BACKGROUND Vasa (a DEAD-box helicase, also known as Ddx4) is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase highly conserved among all animals. Research on the presence and function of DDX4 in female mammals is limited. To gain greater insight into its distribution and role in female mice, we detected the expression of DDX4 protein in the ovaries and analyzed its expression pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS MVH was...

nt matter & 2006 gyn.2006.01.003 thor. Tel.: +44 20 . [email protected] Summary Antepartum haemorrhage is bleeding from the genital tract in the second half of pregnancy. It continues to be an important cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. In those cases where a cause is identified, placental abruption and placenta praevia are two common responsible conditions. In the remaining h...

Background: Vasa praevia is a condition in which fetal vessels, unsupported by the umbilical cord or placenta, run on the fetal membranes in the lower uterine segment near the cervix. Rupture of these vessels prior to or at the time of delivery is associated with a very high perinatal mortality rate. Antenatal diagnosis of this condition with ultrasound is readily available, alters management a...

The frequency of twin gestations has increased over the last few decades, mainly due to maternal age at childbearing, and the use of assisted reproductive technologies. Twins are at higher risk of aneuploidy, structural anomalies, and placental abnormalities. Some of the placental and umbilical cord abnormalities found in twin gestations are nonspecific and can be found in singleton gestations ...