bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monocyte Release of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-1β in Primary Type IIa and IIb Dyslipidemic Patients Treated With Statins or Fibrates
Authors: Okopień Bogusław , Krysiak Robert , Kowalski Jan , Madej Andrzej , Belowski Dariusz , Zieliński Marek , Herman Zbigniew S 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:

Both 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α activators (fibrates) proved to be effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The benefits of hypolipemic therapy in cardiovascular diseases cannot be explained only by the lipid-lowering potential of these agents. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of hypolipemic agents on proinflammatory cytokine release from human monocytes in relationship with their action on plasma levels of sensitive systemic marker of low-grade vascular inflammation. Plasma lipid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β from monocytes were assessed at baseline and 30 and 90 days following randomization of IIa dyslipidemic patients into fluvastatin or simvastatin groups and randomization of type IIb dyslipidemic patients to the micronized form of either ciprofibrate or fenofibrate. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes from dyslipidemic patients released significantly more TNFα (types IIa and IIb dyslipidemias) and interleukin-1β (type IIa dyslipidemia) in comparison with monocytes in 59 age-, sex-, and weight-matched control subjects. Their baseline hsCRP levels were also higher. Both statins and fibrates reduced the release of TNFα and interleukin-1β, and lowered plasma hsCRP levels. The effects of hypolipemic agents on cytokine release and plasma hsCRP were unrelated to their lipid-lowering action. Our results have demonstrated that type IIa and IIb dyslipidemic patients exhibit the abnormal pattern of TNFα and interleukin-1β production by activated monocytes. Both HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and PPARα activators normalize monocytic secretion of these cytokines, and this action may partially contribute to the systemic antiinflammatory effect of hypolipemic agents. The statin- and fibrate-induced suppression of proinflammatory cytokine release from monocytes seems to play a role in their beneficial effect on the incidence of cardiovascular events.
Dietary Protective and Risk Factors for Esophageal and Stomach Cancers in a Low‐epidemic Area for Stomach Cancer in Jiangsu Province, China: Comparison with Those in a High‐epidemic Area
Authors: Takezaki Toshiro , Gao Chang–Ming , Wu Jian‐Zhong , Ding Jian‐Hua , Liu Yian‐Ting , Zhang Yu , Li Su‐Ping , Su Ping , Liu Ti–Kan , Tajima Kazuo 
Published: August 2005

Comparative epidemiological studies with ecological and case‐control approaches in high‐ and low‐epidemic areas of China have provided us with much evidence with regard to risk and benefit in the environment. To clarify how dietary factors are involved in esophageal and stomach cancer development, we performed a case‐control study in a low‐epidemic area, and compared the findings with those obtained earlier for a high‐epidemic area for stomach cancer in the same Jiangsu Province, China. We recruited 199 and 187 cases with esophageal and stomach cancers, respectively, and 333 population‐based common controls. Odds ratios (ORs) for esophageal and stomach cancers were calculated with adjustment for potential confounding factors, using an unconditional logistic model. Current and former smoking elevated the OR for esophageal cancer, along with high intake of pickled vegetables and broiled meat, while decreased ORs were observed for frequently consumed raw vegetables and garlic. With regard to stomach cancer, ORs were increased with frequent consumption of salty fish, leftover gruel, and broiled meat, and lowered by snap bean consumption. The present risk factors were common to the previously obtained results in the high‐epidemic area, and similarly distributed in each general population. While more protective factors were observed in the high‐epidemic area, their penetrance was much greater in the low‐epidemic area. The present study thus suggests that frequent vegetable and garlic consumption contributes to low mortality rates for esophageal and stomach cancers in a low‐epidemic area, counteracting similar exposure levels for risk factors as in the high‐epidemic area.
