bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obstetrical Implications in Multiple Pregnancies
Authors: Pachì A. , Paesano R. , Giorgetti T. , Puorger C. Conti , Petrelli V. , Ianiro G. , Rocino M.T. , Spera G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn the present study 90 multiple pregnancies were examined. These were subdivided on the basis of the number of embryos involved (74 twins, 10 triplets, 6 quintuplets) and on whether they were followed at our clinic for the entire pregnancy or not. In each group we analysed certain variables, calculating the respective mean values and standard deviations. We used the ANOVA test to discriminate the eventual differences in the means of the variables analysed, operating a p<0.05 significance value. In addition, significant differences were analysed by the test of Contrasts (Scheffe F-test). The concept that emerged from the data investigated is that careful management of these pregnancies, carried out in high-level structures, can reduce the incidence of complications on both the maternal and fetal side and thus prevent “minimal brain damage” in the newborn.
Knowledge Data Base System for Twins Study
Authors: Reina S. , Miozza F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe medical research on twins, carried out at the Gregor Mendel Institute for Medical Genetics and Twin Study in Rome over the past four decades, has resulted in a vast collection of clinical paper records. A challenge was presented by the need for a more secure method of storage to preserve this enormously valuable historical and scientific patrimony and to render its contents more easily accessible for research purposes. We met the challenge by planning and developing the computerization of this material. New concepts, currently being explored in biomedical informatics, were applied to build a Knowledge Data Base System, using a fourth-generation language (SQL). This architecturally innovative computer system enables its users to manipulate data supplied, rather than just simply storing it. Based on heuristic relational criteria between variables and parameters, the system is employed to solve problems of sibling design analysis typically arising from twins' records, but is also equipped to meet future data base requirements. Another feature of the system is its users' ability to pull off data in the form of regular automated reports, which are distributed through a Local Area Network (LAN). Through a Bulletin Board System (BBS) and modem, any scientist (outside as well as within the Institute) is thus able to access data and exchange scientific information.
The Mercurio Project and Twins. How to use a Registry
Authors: Lanni R. , Grimaldi V. , Corchia C. , Mastroiacovo P. 
Published: July 2016

An essential element in any investigation of environment-genetics interaction is twin registries. At present there exist two types, one based on the whole population and another relying on voluntary participation. The second type is an important source of epidemiological information regarding the presence or absence of a disease (concordance) between members of monozygotic and dizygotic pairs. However, this type presents two serious drawbacks: the data do not cover all twins, and since the twins enrolled are those who require the greatest assistance, this results in a serious selection bias [2]. On the contrary, the first type has neither of these defects and represents an invaluable source of information for epidemiological studies on the concordance of pysiological features, morbidity and mortality, together with genetic and environmental influences and their interaction [1, 3-5].April 1993 saw the first enrolment in a Multiple Pregnancies Registry designed to collect data from 47 Italian hospitals. This registry forms part of a larger survey, the “Mercurio Project”, originally set up in April 1992 under the aegis of the Italian Multicentre Birth Defects Registry (IPIMC). The aims of the registry are the following:(a) to set up longitudinal epidemiological studies on the health, morbidity and mortality of twins(b) to assess the role of environmental-genetic interaction in determining childhood behaviour and disease (using case-control studies where each twin is matched with his or her cotwin)(c) to draw the attention of socio-sanitary personnel to twins and their special needs.
Indagine Clinico Epidemiologica su 132 Nati da Gravidanze Multiple
Authors: Corsello G. , Aloisio A. , Attardo G. , Piccione M. , Piro E. , Vitaliti S.M. , Giuffrè L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractL'epidemiologia delle gravidanze multiple si è notevolemente modificata nel corso degli ultimi due decenni in virtù del perfezionamento e della diffusione delle tecniche di riproduzione assistita. L'utilizzazione di induttori farmacologici della ovulazione (specie le gonadotropine ed il citrato di clomifene) e l'impianto in utero di più embrioni fecondati in vitro, sono fattori che maggiormente hanno contribuito a fare impennare verso l'alto il numero di nati da gravidanze plurigemine. L'incidenza di parti trigemini, ad esempio, considerata gli inizi degli anni '70 di circa 1:10,000 parti, oggi si è elevata sino ad 1:3,500 circa.Presentiamo i dati relativi a 132 soggetti nati da gravidanze plurigemine all'Istituto Materno Infantile dell'Università di Palermo, al fine di valutarne la sopravvivenza e la morbilità anche in relazione al tipo di gravidanza (spontanea o indotta). In tal senso abbiamo preso in considerazione esclusivamente i nati nella nostra struttura con età gestazionale uguale o superiore a 26 settimane, escludendo quindi i nati da gravidanze plurime nati in altre strutture e trasferiti dopo la nascita (Tabella).Delle 57 gravidanze plurime, 37 (64.9%) sono risultate certamente indotte, solo farmacologicamente (54.1 %) o con varie tecniche di riproduzione assistita (45.9%). Le gravidanze indotte costituiscono nel nostro campione il 92.9% delle gravidanze con ordine di gemellarità superiore o uguale a 3 e solo il 55.8% delle gravidanze bigemine. Sul complesso delle gravidanze indotte conosciute, la quota percentuale delle plurigemine è risultata del 59.1% 102 neonati (77.3%) sono nati da taglio cesareo, 30 (22.7%) da parto eutocico.
Gravidanze Gemellari in 18 Anni di Diagnostica Citogenetica Prenatale
Authors: Mantero M.M. , Piombo G. , Zara F. , Carbone L. Doria Lamba 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRiportiamo 55 casi di gravidanze gemellari su un totale di 7,350 (0.75%) diagnosi citogenetiche prenatali eseguite presso il Centro di Genetica Umana dell'E.O. Ospedali Galliera di Genova, nel periodo 1975-1993. Le gravidanze gemellari erano bia-mniotiche nel 93.7% dei casi e monoamniotiche nel restante 6.3%. Le indicazioni per cui è stata richiesta la diagnostica citogenetica prenatale sono riportate in Tab. ILa quasi totalità delle diagnosi (n. 54) è stata effettuata mediante prelievo di liquido amniotico tra la 15ma e la 21ma settimana di gestazione; in un solo caso è stato richiesto il prelievo dei villi coriali alla lima settimana. In Tab. II riportiamo i sessi fetali riscontrati.
Previsione della Preeclampsia nella Gravidanza Gemellare Mediante Velocimetria Doppler Uterina
Authors: Bufalino L. , Rizzo G. , Rinaldo D. , Romanini E. , Valensise H. , Arduini D. , Romanini C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractL'incidenza di pre-eclampsia nella gravidanza gemellare è aumentata di circa 5 volte rispetto alle gravidanze singole. La velocimetria Doppler a livello uterino si è dimostrato in popolazioni a rischio, un metodo efficace per identificare precocemente le pazienti a rischio di pre-eclampsia. Non sono disponibili dati a questo riguardo nella gravidanza gemellare.Obiettivi: 1) valutare le differenze negli indici di resistenza delle arterie uterine tra gravidanze singole e gemellari, 2) valutare eventuali differenze in gravidanze gemellari complicate da pre-eclampsia, 3) valutare il valore predittivo della velocimetria Doppler uterina sulla pre-eclampsia in gravidanze gemellari esaminate a 20-24 settimane di gestazione e poi seguite prospettivamente.Disegno dello studio: l'indice di resistenza RI a livello di entrambe le arterie uterine è stato calcolato mediante Doppler colore-pulsato (Ansaldo Hitachi AU590A) nelle seguenti popolazioni: a) 315 gravidanze singole non complicate, b) 96 gravidanze gemellari non complicate, c) 53 gravidanze gemellari complicate da pre-eclampsia, d) 63 gravidanze gemellari valutate a 20-24 settimane di gestazione e non complicate al momento della osservazione.Risultati: 1) sia nelle gravidanze singole che in quelle gemellari i valori di RI decrescono nel corso della gravidanza e i valori presenti nelle gravidanze gemellari a decorso normale sono significativamente inferiori (Anova p < 0.001). 2) le gravidanze gemellari complicate da preeclampsia dimostrano valori di RI lievemente superiori alle gravidanze gemellari non complicate (p <0.05). 3) il valore predittivo sulla preeclampsia delle arterie uterine a 20-24 settimane è risultato inadeguato (k = 0.24).Conclusioni: la velocimetria Doppler delle arterie uterine è risultata di scarsa utilità clinica nel prevedere la preeclampsia nelle gravidanze gemellari.
Observations and Remarks on Three Cases of TRAP Sequence
Authors: Fulcheri E. , Carli C. , Garlaschi G. , Malvasio S. , Pantarotto M.F. , Badini A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThree cases of acardius amorphus with twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequences are reported and the histomorphological and clinical aspects are discussed. The patho-physiology of the twin pump is briefly described. Precise prenatal assessment of the morphology of the acardius is recommended for an accurate monitoring of the perfuser in order to plan proper fetal therapy and timing for delivery.
II Rorschach per Due Co-Stretti nell'Uno: Tentativi di Ricostruzione di Unicità nei Gemelli
Authors: Carassi G. , Rosini M.P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIl Test di Rorschach applicato ai gemelli mostra il grande sforzo dell'individuo gemello verso lo scopo massimo della sua personalità: quello della propria unicità continuamente sconfessata o messa in discussione dall'esistenza del suo gemello.
Mirror Imaging in Twins: Biological Polarization – an Evolving Hypothesis
Authors: Golbin A. , Golbin Y. , Keith L. , Keith D. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study examined sleep patterns in twins, paying special attention to the mirroring phenomenon. Concordance and discordance of sleep related patterns (parasomnias) in a group of 27 monozygotic (MZ) mirror image twins were compared to sleep patterns in a group of 53 MZ non-mirror image twins and a group of 24 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. Sleep patterns had the lowest concordance among MZ mirror twins. “Mirroring” was observed not only in facial features but also in some physiological patterns such as sleep and sleep deviations. These facts suggest that mirroring in MZ twins is not merely a superficial epiphenomenon, but a reflection of a biological polarization. Biological polarization in this context is a descriptive term emphasizing the role of biological (physiological, biochemical or even genetic) versus psychological or environmental factors causing not only mirror body image but opposite tendencies in the development of personality, professional and sex orientation and, most importantly, the opposite presentation of pathology.
Life Expectancy of Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins
Authors: Taubman P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWhite male twins from the NAS-NRC twin sample, who were born in the U.S. between 1917 and 1927 and served in the military, are used to estimate variability in hazard functions for those twins who died during the period 1974-1990. Roughly the same number of MZ and DZ twins died during this period, but their death rates are similar. DZ twins exhibit greater within-pair variation. Using hazard and other analyses, the only statistically significant variables are found to be being a DZ twin (in level equations), date of birth, and, sometimes, wife's religious preference. Variables not significant for level or within-pair equations, include own religion, parental education, working overtime frequently, and number of children. The greater variation in life expectancy of DZ twins is hardly surprising and may say something about the lack of comparability in phenotype variance of DZ twins, which in turn may be worrying.
