bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidential Fitz‐Hugh–Curtis syndrome at laparoscopy for benign gynecologic conditions
Authors: Sharma J.B. , Malhotra M. , Arora R. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractObjectives: To assess the prevalence of incidental Fitz‐Hugh–Curtis syndrome in women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for sterilization, infertility or chronic pelvic pain. Methods: This was a prospective study over a 4‐year period in which a total of 320 women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for sterilization [Group I, 200 women (62.5%)], infertility [Group II, 60 women (18.7%)], or chronic pelvic pain [Group III, 60 women (18.7%)] were enrolled. After examination of the pelvic area and abdominal cavity, the liver area was visualized in all cases for evidence of perihepatitis and adhesions between liver and anterior abdominal wall or diaphragm (Fitz‐Hugh–Curtis syndrome). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi‐square test, with a P‐value set at 0.05 for significance. Results: The mean age was similar in the three groups, while mean parity was obviously less in the infertility group. Fitz‐Hugh–Curtis syndrome was observed in 16 women (8%) in Group I, 10 women (16.6%) in Group II, and 18 women (30%) in Group III. The prevalence was highest in Group III and the difference was statistically highly significant in Group III vs. Group I (P<0.001), and in Group III vs. Group II (P<0.01). It was higher in the infertility group than in the sterilization group (P<0.05 in Group II vs. Group I). Conclusions: There was a very high prevalence of incidental Fitz‐Hugh–Curtis syndrome in the chronic pelvic pain and infertility groups, and even in the sterilization group.
Maternal serum and amniotic fluid cytokines in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes with and without intrauterine infection
Authors: Shobokshi A , Shaarawy M 
Published: December 2002

