bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bilateral Deep-Brain Stimulation on Oral Control of Patients with Parkinsonism
Authors: Gentil Michèle , Garcia-Ruiz Pedro , Pollak Pierre , Benabid Alim-Louis 
Published: April 2003

We assessed the oral system of parkinsonian patients treated with bilateral chronic stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (Vim), and of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) to compare the effects of these procedures on the articulatory organs. Force transducers were used to sample ramp-and-hold force contractions generated by the upper lip, lower lip and tongue at 1- and 2-newton target force levels, as well as maximal force. Fourteen healthy control subjects and 14 parkinsonian patients participated in this study. After an overnight fast the patients were evaluated under two conditions: during bilateral stimulation and 1 h after stopping stimulation. With Vim stimulation, dynamic and static control of the articulatory organs was worsened while with STN stimulation it was greatly improved. The target of stimulation differently influences the oral system and modulates neuronal structures involved in speech.
Combined Therapy of Corticosteroid and Azathioprine in Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis
Authors: Choi Il Saing , Park Soo Chul , Jung Yeon Kyung , Lee Sung Soo 
Published: April 2003

Hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (HCP) is a rare inflammatory disease of unknown origin in which recurrence is frequently observed in spite of the initial response to steroid therapy. Three patients, 1 man and 2 women, aged 63, 66, and 67 years, with severe intractable headache were evaluated by brain MRI. All patients were initially given prednisolone (60 mg/day, oral) or dexamethasone (20 mg/day, i.v.), and followed by long-term (at least 1 year) azathioprine therapy. All patients were evaluated by follow-up laboratory tests and brain MRI study, and completed the 2-year follow-up period. Symptoms including headache were initially improved with corticosteroid therapy, but patients became steroid-dependent. Azathioprine administration in these steroid-dependent patients permitted the complete cessation of corticosteroid and led to the clinical and radiological recovery. In conclusion, initial high-dose corticosteroid administration followed by long-term azathioprine therapy may be the ideal treatment of HCP at present.
Computerized Cardiotocography following Vibroacoustic Stimulation of Premature Fetuses
Authors: Bartnicki Janusz , Dimer Jane Ann S. , Hertwig Kai , Dudenhausen Joachim W. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) on the fetal heart rates (FHRs) in a group of premature fetuses. <b>Study Design:</b> The FHRs were analyzed using the Oxford Sonicaid Computer System 8000, 30 min preceding and then 3 times following VAS. <b>Results:</b> The changes of the mean FHR after VAS in the premature group and the control group of term fetuses occurred in the first 10 min after VAS. The greatest increase in the number of accelerations occurred in both groups during the 11–20 min following VAS. The long-term variability increased significantly in all 3 study periods in premature fetuses and only in the periods of 0–10 and 11–20 min in the control group. The increase in short-term variability was similar in both groups and it was greatest in the period of 11–20 min. <b>Conclusion:</b> Most of the heart rate changes of premature fetuses occur between 11 and 20 min following VAS.
Cervical Dilatation: Induction by Antigestagens via Adhesion Molecules
Authors: Kemp B. , Winkler M. , Hauptmann S. , Rath W. 
Published: April 2003

Cervical ripening at term resembles an inflammatory reaction with invasion of activated granulocytes into the cervical stroma. Our objective was to investigate the influence of the antigestagen onapristone alone and in combination with other substances associated with cervical ripening on the expression of the inflammation-associated adhesion molecules ELAM-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Human endothelial cell cultures were stimulated with onapristone (200 ng/ml), TNF-α (100 U/ml), IL-8 (20 ng/ml) and PGE<sub>2</sub> (3 ng/ml) separately and in combination (n = 6). The expression of adhesion molecules was determined qualitatively and quantitatively by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry with statistical evaluation by Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis. Onapristone upregulated slightly the expression of ELAM-1 (19%). The costimulation of onapristone and TNF-α provoked an additive expression of VCAM-1 (64%) beyond the effect of TNF-α alone, while the costimulation of onapristone and PGE<sub>2</sub> as well as the combination with IL-8 did not result in an additional stimulatory effect. All results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). This result supports our hypothesis that onapristone may lead to an increased adhesion of granulocytes to the capillary endothelium thereby initiating cervical ripening.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Transvaginal Sonography for the Assessment of Retained Products of Conception After Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Chung Tony K.H. , Cheung Lai P. , Sahota Daljit S. , Haines Christopher J. , Chang Allan M.Z. 
Published: April 2003

