The Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in Vertebrogenic and Discogenic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present investigation evaluates clinical uses and roles of platelet rich plasma in the management of vetrebrogenic and discogenic mediated pain states. RECENT FINDINGS: Back pain is a common and significant condition that affects millions of people around the world. The cause of back pain is often complex and multifactorial, with discogenic and vertebrogenic pain being two subtypes of back pain. Currently, there are numerous methods and modalities in which back pain is managed and treated such as physical therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, pharmacotherapies, and platelet-rich plasma. To conduct this systematic review, the authors used the keywords "platelet-rich plasma", "vertebrogenic pain", and "discogenic pain", on PubMed, EuroPMC, Who ICTRP, and clinicaltrials.gov to better elucidate the role of this treatment method for combating vertebrogenic and discogenic back pain. In recent decades, there has been a rise in popularity of the use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal conditions. Related to high concentration of platelets, growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, platelet-rich plasma is effective in reducing pain related symptoms and in the treatment of back pain. Platelet-rich plasma use has evolved and gained popularity for pain related conditions, including vertebrogenic and discogenic back pain. Additional well-designed studies are warranted in the future to better determine best practice strategies to provide future clinicians with a solid foundation of evidence to make advancements with regenerative medical therapies such as platelet-rich plasma.

Effect of different fabrication workflows on the passive fit of screw-retained bar splinting two interforaminal implants: a parallel blinded randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To clinically compare the effect of the conventional and the digital workflows on the passive fit of a screw retained bar splinting two inter-foraminal implants. METHODS: The current study was designed to be a parallel triple blinded randomised clinical trial. Thirty six completely edentulous patients were selected and simply randomized into two groups; conventional group (CG) and digital group (DG). The participants, investigator and outcome assessor were blinded. In the group (CG), the bar was constructed following a conventional workflow in which an open top splinted impression and a lost wax casting technology were used. However, in group (DG), a digital workflow including a digital impression and a digital bar milling technology was adopted. Passive fit of each bar was then evaluated clinically by applying the screw resistance test using the "flag" technique in the passive and non passive situations. The screw resistance test parameter was also calculated. Unpaired t-test was used for intergroup comparison. P-value < 0.05 was the statistical significance level. The study protocol was reviewed by the Research Ethics Committee in the author's university (Rec IM051811). Registration of the clinical trial was made on clinical trials.gov ID NCT05770011. An informed consent was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: Non statistically significant difference was denoted between both groups in all situations. In the passive situation, the mean ± standard deviation values were 1789.8° ± 20.7 and1786.1° ± 30.7 for the groups (CG) and (DG) respectively. In the non passive situation, they were 1572.8° ± 54.2 and 1609.2° ± 96.9. Regarding the screw resistance test parameter, they were 217° ± 55.3 and 176° ± 98.8. CONCLUSION: Conventional and digital fabrication workflows had clinically comparable effect on the passive fit of screw retained bar attachments supported by two dental implants.

Effect of different framework materials on stresses induced in distal extension removable partial dentures: A strain gauge analysis.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the strain transmitted to the abutments and residual ridge by polyetherketoneketone material compared to the cobalt-chromium one in distal extension removable partial dentures (RPDs) to fulfill the objective of preservation of the supporting structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A virtual model simulating a Kennedy class I partially edentulous mandibular arch was designed. Two models, one for each group, were printed. Five RPDs were made in each group. In group CR, the framework was milled from a cobalt-chromium alloy. While in group PK, it was milled from a polyetherketoneketone blank. Strain gauge rosettes were bonded distal to the last abutment and posteriorly in the distal end of the residual ridge. Unilateral vertical and oblique loadings were applied. Mann-Whitney U test was used for inter-group comparisons while the Friedman test was used for intra-group comparisons and corrected by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Sum. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: During unilateral vertical load application, a statistically significant difference was found between both groups distal to the abutment in the loaded and unloaded sides as well as the residual ridge on the unloaded side. During oblique load application, a statistically significant difference was found between both groups in all slots. CONCLUSION: Polyetherketoneketone material induces less stress on the abutments and more stress on the residual ridges compared to the cobalt-chromium ones. Therefore, it may be recommended for weak abutments supporting RPDs.

Finite Element Analysis of the Stresses Induced by One-Piece and Two-Piece Dental Implants Supporting All-on-4 Implant-Supported Prostheses.

