bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
METHODS OF RECORDING FETAL MOVEMENT
Authors: Wood C. , Walters W. A. W. , Trigg P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPatient, observer and instrumental methods for recording fetal movements are described. Significant correlations between both patient and observer, and patient and instrumental fetal movement counts, were found. Significant diurnal, daily and weekly variation in fetal movement counts occurred which need to be considered in the interpretation of the frequency of fetal movements as an indication of fetal welfare.
SCREENING FOR FETAL NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS BY MATERNAL PLASMA ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN DETERMINATION
Authors: Clarke P. C. , Gordon Y. B. , Kitau M. J. , Chard T. , Letchworth A. T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA total of 5539 consecutive pregnant patients at three maternity units in the City and Hackney District of London were screened for fetal neural tube defect by measurement of maternal plasma alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Only 25·7 per cent of women booked at 16 to 22 weeks, the optimum time for this screening test; 54·1 per cent booked before 16 weeks and 20·2 per cent after 22 weeks. Of the women tested before 23 weeks, 300 had elevated levels of AFP in plasma and 14 of them had fetuses with abnormalities known to cause a rise in AFP levels (12 fetuses had a neural tube defect and 2 had alimentary tract abnormalities). Of women examined before 23 weeks, half of those with twin pregnancies had elevated levels of plasma AFP as did 16·7 per cent of those who ultimately had a spontaneous abortion.
EVALUATION OF MEASUREMENT OF MATERNAL PLASMA ALPHA‐FETOPROTEIN LEVELS AS A SCREENING TEST FOR FETAL NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS
Authors: Bond E. B. , Thompson W. , Elwood J. H. , Cran G. W. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryMaternal plasma alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels were estimated on 1844 consecutive patients at the time of their first hospital antenatal visits. There were 28 pregnancies with an ‘abnormal’ outcome: 19 patients had twins, 3 had an anencephalic fetus, and 6 a fetus with a spina bifida (4 of these had an open neural tube defect). Evaluation of maternal plasma AFP levels as a screening test for neural tube defects at 15 to 19 weeks gestation indicated a sensitivity of 50 per cent taking the‘cut‐off’point as the 95th centile of the plasma AFP levels in pregnancy with a normal outcome.
CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF CORTISOL IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AFTER INTRA‐AMNIOTIC PROSTAGLANDIN FOR MIDTRIMESTER ABORTION
Authors: MacKenzie I. Z. , Pooley Georgina , Challis J. R. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe effects of intra‐amniotic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGF2a on the concentration of cortisol in amniotic fluid and in maternal peripheral plasma of patients undergoing abortion between 16 and 23 weeks gestation have been examined. There was a significant (P≤0·01) increase in the concentration of cortisol in amniotic fluid four hours after PGE2, but not after PGF2a. The concentration of cortisol in the maternal peripheral plasma increased in both groups with the progression of abortion, but the levels were not significantly correlated with those in amniotic fluid. These results suggest that by mid‐pregnancy fetal cortisol production can be stimulated by PGE2 but the mechanism of this action remains to be elucidated.
ANTIBODY ACTIVITY TO TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS IN HUMAN CERVICAL MUCUS
Authors: Coughlan B. M. , Skinner G. R. B. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryNeutralizing antibody activity in cervical mucus to type 1 herpes virus was detected in 24 of 28 patients, and to type 2 herpes simplex virus in 18 of 24 patients. The neutralizing antibody activity resisted heat inactivation for 30 minutes at 56·C, was independent of complement and followed first order kinetics. There was evidence of antibody against both virus types in immunoglobulin fractions IgG and IgA, the latter containing approximately threefold greater neutralizing antibody activity per unit of immunoglobulin concentration. Type 1 and type 2 neutralizing antibody activity showed a positive but weak correlation and a type‐common immunoprecipitin was identified in all concentrated pooled mucus samples. However, type‐specific neutralizing antibody against both virus types was identified in pooled mucus samples by heterologous absorption techniques. There was a relatively higher average type 2 neutralizing antibody activity in the mucus than in the serum and there was no correlation between serum and mucus antibody levels for either virus type. These observations support the concept of an independent local antibody system for herpes simplex virus in the uterine cervix.