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) was used to assess uterine contents in 100 consecutive subjects presenting with a diagnosis of spontaneous abortion. TVS assessments were correlated with findings at subsequent evacuation of retained products of conception (ERPC). There was a strong correlation between the weight of the surgical specimen at ERPC with both the sagittal (r = 0.76; p < 0.05) and transverse (r = 0.73; p < 0.05) plane area measurements of the uterine cavity. Combining the 2 sonographic measurements increased the correlation to r = 0.81 (p < 0.05). Fifteen of 25 subjects who had been categorised to have an ‘empty’ uterus had less than 5 g of tissue removed and the other 10 subjects less than 10 g of tissue. In 20 of these 25 cases, the surgeon described the amount of curettings as ‘small or non-significant’. TVS can accurately identify those women who do not have a significant amount of residual uterine tissue following spontaneous abortion.
Measurement of Intrauterine Human Decidua-Associated Protein 200 and Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Halperin Reuvit , Hadas Eran , Bukovsky Ian , Schneider David 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the current study was to examine whether the measurement of intrauterine human decidua-associated protein (hDP) 200 might be of clinical value in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy versus early missed abortion. Uterine fluid levels of hDP 200 were measured in two groups of patients: 20 women with ectopic pregnancy, diagnosed by laparoscopy, and 20 women diagnosed (after curettage) as having a missed abortion. No significant difference in hDP 200 levels was observed comparing patients with ectopic pregnancy (mean 114.0 ± 58.2 mU/ml) and patients with early missed abortion (mean 222.0 ± 116.0 mU/ml), although a trend towards lower levels of uterine fluid hDP 200 was noted in the group of patients presenting with tubal pregnancy. Thus, according to our data, intrauterine hDP 200 is not sufficiently discriminative to be of clinical value in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Combined Ultrasonographically Guided Drainage and Laparoscopic Excision of Large Endometriomas
Authors: Garzetti Giuseppe Gioele , Ciavattini Andrea , Tiriduzzi Mauro 
Published: April 2003

We report a prospective pilot study which evaluated the feasibility of combined ultrasonographically guided drainage and laparoscopic excision after pre-operative administration of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue for 3 months in the management of ovarian endometriotic cysts >5 cm. Ten patients with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of large unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriotic cysts received an intramuscular injection of <i>leuprorelinum acetate 3.75</i> every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. After 4 weeks of medical treatment, the endometrioma was carefully drained transabdominally under ultrasonographic control. Within 8 weeks since the last injection, the patients were submitted to a second ultrasonography, and laparoscopy-guided stripping of the endometrioma was performed. A videotape review was undertaken to evaluate duration and complexity of the different phases of surgery. Stripping of endometriomas with preservation of residual ovarian parenchymas was obtained in all cases; adhesiolysis was complete in 6 cases. There were neither intra-operative complications nor conversions in laparotomy. In conclusion, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue and cyst drainage seem to permit an easy laparoscopic approach of large endometriomas; the findings of our pilot phase seem to justify a randomized trial to better define the effectiveness of this approach with respect to standard procedures.
Antenatal Molecular Diagnosis of X-Linked Ichthyosis by Maternal Serum Screening for Down’s Syndrome
Authors: Di Mario Marco , Ferrari Antonella , Morales Victor , Perosin Daniela , Pazzoni Flavia , Piazzi Gaia 
Published: April 2003

