OBJECTIVE To examine dyadic and systemic family functioning across several domains (conflict, cohesion, and stress) in families of preadolescents with spina bifida in comparison to families of able-bodied preadolescents (8- and 9-year olds; n = 68 in each sample). METHODS Mother-, father-, and child-reported questionnaire data and observational ratings of family behavior were employed. RESU...

Spina bifida is a congenital defect that occurs on the vertebral spine of fetus. The most severe form causes exposure spinal cord and nerve has important repercussions life newborn child. Current prenatal operative procedures require laparotomy abdomen as well hysterotomy uterus, which can result in consequences risks for mother. Here, we propose robotically assisted endoscopic procedure based ...

Spina bifida is a multifaceted neurological condition with complex neuropsychological sequelae. The cognitive outcome in spina bifida has frequently been attributed to the severity of the hydrocephalus. However, because of complex neuropathology, the influence of hydrocephalus alone does not sufficiently explain the deficits in the cognitive profile in spina bifida. To date, little is known of ...

BACKGROUND Open neural tube defects are among the most common malformations of the fetus. Secondary prevention by early diagnosis during pregnancy and abortion of affected fetuses result in a marked reduction of NTD incidence at birth. The dramatic effect of folic acid for primary prevention of these defects led to recommendations for folic acid supplementation in women of reproductive age. O...

BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common of all human congenital defects. Over the last two decades, accumulating evidence has made it clear that periconceptional intake of folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of NTD affected pregnancies. This beneficial effect may be related to the ability of folates to donate methyl groups for critical physiological reactions. C...

OBJECTIVE Based on social ecological theory, this study was designed to examine the unique relationships between multi-level ecological factors and psychological symptoms in young adults with spina bifida (SB). METHOD A sample of 61 individuals with SB, 18-25 years of age, completed standardized self-report measures of attitude toward SB, satisfaction with family functioning, Chronic Care Mod...

Smad6 and Smad7 comprise a subclass of vertebrate Smads that antagonize, rather than transduce, TGF-beta family signaling. These Anti-Smads can block BMP signaling, as evidenced by their ability to induce a secondary dorsal axis when misexpressed ventrally in Xenopus embryos. Smad7 inhibits additional TGF-beta related pathways, and causes spina bifida when misexpressed dorsally. We have perform...

This study investigates cognitive abilities of pre/primary school children without and with spina bifida in Uganda. Qualitative semi structured interviews and quantitative functioning scales measurements were combined and conducted with 133 parents, 133 children with spina bifida, and 35 siblings. ANCOVA was used to test for differences in cognitive scores between children and siblings. Logisti...

Spina bifida is a fault in the development of spine and bones around until it leaves gap or defect spine. About 36 cases spina were involved this research. The characteristis patients, mostly occurs at patients age > 28 days (83,3%). Most them male (52,8%). most frequent second child (44,4%) location where lumbosakral (72,2%). Classified into aperta type (86,1%). highest patients’ mother suf...

PURPOSE Transitioning care of patients with spina bifida to adult centers poses a challenge. We sought patient and parent perspectives on the transition process at our center and correlated these perspectives with medical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who attended the adult spina bifida clinic at our institution were invited to complete SF-36®, the Ambulatory Care Experience Survey...