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The debate on the question of the status of the human embryo has reached our citizens through the problem of abortion, in which detractors and defenders form two opposing and belligerent sides, where dialogue has become practically impossible: they are the so-called pro-life and pro-choice positions. In order to try to find a solution to the conflict, our aim will be to review the concepts of «potentiality» and «constitutional sufficiency», both coming from philosophy, thanks to which we think that the problem that arises in our days about the status of the embryo can be clarified. Once both concepts have been reviewed, we will propose a solution to this question by turning to science, specifically, to neonatology and its concept of «fetal viability», in order to complete a possible argument that provides some light to the problem that we are addressing., El debate en torno a la cuestión del estatuto del embrión humano ha llegado hasta nuestra ciudadanía a través del problema del aborto, en el que detractores y defensores forman dos bandos opuestos y beligerantes, donde el diálogo se ha tornado prácticamente imposible: son las llamadas posturas pro-life y pro-choice. Para intentar dar una solución al conflicto, nuestro objetivo será revisar los conceptos de «potencialidad» y «suficiencia constitucional», ambos procedentes de la filosofía, gracias a los cuales pensamos que podrá aclararse la problemática que sobre el estatuto del embrión surge en nuestros días. Una vez revisados ambos conceptos, propondremos una solución a esta cuestión acudiendo a la ciencia, concretamente, a la neonatología y a su concepto de «viabilidad fetal», con el fin de completar una posible argumentación que aporte alguna luz al problema planteado.

Biomedical researchers and clinicians are interested in (ab)normal foetal development because it can aid in better understanding human anatomy. To capture this foetal development non-destructive three dimensional (3D) imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) are used. Visualising foetuses remains a challenge however, as foetuses consist mostly of soft-tissue. Visualisation of soft-tissue with CT scans is difficult because X-rays easily pass through. This consequently results into images with low contrast. Therefore, improving contrast is artificially gained by using chemical compounds called stains. The most effective stain is considered to be Lugol’s solution. A downside of using Lugol’s solution is that the staining process causes extensive soft-tissue shrinkage which is detrimental for morphological analysis. The mechanism of Lugol-induced shrinkage is largely unknown. Some research suggest it is due to an osmotic imbalance between tissue and solution, while others point towards acidification of Lugol’s solution. The goal of this study is to develop an optimum (buffered) Lugol’s solution staining protocol for post-mortem human foetal CT imaging to diminish soft-tissue shrinkage and achieve homogeneous staining. Several variables in the protocol are taken into account such as staining solution concentration, staining time and specimen size. To develop this protocol, multiple tests and measurements (pH, osmolarity, optical density, weight and CT scans) were performed on pork liver samples and two post-mortem human foetuses to monitor acidification of the staining solution, staining progress and staining intensity, while applying two distinct methods: the AMC- and Arthurs method. The main difference between these methods is that the AMC method fixates tissue well before staining (conventional method), while Arthurs method uses a mixture of a fixative and stain simultaneously on fresh tissue. The research suggests that Arthurs method seems best. Even though, Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical researchers and clinicians are interested in (ab)normal foetal development because it can aid in better understanding human anatomy. To capture this foetal development non-destructive three dimensional (3D) imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) are used. Visualising foetuses remains a challenge however, as foetuses consist mostly of soft-tissue. Visualisation of soft-tissue with CT scans is difficult because X-rays easily pass through. This consequently results into images with low contrast. Therefore, improving contrast is artificially gained by using chemical compounds called stains. The most effective stain is considered to be Lugol’s solution. A downside of using Lugol’s solution is that the staining process causes extensive soft-tissue shrinkage which is detrimental for morphological analysis. The mechanism of Lugol-induced shrinkage is largely unknown. Some research suggest it is due to an osmotic imbalance between tissue and solution, while others point towards acidification of Lugol’s solution. The goal of this study is to develop an optimum (buffered) Lugol’s solution staining protocol for post-mortem human foetal CT imaging to diminish soft-tissue shrinkage and achieve homogeneous staining. Several variables in the protocol are taken into account such as staining solution concentration, staining time and specimen size. To develop this protocol, multiple tests and measurements (pH, osmolarity, optical density, weight and CT scans) were performed on pork liver samples and two post-mortem human foetuses to monitor acidification of the staining solution, staining progress and staining intensity, while applying two distinct methods: the AMC- and Arthurs method. The main difference between these methods is that the AMC method fixates tissue well before staining (conventional method), while Arthurs method uses a mixture of a fixative and stain simultaneously on fresh tissue. The research suggests that Arthurs method seems best. Even though, Biomedical Engineering

The aim of this study has been to analyse the ways Mexican states articulates the actions of women undergoing an abortion and the effects it has on criminal sanctions specified for women. This study analyses the criminal code of Mexico City which decriminalised abortion in 2007, the criminal code of Jalisco reformed in 2009 and the criminal code of Yucatán reformed in 2009. The discrimination of women had been the major concern of International Human Rights Law as well as feminist jurisprudence. This research has attempted to problematise and highlight different aspects of discrimination taking place in Mexican law. Feminist liberal theory and radical feminism had been placed to analyse the criminal codes governing Mexican abortion law. Thus, in this thesis, the problems of women to access legal abortion had been discussed as a problem of discrimination based on sex. Therefore, this study does not touch upon tensions between the foetus and the mother but the conflict that emerges in the ways the law thinks of women.

Background: During the recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved to become one of the most commend used diagnostic methods. Although MRI is considered safe and a good diagnostic method of foetuses and pregnant women, the research data is too small to claim that it is completely risk-free. Purpose: The purpose of this literature study was to identify possible risks of foetal defects in connection with MRI examination of pregnant women. Method: This essay is a quantitative systematic literature study where 13 articles were included after being searched in three different databases. Result: No significant differences in biological effects or hearing loss in foetuses exposed to MRI were detected. Heat increase could occur in connection with MRI examination and was influenced by the examination time and the field strength. However, the temperature generally stayed below the approved limit values. The using of gadolinium contrast agents could increase the risk of some foetal disease states as well as miscarriage and stillbirth. Conclusion: MRI could be a good alternative for anatomical imaging of pregnant women, although it should be used with great caution because of the limited research base. Thus, more research is needed in this area to determine the impact of MRI and gadolinium contrast agent on foetal development., Bakgrund: Under de senaste åren har magnetresonanstomografi (MR) utvecklats till att bli en av de mest använda diagnostiska metoderna. Trots att MR anses vara säkert samt en bra diagnostisk metod av foster och gravida, så är forskningsunderlaget för litet för att påstå att det är helt riskfritt. Syfte: Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att kartlägga vilka eventuella risker som finns för fosterskador i samband med MR-undersökning av gravida kvinnor. Metod: Detta examensarbete är en kvantitativ systematisk litteraturstudie där 13 artiklar inkluderades efter att ha sökts fram i tre olika databaser. Resultat: Inga signifikanta skillnader gällande biologiska effekter eller hörselnedsättning hos foster som blivit exponerade för MR kunde påvisas. Värmeökning kunde ske i samband med MR-undersökning och påverkades av undersökningstiden samt fältstyrkan. Temperaturen höll sig dock i allmänhet under godkända gränsvärden. Vid användande av gadoliniumkontrastmedel kunde det ge ökad risk för somliga sjukdomstillstånd hos fostret samt missfall och dödföddhet. Konklusion: MR skulle kunna vara ett bra alternativ för anatomisk avbildning av gravida kvinnor, men det bör användas med stor varsamhet på grund av det begränsade forskningsunderlaget. Det behöver således forskas mer inom området för att kunna fastställa MR och gadoliniumkontrastmedels påverkan på fostrets utveckling.

