| 1. Title: Contraception and thrombophilia. Author: Rott H; Krumpel A; Kappert G; Nowak-Gottl U; Halimeh S Source: Hamostaseologie. 2009 May;29(2):193-6. Abstract: The risk of thromboembolic events (TE) is increased by acquired or inherited thrombophilias (IT). We know that some hormonal contraceptives also increase the risk of thrombosis, thus, the use of such contraceptives are discussed as contraindications in women with IT. TEs are infrequent events in children and adolescents and in the majority of cases are associated with secondary complications from underlying chronic illness. Although adolescents are not typically considered to be at high-risk for TE, this cohort is frequently using hormonal contraception, leading to an increased risk in cases with unknown IT. The risk of TE with pregnancy alone is higher than associated with combined hormonal contraception. Progestin-only methods have not been found to increase the risk of TE with only moderate changes of coagulation proteins compared to normal reference values . Conclusion: Thrombophilic women are good candidates for progestin-only contraceptive methods. Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | THROMBOEMBOLISM | CONTRACEPTIVE SAFETY | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, SIDE EFFECTS | CONTRAINDICATIONS | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, PROGESTIN | PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Embolism | Vascular Diseases | Diseases | Safety | Public Health | Health | Contraceptive Agents | Contraception | Family Planning | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Contraceptive Agents, Female Document Number: 331280 |
2.  Title: St John's wort extract (Ze 117) does not alter the pharmacokinetics of a low-dose oral contraceptive. Author: Will-Shahab L; Bauer S; Kunter U; Roots I; Brattstrom A Source: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2009 Mar;65(3):287-94. Abstract: PURPOSE: St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal remedy that is widely used in the treatment of depression. Recent clinical data have demonstrated that St John's wort extracts interfere with the action of various drugs and possibly also with combined oral contraceptives. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a St John's wort extract (Ze 117) with low hyperforin content on the pharmacokinetics of ethinylestradiol and 3-ketodesogestrel. METHOD: Sixteen healthy female volunteers, who had taken a low-dose oral contraceptive (Lovelle contains 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol + 0.15 mg desogestrel) for at least 3 months, participated in the study. Pharmacokinetic data (AUC, C(max), t(max)) were determined the day before (reference) and after (test) a 14-day period of Ze 117 intake (250 mg twice daily). RESULTS: Before the co-administration of Ze 117 on day 7, the geometric mean (geometric coefficient of variation) for the AUC(0-24) of ethinylestradiol was 152.53 pg.h/ml (87.39%) and after co-administration on day 21 it was 196.57 pg.h/ml (78.14%). The respective values for ketodesogestrel were 36.37 pg.h/ml (34.18%) and 41.12 pg.h/ml (34.36%). The mean of individual ratios (reference-to-test) of log-transformed AUC values (90% confidence interval) were 0.951 (0.915-0.986) for ethinylestradiol and 0.968 (0.944-0.992) for ketodesogestrel indicating a small loss in bioavilability, but bioequivalence nevertheless. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the recommended dose of the hypericum extract Ze117, which has a low hyperforin content, does not interact with the pharmacokinetics of the hormonal components of the low-dose oral contraceptive. Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, LOW-DOSE | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | DESOGESTREL | DRUG INTERACTIONS | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Drugs | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 330997 |
| 3. Title: Family policy in Germany: appraisal and assessment. Author: Honekamp I Source: Journal of Family History. 2008 Oct;33(4):452-64. Abstract: The German government spends about euro 185 billion on measures to support families. This amount is above European Union average, but still, families have become smaller and the number of childless couples has increased. This article outlines some of the 145 German policy measures to support families and their purpose. An assessment that takes into account economic theory and empirical studies shows that an increase of monetary incentives could influence the decision to bear a child only moderately. This implies that policy measures alone cannot be held responsible for the entire difference in fertility rates between countries. Cited studies based on surveys among the German and French populations reveal how different attitudes of the population may also play their role in determining the fertility rate of a country. Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | CRITIQUE | THEORETICAL MODELS | ECONOMIC MODEL | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | POLICYMAKERS | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | FAMILY POLICY | GOVERNMENT FINANCING | FAMILY SIZE | VOLUNTARY CHILDLESSNESS | FERTILITY | ECONOMIC POLICY | INCENTIVES | FAMILY ALLOWANCES | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Studies | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Sociocultural Factors | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Family Characteristics | Reproductive Behavior | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 330744 |
4.  Title: Knowledge about infection with human papillomavirus: A systematic review. Author: Klug SJ; Hukelmann M; Blettner M Source: Preventive Medicine. 2008 Feb;46(2):87-98. Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. The aim of this systematic literature review was to provide an overview of knowledge about HPV infection among the public, students, patients and health professionals. PubMed searches were performed and the results of studies were reported by age, gender, study population, country, recruitment score and year of study conduct. The recruitment score covered the mode of recruitment, study size and response rate. We included 39 studies published between 1992 and 2006 covering a total of 19,986 participants. The proportion of participants who had heard of HPV varied from 13% to 93%. Understanding that HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer depended on whether the question was closed (8-68%) or open (0.6-11%). Between 5% and 83% knew about the association of HPV and (genital) warts. HPV was often mistaken with other sexually transmitted viruses. Health professionals and women had better knowledge about HPV than otherparticipants. Overall, the knowledge of the general public about HPV infection is poor. Efforts should be increased to give sufficient and unbiased information on HPV infection to the general public. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | LITERATURE REVIEW | KAP SURVEYS | TARGET POPULATION | HEALTH PERSONNEL | KNOWLEDGE | HPV | CERVICAL CANCER | GENITAL WARTS | AGE FACTORS | SEX FACTORS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Program Design | Programs | Organization and Administration | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sociocultural Factors | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Cancer | Neoplasms | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 324312 |