EFFECT OF MATERNAL GLUCOSE INGESTION ON FETAL BREATHING AND BODY MOVEMENTS IN LATE PREGNANCY
Authors: Lewis P. J. , Trudinger B. J. , Mangez J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFetal breathing movements and fetal whole body movements were observed over 2 hours in 22 normal singleton pregnancies between 34 and 38 weeks gestation using a real time ultrasonic B scan method. The proportion of time fetuses spent making breathing movements increased from 9.9 per cent to 48.3 per cent within one hour of their fasting mothers taking a 50 g glucose drink. Fetal whole body movements were not increased after maternal glucose ingestion. Arousal of the fetal central nervous system seems dependent on the level of fetal blood glucose.
THE EFFECT OF PREGNANCY AND TWO DIFFERENT CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS ON SERUM LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS IN A WOMAN WITH A TYPE III HYPERLIPOPROTEINAEMIA PATTERN
Authors: Muller D. P. R. , Pavlou C. , Whitelaw A. G. L. , McLintock D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryWe report a woman who had a moderate elevation of serum triglycerides with a type III pattern of hyperlipoproteinaemia when taking a normal diet. She developed eruptive xanthomata with a grossly raised serum triglyceride concentration and chylomicronaemia when pregnant and also when taking a combined oral contraceptive pill containing 50 μg of oestrogen. The xanthomata cleared and the triglyceride level fell when the combined oral contraceptive pill was changed to one with a lower oestrogen content, clofibrate was prescribed and the diet was restricted in carbohydrate and fat. Persistent chylomicronaemia is a serious complication of pregnancy because of the risk of pancreatitis and the potential risk of fetal malnutrition. Treatment with diet and clofibrate is indicated. High oestrogen‐containing contraceptive pills appear to be contraindicated in patients with type III or other hypertriglyceridaemic states.
INHIBITION OF LACTATION AND INHIBITION OF PROLACTIN RELEASE AFTER MECHANICAL BREAST STIMULATION IN PUERPERAL WOMEN GIVEN TAMOXIFEN OR PLACEBO
Authors: Masala A. , Delitala G. , Lo Dico G. , Stoppelli I. , Alagna S. , Devilla L. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTamoxifen was given orally to 60 puerperal women to inhibit lactation. Twenty control puerperal women were given placebo. Fifteen women receiving tamoxifen and 15 women receiving placebo were studied before, during and after the use of a breast pump under basal conditions and after five days of treatment. Tamoxifen was effective in inhibiting lactation; no rebound phenomena were observed. Its administration was free from side effects. This drug was capable of preventing the prolactin release induced by mechanical breast stimulation. Placebo failed to inhibit lactation and had no effect on prolactin release induced by the use of a breast pump.
SERUM PROLACTIN, GONADOTROPHIN AND OESTROGEN LEVELS IN WOMEN RECEIVING HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Authors: Lind T. , Cameron E. H. D. , Hunter W. M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryProlactin, oestrone, oestradiol, FSH and LH concentrations have been determined in postmenopausal women receiving different forms of hormone replacement therapy. While the serum oestrogen levels achieved were sufficient to cause a significant decrease in circulating FSH and LH levels, no significant change in prolactin concentrations was found. Two other findings are of interest: despite the absolute concentrations achieved, the ratio of FSH to LH and the ratio of oestradiol to oestrone did not change significantly on any of the hormone formulations used; and while FSH and LH were both suppressed to a significant degree on therapy neither was suppressed to premenopausal values suggesting the possibility of a ‘female inhibin’ in the normal regulation of gonadotrophin secretion.
SPONTANEOUS VOIDING AFTER SURGERY FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE
Authors: Stanton S. L. , Cardozo Linda , Chaudhury Nasreen 
Published: August 2005

SummaryEighty patients with urinary incontinence were treated by colposuspension and bladder neck plication. Fourteen patients had difficulty in establishing normal micturition postoperatively. Of these, 10 patients took longer than 21 days to void and had reduced peak urine flow rates after surgery; the other four patients voided within ten days of surgery but had reduced peak urine flow rates before and after surgery and all had residual urines in excess of 100 ml following surgery. The value of the preoperative diagnosis of pre‐existent bladder dysfunction by symptomatology and the peak urine flow rate is discussed.
