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Menin D, Ballardini E, Panebianco R, Garani G, Borgna-Pignatti C, Oster H, Dondi M. Factors affecting yawning frequencies in preterm neonates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268083. [PMID: 35522682 PMCID: PMC9075618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Yawning is a long neglected behavioral pattern, but it has recently gained an increasing interdisciplinary attention for its theoretical implications as well as for its potential use as a clinical marker, with particular regard to perinatal neurobehavioral assessment. The present study investigated the factors affecting yawning frequencies in hospitalized preterm neonates (N = 58), in order to distinguish the effects of hunger and sleep-related modulations and to examine the possible impact of demographic and clinical variables on yawning frequencies. Results showed that preterm neonates yawned more often before than after feeding, and this modulation was not explained by the amount of time spent in quiet sleep in the two conditions. Moreover, second born twins, known to be more prone to neonatal mortality and morbidity, showed increased yawning rates compared to first born twins. Overall, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that yawning frequencies in preterm neonates are modulated by separate mechanisms, related e.g. to hunger, vigilance and stress. These findings, although preliminary and based only on behavioral data, might indicate that several distinct neuropharmacological pathways that have been found to be involved in yawn modulation in adults are already observable in preterm neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Menin
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Ballardini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Panebianco
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Harriet Oster
- School of Professional Studies, New York University, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Marco Dondi
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Yawn-like behavior in captive common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Behav Processes 2021; 189:104444. [PMID: 34129937 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Yawning is an involuntary action that begins with a slow opening of the mouth with inhalation, followed by a maximum gaping phase, and ends with a short exhalation and the closing of the mouth. A wide variety of vertebrate species, including humans, yawn. Here, we report underwater yawn-like behavior in three captive common bottlenose dolphins, inferred from 119-h of observations. Five cases of yawn-like behavior were selected out of 2045 open-mouth behaviors, after removing intentional open-mouth behaviors. Yawn-like behaviors were chosen that had a mouth open-close duration ratio of ≤ 1 (duration of Phase 3, the period of mouth closing after maximum opening, divided by the duration of Phase 1, the period of mouth opening from start to maximum opening). Naïve human evaluators selected "yawn-like" behaviors. All five cases of yawn-like behavior occurred during inactive periods, similar to human yawns. In three of the five cases, inactivity levels significantly decreased within 4 min after the yawn-like behavior; therefore, yawn-like behavior in dolphins may increase their arousal level in drowsy states. Thus, the yawn-like behavior of dolphins, without breathing, is similar to yawning in terrestrial animals, including humans.
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Prenatal effects of maternal nutritional stress and mental health on the fetal movement profile. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 302:65-75. [PMID: 32409928 PMCID: PMC7266842 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05571-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Prenatal sub-optimal nutrition and exposure to maternal stress, anxiety and depression in pregnancy have been linked to increased postnatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal growth is most vulnerable to maternal dietary deficiencies, such as those evident in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), early in pregnancy. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of HG on fetal movement profiles as a measure of fetal healthy development in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and to assess whether nutritional stress on the mother can be evaluated using isotopic analysis of hair. Method We analyzed fetal movement profiles using 4D ultrasound scans at 32- and 36-weeks' gestation. Fetuses of women (N = 6) diagnosed with HG, having lost more than 10% of their body weight in the first trimester of pregnancy were compared to a healthy group (N = 6), controlling for stress, depression and anxiety. We tested carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in maternal hair as a measure of both diet and nutritional changes due to catabolism of body proteins and fats. Results HG and catabolism were significantly correlated (p = 0.02). Furthermore, at 32-weeks' gestation movement profiles of fetuses of mothers with HG differed significantly from the movement profiles of fetuses of healthy mothers. Fetuses of mothers suffering from HG showed a significantly increased ratio of fine-grained movements at 32 weeks (p = 0.008); however, there were no significant differences detectable at 36-weeks' gestation. Conclusion The effect of HG on fetal development as expressed by variations in fetal movement profiles in this pilot study suggest that prenatal effects of HG can be measured using movement profiles. Isotope analysis of hair can supplement this with information on nutritional imbalances early in pregnancy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00404-020-05571-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Menin D, Costabile A, Tenuta F, Oster H, Dondi M. Identifying fetal yawns based on temporal dynamics of mouth openings: A preterm neonate model using support vector machines (SVMs). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226921. [PMID: 31856250 PMCID: PMC6922391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal yawning is of interest because of its clinical, developmental and theoretical implications. However, the methodological challenges of identifying yawns from ultrasonographic scans have not been systematically addressed. We report two studies that examined the temporal dynamics of yawning in preterm neonates comparable in developmental level to fetuses observed in ultrasound studies (about 31 weeks PMA). In Study 1 we tested the reliability and construct validity of the only quantitative measure for identifying fetal yawns in the literature, by comparing its scores with a more detailed behavioral coding system (The System for Coding Perinatal Behavior, SCPB) adapted from the comprehensive, anatomically based Facial Action Coding System for Infants and Young Children (Baby FACS). The previously published measure yielded good reliability but poor specificity, resulting in over-representation of yawns. In Study 2 we developed and tested a new machine learning system based on support vector machines (SVM) for identifying yawns. The system displayed excellent specificity and sensitivity, proving it to be a reliable and valid tool for identifying yawns in fetuses and neonates. This achievement represents a first step towards a fully automated system for identifying yawns in the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Menin
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angela Costabile
- Dipartimento di Culture, Educazione e Società, Università della Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Flaviana Tenuta
- Dipartimento di Culture, Educazione e Società, Università della Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Harriet Oster
- School of Professional Studies, New York University, New York City, New York, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Marco Dondi
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Tsurumi S, Kanazawa S, Yamaguchi MK. Infant brain activity in response to yawning using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10631. [PMID: 31337824 PMCID: PMC6650597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Yawning is contagious in human adults. While infants do not show contagious yawning, it remains unclear whether infants perceive yawning in the same manner as other facial expressions of emotion. We addressed this problem using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioural experiments. We confirmed behaviourally that infants could discriminate between yawning and unfamiliar mouth movements. Furthermore, we found that the hemodynamic response of infants to a yawning movement was greater than that to mouth movement, similarly to the observations in adult fMRI study. These results suggest that the neural mechanisms underlying yawning movement perception have developed in advance of the development of contagious yawning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuma Tsurumi
- Department of psychology, Chuo University, 742-1, Higashinakano, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0393, Japan.