| 5. Title: Spontaneous pregnancy after successful ICSI treatment: evaluation of risk factors in 899 families in Germany. Author: Ludwig AK; Katalinic A; Jendrysik J; Thyen U; Sutcliffe AG; Diedrich K; Ludwig M Source: Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 2008 Sep;17(3):403-9. Abstract: There are only scarce data on the incidence of spontaneous pregnancy in infertility patients. Contraception after infertility treatment is another topic that has been neglected so far. Therefore, a questionnaire was sent to 1614 couples with a child conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) aged 4-6 years. A total of 899 couples responded (response rate 55.7%). A total of 10.9% of couples had used contraception. Of the couples that had actively tried to conceive, 20.0% had conceived spontaneously, resulting in a live-birth rate of 16.4%. 74.5% of these pregnancies were conceived within 2 years after delivery. A further 26.6% of couples conceived again by ICSI, with a live-birth rate of 20.9%. Maternal age was the only prognostic factor for spontaneous conception. Parents of multiples after ICSI did not have a higher chance of spontaneous conception than parents of singletons. Couples can be counselled that one out of five couples conceive spontaneously after successful ICSI. Even when assuming that none of the families that were lost to follow-up had conceived spontaneously, one out of eight couples would have conceived spontaneously. Therefore, it is important to counsel patients about the possibility of natural conception and necessity to use contraception despite their history of subfertility. Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | WOMEN | COUPLES | ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION | PREGNANCY | TIME FACTORS | INFERTILITY | MULTIPLE BIRTH | COUNSELING | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Health | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Population Dynamics | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 328898 |
| 6. Peer Reviewed Title: Reproductive outcomes in adolescents who had a previous birth or an induced abortion compared to adolescents' first pregnancies. Author: Reime B; Schuecking BA; Wenzlaff P Source: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2008 Jan 31;8(4):[25] p. Abstract: Recently, attention has been focused on subsequent pregnancies among teenage mothers. Previous studies that compared the reproductive outcomes of teenage nulliparae and multiparae often did not consider the adolescents' reproductive histories. Thus, the authors compared the risks for adverse reproductive outcomes of adolescent nulliparae to teenagers who either have had an induced abortion or a previous birth. In this retrospective cohort study we used perinatal data prospectively collected by obstetricians and midwives from 1990-1999 (participation rate 87-98% of all hospitals) in Lower Saxony, Germany. From the 9742 eligible births among adolescents, women with multiple births, greater than 1 previous pregnancies, or a previous spontaneous miscarriage were deleted and 8857 women less than 19 years remained. Of these 8857 women, 7845 were nulliparous, 801 had one previous birth, and 211 had one previous induced abortion. The outcomes were stillbirths, neonatal mortality, perinatal mortality, preterm births, and very low birthweight. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted. In bivariate logistic regression analyses, compared to nulliparous teenagers, adolescents with a previous birth had higher risks for perinatal [OR=2.08, CI=1.11,3.89] and neonatal [OR=4.31, CI=1.77,10.52] mortality and adolescents with a previous abortion had higher risks for stillbirths [OR=3.31, CI=1.01,10.88] and preterm births [OR=2.21, CI=1.07,4.58]. After adjusting for maternal nationality, partner status, smoking, prenatal care and pre-pregnancy BMI, adolescents with a previous birth were at higher risk for perinatal [OR=2.35, CI=1.14,4.86] and neonatal mortality [OR= 4.70, CI=1.60,13.81] and adolescents with a previous abortion had a higher risk for very low birthweight infants [OR=2.74, CI=1.06,7.09] than nulliparous teenagers. The results suggest that teenagers who give birth twice as adolescents have worse outcomes in their second pregnancy compared to those teenagers who are giving birth for the first time. The prevention of the second pregnancy during adolescence is an important public health objective and should be addressed by health care providers who attend the first birth or the abortion and the follow-up care. Also, health care workers should attempt to improve the pregnancy outcomes of subsequent teenage pregnancies by addressing modifiable risk factors, for example, supporting smoking cessation and utilization of prenatal care. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | ADOLESCENTS, FEMALE | ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY | MULTIPARITY | ABORTION | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | RISK FACTORS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Data Analysis | Adolescents | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Parity | Fertility Measurements | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Biology Document Number: 324308 Notification |
| 7. Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of conventional or extended-cycle regimen of an oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg dienogest on various hemostasis parameters. Author: Wiegratz I; Stahlberg S; Manthey T; Sanger N; Mittmann K; Lange E; Mellinger U; Kuhl H Source: Contraception. 2008 Nov;78(5):384-91. Abstract: BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 30 mcg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg dienogest with two different regimens on various hemostasis variables. STUDY DESIGN: Hemostatic parameters were measured in 59 women treated with a monophasic COC containing 30 mcg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg dienogest (EE/DNG) either conventionally (13 cycles with 21 days of treatment+7 days without hormones) or with an extended-cycle regimen (4 extended cycles with 84 days of continuous administration of EE/DNG, followed by a hormone-free interval of 7 days). Blood samples were taken on Days 21-26 of the preceding control cycle and on Days 19-21 of the 3rd and 13th conventional cycle or on Days 82-84 of the first and fourth extended cycle. RESULTS: After 3 and 12 months, significant increases in fibrinogen (20%), factor VII antigen (50-60%), factor VII activity (45%), activated factor VII (30-45%) and factor VIII activity (10-20%) occurred in both treatment regimens. In both groups, there was a small but significant decrease in the level and activity of antithrombin, a 20-25% decrease in total and free protein S and a 15-20% rise in the level and activity of protein C, but no significant change of the thrombin-antithrombin complex. A significant over-time rise by about 25% of prothrombin fragment 1+2 occurred only in the extended-cycle group, but this effect did not differ significantly from that observed during conventional treatment. Plasminogen was elevated by 50% in both groups, while tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity rose by 15% in the conventional group and by 25-30% in the extended-cycle group. In both groups, t-PA antigen was reduced by about 30% and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by 40-60%. The levels of the plasmin-antiplasmin complex rose by 30-40% and those of D-dimers by 20-55%. The prothrombin time was slightly increased and the activated partial thromboplastin time was slightly decreased. CONCLUSION: In general, these results werein agreement with those observed during treatment with other COCs. The study demonstrated that during conventional and extended-cycle treatment with EE/DNG, a steady-state in the effects on hemostasis variables was reached within 3 months, and that the effects observed after 3 and 12 months of treatment did not substantially differ between conventional and extended-cycle regimen. Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | HEMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | TIME FACTORS | ANTIGENS | THROMBOSIS | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Drugs | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Hemic System | Physiology | Biology | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Population Dynamics | Immunologic Factors | Immunity | Immune System | Thromboembolism | Embolism | Vascular Diseases | Diseases Document Number: 329151 |
