bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental characteristics of fetal arrhythmias during the period from intrauterine to early extrauterine life assessed using dual echocardiography
Authors: Koyanagi T. , Hara K. , Satoh S. , Nakano H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTo evaluate the outcome of fetal arrhythmias, serial echocardiographic examinations were made on 29 fetuses between 18 and 41 weeks gestation, including 23 with premature contractions (PCs) and 6 with complete atrioventricular block (AVB). Of the cases of PCs 43.5% (10/23) disappeared spontaneously during the antenatal period. 39.1% (9/23) converted to a normal sinus rhythm in early neonatal life, while 17.4% (4/23) had complications of either atrial or ventricular tachycardia. All with AVB (6/6) remained, regardless of advance in gestational age and continued through to the postnatal period. PCs and AVB indicate functional error and an impairment during development of the conduction system, respectively.
Torsion of ovarian tumors: A clinicopathological study
Authors: Lee C.H. , Raman S. , Sivanesaratnam V. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTorsion of ovarian tumors occurred predominantly in the reproductive age group. The majority of the cases presented in pregnant (22.7%) than in non‐pregnant (6.1%) women. The major presenting symptom was pain but an abdominal mass was palpable in 79.4% of cases. Torsion was more common on the right ovary and 50% were gangrenous at laparotomy. Most of the tumors were benign cystic teratomas. Only 8.7% of the tumors were malignant.
Two‐stage repair of giant vesico‐vaginal fistula
Authors: Iloabachie G.C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA review of 840 bladder fistulae over 10 years revealed that 64 (7.6%) were giant vesico‐vaginal fistulae. Association with vaginal stenosis and recto‐vaginal fistulae were 23.4% and 4.6%, respectively. The results of direct one‐stage repair were poor at 35% for the first attempt while the two‐stage repair achieved 80% success at the first attempt. Advantages of the two‐stage repair include change in the direction of repair for maximum protection of the terminal ureters and also the possibility of change in patient positioning and approach to the repair of the fistula after the first stage.
Dating sonographic endometrial images in the normal ovulatory cycle
Authors: Yoshimitsu K. , Nakamura G. , Nakano H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPelvic sonograms were obtained from 5 fertile volunteers and 150 infertile patients with normal ovulatory cycles, using real‐time ultrasound. The existence of a linear cavity echo (C), thick hypoechoic layer (H) and increased echogenicity (E) were chosen as the parameters of sonographic endometrial images to be studied for dating the ovulatory cycle. In 109 serial sonograms from the fertile volunteers, H was observed from 3 days before ovulation (day −3) to ovulation day (day 0). E was observed from day +1 to day +8, and C, from day −10 to day +3. Studies on 189 sonograms from the infertile patients revealed a similar pattern for these parameters. We tested the accuracy of sonographic images of the endometrium, using sonograms from five patients who underwent hysterectomy. The measurements of endometrial thickness, in vivo, and in vitro, showed little difference. Sonographic endometrial images are considered indicative of histological changes, under the influence of estradiol and progesterone. Therefore, observation of the combined quantitative changes in C, H and E facilitates dating of the sonographic endometrial images in a normal ovulatory cycle.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt and pregnancy
Authors: Olatunbosun O.A , Akande E.O. , Adeoye C.O. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA pregnancy in a patient with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was recently managed at the authors's institution. Review of the literature showed only six previous case reports. The management of this uncommon neurosurgical condition in pregnancy is presented along with a review of the literature. We conclude that pregnancy in a patient with a VP shunt for maternal hydrocephalus, generally has a normal outcome and that the function of the shunt is unaffected by pregnancy.
Growth and rupture of an ovarian endometrioma in pregnancy
Authors: Vercellini P. , Ferrari A. , Vendola N. , Carinelli S.G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPregnancy has long been considered to have beneficial effects on endometriosis. We describe a patient who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy at gestation week 35 for rupture of an ovarian endometrioma.