Background: During the recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved to become one of the most commend used diagnostic methods. Although MRI is considered safe and a good diagnostic method of foetuses and pregnant women, the research data is too small to claim that it is completely risk-free. Purpose: The purpose of this literature study was to identify possible risks of foetal defects in connection with MRI examination of pregnant women. Method: This essay is a quantitative systematic literature study where 13 articles were included after being searched in three different databases. Result: No significant differences in biological effects or hearing loss in foetuses exposed to MRI were detected. Heat increase could occur in connection with MRI examination and was influenced by the examination time and the field strength. However, the temperature generally stayed below the approved limit values. The using of gadolinium contrast agents could increase the risk of some foetal disease states as well as miscarriage and stillbirth. Conclusion: MRI could be a good alternative for anatomical imaging of pregnant women, although it should be used with great caution because of the limited research base. Thus, more research is needed in this area to determine the impact of MRI and gadolinium contrast agent on foetal development., Bakgrund: Under de senaste åren har magnetresonanstomografi (MR) utvecklats till att bli en av de mest använda diagnostiska metoderna. Trots att MR anses vara säkert samt en bra diagnostisk metod av foster och gravida, så är forskningsunderlaget för litet för att påstå att det är helt riskfritt. Syfte: Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att kartlägga vilka eventuella risker som finns för fosterskador i samband med MR-undersökning av gravida kvinnor. Metod: Detta examensarbete är en kvantitativ systematisk litteraturstudie där 13 artiklar inkluderades efter att ha sökts fram i tre olika databaser. Resultat: Inga signifikanta skillnader gällande biologiska effekter eller hörselnedsättning hos foster som blivit exponerade för MR kunde påvisas. Värmeökning kunde ske i samband med MR-undersökning och påverkades av undersökningstiden samt fältstyrkan. Temperaturen höll sig dock i allmänhet under godkända gränsvärden. Vid användande av gadoliniumkontrastmedel kunde det ge ökad risk för somliga sjukdomstillstånd hos fostret samt missfall och dödföddhet. Konklusion: MR skulle kunna vara ett bra alternativ för anatomisk avbildning av gravida kvinnor, men det bör användas med stor varsamhet på grund av det begränsade forskningsunderlaget. Det behöver således forskas mer inom området för att kunna fastställa MR och gadoliniumkontrastmedels påverkan på fostrets utveckling.

Brain death in pregnancy (BDinP) has been described in literature as a "rare event" and "hopeless condition for patients", who has a devastating potential to negatively affect the poetry of the moment of welcoming a new human life to the world. Clinical consequences of BDinP are extremely dangerous for the life of a foetus that, without prompt medical actions, is doomed to suffer the same fate as the mother. Modern medical techniques make it possible to maintain basic vital functions of the pregnant woman for months, in order to achieve a level of development of the foetus. Although maternal somatic support requires the consideration of specific medical parameters, from a bioethical standpoint, this option gives rise to multiple ethical and social implications. In this manuscript, we identify the main ethical and social implications about maternal somatic support, including the potential impact on the clinical practice of medical staff, and discuss some Italian high-impact media cases.

The aim of this study has been to analyse the ways Mexican states articulates the actions of women undergoing an abortion and the effects it has on criminal sanctions specified for women. This study analyses the criminal code of Mexico City which decriminalised abortion in 2007, the criminal code of Jalisco reformed in 2009 and the criminal code of Yucatán reformed in 2009. The discrimination of women had been the major concern of International Human Rights Law as well as feminist jurisprudence. This research has attempted to problematise and highlight different aspects of discrimination taking place in Mexican law. Feminist liberal theory and radical feminism had been placed to analyse the criminal codes governing Mexican abortion law. Thus, in this thesis, the problems of women to access legal abortion had been discussed as a problem of discrimination based on sex. Therefore, this study does not touch upon tensions between the foetus and the mother but the conflict that emerges in the ways the law thinks of women.

Mercury (Hg), a highly toxic environmental pollutant, shows harmfulness which still represents a big concern for human health, including hazards to fertility and pregnancy outcome. Research has shown that Hg could induce impairments in the reproductive function, cellular deformation of the Leydig cells and the seminiferous tubules, and testicular degeneration as well as abnormal menstrual cycles. Some studies investigated spontaneous abortion and complicated fertility outcome due to occupational Hg exposure. Moreover, there is a relation between inhaled Hg vapour and reproductive outcome. This MiniReview evaluates the hypothesis that exposure to Hg may increase the risk of reduced fertility, spontaneous abortion and congenital deficits or abnormalities.

Hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy can have severe consequences for mother and child, such as vertical transmission, fulminant hepatic failure, even foetal or maternal mortality. The aim of this systematic review is to describe maternal, foetal and neonatal case-fatality rates as well as the prevalence of adverse outcomes in relation to hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy. A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL. Search terms included Pregnant, Women, Maternal, Infant, Foetal, Neonatal and Hepatitis E virus. Data were extracted using predefined data collection forms. All studies were quality assessed, either by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or by an adapted assessment scale for cross-sectional studies. We found 23 eligible studies, all observational, which were included in this systematic review with a total of 1338 cases. The median maternal, foetal and neonatal case-fatality rates were 26% (IQR 17%-41%), 33% (IQR 19%-37%) and 8% (IQR 3%-20%), respectively. Adverse outcomes such as fulminant hepatic failure, preterm labour, postpartum haemorrhage, low birth weight and vertical transmission were reported. The two studies that reported the highest prevalence of fulminant hepatic failure also reported the highest case-fatality rates. The median prevalence of fulminant hepatic failure was 45.3%. This systematic review found a high case-fatality rate among pregnant women infected with hepatitis E virus and a high rate of adverse outcomes among these women and their children. The results from this review mainly apply to hospital settings and symptomatic pregnant women from endemic countries.

Hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy can have severe consequences for mother and child, such as vertical transmission, fulminant hepatic failure, even foetal or maternal mortality. The aim of this systematic review is to describe maternal, foetal and neonatal case-fatality rates as well as the prevalence of adverse outcomes in relation to hepatitis E virus infection during pregnancy. A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL. Search terms included Pregnant, Women, Maternal, Infant, Foetal, Neonatal and Hepatitis E virus. Data were extracted using predefined data collection forms. All studies were quality assessed, either by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or by an adapted assessment scale for cross-sectional studies. We found 23 eligible studies, all observational, which were included in this systematic review with a total of 1338 cases. The median maternal, foetal and neonatal case-fatality rates were 26% (IQR 17%-41%), 33% (IQR 19%-37%) and 8% (IQR 3%-20%), respectively. Adverse outcomes such as fulminant hepatic failure, preterm labour, postpartum haemorrhage, low birth weight and vertical transmission were reported. The two studies that reported the highest prevalence of fulminant hepatic failure also reported the highest case-fatality rates. The median prevalence of fulminant hepatic failure was 45.3%. This systematic review found a high case-fatality rate among pregnant women infected with hepatitis E virus and a high rate of adverse outcomes among these women and their children. The results from this review mainly apply to hospital settings and symptomatic pregnant women from endemic countries.

This study concerns the usage of foetal ultrasounds, more specifically those produced during the 5th month of pregnancy within the routine checks of any pregnancy in France. Interestingly, more and more parents are posting short films on YouTube of their baby-to-be using the medical images produced during such antenatal examinations. This study therefore analyses a set of 108 YouTube posts among the thousands available to understand the social implications of such posts on the unborn. Uncannily, it appears that these videos constitute not only the first pages of the biographies of a girl or a boy but also the autobiographical tales of a mother or father waiting for the birth of a daughter or son. The close reading of 31 archetypical videos reveals how those who post such videos see 5th-month ultrasound imagery as a means for them to prepare, not just for the birth of a child, but for the birth of a girl or a boy and simultaneously to prepare to become, not just parents, but the father or mother of a son or a daughter.

Bakgrund: Ett vanligt förekommande inslag i många människors liv är stress, som kan göra sig påmind som akut stress, fysisk stress eller den stress som många människor känner av i sin vardag. När människan känner stress aktiveras människans biologiska system för att hantera situationen och stresshormonet kortisol produceras bland annat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) har underrättat om att den materiella stressens roll under graviditeten och uppföljningsstudier har väckt oro för att avkommor från mödrar som utsätts för stress under graviditeten kan ha en ökad risk för specifika sjukdomar såsom missbildningar, astma och psykiska och beteendestörningar. Syfte: Att beskriva om stress under graviditet påverkar fostret och kan kopplas samman med folksjukdomar senare i livet. Metod: En allmän litteraturöversikt har genomförts genom att kunskap inom ett begränsat område kartlagts, beskrivits, kritiskt granskats och analyserats utifrån tio utvalda vetenskapliga artiklar inom ämnesområdet. I analysen valdes fyra teman ut och utifrån dessa fyra teman skapades fyra resultatrubriker. Resultat: Forskning visar att stress under graviditet påverkar barnet och kan kopplas samman med folksjukdomar senare i livet hos barnet. Diskussion: Stress under graviditet är ett komplext problem där många faktorer kan spela roll. Litteraturöversikten visar att de vanligast förekommande folksjukdomarna som diabetes, hjärt-och kärlsjukdom samt fetma, som alla är stora kostnader för samhället, skulle kunna vara resultat av stress under moderns graviditet., Background: A common part of many people's lives is stress, which can be recognized as acute stress, physical stress or stress that many people experience during their daily lives. When a person feels stressed, the human's biological systems are activated to cope with the situation and the stress hormone cortisol is produced, among other things. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the role of material stress during pregnancy, and follow-up studies has raised concerns that the offspring to mothers exposed for stress during pregnancy may have an increased risk of specific diseases such as malformations, asthma and mental and behavioral disorders. Aim: To describe how stress during pregnancy affects the foetus and can be linked with public illnesses later in the child’s life. Method: A general literature review has been conducted by mapping, describing, critically reviewing and analyzing knowledge in a limited area, based on ten selected scientific articles in the subject area. In the analysis, four themes were selected, and based on these four themes four headings were created. Results: Research shows that stress during pregnancy affects the child and can be linked to public diseases later in life. Discussion: Stress during pregnancy is a complex problem where many factors can play a significant role. The literature review shows that the most common public diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, all of which are major costs for society, could be the result of stress during mother's pregnancy.

Bakgrund: Ett vanligt förekommande inslag i många människors liv är stress, som kan göra sig påmind som akut stress, fysisk stress eller den stress som många människor känner av i sin vardag. När människan känner stress aktiveras människans biologiska system för att hantera situationen och stresshormonet kortisol produceras bland annat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) har underrättat om att den materiella stressens roll under graviditeten och uppföljningsstudier har väckt oro för att avkommor från mödrar som utsätts för stress under graviditeten kan ha en ökad risk för specifika sjukdomar såsom missbildningar, astma och psykiska och beteendestörningar. Syfte: Att beskriva om stress under graviditet påverkar fostret och kan kopplas samman med folksjukdomar senare i livet. Metod: En allmän litteraturöversikt har genomförts genom att kunskap inom ett begränsat område kartlagts, beskrivits, kritiskt granskats och analyserats utifrån tio utvalda vetenskapliga artiklar inom ämnesområdet. I analysen valdes fyra teman ut och utifrån dessa fyra teman skapades fyra resultatrubriker. Resultat: Forskning visar att stress under graviditet påverkar barnet och kan kopplas samman med folksjukdomar senare i livet hos barnet. Diskussion: Stress under graviditet är ett komplext problem där många faktorer kan spela roll. Litteraturöversikten visar att de vanligast förekommande folksjukdomarna som diabetes, hjärt-och kärlsjukdom samt fetma, som alla är stora kostnader för samhället, skulle kunna vara resultat av stress under moderns graviditet., Background: A common part of many people's lives is stress, which can be recognized as acute stress, physical stress or stress that many people experience during their daily lives. When a person feels stressed, the human's biological systems are activated to cope with the situation and the stress hormone cortisol is produced, among other things. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the role of material stress during pregnancy, and follow-up studies has raised concerns that the offspring to mothers exposed for stress during pregnancy may have an increased risk of specific diseases such as malformations, asthma and mental and behavioral disorders. Aim: To describe how stress during pregnancy affects the foetus and can be linked with public illnesses later in the child’s life. Method: A general literature review has been conducted by mapping, describing, critically reviewing and analyzing knowledge in a limited area, based on ten selected scientific articles in the subject area. In the analysis, four themes were selected, and based on these four themes four headings were created. Results: Research shows that stress during pregnancy affects the child and can be linked to public diseases later in life. Discussion: Stress during pregnancy is a complex problem where many factors can play a significant role. The literature review shows that the most common public diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, all of which are major costs for society, could be the result of stress during mother's pregnancy.

