bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twinning Rates in Ghana
Authors: Mosuro A.A. , Agyapong A.N. , Opoku-Fofie M. , Deen S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe incidence of twin births in Accra and Kumasi, the two major cities in Ghana, was investigated. In Accra, data were collected from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital while data were collected and analyzed from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Both hospitals are the leading teaching hospitals in Ghana. The data consisted mainly of single and twin births recorded in the hospitals over a period of 12 years in Accra (1988–1999) and 15 years in Kumasi (1985–1999). The study revealed an incidence of 33.4 twin births per thousand live births for Accra and 26.6 twin births per thousand live births for Kumasi. Though these values are not as high as those reported among the Yoruba tribe of southwest Nigeria, who are reported to have the highest twin birth rates in the world, the present values still rank among the highest recorded twin birth rates.
The Influence of Genetic and Environmental Factors in Estimations of Current Body Size, Desired Body Size, and Body Dissatisfaction
Authors: Wade Tracey D. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G. , Eaves Lindon J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe objective was to investigate the genetic epidemiology of figural stimuli. Standard figural stimuli were available from 5,325 complete twin pairs: 1,751 (32.9%) were monozygotic females, 1,068 (20.1%) were dizygotic females, 752 (14.1%) were monozygotic males, 495 (9.3%) were dizygotic males, and 1,259 (23.6%) were dizygotic male-female pairs. Univariate twin analyses were used to examine the influences on the individual variation in current body size and ideal body size. These data were analysed separately for men and women in each of five age groups. A factorial analysis of variance, with polychoric correlations between twin pairs as the dependent variable, and age, sex, zygosity, and the three interaction terms (age x sex, age x zygosity, sex x zygosity) as independent variables, was used to examine trends across the whole data set. Results showed genetic influences had the largest impact on the individual variation in current body size measures, whereas non-shared environmental influences were associated with the majority of individual variation in ideal body size. There was a significant main effect of zygosity (heritability) in predicting polychoric correlations for current body size and body dissatisfaction. There was a significant main effect of gender and zygosity in predicting ideal body size, with a gender x zygosity interaction. In common with BMI, heritability is important in influencing the estimation of current body size. Selection of desired body size for both men and women is more strongly influenced by environmental factors.
The Effect of Treatment of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome on the Diagnosis-to-Delivery Interval
Authors: Skupski Daniel W. , Gurushanthaiah Keerti , Chasen Stephen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNo randomised controlled trials of treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) exist. Since severely preterm neonatal survival has increased over time, survival as an outcome measure is confounded by improvements in neonatal care. The diagnosis-to-delivery interval is a measure of success of treatment independent of improvements in neonatal care. We wished to evaluate whether treatment of TTTS is associated with a lengthening of the diagnosis-to-delivery interval. MEDLINE search was performed supplemented by careful reference review. All TTTS series were included where the following information on each patient was available: survival, fetal demise, gestational age at diagnosis and diagnosis-to-delivery interval in days. Inclusion criteria: gestational age at diagnosis < 29 weeks and diagnosis by ultrasound in the absence of maternal symptoms. Cases undergoing multiple types of treatment were excluded. Eight publications met inclusion criteria and included the following cases: controls (n = 16), amnioreduction (n = 61), septostomy (n = 12), and fetoscopic laser occlusion of chorioangiopagus vessels (n = 51). There was no difference in the diagnosis-to-delivery interval, overall survival, at least one survivor, or number of fetal deaths between the four groups. Logistic regression using at least one survivor as the dependent variable revealed a positive association with gestational age at diagnosis and with diagno-sis-to-delivery interval, a negative correlation with fetal death, and no correlation with treatment group. We conclude that there is no difference in diagnosis-to-delivery interval or survival for any treatment for TTTS compared to expectant management. The lack of significance appears to be due to small sample sizes.
Twinning and Birth Weight in the Israeli Jewish Versus Muslim Maternities
Authors: Goldman Ran D. , Mazkereth Ram , Blickstein Isaac 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEthnicity differences account for genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and reproductive variables, influencing the rate of twinning (Nylander, 1981). Frequently, ethnic differences correlate with variable perinatal care leading to differences in outcome. Free access to antenatal care, and to facilities for delivery and neonatal care is available for the entire population in Israel, and therefor differences attributed to levels of medical care are practically negligible. We previously evaluated the overall relationship between ethnicity and outcome in a popula-tion-based cohort of mothers of twins (Goldman et al., 2001). However, the overall comparison may have masked some differences that could be present. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ethnicity is associated with differences in perinatal outcome in randomly selected, matched-controlled Israeli Jewish and Muslim mothers of twins.
Yoruba Customs and Beliefs Pertaining to Twins
Authors: Leroy Fernand , Olaleye-Oruene Taiwo , Koeppen-Schomerus Gesina , Bryan Elizabeth 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Yoruba are an important ethnic group mainly occupying Southwestern Nigeria. Mainly for genetic reasons, this very large tribe happens to present the highest dizygotic twinning rate in the world (4.4 % of all maternities). The high perinatal mortality rate associated with such pregnancies has contributed to the integration of a special twin belief system within the African traditional religion of this tribe. The latter is based on the concept of a supreme deity called Olodumare or Olorun, assisted by a series of secondary gods (Orisha) while Yoruba religion also involves immortality and reincarnation of the soul based on the animistic cult of ancestors. Twins are therefore given special names and believed to detain special preternatural powers. In keeping with their refined artistic tradition, the Yoruba have produced numerous wooden statuettes called Ibejis that represent the souls of deceased newborn twins and are involved in elaborate rituals. Among Yoruba traditional beliefs and lore some twin-related themes are represented which are also found in other parts of the world. Basic features of the original Yoruba beliefs have found their way into the religious traditions of descendants of African slaves imported in the West Indies and in South America.
Routine Cervical Cerclage in Higher Order Multiple Gestation — Does It Prolong the Pregnancy?
Authors: Strauss Alexander , Heer Ivo M. , Janßen Udo , Dannecker Christian , Hillemanns Peter , Müller-Egloff Susanne 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPreterm birth following cervical dilatation is the greatest threat to infants of a multiple pregnancy. Lacking reliable data concerning the effect of prophylactic cerclage, we compared a study group to controls for maternal and perinatal outcome. Sixteen of 94 triplet-, 9 of 18 quadruplet/quintuplet-pregnancies, treated with prophylactic cerclage, were retrospectively compared to those without cervical cerclage respectively. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney-U test were performed as non-parametric one way analysis of variance. For the analysis of frequencies Chi Square test or Fisher’s exact test were performed. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to compare the need for intravenous tocolysis as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality. Gestational age at delivery was not different from the controls in all studied groups. Birth weight revealed a 200g dominance for the “no cerclage-triplets”, while this significant difference was inverted for quadruplets/quintuplets (1245g vs. 1069g). With respect to gestational age at birth, need for hospitalisation or medical intervention no benefit was achieved. Moreover, perinatal outcome analysed by arterial pH, APGAR-Score and perinatal mortality was not altered by a prophylactic cerclage. Perinatal morbidity for quadruplets and quintuplets was even higher in cerclage pregnancies. Therefore, these retrospective results disclaim a positive impact of cervical cerclage on pregnancy management or perinatal outcome in multifetal pregnancies.
Vaginal Sonography of the Cervix for the Prediction of “Time to Delivery” in ART Twins Gestations
Authors: Shulman Adrian , Jauniaux Eric , Holmes Anna , Maschiach Shlomo , Maymon Ron 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine a reliable tool to estimate the interval time to delivery in assisted conception twin pregnancies. Mid-gestation cervical length was prospectively measured using transvaginal sonography (TVS) during routine antenatal care. Fifty-seven of 101 suitable women were longitudinally followed and two TVS measurements of their cervical length were obtained, first at approximately 24 weeks gestation and then at approximately 27 weeks gestation. The mean cervical length decreased from 37 ± 12mm at first measurement to 34 ± 11mm at the second one. A linear regression model was found between the time interval of the first (R = 0.656, p < 0.001) and the second (R = 0.435, p < 0.001) assessments and the week of delivery. The current data confirm that the length of the preserved segment of the cervix is an important indicator of its competence. A simple equation using the cervical length (mm) divided by 3 can predict mid gestation scan-to-delivery interval in twin gestation.