HAEMORRHAGE INTO THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY DURING PREGNANCY AFTER INDUCTION OF OVULATION WITH CLOMIPHENE
Authors: Nagulesparan M. , Roper J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA 34‐year‐old woman with secondary amenorrhoea and primary infertility became pregnant after treatment with clomiphene. She developed pre‐eclampsia. Visual symptoms were experienced due to rapid enlargement of the anterior pituitary gland. The patient was delivered by Caesarean section. At subsequent craniotomy the patient was found to have haemorrhage into the pituitary gland, but histological examination of the pituitary tissue which was removed revealed no tumour tissue. One year after delivery the patient was still amenorrhoeic and had galactorrhoea with hyperprolactinaemia indicating that she probably had a small pituitary adenoma which was incompletely removed during neurosurgery.
NEONATAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN RELATION TO CARDIOTOCOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Authors: Hökegård K.‐H. , Karlsson K. , Lilja H. , Rosén K. G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryElectrocardiograms (ECG) were made immediately after delivery in 28 infants with normal cardiotocographic patterns in labour and in 29 with abnormal patterns. Changes in the S‐T segment and T‐wave were quantified in a scoring system. High and peaked T‐waves (high T/QRS‐ratios) were significantly more common in the group with abnormal cardiotocographic patterns. The infants with ECG‐changes also had significantly lower Apgar scores and more neonatal complications. The immediate postpartum ECG seems to be a useful indication of the accumulated hypoxic stress to which the child has been subjected in labour.
METABOLIC EFFECTS OF BETA‐SYMPATHOMIMETIC DRUGS AND DEXAMETHASONE IN NORMAL AND DIABETIC PREGNANCY
Authors: Borberg C. , Gillmer M. D. G. , Beard R. W. , Oakley N. W. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryMarked hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia were observed in two normal women in premature labour treated with an intravenous infusion of a β‐sympathomimetic drug and intramuscular dexamethasone injections. Similar therapy in a chemical diabetic patient caused diabetic ketoacidosis, while treatment of an insulin dependent diabetic with dexamethasone alone resulted in a major increase in her insulin requirements. It is suggested that the diabetogenic effects of β‐sympathomimetic drugs and dexamethasone may be additive and that regular plasma glucose estimations should be made when they are used, especially in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A LOW AMNIOTIC FLUID CREATININE AND A MATURE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO
Authors: Jenkins D. T. , Wishart M. M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryCreatinine levels were measured in 546 specimens of amniotic fluid with a lecithin/ sphingomyelin ratio of 2.5 or more. With amniotic fluid creatinine levels below the normal range, 3 of 6 infants had major congenital abnormalities and two had severe rhesus isoimmunization; 3 of the infants died. Of 514 cases with amniotic fluid creatinine levels within the normal range (mean±2 SD), 13 babies (2.5 per cent) had major congenital abnormalities but only one of the babies died, giving a perinatal mortality rate of 0.2 per cent. The significance of these findings is discussed.
CYCLIC CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN HUMAN UTERINE FLUSHINGS
Authors: Maathuis J. B. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryProstaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was measured by radioimmunoassay in uterine flushings obtained from 41 women at various stages of the menstrual cycle. The concentration of PGF2α changed significantly during the cycle, with highest values in the mid secretory phase of the cycle (mean 9.1 ng/ml of uterine flushing, range 3.9 to 16.0 ng/ml, n = 9). The still unresolved role of intrauterine PGF2α is discussed in relation to luteolysis, myometrial contractility and implantation.
TESTOSTERONE IN THE MOLAR VESICLE FLUID AND THECA‐LUTEIN CYST FLUID
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Ratnam S. S. , Goh H. H. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTestosterone was estimated by radioimmunoassay in molar vesicle fluid in 41 patients and theca‐lutein cyst fluid in three patients with hydatidiform moles. The testosterone concentration in the molar vesicle fluid ranged from 0.4 ng/ml to 28.1 ng/ml with a mean±SEM of 6.0±1.0 ng/ml while in the theca‐lutein cyst fluid, it ranged from 4.7 ng/ml to 23.5 ng/ml. Oestradiol‐17β and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were also estimated in the molar vesicle fluid. The oestradiol‐17β concentration ranged from 0.1 ng/ml to 26.2 ng/ml with a mean±SEM of 10.7±1.1 ng/ml. HCG concentration ranged from 18 000 to 150000 mIU/ml with a mean±SEM of 49 800 ± 5 000 mIU/ml. A positive correlation was found between testosterone and oestradiol‐17β (r =+0.37; P<0.01) but not between testosterone and HCG (r = 0.32; 0.1>P>0.05). Our findings suggest that molar trophoblast is the major source of testosterone.