The predictive value of a nonstress test taken 24 h before delivery in high‐risk pregnancies
Authors: Salamalekis E. , Vitoratos N. , Loghis C. , Mortakis A. , Zourlas P.A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: A series of 180 cases of high risk pregnancies were studied in order to assess if a nonstress test taken 24 h before delivery is of any prognostic significance. METHODS: To assess the predictability of the NST (reactive or nonreactive) in terms of fetal outcome, the following variables were taken into consideration: fetal distress during labor, low Apgar score (< 7) and perinatal mortality rate. RESULTS: A reactive test was found to be a good predictor of the healthy fetus (negative predictive value = 91.2%). Also, specificity of the test was found to be 85.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The nonreactive test could identify a population at risk but it was not helpful as a ‘stand alone’ modality in decision making, because of the low sensitivity and positive predictive value rates (40.9% and 28.1%, respectively).
Levels and determinants of perinatal mortality in central Sudan
Authors: Taha T.E. , Gray R.H. , Abdelwahab M.M. , Abdelhafeez A.R. , Abdelsalam A.B. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To determine levels and risk factors for perinatal mortality in Central Sudan. METHODS: Hospital and community based studies were conducted during the period 1989–1990. Of 5328 births registered in the hospital, 197 stillborns and 812 live‐born infants were included in a nested case‐control study. In the community, a follow‐up study was conducted on 1592 midwife‐assisted home deliveries. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of perinatal mortality and adjusted population attributable risks were estimated to assess the contribution of each factor. RESULTS: The perinatal mortality rate was 85.4/1000 births in the hospital population and 29.4/1000 births in the community population. The major risk factors for perinatal mortality in the hospital and the community studies were similar and modifiable. CONCLUSIONS: To lower perinatal mortality, improvements in maternal nutrition, malaria treatment and control, avoidance of agricultural pesticides during pregnancy, and adequate antenatal and intrapartum care are recommended.
The effect of angiotensin II on utero‐placental and umbilical circulation in normotensive pregnant women
Authors: Yunohara T. , Ito M. , Sakoda Y. , Okamura H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: The angiotensin sensitivity test (AST) has been used to identify pregnant women likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate uteroplacental circulation and fetal response to angiotensin II (A‐II). METHODS: We studied blood flow velocity waveforms in the uterine and umbilical arteries of 23 normotensive pregnant women before, during and after the AST by Doppler ultrasonography. Fetal well‐being was documented with biophysical profiles (BPS). ANOVA and two‐way analysis of variation were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Infusion of A‐II to normotensive pregnant women did not affect umbilical artery resistance at 20 or 30 weeks' gestation. Uterine artery resistance and maternal heart rate decreased significantly at 20 weeks' gestation with an AST‐induced 10 mmHg or 20 mmHg rise in diastolic blood pressure. The BPS were not altered after the AST. CONCLUSIONS: The AST does not increase vascular resistance in the uterine or umbilical circulation, and may be considered a safe procedure for both the mother and fetus.
Sero‐salivary progesterone correlation
Authors: Bolaji I.I. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: The use of saliva has many advantages and the concentration of some sex steroids in saliva generally reflect serum levels. However, recently doubts have been cast on this relationship [1,2]. This study was undertaken to establish any correlation between serum and salivary progesterone in quiescent and dynamic states. METHODS: Serum and salivary progesterone were measured in normally cycling (N = 23), pregnant (N = 10) and 5 postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy, using non‐isotopic enzyme immunoassay on microtiter plates developed in this unit. RESULTS: Salivary progesterone was found to be approximately 1% of serum progesterone in normally cycling and pregnant women. There was good positive correlation between serum and salivary progesterone in normally cycling, pregnant and the postmenopausal women. The linear regression equation is y = 0.009x + 0.035: r = 0.987, P <0.001; y = −0.011x −0.079:r = 0.958, P <0.001; and y = 0.014x + 1.18: r = 0.714, P < 0.001, respectively. The maximum concentration of progesterone in postmenopausal women was achieved simultaneously in serum and saliva at 2 h post therapy thereby supporting the theory of rapid ultrafiltration of steroids from blood to saliva [3]. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary progesterone measurement reflects serum concentration and provide an attractive alternative to serum measurement. It should become increasingly popular in gynecological and endocrinological investigations especially in longitudinal studies.