This paper outlines my current sculptural research project bloodlines focusing on the ways in which dairy cows are entangled with multiple biotechnologies and the wider environment. bloodlines brings extant works such as fleshlumps, boobscape and slink, together with new works, to represent the dairy industry, the environmental impacts of animal agriculture and the biotech innovations of in-vitro meat and bio-fabricated leather. These works are linked together by a web of interconnected fluids: excreta, milk and blood. In this new work, I hope to make the links between the dairy industry and these extended concerns both visceral and visible.

Sex-related differences in lipid availability and fatty acid composition during swine foetal development were investigated. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the mother were strongly related to the adequacy or inadequacy of foetal development and concomitant activation of protective growth in some organs (brain, heart, liver and spleen). Cholesterol and triglyceride availability was similar in male and female offspring, but female foetuses showed evidence of higher placental transfer of essential fatty acids and synthesis of non-essential fatty acids in muscle and liver. These sex-related differences affected primarily the neutral lipid fraction (triglycerides), which may lead to sex-related postnatal differences in energy partitioning. These results illustrate the strong influence of the maternal lipid profile on foetal development and homeorhesis, and they confirm and extend previous reports that female offspring show better adaptive responses to maternal malnutrition than male offspring. These findings may help guide dietary interventions to ensure adequate fatty acid availability for postnatal development., Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad de España (MINECO)/FEDER, Unión Europea/Cooperación Europea en Ciencia y Tecnología (COST), Depto. de Producción Animal, Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub

Sex-related differences in lipid availability and fatty acid composition during swine foetal development were investigated. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the mother were strongly related to the adequacy or inadequacy of foetal development and concomitant activation of protective growth in some organs (brain, heart, liver and spleen). Cholesterol and triglyceride availability was similar in male and female offspring, but female foetuses showed evidence of higher placental transfer of essential fatty acids and synthesis of non-essential fatty acids in muscle and liver. These sex-related differences affected primarily the neutral lipid fraction (triglycerides), which may lead to sex-related postnatal differences in energy partitioning. These results illustrate the strong influence of the maternal lipid profile on foetal development and homeorhesis, and they confirm and extend previous reports that female offspring show better adaptive responses to maternal malnutrition than male offspring. These findings may help guide dietary interventions to ensure adequate fatty acid availability for postnatal development.

во многих современных литературных источниках отмечается высокое распространение пассивного курения. Особое значение отводится воздействию вторичного табачного дыма при беременности. Целью исследования является оценка подверженности женщин курению во время беременности. Проанкетировано 50 родильниц. При обработке полученных данных авторы пришли к выводу о высокой распространенности пассивного курения., it is specified in many modern references about high distribution of passive smoking. Special value is allocated for influence of a secondary tobacco smoke at pregnancy. The purpose of research – to estimate susceptibility of women to smoking during pregnancy. 50 women in childbirth are interrogated. When processing of the obtained data came to a conclusion about high prevalence of passive smoking.

во многих современных литературных источниках отмечается высокое распространение пассивного курения. Особое значение отводится воздействию вторичного табачного дыма при беременности. Целью исследования является оценка подверженности женщин курению во время беременности. Проанкетировано 50 родильниц. При обработке полученных данных авторы пришли к выводу о высокой распространенности пассивного курения., it is specified in many modern references about high distribution of passive smoking. Special value is allocated for influence of a secondary tobacco smoke at pregnancy. The purpose of research – to estimate susceptibility of women to smoking during pregnancy. 50 women in childbirth are interrogated. When processing of the obtained data came to a conclusion about high prevalence of passive smoking.

This study determined the prevalence of fetal wastage due to slaughter of pregnant camels, and the relationship between fetal wastage and factors such as breed, season, abattoir location, and age. Pregnancy characteristics of indigenous camels were also investigated. Reproductive tracts were collected from 912 female camels at two abattoirs in southeast Algeria over 2.5 years. Before slaughter, data regarding reasons for culling were obtained. Pregnancy was detected in 21.7% of camels and was higher (P<0.05) in the Tergui than Sahraoui breed. Fetal wastage was higher (P<0.05) in the dry than wet season. Fetal wastage in the first and second trimester (57.1% of total waste) was greater (P<0.05) than that in third and fourth trimester (42.9% of total). Right and left ovaries showed equal ovulatory activity. Mean diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) was higher (P < 0.05) in females with a single corpus luteum than in those with twin or triple CL. All but one camel carried the fetus in the left uterine horn. Embryo migration was observed in 50% of pregnant camels, and migration was from the right to left uterine horn in all cases. Prevalence of embryonic and fetal loss was 10.0% and was influenced by ovulation rate. The two most prevalent reasons for culling pregnant camels were old age (23.7%) and poor body condition (11.6%). These findings document the magnitude of fetal wastage which represents substantial economic loss to the camel industry. Livestock owners should receive education on reproductive management, including pregnancy testing, to minimize fetal wastage.

This study determined the prevalence of fetal wastage due to slaughter of pregnant camels, and the relationship between fetal wastage and factors such as breed, season, abattoir location, and age. Pregnancy characteristics of indigenous camels were also investigated. Reproductive tracts were collected from 912 female camels at two abattoirs in southeast Algeria over 2.5 years. Before slaughter, data regarding reasons for culling were obtained. Pregnancy was detected in 21.7% of camels and was higher (P<0.05) in the Tergui than Sahraoui breed. Fetal wastage was higher (P<0.05) in the dry than wet season. Fetal wastage in the first and second trimester (57.1% of total waste) was greater (P<0.05) than that in third and fourth trimester (42.9% of total). Right and left ovaries showed equal ovulatory activity. Mean diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) was higher (P < 0.05) in females with a single corpus luteum than in those with twin or triple CL. All but one camel carried the fetus in the left uterine horn. Embryo migration was observed in 50% of pregnant camels, and migration was from the right to left uterine horn in all cases. Prevalence of embryonic and fetal loss was 10.0% and was influenced by ovulation rate. The two most prevalent reasons for culling pregnant camels were old age (23.7%) and poor body condition (11.6%). These findings document the magnitude of fetal wastage which represents substantial economic loss to the camel industry. Livestock owners should receive education on reproductive management, including pregnancy testing, to minimize fetal wastage.

