The impact of laser surgery on angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a prospective study.

Objective: To examine the effect of laser surgery on angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods: Cases of TTTS and uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies between 16 and 26 weeks' gestation were prospectively enrolled into the study. Maternal blood samples were obtained to measure angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor-A [VEGF], placental-derived growth factor [PlGF], and endothelin) and anti-angiogenic factors (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio).

Third trimester fetoscopic laser ablation of type II vasa previa.

Objective: Vasa previa is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality because of fetal exsanguination at time of membrane rupture. We report our experience in the treatment of type II vasa previa via in utero laser ablation in the third trimester.

Methods: Two cases of type II vasa previa were identified via endovaginal ultrasound in the second trimester and treated via third trimester fetoscopic laser ablation.

Are patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome and a very short cervix candidates for laser surgery?

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cervical length (CL) and perinatal outcomes in cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with laser surgery and to assess whether patients with a very short cervix (0.5-1.9 cm) are appropriate candidates for laser surgery.

Y(0.76)Ho(0.24)FeGe(2)O(7): a new member of thortveitite-like layered compounds.

Y(0.76)Ho(0.24)FeGe(2)O(7) (yttrium holmium iron digermanate) was synthesized by solid-state reaction at 1573 K.

Linguistic influences on the auditory processing of speech by children with normal hearing or hearing impairment.

Objective: The accurate perception of speech requires the processing of multidimensional information. The aim of this research was to examine linguistic influences on the auditory processing of speech in the presence of childhood hearing impairment.

Design: The processing interactions characterizing the linguistic and auditory dimensions were assessed with a pediatric auditory analog of the Pomerantz task (Pomerantz, Pristach, & Carson, 1989).