PURPOSE: To find out the difference in the stresses induced by one-piece monophasic and two-piece dental implants supporting All-on-4 implant-supported prostheses using finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two finite element maxillary models were designed: In the two-piece model, two-piece dental implants were used, and in the one-piece model, one-piece dental implants were used. The dental implants were placed according to the All-on-4 treatment concept. The anterior implants were axially placed; however, the posterior implants were placed with a distal inclination of 15 degrees. In each model, the prosthetic superstructure was designed to be a titanium implant prosthesis with zirconia crowns. Three loading scenarios were applied in this study. The first scenario simulated biting function with a total load of 250 N. The second scenario simulated incision function in which 90-N horizontal static load was applied to the palatal surface of central incisors. The third scenario simulated biting in the presence of a cantilever. RESULTS: In the three loading scenarios, the stresses were higher in the two-piece model. Higher stress values were recorded posteriorly rather than anteriorly in both models. CONCLUSION: One-piece dental implants induce lower stress values compared with two-piece dental implants when used in All-on-4 implant-supported prostheses.

Comparison of tensile bond strength of ball attachments made of different materials to root canal dentin after chewing simulation.

BACKGROUND: Debonding of ball attachments is one of the complications that annoy teeth supported overdenture wearers. The polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymers are widely applied in the dental field. The purpose of the current study was to compare the tensile bond strength of ball attachments made of such materials and the commonly used titanium ones after 5 years of overdenture insertion and removal (5000 cycles) in addition to chewing simulation (1,200,000 cycle). METHODS: Extracted mandibular canines (N = 60) were randomly allocated into three groups and received ball attachments; titanium (group TI; N = 20), PEEK (group PE; N = 20), PEKK (group PK; N = 20). In each group, the samples were divided into two subgroups whereas tensile bond strength was measured pre aging (T0; n = 10) and post aging (T1; n = 10). Tensile bond strength was measured by the Pull out test using the Universal testing machine. Failure mode analysis was determined by examination of the samples' surfaces under 65X stereomicroscope. The resulting data followed normal distribution and the significance level was set at (α = 0.05). RESULTS: One Way Anova showed statistically significant difference between the three groups (P < .00001). PostHoc Tukey test showed statistically significant difference between the groups TI and PE, TI and PK and no statistically significant difference between the groups PE and PK. Paired t test showed statistically significant difference in the tensile bond strength pre and post aging in each group. CONCLUSIONS: PEEK and PEKK ball attachments could be concluded to have a higher tensile bond strength compared to the titanium ones when bonded to root dentin. Tensile bond strength of such attachments may decrease with aging as well. Clinically, the higher tensile bond strength may have a lesser rate of debonding and thus reduced patient apprehension.

Stresses induced by one piece and two piece dental implants in All-on-4® implant supported prosthesis under simulated lateral occlusal loading: non linear finite element analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Correct choice of the implant design and the occlusal scheme is important for the success of implant supported restorations. So, the aim of the current study was to find out the difference in the stresses induced by the one piece dental implants designed to be used in the All-on-4® concept and the conventional two piece ones under simulated lateral occlusal schemes using nonlinear finite element analysis. METHODS: Two finite element models of the maxilla, implants, and prostheses were designed according to the All-on-4® concept. In the model TP, two piece dental implants were placed while in the model OP one piece dental implants were used. Two loading scenarios were applied to each model; the first one simulated a group function occlusal scheme while the second scenario simulated a canine guided one. RESULTS: The highest stress value was recorded in the model TP with the group function occlusion and the lowest stress value was in the model OP with the canine guidance occlusion. CONCLUSION: The one-piece dental implants can be concluded to induce less stress compared to the two piece dental implants when used in the All-on-4® implant supported prosthesis in the different lateral occlusal schemes. Canine guided occlusion can be concluded to cause lower stress values in comparison to the group function occlusal scheme.