Twinning in Susceptible Mothers—An Exploratory Study of International Data by Payami's Models Suggests “Reproductive Maturity” as a Risk Factor
Authors: Philippe P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAn attempt has been made to apply Payami's models to maternal age-specific twin birth prevalences in several countries. The models disclose the heterogeneity of a cohort and spell out the risks to susceptible members (who will actually get the disease) according to age (or time). Payami's method specifies that the typical cohort of susceptibles is ascribed to two exposures: a potent and generalised exposure and a very low or no risk secondary exposure. The models have been adjusted to international data from current as well as old populations, of Occidental and Japanese origin. Results show that cohorts of twin-prone mothers aged 25 to 45 are homogeneous. A single dominant etiology is suggested which applies to both MZ and DZ twins. Heterogeneity, from 10% to 25%, is present in all countries whenever the 20-24 age group is involved. A separate study of illegitimate twin births from Denmark reduces the heterogeneity and shows that MZ illegitimate twin births are due to a secondary exposure responsible for a distinct twinning etiology. The age-specific risks of a MZ illegitimate twin birth are much higher than those of any comparison group, and are constant until age 35 years. This suggests a single-hit exposure akin to a neuroendocrine stimulus which short-cuts the usual age-dependent etiologic pathway. MZ and DZ twins both experience the same maternal age specific risks, an observation which underscores the common etiology of both types of twins. Risks increase with age from age 20 to 45 years. The pattern according to age varies among countries and time periods. Occidental populations have a pattern varying from an exponential to a more linear increase in old and recent populations, respectively. Only present-day Japan displays a logarithmic-like growth curve. The concept of “reproductive maturity” is introduced, and related to the secular trend of the DZ twin birth risk and to its variation across countries. Two new conclusions are drawn: a) The higher the rate of reproductive maturity, the less the DZ twin birth risk and, b) Reproductive maturity determines the maternal age-specific gonadotropin levels.
Changes in the DZ Unlike/Like Sex Ratio in The Netherlands
Authors: Orlebeke J.F. , Eriksson A.W. , Boomsma D.I. , Vlietinck R. , Tas F.J. , de Geus E.C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBased on Dutch twin incidence figures since the beginning of the current century, evidence is provided in support of the idea that the DZ unlike/like sexed ratio has gradually shifted (since 1900) from unity to less than unity. Opposing conclusions with regard to the justification of the use of Weingberg's differential rule are very probably correct in themselves but could depend on country and period of birth of the twin sample used. Furthermore, the fast drop and subsequent rise in DZ twinning rate between about 1963 and 1990 can very likely for the greater part be ascribed to a parallel shift in maternal age.
Influence of Placentation on High Density Lipoproteins in Adult Males: The NHLBI Twin Study
Authors: Reed T. , Christian J.C. , Wood P.D. , Schaefer E.J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDizygotic (DZ) World War II veteran twins who participated in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Twin Study have been reported to have greater variance than monozygotic (MZ) twins for plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), cholesterol in the low-density fraction of HDL (HDL2-C) and apolipoprotein A-I, a major protein component of HDL. It was hypothesized that a possible source of this difference in zygosity variance could be prenatal environmental influences related to placental type. Dermatoglyphics were used to provide a retrospective index of placental type in a subset of the NHLBI MZ twins aged 59-70. The MZ twins classified as dichorionic were found to have significantly greater within-pair variability than the monochorionic MZ twins for HDL-C, HDL2-C and Apo A-I. These findings indicate that intrauterine environmental influences on HDL are manifest later in life.
Discordant Twins: Acid-Base Status
Authors: Ordorica S.A. , Frieden F.J. , Hoskins I.A. , Young B.K. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA prospective study was undertaken to determine the effect of twin birth-weight discordancy on Apgar scores and umbilical blood acid-base parameters. Using the paired t-test, small but statistically significant differences were seen in these parameters favoring the heavier twin over its lighter sibling. These differences were also affected by birth order, with the first-born being favored.
Cesarean Delivery of the Second Twin After the Vaginal Birth of the First Twin: Misfortune or Mismanagement?
Authors: Blickstein I. , Zalel Y. , Weissman A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe perinatal characteristics of 16 vaginal-abdominal deliveries of twins were evaluated. The primary indication for the cesarean delivery was compound vertex presentation (n = 4), prolapsed umbilical cord (n = 4), transverse lie (n = 7), and mentoposterior face presentation (n= 1). Ther outcome of Twin A was not different from that of Twin B. About 90% of the twins were eventually discharged on time. A significant correlation (R = 0.9722, p < 0.0003) was found between the reported rates of combined deliveries and cesareans in twins. The data suggest that a higher rate of combined deliveries is expected in practices where abdominal deliveries are performed more often in twin gestations, while in obstetric services with low cesarean rates in twins, combined deliveries seem to be unfortunate occurrences dictated by unexpected intrapartum events.
