#biotex

Ostern kommt. Wie wir in #Lingen gemeinsam etwas für unseren lokalen Einzelhandel tun können. Jetzt in #Corona-Zeiten.

Ostern kommt und da schenken wir unseren Lieben meist ein wenig Zeit und mehr. Auch wenn Wolfgang Schnieders für den Türrahmen seines feinen Antiquitäten-Geschäftes direkt gegenüber meines Anwaltskontors den Weihnachtsflyer wieder herausgehängt hat, habe ich hier einige Tipps, wie wir in Lingen gemeinsam etwas für unseren lokalen Einzelhandel tun können. Jetzt.

Denn nach Corona und wegen Corona…

2014: Met de billen in de Biotex

Laatst sprak ik met iemand over de wonderbaarlijke krachten van huismiddeltjes. Zij verhelpen volgens zeggen allerlei klein ongemak. Denk daar niet te licht over! (more…)

Researchers analysed data of hundreds of UK children who had been born through IVF or ICSI (when the man has a low sperm count), testing the same groups of children every few years up to the age of 11. They found a positive association between artificial conception and cognitive development when a child was between the ages of three and five.

The study published in the journal, Human Reproduction, also shows that parents who undergo such treatments are generally older, more educated and have a higher socio-economic status than parents who had naturally conceived children. Artificially conceived babies are more likely to be part of a multiple birth or have low birth weight, however, this study finds their family backgrounds 'override' the possible negative effects to health that could lessen cognitive ability. The findings are significant given previous studies show a mixed picture, with some research suggesting assisted reproductive treatments can harm a child's cognitive abilities.

Researchers Professor Melinda Mills and doctoral student Anna Barbuscia, from the University of Oxford's Department of Sociology and Nuffield College, used data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative group of 18,552 families. They analysed a sample of babies born in 2000-1 who were resident in the UK at nine months, using data from the Department of Social Security Child Benefit Registers.

Out of 15,281 artificially conceived children born in 2000-1, 8,298 were followed up for cognitive ability tests in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2012. Out of 15,218 children born in 2000-2001, who were followed up for cognitive ability tests in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2012, 214 were conceived artificially through IVF or ICSI. Standardised tests (British Ability Scales) were used at each stage to assess the children's vocabulary skills (at three and five); reading at seven, and use of verbs at 11. The scores were compared with those of children who had been naturally conceived.

Analyses show that mothers and fathers are on average four to five years older, respectively, than parents of naturally conceived children. This group of parents is also likely to have a higher income and belong to a higher social class, with the mothers more likely to be highly educated and employed than mothers of naturally conceived babies. The study notes that these factors are 'consistent and statistically significant' and highlights that they are widely accepted as being linked with children with higher cognitive abilities in the early years.

Researcher Professor Melinda Mills, from the Department of Sociology, said: 'The findings suggest that the positive effect of the family background of children conceived through artificial reproduction techniques "overrides" the risks of related poor health impairing their cognitive ability. Although artificially conceived babies have a higher risk of being born prematurely or as a multiple birth, we have found they also have parents who are older, better educated and from a higher income bracket.

'These are all factors linked with better outcomes for children. What is significant is that this positive effect is over the long term up to the age of 11. The findings support other studies showing that on balance such fertility treatments do not impair a child's higher thinking skills.'

Lead author Anna Barbuscia said: 'The strong desire and considerable psychological and financial effort involved in having a child through artificial conception treatments undoubtedly contributes to more attentive parenting.

'Parents may perceive their children as more fragile but once past the period of greatest risk, their parenting style may change to become more like other parents. This might account for the fact that the gap in higher cognitive ability has closed by the time both groups of children had reached the age of 11 with only slightly better scores for artificially conceived children at this later stage .'

The paper explains that since the first IVF baby was born in 1978, there has been a rapid increase in the use of artificial reproductive technology, with more than 5 million children conceived this way (up to 2012). To date, results on the long-term effects on children have been mixed. Some studies reported an increased risk of damage to their behavioural, social, emotional and cognitive development, as well as mental disorders or physical problems such as low birthweight and premature delivery.

If you see your GP or midwife because of vaginal bleeding or other symptoms of miscarriage, you may be referred to an early pregnancy unit at a hospital for tests.

If you're more than 18 weeks pregnant, you'll usually be referred to the maternity unit at the hospital.

Tests

The hospital can carry out tests to confirm whether you're having a miscarriage. The tests can also confirm whether there's still some pregnancy tissue left in your womb (an incomplete or delayed miscarriage) or if all the pregnancy tissue has been passed out of your womb (a complete miscarriage).

The first test used is usually an ultrasond scan to check the development of your baby and look for a heartbeat. In most cases, this is usually carried out using a small probe inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). This can feel a little uncomfortable but isn't painful.

You may be able to have an external scan through your tummy if you prefer, although this method reduces the accuracy of the scan. Neither type of scan is dangerous to the baby and they don't increase your risk of miscarriage.

You may also be offered blood tests to measure hormones associated with pregnancy, such as beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone. These may be repeated after 48 hours if:

the levels are borderline

the scan isn't conclusive

it's very early in your pregnancy

Sometimes a miscarriage can't be confirmed immediately using ultrasound or blood testing. For example, a heartbeat may not be noticeable if your baby is at a very early stage of development (less than six weeks). If this is the case, you may be advised to have a further ultrasound or pregnancy test, or both, again in a week or two.

Recurrent miscarriages

If you've had three or more miscarriages in a row (recurrent miscarriages), further tests are often used to check for any underlying cause. However, no cause is found in about half of cases. These further tests are outlined below.

If you become pregnant, most units offer an early ultrasound scan and follow-up in the early stages to reassure and support parents.

Karyotyping

If you've had a third miscarriage, it's recommended that the foetus is tested for abnormalities in the chromosomes (blocks of DNA).

If a genetic abnormality is found, you and your partner can also be tested for abnormalities with your chromosomes that could be causing the problem, which is the rarest of known causes. This type of testing is known as karyotyping.

If karyotyping detects problems with your or your partner's chromosomes, you can be referred to a clinical geneticist (gene expert).

They'll be able to explain your chances of a successful pregnancy in the future and whether there are any fertility treatments, such as IVF that you could try. This type of advice is known as genetic counselling.

Ultrasound scans

A transvaginal ultrasound can be used to check the structure of your womb for any abnormalities. A second procedure may be used with a 3D ultrasound scanner to study your lower abdomen and pelvis to provide a more accurate diagnosis.

The scan can also check if you have a weakened cervix. This test can usually only be carried out when you become pregnant again, in which case you'll usually be asked to come for a scan when you are between 10 and 12 weeks pregnant.

Blood testing

Your blood can be checked for high levels of the antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody and lupus anticoagulant. This test should be done twice, six weeks apart, when you're not pregnant.

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies are known to increase the chance of blood clots and alter the way the placenta attaches. These blood clots and changes can reduce the blood supply to the foetus, which can cause a miscarriage.

Missed or delayed miscarriage