A case of X-linked ichthyosis diagnosed antenatally by molecular analysis of fetal DNA is described. The diagnosis was made at 16 weeks gestation, following the finding of a maternal serum unconjugated estriol level lower than 0.1 MoM when performing a triple test. Fetal DNA was obtained from cultured amniocytes; two specific regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction at 5′ and 3′ ends of the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene on Xp22.3 region. Analysis showed complete deletion of the STS gene on the distal tip of the X-chromosome short arm.
Influence of Acupuncture on Duration of Labor
Authors: Zeisler Harald , Tempfer Clemens , Mayerhofer Klaus , Barrada Monir , Husslein Peter 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this case control study was to evaluate the thus far controversially discussed influence of acupuncture (AP) on the duration of labor. Fifty-seven women with AP treatment (group A) were included in our study after spontaneous vaginal full-term delivery. The control group included 63 women (group B). Median duration of the first stage of labor was 196 min in group A and 321 min in group B (Wilcoxon 2-sample test, p < 0.0001). Median duration of the second stage of labor was 57 min in group A and 57 min in group B (Wilcoxon 2-sample test, p = 0.82). Thirty women had a premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), in group A 66.7% and in group B 33.3% (χ<sup>2</sup> test, p = 0.02). Women without AP (group B) received significantly more often oxytocin during the first stage of labor compared with group A women (85 and 15%, respectively, χ<sup>2</sup> test, p = 0.01) as well as during the second stage of labor (72 and 28%, respectively, χ<sup>2</sup> test, p = 0.03). Our study suggests that AP treatment is a recommendable form of childbirth preparation due to its positive effect on the duration of labor, namely by shortening the first stage of labor.
Sacrospinous Fixation for the Prolapsed Vaginal Vault
Authors: Özcan Utku , Güngör Tayfun , Ekin Murat , Eken Sinan 
Published: April 2003

In 54 patients, transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation procedures were reviewed retrospectively. The mean operation time was 15 (12–45) min. The mean blood loss was 126 (110–175) cm<sup>3</sup>. The only intraoperative complication was a rectal laceration that was repaired primarily. The mean duration of follow-up was 28 (4–54) months. There were only 2 recurrent vaginal vault prolapses. There were 3 cases of cystocele (5.5%), 1 case of rectocele (1.8%), 5 cases of enterocele (9.2%), 3 cases of stress incontinence (5.5%), and 5 cases of dysparonia (9.2%). Sacrospinous ligament fixation can be used as an alternative treatment to vaginal hysterectomy in aged women with medical problems and young women suffering from genital descent with infertility. The procedure has the advantage of avoiding laparatomy, facilitating other vaginal repairs needed during the same operation, preserving vaginal function and shortening the time necessary for anesthesia and surgery.
Calcium Dobesilate Lowers the Blood Pressure in Mild to Moderate Midtrimester Hypertension
Authors: Tamás Peter , Csermely Tamás , Ertl Tibor , Vizer Miklós , Szabó István , Prievara Ferenc T. 
Published: April 2003

To test the effects of calcium dobesilate (Doxium) in pregnancies complicated with pregnancy-induced hypertension or mild/moderate pre-eclampsia a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was carried out. Primigravida patients (gestational age ≤34 weeks) daily took 2 g Doxium or placebo until delivery. Twelve patients received placebo for 53 days, and 11 patients took the drug for 57 days on average. At the start of the study 2 patients in the placebo group (PG) and 8 in the Doxium group (DG) had pre-eclampsia. The mean arterial pressure (mean ± SD) significantly decreased from 118 ± 7 to 99 ± 9 mm Hg in the DG (p = 0.003), while in the PG it had slightly increased by the end of the study. Proteinuria was higher in the DG at the start but not at the end; however, significant changes of this parameter were detected in neither of the groups throughout the study. Fibronectin decreased significantly in both groups but it was more pronounced in the DG (23.8 vs. 9.4%). Changes of platelet count, plasma and blood viscosity, and erythrocyte deformability were favourable in the DG but in the PG these parameters had deteriorated although the alterations were not significant. No marked differences were found between the two groups regarding fetal well-being, courses of deliveries, and the neonatal period. Neither maternal nor fetal/neonatal side effects were noticed. It seems that Doxium favourably influences the blood pressure and consequently decreases the requirement for medication and hospitalisation in cases of mild to moderate midtrimester hypertension.
Case Series of Labor Induction inTwin Gestations with an IntrauterineBalloon Catheter
Authors: Manor Moshe , Blickstein Isaac , Ben-Arie Alon , Weissman Ariel , Hagay Zion 
Published: April 2003