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the role of interleukins (IL‐1, IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and for the first time interferon gamma (IFNγ) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the pathogenesis of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) with and without confirmed intrauterine infection. Methods: Amniotic fluid was retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis from 30 patients with PROM and 20 normal pregnant women with intact membranes of matched gestational age. Microbial state of amniotic cavity included culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasmas and ureaplasma whether or not clinical signs of chorioamnionitis were present. Maternal serum and amniotic fluid IL‐1, IL‐6, TNFα and IFNγ concentrations were determined by the corresponding immunoradiometric assay, whereas EGF concentration was determined by a specific radioimmunoassay. Results: Nearly all cases of PROM with infection revealed elevated amniotic fluid cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNFα, IFNγ, EGF) whereas half of them revealed elevated serum cytokines. In cases of PROM without confirmed infection, there were no significant changes of maternal serum cytokines, whereas two‐thirds of them revealed elevated amniotic fluid cytokines. Conclusions: The rise of cytokines in amniotic fluid of cases of PROM with infection may represent: (a) enhanced macrophage activity for immunosurveillance of the fetus; (b) a preparatory step for the initiation of labor; and (c) a valuable tests for diagnosing chorioamnioitis. The mechanism responsible for PROM in the presence or absence of infection is likely to be of different nature.
Changing attitudes toward mode of delivery and external cephalic version in breech presentations
Authors: Yogev Y. , Horowitz E. , Ben‐Haroush A. , Chen R. , Kaplan B. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractObjectives: To compare the attitude of gravid women in breech presentation towards external cephalic version (ECV) and mode of delivery between 1995 and 2001. Methods: A questionnaire on ECV and mode of delivery was distributed to women in the third trimester of pregnancy with breech presentation, attending our departmental clinic for a routine check‐up once in 1995 and again in 2001 in order to analyze changing attitudes. Results: One hundred fifty‐four women completed the questionnaire in 1995 and 127 in 2001. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in age, gestational age, gravidity, parity, or level of education. In 1995, more than half the women (52.7%) had heard of ECV and 53.8% were willing to consider it, whereas in 2001, 73.2% had heard of it but only 23.9% were willing to consider it. In both groups, the women who were familiar with ECV were more likely to work outside of the home, have a higher level of educated than the women who were not. The women who were willing to try ECV were more likely not to work outside of the home, to consider their pregnancy low risk, and to opt for vaginal delivery (vs. cesarean section) if ECV did not succeed. The percentage of women who would choose planned cesarean section if the presentation remained breech was significantly higher in 2001 (97%) than in 1995 (64.7%). Conclusions: Attitudes toward breech delivery have changed since 1995. More women are aware of the option of ECV but are less inclined to consider it. Planned cesarean section for breech presentation is the overwhelming choice of women in general, with a significant increase in 2001 compared with 1995.
Female genital cutting (mutilation/circumcision): ethical and legal dimensions
Authors: Cook R.J , Dickens B.M , Fathalla M.F 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe practice better described as female genital cutting (FGC) is of long standing in some communities, and has spread to non‐traditional countries by immigration. It is of varying degrees of invasiveness, often including clitoridectomy, but all raise health‐related concerns, which can be of considerable physical and/or psychological severity, and compromise gynecological and obstetric care. The practice is not based on a requirement of religious observance, although parents usually seek it for their daughters in good faith. It is directed to the social control of women's sexuality, in association with preservation of virginity and family honor. FGC is becoming increasingly prohibited by law, in countries both of its traditional practice and of immigration. Medical practice prohibits FGC. In compromising women's health and negating their sexuality, FGC is a human rights abuse that physicians have a role in eliminating by education of patients and communities.
Use of alternative and complementary medicine in menopause
Authors: Kang H.J. , Ansbacher R. , Hammoud M.M. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractObjectives: To review the clinical evidence available for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with alternative and complementary medicine. Methods: The MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE and COCHRANE electronic databases for the years 1980–2002 were searched for articles concerning soy products, black cohosh, dong quai, acupuncture, ginseng and evening primrose oil. Studies pertaining to menopausal vasomotor symptoms, lipid profiles and bone mineral densities of postmenopausal women were included. The data from clinical trials were reviewed. Results: Soy isoflavones slightly decrease total cholesterol and LDL levels. The clinical significance of this small change is yet to be determined. The synthetic isoflavone derivative ipriflavone increases bone mineral density in healthy peri‐ and postmenopausal women with moderate bone mineral densities. Although earlier reports have claimed that soy is beneficial for the improvement of vasomotor symptoms, recent data do not support this claim. There are insufficient data on the other alternative therapies for treating menopausal symptoms at this time. Conclusion: Alternative and complementary medicine may play a role in the management of menopause, however, well‐designed large studies are still needed.
Angiogenic activity and IL‐8 concentrations in peritoneal fluid and sera in endometriosis
Authors: Barcz E , Skopinska Rózewska E , Kaminski P , Demkow U , Bobrowska K , Marianowski L 
Published: December 2002

AbstractObjectives: During menstruation endometrial fragments are transported into the peritoneal cavity where they form endometriotic lesions. Angiogenesis is proposed as one of the mechanisms in endometriosis pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to determine the angiogenic activity and interleukin 8 concentrations in peritoneal fluid and sera in endometriosis. Methods: Angiogenesis was determined in cutaneous assay in Balb/c mice; IL‐8 concentrations were measured by ELISA test in sera and peritoneal fluid of 32 control and 56 endometriosis patients. Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests and Spearman rank correlations were used in statistical analysis. Results: Peritoneal fluid and sera from the examined group had higher angiogenic activity and interleukin 8 concentrations. There was correlation found between AFS and neovascularization induced by sera and PF of patients with peritoneal lesions. Conclusions: Angiogenesis plays an important role in pathogenesis of endometriosis. Although IL‐8 takes part in neovascularization, there are other factors modulating angiogenesis in endometriosis.
Dolichos biflorus agglutinin‐binding site expression in basal keratinocytes is associated with cell differentiation
Authors: Dvořánková Barbora , Motlík Jan , Holíková Zuzana , Vacík Jiří , Smetana Karel 
Published: December 2002

