bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexuality after total vs. subtotal hysterectomy
Authors: Zobbe Vibeke , Gimbel Helga , Andersen Birthe Margrethe , Filtenborg Thomas , Jakobsen Kristian , SØrensen Helle Christina , Toftager‐Larsen Kim , Sidenius Katrine , MØller Nini , Madsen Ellen Merete , Vejtorp Mogens , Clausen Helle , Rosgaard Annie , Gluud Christian , Ottesen Bent S. , Tabor Ann 
Published: February 2004

Background.  The effect of hysterectomy on sexuality is not fully elucidated and until recently total and subtotal hysterectomies have only been compared in observational studies.Aims.  To compare total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) to subtotal abdominal hysterectomy (SAH) regarding effects on sexuality.Methods.  In a Danish multicenter trial 319 women were randomized to TAH (n = 158) or SAH (n = 161); 185 women had self‐selected TAH (n = 80) or SAH (n = 105) in a simultaneously conducted observational study. Women were followed for 1 year by strict data collection procedures, including postal questionnaires. Results were analyzed by intention to treat (ITT) analyses.Results.  No significant differences were observed between TAH and SAH at 1‐year follow‐up in both the randomized trial and the observational study regarding women's desire for sex, frequency of intercourse, frequency of orgasm, quality of orgasm, localization of orgasm, satisfaction with sexual life, and dyspareunia. None of these sexual variables changed significantly from entry to the 1‐year follow‐up, apart from dyspareunia, which was significantly (p = 0.009) reduced in both intervention groups. Significant (p < 0.05) predictors for satisfaction with sexual life after hysterectomy were the preoperative satisfaction with sexual life [odds ratio (OR) 32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 10–125], good relationship with partner (OR 50, 95% CI 9–354), physical well‐being (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09–0.88) and hormone replacement therapy (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.78).Conclusions.  Both TAH and SAH significantly reduce dyspareunia without having a negative effect on sexual function. The shift toward SAH seems unwarranted.
Are health expectations of term breech infants unrealistically high?
Authors: Ulander Veli‐Matti , Gissler Mika , Nuutila Mika , Ylikorkala Olavi 
Published: February 2004

Background.  The aim of this study was to compare the effect of fetal presentation and mode of delivery on infant outcome in a nation‐wide study.Methods.  In a retrospective observational cohort study, we compared, with the help of Finnish Medical Birth Register and other nation‐wide registers, the short‐term and long‐term outcome of infants born by breech vaginal (n = 1270) or by vertex vaginal delivery (n = 128 683) or through planned cesarean section (CS) in breech (n = 1640) or vertex (n = 4997); the pregnancies were otherwise entirely normal.Results.  One perinatal death occurred in the breech vaginal group and 23 deaths in the vertex vaginal group (p = 0.112), but none in either CS group. Breech vaginal delivery was associated with increased risk of Apgar scores 6 or less at age 1 min (OR 7.65, CI 6.41–9.12) and at age 5 min (OR 6.42, CI 4.36–9.45) as compared with vertex vaginal delivery. These odd ratios were also elevated (OR 4.59, CI 3.48–7.08 and OR 7.58, CI 3.09–18.66, respectively) when compared with breech planned CS. Yet the risk for birth trauma of infants in the breech vaginal group was smaller (OR 0.70, CI 0.51–0.96) than that in the vertex vaginal group but this risk was smallest in the planned CS groups. A number of other neonatal complications occurred equally commonly in each group. Breech infants born vaginally needed fewer admissions (OR 0.58, 0.47–0.72) to out‐patient departments and the cumulative incidence of long‐term morbidity in the breech vaginal group was smaller (OR 0.47, CI 0.28–0.80) to the age of 7 years than that in the breech planned CS. The maturity for starting school and school performance during the first two school years showed no dependence on mode of delivery.Conclusion.  Apart from Apgar suppression, elective vaginal delivery of a full‐term breech fetus in highly selected pregnancies does not cause additional neonatal hazards as compared with full‐term vertex deliveries. The immediate outcome was best for breech or vertex infants born through elective CSs.