L’existence de l’os pré-maxillaire (appelé jadis inter-maxillaire) chez l’homme a fait l’objet de nombreux débats et controverses depuis les travaux devenus historiques de Goethe. Si sa présence constante est attestée jusqu’aux australopithèques (Genet-Varcin [1]), son existence chez l’homme constitue une variation anatomique considérée comme exceptionnelle. Cependant, le terme « pré-maxillaire » est largement utilisé par de nombreux professionnels de la santé, dont les orthodontistes. C’est que cet os est classiquement associé au bourgeon embryonnaire homonyme, dérivé du bourgeon fronto-nasal, et classiquement impliqué dans les fentes labiales. L’existence d’un noyau propre d’ossification dans cette zone a aussi fait débat, et l’analyse de la littérature, incluant les travaux bien connus d’Ashley-Montagu (1936) [2], de Vacher (1999, 2001) surtout de Barteczko et Jacob (2004) [3], ne permet pas de clore définitivement le débat.Dans cette perspective, nous avons examiné des spécimens de natures diverses appartenant aux collections du musée d’anatomie et embryologie Louis-Deroubaix de notre département. Il s’agit de coupes histologiques d’embryons humains de 27,5mm, d’un crâne de fœtus humain de 24 semaines, d’un crâne de cercopithèque, de moulages de cire de la collection His-Ziegler, et de la collection complète des crânes humains mis à la disposition des étudiants pour les travaux pratiques d’ostéologie. Nous avons également tenu compte d’observations faites sur la collection médiévale de l’abbaye de Coxyde. Nous sommes conscients du caractère fragmentaire de ce matériel.Aucun os pré-maxillaire n’était présent sur les crânes adultes de notre collection. Cependant, des vestiges de l’os pré-maxillaire ont pu être observés dans la collection médiévale jusque l’âge de 74ans. Une suture pré-maxillaire est clairement visible sur le crâne fœtal, et l’analyse embryologique démontre un champ d’ossification membraneuse fragmenté au sein duquel il est possible d’identifier un, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

[EN] The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of maternal and embryonic genotype on prenatal survival and foetal growth during pregnancy. Embryos were recovered at 48 h of gestation from two different donor lines (R = 46 and A = 40) and transferred to nulliparous recipient does (26 R and 24 A). Each recipient doe received six embryos into one oviduct from line R, and six embryos form line A into the other. Laparoscopy was performed at Day 14 to determine implantation rate. Recipient females were slaughter at Days 14, 24 and 30 (12, 24, and 14, respectively) to determine the number of live foetuses and the weight of live foetuses, foetal placenta and maternal placenta. A transcriptome analysis was performed to search for differences between foetal placentas at Days 14 and 24 of development. Prenatal survival at Days 14, and 24 was affected by embryonic genotype and determined by maternal genotype at Day 30. Foetal weight at Day 14 was influenced by both genotypes, being the weight higher for group A/A (0.29 0.01 g vs 0.19 0.01 g, for group R/R). However, both genotypes were determinant for foetal placenta weight at Day 24, while those genotypes affected maternal placenta weight at Day 30. Nevertheless, no differences in foetal placenta at transcriptome level and progesterone and IGF-I plasma levels in recipient does were found. In conclusion, results indicate that the influence of embryo and maternal genotype on the prenatal survival and growth seems to be changing over gestation.

[EN] The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of maternal and embryonic genotype on prenatal survival and foetal growth during pregnancy. Embryos were recovered at 48 h of gestation from two different donor lines (R = 46 and A = 40) and transferred to nulliparous recipient does (26 R and 24 A). Each recipient doe received six embryos into one oviduct from line R, and six embryos form line A into the other. Laparoscopy was performed at Day 14 to determine implantation rate. Recipient females were slaughter at Days 14, 24 and 30 (12, 24, and 14, respectively) to determine the number of live foetuses and the weight of live foetuses, foetal placenta and maternal placenta. A transcriptome analysis was performed to search for differences between foetal placentas at Days 14 and 24 of development. Prenatal survival at Days 14, and 24 was affected by embryonic genotype and determined by maternal genotype at Day 30. Foetal weight at Day 14 was influenced by both genotypes, being the weight higher for group A/A (0.29 0.01 g vs 0.19 0.01 g, for group R/R). However, both genotypes were determinant for foetal placenta weight at Day 24, while those genotypes affected maternal placenta weight at Day 30. Nevertheless, no differences in foetal placenta at transcriptome level and progesterone and IGF-I plasma levels in recipient does were found. In conclusion, results indicate that the influence of embryo and maternal genotype on the prenatal survival and growth seems to be changing over gestation.

The Spanish abortion reform Project has aroused much controversy. Any debate on the ethics and regulation of abortion must be based upon a thorough discussion of what it means to be human. Once it is determined that an embryo and/or a foetus is a human being, a discussion must ensue as to when can a human kill another., El anteproyecto de ley de reforma del aborto en España ha suscitado mucha polémica. Cualquier debate sobre la ética o la regulación del aborto debe estar basado en una discusión profunda sobre lo que significa ser humano. Una vez que se haya determinado que un embrión y/o un feto es un ser humano, se debe discutir sobre los casos en los que un ser humano puede matar a otro.

In their controversial paper 'After-birth abortion', Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva argue that there is no rational basis for allowing abortion but prohibiting infanticide ('after-birth abortion'). We ought in all consistency either to allow both or prohibit both. This paper rejects their claim, arguing that much-neglected considerations in philosophical discussions of this issue are capable of explaining why we currently permit abortion in some cases, while prohibiting infanticide.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of existential experiences and needs among women involved in induced abortion. Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect information from 499 women requesting an induced abortion. A principle component analysis resulted in three components of existential experiences and needs, labelled: existential thoughts, existential practices, and humanisation of foetus. These components were analysed in relation to background data and other data from the questionnaire. Results: Existential experiences and needs were common. Existential thoughts about life and death, meaning and morality were related to abortion experience for 61% of women. Almost 50% of women, reported a need for special acts in relation to the abortion; and, 67% of women considered the pregnancy in terms of a child. A higher degree of existential components correlated to difficulty in making the abortion decision and poor psychological wellbeing after the abortion. Conclusion: Women’s experiences of abortion can include existential thoughts about life, death, meaning and morality, feelings of connectedness to the foetus, and the need for symbolic expression. This presents a challenge for abortion personnel, as the situation involves complex aspects beyond medical procedures and routines.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of existential experiences and needs among women involved in induced abortion. Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect information from 499 women requesting an induced abortion. A principle component analysis resulted in three components of existential experiences and needs, labelled: existential thoughts, existential practices, and humanisation of foetus. These components were analysed in relation to background data and other data from the questionnaire. Results: Existential experiences and needs were common. Existential thoughts about life and death, meaning and morality were related to abortion experience for 61% of women. Almost 50% of women, reported a need for special acts in relation to the abortion; and, 67% of women considered the pregnancy in terms of a child. A higher degree of existential components correlated to difficulty in making the abortion decision and poor psychological wellbeing after the abortion. Conclusion: Women’s experiences of abortion can include existential thoughts about life, death, meaning and morality, feelings of connectedness to the foetus, and the need for symbolic expression. This presents a challenge for abortion personnel, as the situation involves complex aspects beyond medical procedures and routines.