The demographic characterization of women participating in oocyte donation: a review of 300 consecutively performed cycles
Authors: Sauer M.V. , Ary B.R. , Paulson R.J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To define the demographic characteristics of women participating as oocyte donors and recipients in a gamete donation program. The study took place in the in vitro fertilization program of the University of Southern California (USC‐IVF) and all women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for the sole purpose of gamete donation (n = 110), and the recipients of the donated gametes (n = 192) were included. METHODS: Demographic characteristics were tallied for each of the above mentioned groups and reported as means ± S.D. or as percentages as appropriate. Comparisons between recipients were made according to age groups defined by 10‐year age intervals. RESULTS: Oocyte donors were most commonly married mothers in their late twenties who were fully employed. The majority (74%) proffered services anonymously. Recipients differed significantly by age group, with younger patients (< 30 years) being more likely to have been married only once, never to have been pregnant and unlikely to have had previous infertility care. This contrasted with women > 40 years old who were often remarried, likely to have undergone an elective termination of pregnancy, and usually a recipient of extensive infertility care prior to attempts at oocyte donation. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where solicitation of services has not occurred, women donating oocytes may best be described as married, employed, middle class mothers whose primary motivation for participation appears to be altruistic. Significant demographic differences exist between recipients of donated oocytes, which appeared to be age related.
Incidence and contribution of predisposing factors to transverse lie presentation
Authors: Gemer O. , Segal S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: Reassessment of predisposing factors to transverse lie presentation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of delivery data on 92 women with transverse lie presentation, using ultrasonography, and 92 randomly chosen control vertex deliveries. RESULTS: The association between transverse lie and multiparity, prematurity, placenta previa, polyhydramnios and uterine anomalies is reaffirmed. Predisposing factors were found in 66% of primiparas but in only 33% of multiparas. CONCLUSIONS: Known predisposing factors to transverse lie presentation withstood a closer and more accurate assessment of their incidence.
Ear length: A potential sonographic marker for Down syndrome
Authors: Awwad J.T. , Azar G.B. , Karam K.S. , Nicolaides K.H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if antenatal sonographic determination of fetal ear length is a useful screening method for identification of fetuses with Down syndrome. METHODS: Ear length measurements were recorded in 418 fetuses undergoing ultrasound scanning between 20 and 28 weeks of gestation. Four trisomy 21 and six trisomy 18 fetuses were identified by karyotyping. The relationship between ear length and gestational age in the normal population was determined by linear regression analysis: expected ear length = −6.000 + 1.075 gestational age. The ability of measured‐to‐expected ear length cut‐off ratios to discriminate between affected and non‐affected fetuses was assessed. RESULTS: The mean ear length and measured‐to‐expected ear length ratios were significantly lower in the affected group as compared to the normal one. A measured‐to‐expected ear length ratio of less than 0.8 was 75.0% sensitive and 98.8% specific in detecting Down syndrome fetuses, and resulted in an 8.5% positive predictive value in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that antenatal ear length measurements might be a promising sonographic screening method for the detection of Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Management of early ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Popp L.W. , Colditz A. , Gaetje R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVE: Management of early ectopic pregnancy was investigated in a multicenter, prospective study. METHODS: Serum β‐hCG levels were monitored after therapy and correlated to the type of