Drainage evolution in response to fold growth in the hanging‐wall of the Khazar fault, north‐eastern Alborz, Iran
Authors: Reza Ghassemi Mohammad 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe Khazar fault is an active thrust fault in the northern part of the Alborz Range, which is associated with folding (the Khazar anticline) in its hanging‐wall. Regional geological studies indicate activity of the fault in Cenozoic time, and active propagation of the fault‐related folding towards the west. The Neka river drainage basin, which is a longitudinal river flowing mostly in the backlimb of the Khazar anticline, shows evidence for active folding and faulting influencing drainage evolution. Observations are made in different parts of the Neka river course, according to which a new morphotectonic feature is introduced within the river basin, termed as ‘tilted reach’. This feature is considered as a result of river course tilting in the backlimb of the growing fold, diversion, and capture of the river by other rivers. Consecutive episodes of similar events would have resulted in the development of a long drainage basin parallel to the growing fold structure.
Clinoform nucleation and growth in coarse‐grained deltas, Loreto basin, Baja California Sur, Mexico: a response to episodic accelerations in fault displacement
Authors: Mortimer Estelle , Gupta Sanjeev , Cowie Patience 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe investigate the controls on the architecture of coarse‐grained delta progradational units (PUs) in the Pliocene Loreto basin (Baja California Sur, Mexico), a half‐graben located on the western margin of the Gulf of California. Dorsey et al. (1997b) argued that delta progradation and transgression cycles in the basin were driven by episodic fault‐controlled subsidence along the basin‐bounding Loreto fault. Here we test this hypothesis by a detailed analysis of the sedimentary architecture of 11 exceptionally well‐exposed, vertically arranged fluvio‐deltaic PUs, each of which shows lateral facies transition from proximal alluvial facies palaeo‐seaward into distal pro‐delta facies. Of these 11 PUs, seven exhibit a lateral transition from a shoal water to Gilbert‐delta facies associations as they are traced palaeo‐seaward. This transition is characterised by down‐transport development of foresets, which grow in height up to 35 m. Foreset units thicken in a basinward direction, with initially an oblique topset–foreset geometry that becomes increasingly sigmoidal. Each delta is capped by a shell bed that records drowning of the delta top. This systematic transition in delta architecture records increasing water depth through time during individual episodes of progradation. A mechanism that explains this transition is an accelerating rate of fault‐controlled subsidence during each PU. During episodes of low slip rate, shoal‐water deltas prograde across the submerged topography of the underlying delta unit. As displacement rate accelerates, increasing bathymetry at the delta front leads to steepening of foresets and initiation of Gilbert deltas. Subsequent delta drowning results from sediment starvation at the shoreline at high slip rates because of sediment trapping upstream. The observed delta architecture suggests that the long‐term (>100 kyr) history of slip on the Loreto fault was characterised by repetitive episodes of accelerating displacement accumulation. Such episodic fault behaviour is most likely to be because of variations in temporal and spatial strain partitioning between the Loreto fault and other faults in the Gulf of California. A physical explanation for the acceleration phenomenon involves evolving frictional properties on the episodically active Loreto fault.
Effect of anti‐smoking health education on infant size at birth: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: MACARTHUR CHRISTINE , NEWTON J. R. , KNOX E. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe effects of anti‐smoking health education during pregnancy on smoking behaviour and the subsequent infant's size at birth were investigated in a controlled trial. It was found that the planned educational intervention was incompletely carried out and was given more effectively to primigravidae in whom subsequent reduction of smoking was more evident. The effects of educative intervention on size at birth were therefore analysed for first and later pregnancies separately. The differences in birthweight and length between the intervention and control groups were concentrated almost entirely among the first born infants who were 68 g heavier and 0–75 cm longer in the intervention group than the first born infants in the control group.
Obstetric analgesia and fetal aortic blood flow during labour
Authors: LINDBLAD ANNIKA , BERNOW JENS , MARŠÁL KAREL 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFetal aortic blood flow was studied in 50 women during labour, using a method combining real‐time ultrasonography and a pulsed Doppler technique. Eleven women had no analgesia, 24 women received 75–100 mg pethidine intramuscularly, 12 epidural analgesia with 0·25% bupivacaine and three paracervical block with 0·125% bupivacaine. Fetal aortic blood flow increased during labour from 200 to 245 ml/min/kg in the group without analgesia (P>0·05) and from 211 to 236 ml/min/kg in the group with epidural analgesia (P>0·05) but decreased insignificantly from 216 to 204 ml/min/kg after pethidine. After paracervical block the aortic blood flow fell in two out of three fetuses. Not only is epidural analgesia the most effective means of pain relief during labour, it is also the type of obstetric analgesia that interferes least with the physiological response to labour in terms of its effect on the fetal blood flow.