International human rights instruments and jurisprudence radiate an understanding of international law as also serving to protect fundamental rights and the interests of the individual. The idea that human rights provide a credible framework for constructing common norms among nations and across cultures is both powerful and attractive. If the protection of being human serves as the common denominator in human rights discussion, and if human rights are deeply inclusive, despite being culturally and historically diverse, then a failure to deliberate on the legal status and protection of the unborn may be seen as a failure to extend respect where it is due. Such deliberation is required, irrespective of the fact that jurisprudential debate on the unborn and on abortion is complex and controversial. The protection of human life, well–being, and dignity are essential aims of the United Nations Charter and the international system created to implement it. Although there have been collective efforts resulting in substantial development in international human rights law, the international community has not approached the legal status and protection of the unborn as a matter of urgency ? this, while much has been accomplished regarding women, children, animals and cloning. This article therefore argues for the development of a deliberative framework so as to further the recognition (not necessarily in an absolute sense) of the unborn in international law, bearing in mind that opposition to abortion does not of itself constitute an attack on a woman's right to respect for privacy in her life. The article also sets out what such deliberation on the legal status and protection of the unborn entails, against the background of a procedurally–rational approach.

International human rights instruments and jurisprudence radiate an understanding of international law as also serving to protect fundamental rights and the interests of the individual. The idea that human rights provide a credible framework for constructing common norms among nations and across cultures is both powerful and attractive. If the protection of being human serves as the common denominator in human rights discussion, and if human rights are deeply inclusive, despite being culturally and historically diverse, then a failure to deliberate on the legal status and protection of the unborn may be seen as a failure to extend respect where it is due. Such deliberation is required, irrespective of the fact that jurisprudential debate on the unborn and on abortion is complex and controversial. The protection of human life, well–being, and dignity are essential aims of the United Nations Charter and the international system created to implement it. Although there have been collective efforts resulting in substantial development in international human rights law, the international community has not approached the legal status and protection of the unborn as a matter of urgency ? this, while much has been accomplished regarding women, children, animals and cloning. This article therefore argues for the development of a deliberative framework so as to further the recognition (not necessarily in an absolute sense) of the unborn in international law, bearing in mind that opposition to abortion does not of itself constitute an attack on a woman's right to respect for privacy in her life. The article also sets out what such deliberation on the legal status and protection of the unborn entails, against the background of a procedurally–rational approach.

International human rights instruments and jurisprudence radiate an understanding of international law as also serving to protect fundamental rights and the interests of the individual. The idea that human rights provide a credible framework for constructing common norms among nations and across cultures is both powerful and attractive. If the protection of being human serves as the common denominator in human rights discussion, and if human rights are deeply inclusive, despite being culturally and historically diverse, then a failure to deliberate on the legal status and protection of the unborn may be seen as a failure to extend respect where it is due. Such deliberation is required, irrespective of the fact that jurisprudential debate on the unborn and on abortion is complex and controversial. The protection of human life, well–being, and dignity are essential aims of the United Nations Charter and the international system created to implement it. Although there have been collective efforts resulting in substantial development in international human rights law, the international community has not approached the legal status and protection of the unborn as a matter of urgency ? this, while much has been accomplished regarding women, children, animals and cloning. This article therefore argues for the development of a deliberative framework so as to further the recognition (not necessarily in an absolute sense) of the unborn in international law, bearing in mind that opposition to abortion does not of itself constitute an attack on a woman's right to respect for privacy in her life. The article also sets out what such deliberation on the legal status and protection of the unborn entails, against the background of a procedurally–rational approach.

International human rights instruments and jurisprudence radiate an understanding of international law as also serving to protect fundamental rights and the interests of the individual. The idea that human rights provide a credible framework for constructing common norms among nations and across cultures is both powerful and attractive. If the protection of being human serves as the common denominator in human rights discussion, and if human rights are deeply inclusive, despite being culturally and historically diverse, then a failure to deliberate on the legal status and protection of the unborn may be seen as a failure to extend respect where it is due. Such deliberation is required, irrespective of the fact that jurisprudential debate on the unborn and on abortion is complex and controversial. The protection of human life, well–being, and dignity are essential aims of the United Nations Charter and the international system created to implement it. Although there have been collective efforts resulting in substantial development in international human rights law, the international community has not approached the legal status and protection of the unborn as a matter of urgency ? this, while much has been accomplished regarding women, children, animals and cloning. This article therefore argues for the development of a deliberative framework so as to further the recognition (not necessarily in an absolute sense) of the unborn in international law, bearing in mind that opposition to abortion does not of itself constitute an attack on a woman's right to respect for privacy in her life. The article also sets out what such deliberation on the legal status and protection of the unborn entails, against the background of a procedurally–rational approach.