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan.
| | - So Kanazawa
- Department of psychology, Japan Women's University, 1-1-1, Nishi-ikuta, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8565, Japan
| | - Masami K Yamaguchi
- Department of psychology, Chuo University, 742-1, Higashinakano, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0393, Japan
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Beyond neonatal imitation: Aerodigestive stereotypies, speech development, and social interaction in the extended perinatal period. Behav Brain Sci 2019; 40:e403. [PMID: 29342817 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x17001923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In our target article, we argued that the positive results of neonatal imitation are likely to be by-products of normal aerodigestive development. Our hypothesis elicited various responses on the role of social interaction in infancy, the methodological issues about imitation experiments, and the relation between the aerodigestive theory and the development of speech. Here we respond to the commentaries.
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Reissland N, Froggatt S, Reames E, Girkin J. Effects of maternal anxiety and depression on fetal neuro-development. J Affect Disord 2018; 241:469-474. [PMID: 30149334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal development is affected by maternal mental health with research indicating that maternal anxiety and depression are co-morbid; nevertheless differential effects on the fetus have been found. This study examines, prenatally, effects of maternal stress, anxiety and depression on fetal eye-blink reactions to experimental sound and light stimulation. METHODS Two groups of singleton fetuses (mean 32-weeks gestation) were examined using 4D ultrasound: a control group (N = 14, 7 female) with no stimulation and an experimental group (N = 21, 13 female) exposed to experimental sound, light and cross-modal stimulation. For both groups ultrasound scans were performed and fetal eye-blink was assessed. Mothers completed the Hospital-Anxiety-and-Depression Scale and the Perceived-Stress Scale. Analysis was carried out using Poisson mixed effects modelling. RESULTS Fetal eye-blink rate during experimental stimulation was significantly and differentially associated with maternal mental health with a 20% increase of fetal eye-blink rate for each unit increase in anxiety score (p = 0.02) and a decrease of 21% of eye blink rate for each unit of increase in depression score (p = 0.02). Sound stimulation but not light stimulation significantly affected blink-rate with fetuses habituating to the stimuli (p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS Limitations are the relatively small number of fetuses and that a follow up after birth is essential to establish potential long-term effects. CONCLUSIONS Of clinical importance is the finding that although fetuses are affected by maternal mental health in general here we demonstrate, using eye-blink-rate during stimulation as measure of neuro-development, that fetuses are differentially affected by maternal anxiety and depression with anxiety increasing and depression decreasing fetal reactivity significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Reissland
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Science Site, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
| | - S Froggatt
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Science Site, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - E Reames
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Science Site, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - J Girkin
- Department of Physics, Durham University, Science Site, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
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Massen JJ, Gallup AC. Why contagious yawning does not (yet) equate to empathy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:573-585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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AboEllail MAM, Hata T. Fetal face as important indicator of fetal brain function. J Perinat Med 2017; 45:729-736. [PMID: 28130960 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2016-0377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fetuses show various facial expressions, such as blinking, yawning, sucking, mouthing, tongue expulsion, scowling, and smiling, assessed by four-dimensional ultrasound from the early second trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, some fetuses demonstrate emotion-like behaviors as noted in infants, children, and adults. Selective fetal responses to stimuli indicate a high degree of brain development, which is reflected in the facial reactions. The fetal face with its movements and expressions can mirror the fetal brain function and development during different stages of the fetus in utero. The fetal face might represent the key to opening the box containing the secrets of fetal brain function and development. Four-dimensional ultrasound may be an important modality in current and future research on fetal facial expressions and assist in the evaluation of the fetal brain function.
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AboEllail MAM, Kanenishi K, Mori N, Mohamed OAK, Hata T. 4D ultrasound study of fetal facial expressions in the third trimester of pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 31:1856-1864. [PMID: 28552024 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1330880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa AboEllail
- a Department of Perinatology and Gynecology , Kagawa University Graduate School of Medicine , Miki , Kagawa , Japan.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sohag Faculty of Medicine , Sohag University , Nasser City, Sohag , Egypt
| | - Kenji Kanenishi
- a Department of Perinatology and Gynecology , Kagawa University Graduate School of Medicine , Miki , Kagawa , Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Mori
- a Department of Perinatology and Gynecology , Kagawa University Graduate School of Medicine , Miki , Kagawa , Japan
| | - Osman Abdel Kareem Mohamed
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sohag Faculty of Medicine , Sohag University , Nasser City, Sohag , Egypt
| | - Toshiyuki Hata
- a Department of Perinatology and Gynecology , Kagawa University Graduate School of Medicine , