Protein expression in the brain of rat offspring in relation to prenatal caloric restriction.

Objective: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with decreased supply of crucial substrates to the fetus and affects its growth and development by temporarily or permanently modifying gene expression and function. However, not all neonates born by calorie restricted mothers are IUGR and there are no reports regarding their brain protein expression vis-à-vis that of their IUGR siblings. Here, we investigated the expression of key proteins that regulate growth and development of the brain in non-IUGR newborn pups versus IUGR siblings and control pups.

Effect of gonadal steroid receptors alterations on the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the gonadal steroid receptors expression to the pathophysiological pathways of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) after menopause.

Methods: This was a prospective closely-matched controlled clinicopathological study. Immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor isoform α (ER-α) and β (ER-β), as well as for progesterone receptor (PR), was performed on formaline-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of specimens coming from the pubocervical fascia of postmenopausal women who were allocated into three groups: patients with synchronous POP and USUI (Group A), patients diagnosed with only POP (Group B), and patients without POP or USUI who underwent gynecological surgery for another benign indication (control group, Group C).

Hofbauer cells morphology and density in placentas from normal and pathological gestations.

Purpose: In placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, Hofbauer cells either disappear or become scanty after the fourth to fifth month of gestation. Immunohistochemistry though, reveals that a high percentage of stromal cells belong to Hofbauer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in morphology and density of Hofbauer cells in placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies.

Changes in hormonal profile and seminal parameters with use of aromatase inhibitors in management of infertile men with low testosterone to estradiol ratios.

Objective: To compare the effects of 2.5 mg letrozole with those of 1 mg anastrazole daily on the hormonal and semen profiles of a subset of infertile men with low T/E(2) ratios.

Design: Prospective, nonrandomized study.

Maternal mortality in Greece, 1996-2006.

Objective: To present retrospective data for maternal deaths in Greece from 1996 to 2006.

Methods: Demographic information and information on the causes of death was provided by the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Maternal deaths were assessed by cause of death, maternal age, and place of residence.

Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in the management of subfertile couples with intrauterine insemination and controlled ovarian stimulation.

Objective: To assess whether the clinical pregnancy rate of patients treated with recombinant FSH and IUI can be improved by the addition of a GnRH antagonist.

Design: Prospective, controlled study.

Setting: Reproductive medicine clinic.

Comparison of the TVT SECUR System "hammock" and "U" tape positions for management of stress urinary incontinence.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and complications associated with use of the TVT SECUR System device with placement of the tape in either a "hammock" or "U" position for management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods: A prospective study of patients with SUI allocated into one of two groups: "hammock" or "U" tape placement. Preoperative urodynamic results were compared with results at the 6-month and 1-year follow up.

Abnormal progesterone and corticotropin releasing hormone levels are associated with preterm labour.

Introduction: This study examined whether maternal plasma progesterone and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations can predict the likelihood of preterm labour.

Materials And Methods: Maternal plasma progesterone and CRH concentrations were examined in a total of 51 women. The subject cohort included 20 women who were followed from the beginning of the third trimester (28 to 34 weeks gestation), half of whom delivered early preterm and half of whom were not in labour and subsequently delivered at full term (n = 10 per group).

Epidemiology of female urinary incontinence in the Greek population: EURIG study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: We estimated the current prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in the female Greek population, estimated the prevalence of the subtypes of UI, and assessed its impact on patients' quality of life.

Methods: The study was performed by personal interview based on structured questionnaires, and 2,000 Greek women (from the whole of Greece) aged between 20 and 80 years old participated in the study.

Results: The prevalence of UI in a female Greek population comprising women aged between 20 and 80 years was 27%.

Prevalence of different HPV types and estimation of prognostic risk factors based on the linear array HPV genotyping test.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of HPV in a gynecologic population attending outpatient clinics using two new molecular tests. The Amplicor HPV test and the Linear Array (LA) HPV Genotyping test were used for the detection of HPV DNA in 320 women. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent prognostic factors of HPV positivity.