Twin and Singleton Births in Ghana — A Case-control Study
Authors: Nkyekyer Kobinah 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAretrospective study involving 623 twin and 1246 singleton births was conducted to compare the two groups with regard to selected maternal, fetal and labor and delivery characteristics and outcomes. Maternal age and parity were significantly higher for twins. The risks of preterm delivery, arrival in the labor ward in second stage of labor, cesarean births and postpartum haemorrhage were significantly higher in twin than in singleton births. In vaginal deliveries twin mothers were significantly less likely to have had episiotomies or perineal lacerations. There was no difference in the duration of the third stage of labor or in the incidence of retained placentae. Antepartum haemorrhage was a less likely indication for cesarean delivery among twins, while there was no significant difference in the likelihood of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia being an indication. Singleton babies were significantly heavier than twins. The incidences of malpresentation, low birth weight, stillbirths and of admission of live births to the neonatal intensive care unit were significantly higher in twins. There was no difference in the rate of instrumental vaginal delivery, or in the route of delivery of fetuses presenting by the breech. There is the need for detailed study of the incidences of antepartum haemorrhage and hypertensive diseases in twin and singleton pregnancies and of the factors determining the mode of delivery when such complications arise. Labor and delivery should also be examined to determine any differences between the two groups, especially in the first and second stages.
Errors in Birth Registrations and Coding of Twins and Higher Order Multiples
Authors: Pharoah Peter O.D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDizygotic compared with monozygotic conceptions are at decreased risk of fetal and infant death and serious morbidity in surviving infants. Different sex twin maternities must be dizygotic but miscoding and incorrect registration of sex and number of fetuses may lead to an incorrect assignment of zygosity. The aim of the study was to validate the coding and registration of number and sex of births in multiple pregnancies. Fetal and infant death registrations from all multiple maternities in England and Wales 1993–1998 were examined. There were 51,792 twin, 1627 triplet and 51 higher order multiple maternities that were registered. Among these there were 1926 fetal deaths, 58 of which were registered as being of indeterminate sex but were coded as male in 56 and female in 2 cases. A fetus papyraceous was registered as male in 19 and as female in 19 cases. Other fetal deaths weighing ≤100g, with no mention of papyraceous on the death certificate, nevertheless, likely to be of indeterminate sex, were registered as male in 26 and as female in 23 cases. In 13 maternities, the number of infants registered at birth was less than the number mentioned on the registration certificate. It cannot be assumed that multiple births of different registered sex are dizygotic. As surviving infants from a monozygotic multiple birth are at much greater risk of infant death and serious morbidity than dizygotic multiple births, incorrect assignment of sex has important implications for parental counselling and may have medicolegal relevance when attributing negligence as the cause of morbidity in a survivor from a multiple pregnancy.
The Korean Twin Registry — Methods, Current Stage, and Interim Results
Authors: Sung Joohon , Cho Soo-Hun , Cho Sung-Il , Duffy David L. , Kim Jin-Hee , Kim Ho , Park Kyung Sook , Park Sue Kyung 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Korean Twin Registry is the first nationwide twin study in Korea. We compiled 154,783 twin pairs from existing nationwide data sources, mainly from address and national health insurance data. The coverage of this registry was almost complete for the twins born since 1970, but less complete as age increased, so that there were only 990 pairs who were born before 1930. The twins' health examination (N = 54,390 persons) and questionnaire (N = 44,546 persons) results were incorporated into the registry, yielding 12,894 and 9074 concordantly informative pairs. Morbidity and mortality outcomes have been followed up since 1990, for most diseases. For preliminary analysis of complex diseases, we selected ventricular septal defects (VSD) in young twins, stomach and colorectal cancers in adult twins. We identified 353 VSDs, 284 stomach cancers, and 116 colorectal cancers among twins. The prevalence rates of cancers, but not that of VSD, were lower in twins than those in population. The difference in the cancer prevalence was marked for twins born before 1926, implying some degree of selection. Like-sex (LS) twins showed familial recurrence risks (λLS) of 41.2 for VSD and 22.4 for colorectal cancers, and 1.74 for stomach cancers. For opposite-sex (OS) twins, we could estimate λOS of 19.8 for VSD only. These results were compatible with previous studies for VSD and colorectal cancers, but not for stomach cancers. Despite the strength in size, availability of health outcomes, and some lifestyle and basic laboratory data, we need accurate zygosity information to improve the validity of the results.
Guest Editorial — Developmental Studies of Twins from Birth on: Heredity, Environment, Biomedical Variables, and Co-twin Relations
Authors: Riese Marilyn L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe reports in this section demonstrate several ways in which longitudinal research with twins is informative for the study of development. All of these twins have been followed for long time periods. These results are the latest stage of study for each. By virtue of their long-term nature, together these studies provide information on patterns and changes in several developmental areas from infancy to adulthood. They also document when specific variables no longer exert any influence on development. The first report, by Alin Akerman and Suurvee (“The Cognitive and Identity Development of Twins at 16 Years of Age: A Follow-up Study of 32 Twin Pairs”) is a study of twins followed from birth to 16 years of age. The second report, by Ebeling, Porkka, Penninkilampi-Kerola, Berg, Jarvi, and Moilanen (“Inter-twin Relationships and Mental Health”), is a study of twins followed from pregnancy to 22–30 years of age. The third report, by Lange (“Coping Ability at Midlife in Relation to Genetic and Environmental Influences at Adolescence”), is a study of twins and singletons followed from 10 to 16 years of age to 35 years of age. The section attests to the perseverance of these authors as researchers, and to the strength of the personal relationships of these authors with the individuals in their projects.
Propofol Compared With the Morphine, Atropine, and Suxamethonium Regimen as Induction Agents for Neonatal Endotracheal Intubation: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghanta Satish , Abdel-Latif Mohamed E. , Lui Kei , Ravindranathan Hari , Awad John , Oei Julee 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to compare the efficacy of propofol, a hypnotic agent, to the regimen of morphine, atropine, and suxamethonium as an induction agent for nonemergency neonatal endotracheal intubation. We hypothesized that propofol aids intubation by allowing the continuation of spontaneous breathing.
PATIENTS AND METHODS. We conducted a randomized, open-label, controlled trial of infants who required nonemergency endotracheal intubation. Primary outcome was successful intubation confirmed by chest auscultation and clinical examination of the infant.
RESULTS. Infants randomly assigned to propofol (n = 33) and the morphine, atropine, and suxamethonium regimen (n = 30) were comparable in median gestational age (27 vs 28 weeks), birth weight (1020 vs 1095 g), weight at intubation (1068 vs 1275 g), and age at intubation (4 vs 3 days). Sleep or muscle relaxation were achieved within 60 seconds in both groups, but time to achieve successful intubation was more than twice as fast with propofol (120 vs 260 seconds). Blood pressure and heart rates were not different, but intraprocedural oxygen saturations were significantly lower in infants on the morphine, atropine, and suxamethonium regimen (trough arterial oxygen saturation: 60% vs 80%). Nasal/oral trauma was less common, and recovery time was shorter (780 vs 1425 seconds) in the propofol group. No significant adverse effects were seen in either group.