Fetal and uteroplacental haemodynamics during short‐term atenolol treatment of hypertension in pregnancy
Authors: MONTAN SVEN , LIEDHOLM HANS , LINGMAN GÖRAN , MARŠÁL KAREL , SJÖBERG NILS‐OTTO , SOLUM THORE 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFetal circulation was studied by means of combined realtime and pulsed Doppler ultrasound in 14 women with pregnancy‐associated hypertension before and during the first and third days of treatment with the β1‐selective blocker, atenolol; in seven of the women the maternal uterine arcuate blood velocity waveform was also studied. Blood flow characteristics were normal both in the fetus and in the maternal arcuate artery, compared with those in uncomplicated pregnancies of corresponding gestational ages. Volume blood flow remained unchanged in the fetal descending aorta, and in the umbilical vein during atenolol treatment, whereas the pulsatility index increased in the fetal descending aorta and in the arcuate artery. This suggests that the peripheral vascular resistance, both on the maternal and fetal side of the placenta, increased during short‐term antihypertensive treament with atenolol.
Ultrasonically guided percutaneous umbilical blood sampling in the management of intrauterine growth retardation
Authors: PEARCE J. MALCOLM , CHAMBERLAIN GEOFFREY V. P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTen patients, hospitalized because of severe asymmetrical fetal growth retardation before 32 weeks gestation, underwent ultra‐sonically guided percutaneous umbilical blood sampling because of concern over the fetal heart rate trace. In eight patients the fetus was judged to be acidotic and they were delivered immediately by caesarean section. In two patients the fetus was not considered to be acidotic and the pregnancy was allowed to go on. In those babies that were delivered the pH blood collected from the umbilical vein at the time of delivery was compared to the antenatal sample. There were no significant differences. The technique of antenatal umbilical vein blood sampling is readily learned and by assessment of fetal acid base status a more precise diagnosis can be made leading to appropriately planned management.
Time trends of ectopic pregnancies
Authors: HEMMINKI ELINA , HEINONEN PENTTI K. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryWhether the increase of ectopic pregnancies could be explained by methodological problems or by changing age structure was examined in data from one hospital (Tampere, Finland) between 1972 and 1984. Numbers of ectopic pregnancies, births, and induced and spontaneous abortions were obtained by 5‐year age‐groups and county of residence from the hospital discharge register. Introduction of a more sensitive pregnancy test in 1979 was coincident with the most rapid increase in the role of ectopic pregnancies. Use of incomplete denominators and varying catchment areas and correction of changing age‐distribution of pregnant women did not markedly influence the time trends. Our analysis suggests that the observed increase in ectopic pregnancies in this area was partly real and partly due to better diagnosis.
Plasma renin activity and cAMP in termination of pregnancy induced by sulprostone
Authors: SAARIKOSKI SEPPO , SAASTAMOINEN JUKKA , PENTTILÄ ILKKA , CASTRÉN OLLI 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPlasma renin activity (PRA), plasma concentrations of cyclic adenosine‐3′, 5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) and the serum levels of oestradiol, progesterone, chorionic gonadotrophin, potassium, sodium and calcium were estimated in connection with termination of pregnancy induced in 23 women by sulprostone, a derivative of prosta‐glandin E2. A rapid decrease in PRA was observed during and after infusion of 1000 μg or 1500 uμg sulpostrone. PRA returned to the initial values at 24 h after drug administration. The lowest levels of PRA were 36% and 51% of the initial values (P>0·001) in the two drug concentration groups. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The value for plasma cAMP did not correspond completely to the changes in PRA. Serum concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone and chorionic gonadotrophin showed a gradual decrease during drug administration. The changes in serum potassium, sodium and calcium were minimal. The decrease in PRA associated with sulprostone is very surprising. Our finding elucidates in part the still rather poorly known mechanisms and function of renin‐angiotensin system in pregnancy.
Correlates of placental abruption
Authors: KROHN MARIJANE , VOIGT LYNDA , MCKNIGHT BARBARA , DALING JANET R. , STARZYK PATRICIA , BENEDETTI THOMAS J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAll cases (884) of placental abruption reported on Washington State birth or fetal death certificates in 1980 and 1981 were compared with 789 randomly selected births from the same time period. The incidence of reported cases of placental abruption was 6·5 per 1000 total births. The combined stillbirth and first month death rate of all abruption cases was 21%. Increased risks of placental abruption were associated with pre‐eclampsia, diabetes, and unmarried status. Neither parity nor maternal age was associated with an increased risk. Infants born after abruption were significantly smaller‐for‐gestation than control infants, more likely to be male, and had malformations more frequently than control infants. Apgar scores of liveborn abruption infants were significantly lower than those of controls after adjustment for infant weight, gestational age, and sex.
Luteal phase after ovarian hyperstimulation
Authors: MESSINIS IOANNIS E. , TEMPLETON ALLAN , BAIRD DAVID T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe luteal phase was investigated in 17 women with normal menstrual cycles and tubal infertility who were superovulated with clomiphene (9 cycles), clomiphene plus pulsatile human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) (12 cycles) and clomiphene plus pulsatile follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (11 cycles) during an in‐vitro fertilization programme. Follicles were aspirated 34–36 h after the onset of the endogenous LH surge. Urinary total oestrogen levels during the first 6 days of the luteal phase were significantly higher, the duration of the luteal phase was significantly shorter and the luteal levels of urinary pregnanediol were significantly lower in the two combination treatment cycles than in the clomiphene only cycles. When the three treatment groups were combined the mid‐luteal peak pregnanediol levels and the duration of the luteal phase showed significant negative correlations with plasma or urinary oestrogen levels during the follicular and the luteal phase. It is suggested that the luteal function in cycles superovulated with clomiphene/hMG or clomiphene/FSH is disrupted and this is related to the high amounts of circulating oestrogen.
A trial of topical idoxuridine for vulvar condyloma acuminatum
Authors: HASUMI KATSUHIKO 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe effect of 0·25% idoxuridine ointment on condyloma acuminatum of the vulva was investigated in a randomized, doubleblind, placebo‐controlled trial in 24 women. Idoxuridine inhibits DNA synthesis in mammalian cells and is a specific inhibitor of DNA viruses. Of the 24 women with vulvar condyloma acuminatum, 14 applied idoxuridine ointment and 10 a placebo ointment to the lesions twice daily for 2 weeks. In 11 out of 14 patients treated with idoxuridine the condylomata regressed completely. The treatment did not cause any side‐effects. None of the women in the placebo group showed regression of the condylomata. Topical idoxuridine therapy is effective and non‐toxic; it appears to be most effective for new condylomata.
The effect of the duration of the second stage of labour on the acid‐base state of the fetus
Authors: KATZ MIRIAM , LUNENFELD EITAN , MEIZNER ISRAEL , BASHAN NAVA , GROSS JACQUELINE 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA prospective study was made in 153 patients with a second stage of labour lasting 1 to 120 min. Maternal venous, umbilical artery and vein blood were analysed for acid‐base variables and lactate levels. Blood was obtained immediately at delivery. Fetal heart rate monitoring data and blood test results were related to the duration of the second stage of labour and clinical outcome. In primiparae and multiparae there was a steady rise in umbilical artery lactate levels, with duration of second stage of labour, P>0·025 and P= 0·023, respectively. The median umbilical artery pH decreased significantly from 7·31 in patients with a second stage of labour that lasted ≤15 min to a pH of 7·25 in patients with a second stage of labour that lasted more than 30 min. Changes in Po2 and Pco2 were not statistically significant.
