20 research outputs found
Fourier integrals and a new representation of Maslov's canonical operator near caustics
We suggest a new representation of Maslov's canonical operator
in a neighborhood of the caustics using a special class of coordinate systems
(\eikonal coordinates") on Lagrangian manifolds
Elevated Circulating IL-1β and TNF-Alpha, and Unaltered IL-6 in First-Trimester Pregnancies Complicated by Threatened Abortion With an Adverse Outcome
The purpose of the present study was to examine the profile of selected proinflammatory cytokines in maternal serum of first-trimester pregnancies complicated by threatened abortion (TACP) and its relevance to obstetric outcome. Serum levels of Th1-type cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and Th2-type cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured, by ELISA, in 22 women with TACP and adverse outcome at admission (group A) and compared with the corresponding levels of 31 gestational age-matched women with TACP and successful outcome at admission (group B1) and discharge (group B2) and 22 gestational age-matched women with first-trimester uncomplicated pregnancy (group C) who served as controls. Mann-Whitney U or Wilcoxon test was applied as appropriate to compare differences between groups. IL-1β and TNF-alpha were detected with significantly higher levels in group A, compared to all other groups. On the contrary, IL-6 levels were detected with no significant difference among all the other groups studied. It is concluded that in first-trimester TACP with adverse outcome, a distinct immune response, as reflected by elevated maternal IL-1β, TNF-alpha, and unaltered IL-6 levels, is relevant to a negative obstetric outcome
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Placenta Growth Factor in Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Fetuses and Neonates
The angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PlGF) are respectively up- and downregulated by hypoxia. We aimed to study circulating levels of the above factors in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and to correlate their levels with the customized centiles of the infants. The study included 25 IUGR and 25 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) full-term, singleton infants and their mothers. Maternal (MS), fetal (UC), and neonatal day 1 (N1) and 4 (N4) blood was examined. MS and N1 PlGF, as well as UC VEGF levels correlated with the customized centiles of the infants (r = 0.39, P = .007, r = 0.34, P = .01, and r = −0.41, P = .004, resp). Furthermore, UC, N1, and N4 VEGF levels were higher in girls (r = 0.36, P = .01, r = 0.33, P = .02, and r = 0.41, P = .005 resp). In conclusion, positive and negative correlations of examined factors with the customized centiles of the infant could rely on placental function and intrauterine oxygen concentrations—both being usually lower in IUGR cases—while higher VEGF levels in girls should possibly be attributed to the stimulating action of estrogens
Concurrent imperforate hymen, transverse vaginal septum, and unicornuate uterus: a case report
A 14-year-old premenarcheal adolescent girl presented with lower
abdominal discomfort and urine retention. After clinical and imaging
examination, an imperforate hymen and a large hematocolpos along the
upper part of the vagina was diagnosed. Incision of the imperforate
hymen did not lead to drainage of blood or fluid. A complete transverse
vaginal septum in the middle third of the vagina was identified and when
incised drained approximately 200 mL of a dense brownish fluid.
Laparoscopy showed a small unicornuate uterus, confirmed by
hysteroscopy. This is the first case in the literature of concurrent
imperforate hymen, transverse complete vaginal septum, and unicornuate
uterus, and it highlights the potential of a multifactorial embryologic
genetic etiology. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Association between serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels in women with preterm labor
Aim: To evaluate the association of serum corticotropin-releasing
hormone (CRH) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in preterm
labor.
Methods: Forty-nine primigravidas with a singleton viable pregnancy
between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation were studied. They were divided
into two groups. Group A consisted of 30 pregnant women (mean
gestational age: 30.6 week) who presented with preterm labor and group B
consisted of 19 pregnant women (mean gestational age: 29.8 week) with
normal pregnancies.
Results: Women of group A had significantly higher serum CRH levels
compared to those of group B (P < 0.01). Similarly, serum TNF-alpha
levels were significantly higher in women of group A when compared to
women of group B (7.8 +/- 3.72 pg/mL and 5.1 +/- 3.72 pg/mL,
respectively). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between
serum CRH and TNF-alpha levels in both groups, which was stronger in
women of group A.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the increased levels of TNF-alpha
and CRH found in pregnant women presenting with preterm labor may be
involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of the latter. Furthermore,
a positive interaction may exist between TNF-alpha and placental CRH,
which may lead to enhanced production of the second and, therefore,
facilitate the onset of labor
Distinct types of uterine adenomyosis based on laparoscopic and histopathologic criteria
Purpose: To analyze laparoscopically treated cases of adenomyosis based on intraoperative and histopathology findings and to correlate different types with patients' presenting symptoms and characteristics, as well as with the surgical approach. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight women who underwent laparoscopic treatment of adenomyosis at a referral center for gynecological laparoscopy. Results: Four distinct types of adenomyosis could be identified: diffuse, sclerotic, nodular, and cystic (54.5%, 13%, 28%, and 4.5% of cases, respectively). Menorrhagia as the main presenting symptom was significantly more frequent in patients with the diffuse type (84%) compared to those with sclerotic (44%) and nodular (37%) types (p = 0.025 and p = 0.001, respectively). All cases of cystic and nodular adenomyosis were treated by laparoscopic excision of the lesion. Eighty-nine percent of patients with sclerotic adenomyosis were treated with wide laparoscopic excision of the abnormal tissue. Eighty-one percent of patients with diffuse adenomyosis were treated with laparoscopic hysterectomy. Conclusions: Adenomyosis can be classified in four distinct types with differences in the presenting symptoms, as well as in the ideal surgical approach.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe