bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased aerobic capacity reduces susceptibility to acute high‐fat diet‐induced weight gain
Authors: Matthew Morris E. , Meers Grace M.E. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , MacLean Paul S. , Thyfault John P.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Aerobic capacity is the most powerful predictor of all‐cause mortality in humans; however, its role in the development of obesity and susceptibility for high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced weight gain is not completely understood.

Methods

Herein, a rodent model system of divergent intrinsic aerobic capacity [high capacity running (HCR) and low capacity running (LCR)] was utilized to evaluate the role of aerobic fitness on 1‐week HFD‐induced (45% and 60% kcal) weight gain. Food/energy intake, body composition analysis, and brown adipose tissue gene expression were assessed as important potential factors involved in modulating HFD‐induced weight gain.

Results

HCR rats had reduced 1‐week weight gain on both HFDs compared with LCR. Reduced HFD‐induced weight gain was associated with greater adaptability to decrease food intake following initiation of the HFDs. Further, the HCR rats were observed to have reduced feeding efficiency and greater brown adipose mass and expression of genes involved in thermogenesis.

Conclusions

Rats with high intrinsic aerobic capacity have reduced susceptibility to 1‐week HFD‐induced weight gain, which is associated with greater food intake adaptability to control intake of energy‐dense HFDs, reduced weight gain per kcal consumed, and greater brown adipose tissue mass and thermogenic gene expression.
Management of type 2b von Willebrand disease in the neonatal period
Authors: Proud Lindsay , Ritchey A. Kim
Published: July 2016

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting one in 1,000 people. Type 2b VWD is a less common subtype caused by a gain‐of‐function mutation in von Willebrand factor (VWF) that leads to the formation of large, ineffective VWF‐platelet multimers in circulation. This unique pathophysiology creates diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. There is limited information on the management of type 2b VWD in the neonatal period. This report describes the management of a neonate with type 2b VWD with an emphasis on the added benefit of concomitant platelet transfusion and factor replacement therapy over factor replacement therapy alone.
Contact allergy to ingredients of topical medications: results of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA), 2009–2012
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Spiewak Radoslaw , Cooper Susan M. , Wilkinson Mark , Sánchez Pérez Javier , Schnuch Axel , Schuttelaar Marie‐Louise
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to give an overview of the prevalence of contact allergy to active ingredients and excipients of topical medications across Europe.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (www.essca‐dc.org) with substances applied to consecutively patch tested patients, 2009–2012, in 54 departments in 12 European countries.

Results

In view of the varying composition of the baseline series used in the previously mentioned departments and countries, between 58 833 (lanolin alcohols) and 16 498 patients (sodium metabisulfite) were patch tested with the topical agents covered in this study. Among these, positive (allergic) reactions were most commonly observed to sodium metabisulfite (3.12% positive), followed by propolis (2.48%), Compositae mix (1.73%), lanolin alcohols (1.65%) and caine mix III (benzocaine, cinchocaine and tetracaine; 1.27%).

Conclusions

Several of the substances warrant routine screening for contact allergy, i.e. patch testing in a baseline series. However, in view of a vast number of other topical agents, additional patch testing with the suspect topical drug preparations (including natural remedies and cosmetics) is warranted. In the event of a positive test to the (pharmaceutical) product, single ingredients should be tested individually to precisely identify the hapten(s). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Provider risk factors for medication administration error alerts: analyses of a large‐scale closed‐loop medication administration system using RFID and barcode
Authors: Hwang Yeonsoo , Yoon Dukyong , Ahn Eun Kyoung , Hwang Hee , Park Rae Woong
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To determine the risk factors and rate of medication administration error (MAE) alerts by analyzing large‐scale medication administration data and related error logs automatically recorded in a closed‐loop medication administration system using radio‐frequency identification and barcodes.

Methods

The subject hospital adopted a closed‐loop medication administration system. All medication administrations in the general wards were automatically recorded in real‐time using radio‐frequency identification, barcodes, and hand‐held point‐of‐care devices. MAE alert logs recorded during a full 1 year of 2012. We evaluated risk factors for MAE alerts including administration time, order type, medication route, the number of medication doses administered, and factors associated with nurse practices by logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 2 874 539 medication dose records from 30 232 patients (882.6 patient‐years) were included in 2012. We identified 35 082 MAE alerts (1.22% of total medication doses). The MAE alerts were significantly related to administration at non‐standard time [odds ratio (OR) 1.559, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.515–1.604], emergency order (OR 1.527, 95%CI 1.464–1.594), and the number of medication doses administered (OR 0.993, 95%CI 0.992–0.993). Medication route, nurse's employment duration, and working schedule were also significantly related.

Conclusion

The MAE alert rate was 1.22% over the 1‐year observation period in the hospital examined in this study. The MAE alerts were significantly related to administration time, order type, medication route, the number of medication doses administered, nurse's employment duration, and working schedule. The real‐time closed‐loop medication administration system contributed to improving patient safety by preventing potential MAEs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of chemi‐crystallization and free volume changes of high‐density polyethylene weathered in a subtropical humid zone
Authors: Xiong Jian , Ni Kai , Liao Xia , Zhu Jingjun , An Zhu , Yang Qi , Huang Yajiang , Li Guangxian
Published: July 2016

The chemi‐crystallization and free volume changes of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) exposed to subtropical humid climate of Guangzhou, China, were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analysis and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. An increase in content of carbonyl groups and significant chemi‐crystallization were observed to occur during natural exposure. Chain scission accounted for the chemi‐crystallization and would lead to greater crystallizability of the molecules. The reheating DSC run indicated that the crystallizability of the degraded HDPE molecules increased initially with exposure time and then decreased. Positron data showed the new crystals induced by chemi‐crystallization indeed had more imperfect crystal structure in comparison with the pre‐existing parent crystals, and the free volume located in amorphous regions decreased involving a shrinking of the free volume holes. The shrinkage of free volume holes was correlated with the loss of mobility of HDPE molecules, which was confirmed by the increase of glass transition temperature. The formation of new imperfect crystals might increase the amount of rigid amorphous fraction of HDPE materials, as well as the occurrence of crosslinking reactions of molecules located in the interior of HDPE materials, consequently decreasing the molecular mobility. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel polyvinyl alcohol polymer based nanostructure with ferrites co‐doped with nickel and cobalt ions for magneto‐sensor application
Authors: Thanigai Arul Kumaravelu , Manikandan Elayaperumal , Ladchumananandasivam Rasiah , Maaza Malik
Published: July 2016

Uniform nanosheet‐like structures were synthesized by the polymer based co‐precipitation route. Different concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (pure (0 g), 0.2 g and 0.5 g) were added to nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) ion co‐doped ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. X‐ray diffraction confirmed a spinel structure phase of the Ni − Co ferrites. Enhanced average crystallite size (6.7%) of the Ni − Co ferrites was found on polymer incorporation. The molecular functional group of polyvinyl alcohol and Ni − Co ferrites was confirmed by infrared and Raman spectroscopy techniques. On adding polymer, the spherical morphology of the Ni − Co ferrites was tailored to nanosheets (200 nm × 300 nm). Therefore, the polymer based co‐precipitation technique is an inexpensive, simple and effective route to engineer the morphology of the magnetic nanostructure and could be useful for gas sensor and magnetic sensors. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of Metal Oxide Nanomaterials on Thermal Stability of 1,3,6‐Trinitrocarbazole
Authors: Pourmortazavi Seied Mahdi , Rahimi‐Nasrabadi Mehdi , Rai Hossein , Besharati‐Seidani Abbas , Javidan Abdollah
Published: July 2016

The thermal behaviour of 1,3,6‐trinitrocarbazole (TENT) in the form of pure and nanocomposite explosives was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). Thermoanalytical data revealed that thermal decomposition of pure TENT is significantly different from the investigated nanocomposites. The results confirmed that pure TENT decomposed completely in a single stage in the temperature range 400–450 °C. Though, addition of the nanoparticles to the TENT powder leads to higher thermal stability in comparison with the pure TENT. Decomposition kinetics of the pure TENT and the nanocomposites were studied by non‐isothermal DSC at diverse heating rates. The resulted thermokinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the thermal decomposition of pure TENT were compared with the nanocomposites.
Bioinspired Fabrication of Insensitive HMX Particles with Polydopamine Coating
Authors: Zhu Qing , Xiao Chun , Li Shangbin , Luo Guan
Published: July 2016

The development of a facile method for large scale production of insensitive HMX particles is of great importance for energetic materials, especially for insensitive munitions. Inspired by mussels, HMX particles with a thin, robust, wettable and uniform coating based on the self‐polymerization of dopamine were prepared by one‐step solution stirring processes in the study. The as‐prepared HMX@PDA particles showed stable shape, size, and polymorphy compared with original HMX particles. With PDA (polydopamine) coating, the HMX@PDA particles exhibited better wettability, which could improve the adhesive properties between particles and other liquid components in a PBX (plastic bonded explosive). Furthermore, the mechanical sensitivities were decreased for the HMX@PDA particles because of the uniform and smooth PDA coating decreasing the hot spots on the surface of the HMX particles. HMX@PDA particles produced by a facile scalable process might provide a promising substitute for sensitive HMX particles to enhance the safety and adhesive properties when used in PBX.
Labelled microbial culture as a calibration medium for 13C‐isotope measurement of derivatized compounds: application to tert‐butyldimethylsilyl amino acids
Authors: Kheirbeik Louay , Hatté Christine , Balesdent Jérôme
Published: July 2016

Rationale

Compound‐specific stable carbon isotope analysis by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is widely used in studies of environmental or biological functioning. In the case of derivatized molecules, a calibration might be required due to added non‐analyte carbon and in some cases non‐stoichiometric recovery by the mass spectrometer.

Methods

Two biological materials of known isotopic composition were produced by microbial cell cultures on either 13C‐labelled glucose or non‐labelled glucose as sole source of carbon. Subsequent hydrolyzed amino acids were derivatized as tert‐butyldimethylsilyl (tBDMSi) derivatives and analyzed by GC/C/IRMS. The 13C‐enrichment measurements were used as a direct calibration to calculate the original 13C/12C ratios of individual amino acids. We tested this calibration on both known and unknown samples.

Results

For the main proteinogenic amino acids we could determine the number of non‐analyte added carbon atoms and assess the non‐stoichiometrical recovery of tBDMSi carbon atoms, due to their incomplete oxidation in the combustion step of GC/C/IRMS. The calibration enabled the determination of the natural abundances (δ13C values) of amino acids with an average accuracy of ±1.1 ‰. We illustrate the application of the calibration to determine the 13C/12C ratios of amino acids, and the associated uncertainty, in biological and plant materials.

Conclusions

The analysis of a labelled microbial cell culture offers a straightforward, rapid and reliable estimate of non‐analyte carbon contribution to stable isotope composition. We recommend this method as a calibration or a control in artificial or natural 13C‐tracing experiments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of subchronic exposure to zinc nanoparticles on tissue accumulation, serum biochemistry, and histopathological changes in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Kaya Hasan , Duysak Müge , Akbulut Mehmet , Yılmaz Sevdan , Gürkan Mert , Arslan Zikri , Demir Veysel , Ateş Mehmet
Published: July 2016

Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are among the least investigated NPs and thus their toxicological effects are not known. In this study, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were exposed to 1 and 10 mg/L suspensions of small size (SS, 40–60 nm) and large size (LS, 80–100 nm) ZnNPs for 14 days under semi‐static conditions. Total Zn levels in the intestine, liver, kidney, gill, muscle tissue, and brain were measured. Blood serum glucose (GLU), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were examined to elucidate the physiological disturbances induced by ZnNPs. Organ pathologies were examined for the gills, liver, and kidney to identify injuries associated with exposure. Significant accumulation was observed in the order of intestine, liver, kidney, and gills. Zn levels exhibited time‐ and concentration‐dependent increase in the organs. Accumulation in kidney was also dependent on particle size; NPs SS‐ZnNPs were trapped more effectively than LS‐ZnNPs. No significant accumulation occurred in the brain (p > 0.05) while Zn levels in muscle tissue increased only marginally (p ≥ 0.05). Significant disturbances were noted in serum GOT and LDH (p < 0.05). The GPT levels fluctuated and were not statistically different from those of controls (p > 0.05). Histopathological tubular deformations and mononuclear cell infiltrations were observed in kidney sections. In addition, an increase in melano‐macrophage aggregation intensity was identified on the 7th day in treatments exposed to LS‐ZnNPs. Mononuclear cell infiltrations were identified in liver sections for all treatments. Both ZnNPs caused basal hyperplasia in gill sections. Fusions appeared in the gills after the 7th day in fish treated with 10 mg/L suspensions of SS‐ZnNPs. In addition, separations in the secondary lamella epithelia were observed. The results indicated that exposure to ZnNPs could lead to disturbances in blood biochemistry and cause histopathological injuries in the tissues of O. niloticus. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1213–1225, 2017.
Advances in external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Davda Reena , Al‐Abdullah Alhassan , Ricketts Kate
Published: July 2016

This article describes some of the advances that have been made in external beam radiotherapy techniques over recent years. These developments mean that modern radiotherapy to the prostate is now highly accurate, maximising the dose to the prostate target whilst minimising radiation to adjacent normal tissues.
Climate change and individual duties
Authors: Fragnière Augustin
Published: July 2016

Tackling climate change has often been considered the responsibility of national governments. But do individuals also have a duty to act in the face of this problem? In particular, do they have a duty to adopt a greener lifestyle or to press their government to act? This review critically examines the arguments provided for and against such duties in the relevant philosophic literature. It first discusses the problem of causal inefficacy—namely the fact that individual greenhouse gas emissions appear to make no difference to the harmful consequences of climate change—and whether it clears individuals from any moral obligations related to climate change. Then, it considers various other arguments for the existence of such duties, including integrity, fairness, universalizability, or virtue. Finally, it assesses the existence of a duty to promote collective action through active citizenship. The conclusion emphasizes that most writers agree on the fact that individuals have at least some duties to take action against climate change, but that disagreement remains about the exact nature and, above all, the extent of these duties. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:798–814. doi: 10.1002/wcc.422

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change
A Qualitative Study of Anticipated Decision Making around Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Testing: the Role of Scientifically Concordant and Discordant Expectations
Authors: Carmichael Alicia G. , Hulswit Bailey B. , Moe Emily J. , Jayaratne Toby Epstein , Yashar Beverly M.
Published: July 2016

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) genetic testing is undergoing clinical trials to measure the efficacy of genetic counseling for behavior‐based risk reduction. The expectations patients bring to the testing process may play an important role in individual outcomes. We conducted a qualitative exploration of anticipated decision‐making and expectations around T2DM genetic testing. Semi‐structured interviews were completed with Mexican Americans (n = 34), non‐Hispanic Black Americans (n = 39), and non‐Hispanic White Americans (n = 39) at risk for T2DM. Transcripts were analyzed for themes. Most participants would accept T2DM genetic testing in order to motivate risk‐reducing behaviors or apprise family members of their risk. Participants who would decline testing wished to avoid emotional distress or believed the test would not reveal new risk information. Non‐Hispanic Whites and those with college education declined genetic testing more often than other groups. Those without college education were more likely to have testing expectations that were discordant with current science, such as conflating genetic testing with common ‘blood tests.’ Understanding expectations and decision‐making factors around T2DM genetic testing will better prepare healthcare professionals to counsel their patients. This may lead to a higher efficacy of T2DM genetic testing and counseling.
Shear strength features of unsaturated clayey sand by lab test
Authors: Tian Qingyan , Qian Nigui , Zhang Jiantong
Published: July 2016

To study the shear feature of the clayey sand subgrade, the equations of soil–water characteristic curve with different net mean stresses were established based on laboratory test and non-linear elastic theory. The laboratory result shows that the net mean stress has significantly affected on the soil–water characteristic curve shape. The greater the net mean stress, the smaller moisture content of soil. The shear features of clayey sand were also figured out using triaxial equipment with mini air and water pressure sensors in non-drained and non-exhaust state. The results of research indicate that the net confining pressure and moisture content have significant effect on the strength, deformation, and yield feature of unsaturated clayey sand. The shear strength increases with the growth of net confining pressure in case of constant moisture content. The cohesion and friction angle of soil become larger with the increase of moisture content less than optimum content; while the water content is greater than the optimum water content, they show the opposite trend. The unsaturated clayey sand shows obvious dilatancy deformation in shearing. In the phase of shear contraction, the shear stress increases with the growth of suction and net confining pressure, which declines after it reach the peak point. Results of this research will be a benefit for the engineer.
Manchukuo’s Contested Sovereignty: Legal Activism, Rights Consciousness, and Civil Resistance in a “Puppet State”
Authors: MITCHELL Ryan
Published: July 2016

Though often viewed as a mere stepping stone in Japan’s gradual early-twentieth-century military and economic encroachment on China, the “puppet state” of Manchukuo was also paradoxically characterized by a high degree of legitimizing legal rhetoric. While its political realities generally failed to reflect these idealized foundations, the latter did provide significant space for legal and other forms of civil society resistance, including by Chinese legal professionals. The germinal resistance movement of these actors demonstrates a complex relationship between the concepts of sovereignty, law, and national affiliation, both in the context of state repression and in the overlapping demands of competing identities. Though various theoretical understandings of resistance help to illuminate this activism, it is perhaps best seen as a radical challenge to the regime’s power to define the norms and exceptions of political and social life.
Care for Children with Migrant or Refugee Backgrounds in the School Context
Authors: Due Clemence , Riggs Damien W.
Published: July 2016

Whilst teachers are increasingly being asked to provide ‘care’ for students in their classrooms, very little research has explored what care might look like for students with migrant or refugee backgrounds. This paper reports on the findings of a study conducted with children when they began school in Australia in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP), with a focus on how care might be provided and defined. Participants were 63 migrant or refugee children aged between 5 and 13 years of age (M= 7.40 years,SD= 2.39), and 14 IELP teachers. The aims of the broader study of which this paper forms one part were to explore experiences at school through a mixed-methods, participatory methodology. The current paper takes a deductive approach, and focuses specifically on the relationships between students and teachers as one dimension of care for students. We found that students had positive relationships with their teachers, and reported feeling safe at school. Teachers reported some challenges in relation to their relationships with students, particularly in the case of students with refugee backgrounds. We suggest that the concept of care for children with refugee and migrant backgrounds needs further work, particularly in mainstream education settings.
The Impact of a Concussion-U Educational Program on Knowledge of and Attitudes about Concussion
Authors: Eagles Matthew E. , Bradbury-Squires David J. , Powell Maria F. , Murphy Justin R. , Campbell Graeme D. , Maroun Falah B.
Published: July 2016

Background: The diagnosis of a sports-related concussion is often dependent on the athlete self-reporting their symptoms. It has been suggested that improving youth athlete knowledge and attitudes toward concussion may increase self-reporting behaviour. The objective of this study was to determine if a novel Concussion-U educational program improves knowledge of and attitudes about concussion among a cohort of elite male Bantam and Midget AAA hockey players. Methods: Fifty-seven male Bantam and Midget AAA-level hockey players (mean age=14.52±1.13 years) were recruited from the local community. Each participant completed a modified version of the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey–Student Version immediately before and after a Concussion-U educational presentation. Follow-up sessions were arranged 4 to 6 months after the presentation, and assessed retention of knowledge and attitude changes. Results: Forty-three players completed all three surveys. Concussion knowledge and attitude scores significantly (p<0.01) increased from pre- to post-presentation by 12.79 and 8.41%, respectively. At long-term follow-up, knowledge levels remained significantly (p<0.01) higher than baseline by 8.49%. Mean attitude scores were also increased at follow-up; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Conclusions: A Concussion-U educational program led to an immediate improvement in concussion knowledge and attitudes among elite male Bantam and Midget AAA hockey players. Increased knowledge was maintained at long-term follow-up, but improved attitude was not. Future studies should investigate whether similar educational programs influence symptom reporting and concussion incidence. In addition, they should focus on how to maintain improved concussion attitudes.
A Marine Reservoir Effect ∆R Value for Kitandach, in Prince Rupert Harbour, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Edinborough Kevan , Martindale Andrew , Cook Gordon T , Supernant Kisha , Ames Kenneth M
Published: July 2016

Prince Rupert Harbour (PRH), on the north Pacific Coast of British Columbia, contains at least 157 shell middens, of which 66 are known villages, in an area of approximately 180 km2. These sites span the last 9500 yr and in some cases are immense, exceeding 20,000 m2 surface area and several meters in depth. Recent archaeological research in PRH has become increasingly reliant on radiocarbon dates from marine shell for developing chronologies. However, this is problematic as the local marine reservoir effect (MRE) remains poorly understood in the region. To account for the MRE and to better date the Harbour’s sites, we propose a ΔR of 273±38 for the PRH area, based on our work at the site of Kitandach (GbTo-34), a massive shell midden-village centrally located within the Harbour. We followed the multiple paired sample approach for samples from specific contexts and ensured contemporaneity within the groups of marine and terrestrial materials by statistically assessing for outliers using the χ2 test. Taking together, the results for this and previous studies, it appears the MRE was fairly constant over the past 5000 yr.
Level of Anxiety in Parents of High-Risk Premature Twins
Authors: Zanardo V. , Freato F. , Cereda C.
Published: July 2016

We attempted to define parental anxiety in a population of parents of high-risk premature twins (mean birth weight 1.493 ± 227 kg; mean gestational age 33 ± 3.5 weeks), admitted to III level NICU. We specifically examined the following factors: gestational age of the twins, whether or not the twins had ventilatory support, pulmonary sequelae, major malformations or intra-ventricular hemorrhage, parental gender and highest level of education obtained by the parent. In the immediate pre-discharge period and a month later, a questionnaire (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) was given to all parents of premature twins presenting for the discharge. The parents of 30 twins entered the study twice, at the discharge of their first twin (mean postnatal age 40 ± 32 days), and one month later. They included 15 mothers and 11 fathers, aged 33 ± 5.5 and 33 ± 4.2 years, and at the second evaluation 11 mothers and 10 fathers, respectively. As case-controls we examined parental anxiety of fifteen consecutive singleton high-risk prematures, with equal gestational age, discharged immediately after. Our results indicate that the parents of high-risk twin and singleton prematures present an elevated, lasting state-trait anxiety level. Pre- and post-discharge parental anxiety is more elevated (not significant) in twinning with respect to the prematurity alone. When assessed separately by parental gender, in both these groups an increased (not significant) anxiety was persistently found in the mothers. We recommend that, although neonatologists generally define the discharge of the high-risk premature based upon the acquired stabilization of vital parameters, they pay special attention to the twin group we have identified which is at increased risk for predischarge parental anxiety.
Maternal Nutrition in Twin Gestations: Weight Gain, Cravings and Aversions, and Sources of Nutrition Advice
Authors: Luke B. , Keith L. , Keith D.
Published: July 2016

Background: Maternal nutrition has a strong influence on singleton and twin birthweight. This study evaluated the association between twin birthweight and maternal pregravid body mass index (BMI), weight gain, and cravings and aversions. Information was also obtained regarding sources of nutrition advice and advised versus actual weight gain.

Methods: This study is based on data from interviews with 928 mothers of twins. Univariate analysis included comparisons by source of nutritional advice, birthweight categories, and categories of cravings and aversions. Multiple logistic regression was used to formulate models for mean twin birthweights > 1,500 g and > 2,500 g.

Results: Mothers who received their nutrition advice from a registered dietitian had the highest weight gains and the lowest proportion of birthweights < 1,500 g. For mean twin birthweight > 2,500 g, the final model included prematurity, pregravid BMI, and weight gain; for birthweights > 1,500 g, the model additionally included maternal age and aversions.

Conclusions: Maternal pregravid BMI and gestational weight gain were shown to be important factors influencing twin birthweight. Nutrition advice, particularly from a registered dietitian, may be vital in assuring adequate weight gain, and therefore better birthweights, for these high-risk pregnancies.
Field Dependence and Characteristics of Conceptualization in Identical Twins
Authors: Miglio C. Del , Paluzzi S. , Falanga M. , Talli M.
Published: July 2016

This study falls in the areas of both differential psychology and twin psychology. Using the EFT and the WCST (computerized version), we examined 11 MZFF pairs between 18 and 35 years of age. The aim was to establish the genetic and/or environmental determination of global-analytical cognitive style as well as some characteristics of conceptualization linked to field dependence. The research strategy consisted of introducing three other groups of the same size to control the weight of environmental factors different from those determined by subject selection. The results seem to support the hypothesis of genetic determination of field dependence of the MZFFs, probably linked to the XX chromosome combination. The “couple effect” and the attitude of parents and others toward two identical female subjects may contribute to full expression of the genome. The characteristics of conceptualization revealed by the WCST show that MZFFs persevere in errors typical of a global approach to experience.
Prevalence of a History of Testicular Cancer in a Cohort of Elderly Twins
Authors: Braun M. M. , Caporaso N. E. , Page W. F. , Hoover R. N.
Published: July 2016

Prior studies have suggested that the risk of testicular cancer among dizygotic twins may exceed that among monozygotic twins or the general population. Cryptorchidism is associated with testicular cancer and twinship, and therefore might potentially explain the findings of the prior studies. In 1993-1994, when they were 66 to 77 years of age, 14,326 twin individuals in the National Academy of Sciencies-National Research Council Twin Registry were interviewed by telephone. A history of testicular cancer was reported by 5 (0.08%) of 5951 monozygotic twins and 11 (0.16%) of 6992 dizygotic twins. Follow-up interviews concerning testicular cancer risk factors and treatment were able to be administered to 4 of the monozygotic and 9 of the dizygotic twins reporting testicular cancer. A history of cryptorchidism was reported in the follow-up interview by only one dizygotic twin. Our data agree with the results of prior studies reporting a more frequent occurrence of testicular cancer among dizygotic than monozygotic twins. Although somewhat limited by small numbers, our study also suggests that the findings of increased testicular cancer in dizygotic twins are not explained simply by increased occurrence of cryptorchidism in twins.
The Placental Cause of Fetal Growth Retardation in Twin Gestations
Authors: Bleker O.P. , Wolf H. , Oosting J.
Published: July 2016

The retardation of fetal growth in twin as compared to singleton gestations may be due to maternal and/or placental factors. The separate birthweights and related placental weights of 487 dichorial twin pairs were recorded, and the heavier placental weights of firstborns in comparison with second-borns were found to be related to the heavier birthweights of firstborns compared to second-borns. The lighter placental weights of firstborns compared to second-borns were found to be related to the lighter birthweights of firstborns compared to second-borns. Obviously, the placenta itself may may very well be the cause of the retardation of fetal growth in twin gestations.
Evaluation of Amniotic Fluid Elastolytic Activity: Can it be a Method of Fetal Lung Maturity Assessment? A Comparison with Gluck's L/S Test
Authors: Bażowska G. , Jendryczko A. , Dudkiewicz J.
Published: July 2016

Amniotic fluid elastolytic activity was assessed in a group of 120 women who delivered preterm infants and in 35 women who delivered at term. Amniotic fluid elastolytic activity decreases as pregnancy progresses. The lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in women's amniotic fluid was determined by the method developed by Gluck and associates [6] and elastolytic activity by that developed by Mehdi and associates. A significant negative correlation was found between the amniotic fluid L/S ratio and amniotic fluid elastolytic activity (r = −0.932; p<0.001).

The border value of elastolytic activity that indicates lung maturity (L/S ratio equal to or greater than 2) is 2.01 ± 0.05 mmol/min ml. In the amniotic elastolytic activity test, it is the value that differentiates mature from immature lungs. The amniotic fluid elastolytic activity test is characterized by high sensitivity (91.43%) and specificity (91.67%), high positive prognostic value (76.19%) and low negative prognostic value (2.65%). The test parameters do not therefore differ greatly from those of the Gluck test. Moreover, the amniotic fluid elastolytic activity test is cheaper and takes less time to perform.
Height of Women, Twinning and Breast Cancer: Epidemiological Evidence of a Relationship
Authors: Doherty John D.H.
Published: July 2016

A comparison was made of the stature of women, twinning rates, and breast cancer mortality for 32 countries. As height increased, so did twinning and breast cancer mortality (P < 0.005). Dizygotic twinning and breast cancer increased sharply with the mean height of the female population. With due caution in drawing causal inferences when uncontrolled confounding variables are present, it is suggested that these findings are an evolutionary consequence of the high mortality found in twin pregnancy.
Perinatal Mortality in Multiple Pregnancy Patients
Authors: Meehan F.P. , Magani I.M. , Mortimer G.
Published: July 2016

A study of perinatal mortality in multiple pregnancy over a period of 12 years, 1972 to 1984, showed prematurity and low birthweight as the major causes of fetal loss. The highest risk was found at 28 to 30 weeks gestation (306/1,000). There was a significantly greater risk to babies delivered by the breech (136/1,000), and likewise in the second twin when compared with the first, ratio 1:1.4. A significant drop in the perinatal mortality rate, from 98/1,000 to 39/1,000, was observed between 1972-1978 and 1979-1984. Ultrasound has facilitated the earlier diagnosis of twins and provides more accurate serial fetal assessment. Bedrest, more vigilant antenatal care, intrapartum surveillance and improved neonatal care, are required to maintain and further reduce the perinatal mortality rate. When regional analgesia was employed in labour, the number of babies lost was 41/1,000, vs 93/1,000 in patients not receiving regional analgesia. External cephalic version and vertex delivery of the second twin is preferable to internal version and breech extraction. It should also be contemplated, as an alternative to elective cesarean section for a transverse lie or brrech presentation of the second fetus.
Human Twinning Rate in Iniö in the South-West of Finland
Authors: Kroneld Rolf
Published: July 2016

A secular demographic study on the Iniö Island in SW Finland shows an even stronger decline of twinning rates than in the Åland Islands and the rest of the archipelago. Twinning rates in Iniö declined, in fact from about 30‰ to less than 10‰.
Disturbed Intrauterine Growth in Twins: Etiological Aspects
Authors: Björo K. , Björo K.
Published: July 2016

Factors presumed to influence intrauterine growth were analyzed among 192 twin pairs. Mean birthweight was considerably reduced compared to single pregnancies, and a high proportion of twins were growth retarded (12.4%). One fifth of the twin pairs presented an intrapair birthweight difference exceeding 20%. DZ twins were sligthly heavier than the MZ, while dichorionic twins had a somewhat higher birthweight than the monochorionic. The intrapair weight differences were greater in twins with fused dichorionic placentae than in those with separate ones. The umbilical cord insertion seemed to influence intrauterine growth. Fetuses with velamentously or marginally inserted cords presented more frequently retarded growth than twins with centrally inserted umbilical cords. Though a total of 13 cases of twin transfusion syndromes were observed, these were not characterized by great intrapair weight differences.
Nutritional Status of Nigerian Village Twins
Authors: Salisu A.O. , Hussain M.A.
Published: July 2016

Nutritional status of 19 pairs of twins and 17 singleton controls was assessed by measuring dietary intake and selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The results indicated no significant variations between first and second twins and singleton controls and between all twins and controls for all parameters studied. Significant variations were found in serum α-globulin and protein and energy intake when male and female twins were compared with male and female controls.
Genetic Variance and Heritability of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chinese Adolescent Twins
Authors: Chen C.J. , Cohen B.H. , Diamond E.L. , Lin T.M. , Chen J.S.
Published: July 2016

In order to estimate genetic variance and heritability of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a total of 235 (79 male and 82 female MZ, 41 male and 33 female DZ) twin pairs, recruited from 12 junior high schools in Taipei city, were studied. Statistically significant genetic variance observed for SBP, DBP, serum cholesterol and triglycerides persisted after adjustment for age and anthropometric characteristics. However, further adjustment for dietary preference, beverage consumption, and other host and environmental factors gave different results: genetic variance of adjusted SBP and DBP was still significant, while significance was found only in males for cholesterol and in neither males nor females for triglycerides. Heritability estimates of unadjusted SBP, DBP, cholesterol and triglycerides were 0.27, 0.45, 0.21 and 0.41, respectively, for males, and 0.15, 0.42, 0.41 and 0.82, respectively, for females. After adjustment for age, anthropometric characteristics, host and environmental factors, the heritability estimates of SBP, DBP and cholesterol were 0.64, 0.72 and 0.50, respectively, for males, and 0.40, 0.60 and 0.37, respectively, for females.
Sir Francis Galton, 1822-1911
Authors: Corney Gerald
Published: July 2016

Francis Galton was born on 16th February 1822 (the same year as Mendel). His mother Violetta (1783-1874) was the daughter of Dr. Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802), a medical practitioner in Derby who had scientific interests, particularly in plants, and produced various mechanical inventions. He was also grandfather to Charles Darwin. Galton's father, Samuel Tertius Galton (1783-1844), was a Birmingham banker but possessed a number of scientific instruments. His father (Francis Galton's grandfather), Samuel Galton (1735-1832), also had scientific interests, including colour vision, and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Francis Galton became a medical student in Birmingham in 1838, subsequently attending King's College London, Cambridge and St. George's Hospital. However, he gave up his medical studies in 1844 after the death of his father [5,17]. Later he travelled in Egypt and South Africa about which he wrote various articles and books, including “The Art of Travel” (1855) [6] of which a total of eight editions were published. His scientific work from these expeditions won him his first medal, the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society awarded in 1853. Subsequently he wrote further on scientific matters, mainly concerning geography, travel and meteorology. He worked on stereoscopic maps and problems associated with wind currents and sailing ships and introduced the word “anticyclone”. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1856 and later to the Council of the Royal Geographical Society, becoming Secretary of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1863 [4,19].
Detection of the Small-for-Gestational Age Twin Fetus by a Two-Stage Ultrasound Examination Schedule
Authors: Neilson J.P.
Published: July 2016