| 8. Title: New indicator of quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care [letter] Author: Fauveau V Source: Lancet. 2007 Oct 13;370(9595):1310. Abstract: Jill Replogle discusses contradicting developments surrounding the abortion law in Latin America. Similar conflicts are known from Europe and the USA. In European countries such as Germany in the early 1990s, the abortion law was subject to professional wrangling. Doctors' expertise and professional ethics were marginalised by repeated changes in law and jurisdiction. After furious debates, the liberal solution was adopted that every woman is entitled to have a termination within the first 12 weeks after conception, provided she has attended an independent counselling session at least 3 days before the procedure. The initial worry that the liberal law might result in a higher abortion rate has not become reality. In fact, the opposite is true: according to the Federal Statistical Office, the termination rate has fallen from 8.7 terminations per 1000 women of childbearing age (145 267 cases) in 1990 to 7.2 terminations per 1000 (119 710 cases) in 2006. Advice and help thus seem more effective than repression. (full text) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | POLICYMAKERS | PREGNANT WOMEN | ABORTION LAW | ABORTION | ABORTION RATE | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning Document Number: 321874 Notification |
| 9. Title: Trafficking in human beings and the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Author: Hennig J; Craggs S; Laczko F; Larsson F Source: Geneva, Switzerland, International Organization for Migration [IOM], 2007. 46 p. (IOM Migration Research Series No. 29) Abstract: Prior to the World Cup in Germany in 2006, there was considerable international concern that this event would contribute to a sharp increase in trafficking for sexual exploitation. Media reports suggested that prostitution would increase and that up to 40,000 women might be trafficked. This report investigates whether the number of victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation increased during the World Cup 2006 in Germany. The study also examines the measures taken by the authorities and the NGO community in Germany before and during the World Cup. The study was conducted between June and September 2006. Research included a systematic review of media and statistical sources, an analysis of previous large-scale events and their impact on trafficking, and in-depth interviews with representatives of key agencies responsible for combating human trafficking in Germany. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted in total with six experts from the relevant departments of German Lander Criminal Police Offices or the City Police Offices of selected World Cup cities, and ten in-depth expert interviews with civil society organizations (street work and assistance to victims of trafficking). In addition to the analysis of the situation in Germany, information on trends in connection with the World Cup was gathered in cooperation with IOM missions. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | KAP SURVEYS | SEX WORKERS | GOVERNMENT AGENCIES | GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS | NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS | SPORTS | SEXUAL TRAFFICKING | LEGISLATION | MASS MEDIA | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Social Behavior | Crime | Social Problems | Communication Document Number: 326001 |
| 10. Title: Educational differences, value of children and fertility outcomes in Germany. Author: Klein T; Eckhard J Source: Current Sociology. 2007 Jul;55(4):505-525. Abstract: Referring to the dependence of income and occupational opportunities on education as well as to the lower compatibility between career and parenthood for women, educational differences of family foundation rates are being interpreted as an expression of different opportunity costs by many researchers (opportunity cost hypothesis). This hypothesis is discussed and analysed in this article for the German case drawing on the German Family Survey (Familiensurvey). The analysis considers two aspects of fertility motivation: on the one hand, it refers to educational level and the perceived value of children for (potential) parents; on the other, it examines the behavioural relevance of these fertility motivations. The empirical results from national representative longitudinal data question the opportunity cost hypothesis. Neither the perception of the incompatibility between career and motherhood nor its effect on the desire to become a parent are stronger for more highly educated women than for women with a lower formal educational level. Moreover, the article provides empirical evidence that the well-known educational differentiation of family formation rates is associated with child-related utility expectations, such as stimulation and affect. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | LONGITUDINAL STUDIES | SURVEYS | WOMEN | CHILD WORTH | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | INCOME | OCCUPATIONS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | ASPIRATIONS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Sampling Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Microeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Socioeconomic Factors | Human Resources | Socioeconomic Status | Psychological Factors | Behavior Document Number: 319664 |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: HIV / AIDS conference highlights Lesotho's progress. Author: Loewenberg S Source: Lancet. 2007 Feb 3;369(9559):358-359. Abstract: Lesotho is improving access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programmes by mainstreaming these activities into non-health sectors, the government's HIV/AIDS coordinator told a recent conference in Germany. Samuel Loewenberg reports from Berlin. AIDS first surfaced in the small southern African country of Lesotho in 1986. Its path was quick and devastating. In 1993, the HIV infection rate had reached 4% of the population. By 2001, over 31% of the population were infected, making it the fourth highest rate of infection in the world. But there is progress being made. Through an innovative approach known as mainstreaming, local public-health authorities have made much progress in establishing education and treatment programmes. Beginning in 1997, public-health officials adopted a multisector approach to HIV/AIDS education, implementing programmes in the military, schools, and agriculture and construction industries. This approach, which integrates the struggle against the disease into daily life, "has broken the silence, broken the stigma of testing", said Malitlallo Majara, the HIV/AIDS coordinator in the Ministry of Local Government of Lesotho. Mainstreaming, she recently told an audience of public-health officials in Berlin, "makes it everybody's responsibility". (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: LESOTHO | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | CONFERENCES AND CONGRESSES | EVALUATION | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV PREVENTION | AIDS PREVENTION | INTEGRATED PROGRAMS | HEALTH EDUCATION | SEX EDUCATION | Africa, Southern | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developing Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | AIDS | Programs | Organization and Administration | Education Document Number: 312117 |
| 12. Peer Reviewed Title: Second births in western Germany and France. Author: Koppen K Source: Demographic Research. 2006 Apr 28;14(14):295-330. Abstract: We compare second birth risks in France and western Germany using data from the Family and Fertility Survey. Second birth risks are higher for highly educated women than for women with lower education in both countries. In western Germany, the positive effect weakens after controlling for the education level of the partner. The positive effect of French women's education remains unchanged, even after controlling for the partners' characteristics. We interpret this finding in the sense that work and family life are more compatible in France, where highly educated women can turn their education more often into work opportunities and income. West German women often have to make a decision between an employment career and motherhood as two exclusive life options. In such a situation, it is primarily the partners' earning potential that influences fertility. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FRANCE | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | FERTILITY SURVEYS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | WOMEN | SEXUAL PARTNERS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | FAMILY LIFE | INCOME | EMPLOYMENT STATUS | DECISION MAKING | BIRTH LIMITING | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Europe, Central | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Sex Behavior | Behavior | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Planning Document Number: 304087 |
| 13. Title: Analysis of two imported cases of yellow fever infection from Ivory Coast and The Gambia to Germany and Belgium. Author: Bae HG; Drosten C; Emmerich P; Colebunders R; Hantson P Source: Journal of Clinical Virology. 2005;33:274-280. Abstract: Background: yellow fever remains one of the great burdens for public health in the endemic regions in Africa and South America. The under reporting of yellow fever cases in the respective regions and lack of international interest leads to an underestimation of the constant danger in these areas. Non- vaccinated travelers take a high risk without the effective protection of YFV 17D vaccination. Objectives: Two YF cases were imported to Europe in the last 4 years. We characterized two yellow fever virus (YFV) isolates from severely infected patients coming back from Africa, Ivory Coast and The Gambia, by genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Study design: The virus infections in different organs were analyzed with pathological, immunohistological, electronmicroscopical and quantitative real-time PCR methods. Results and Conclusion: High virus loads in spleen and liver (2.4 x 10(6) to 3 x l0(7) GE/mL) demonstrated by real time PCR show massive virus replication leading to extraordinary progression of the disease in these patients. Immunohistological and electronmicroscopica1 analysis confirms virus particles in liver tissue. In all other organs no virus could be detected. A fast, specific and sensitive virus PCR detection is recommended for diagnostic of acute infections. The further sequence alignments show that the new isolates belong to the type II West African strain with great homology to over 40-year old YF isolates from Senegal and Ghana. The divergence observed was on average 3.3%, ranging from 0.0% to 5.0% in the coding region of Gambia2001 strain and 2.9%, ranging from 0.0% to 4.3% in the coding region of the IvoryC1999 strain. Most mutations (5.0%/4.3%, respectively) occurred in the envelope protein. (author's) Language: English Keywords: COTE D'IVOIRE | GAMBIA | BELGIUM | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CASE STUDIES | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | TRAVELERS | YELLOW FEVER | TRAVEL AND TOURISM | LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS | HISTOLOGY | GENETICS | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | Developing Countries | Africa, Western | Africa, Sub Saharan | Africa | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Europe, Central | Studies | Research Methodology | Examinations and Diagnoses | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Immunity | Immune System | Physiology | Biology | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Document Number: 291070 |
| 14. Peer Reviewed Title: Decomposing the change in labour force indicators over time. Author: Prskawetz A; Zagaglia B; Fent T; Skirbekk V Source: Demographic Research. 2005 Oct 21;13(7):163-188. Abstract: In this paper we study changes in the size and the composition of the labour force in five selected OECD countries from 1983 through 2000. We apply a recent decomposition method to quantify the components of the change over time in the crude labour force rate and the mean age of the labour force. Our results show that the change in the crude labour force rate was dominated by the change in age-specific labour force participation rates. For the mean age of the labour force we find that for males the change in the age composition of the population predominately explains the overall change while the results for females are less clear-cut. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FRANCE | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | SPAIN | UNITED KINGDOM | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | RESEARCH REPORT | POPULATION STATISTICS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | POPULATION | LABOR FORCE | DEMOGRAPHIC AGING | SEX FACTORS | Europe, Western | Europe | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe, Southwestern | North America | Americas | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Studies | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population Characteristics Document Number: 292605 |
| 15. Title: Biomedical research. Potential long-acting male contraceptive studied. [Investigación Biomédica. Estudio potencial de un anticonceptivo masculino de acción prolongada] Source: Population Briefs. 2004 Sep;10(3):[3] p.. Abstract: Scientists know much more about the basic workings of the female reproductive system than about the male reproductive system. Thus, while for more than 40 years birth control pills and intrauterine devices have been providing highly effective, practical, and acceptable long-term contraception for women, the development of reversible, long-term male contraception has confounded researchers. Much of the work done at the Population Councils Center for Biomedical Research is geared toward gaining a more complete understanding of male reproductive physiology and developing new male contraceptives. Recent research conducted by Council biomedical researchers and the Councils International Committee for Contraception Research (ICCR) confirms the promise of MENT, the Councils trademarked synthetic androgen, as a component of a male contraceptive method. The ICCR, established by the Population Council in 1970, is a network of distinguished scientists and clinical investigators who conduct clinical trials to test the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of Council-developed products. (excerpt) Spanish Abstract: Los cientķficos saben mucho mįs acerca del funcionamiento bįsico del sistema reproductivo femenino que del masculino. Por lo tanto, si bien durante mįs de 40 ańos las pķldoras anticonceptivas y los dispositivos intrauterinos han estado ofreciendo anticoncepción a largo plazo efectiva, prįctica y aceptable para la mujer, el desarrollo de un anticonceptivo masculino reversible de largo plazo ha frustrado a los investigadores. Gran parte del trabajo hecho en el Centro del Consejo de Población para la Investigación Biomédica estį dirigida al aumento de una comprensión mįs completa de la fisiologķa reproductiva masculina y al desarrollo de nuevos anticonceptivos masculinos. Investigaciones recientes llevadas a cabo por investigadores del Consejo Biomédico y del Consejo del Comité Internacional para la Investigación de la Anticoncepción (ICCR, International Committee for Contraception Research), confirma la promesa acerca de MENT, la marca registrada del andrógeno sintético del Consejo, como un componente de un método anticonceptivo masculino. El ICCR, fundado por el Consejo de Población en 1970, es una red de cientķficos e investigadores clķnicos destacados que realizan estudios clķnicos para probar la seguridad, eficacia y aceptabilidad de los productos desarrollados por el Consejo. (extracto) Language: English Keywords: CHILE | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, MALE | TESTOSTERONE | FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE | LUTEINIZING HORMONE | SPERM COUNT | CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANTS | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | South America, Southern | South America | Latin America | Americas | Developing Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Caribbean | Research Methodology | Contraceptive Agents | Contraception | Family Planning | Androgens | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Gonadotropins, Pituitary | Gonadotropins | Laboratory Procedures | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Contraceptive Methods | Drugs | Treatment Document Number: 280085 |
| 16. Peer Reviewed Title: Challenges to prevent dengue among German travelers to endemic areas. Author: Arya SC; Agarwal N Source: Acta Tropica. 2004;91:1-2. Abstract: Nine-year long surveillance for dengue virus infection among Germans returning from a travel to dengue endemic areas by Teichman et al identified at least seventy-one patients with different manifestations of dengue. Their recommendation about a pre travel advice on different aspects of dengue is very appropriate. Nevertheless, prospective briefings of travelers against dengue virus infections would be comprehensive only through their appreciation of the fundamental properties of the vector, the Aedes aegypti. A. aegypti, popularly known as the yellow fever mosquito has been responsible for the global endemicity and epidemics of yellow fever virus as well as dengue fever virus. A. aegypti is an early morning or late afternoon feeder, but would also bite at night under artificial illumination. Human blood is preferred over other animals and ankles as the favorite bite area. A. aegypti can resist desiccation for up to 1 year; eggs hatch when flooded by deoxygenated water. Larval habitats are artificial containers; larvae feed on the aquatic life that develops in artificial containers. Larvae die at temperatures below 10°C. A. aegypti flies only a few hundred yards from its breeding sites. Unfortunately, such fundamental about the so-called yellow fever mosquito have not been addressed all the seriously by the practitioners of medicine and public health personnel. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | TRAVELERS | DENGUE | TRAVEL AND TOURISM | INFECTION PREVENTION | INFECTION TRANSMISSION | PESTICIDES | PARASITE CONTROL | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infections | Ingredients and Chemicals | Public Health | Health Document Number: 286098 |
| 17. Title: Effects of oral contraceptives on circulating osteoprotegerin and soluble RANK ligand serum levels in healthy young women. Author: Hofbauer LC; Schoppet M; Schüller P; Viereck V; Christ M Source: Clinical Endocrinology. 2004 Feb;60(2):214-219. Abstract: Objective: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) represents a secreted cytokine which regulates bone mass by blocking receptor activator of nuclear factor-?B ligand (RANKL), the principal regulator of osteoclast function. In vitro, OPG production is upregulated by oestrogens in osteoblastic lineage cells, a mechanism that has been discussed as a protective paracrine mechanism of oestrogens on the skeleton. To define the effects of oestrogens on the RANKL/OPG system in vivo, we evaluated OPG and both free and total soluble RANKL (sRANKL) serum levels in health young women with or without oral contraceptives. Design and Patients: Serum levels of OPG and sRANKL were prospectively assessed in a cohort of healthy young women with (n = 30) or without (n = 25) combined oestrogen-progestin-based oral contraceptives. Measurements: OPG, total and free sRANKL serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results: In women using oral contraceptives, OPG serum levels were significantly higher (2.71 ± 1.42 pmol/l) compared to nonusers (1.35 ± 1.02 pmol/l; P = 0.0003), whereas free (P = 055) and total (P = 0.24) sRANKL serum levels did not differ between both groups. This resulted in an increased OPG/free sRANKL ratio (P = 0.02) in women on oral contraceptives. During the ovarian cycle, OPG (P = 0.22) and free sRANKL (P = 0.99) serum levels remained unchanged in women without oral contraceptives (n = 19), while total sRANKL levels were higher in the follicular than in the luteal phase (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Intake of oral contraceptives is associated with increased OPG serum levels, but not sRANKL levels, resulting in a higher OPG/sRANKL ratio. This may contribute to the positive effects of oral contraceptives on the skeleton. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | WOMEN | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, SIDE EFFECTS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | BLOOD | IMMUNITY, CELLULAR | SKELETAL EFFECTS | ESTROGENS | METABOLIC EFFECTS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraceptive Agents | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Methods | Hemic System | Physiology | Biology | Immunity | Immune System | Hormones | Endocrine System Document Number: 277807 |
| 18. Peer Reviewed Title: Challenges to protect the traveller Re: challenges to prevent dengue among German travellers to endemic areas by Arya and Agarwal. Author: Teichmann D; Göbels K; Niedrig M; Grobusch MP Source: Acta Tropica. 2004;91:3-4. Abstract: The global prevalence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent years and it is recognised as a potential hazard to international travellers returning from the tropics. In our study, we analysed the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory features and serological/virological results in a series of German travellers returning to Berlin with acute dengue virus infection. In their note, Arya and Agarwal correctly illustrate the fundamental properties of the principle dengue vector Aedes aegypti. They recall that in a man-made environment like in a night club, artificial illumination alters the feeding habits of A. aegypti in such a way that a common day feeder develops night-biting activities; thus increasing the risks of contracting dengue fever in such settings. Arya et al. are rightfully claiming that prospective pre-travel briefing to avoid dengue virus infection would be comprehensive only through the appreciation of the vector behaviour. It is obvious that the various day biting vector borne diseases can not be sufficiently prevented with the use of impregnated mosquito nets and repellents used during the night. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | INDIA | RECOMMENDATIONS | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | TRAVELERS | DENGUE | TRAVEL AND TOURISM | INFECTION PREVENTION | INFECTION TRANSMISSION | PESTICIDES | PARASITE CONTROL | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Behavior | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infections | Ingredients and Chemicals | Public Health | Health Document Number: 286099 |
| 19. Peer Reviewed Title: Effect of four oral contraceptives on hemostatic parameters. Author: Wiegratz I; Lee JH; Kutschera E; Winkler UH; Kuhl H Source: Contraception. 2004;70:97-106. Abstract: This is the first double-blind, controlled, randomized study comparing the effect of different estrogen components in oral contraceptives (OCs) on hemostasis variables. Four groups of 25 women each were treated for six cycles with monophasic combinations containing 21 tablets with either 30 µg ethinylestradiol (EE) + 2 mg dienogest (DNG) (30EE/DNG), 20 µg EE + 2 mg DNG (20EE/DNG), 10 µg EE + 2 mg estradiol valerate (EV) + 2 mg DNG (EE/EV/DNG) or 20 µg EE + 100 µg levonorgestrel (LNG) (EE/LNG). Blood samples were taken on Days 2126 of the control cycle and on Days 1821 of the first, third and sixth treatment cycle. Treatment with all four OCs caused an increase in levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin fragment 1+2, D-dimer, plasminogen, plasmin-antiplasmin complex and an increase in protein C activity, a decrease in antithrombin activity, tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), and a slight decrease in the sensitivity to activated protein C, but no significant change in that of the thrombin-antithrombin complex. In users of the DNG-containing OCs, the reduction in total and free protein S, and in t-PA and PAI was dependent on the EE dose, while factor VII activity was elevated, but not significantly different from EE/LNG. The results are in agreement with those of previous studies. The effects of EE/EV/DNG on total and free protein S and on t-PA and PAI were lower than those of 20EE/DNG, suggesting that the impact of 2 mg EV on several hemostasis variables is less than that of 10 µg EE. The results show an antagonistic effect of LNG on the EE-induced rise of factor VII activity and fragment 1_2 and on the EE-dependent reduction of total and free protein S. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | DOUBLE-BLIND STUDIES | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, ESTROGEN | ESTRADIOL | LEVONORGESTREL | SERUM PROTEIN EFFECTS | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, SIDE EFFECTS | THROMBOSIS | HEMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS | CONTRACEPTIVE SAFETY | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Estrogens | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Hemic System | Thromboembolism | Embolism | Vascular Diseases | Diseases | Safety | Public Health | Health Document Number: 273582 |
| 20. Peer Reviewed Title: Cycle control, quality of life and acne with two low-dose oral contraceptives containing 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol. Author: Winkler UH; Ferguson H; Mulders JA Source: Contraception. 2004 Jun;69(6):469-476. Abstract: Poor cycle control and tolerability can be reasons for irregular pill intake. This study compared the tolerability of two low-dose oral contraceptives and their effect on cycle control. In this open, group-comparative, randomized multicenter trial in Germany and the Netherlands, women received either 20 µg ethinylestradiol plus 150 µg desogestrel (20EE/DSG; n = 500) or 20 µg ethinylestradiol plus 100 µg levonorgestrel (20EE/LNG; n = 498) for six treatment cycles. Cycle control, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were assessed using diary cards. Tolerability was assessed using the self-administered questionnaires Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Acne was assessed by objective (acne counts) and subjective (no, moderate, mild, severe) acne scoring of the facial area at baseline and treatment cycles 1, 3 and 6. A total of 404 (78.1%) and 384 (75.3%) women in the 20EE/DSG and 20EE/LNG groups, respectively, completed the trial. The occurrence rate of irregular bleeding and spotting was statistically significantly higher with 20EE/LNG than with 20EE/DSG (0.18 vs. 0.13; p < 0.05). The mean number of bleeding-spotting days per cycle was statistically significantly higher with 20EE/LNG than with 20EE/DSG (0.63 vs. 0.48; p < 0.05). Early withdrawal bleeding was more frequent with 20EE/LNG (0.15 vs. 0.08; p < 0.005), whereas continued withdrawal bleeding was more frequent with 20EE/DSG (0.32 vs. 0.45; p < 0.001); absence of withdrawal bleeding was comparable (0.06 vs. 0.04, respectively). Thirteen subjects in the 20EE/LNG group and three in the 20EE/DSG group discontinued due to unacceptable bleeding (p < 0.05). Dysmenorrhea and PMS decreased comparably in both groups. There were no differences between groups for the mean total scores of PGWBI or POMS at all time-points. Fewer acne lesions were counted with 20EE/DSG vs. 20EE/LNG after six cycles (p < 0.05). The subjective acne scores supported this finding. 20EE/DSG provided better cycle control than 20EE/LNG with less treatment discontinuation due to unacceptable bleeding. There were no apparent differences between the two groups regarding tolerability and quality of life. There was less acne with 20EE/DSG. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | NETHERLANDS | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL TRIALS | WOMEN | MENSTRUAL REGULATION | ACNE | QUALITY OF LIFE | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, LOW-DOSE | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | DESOGESTREL | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, COMBINED | PREMENSTRUAL TENSION | DYSMENORRHEA | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Clinical Research | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postcoital | Family Planning | Dermatitis | Diseases | Social Welfare | Economic Factors | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Menstruation Disorders | Behavior Document Number: 192718 |
| 21. Peer Reviewed Title: [Contraception in adolescents -- address on the occasion of the FBA 2002] Kontrazeption bei jugendlichen. Vertrag anlässlich der FBA 2002. Author: Anthuber S Source: Zentralblatt für Gynäkologie. 2003 Dec;125(12):480-483. Abstract: In Germany we observe an increasing number of unwanted teenage pregnancies associated with a consecutively escalating rate of abortions. The education at school, through parents and public media does not show sufficient prevention efficacy. One of the key issues in this context seems to be the discrepancy between time of education and premature sexual activity. Suitable contraceptives are required to meet individual needs and parameters of the adolescent. There are various suitable options as low dose oral contraception of the new generation, long-term depot contraceptives, the Nuva-Ring and future transdermal and subcutaneous contraceptives currently under evaluation. The interests and demands of the teenage patient are the focus of attention but the legal ground has to be taken into consideration, too: Contraception for adolescents provides potential conflict of interest for the physician and thus makes knowledge of recent laws essential. (author's) Language: German Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RECOMMENDATIONS | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | ADOLESCENTS | PREGNANT WOMEN | ABORTION | ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY | SEX EDUCATION | TIME FACTORS | LEGISLATION | CONTRACEPTIVE AVAILABILITY | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Europe | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Reproductive Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Education | Contraception Document Number: 277541 Notification |
| 22. Peer Reviewed Title: Do cross-national differences in the costs of children generate cross-national differences in fertility rates? Author: Diprete TA; Morgan SP; Engelhardt H; Pacalova H Source: Population Research and Policy Review. 2003 Dec;22(5-6):439-477. Abstract: Parity-specific probabilities of having a next birth are estimated from national fertility data and are compared with nation-specific costs of having children as measured by time-budget data, by attitude data from the International Social Survey Program, and by panel data on labor earnings and standard of living changes following a birth. We focus on five countries (the United States, the former West Germany, Denmark, Italy, and the United Kingdom), whose fertility rates span the observed fertility range in the contemporary industrialized world and whose social welfare and family policies span the conceptual space of standard welfare state typologies. Definitive conclusions are difficult because of the multiple dimensions on which child costs can be measured, the possibility that child costs affect both the quantum and the tempo of fertility, the relatively small fertility differences across industrialized nations, and the inherent small-N problem resulting from nation-level comparisons. Empirical analysis, however, supports the assertion that institutionally driven child costs affect the fertility patterns of industrialized nations. (author's) Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | DENMARK | ITALY | UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | FAMILY POLICY | FERTILITY RATE | CHILD CARE | MICROECONOMIC FACTORS | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | INCOME | STANDARD OF LIVING | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Europe, Central | Europe | Europe, Northern | Europe, Southern | Europe, Western | Studies | Research Methodology | Social Policy | Policy | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child Rearing | Behavior | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 191282 |
