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Movement of fluorescein and its glucuronide across retinal pigment epithelium-choroid.

PURPOSE: To characterize movement of fluorescein and its glucuronide across the blood-retinal barrier. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid preparations from New Zealand albino rabbit were sealed in an Ussing-type chamber in a stabilized condition for 3 hr, where movement of fluorescein and fluorescein glucuronide across the RPE-choroid was studied under a short circuit condition. RESULTS: The outward (vitreous-choroid) permeability to fluorescein determined at a concentration of 15 mumol/l was about 4 times greater than the inward (choroid-vitreous) permeability (P < 0.01). The outward permeability was significantly decreased by 50-65% by metabolic or competitive inhibitors (1 mumol/l ouabain, 10 mumol/l 2,4-dinitrophenol, 100 mumol/l probenecid, 30 mmol/l hippurate, or 5 mmol/l iodipamide), whereas the inward permeability was not affected by any of the above competitive inhibitors. As the fluorescein concentration was increased from 15 to 150 mumol/l, the net fluorescein movement across the tissue indicated saturation, and a Lineweaver-Burk plot gave an apparent Km of 26 mumol/l and Vmax of 1.56 nmol/hr/cm2. The outward permeability to fluorescein glucuronide determined at 15 mumol/l was about double the inward permeability (P < 0.01) and about 1/3 of the outward permeability to fluorescein (P < 0.01). The outward permeability to fluorescein glucuronide was significantly decreased by about 50% by 1 mumol/l ouabain, 10 mumol/l 2,4-dinitrophenol, or 100 mumol/l probenecid, whereas the inward permeability was not affected by 100 mumol/l probenecid. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the majority of the outward fluorescein movement across the tissue and part of that of fluorescein glucuronide depends on an active transport mechanism, whereas the inward movement of both fluorescein and fluorescein glucuronide occurs by a passive mechanism.

2,4-Dinitrophenol↗

Non-latex versus latex male condoms for contraception.

BACKGROUND: The male condom, which consists of a thin sheath placed over the glans and shaft of the penis, is designed to prevent pregnancy by providing a physical barrier against the deposition of semen into the vagina during intercourse. Beginning in the 1990s, nonlatex male condoms made of polyurethane film or synthetic elastomers were developed as alternative male barrier methods for individuals with allergies, sensitivities or preferences that prevented the consistent use of condoms made of latex. OBJECTIVES: The review sought to evaluate nonlatex male condoms in comparison with latex condoms in terms of contraceptive efficacy, breakage, slippage, safety and user preferences. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE using PubMed, EMBASE, Popline, and LILACS for randomized controlled trials of nonlatex condoms. The references of eligible publications were assessed for inclusion. We also wrote to the manufacturers of nonlatex condoms and known investigators in an attempt to locate any other published or unpublished trials not identified in our search. SELECTION CRITERIA: The review included all randomized controlled trials identified in the literature search that evaluated a male nonlatex condom made of polyurethane film or synthetic elastomers in comparison with a latex condom. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We evaluated all titles and abstracts located in the literature searches for inclusion in the review. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the identified studies. We entered and analyzed data with RevMan 4.1. Peto odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the outcomes contraceptive efficacy, condom breakage and slippage, discontinuation of use, safety and user preference. The number of condoms, men, or women was used as the denominator for the ORs. Contraceptive efficacy, early discontinuation, and safety outcomes were also measured with survival analysis techniques and entered into "Additional tables." MAIN RESULTS: While the eZ.on condom did not protect against pregnancy as well as its latex comparison condom, no differences were found in the typical-use efficacy in the comparisons between the Avanti and the Standard Tactylon and their latex counterparts. The nonlatex condoms were associated with higher rates of clinical breakage than their latex comparison condoms. The statistically significant odds ratios for clinical breakage for the nonlatex condoms versus their latex comparisons ranged from 2.6 (95% CI: 1.6 to 4.3) to 5.0 (95% CI: 3.6 to 6.8). Few adverse events were reported. In almost all of the comparisons, substantial proportions of participants preferred the nonlatex condom or reported that they would recommend its use to others. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Although the nonlatex condoms were associated with higher rates of clinical breakage than their latex comparison condoms, the new condoms still provide an acceptable alternative for those with allergies, sensitivities or preferences that might prevent the consistent use of latex condoms. The contraceptive efficacy of the nonlatex condoms requires more research.