Frequency of spontaneously occurring postmenopausal bleeding in the general population
Authors: Astrup Karen , Olivarius Niels de Fne 
Published: February 2004

Background.  To determine the frequency of spontaneously occurring postmenopausal bleeding in the population, a prospective observational population study was undertaken.Methods.  Out of a population‐based sample of 2000 Danish women aged 45–54 years, 1616 women responded to an initial questionnaire. Of these, 1059 women with natural gynecologic functions were eligible for the diary study, and of these, 951 (89.8%) women completed 1 year of daily recording of bleeding, medication relevant to bleeding, and medical consultations for gynecologic matters. Of the 951 women, 271 were postmenopausal.Main outcome measures.  Occurrence of spontaneous postmenopausal bleeding including strength and length of each bleeding.Results.  Of 271 postmenopausal women, 29 (10.7%, 95% confidence interval 7.3–15.0%) recorded spontaneous postmenopausal bleeding. The incidence of women with bleeding was strongly correlated with time since menopause (P = 0.0001), with an estimated incidence of 409/1000 (218/1000–771/1000) person‐years immediately after the first 12 months of amenorrhea following the menopause falling to 42/1000 (17/1000–102/1000) more than 3 years after menopause.Conclusions.  This study indicates that recurrence of bleeding is very common in the time immediately after the 12 months of amenorrhea after what is currently defined as the final menstrual period, declining to low frequencies more than 3 years after the final menstrual period.
Menstrual bleeding patterns in pre‐ and perimenopausal women: a population‐based prospective diary study
Authors: Astrup Karen , Olivarius Niels de Fine , MØller Susanne , Gottschau Adam , Karlslund Willy 
Published: February 2004

Background.  To investigate natural menstrual bleeding patterns in pre‐ and perimenopausal women, a prospective observational population study was carried out.Methods.  A total of 1616 (80.8%) of a population‐based sample of 2000 Danish women aged 45–54 years answered an initial questionnaire. Of 1059 women with natural gynecological functions, 951 (89.8%) completed 1 year of daily recording of bleeding. Of these women, 592 were pre‐ or perimenopausal and were included in this study.Main outcome measures.  Length and heaviness of bleeding episodes, including frequency of spotting, flooding and prolonged bleeding, according to regularity of cycles.Results.  The proportion of women with irregular cycles increased from 58.3% at age 45–46 years to 100% at age 53–54 years (P < 0.001). Irregularity of cycles was accompanied by increased variation in both length and subjective assessment of heaviness of bleeding episodes in the individual woman and between women (P < 0.001). Episodes of spotting (P < 0.001) and prolonged bleeding (10 days or more) (P < 0.001) were more common in women with irregular cycles. Subjective assessment of heaviness of bleeding episodes, however, was higher in women with regular cycles (P < 0.001). One or more episodes of flooding were recorded by 24.0% of all women irrespective of regularity of cycles (P = 0.40) but more frequently in younger women (P < 0.001).Conclusions.  Irregularity of cycle lengths at the end of the fertile period is common, and is accompanied by an increased inter‐ and intraindividual variation in the length and heaviness of bleeding episodes, including increased frequency of prolonged bleeding and spotting.
Human chorionic gonadotropin in maternal serum in relation to fetal gender and utero‐placental blood flow
Authors: Steier Johan Arnt , Bergsjø Per B. , Thorsen Thor , Myking Ole L. 
Published: February 2004

Background.  To investigate whether fetal gender differences in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in maternal serum and the presence of hCG receptors in the wall of the uterine arteries influence the utero‐placental blood flow.Method and material.  Sixty‐six healthy women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies were examined at 8–10, 16–19 and 31–37 weeks of gestation. The pulsatility index (PI) was measured in the uterine arteries, simultaneously with sampling of peripheral maternal blood for hCG determination. Volume flow in the uterine arteries was determined in the second and third trimesters only.Results.  In the first and second trimesters no gender differences in the hCG levels were observed. From the second to the third trimester the hCG levels increased significantly in pregnancies with female fetuses (P < 0.05), while in pregnancies with male fetuses the hCG levels tended to decline. The PI declined significantly from the first to the third trimester in both genders (P < 0.001). In the first and third trimesters no gender differences were seen. In the second trimester the PI values were significantly higher in pregnancies with male fetuses than in those with female fetuses (P < 0.02). The flow volume increased significantly in both genders from the second to the third trimester (P < 0.001). In the third trimester the flow volume was higher in pregnancies with female fetuses than in those with male fetuses (P = 0.05).Conclusion.  The gender differences in uterine artery PI and flow volume were not correlated to maternal serum hCG levels.