| 23. Peer Reviewed Title: The differential influence of women's residential district on the risk of entering first marriage and motherhood in western Germnay. Author: Hank K Source: Population and Environment. 2003 Sep;25(1):3. Abstract: This paper investigates the role of womens residential district in the process of family formation in western Germany during the 1980s and 1990s. Our analysis of the transition to first marriage and motherhood is based on the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP), which we merge with a rich set of district-level data. The estimated multilevel discrete-time logit models suggest that (1) basically all regional heterogeneity in womens entry into parenthood is due to differences in the respondents marital status, while there is (2) a constant and significant regional variation in womens first marriage probabilities, which cannot be explained by population composition or by structural contextual effects. Thus, regional influences on fertility behavior do not have an autonomous quality, but are merely mediated through a latent contextual effect on womens risk of entering first marriage, which we attribute to regional socio-cultural milieus. (author's) Language: English Keywords: GERMANY | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | PERIOD ANALYSIS | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS | MOTHERS | EVER MARRIED | WOMEN | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | MARRIAGE PATTERNS | FIRST BIRTH | FERTILITY DETERMINANTS | CULTURE | RISK FACTORS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Theoretical Models | Data Analysis | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Demographic Factors | Population | Marriage | Pregnancy History | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Biology Document Number: 187570 |
| 24. Peer Reviewed Title: A comparative study of zygotic twinning and triplet rates in eight countries, 1972-1999. Author: Imaizumi Y Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2003 Apr;35(2):287-302. Abstract: Annual changes in twinning and triplet rates by zygosity were investigated in eight countries during the period 19721999 using vital statistics. The monozygotic (MZ) twinning rates in Denmark, Switzerland and the Slovak Republic remained more or less constant throughout this period, whereas those in England and Wales, the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany), the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Japan increased significantly year by year. With the exception of the Slovak Republic, the dizygotic (DZ) twinning rate increased significantly year by year in each country. It was 2·9 times higher in Denmark and 1·5 times higher in Germany in 1999 than in 1972, and within the same range in the other countries. With two exceptions, the MZ triplet rates remained more or less constant in each country. On the other hand, the DZ and trizygotic (TZ) triplet rates increased significantly year by year in each country. The TZ rate increased 30-fold in Germany, 16·6-fold in Japan, 11·7-fold in Switzerland, 9·7-fold in the Czech Republic, 8·7-fold in the Netherlands, 6·4-fold in Denmark, 5·6-fold in England and Wales and 3·5-fold in the Slovak Republic. The higher DZ twinning rate and higher DZ and TZ triplet rates since 1983 have been attributed to the higher proportion of mothers being treated with ovulation-inducing hormones and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Denmark, England and Wales, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Japan. After the introduction of fertility drugs and IVF, variations in the DZ twinning and triplet rates and the TZ triplet rates were not only due to biological factors, but also depended on the popularity of fertility drugs and IVF in each country. In the Slovak Republic, where human fertility might not be a.ected by some adverse environmental factors, the DZ:MZ ratio remained constant during the period 19721999. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DENMARK | SWITZERLAND | SLOVAKIA | UNITED KINGDOM | WALES | FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | NETHERLANDS | CZECH REPUBLIC | JAPAN | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | VITAL STATISTICS | IN VITRO | BIRTH RATE | MULTIPLE BIRTH | FERTILIZATION | Europe, Northern | Europe | Developed Countries | Europe, Central | Developing Countries | United Kingdom | Europe, Western | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Statistics | Clinical Research | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction Document Number: 179098 |
| 25. Title: [Chlamydia pneumoniae--the etiologic agent of follicular conjunctivitis followed by keratoconjunctivitis sicca in adult patients] Chlamydia pneumoniae -- etiologie folikularni konjunktivitidy a nasledna keratokonjunktivitis sicca u dospelych pacientu. Author: Krasny J; Borovanska J; Hruba D Source: Ceskį a Slovenskį Oftalmologie. 2003 Sep;59(5):325-333. Abstract: The authors refer to 21 adult patients at the age of 22 to 87 years, who have suffered from a chronic form of follicular conjunctivitis, found to be caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae as the etiological agent. The observation was made in the period from July 1999 to December 2002. Chl. pneumoniae was detected by a direct demonstration of the conjunctiva smears and by means of serological examination. The print preparations on glass were examined by the method of indirect immunofluorescence by means of specific monoclonal antibodies (Medac, Germany). The serological examination included detection of genus-specific IgG, IgA, IgM antibodies, respectively (Medac, Germany) and species-specific anti-Ch. pneumoniae IgG, IgA abd IgM antibodies, respectively (FOCUS Technologies, U.S.A.). The clinical picture included various long-term subjective complaints (within the range of several months to ten years), particularly a pathological secretion or increased lacrimation, cutting, burning or feeling of a foreign body in the eye. The objective examination revealed chronic changes characterized by a mild edema of bulbar conjunctiva with increased meandering in vessels of irregular caliber and edema in the lower transition plica with follicular structure crossing into the tarsal conjunctiva. In the fornix there was an apparent sticking aqueous or mucinous secretion. The therapy was indicated by the positive smears alone in four patients or positive IgA and/or IgM of genus- or species-specific antibodies in 12 patients. The therapy in the remaining five patients was recommended by the combination of suspect-positive smears in combination with positive genus- or species specific antibody reaction. The therapy made use of systemic administration of a macrolide antibiotic, azithromycin, for the period of 12 to 14 days in a single course of treatment. The pretreatment was always followed by control smears after two weeks and by serological examinations after three and six months. The serological findings remained virtually unchanged during that period of time in all patients under observation. In two of them only the species-specific antibodies anti-Ch. pneumoniae IgA antibodies disappeared six months after the therapy. The clinical findings disappeared slowly, particularly the follicular changes occurred after more than six months after the therapy ended. The subjective complaints, accompanied by a transient hyperemia of conjunctives in particular, remained after the therapy in nine patients older than 45 years, who were found to suffer from kieratoconjnunctivitis sicca. The ocular symptomatology was not accompanied by symptoms of autoimmune disease. The general treatment by antibiotics and the results supportive treatment succeeded in 67% of patients who were completely free of subjective complaints and the pathological process in conjunctives was inhibited. (author's) Language: Czech Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | GENETIC TECHNIQUES | ADULTS | CHLAMYDIA | PNEUMONIA | EYESIGHT | SEROCONVERSION | IMMUNOGLOBULIN ALTERATIONS | ANTIBODIES | EDEMA | ANTIBIOTICS | TIME FACTORS | GENETICS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Pulmonary Effects | Physiology | Biology | Immunity | Immune System | Hematological Effects | Hemic System | Immunologic Factors | Signs and Symptoms | Drugs | Treatment | Population Dynamics Document Number: 194816 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: A pharmacokinetic study with a low-dose oral contraceptive containing 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol plus 100 micrograms levonorgestrel. Author: Endrikat J; Blode H; Gerlinger C; Rosenbaum P; Kuhnz W Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2002;7:79-90. Abstract: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of a dose-reduced oral contraceptive containing 20 µg ethinylestradiol (EE) + 100 µg levonorgestrel (LNG) in 18 young, healthy females. Serum levels of EE and LNG were determined after single and repeated daily oral administration over three treatment cycles, each consisting of 21 treatment days followed by a 7-day treatment-free period. Additionally, the time courses of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), corticoid-binding globulin (CBG) and total and free testosterone serum levels were analyzed. Both active ingredients were rapidly absorbed and maximum concentrations in serum were reached between, on average, 1 and 2 h after single and multiple administrations, respectively. Concentrations of EE increased during repeated daily administration. An approximate two-fold accumulation was calculated based on the comparison of EE area under the curve (AUC) (024 h) values determined after the first and the last tablet administration within a treatment cycle. LNG serum concentrations also increased during repeated daily administration, reaching steady-state levels after about 11 days. Based on the comparison of AUC (024 h) values determined after the first and the last tablet administration, LNG accumulated approximately by a factor of 3 within a treatment cycle. Steady-state pharmacokinetics of LNG were similar at the end of the first and the third treatment cycles, indicating no further accumulation of LNG beyond a treatment cycle under long-term use of this combined oral contraceptive. The clearance and volume of distribution of LNG decreased and the terminal half-life increased after repeated daily administration, compared with single administration. These effects have also been reported for other LNG/EE combinations. SHBG serum concentrations increased during repeated daily intake by, on average, 1.51.6-fold, and for CBG, an average increase of 1.41.8-fold was found. Although free testosterone concentrations declined during repeated daily administration by about 40%, total testosterone remained relatively unchanged at a low level. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of EE and LNG determined in the present study were in good agreement with those previously reported for 30 µg EE + 150 µg LNG, taking the 33% dose reduction into account. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | LOW-DOSE PROGESTINS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, LOW-DOSE | LEVONORGESTREL | TESTOSTERONE | BLOOD | LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Androgens | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Hemic System | Examinations and Diagnoses Document Number: 192236 |
| 27. Peer Reviewed Title: Improvement of quality of life in women using a low-dose desogestrel-containing contraceptive: results of an observational clinical evaluation. Author: Ernst U; Baumgartner L; Bauer U; Janssen G Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2002;7:238-243. Abstract: The objective was to assess the influence of an oral contraceptive (OC) containing 20 µg ethinylestradiol and 150 µg desogestrel on quality of life and subjective symptoms. In this multicenter observational evaluation performed in Germany, 3679 first-time OC users were included. They were treated by 623 physicians. The women completed quality of life questionnaires (Q-LES-Q) at baseline and after three treatment cycles. The mean age of users (± SD) was 22.5 ± 7.1 years, with 47% of the women aged between 15 and 20 years. Half of the women reported skin problems at inclusion and, of these, 36% reported disappearance of the problems after three treatment cycles. Most women suffering from subjective symptoms (headache, nausea, nervousness, breast tenderness and depressive moods) at baseline reported improvements (5771%) in their symptoms after using the OC for three cycles. Adverse events were reported by 4% of users; the most frequently reported were bleeding irregularities (1.7%). The total quality-of-life score and all its 13 individual items improved significantly (p < 0.0001), with the largest improvements in sex life and mood. Almost all (94%) women were either very satisfied or satisfied with the medication. The OC containing ethinylestradiol and desogestrel significantly improved the quality of life and subjective symptoms. The OC was well tolerated by first-time users. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CLINICAL RESEARCH | KAP SURVEYS | WOMEN | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, LOW-DOSE | QUALITY OF LIFE | DESOGESTREL | DERMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS | LOW-DOSE PROGESTINS | HEADACHE | NAUSEA | METRORRHAGIA | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Oral Contraceptives | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Social Welfare | Economic Factors | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Physiology | Biology | Signs and Symptoms | Diseases | Bleeding | Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen | Behavior Document Number: 192227 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Two cases of abortion and premature birth after removal of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Author: Rollnik JD; Lück HJ; Giersig C Source: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2002 Dec 1;7(4):244-246. Abstract: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (IUSs) are frequently used for contraception, increasingly also in young women before and/or between planned pregnancy. We report on two cases of abortion (double abortion and abortion followed by premature birth) after removal of a levonorgestrel-releasing IUS. Both women (25 and 26 years old) with no previous gynecological problems had a normal pregnancy and had previously delivered healthy babies. The significance of the two cases remains unclear, unless further cases are reported. However, the authors believe that there is a need for further investigation of this issue. (author's) Language: English Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | CASE STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | PREGNANT WOMEN | IUD, HORMONE RELEASING | LEVONORGESTREL | ABORTION, SPONTANEOUS | PREMATURE BIRTH | CONTRACEPTION TERMINATION | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | IUD | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Agents, Progestin | Contraceptive Agents, Female | Contraceptive Agents | Pregnancy Complications | Diseases | Pregnancy Outcomes | Pregnancy | Reproduction Document Number: 192229 |
| 29. Title: [Demands for improvement in women's health] Forderungen zur Verbesserung der Frauengesundheit. Source: Profamilia Magazin. 2001 Mar;29:23-24. Abstract: At the hearing of the German federal public health committee on "Female-specific healthcare" on March 7, 2001 in Berlin, the pro-family federal organization presented a catalog of demands which we shall summarize and cite below. (author's) Language: German Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | WOMEN | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | HEALTH POLICY | FAMILY LIFE | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Demographic Factors | Population | Policy Document Number: 180418 |
| 30. Title: [First view: benign gynecological disorders] Erster Einblick: Gutartige gynäkologische Erkrankungen. Author: Begenau J Source: Profamilia Magazin. 2001 Mar;29:15-16. Abstract: In the "Report on the condition of women's health in Germany" for the first time, a view of the epidemiology of benign gynecological disorders and their meaning for women's health has been given. Accordingly, in the "Health status" chapter, it provides a snapshot of statements arising from gynecological complaints as well as illnesses which are treated in a clinic leading to an operation or causing worker's disability. (author's) Language: German Keywords: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | WOMEN | GYNECOLOGIC DISEASES | EPIDEMIOLOGY | GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY | TREATMENT | Europe, Central | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Genital Effects, Female | Genitalia, Female | Genitalia | Urogenital System | Physiology | Biology | Public Health | Health | Urogenital Surgery | Surgery Document Number: 180416 |
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