Tension-free vaginal tape in the management of recurrent urodynamic stress incontinence after previous failed midurethral tape.

Background: Data about the use of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in the management of recurrent urodynamic stress incontinence (RUSI) after previous failed midurethral sling procedure (MUSP) are limited.

Objective: Assessment of the efficacy and the indications of the TVT procedure in the management of patients with RUSI after failed previous MUSP.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Thirty-one patients with RUSI after previous failed MUSP were prospectively enrolled at a single tertiary academic center.

Estrogen receptor alpha and beta in uterine fibroids: a basis for altered estrogen responsiveness.

Objective: To investigate the relative expression and the DNA-binding status of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in fibroids and normal myometrial tissue to explore the molecular basis of altered estrogen responsiveness of leiomyomas.

Design: Biopsy samples from uterine fibroids and adjacent normal myometrial tissue at the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Setting: Aretaieio University Hospital and the National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.

Tension-free vaginal tape versus tension-free vaginal tape obturator in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Background: To assess the efficacy and complications of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) versus tension-free vaginal tape obturator in women with urodynamic stress incontinence.

Methods: Prospective, randomized study. Initially, 91 patients were included in the study and 89 of them were available at 12 months follow-up.

Androgen levels in the third trimester of pregnancy in patients with preeclampsia.

Objective(s): To investigate if testosterone levels are higher in patients with preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant patients.

Study Design: The levels of serum total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione and sex hormone binding globulin were estimated in 28 patients during the third trimester of pregnancy with established preeclampsia and 25 normotensive women.

Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups regarding the maternal age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI) haematocrit and neonatal sex.

Severe variable decelerations and fetal pulse oximetry during the second stage of labor.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the usefulness of fetal pulse oximetry in cases of severe variable decelerations in the second stage of labor.

Methods: It is a prospective study including 58 patients. Thirty-eight patients (group A) had a normal uncomplicated labor and 20 patients (group B) developed severe variable decelerations during the second stage of labor.

mRNA assessment for procollagen production in women with genuine stress urinary incontinence.

The aim of the study was to examine changes in the levels of mRNA for procollagen type I and III in women with or without genuine stress incontinence (GSI). The study was performed in the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of University of Athens. Sixty-eight women participated in the study and they were divided in two groups.

Negative association between circulating total homocysteine and proinflammatory chemokines MCP-1 and RANTES in prepubertal lean, but not in obese, children.

This study investigated in prepubertal obese children (POC), compared with prepubertal lean children (PLC), a possible relation among plasma total homocysteine (tHcy)-an independent risk factor for future atherosclerosis-and MCP-1 and RANTES, two circulating chemokines inducing leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM), implicated in the initial stages of the inflammatory part of the atherosclerotic process. Seventy-two POC were evaluated for circulating tHcy, MCP-1, and RANTES, and compared with 42 healthy PLC. The mean adjusted (for age, sex as well as log10total insulin, vitB12, folate, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, log10triglycerides, and log10glucose levels) differences in tHcy, MCP-1, and RANTES levels between PLC and POC were all significant [1.

Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with low urethral closure pressure.

Objective(s): Aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and the complications associated with the use of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with stress urinary incontinence and low urethral closure pressure (LUCP).

Study Design: Thirty-seven patients with stress urinary incontinence and LUCP who were treated with the TVT procedure have been included in the study. Physical examination and urodynamic investigations were carried out to all women preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 26 months (average, range: 22-30 months), postoperatively.

The influence of vacuum extractor on fetal oxygenation and newborn status.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of vacuum extractor assisted delivery on fetal oxygenation and acid-base balance.

Methods: Sixty-one women were enrolled in the present study. The subjects were divided into two groups.

Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage and oxytocin contraction test: case report and review.

We present a case of a nulliparous woman who underwent oxytocin contraction test because of abnormal cardiotocograph. She delivered a severely anemic neonate due to severe fetomaternal hemorrhage. Fetal ultrasonography and Doppler studies of the umbilical arteries may not be helpful, while its worthy to perform flow cytometry for detection of fetal cells in maternal circulation when there is strong clinical suspicion.