Evaluation of 24-segment sphericity index of fetal heart using FetalHQ.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 24-segment sphericity index (SI) of the fetal heart using FetalHQ regarding the change with advancing gestation and reproducibility. METHODS: Eighty-one pregnant women at 18-21 + 6 and 28-31 + 6 weeks were studied using FetalHQ to calculate 24-segment SI of left and right ventricles. Intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients and intra- and inter-observer agreements of measurements for SI were assessed in each segment. RESULTS: With respect to intra-observer reproducibility, all SI values showed correlations between 0.596 and 0.774 for the left ventricle, and between 0.491 and 0.764 for the right ventricle, with good intra-observer agreements except for right ventricular segment 11-15. With respect to inter-observer reproducibility, all SI values showed correlations between 0.473 and 0.755 for the left ventricle, and between 0.48 and 0.767 for the right ventricular segment 1-18. However, right ventricular segment 19-24 showed no correlations. Good inter-observer agreements were noted in the right ventricle, whereas poor inter-observer agreements were evident in the left ventricle.There were significant differences in the mean SI values in the apical segment of the left ventricle between 18-21 + 6 and 28-31 + 6 weeks (p < .05), whereas there were no significant differences in the mean SI values in the right ventricle between both gestational ages. CONCLUSION: These results show that measurements of 24-segment SI of fetal heart had relatively low reliability of measurements performed by experienced sonographers. This may suggest that more training on proper placement of the 3 end-systolic and end-diastolic reference points during the initial analysis may be relevant.

A Unique Coexistence of Rectal Adenocarcinoma and Gastric Antral Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Case Report and Minireview.

Several studies have reported the coexistence of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with many primary carcinomas such as gastric and renal cell carcinomas. However, to date reports about the coexistence of gastric GISTs and colorectal adenocarcinoma are limited. Herein we report a unique case of gastric GIST coexisting synchronously with rectal adenocarcinoma in a 36-year-old male patient who presented with weight loss, vomiting, and bleeding per rectum. Computed tomography (CT) revealed circumferential rectal mass coexistent with an irregular gastric soft tissue mass. The diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma and gastric GIST was established by immunohistological evaluation of the colonoscopic (rectum) and CT-guided (stomach) biopsies. The patient received concomitant chemoradiotherapy for the rectal adenocarcinoma and neoadjuvant imatinib for the gastric GIST. This was followed by low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and wedge resection of the gastric mass. Follow-up of the patient for 1.5 years revealed no evidence of disease recurrence. We also present a minireview of the literature that provides insights into this subject as a separate section.

Computed tomography evaluation of internal nasal valve angle and area and its correlation with NOSE scale for symptomatic improvement in rhinoplasty / Avaliação do ângulo e da área da válvula nasal interna por tomografia computadorizada e sua correlação com a escala NOSE na melhora sintomática pós rinoplastia

Abstract Introduction: Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent otolaryngologic complaints; and the collapse of the internal nasal valve is one the main causes of the nasal air flow obstruction. Objective: We aimed to evaluate internal nasal valve by using reformatted CT-scans pre- and post- rhinoplasty at 3 months and to assess its correlation to symptomatic improvement of nasal obstruction using the NOSE scale. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted between March 2017-May 2018 in a tertiary care otorhinolaryngology center. We included patients suffering from nasal obstruction secondary to internal nasal angle collapse and nasal deformity. Patients with sinusitis, nasal polyposis, and nasal masses were excluded. Results: Twenty consecutive patients underwent rhinoplasty, with a mean age (22.2 ± 2.8), with majority of males (n = 14; 70%). There was no significant correlation between pre- and post- CT-scans of the internal nasal valve angle/area and NOSE scores. A high significant difference was detected between mean pre- and post- NOSE scores (p < 0.0001), which was absent in CT-scan results. Conclusion: Reformatted CT-scans measurements of internal nasal valve area and angle were not of value. NOSE scores pre- and post- rhinoplasty had a significant value to determine degree of obstructive symptom improvement.

Resumo Introdução: A obstrução nasal é uma das queixas otorrinolaringológicas mais comuns, e o colapso ou obstrução da válvula nasal interna é a principal causa da obstrução das vias aéreas nasais. Objetivo: Objetivamos avaliar a válvula nasal interna pré, e 3 meses pós-rinoplastia utilizandotomografias computadorizadas reformatadas e avaliar sua correlação com a melhora do sintoma obstrutivo utilizando a escala NOSE, do Inglês Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation. Método: Um estudo observacional prospectivo foi realizado entre março de 2017 e maio de 2018 em um centro de otorrinolaringologia de atenção terciária. Foram incluídos pacientes que apresentavam obstrução nasal secundário a colapso da valva nasal interna e deformidade nasal. Pacientes com sinusite, polipose nasal e tumores nasais foram excluídos. Resultados: Vinte pacientes consecutivos, a maioria do sexo masculino (n = 14; 70%) com média de idade de 22,2 ± 2,8 anos, foram submetidos a rinoplastia eincluídos no estudo. Não houve correlação significante entre as avaliações tomográficas pré / pós cirúrgicas do ângulo/área da valva nasal interna e os escores NOSE. Foi detectada uma diferençã altamente significante entre os escores médios da escala NOSE entre o pré e pós-operatório (p < 0,0001), mas não nos resultados da avaliação por tomografia computadorizada. Conclusão: As medidas reformatadas de tomografias computadorizadas da área e ângulo da valva nasal interna pré e pós cirúrgicas não tiveram valor. Entretanto, os escores da escala NOSE pré e pós-rinoplastia mostraram uma diferença significante ao determinar o grau de melhora do sintoma obstrutivo.

Computed tomography evaluation of internal nasal valve angle and area and its correlation with NOSE scale for symptomatic improvement in rhinoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent otolaryngologic complaints; and the collapse of the internal nasal valve is one the main causes of the nasal air flow obstruction. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate internal nasal valve by using reformatted CT-scans pre- and post- rhinoplasty at 3 months and to assess its correlation to symptomatic improvement of nasal obstruction using the NOSE scale. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted between March 2017-May 2018 in a tertiary care otorhinolaryngology center. We included patients suffering from nasal obstruction secondary to internal nasal angle collapse and nasal deformity. Patients with sinusitis, nasal polyposis, and nasal masses were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent rhinoplasty, with a mean age (22.2 ±â€¯2.8), with majority of males (n = 14; 70%). There was no significant correlation between pre- and post- CT-scans of the internal nasal valve angle/area and NOSE scores. A high significant difference was detected between mean pre- and post- NOSE scores (p < 0.0001), which was absent in CT-scan results. CONCLUSION: Reformatted CT-scans measurements of internal nasal valve area and angle were not of value. NOSE scores pre- and post- rhinoplasty had a significant value to determine degree of obstructive symptom improvement.

Twin fetal facial expressions at 30-33+6 weeks of gestation.

Objective To assess the characteristics of twin fetal facial expressions at 30-33 + 6 weeks of gestation using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound to clarify twin fetal brain development and maturation. Methods Frequencies of seven fetal facial expressions were studied using 4D ultrasound for 15 minutes in 30 singleton pregnancies and 18 twin pregnancies [four monochorionic diamniotic (MD) and 14 dichorionic diamniotic (DD) twins] at 30-33 + 6 weeks of gestation. Comparison of the frequency in each facial expression was performed between singleton and twin fetuses. Results Mouthing was the most frequent facial expression at 30-33 + 6 weeks of gestation, followed by blinking in twin and singleton fetuses. Both facial expressions were significantly more frequent than other expressions (P < 0.05). The frequencies of mouthing and scowling in twin fetuses were significantly lower than those in singleton fetuses, but there were no significant differences in the frequencies of the five other facial expressions between the fetal groups. Conclusion Our results suggest that restricted twin fetal behavior before 20 weeks of gestation may still affect the frequencies of twin facial expressions early in the third trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, the frequencies of facial expressions in twins are different from those of singleton fetuses.

Change in fetal behavior in response to vibroacoustic stimulation.

Objective To assess fetal behavioral changes in response to vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) in normal singleton pregnancies using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Methods Ten types of fetal movements and facial expressions in 68 healthy pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks were studied using 4D ultrasound for 3 min before and after 3-s VAS. The frequencies of mouthing, yawning, tongue expulsion, back arch, jerky arm movement, startle movement, smiling, scowling, hand-to-face movement, and blinking were evaluated. The fetuses were subdivided into four gestational age groups (24-27, 28-31, 32-35, and ≥36 weeks). Comparison of the frequencies of the fetal behaviors before and after the stimulation in each gestational age group was conducted to detect the response to stimulation with advancing gestation. Results There were no significant differences in the frequency of each fetal behavior before and after VAS at 24-27, 28-31, and 32-35 weeks of gestation. However, the frequencies of blinking and startle movements were significantly higher after VAS in the 36-40 gestational age group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The age of 36 weeks of gestation might represent an advanced stage of brain and central nervous system development and maturation as the response to stimuli is prominent at this age compared with earlier gestation.

Neurological development may be accelerated in growth-restricted fetuses: a 4D ultrasound study.