Antecedents and outcome of very early neonatal seizures in infants born at or after term
Authors: MINCHOM PHILIP , NISWANDER KENNETH , CHALMERS IAIN , DAUNCEY MARJORIE , NEWCOMBE ROBERT , ELBOURNE DIANA , MUTCH LESLEY , ANDREWS JOAN , WILLIAMS GERAINT 
Published: August 2005

SummaryRecent experimentally derived evidence has confirmed earlier suggestions that seizures which occur within 48 h of birth in babies born at or later than 37 completed weeks gestation are particularly likely to reflect intrapartum asphyxia. We have compared 54 cases of such seizures with 41 090 controls in a geographically defined population. Nulliparity, hydramnios, postterm pregnancy, oxytocin augmentation of labour, abnormalities of fetal heart rate and/or meconiumstained amniotic fluid, prolonged second stage of labour, emergency caesarean section, assisted vaginal delivery, low Apgar score and resuscitation at delivery and subsequent ventilatory support were all statistically significantly more common among cases than among controls. Five of the 54 babies who developed seizures died within 28 days of birth and 11 of the 49 survivors had an impairment diagnosed by 3 years of age which was usually associated with some degree of cerebral palsy. Comparison of the frequency of antecedent perinatal risk factors in the seizure babies who died, those who survived with disabilities and normal survivors failed to reveal any clear pattern.
The changing incidence of caesarean section in the Health District of Central Manchester
Authors: KIWANUKA A. I. , MOORE W. M. O. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe caesarean section rate in England and Wales has practically doubled from 5·6% in 1974 to 10·6% in 1982. Because most statistical reports are based on the practice of individual hospitals and do not reflect what is occurring in a particular community, a retrospective study of the incidence of, and reasons for, caesarean section performed in residents of the geographically defined Health District of Central Manchester was carried out for 1974 and 1982. The caesarean section rate in this community increased from 7% in 1974 to 16% in 1982. Caesarean sections performed for (i) failure to progress in labour, (ii) previous caesarean section and (iii) preterm fetal compromise before labour accounted for three quarters of the increase. Breech presentation was not a significant contributor to the increase. The reasons for the increase in caesarean sections performed for failure to progress in the first stage of labour were not clarified in the records, and is the subject of prospective investigation.
Day case laparoscopic sterilization—time for a rethink?
Authors: THOMAS HILARY , HARE M. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe postoperative experiences of 50 women undergoing laparoscopic sterilization as a day case procedure were sought together with the views of their general practitioners. The women were not visited routinely at home and few contacted their general practitioners. All the women had chosen day care but one‐third of those eventually discharged on the day of the operation wished that their stay had been longer; most of their general practitioners seemed unaware of these feelings. The importance of adequate discussion with the patient about postoperative pain is reviewed. The arrangements for postoperative care following the patient's return to the community is discussed.
Microbiological and histopathological findings in acute pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: PAAVONEN J. , TEISALA K. , HEINONEN P. K. , AINE R. , LAINE S. , LEHTINEN M. , MIETTINEN A. , PUNNONEN R. , GRÖNROOS P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryUpper genital tract infection was investigated in 45 women admitted to hospital for suspected acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Salpingitis was diagnosed by laparoscopy in 30 (67%) women. Histopathological evidence of endometritis was found significantly more often in the 30 women with salpingitis (87%) than in the other 15 women without salpingitis (33%). C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeas, or both, were isolated from the upper genital tract in 14 of the 31 women who had both salpingitis and endometritis or endometritis only but in none of the four women who had salpingitis alone and in none of the 10 women who had no evidence of PID. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with histopathological evidence of upper tract infection. Non‐chlamydial nongonococcal organisms were frequently isolated from the upper genital tract. No organisms were isolated from the upper genital tract from 9 of 35 women with laparoscopic or histopathological evidence of PID compared with 7 of 10 women without evidence of PID. C, trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae in the endometrium was associated with lymphoid follicles comprising transformed lymphocytes, and correlated with the density of plasma cells on biopsy. The microbiological results support the recommendations of broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy for PID.