Condoms↗

Non-latex versus latex male condoms for contraception.

BACKGROUND: The male condom, which consists of a thin sheath placed over the glans and shaft of the penis, is designed to prevent pregnancy by providing a physical barrier against the deposition of semen into the vagina during intercourse. Beginning in the 1990s, nonlatex male condoms made of polyurethane film or synthetic elastomers were developed as alternative male barrier methods for individuals with allergies, sensitivities or preferences that prevented the consistent use of condoms made of latex. OBJECTIVES: The review sought to evaluate nonlatex male condoms in comparison with latex condoms in terms of contraceptive efficacy, breakage and slippage, safety, and user preferences. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched computerized databases for randomized controlled trials of nonlatex condoms. We also wrote to the manufacturers of nonlatex condoms and known investigators in an attempt to locate any other trials not identified in our search. SELECTION CRITERIA: The review included all randomized controlled trials identified in the literature search that evaluated a male nonlatex condom made of polyurethane film or synthetic elastomers in comparison with a latex condom. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We evaluated all titles and abstracts located in the literature searches for inclusion. Two authors independently extracted data from the identified studies. We analyzed data with RevMan. The Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each outcome of contraceptive efficacy, condom breakage and slippage, discontinuation of use, safety, and user preference. Contraceptive efficacy, early discontinuation, and safety outcomes were also measured with survival analysis techniques. MAIN RESULTS: While the eZ.on condom did not protect against pregnancy as well as its latex comparison condom, no differences were found in the typical-use efficacy between the Avanti and the Standard Tactylon and their latex counterparts. The nonlatex condoms had significantly higher rates of clinical breakage than their latex comparison condoms: the Peto OR for clinical breakage ranged from 2.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 4.3) to 5.0 (95% CI 3.6 to 6.8). Few adverse events were reported. Substantial proportions of participants preferred the nonlatex condom or reported that they would recommend its use to others. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Although the nonlatex condoms were associated with higher rates of clinical breakage than their latex comparison condoms, the new condoms still provide an acceptable alternative for those with allergies, sensitivities, or preferences that might prevent the consistent use of latex condoms. The contraceptive efficacy of the nonlatex condoms requires more research.

Condoms↗

Long-term use of oral contraceptives and risk of invasive cervical cancer.

To evaluate the relationship between use of oral contraceptives and risk of invasive cervical cancer, a case-control study involving 479 patients and 789 population controls was undertaken in 5 geographic regions of the US. Initially, the relationship was obscured by confounding variables, particularly the interval since last Pap smear. Control for this variable as well as for sexual and sociodemographic factors revealed an RR of 1.5 overall, with long-term users (5 or more years) being at a 2-fold higher risk than non-users. Pill associations prevailed for both adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell tumors, and risks were highest for those using pills containing high estrogen potencies. In addition, there was some evidence that pill associations were most pronounced among women who had never used barrier methods of contraception or who had histories of genital infections, suggesting that oral contraceptives may act as co-carcinogens with transmissible agents. Our findings provide further evidence that long-term use of oral contraceptives may have a carcinogenic effect on cervical epithelium, but emphasize the need for careful evaluation of confounding influences.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Dynamic properties of poly(styrene)-poly(ethylene oxide) diblock copolymer films at the air-water interface.

The complex dynamic elasticity of monolayers of the diblock copolymer poly(styrene)-poly(ethylene oxide) at the air-water interface in the pancake, quasi-brush, and brush regimes has been studied by means of three experimental techniques--the surface transverse and longitudinal waves and the oscillating barrier method. In the pancake regime the surface viscoelastic properties in the frequency range under investigation (0.01-520 Hz) prove to be indistinguishable from the surface properties of the homopolymer PEO. Transition to the quasi-brush regime is accompanied by rather abrupt changes in both components of the surface viscoelasticity. The surface viscosity in the brush regime exceeds significantly the results calculated from the theory of D. M. A. Buzza et al. (J. Chem. Phys.109, 5008 (1998)), which takes into account the dissipation arising from the flow of solvent through the brush phase. Possible reasons of this discrepancy are discussed.