AbstractA basal layer of squamous epithelia such as epidermis contains stem cells, transit amplifying cells as well as postmitotic differentiating cells. A detailed knowledge of the transition among these cell types in the course of epidermal renewal is important. It would help in better understanding of many pathological processes, including cancer, and in employment of epidermal cells for therapeutic purposes. In this study we analyzed the possible role of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA)‐reactive α‐N‐acetylgalactosamine glycosylation in behavior of the human epidermal basal cells under in vivo and in vitro conditions. The data received from porcine epidermis were also included. Part of basal cells was positive for DBA‐binding sites and these cells exhibited a lower presence of β1 integrin in their basal surface connected to the basement membrane. The perinuclear Golgi‐like accumulation of β1 integrin was observed in some cultured keratinocytes. The co‐localization of integrin with DBA‐binding sites and 58 kDa protein suggests that α‐N‐acetylgalactosamine glycosylation could be related to β1 integrin retention in the endoplasmatic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) at the beginning of the secretory pathway. The lack of anchorage in culture elevated the number of DBA‐binding site positive cells without significant influence on cell growth when cells isolated directly from epidermis were employed in study. Some role of DBA‐reactive glycoligand expressions in a suprabasal movement of differentiated basal cells can be hypothesized.
The integrin β1 subunit cytoplasmic tail forms oligomers: a potential role in β1 integrin clustering
Authors: Laplantine Emmanuel , Maurer Patrik , Vallar Laurent , Eble Johannes , Paulsson Mats , Bruckner Peter , Kieffer Nelly , Aumailley Monique 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIntegrins are α/β heterodimeric cell surface receptors devoid of enzymatic activity. Signal transduction therefore requires the association of cytosolic and cytoskeletal proteins with the integrin subunit intracellular regions. This association is initiated upon ligand binding to the integrin receptor and includes clustering of the integrins and recruitment of focal adhesion‐associated proteins. Whether integrin clustering is solely dependent on ligand binding to the integrin extracellular parts or involves also interactions between the intracellular tails of integrins is so far unknown. To investigate intracellular events in integrin clustering, we have used peptides corresponding to the integrin β1 cytoplasmic region. Loading of cells with the peptides results in a decreased cell adhesion and in an inhibition of cell spreading in agreement with the previously reported dominant negative effect of the β1 integrin cytoplasmic tail on integrin clustering. Direct protein—protein interaction studies by surface plasmon resonance demonstrate that integrin β1 cytoplasmic peptides self‐associate in contrast to integrin β3 cytoplasmic tails. Size exclusion chromatography and SDS—PAGE analysis of the peptides further show that the integrin β1 cytoplasmic parts form oligomers and that they assume α helical conformation to the extent of about 13% and that this fraction is increased upon aggregation. Thus self‐association of the integrin β1 subunit cytoplasmic regions may be central to β1 integrin clustering.
Treatment of the rat hepatic stellate cell line, PAV‐1, by retinol and palmitic acid leads to a convenient model to study retinoids metabolism
Authors: Sauvant Patrick , Abergel Armand , Partier Anne , Alexandre‐Gouabau Marie‐Cécile , Rock Edmond , Sion Benoit , Motta Claude , Sapin Vincent , Azaïs‐Bresco Véronique 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe main site of vitamin A storage in the liver is the hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Involvement of HSC in vitamin A metabolism has mainly been studied using primary culture, which represents the most physiological model but technically suffers several drawbacks (yield, low reproducibility, etc.). To circumvent these problems, we have previously established and characterised an immortalised rat HSC line named PAV‐1. This study aimed to investigate in PAV‐1 and in primary HSC (i) the incorporation of retinol and its esterification, (ii) the cellular retinol‐binding protein (CRBP) content, (iii) the acid retinyl ester hydrolase activity (aREH), (iv) the thermal susceptibility and (v) the lipid composition of the membranes, which may play a crucial role in retinol transport across cellular membrane. In routine conditions of culture, the rate of retinol esterification in PAV‐1 was low (5.2%) compared to that obtained with primary HSC (69.9%). Retinol pre‐treatment doubled this esterification rate (10.7%) and the CRBP content in PAV‐1. The co‐incubation with retinol and palmitic acid enabled PAV‐1 to esterify retinol with a rate close to that of primary HSC (66.2% vs. 69.9%) and with similar retinyl ester profiles. aREH activity was higher in primary HSC than in PAV‐1. Thermal susceptibility and phospholipid composition of membranes in PAV‐1 treated cells were similar to those of primary HSC. In conclusion, our study shows that PAV‐1 cells treated with retinol and palmitic acid is a sound and convenient model for studying vitamin A mobilisation, a fundamental physiological event occurring in HSC.
Characterization of the poly(A) binding proteins expressed during oogenesis and early development of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Cosson Bertrand , Couturier Anne , Le Guellec René , Moreau Jacques , Chabelskaya Svetlana , Zhouravleva Galina , Philippe Michel 
Published: December 2002

