Do we need more twin studies? The Healthy Twin Study, Korea

Do we need more twin studies? The Healthy Twin Study, Korea.

The success of the Human Genome Project and recent technological progress have made the analysis of individual genetic variation much more feasible. However, genetic variations responsible for common complex human diseases and traits are largely unknown, with a few exceptions of specific subtype of common diseases (e.g. early onset type diabetes or Alzheimer disease). 1 Twin study has evolved f...

Ramadan fasting: Do we need more evidence?

Over a billion of Muslims fast worldwide during Ramadan each year. Through this religious custom, fasting contributes to their health as well as their spiritual growth. However, available evidence regarding the health-benefits of Ramadan fasting is scarce and highly contentious. Although Islam exempts patients from fasting, many fast conceivably, and their clinical condition is prone to deterio...

Social Determinants of Smoking Behavior: The Healthy Twin Study, Korea

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify any influence of socioeconomic status on smoking and smoking cessation in a situation where genetic factors are controlled. METHODS The sample for this study was 2502 members of the twins and families cohort who participated in the Korean Healthy Twins Study from 2005 to 2009. Groups of brothers or sisters, including twins and fraternal twi...

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: where do we go from here?

Management of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is one of the most challenging clinical problems concerning multiple gestations. The pathophysiology of TTTS and Quintero staging system are described. The importance of fetal echocardiograms in assessing prognosis and response to therapy is highlighted. Treatment modalities, particularly amnioreduction, microseptostomy, and fetoscopic laser p...

Addiction Studies in Iran Neuroscientists Need to Do More