Journal Article↗

The impact of the basic skin cancer triage curriculum on providers' skills, confidence, and knowledge in skin cancer control.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers (PCPs) are in the unique position of being able to deliver preventive health care services to the majority of the general population. Early detection of skin cancer may reduce mortality, but many PCPs do not participate in skin cancer control activities due to lack of training and confidence. We sought to evaluate the effect of a 2-h, Basic Skin Cancer Triage (BSCT) curriculum in overcoming these barriers. METHODS: A convenience sample of 28 primary care providers participated in a 2-h training curriculum. Assessments included skills (evaluated by a 20-item slide quiz), confidence, knowledge, and attitudes measured pre- and post training. RESULTS: Provider ability to accurately diagnose and triage lesions significantly improved (46 to 64%, P < 0.0001, and 61 to 71%, P < 0.0001, respectively). The greatest improvement in triage ability occurred in providers ability to appropriately reassure patients about lesions (49 to 70%, P < 0.0001). There were also significant improvements in both knowledge of skin cancer control practices (68 to 74% correct answers, P = 0.026) and confidence in ability to provide skin cancer preventive services (2.95 to 4.13 on a 1 to 5 scale, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the BSCT curriculum may improve providers' diagnostic and triage accuracy of skin cancer as well as increase their knowledge of skin cancer and confidence in their provision of skin cancer control activities. Defining the full potential impact of this curriculum requires further evaluation.

Adult↗

Pelvic inflammatory disease and contraceptive practice.

Analyses of data from the Women's Health Study suggest that the relative risks of hospitalization for PID were lower for women with tubal sterilizations and women whose partners had been sterilized (p less than 0.05), compared to sexually active non-contraceptors or women using oral or barrier methods. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate this non-contraceptive benefit of sterilization.

Adolescent↗

[Liver transplantation and pregnancy: 1994 perspectives].

The authors report a case of pregnancy in a 24-year-old, gravida-3, para-1 patient who had previously undergone liver transplantation for alveolar echinococcosis. Pregnancy and delivery were uneventful with no obstetrical or liver complications. Pregnancy seems to have little effect on liver transplants and rejection is seldom observed. Primary maternal complications are hypertension, preeclampsia, anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Primary fetal complications include premature delivery and growth retardation. The mode of delivery depends on the obstetrical situation. Cyclosporin may be used during pregnancy. The risk of breastfeeding has not been clearly established. Pregnancy after liver transplantation is possible after 9 to 12 months but requires strict multidisciplinary surveillance. Barrier methods remain the preferred method of contraception for liver transplant patients.

Adult↗

Immunohistopathological appearance of three different types of injury in human skin.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To determine whether underlying mechanisms of inflammation, like cellular infiltrates, expression of adhesion molecule and cytokine patterns are similar under different conditions of injury. Skin biopsies were taken of three different groups of patients in which local inflammation of the skin might occur. MATERIAL, PATIENTS: Skin activation was studied as a result of incision during surgery under aseptic conditions, as a result of a local bacterial infection and as a result of blunt trauma, resulting in a femoral fracture, without disruption of the epithelial barrier. METHODS: Skin biopsies were snap frozen for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Incision of the skin resulted in a granulocyte infiltrate, paralleled by E-selectin expression. As a result of infection granulocytes were observed and monocyte/macrophage and T cell numbers were increased. Furthermore, E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression increased and cytokine expression markedly changed compared to normal skin. Skin taken at the site of the femoral fracture showed no signs of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Different stimuli lead to different local inflammatory responses in human skin.

Adult↗

[The value of diffusion-weighted MRT in assessing the bone marrow changes in vertebral metastases].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the diffusion coefficient (ADC) of vertebral metastasis and regular vertebral bodies with diffusion weighted MRI (DWI). DWI evaluates the tissue-specific molecular diffusion of protons. In tissues with high cell densities (neoplasm) a decreased ADC can be expected due to restricted diffusion according to an exaggerated amount of intra- and intercellular membranes (i.e. diffusion barriers). METHODS: In 5 breast cancer patients the ADC of both known vertebral metastases and of adjacent regular vertebral bodies were measured with DWI (1.0 T; Phased-Array-Body-Coil; b: 880 and 440 s/mm2). RESULTS: The ADC of regular vertebral bodies (1.3 +/- 0.23 x 10(-3) s/mm2) was significantly (p < or = 0.0002) higher than in vertebral metastases (0.39 +/- 0.11 x 10(-3) s/mm2). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that the ADC can be reliably measured in vertebral bodies. The quantitative evaluation of the ADC in vertebral bodies seems to be an objective and comparable parameter for differentiating malign from benign vertebral tissue.