AbstractDuring vertebrate oogenesis and early embryogenesis, gene expression is governed mainly by translational control. The recruitment of Poly(A) Binding Protein (PABP) during poly(A) tail lengthening appears to be the key to translational activation during this period of development in Xenopus laevis. We showed that PABP1 and ePABP proteins are both present during oogenesis and early development. We selected ePABP as an eRF3 binding protein in a two‐hybrid screening of a X. laevis cDNA library and demonstrated that this protein is associated with translational complexes. It can complement essential functions of the yeast homologue Pab1p. We discuss specific expression patterns of the finely tuned PABP1 and ePABP proteins.
Permeability changes induced by polylysines in rat spermatids
Authors: Jorquera Ramon A. , Berrios Julio , Sans Jorge , Vergara Cecilia , Benos Dale J. , Reyes Juan G. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractHigh molecular weight (HMW, >15 kDa) but not low molecular weight (LMW, <15 kDa) polylysines (PLs) bound and induced permeability changes in rat spermatid plasma membranes, estimated by Mn2+ quenching of intracellular indo‐1 fluorescence (K
1/2 = 3.3 ± 0.5 μg/ml) and Co2+ quenching of intracellular calcein. The pharmacology of the Mn2+ entry pathway activated by HMW PL does not suggest that Ca2+ channels are involved in this phenomenon. Concentrations of HMW PL that induced divalent ion entry did not induce the entry of ethidium bromide, suggesting that HMW PL first bound and perturbed the plasma membrane structure inducing a non‐specific increase in membrane permeability. High concentrations of HMW PL induced cell lysis (K
1/2 = 23 μg/ml). The binding of HMW PL, initially homogenous on the cell surface, subsequently progressed to a segregated pattern resembling a clustering phenomenon.
Measurement of the perception of facially expressed emotions by a computerized device: method of analysis and research for the integration of emotions (MARIE)
Authors: Granato Philippe , Bruyer Raymond 
Published: December 2002

SummaryCurrent computerized tools allow detailed exploration of the structure and functioning of the “black box,” i.e., human cognitive and affective systems as well as thought. This technology was used to study the visual perception of facially expressed emotions. Morphological transition from one canonical emotion to another led to the creation of a continuum of intermediary pictures, and the identification of perceived emotions by 65 normal subjects was measured. We call this application “MARIE” (in French: Méthode d’Analyse et de Recherche de l’Intégration des Émotions; Method of Study and Analysis of Integration of Emotions). Our study examined the relationship between the quantitative modification of the continuum and the quantitative variation of the responses. Standardization of graphs led to the assessment of the two parameters of a Laplace-Gauss curve, i.e., mean and standard deviation. It is argued that such a tool could be very useful in the clinical assessment of the emotional state of subjects and/or of patients.
Fatal self-induced water intoxication among schizophrenic inpatients
Authors: Loas G. , Mercier-Guidez E. 
Published: December 2002

SummaryBetween 1986 and 1998, a review of 61 records of patients who died before the age of 53 years in eight psychiatric departments whose catchment area had a total population of 559,429 inhabitants revealed that 24 (39.3%) of those patients had a schizophrenic disorder. Of those 24 patients, one (4.17%; 95% CI: 0–21%) died from complications of self-induced water intoxication (SIWIS). Among the 37 remaining patients, two (5.4%; 95% CI: 0–18%) died from complications of SIWIS.
Association between flupenthixol treatment and emergence of manic symptoms
Authors: Becker D. , Grinberg Y. , Weizman A. , Mester R. 
Published: December 2002