English: This thesis is primarily concerned with the legal status of the unborn in international law. It investigates the lack of jurisprudence concerning the legal status of the unborn in this area of law and contends that such a lacuna is unacceptable. The unacceptability of this lack of discourse is highlighted in light of the concept of rationality; and rationality is presented as the best alternative method to deal with the legal status of the unborn, based on various justifications showing that the current method of legal discourse is not only devoid of rationality but inadequate to deal with this problem. Rational procedural and substantive attempts are then promoted to advance the legal status of the unborn in international law. Here the thesis emphasises the importance of taking into account requirements of humanity, sensitivity to animals and fairness, and continues to investigate the irrationality of abortion jurisprudence by arguing that the sole use of human rights and more specifically, the right to life and women’s rights, as determining the legal status of the unborn is part of the problem. Rationality requires an inclusive and sensitive approach and therefore, the sole use of concepts such as human rights, to the exclusion of science, anthropology, humanity and international justice, amongst others, are argued to be irrational. Scientific and anthropological consideration is also very important, not only to present an inclusive approach, but because these disciplines present us with some of the few convincing facts that can be used to aid philosophers when dealing with a topic where assumption and argument, rather than facts, are ample. However, this thesis does not pretend that a final or absolute solution on the legal status of the unborn is possible as cultural and ethical relativism as well as ideological affiliations present a problem to obtaining a universal rational outcome on the legal status of the unborn. However, it is stated that the pos, Afrikaans: Hierdie proefskrif is primêr gemoeid met die regstatus van die ongeborene in internasionale reg. Dit ondersoek die gebrek aan regsleer rakende die regstatus van die ongeborene in hierdie area van die reg en voer aan dat sodanige leemte onaanvaarbaar is. Die onaanvaarbaarheid van hierdie gebrek aan redevoering word na vore gebring in die lig van die konsep van rasionaliteit en hou laasgenoemde voor as die beste alternatiewe metode om met die regstatus van die ongeborene te handel, gebaseer op verskeie regverdigings wat toon dat die huidige metode van regsredevoering nie net aan rasionaliteit ontbreek nie, maar ook ontoereikend is om met hierdie probleem te handel. Rasionele prosessuele en wesenlike pogings word dan aangemoedig om die regstatus van die ongeborene in internasionale reg te bevorder. Hier beklemtoon die proefskrif die belangrikheid van die inagneming van die vereistes van menslikheid, sensitiwiteit jeens diere, asook regverdigheid en gaan die studie voort om die irrasionaliteit van aborsieregsleer te ondersoek deur te argumenteer dat die alleen gebruik van menseregte en meer spesifiek die reg tot lewe en vroueregte, as bepalend van die regstatus van die ongeborene, deel vorm van die probleem. Rasionaliteit vereis ’n inklusiewe en sensitiewe benadering en daarom word geredeneer dat die alleen gebruik van konsepte soos menseregte, tot die uitsluiting van onder andere die wetenskap, antropologie, mensheid en internasionale reg, irrasioneel is. Wetenskaplike en antropologiese oorweging is ook baie belangrik, nie net om ’n inklusiewe benadering voor te hou nie, maar omdat hierdie dissiplines ons van ’n paar oortuigende feite voorsien wat gebruik kan word om filosowe te help wanneer hulle met ’n onderwerp te doen het waar aanname en argument, eerder as feite, volop is. Hierdie proefskrif gee egter nie voor dat ’n finale of absolute oplossing oor die regstatus van die ongeborene moontlik is nie aangesien kulturele en etiese relativisme, asook ideolog

Background: Maternal treatment with the 5-HT2Areceptor antagonist ketanserin (KT) in pre-eclamptic patients is associated with a high placental transmission of KT, resulting in pharmacologically active levels of KT in the umbilical cord artery (UCA) and the neonate. Prolonged exposure to a 5-HT receptor antagonist may influence the functionality of foetal 5-HT receptors and compromise foetal development. Objective: To study whether exposure to KT influences the characteristics of foetal 5-HT receptors, functional studies were performed on 5-HT2Aand 5-HT1B/1Dreceptors in UCA from pre-eclamptic patients treated with KT. Methods: UCAs were obtained, immediately after delivery, from pre-eclamptic patients (n = 7), treated antenatally with intravenous KT. Pre-eclamptic patients (n = 13), not treated with KT (non-KT), were included as a control group. Segments of UCA were prepared and mounted in tissue baths and isometric force changes were determined. Cumulative concentration response curves to 5-HT and to the 5-HT1B/1Dreceptor agonist sumatriptan were constructed in the absence or presence of the 5-HT2Areceptor antagonist KT or the 5-HT1B/1Dreceptor antagonist GR125743, respectively. Results: All UCA segments showed contractile responses to both 5-HT and sumatriptan, and the concentration response curves showed a rightward shift with increasing concentrations of KT and G

"The first pregnancy ever conceived after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) was an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 2–11% of all pregnancies resulting from IVF treatment, and, for unknown reasons, this incidence is much higher than that in the normal fertile population. This could either be the result of the fertility treatment or the consequence of infertility itself."

A passage from Divina Commedia (Purgatorio XXV, vv. 37-78) is analyzed that presents different reading problems, especially those related to doctrinal and medical aspects of medieval thought. Doctrinal problems are connected with the reception of the three animae (vegetative, sensitive and intellective souls) in the womb, and with the consequences derived from this fact. Medical problems are related to foetus’ formation, development and evolution, and to the adquisition of certain characteristics that determine its nature. This paper analyzes these problems, by comparing some relevant elements to fundamental texts of medieval medical knowledge, general science, Christian doctrine and other works by the same author.

A passage from Divina Commedia (Purgatorio XXV, vv. 37-78) is analyzed that presents different reading problems, especially those related to doctrinal and medical aspects of medieval thought. Doctrinal problems are connected with the reception of the three animae (vegetative, sensitive and intellective souls) in the womb, and with the consequences derived from this fact. Medical problems are related to foetus’ formation, development and evolution, and to the adquisition of certain characteristics that determine its nature. This paper analyzes these problems, by comparing some relevant elements to fundamental texts of medieval medical knowledge, general science, Christian doctrine and other works by the same author.

An inadequate supply of iodine during gestation results in damage to the foetal brain that is irreversible by mid-gestation unless timely interventions can correct the accompanying maternal hypothyroxinemia. Even mild to moderate maternal hypothyroxinemia may result in suboptimal neurodevelopment. This review mainly focuses on iodine and thyroid hormone economy up to mid-gestation, a period during which the mother is the only source for the developing brain of the foetus. The cerebral cortex of the foetus depends on maternal thyroxine (T4) for the production of the 3',3,5-tri-iodothyronine (T3) for nuclear receptor-binding and biological effectiveness. Maternal hypothyroxinemia early in pregnancy is potentially damaging for foetal brain development. Direct evidence has been obtained from experiments on animals: even a relatively mild and transient hypothyroxinemia during corticogenesis, which takes place mostly before mid-gestation in humans, affects the migration of radial neurons, which settle permanently in heterotopic locations within the cortex and hippocampus. Behavioural defects have also been detected. The conceptus imposes important early changes on maternal thyroid hormone economy that practically doubles the amount of T4 secreted something that requires a concordant increase in the availability of iodine, from 150 to 250-300 microg I day- 1. Women who are unable to increase their production of T4 early in pregnancy constitute a population at risk for having children with neurological disabilities. As a mild to moderate iodine deficiency is still the most widespread cause of maternal hypothyroxinemia, the birth of many children with learning disabilities may be prevented by advising women to take iodine supplements as soon as pregnancy starts, or earlier if possible, in order to ensure that their requirements for iodine are met.