CELL‐MEDIATED IMMUNITY IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT A PREVIOUS HISTORY OF SPONTANEOUS ABORTIONS
Authors: Garewal G. , Sehgal S. , Aikat B. K. , Gupta A. N. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe percentage of T‐cells was studied in pregnant patients with a previous history of spontaneous abortions, in patients without such a history and in nonpregnant controls. The percentage of T‐cells remained unaltered during the three trimesters of normal pregnancy. In patients with a previous history of spontaneous abortions, the T‐cell percentages were lower in the second and third trimesters than in non‐pregnant controls, but the values did not differ statistically from corresponding values in those patients with no previous history of spontaneous abortion (normal pregnancy). The phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced transformation of lymphocytes was depressed in the second and third trimesters of both patients with a normal pregnancy and those with a previous history of spontaneous abortions. Thus, while the percentage of T‐cells remained unaltered during pregnancy, their response to PHA falls in the second and third trimesters.
WATER RELATIONS OF EARLY EMBRYOGENESIS
Authors: GOOD W . 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAttention is drawn to the changes in maternal serum osmolality that accompany ovulation, fertilization and early embryogenesis, and the possible significance of those changes is discussed in relation to the sequence of development. From these considerations it is tentatively concluded that maternal hydration influences all stages of early development, and that transient derangement of maternal body fluid regulation could, therefore, be a significant factor in the aetiology of fetal malformations.
DYSPNOEA DURING NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Milne J. A. , Howie A. D. , Pack A. I. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe incidence, severity and time‐course of dyspnoea were assessed in 62 women on eight occasions throughout a normal pregnancy. Fifteen per cent of subjects noticed an increase in dyspnoea in the first trimester compared with the non‐pregnant state and in almost half of them dyspnoea was experienced before 19 weeks gestation; 76 per cent complained of this symptom by 31 weeks gestation. After this time, few subjects noticed any increase in their symptoms.
THE RELEVANCE OF ANTENATAL AND INTRAPARTUM FETAL HEART RATE PATTERNS TO FETAL OUTCOME
Authors: Liu D. T. Y. , Blackwell R. J. , Tukel S. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAntenatal fetal heart rate (FHR) as an indicator of fetal status was evaluated in two separate studies. The first attempted to determine, in 30 minutes of continuous recording from each of 50 antenatal patients, relationships between spontaneous FHR changes and fetal condition before and after birth. No significant association was found between observed FHR patterns and antenatal or neonatal fetal status. The second study used induction of labour as a stress test, because similar conditions to that required for oxytocin stress testing were present and there was the advantage of direct FHR recording. In 150 induced and monitored labours, FHR changes associated with the first six suitable contractions seldom related to Apgar scores at birth or development of fetal distress in active labour. Fetuses showing no response to contractions tended to have better Apgar scores than those which showed FHR decelerations. Results from these studies do not substantiate reports that FHR changes arising spontaneously, or in response to induced contractions, reflect satisfactorily the existing or subsequent fetal status.
MATERNAL PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID PROLACTIN LEVELS IN NORMAL AND HYPERTENSIVE PREGNANCY
Authors: Yuen B. Ho , Cannon Wendy , Woolley Suzanne , Charles Ellen 
Published: August 2005

SummaryProlactin levels in the plasma and amniotic fluid of 121 normal pregnant women, 78 women with pre‐eclampsia and 30 women with essential hypertension complicating pregnancy were determined by radioimmunoassay. Mean prolactin levels in plasma, but not in amniotic fluid, were significantly lower than controls in the group with pre‐eclampsia (P<0.01) and in the group with essential hypertension (P<0.05). These findings suggest altered production and/or clearance of prolactin from the maternal compartment in these patients and may explain their increased response to pressor agents.
NITROUS OXIDE TRANSFER ACROSS THE PLACENTA AND CONDITION OF THE NEWBORN AT DELIVERY
Authors: Hay Douglas M. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryNitrous oxide transfer to the fetus was measured in 14 consecutive patients having a Caesarean section near term. Better babies, as assessed by birth weight and Apgar score at five minutes, were associated with better transfer of nitrous oxide. The correlation was probably attributable to differences in placental blood flow, although it is not possible to prove this.