A Stochastic Model of the Genetic Predisposition to Ageing: An Application to Twin Data
Authors: Gedda L. , Brenci G. , Rossi C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn previous papers a stochastic model of the ageing process has been proposed. Some genetic parameters (redundance, repair) have been used to explain the observed differential predisposition to the process and family heredity. Because the process is basically due to effective random mutations, any individual of the population would be predisposed differently to ageing according to the structure of his/her genome. In the present paper, the previous model is generalized to take into account an additional genetic parameter, namely, the stability against random mutations, defined as the probability that a random mutation in a codon would produce no mutation in the corresponding protein. Estimation problems connected with the model are approached on the basis of twin data in maximum likelihood estimation as well as in bayesian framework. Some comparisons between the two methods are reported.
Persist or Quit? Testing for a Genetic Contribution to Smoking Persistence
Authors: Heath A.C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe consider three alternative parametric models to describe genetic and environmental influences on smoking initiation and smoking persistence. Under the single liability dimension model, the same genetic and environmental influences which determine smoking initiation also influence smoking persistence. Under the independent liability dimensions model, independent initiation and persistence dimensions determine onset of smoking, and persistence in those who become smokers. The combined model also postulates separate initiation and persistence dimensions, but allows for the possibility that some smokers are so low on liability to smoke on the initiation dimension that they become ex-smokers for this reason. Reanalyses of London twin data published by Eaves and Eysenck support the single liability dimension model. We discuss the difficulty of reconciling this finding with the hypothesis that nicotine dependence is a major determinant of smoking persistence, but caution that sample sizes in the London twin study were small.
Definitive Methods of Zygosity Determination in Twins: Relevance to Problems in the Biology of Twinning
Authors: Machin G.A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMany studies of embryogenesis and fate of twin pregnancies are invalidated because zygosity is not determined definitively, or is assumed on the basis of inadequate criteria. This paper briefly reviews methods of zygosity determination. It reports published results and a new series of twins in which zygosity was determined by DNA fingerprinting. Implications for methods of prenatal diagnosis of zygosity are discussed in the context of the occasional need for intervention in twin transfusion syndrome or in twins discordant for major malformations. Definitive zygosity and placental anatomy (number of chorions and amnions) is discussed as the firm substrate for studies of normal and abnormal twin development.
Mother-Twin Interaction During Early Childhood
Authors: Robin M. , Josse D. , Tourrette C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe components of a research program focussing on early mother-twin interaction is described. Preliminary data obtained from a questionnaire at two months post term, cross-sectional observations at the age of one year, a follow-up study involving home observation and parental interviews from birth to the age of 3, point to the specificity of this triadic situation. During the first months of life, the burden of material tasks and the increase in baby care leave little time for starting a relationship based on pleasure or play. The impossibility of responding simultaneously to the needs of two babies and the difficuty of forming relationships on an individual basis foster early concerns for egalitarianism. The degree of physical resemblance between the babies creates the problem of differentiating them. To tell twins apart, mothers rapidly tend to rely on behavioral characteristics to which they attribute a genetic basis. In contrast, differences in development between the babies that introduce the eventuality of the dominance of one of the twins are often denied. In this highly specific situation, mothers arrive at personal solutions of adjustment over the first 3 years, manifest in a certain number of psychological and educational attitudes. Analysis of these maternal attitudes may help to shed light on some of the features of later psychoemotional development in twins.
Essential Nonmedical Perinatal Services for Multiple Birth Families
Authors: Malmstrom P.E. , Faherty T. , Wagner P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractParents of multiples suffer unique stresses which can severely impair family health and welfare. Access to information, counseling, and community resources increase parents' abilities to cope, and reduce the risk of child and spousal abuse. Twinline, a social service agency in Califormia, provides a variety of free and low-cost nonmedical perinatal services to meet the needs of a heterogeneous population of over 1,000 multiple birth families and parents expecting multiples in the urban and rural counties of the San Francisco Bay Area.