Objective To assess whether neurological maturation and development are accelerated in fetal growth restriction (FGR) in utero using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Methods The facial expressions of 50 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 34 FGR fetuses aged between 28 and 35 gestational weeks were assessed using 4D ultrasound. Subsequently, they were differentiated into two gestational age groups (19 aged 28-31 weeks and 31 aged 32-35 weeks in AGA, and 15 aged 28-31 weeks and 19 aged 32-35 weeks in FGR). Fifteen-minute recordings were made, and the frequencies of seven facial expressions during that time were examined. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the changing number of significant correlations with advancing gestation in each group. Results Out of 21 combinations of facial expressions at 28-31 and 32-35 gestational weeks in AGA fetuses, there was only three significant correlations. Similarly, only one was noted out of 21 combinations at 28-31 gestational weeks, but there were seven significant correlations in FGR fetuses at 32-35 weeks (P=0.018). However, there was no significant difference in the number of correlations of facial expressions between AGA (3/21) and FGR (7/21) fetuses at 32-35 weeks of gestation (P=0.147). Conclusion Our results suggest that the number of significant correlations of fetal facial expressions in FGR fetuses increases more compared with that in AGA fetuses at 32-35 weeks of gestation. Due to the acceleration of neurological maturation and development in FGR fetuses, the control of facial expressions by the brain may be more evident compared with AGA fetuses at 32-35 weeks of gestation. However, the data and their interpretation in the present study should be taken with some degree of caution because of the small number of subjects studied. Further studies involving a larger sample size are needed to obtain strong or additional evidence.

Fetal facial expressions in small-for-gestational-age and growth-restricted fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequencies of fetal facial expressions among appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and growth-restricted (FGR) fetuses. METHODS: Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound was used to examine the facial expressions of 50 AGA, 25 SGA, and six FGR fetuses between 28 and 35 weeks of gestation. The frequencies of seven facial expressions during 15-minute recordings were assessed. Comparison of facial expressions among the three groups was performed. RESULTS: Mouthing was the commonest facial expression at 28-35 weeks, and the frequency of mouthing was significantly higher than those of the other six facial expressions in AGA fetuses. Mouthing was the most frequent facial expression, but there was no significant difference in the frequency among mouthing, smiling and blinking in SGA fetuses. Moreover, mouthing displayed a significantly higher frequency than the other facial expressions, except for yawning, smiling, and blinking in FGR fetuses. However, there was no significant difference in the frequency of each facial expression among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the frequencies of fetal facial expressions are not decreased in either SGA or FGR pregnancies. The absence of a decrease in the frequency of each fetal expression in FGR fetuses may be due to increased brain blood flow because of the brain-sparing effect. Moreover, accelerated maturation and development of the brain function, especially the central dopamine system, might be suspected in SGA and FGR fetuses.

Effect of psychotropic drugs on fetal behavior in the third trimester of pregnancy.

AIM: To assess the effect of psychotropic drugs on fetal behavior using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Fetal behavior was assessed using Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) using 4D ultrasound between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. Thirty healthy (control group) and 10 psychotropic-drug-administered pregnant (case group) women were studied. The total value of the KANET score and values of each parameter (eight parameters) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total KANET score was normal (except for one fetus in the case group: total score of 9) in both groups, and there was no significant difference in the total KANET score. When individual KANET parameters were compared, no significant differences were noted in any of the eight parameters. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that there is no difference in fetal behavior between fetuses of normal pregnant women and those of psychotropic-drug-administered pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. These results suggest that psychotropic drugs may not affect fetal behavioral development in utero. However, the data and their interpretation in the present study should be taken with some degree of caution because of the small number of subjects studied. Further studies involving a larger sample size are needed to assess the effect of psychotropic drugs on fetal neurobehavior during pregnancy.

Prediction of postnatal developmental disabilities using the antenatal fetal neurodevelopmental test: KANET assessment.