Serial ultrasonic measurement of the biparietal diameter is an unsatisfactory means of detecting the small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetus in twin pregnancies. A new two-stage ultrasound examination schedule, highly effective in detecting the SGA singleton fetus, has been evaluated prospectively in 31 twin pregnancies. The schedule comprises ultrasonic assessment of gestational age in early pregnancy, followed by measurement of the product of the crown–rump length and trunk area of both fetuses at 34–36 weeks. All Nineteen SGA twin fetuses were detected using this schedule; the technique offers several other advantages over serial biparietal cephalometry.
Bloodtyping and Twin Zygosity. Reassessment and Extension
Authors: Wilson Ronald S.
Published: July 2016

The determination of twin zygosity by bloodtyping is reconsidered, and the model for the individual case is reformulated. The crucial diagnostic question may be phrased as follows: Given the particular array of bloodgroup phenotypes that the twins display and are concordant for, how might this array have been obtained by a pair of dizygotic twins, and how might the array have been obtained by a monozygotic pair? The solution yields a differential probability value that is uniquely tailored to the actual phenotype array shown. The procedure offers a coherent and more direct method for arriving at the needed probability figures, and it is recommended to supersede previous methods. Some similarities and differences between the methods are discussed.
The Frequency of Ovular Resorption During the First Trimester of Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Schneider Lucien , Bessis Roger , Simonnet Thérèse
Published: July 2016

A follow-up of 78 twin pregnancies diagnosed in the first trimester indicated that early ovular resorption occurred in 63% of spontaneous and 64% of Clomiphene-induced gestations, so that singletons were born. No failure was observed in the 12 twin conceptions following administration of gonadotropins or Cyclofenil.
Nutrition in Twin Pregnancy
Authors: MacGillivray Ian
Published: July 2016

The urinary nitrogen output appears to be related to both protein and energy intake, so that women having heavier babies probably eat more, although this may simply mean that they are larger women. Women with twin pregnancies have been found to have a lesser urinary nitrogen output, but it seems unlikely that this be due to lower intakes. They might simply utilize their diet more efficiently — a hypothesis that is now being tested.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Persson Per-Håkan , Grennert Lars
Published: July 2016

Early detection is a prerequisite for the active management of twin pregnancy. Detection rate was not, or was only slightly, increased by improved anamnesis or more alert physical examination. General placental lactogen screening selected 95% of the twins but implied a subsequent ultrasonic screening examination of 16% of the pregnant population for the definitive diagnosis. A general screening programme with ultrasound detected 90% of the twin pregnancies (methodological error 1.7%; not participating 8%) in the mid-trimester. Extensive restriction of maternal physical activity from the 29th to the 36th gestational week by bed rest in hospital reduced perinatal mortality to the level of singletons and also decreased the incidence of neurological and mental handicap among the surviving twins. For the supervision of twin pregnancy, urinary estriol estimates predict birth weight rather than fetal distress. Monitoring with repeated ultrasonic biparietal diameter measurements seem limited in value; even large intertwin BPD differences are not indicators of fetal distress in the smallest twin. The decrease of perinatal mortality and morbidity among twins subjected to special antenatal supervision suggests that large gains can be made by early detection and antenatal hospitalization. The earlier finding that impairment of the intrauterine supply line is closely associated with neurological sequelae gives added importance to the reduction of CNS handicap and of growth-retarded fetuses observed during such a programme.
Blood Vessels of the Twin Placenta in Relation to Zygosity
Authors: Bhargava Indra
Published: July 2016

The anatomical characteristics of the arteries, veins and arteriovenous relationships, velamentous vessels, and vascular communications in 148 placentae from multiple pregnancies were studied. All features were found to show discordance of varying degrees, irrespective of the twins' zygosity. Singular involvement of one component of the twin placenta by hydramnios or congenital defects, incidence of vascular communications and the anatomical characteristics of the vessels in conjoined twins, acardiac monsters and triplets, and a chromosomal discordance in a MZ pair, lend additional support to the initial surmise of anatomical characteristics of fetal blood vessels of the placenta being determined by functional demands. It is suggested that the inequalities of prenatal environment be assessed by an examination of the fetal blood vessels of the placenta before drawing homologies in the twin concordance studies.
Intellectual Development of Twins — Comparison with Singletons
Authors: Myrianthopoulos Ntinos C. , Nichols Paul L. , Broman Sarah H.
Published: July 2016

Analysis of mental and motor tests scores and intelligence test performance of twins born in the Collaborative Perinatal Project shows that twins perform more poorly than singletons from the same population and that the differences are greater in Negroes than in whites. The poor performance of twins relative to that of singletons is of complex etiology. It is partly due to poor prenatal environment, for twins brought up as singletons perform at the intelligence level of twins and not of singletons. It may also be partly due to the higher incidence of congenital malformations in twins, especially those of the central nervous system. But the performance of twins, relative to that of singletons, tends to improve as they get older, at least from 4 to 7 years, suggesting that prematurity is also a contributing factor, whose detrimental effects may be reversible.