The efficacy and safety of labor induction using an intrauterine balloon catheter in twin pregnancies has been evaluated. During the study period (1992–1997), labor was induced at 36–42 weeks in 17 twin gestations. Labor induction was indicated for preeclampsia (n = 10), birth weight discordance (n = 3), suspected fetal distress (n = 2) and postdates (n = 2). Twin A was in vertex presentation in all cases. An intrauterine balloon catheter was inserted transcervically followed by augmentation whenever required. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 15 (88.2%) patients. The mean interval from balloon insertion to delivery was 17.05 h, with 80% deliveries occurring within 24 h of catheter insertion and 80% occurring within 12 h of catheter expulsion. Birth weight was 2,514 ± 244 and 2,421 ± 367 g for twin A and B, respectively. Oxytocin was required in 4 patients. Postpartum hemorrhage was noted in 1 patient. One patient with no progress of labor and 1 with suspected intrapartum fetal distress required cesarean section. All neonates had a 5-min Apgar score of 10. The data suggest that an intrauterine balloon catheter appears to be safe and effective to induce labor in twin gestations.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1b in Pregnancy
Authors: Seki K. , Osada H. , Yasuda T. , Sekiya S. 
Published: April 2003

Calcium-regulating hormones were serially measured during the second pregnancy in a woman with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1b. Calcium levels corrected for serum albumin were maintained almost normal during her second pregnancy with 1α-hydroxycalciferol (2.0 μg daily) though they were slightly decreased in late pregnancy. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D levels were higher in early and mid-pregnancy, but not in late pregnancy compared to those after delivery. Parathyroid hormone levels were higher in late pregnancy than after delivery.
Evaluation of the Body Composition and Fat Distribution in Long-Term Users of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Perrone G. , Liu Y. , Capri O. , Critelli C. , Barillaro F. , Galoppi P. , Zichella L. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the study was to evaluate the body composition and fat distribution in long-term users of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). 18 healthy menopausal women, long-term users of HRT (transdermal estradiol 50 μg continuously administered and 10 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 days/month) and 18 healthy menopausal women, who had never used HRT were included in the study. Age, menopausal age, parity, weight and height (body mass index, weight/height<sup>2</sup>), and lifestyle habits were similar. Waist and hip circumference, body composition and waist/hip ratio were measured and the results were analyzed. No significant difference was demonstrated in fat and water percentage, and waist/hip ratio. Nevertheless, the waist circumference of long-term HRT users was significantly lower than that of non-users. In conclusion, abdominal fat in long-term HRT users is lower than that of non-users of similar age, menopausal age and body mass index.
Prolonged Labour Attributed to Large Fetus
Authors: Högberg Ulf , Lekås Berg Marie-Louise 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study is to assess the interactive dynamics of power, passenger and passage in relation to an adverse course of labour. The design was a community-based follow-up of all women with singleton pregnancies experiencing spontaneous term labour. Median of first stage was 2.6 h for multiparas and 3.7 h for primiparas. Median of second stage was 20 min for multiparas and 91 min for primiparas. Heavy birth weight significantly influenced a prolonged late first stage OR 6.6 (CI 2.1–21) and second stage of labour OR 4.5 (CI 1.5–14) among primiparas. The attributable proportions of heavy birth weight for prolonged labour were 19–21%. Large paediatric head circumference showed a positive correlation to prolonged late first stage OR 3.2 (CI 1.2–9) and intervention OR 7.2 (CI 1.8–35), with an attributable proportion of 22%. For multiparas no significant association were found. To conclude, this study indicates that heavy birth weight and large head circumference contribute to 1/5th of the prolongation of labour and interventions among primiparas.
The Outcome of Triplet versus Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Ziadeh Saed M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective: </i>The purpose of this study was to examine and to determine whether triplet pregnancies are associated with a significantly greater risk of adverse outcome than are twin pregnancies. <i>Methods: </i>Maternal and perinatal outcomes were evaluated retrospectively in 41 sets of triplets and twin pregnancies that were matched for maternal age, parity, mode of delivery, preterm delivery, mode of conception, and antepartum complications. <i>Main Outcome Measures: </i>Perinatal outcome in triplet versus twin gestation. <i>Results: </i>Triplets had a significantly lower mean average birth weight than in twin gestation (1,596 vs. 2,317 g, p < 0.018) and gestational age at delivery (32.9 vs. 35.9 weeks; p < 0.03). Preterm labour occurred significantly more often in triplet than in twin gestation (80.5 vs. 41.5%) as did preterm delivery (87.8 vs. 46.2%). Triplets required a longer hospital stay than did twins (25 vs. 9 days; p < 0.04). There were no significant differences between the groups in number of administrations to the Special Care Baby Unit (32.5 vs. 30.5%). Apgar score <7 at 5 min was significantly more in triplet as compared with twin gestation (17 vs. 6%; p < 0.0015). Neonatal deaths occurred significantly more in triplets than in twins (26 vs. 8.5%; p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the groups in maternal antepartum or neonatal complications such as anaemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, placental abruption, respiratory distress syndrome or intraventricular haemorrhage. Preterm labour was the only complication that occurred significantly more often in the triplet than in the twin gestation. <i>Conclusions: </i>We concluded that this information could be useful in counseling patients with respect to the anticipated perinatal outcome of triplet pregnancies.
Perinatal Outcome of Pregnancies Complicated by Diabetes and by Maternal Daily Hyperglycemia Not Related to Diabetes
Authors: Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Calderon Iracema de Mattos Paranhos , Ramos Maria Delgi , Abbade Joelcio Francisco , Rugolo Lígia M.S. Souza 
Published: April 2003