Objective To assess the usefulness of the antenatal fetal neurodevelopmental test for the prediction of postnatal developmental disabilities. Methods Fetal behavior was assessed with Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) using four-dimensional ultrasound between 28 and 38 weeks of gestation. A score range of 0-5 was characterized as abnormal, from 6 to 9 was considered borderline, and 10-16 was normal. After birth, follow-up was conducted for at least 2 years in all fetuses. Results There were 337 normal (95.47%) and 16 borderline (4.53%) cases among the 353 cases studied, whereas there was no abnormal case. Five cases with postnatal developmental disabilities (one case of Werdig-Hoffmann disease diagnosed just after delivery, one case of autism spectrum disorder diagnosed at 24 months, one case of Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy diagnosed at 9 months and two cases of developmental disorders diagnosed at age 3 and 18 months) were noted among the 337 normal cases (1.48%), whereas three cases with developmental disabilities (one case of motor development delay diagnosed at 6 months, one case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosed at 18 months and one case of autism spectrum disorder diagnosed at age 30 months) were found among the 16 borderline cases (18.75%). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of postnatal developmental disabilities between the normal and borderline KANET groups (P<0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest that the KANET assessment may be a useful diagnostic modality for the prediction of postnatal developmental disabilities.

Ultrasound study of fetal movements in singleton and twin pregnancies at 12-19 weeks.

Objective To evaluate fetal behavioral differences between singleton and twin fetuses before 20 weeks of gestation using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound. Methods 4D ultrasound was used to examine fetal movements in 58 singleton and 48 twin normal fetuses at 12-19 weeks. The frequencies of eight fetal movements were assessed through 15-min recordings. The fetuses were divided into two gestational age groups (12-13 and 14-19 weeks) to evaluate the changes with advancing gestation in twin versus singleton fetuses. Results Arm and general movements were the most frequent movements in singleton fetuses, whereas only general movement was significantly more frequent than the other seven fetal movements in twin fetuses at 12-13 weeks. At 14-19 weeks, frequencies of arm and leg movements were significantly higher than those of the other six movements in singleton fetuses, while only arm movement was significantly more frequent than the other fetal movements in twin fetuses. Comparisons of fetal movements between singleton and twin fetuses revealed that only arm movement showed a significant difference at 12-13 weeks, while the frequencies of all movements in singleton fetuses were significantly higher than those in twin fetuses at 14-19 weeks. Conclusion Our results suggest that the limitation of available space and crowding of twin fetuses with advancing gestation may have a marked impact on twin fetal movements compared with singleton fetuses, even in the first half of pregnancy. Further studies are needed to assess whether decreased fetal movements in twin pregnancy can affect fetal and neonatal development and maturation before and after birth.

HDlive Flow silhouette mode for the diagnosis of uterine enhanced myometrial vascularity/arteriovenous malformations.

We present our initial experience of using the HDlive Flow silhouette mode to construct images of two cases of uterine enhanced myometrial vascularity/arteriovenous malformations (EMV/AVMs). In the first case, the HDlive Flow silhouette mode clearly depicted a fused vascular tumor with irregular contour in the posterior myometrium. In the second case, a large hypervascular mass occupying the entire fundal lesion of the uterus was clearly identified using the HDlive Flow silhouette mode. Moreover, spatial relationships among the hypervascular mass, intrauterine blood collection, and dilated, spiral-shaped right uterine artery enabled the clear localization of the mass. The HDlive Flow silhouette mode provides a novel, unique sonographic image of uterine EMV/AVMs, and might facilitate their diagnosis and localization in the myometrium.

4D ultrasound study of fetal facial expressions in the third trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequencies of fetal facial expressions in the third trimester of pregnancy, when fetal brain maturation and development are progressing in normal healthy fetuses. METHODS: Four-dimensional (4 D) ultrasound was used to examine the facial expressions of 111 healthy fetuses between 30 and 40 weeks of gestation. The frequencies of seven facial expressions (mouthing, yawning, smiling, tongue expulsion, scowling, sucking, and blinking) during 15-minute recordings were assessed. The fetuses were further divided into three gestational age groups (25 fetuses at 30-31 weeks, 43 at 32-35 weeks, and 43 at ≥36 weeks). Comparison of facial expressions among the three gestational age groups was performed to determine their changes with advancing gestation. RESULTS: Mouthing was the most frequent facial expression at 30-40 weeks of gestation, followed by blinking. Both facial expressions were significantly more frequent than the other expressions (p < .05). The frequency of yawning decreased with the gestational age after 30 weeks of gestation (p = .031). Other facial expressions did not change between 30 and 40 weeks. The frequency of yawning at 30-31 weeks was significantly higher than that at 36-40 weeks (p < .05). There were no significant differences in the other facial expressions among the three gestational age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 4D ultrasound assessment of fetal facial expressions may be a useful modality for evaluating fetal brain maturation and development. The decreasing frequency of fetal yawning after 30 weeks of gestation may explain the emergence of distinct states of arousal.