management, gestational age, and initial serum β‐hCG levels in 119 patients with ectopic pregnancies detected at 5–7 postmentrual weeks. RESULTS: Salpingectomy was performed in 16 patients. No postoperative complications were reported. After conservative laparoscopic surgery of 51 ectopic pregnancies, 9 (18%) had delayed decrease or an increase of serum β‐hCG levels. Re‐operations were performed in 4 (7%) patients. Similar findings were noted in 216 patients after conservative operations performed by laparotomy. Intrachorionic injection treatment was sucessful in 17/18 ectopic pregnancies, and expectant management in 7/8 patients with initial serum β‐hCG levels below 250 mIU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Persistence of trophoblastic activity is a potential complication of conservative surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy.A detailed diagnosis as early as 6–7 postmenstrual weeks may be the key for future nonsurgical management of ectopic pregnancy.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients with epithelial carcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Kawai M. , Kikkawa F. , Hattori S. , Ohta M. , Arii Y. , Tomoda Y. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To determine the long‐term outcomes of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: A group of 298 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were treated with combination chemotherapy between July 1979 and January 1986 at the Tokai Ovarian Tumor Study Group. Long‐term results of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Five‐year survival and 10‐year survival rates of all the patients were 53% and 47%, respectively. Five‐year survival and 10‐year survival rates for stage I were 89% and 79%, 59% and 56% for stage II, 27% and 22% for stage III, and 9% and 9% for stage IV, respectively. Survival of mucinous and endometrioid cell types were decreased after 5 or more years. In stages II‐IV, cisplatin‐based chemotherapy produced better results than mitomycin‐C, 5‐Fu, cytarabine (MFC) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Long‐term results of epithelial ovarian cancer were not favorable even in mucinous and endometrioid cell types. For long‐term results, cisplatin‐based chemotherapy was effective in advanced ovarian cancer. Long‐term follow‐up of ovarian cancer is important and necessary.
Pap smear screening and changes in cervical cancer mortality in Sweden
Authors: Mählck C.G. , Jonsson H. , Lenner P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: Age‐adjusted incidence of cervical carcinoma has fallen dramatically in Sweden in recent decades. This investigation is an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of the gynecologic Pap smear screening program in terms of reduction of mortality from cervical cancer. METHODS: Cervical cancer mortality trends in relation to age, calendar period, county and degree of screening activities in the population were analyzed. Multiplicative Poisson regression models were utilized. The reduction of mortality was attributed to the activities of cervical screening. RESULTS: The analysis gave a calculated 53% reduction in cervical cancer mortality (95% confidence limits 23–72%), attributable to screening. CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the hypothesis that gynecological Pap smear screening has had an important impact on the reduction in cervical cancer mortality.
Acute myelogenous leukemia in pregnancy: Fetal blood sampling and early effects of chemotherapy
Authors: Morishita S. , Imai A. , Kawabata I. , Tamaya T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis report documents the acute toxicity of anti‐leukemic chemotherapy on the fetus in utero by umbilical blood sampling. A patient with acute myelocytic leukemia diagnosed at the 23rd week of gestation received combination chemotherapy, and carried the pregnancy to successful delivery at the 34th week. During the course of pregnancy, the fetal condition was evaluated by serial real time sonograms and umbilical blood sampling through cordocentesis. Fetal hemotopoiesis was preserved against maternal chemotherapeutic agents, and no developmental abnormalities were observed. This is the first attempt to evaluate the acute effects of chemotherapeutic agents on the fetus in utero by real time umbilical cord sampling.