Correlations between umbilical and maternal serum adiponectin levels and neonatal birthweights
Authors: Chan Te‐Fu , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F. , Chen Hung‐Sheng , Guu Chen‐Feng , Wu Lee‐Chen , Yeh Yao‐Tsung , Chung Yueh‐Fang , Jong Shiang‐Bin , Su Jinu‐Huang 
Published: February 2004

Objective.  To measure adiponectin levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord serum at delivery, and examine whether or not there are correlations between adiponectin levels and neonatal birthweights, maternal body weights and body mass indexes.Study design.  The study included 84 healthy mothers who had given birth to healthy neonates. Adiponectin levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord serum were determined by radioimmunoassay and compared.Results.  The ranges of adiponectin levels for umbilical cord serum and maternal serum were 22.7–78.4 µg/ml and 4.0–43.3 µg/ml, respectively. Umbilical serum adiponectin levels (46.9 ± 1.2 µg/ml) were significantly higher than maternal serum adiponectin levels (16.1 ± 0.8 µg/ml) (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between the adiponectin levels in maternal serum and those in umbilical cord serum (r = 0.158, p = 0.151). Umbilical serum adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with both neonatal birthweights (r = 0.454, p < 0.001) and gestational ages at birth (r = 0.295, p = 0.006), but not with maternal serum adiponectin levels. Maternal serum adiponectin levels were only negatively correlated to maternal weights and body mass index at delivery (r = 0.288, p = 0.008; r = 0.372, p < 0.001).Conclusion.  The levels of adiponectin were higher in umbilical cord serum than in maternal serum. Moreover, the adiponectin levels in umbilical cord serum were found to correlate positively with neonatal birthweights. Therefore, fetal adiponectin, not maternal serum adiponectin, may be involved in fetal development during late pregnancy.
Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase activity in healthy children
Authors: SKÁLOVÁ SYLVA , CHLÁDEK JAROSLAV 
Published: February 2004

SUMMARY:Aim:  The principal aim was to establish paediatric reference data for the urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase  (U‐NAG)  activity.Method and Results:  Two  hundred  and  sixty‐two  healthy  children  aged  0–18 years (0–1 month, n = 38; 1 month−1 year, n = 50; 1–3 years, n = 50; 3–6 years, n = 46; 6–10 years, n = 29; 10–18 years, n = 49) had a urine sample collected and the U‐NAG activity was evaluated by using fluorimetry and related to urinary creatinine as a nkat/mmol ratio. A strong age dependence of the U‐NAG/creatinine ratio and its high interindividual variability in children was observed; the highest values of upper reference range being in the 0–1 month and 1 month−1 year groups (134.8 and 50, respectively), which dropped gradually to 7.25 in the oldest age group (10–18 years).Conclusion:  The establishment of urinary NAG reference paediatric values is a potentially useful tool for the proper evaluation of renal tubular impairment in children.
Cost of renal replacement therapy in Turkey
Authors: EREK EKREM , SEVER MEHMET ŞÜKRÜ , AKOGLU EMEL , SARIYAR MUZAFFER , BOZFAKIOGLU SEMRA , APAYDIN SUHEYLA , ATAMAN REZZAN , SARSMAZ NEDIM , ALTIPARMAK MEHMET RIZA , SEYAHI NURHAN , SERDENGEÇTI KAMIL 
Published: February 2004

SUMMARY:Background and Results:  By the end 2000, 22 224 patients were on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Turkey. We investigated the cost of RRT in three medical faculties and one private dialysis centre. Yearly expenses were US$22 759 for haemodialysis (HD), US$22 350 for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and US$23 393 and US$10 028, respectively, for the first and second years of transplantation (Tx). In the first year, renal Tx was significantly more expensive than CAPD. However, after the first year of renal transplantation, Tx became significantly more economical than both CAPD and HD. The sum of all yearly RRT expenses for the country was US$488 958 709, which corresponds to nearly 5.5% of Turkey's total health expenditure.Conclusion:  Measures such as early construction of vascular access, promoting home dialysis and the reuse of the dialysers, strict control of the use of some expensive drugs like erythropoietin and active vitamin D, and also increasing the number of transplantations, especially if pre‐emptive transplantation is possible, should be taken into account in order to reduce these expenses.