The foetal of neonatal death brings up many questions as well on the physiopathological level as on the medico-legal one. We consider here the various natural and violent origins which allow understanding this difficult forensic activity. The approach of forensic anthropology and recent medical techniques (X-rays and echography) are also studied in order to be helpful to the medical examiner., English Abstract, Journal Article, SCOPUS: re.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

In this modern period, societal and religious groups are strongly divided regarding the acceptability of abortion. Despite so many attempts by various groups to find a middle ground, the debate on abortion still remains largely polarized, at its most dramatic point with the extreme conservatives claiming abortion to be the moral equivalent of murder and the extreme liberals see it as devoid of moral import. And this polarization is due to the legal battle that continues to shadow moral discussions. An acceptance of an ethical nuance will here play as a concession on the deeply contested question of whether abortion should be a legally protected option for a woman, and to an extent blame for the continued crudeness which can be laid at the doorstep of a moral theory itself. Apparently, the ethical literature on abortion has focused almost exclusively on the tiniest moral assessment on whether and when abortion is morally permissible. This question is a crucial one indeed and its answer is desperately sought in this thesis by exposing the position of the Catholic Church.

In this modern period, societal and religious groups are strongly divided regarding the acceptability of abortion. Despite so many attempts by various groups to find a middle ground, the debate on abortion still remains largely polarized, at its most dramatic point with the extreme conservatives claiming abortion to be the moral equivalent of murder and the extreme liberals see it as devoid of moral import. And this polarization is due to the legal battle that continues to shadow moral discussions. An acceptance of an ethical nuance will here play as a concession on the deeply contested question of whether abortion should be a legally protected option for a woman, and to an extent blame for the continued crudeness which can be laid at the doorstep of a moral theory itself. Apparently, the ethical literature on abortion has focused almost exclusively on the tiniest moral assessment on whether and when abortion is morally permissible. This question is a crucial one indeed and its answer is desperately sought in this thesis by exposing the position of the Catholic Church.

BACKGROUND: The human chromosome 21 has been shown to contain the gene for the beta subunit of the S100B protein. The present case-control study was aimed at investigating whether overproduction of S100B protein is detectable in the amniotic fluid of foetuses with trisomy-21. METHODS: Measurements of S100B in amniotic fluid samples from 14 pregnant women with trisomy-21 foetuses were compared with those obtained from 182 physiological pregnancies. S100B was measured in the samples using an immunoluminometric assay (LIA-mat Sangtec 100). RESULTS: Our results showed that S100B protein amniotic fluid levels were significantly higher in trisomy-21 foetuses (0.83+/-0.21 microg/l) than in controls (0.51+/-0.22 microg/l) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present finding supports the notion that the expression of S100B is increased in trisomy-21 foetuses; it also constitutes a prerequisite basis for a possible involvement of the protein in pathogenic processes associated with trisomy-21, and/or for its potential employment as a diagnostic tool.

The foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) was first identified as a syndrome in 1973. Since then a large body of research has accumulated. The full syndrome in which heavy alcohol use in pregnancy results in growth retardation, a characteristic facial dysmorphology and brain damage will be described. FAS is the commonest preventable, known cause of intellectual handicap, however, a large proportion of people with partial foetal alcohol syndrome have an intelligence in the normal range. Those with the full syndrome and with identified and diagnosed, intellectual handicap are more likely to receive appropriate services. Those with an intelligence in the normal range, suffer from severe psycho- social disabilities resulting in homelessness, mental illness and frequently criminality. There is a larger number of people with a partial syndrome who also suffer from high rates of secondary disability including learning problems and 70% of FAS people also have ADD or ADHD...

About 10 out of 100 newborns are affected by congenital heart defects that remain the least easy to detect remain prenatally, despite the relatively high detection rate of fetal malformations. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects depends on operator experience and skill, but recent techniques of computer assisted ultrasound imaging should be useful by allowing easier recognition of fetal heart anomalies. New imaging procedures include a set of internal fetal views by volume rendering and post acquisition slice selection. Internal views are nearly similar to those obtained during open-heart surgery. In practice, from typical long axis and apical views, two volumes are stored for further examination. Fetal movement, fetal spine and maternal obesity are unfavorable circumstances for useful examination. The routine use of cardiac volume sampling for malformations screening should be possible with increasing speed in image acquisition and in data storage to display real-time 3D imaging., SCOPUS: cp.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

About 10 out of 100 newborns are affected by congenital heart defects that remain the least easy to detect remain prenatally, despite the relatively high detection rate of fetal malformations. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects depends on operator experience and skill, but recent techniques of computer assisted ultrasound imaging should be useful by allowing easier recognition of fetal heart anomalies. New imaging procedures include a set of internal fetal views by volume rendering and post acquisition slice selection. Internal views are nearly similar to those obtained during open-heart surgery. In practice, from typical long axis and apical views, two volumes are stored for further examination. Fetal movement, fetal spine and maternal obesity are unfavorable circumstances for useful examination. The routine use of cardiac volume sampling for malformations screening should be possible with increasing speed in image acquisition and in data storage to display real-time 3D imaging., SCOPUS: cp.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

This study investigated morphological effects of diagnostic pulsed Doppler ultrasound on adult and fetal rat lungs from 16 to 22 days gestation. A clinical ultrasound machine with two types of focused transducers (3.5 MHz, 5MHz) was used with an adjustment for an experimental animal as small as a rat. Three levels of exposure were represented by a mechanical index (Ml) of 0.5, 0.6 and 1.0. Subpleural multifocal intra-alveolar haemorrhage was found to a significant degree in exposed adult rat lung and less significantly in fetal lung. The threshold for adult lung haemorrhage was considered to be between Ml 0.5 and 0.6. Fetal lungs were microscopically investigated by sectioning through the whole fetal body, which facilitated the discovery of haemorrhage at other sites. The percentage of exposed fetuses with haemorrhage is significant. A threshold for fetal haemorrhage could not be determined because a significant variation due to age within each exposure group affected the results. The oldest 21 and 22 day old fetuses had no lung haemorrhage or significant non-lung haemorrhage. The risk for haemorrhage at all three exposure levels is more than double that of non exposed fetuses. Fetuses with lung in the canalicular stage of development (18-19 day) showed the greatest degree of lung haemorrhage. Following laparotomy of the dam to achieve a precise and uniform exposure, a small number of fetuses within each exposure group was exposed directly. There was no higher degree of haemorrhage in these fetuses than in others indirectly exposed through the dam's abdominal wall. The fetal age dependency of fetal lung haemorrhage found in this study adds complexity to the issue of adult and fetal lung sensitivity to ultrasound and to the question of the pathophysiological role of cavitation in the presence of air. In addition, our result in 21-22day fetuses does not support the hypothesis that fetal haemorrhage is associated with developing bone. The results in this study were ach