Bone Marrow↗

[Contraception in patients with congenital heart defects].

The number of women with congenital cardiac disease, who mature into adulthood is increasing. Unfortunately, there are no prospective data published about the relative risk of different forms of contraception for these patients. Most women with congenital cardiac disease can safely use oral contraceptives, especially low-estrogen combination or progestin-only preparations, with the exception of those, who are at particular risk because of thromboembolic complications (especially in cyanosis, pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger reaction, rhythm disturbances), fluid retention (especially in reduced ventricular function and congestive heart failure), arterial hypertension (important in coarctation), infectious complications (endocarditis) or hyperlipidemia. Oral contraceptives should be avoided in patients at increased risk for thromboembolic events. Intrauterine devices are very effective, have no metabolic side effects and merely carry a small risk of endocarditis. Newer devices containing progesterone only may put the patients at a still smaller risk. Contraceptive subdermal implants (e.g. levonorgestrel) are used with good results in the United States for patients with contraindications to estrogen-containing oral contraceptives and may well become more widely accepted in patients in Germany in the coming years. Barrier methods can be used, but have a higher failure rate, which may be unacceptable in patients at risk (e.g. Eisenmenger's). Especially in Eisenmenger's, permanent sterilisation should be advised.

Adolescent↗

Estimation of the stent placement above the intact sphincter of Oddi against malignant bile duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND: In endoscopic biliary stenting against malignant biliary obstruction, stent blockage remains as an important problem. Stent blockage occurs as a result of bacterial adherence to the inner wall of the stent. We evaluated the stent placement above the intact sphincter of Oddi to retain the function of the sphincter of Oddi as a bacteriological barrier. METHODS: Sixteen patients with malignant biliary obstruction were assessed as the patients with the stent above the intact sphincter of Oddi. Sixteen patients with malignant biliary obstruction were assessed as the patients with the conventional stent placement across the sphincter of Oddi. Tannenbaum 10-Fr. stents were used in both the groups. RESULTS: The median patency periods of the stent were 255 days (25th to 75th percentiles, 212-454 days; range, 39-454 days) for the group of the stents placed above the sphincter of Oddi and 82 days (25th to 75th percentiles, 48-131 days; range, 22-196 days) for the group of the stents placed across the sphincter of Oddi, respectively, with significant difference (P = 0.0001). The occlusion rates of stents placed above and across the sphincter of Oddi were 37.5% and 93.8%, respectively, with significant difference (P = 0.0008). The dislocation rates of the stent were 0% and 6.3%, respectively (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of the stent above the intact sphincter of Oddi was associated with longer stent patency and lower occlusion rate.

Aged↗

Personal protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Primary prevention of sexually transmitted diseases has received little emphasis in control programs. To evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies, we reviewed the world's literature on this topic. Use of condoms and spermicides greatly reduces the risk of gonorrhea, and barrier methods are practical and acceptable. Certain systemic antibiotics are effective, but for practical reasons, their use cannot be recommended. Washing or urinating after sexual exposure does not appear to protect against infection. Although the effectiveness of modifying sexual behavior to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases has not been evaluated, many people have changed or are willing to change their behavior. Even if preventive measures are used consistently by only a minority of persons at risk, rates of sexually transmitted diseases would decline rapidly. In this era of sexually transmitted diseases that are not readily cured by antibiotics, use of effective preventive measures should be strongly encouraged.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Triphasic Randomized Clinical Trial: comparative frequency of intermenstrual bleeding.

