variations in detection sensitivity and quantification of fetal DNA concentrations were noted among laboratories very familiar with real-time PCR technology (21). Further studies will be needed to clarify this issue in addition to the continued exploration of other strategies for the investigation of complex fetal genetic traits by analysis of maternal plasma. These strategies may include the e...

the umbilical vein (uv) has a non pulsating and even pattern in normal fetuses. pulsation of uv has been described in severely growth restricted fetuses with chronic hypoxia. we wanted to see whether uv pulsations could also be seen in fetuses with heart deceleration during labor, as an adjunctive measure to assess the intra partum hypoxia. in a prospective study doppler examination was perform...

mother's mental health status during pregnancy has important effects on fetal growth and development. however, there are few studies concerning association of maternal depression and biophysical profile (bpp) of the fetus. we performed this research to know if maternal depression has any association with fetal bpp score. for measuring depression, farsi version of patient health questionnaire-9 ...

The armadillo could be considered as an experimental model for leprosy studies. Mycobacterium leprae main host cells are macrophages and Schwann cells. However, endocytosis and germicidal activities of armadillo macrophages and monocytes have not yet been evaluated. The aim of this research was to evaluate endocytosis and NBT-reduction activities of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and monocy...

The rate of multiple pregnancy has dramatically increased during the past decades, along with the diffusion of assisted reproduction technology (ART). Multiple pregnancy entail an increased risk of, at times life threatening, maternal complications i.e. pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or abruptio placenta, of serious neonatal hazards, i.e. extreme prematurity or growth retardation, as well as deleteri...