CONCLUSIONS. Propofol is more effective than the morphine, atropine, and suxamethonium regimen as an induction agent to facilitate neonatal nasal endotracheal intubation. Importantly, hypoxemia was less severe, probably because of the maintenance of spontaneous breathing. A controlled environment may have promoted the ease of intubation, resulting in less trauma. The shorter duration of action would be advantageous in a compromised infant.
Reading in Kazakhstan and Oceania
Authors: Topping Keith , Golopyatova Nina , Goodwin Maureen , Peirce Robin 
Published: May 2007

This column focuses on the innovative strategies some teachers from Kazakhstan and Oceania are using to overcome the challenges they face.In Kazakhstan, schools organize reading days to encourage and inspire children to read. In the predominantly oral culture of the Cook Islands, Niue Island, and Rarotonga, teachers and administrators model reading for their students. They also create newsletters to communicate with remote schools and make their own books when resources allow.Despite the challenges faced by all of these teachers, they are finding success through determination and creative ideas.
Choice of Action: Using Data to Make Instructional Decisions in Kindergarten
Authors: Reilly Mary Ann 
Published: May 2007

This article focuses on the different—and at times uncertain—choices a kindergarten teacher makes when selecting and interpreting assessment data and designing instruction intended to help students develop the skills and dispositions for later reading. By examining assessment data and engaging in reflective practice, the teacher is able to anticipate students' literacy needs and design instruction that builds upon their strengths.A close‐up look at a shared writing lesson is used to illustrate the connections the teacher makes between her interpretation of data and the instruction she delivers. The article concludes with a brief examination of the complexities inherent in data analysis.
Traffic Light Reading: Fostering the Independent Usage of Comprehension Strategies With Informational Text
Authors: Marcell Barclay 
Published: May 2007

Does fluency need to be an instructional precursor to comprehension? The perceived causal relationship between the two may in fact translate into the creation of word‐calling students who can read with adequate speed and expression, but cannot retell story events or make inferences.A discussion of fluency's relationship to comprehension provides the framework for a practical teaching tool that can be used to foster independent use of before‐, during‐, and after‐reading strategies. “Traffic Light Reading” is designed to motivate word‐calling students to become thinking readers. Sample lessons are described, in which the reasons for reading are clarified and the during‐reading strategies are accentuated.With modeling and ongoing practice, the use of Traffic Light Reading can help teachers engage formerly unengaged students by teaching them to monitor and repair comprehension of informational text routinely and independently.
Geophysical data fusion by fuzzy logic for imaging the mechanical behaviour of mudslides
Authors: Grandjean Gilles , Malet Jean-Philippe , Bitri Adnand , Méric Ombeline 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Geophysical methods such as seismic surveying or electrical resistivity imaging appear to be well adapted to investigate landslide structure and understand related mechanisms. They allow direct and non-intrusive measurements of acoustic (P), shear (S) waves velocity and electrical resistivity, three physical parameters considered as essential to define the properties of reworked moving materials. Both methods were applied at the “Super-Sauze” site, in the French South Alps, where a typical example of an intra-material mudslide can be observed. Measurements were taken simultaneously along a profile of 325 m in length, perpendicularly to the axis of the mudslide. The P and S-wave velocity fields, as well as the electrical resistivity field, were inverted from recorded data according to suitable algorithms. P and S-wave velocities as well as resistivity tomographies are presented and discussed in term of reliability. Preliminary interpreted results show a correlation between the seismic velocities and electrical resistivity data, confirming that the simultaneous use of both methods gives complementary information on the geomechanical behaviour of the landslide. The seismic data provide information on the variations of fissure density and on the presence of deformed material whereas the electrical resistivity data provide information on the variations of water content within the mudslide. In order to go deeper into the interpretation of the geomechanical behaviour of the mudslide from geophysical data, a data fusion strategy based on fuzzy subsets theory is developed. The computed fuzzy cross-sections show the possibility of geomechanical hypotheses to be realized in specific areas of the tomographic cross-sections highlighting the places where plastic or solid-body deformations could occur. This information is consistent with the geotechnical data and the borehole inclinometer measurements available for the mudslide.