We analyzed the perinatal outcome of 1,086 pregnancies classified according to the response to the 3-hour 100-gram glucose tolerance test and the diurnal glycemic profile into the Rudge groups corresponding to control pregnant women, class A gestational diabetic women, class A/B to FRH pregnant women and women with daily hyperglycemia. Despite treatment, the diabetic pregnant women and those with daily hyperglycemia presented higher mean blood glucose levels compared to controls (76.6 ± 10.2 mg/dl). The pregnancies complicated by diabetes and by daily hyperglycemia were characterized by a high incidence of prematurity, macrosomia, large for gestational age newborn infants, malformation and fetal and neonatal death, with consequent perinatal mortality. The perinatal mortality of women with daily hyperglycemia was 10 times higher than that of the controls and was similar to that of the diabetic patients. These adverse perinatal results emphasize the need for the diagnosis and control of intrauterine hyperglycemia both in diabetic pregnant women and in women with an altered diurnal glycemic profile.
Perinatal Outcome in 41 Sets of Triplets
Authors: Ziadeh Saed M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine the perinatal outcome associated with triplet pregnancies and to compare abdominal delivery with vaginal delivery. <i>Methods:</i> Retrospective analysis of maternal and neonatal medical records of 41 triplets. 21 were delivered vaginally and 20 were delivered by cesarean section. <i>Main Outcome:</i> To measure perinatal mortality and early neonatal complications. <i>Results:</i> Between January 1, 1994, and June 30, 1999, there were 41 triplets delivered at our institution. Of these 21 triplets were delivered vaginally and 20 triplets were delivered abdominally. The perinatal mortality rate was 32/123 (26.0%), primarily due to the respiratory distress syndrome. The perinatal deaths are mainly at a birth weight of 500–1,500 g (29/32; 90.6%). Breech presentation was associated with a significantly higher perinatal mortality rate than vertex presentation (62.5 vs. 37.5%). Cesarean delivery was associated with a higher perinatal mortality rate than vaginal delivery (30.0 vs. 22.2%). <i>Conclusions:</i> Abdominal delivery in triplets is not superior to vaginal delivery in terms of fetal and early neonatal outcome. The perinatal deaths are increased with low birth weight (500–1,500 g) and with breech presentation. The main cause of neonatal mortality is the respiratory distress syndrome.
Mediastinal Large Cell Lymphoma: Prognostic Significance ofCT Findings at Presentation and after Treatment
Authors: Smith Darrell , Shaffer Kitt , Kirn David , Canellos George P. , Mauch Peter M. , Shulman Lawrence N. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> Primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma is a distinctive subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Computed tomography (CT) has become an integral part of the evaluation of these patients at presentation and after completion of therapy. The purpose of this study is to identify CT features that predict increased risk of relapse. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective study of patients with primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma who underwent CT scans of the thorax. <b>Results:</b> Tumor volume greater than 100 ml after completion of therapy was a statistically significant predictor of increased risk of relapse (p = 0.02, Fisher exact test). Other measurements (obtained at presentation and after completion of treatment) were not statistically significant in predicting relapse. <b>Conclusion:</b> CT plays an important role in predicting outcome in primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma. Large residual tumor volume after completion of treatment predicts an increased risk of relapse.