Effect of intraguild predation on the survival and development of three species of aphidophagous ladybirds: consequences for invasive species
Authors: Sato Satoru , Dixon Anthony F. G. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 Survival and development of hatchling larvae of three aphidophagous ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Harmonia axyridis Pallas, Coccinella septempunctata brucki Mulsant and Adalia bipunctata Linnaeus, when fed their own and the other species eggs were recorded.2 In all three species, the larvae survived when fed conspecific eggs.3 The percentage of larvae of H. axyridis that survived decreased to 35% and 85% when fed eggs of A. bipunctata and C. s. brucki, respectively. All the larvae of A. bipunctata and C. s. brucki died after eating eggs of H. axyridis. None of the larvae of C. s. brucki died after eating eggs of A. bipunctata, whereas 46% of those of A. bipunctata died after eating eggs of C. s. brucki.4 In general, larvae were reluctant to eat the eggs of other species. However, larvae of C. s. brucki showed less reluctance than H. axyridis to eat the eggs of A. bipunctata.5 The consequence of this for invasive species of ladybird is discussed.
Occurrence of Steinernema species in cabbage fields and the effect of inoculated S. feltiae on Delia radicum and its parasitoids
Authors: Nielsen Otto , Philipsen Holger 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 Seven organically grown cabbage fields were surveyed for entomopathogenic nematodes in the autumn by baiting. Nematodes were obtained from three fields with bait larvae infection ranging from 1.3–4.0%.2 Inoculation of Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in the spring increased bait larvae infection to 16.0–32.0%.3 Four different species were found (Steinernema affine, Steinernema bicornutum, S. feltiae and Steinernema C1).4 The number of Delia radicum (L.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) puparia was significantly reduced at plants where S. feltiae had been inoculated.5 Delia radicum parasitoids were also affected by S. feltiae. The results indicated that Aleochara species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) were more negatively affected than Trypliographa rapae (Westw.) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae).
Genetic diversity of the green spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum Walker) in north‐west Europe
Authors: Halldórsson G. , Sigurdsson V. , Thórsson Æ. TH. , Oddsdóttir E. S. , Sigurgeirsson A. , Anamthawat‐Jónsson K. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to investigate genetic diversity of anholocyclic populations of the green spruce aphid, Elatobium abietinum Walker, in north‐west Europe.2 The results showed that the aphid in this region was divided genetically into three major groups. Aphids from the British Isles and north‐west France comprised the first group, the second group consisted of aphids from Denmark and Iceland, and the third group consisted of aphids from Norway.3 The results indicated a significant level of gene flow within and between sites and geographical regions, especially in the British Isles and north‐west France. Lateral migration of the aphid and/or sexual reproduction is likely to have facilitated the gene flow.4 The implications of these findings on management of the green spruce aphid are discussed.
Male‐produced aggregation pheromone of Carpophilus sayi, a nitidulid vector of oak wilt disease, and pheromonal comparison with Carpophilus lugubris
Authors: Bartelt Robert J. , Kyhl John F. , Ambourn Angie K. , Juzwik Jennifer , Seybold Steven J. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 Carpophilus sayi, a nitidulid beetle vector of the oak wilt fungus, Ceratocystis fagacearum, was shown to have a male‐produced aggregation pheromone.2 Six male‐specific chemicals were identified from collections of volatiles. The two major compounds were (2E,4E,6E,8E)‐3,5‐dimethyl‐7‐ethyl‐2,4,6,8‐undecatetraene and (2E,4E,6E,8E)‐3,5,7‐trimethyl‐2,4,6,8‐undecatetraene, in a ratio of 100 : 18. These compounds, in a similar ratio, were previously reported to be the pheromone of Carpophilus lugubris, a closely related species. The four minor C. sayi compounds (less than 4% as abundant as the first) were also alkyl‐branched hydrocarbons and consisted of two additional tetraenes and two trienes.3 The pheromone of C. lugubris was re‐examined to refine the comparison with C. sayi, and C. lugubris was found to have the same additional, minor tetraenes as C. sayi, but not the trienes.4 A synthetic mixture of the two major compounds was behaviourally active for both sexes of C. sayi in oak woodlands in Minnesota. The pheromone was tested in combination with fermenting whole wheat bread dough (a potent synergist of nitidulid pheromones). The combination of the 500‐µg pheromone dose and dough attracted at least 30‐fold more C. sayi than either pheromone or dough by itself. The synergized pheromone has potential as a tool for monitoring insect vector activity in an integrated management program for oak wilt.5 Although C. lugubris was not present at the Minnesota test sites, two other Carpophilus species, Carpophilus brachypterus and Carpophilus corticinus, were clearly cross‐attracted to the synergized pheromone of C. sayi.