SummaryBackground.Flupenthixol is an antipsychotic drug with known mood-elevating properties. Its propensity to induce manic symptoms has not been investigated.Methods and results.We describe six patients, four with schizophrenia and two with bipolar disorder, in whom flupenthixol treatment was associated with emergence of manic symptoms.Conclusions.Patients treated with flupenthixol should be carefully monitored for the emergence of manic symptoms.
The dual-diagnosis concept used by Swedish social workers: limited validity upon examination using a structured diagnostic approach
Authors: Heilig Markus , Forslund Kaj , Åsberg Marie , Rydberg Ulf 
Published: December 2002

SummaryA co-existence of chemical dependence and other psychiatric syndromes is commonly referred to as “dual-diagnosis.” This categorization is commonly made by social workers in several European countries assigned the primary responsibility for the care of drug and alcohol dependence. Here, we examined the validity of this categorization through systematic, structured patient evaluation following a minimum of 3 weeks of abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Less than one-third of patients originally labelled as suffering from “dual-diagnosis” by the social services did in fact obtain any Axis I DSM IIIR diagnosis, and less than half of the patients had any psychiatric diagnosis other than dependence. Syndromes commonly discussed in the context of self-medication, i.e., unipolar depression and anxiety syndromes, were not over-represented compared to a population sample, while chronic psychoses and bipolar syndromes were highly significantly more common. We conclude that the dual-diagnosis concept, unless substantiated through stringent diagnostic procedures by psychiatrically trained personnel, may be of questionable utility in caring for patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms and substance dependence. A systematic individual evaluation in an alcohol- and drug-free state of sufficient duration is necessary to obtain a basis for an adequate individual treatment plan.
The transsexual: what about the future?
Authors: Michel A. , Ansseau M. , Legros J.J. , Pitchot W. , Mormont C. 
Published: December 2002

SummarySince the 1950s, sexual surgical reassignments have been frequently carried out. As this surgical therapeutic procedure is controversial, it seems important to explore the actual consequences of such an intervention and objectively evaluate its relevance. In this context, we have carried out a review of the literature. After looking at the methodological limitations of follow-up studies, the psychological, sexual, social, and professional futures of the individuals subject to a transsexual operation are presented. Finally, prognostic aspects are considered. In the literature, follow-up studies tend to show that surgical transformations have positive consequences for the subjects. In the majority of cases, transsexuals are very satisfied with their intervention and any difficulties experienced are often temporary and disappear within a year after the surgical transformation. Studies show that there is less than 1% of regrets, and a little more than 1% of suicides among operated subjects. The empirical research does not confirm the opinion that suicide is strongly associated with surgical transformation.
Effect of nebivolol on left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure: a pilot study
Authors: Brehm Bernhard R. , Wolf Sabine C. , Görner Sandra , Buck‐Müller Nina , Risler Teut 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBackground:Sympathetic activity is a significant predictor of a poor prognosis in heart failure. Beta‐blockers have been shown to improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure.Aim:This pilot study examined the tolerability and efficacy of the new β‐blocker nebivolol on left ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure.Methods and Results:Twelve patients with an ejection fraction of 13–39% were included in this double blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial of nebivolol administered in addition to standard therapy. Exercise time, heart rate, left ventricular function and tolerability were examined at baseline and after 3 months of orally administered nebivolol (2.5 and 5 mg, n=6) or placebo (n=6). Nebivolol was well tolerated and the NYHA class improved in four patients. Heart rate decreased while the maximal exercise duration and performance remained stable. Left ventricular function increased (ejection fraction 31.5±10.11 to 42.0±10.99%, P≤0.01) after 12 weeks of nebivolol. The left ventricular end‐systolic diameter decreased in the nebivolol‐group from 56.5±9.40 to 50.2±9.43 mm (P≤0.02).Conclusion:These data indicate that nebivolol might improve cardiac function in patients with reduced left ventricular function.