SMP.
Risk factors for secondary arrest of labor among women >41 weeks' gestation with an unfavorable cervix undergoing membrane sweeping for cervical ripening
Authors: Magann E.F , Chauhan S.P , Mobley J.A , Klausen J.H , Martin Jr J.N , Morrison J.C 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjective: To identify the risk factor(s) for secondary arrest of labor among women with an unfavorable cervix at >41 weeks' gestation. Methods: Prospectively all gravid women with a Bishop score of ≤4 and no contraindication to a vaginal delivery were candidates for this study. Univariate analysis followed by logistic regression modeling were used to identify variables with a significant association. Results: Over a 9‐month period, 115 women entered into the study. In univariate analysis, variables with a significant association with cesarean delivery: (1) non‐Caucasian race (P=0.007), Bishop score <7 at hospitalization; P=0.001, and reason for admission (P=0.017). Logistic regression analysis yielded OR 4.7 (1.6, 15) non‐Caucasian race and 9.5 (3.2, 30.8) Bishop <7 on admission. Conclusion: Pregnancies >41 weeks with an unfavorable cervix, non‐Caucasian race and a failure to achieve a Bishop score of ≥7 prior to hospitalization were significant risk factors for abdominal delivery.