The effects of feeding by the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, on the growth and yield components of rice, Oryza sativa
Authors: Zou Li , Stout Michael J. , Dunand Richard T. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 The effects of feeding by larvae of the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, on the growth and yield components of rice, Oryza sativa, were evaluated using four varieties of rice, ‘Cocodrie’, ‘Cypress’, ‘Bengal’ and ‘XP1003’, over 2 years.2 Both adults and larvae of L. oryzophilus feed on rice plants, but it is feeding by the larval stage that causes economic losses. Feeding by L. oryzophilus larvae resulted in extensive damage to root systems. Pruning of root systems resulted in a decrease in tiller number and shoot biomass of rice plants in the vegetative stage of growth.3 Yield losses were due to a combination of decreases in panicle densities, numbers of grains per panicle, and grain weights. Decreases in panicle densities were a direct result of the reductions in tiller numbers. Reductions in numbers of grains per panicle and grain weights probably resulted from decreases in shoot biomass.4 Injury by rice water weevil larvae is chronic. The tillering stage of rice suffered the majority of weevil damage, but the growth effects were not manifested until later.
Occurrence and direct control potential of parasitoids and predators of the fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize in the subtropical lowlands of Mexico
Authors: Hoballah Maria Elena , Degen Thomas , Bergvinson David , Savidan Anita , Tamò Cristina , Turlings Ted C. J. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 Native natural enemies have the potential to control fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in tropical maize grown in Mexico, where this insect pest causes severe economic losses to farmers. It has been proposed that enhancing herbivore‐induced volatile emissions in maize plants may help to increase the effectiveness of natural enemies, which use these volatiles to locate their prey. This will only be of immediate benefit to farmers if the activity of the natural enemies results in a direct reduction in herbivory. Here we report on field surveys for the most common natural enemies in a tropical maize‐growing region in Mexico and the potential effects of these enemies on herbivory by fall armyworm.2 Caterpillars were collected in maize fields near Poza Rica in the state of Veracruz during January and February 1999, 2000 and 2001. Plants were either naturally infested by S. frugiperda, or artificially infested with laboratory‐reared larvae. Ten species of parasitoids emerged from the collected larvae and eight species of predators that are known to feed on larvae and eggs were observed on the plants. Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was the dominant parasitoid species, in 1999 and 2001.3 Of the nine larval parasitoids collected, six (all solitary) are known to reduce herbivory, whereas one causes the host to eat more (for two species this is not known). This implies that enhancing the effectiveness of solitary endoparasitoids may benefit subsistence farmers in developing countries by immediately reducing herbivory. The overall benefit for the plant resulting from parasitoid activity also has important implications for the evolutionary role of parasitoids in contributing to selection pressures that shape indirect defences in plants.
Stand‐level distribution and movement of Platypus quercivorus adults and patterns of incidence of new infestation
Authors: Esaki Kojiro , Kato Kenryu , Kamata Naoto 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  1 Flying populations of an ambrosia beetle, Platypus quercivorus (Murayama), a vector of an ambrosia fungus Raffaelea quercivora, which causes deciduous oak diebacks in Japan, were determined by sticky screen traps.2 Platypus quercivorus beetles tended to move upwards along slopes. The highest concentrations of flying beetles usually occured at the upper forest margins.3 During the period when the number of flying beetles was increasing, the incidence of newly infested trees spread from the epicentre into the forest. During the period when the number of flying beetles was decreasing, the epicentre shrank into the upper forest edge. Newly infested trees did not occur in this period because most trees had already been infested.4 Near the upper forest edge, where many beetles were highly concentrated throughout the season, the number of new entry holes decreased greatly after the initial attack early in the season, although many adults were present throughout the period.