Oral contraceptives have the highest theoretic efficacy of all reversible forms of contraception, yet in practice they have an actual failure rate equivalent to that of some barrier methods. The efficacy of oral contraceptives depends primarily on patient compliance. So-called "nuisance" side effects, such as intermenstrual bleeding (breakthrough bleeding or spotting), play a major role in their discontinuation. The Triphasic Randomized Clinical Trial compared the incidence of these side effects in three groups of subjects taking NET (A) (Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), LNG (Tri-Levlen), or NET (B) (Tri-Norinyl). Subjects taking NET (A) had the highest incidence of intermenstrual bleeding (63%) followed by NET (B) (44%) and LNG (33%). Only the difference between NET (A) and LNG attained statistical significance (p less than 0.030). Control subjects had no breakthrough bleeding and a 4% incidence of spotting. Further research is warranted to establish the cause of the disparity in the incidence of intermenstrual bleeding among patient groups assigned to the three oral triphasic contraceptives.

Contraceptives, Oral↗

A clinical trial of Neo Sampoon vaginal contraceptive tablets.

Results are reported of a clinical trial of Neo Sampoon vaginal contraceptive tablets, conducted by the International Fertility Research Program (IFRP) in collaboration with the Dacca Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Of the 150 women enrolled, 115 remained in the study at the end of 12 months. The 12-month cumulative gross life-table rates per 100 women were 6.5 for pregnancy and 24.8 for discontinuation due to other reasons. Discomfort associated with the heart generated by the tablets' effervescence was the primary side effect of Neo Sampoon use, and was one of the major causes of discontinuation. Regularity of use and acceptability of this foaming tablet appeared to be high compared to other barrier methods. Further research is needed on Neo Sampoon and other vaginal contraceptives to develop and promote methods that can help meet the worldwide demand for fertility control.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Effect of early postpartum use of the contraceptive implants, NORPLANT, on the serum levels of immunoglobulins of the mothers and their breastfed infants.

Ten breastfeeding women had the contraceptive implants NORPLANT inserted between days 30 and 39 postpartum. The immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA were measured in the serum of the mothers and the infants before insertion and five months later. A control group of breastfeeding mothers who did not use any contraception or used local barrier methods were similarly studied. Although there were changes in the immunoglobulin levels with time in both mothers and infants, there were no group differences; this indicates that the use of NORPLANT does not influence these factors of humoral immunity.

Adult↗

A longitudinal study of contraception and pregnancy outcome in a representative sample of young Swedish women.

The prevalence of contraception and pregnancy history in the same women, aged 19 and 24 years, was assessed in a longitudinal cohort study by means of a postal questionnaire. A one-in-four random sample of all the women born 1962, resident in the city of Göteborg in 1981, was obtained from the population register (n = 656). The response rate was 91%. Respondents from 1981 were re-assessed in 1986 (response rate: 83%). The respondents from 1986 (n = 488) represent 74% of the original sample from 1981. Contraceptive usage in the same women aged 19 and 24 years (in brackets) was as follows: Oral contraception (OC) 47% (51%); intrauterine device 3% (11%), p less than 0.01; barrier methods 11% (11%); depot gestagen 0 (0.2%); no contraception 39% (26%), p less than 0.05. OCs were being taken or had been taken by 89%. Reasons given for cessation of OC were as follows: Contraception not required 10% (15%); fear of OC 26% (29%); menstrual disorder 17% (14%); weight increase 18% (10%), p less than 0.05; mental side effects 15% (9%); desire to become pregnant 7% (17%), p less than 0.01. Pregnancies (n = 362) were reported by 194 (43%) of the women. 44% of the pregnancies terminated in legal abortion. The medical complication rate following legal abortion was 15%. Thus, despite the availability of effective contraception, the ratio of legal abortions to live births was high. Fear of side effects was the commonest reason for discontinuing OC.

Adult↗

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a gynaecology clinic population: identification of high-risk groups and the value of contact tracing.

Of 1267 women attending a gynaecology clinic, who were screened for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, 45 (3.6%) were found to be infected. Infection with C. trachomatis was more common in women who were less than or equal to 25 years of age, unmarried, nulliparous, requesting termination of pregnancy, using oral contraception as opposed to barrier methods, and who had cervical ectopy or cervicitis. Using contact tracing techniques 35% of male sexual partners of women who harboured C. trachomatis were also found to be infected. 86% of these men were symptomless. Asymptomatic chlamydial infection is common in men as well as women. Selective screening to identify women at risk of infection and the use of contact tracing to identify symptomless men with chlamydial infection are shown to be of value.

Adolescent↗