Duration of labor in patients delivered vaginally after one previous lower segment cesarean section
Authors: Ziadeh S.M. , Abu‐Heija A.T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To determine the presence or significance of labor patterns in women attempting vaginal birth after a previous cesarean. METHODS: This prospective study was performed for patients who have only had one prior birth by cesarean section. Eighty‐four women who had a cesarean section for failure to progress in labor had a trial of labor. RESULTS: Fifty‐eight were delivered vaginally. This has been matched to nulliparous and multiparous controls. The duration of the first and second stages of labor were similar in the study group and controls. There was no significant difference in oxytocin requirements among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have had a previous cesarean section for failure to progress, have a duration of labor similar to primiparous patients.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist treatment before hysteroscopic endometrial resection
Authors: Vercellini P. , Trespidi L. , Bramante T. , Panazza S. , Mauro F. , Crosignani P.G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of treatment with the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist goserelin before endometrial resection on absorption of distension medium fluid and technical feasibility of the surgical procedure. METHODS: Fifty‐five patients reporting menorrhagia underwent endometrial resection after 2 months of goserelin depot therapy (33 cases) or during the proliferative phase of the cycle (22 controls). RESULTS: In the cases, the mean distension medium deficit ± S.D. was 511 ± 196 ml versus 647 ± 245 ml in controls (P = 0.03), and the operating times were, respectively, 14 ± 4 versus 18 ± 5 min (P = 0.002). The intrauterine operating conditions were considered excellent or good in 64% of the cases versus 27% of the controls (χ2 = 5.60, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: GnRH agonists induce endometrial thinning, so that when administered before intrauterine interventions, mucus cellular debris and bleeding should be reduced during surgery and hysteroscopic visibility increased; the operating time may thus be shorter and fluid absorption decreased. However, more data are needed before considering GnRH agonists a proven effective means of facilitating endometrial resection.
Termination of pregnancy with fetal death in the second and third trimesters — the double balloon versus extra‐amniotic prostaglandin
Authors: Toppozada M.K. , Shaala S.A. , Anwar M.Y. , Haiba N.A. , Abdrabbo S. , El‐Absy H.M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of a double balloon catheter in the termination of pregnancy with fetal death in the second and third trimesters, in comparison with the administration of extra‐amniotic PGF2‐α. METHODS: Twenty cases with IUFD at > 20 weeks of gestation were divided into two groups. Group I was subjected to the double balloon alone, while in Group II extraamniotic instillation of PGF2‐α via a Foley's catheter was used. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to induction‐expulsion time, inductiondelivery time and failure rate. CONCLUSIONS: The double balloon catheter proved to be an effective non‐pharmacological method. The technique was simple and well tolerated by the patients. The side‐effects of the prostaglandin and the cost of the medication were avoided.
HISTOLOGY AND CYTOCHEMISTRY OF HUMAN SKIN
Authors: Montagna William 
Published: May 2004

1. In the epidermis non-specific esterase activity outlines a strongly reactive band between the stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum. In the epidermis of the palm, there is no such esterase-rich band.
2. The outer sheath of active hair follicles has strong enzyme activity. The degenerating hair bulb in catagen follicles is very strongly reactive, and clusters of cells around the hair club in quiescent follicles are rich in enzyme activity.
3. Strong enzyme activity is found in young sebaceous cells, while decaying sebaceous cells and newly formed sebum are unreactive. Old sebum, however, is very intensely reactive.
4. Only the "dark" cells of eccrine sweat glands show a reaction; the "clear" cells are negative.
5. The cells of axillary apocrine glands abound in enzyme.
SILVER DEPOSITION IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THE HEMATOENCEPHALIC BARRIER STUDIED WITH THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
Authors: van Breemen V. L. , Clemente C. D. 
Published: May 2004

For the purpose of studying the hematoencephalic barrier as it is concerned with silver circulating in the blood stream, silver nitrate was vitally administered to rats in their drinking water over periods of 6 to 8 months. The cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla, area postrema, and choroid plexus were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Silver deposition was found in the perivascular spaces in the choroid plexus, area postrema, in the medulla surrounding the area postrema, and in minute quantities in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and most of the medulla. Two levels of the hematoencephalic barrier were apparently demonstrated in our investigations. The endothelial linings of the vessels in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla constitute the first threshold of the hematoencephalic barrier (specifically here, blood-brain barrier). The cell membranes adjacent to the perivascular spaces form the second threshold, as follows:—the neuroglial cell membranes in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla (blood-brain barrier); the membranes of the neuroglial cells in the area postrema (blood-brain barrier); and the membranes of the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus (blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier). This study deals with silver deposition and does not infer that the penetration of ionic silver, if present in the blood stream, would necessarily be limited to the regions described.
Bleb-like structures were observed to cover the epithelial cell surfaces in the choroid plexus. They may be cellular projections increasing the cell surface area or they may be secretory droplets.