CORD BLOOD HYPERTRIGLYCERIDAEMIA AS AN INDEX OF FETAL STRESS: USE OF A SIMPLE SCREENING TEST AND RESULTS OF FURTHER BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Elphick M. C. , Harrison A. T. , Lawlor J. P. , Hull D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn this preliminary study, 120 cord blood samples were subjected to a simple on‐the‐ward triglyceride screening procedure and 15 were designated as being high and another 15 randomly selected as controls. All the samples were then subjected to detailed biochemical analysis for fatty acid profiles and/or concentrations of free fatty acids, triglycerides (TG), phospholipids, cholesterol esters and glycerol. Eleven of the samples designated ‘high’ were associated with one or more of the following clinical conditions: family history of ischaemic heart disease, maternal starvation, fetal distress, light‐for‐dates babies and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. There was an association between high TG levels and high glycerol levels. The fatty acid pattern of the TG was altered when at abnormally high concentration, in particular oleic acid was increased relative to the others, and this was associated with an increase in cholesterol ester oleic acid. The possible mechanisms resulting in cord hypertriglyceridaemia are discussed.
A SIX‐POINT SCORING SYSTEM FOR ANTENATAL CARDIOTOCOGRAPHS
Authors: Pearson J. F. , Weaver Judith B. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA six‐point scoring system for antenatal cardiotocography based upon baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) and FHR response to fetal movements and Braxton‐Hicks contractions has been described and tested in 89 patients. The ‘six‐point score’ obtained within 24 hours of delivery or death of the fetus (D—1) was shown to be strongly associated both with the one‐minute Apgar score and the nutritional status of the infant as reflected by centile birth weight. In 21 patients whose D—1 ‘six‐point score’ was 4 or less, analysis of the cardiotocographs performed on the previous day (D—2) showed that 14 infants already showed evidence of hypoxia. In the remaining seven patients, however, the previous day's six‐point score had been normal (5 or 6); in six of these patients a persistently low daily fetal movement count or placental abruption led to repeat cardiotocography. Hypoxia affected the three components of the score in a progressive manner. Firstly there were alterations in the response of the FHR to Braxton‐Hicks contractions followed by changes in the FHR response to fetal movements. Finally, fetal movements ceased and baseline FHR changes occurred mainly in the form of a tachycardia. The method of scoring was simple to use and could standardize reporting.
A CONTROLLED TRIAL OF PUNCTURE SITES FOR AMNIOCENTESIS
Authors: Leach G. , Chang A. , Morrison J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA controlled trial to determine a better site for amniocentesis was carried out over a 6‐month period, involving 98 obstetric patients. The suprapubic and nuchal puncture sites for amniocentesis were compared. The failure rate was found to be lower when the suprapubic site was used, and no significant difference in morbidity was found in the two groups.
EFFECT OF MATERNAL DEXAMETHASONE THERAPY ON THE LEVELS OF OESTROGENS, PROGESTERONE AND CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN AMNIOTIC FLUID AND MATERNAL SERUM
Authors: Ylikorkala O. , Dawood M. Y. , Kauppila A. , Tuimala R. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTen women were given dexamethasone intramuscularly in order to accelerate fetal lung maturation. Amniotic fluid and maternal serum were assayed for oestrone, oestradiol‐l7β, oestriol, progesterone and chorionic gonadotrophin by specific radioimmunoassays before and after the treatment. No hormonal changes were observed in amniotic fluid. The serum levels of oestrogens 2 to 5 days after treatment were not significantly different from those before treatment, indicating that the previously reported suppression of oestrogen production by glucocorticoids disappears rapidly after treatment stops.
PLASMA NON‐ESTERIFIED FATTY ACIDS, CORTISOL AND GLUCOSE IN MATERNAL BLOOD DURING ABORTION INDUCED WITH INTRA‐AMNIOTIC PROSTAGLANDIN F2α
Authors: Ward H. , Whyley G. A. , Fairweather D. V. I. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySerial estimations were made of plasma non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose in 43 patients, and of plasma cortisol in 27 patients, during mid‐trimester abortions induced with intra‐amniotic prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The mean plasma concentrations of NEFA, cortisol and glucose showed rises after PGF2α. There was no relation between these rises and the induction‐delivery interval, signs of fetal distress or of intrauterine fetal death. The changes in plasma NEFA were related to the fasting level and there was an inverse relation between the changes and the patients'weight. A positive correlation existed between the change in plasma concentrations of cortisol and glucose.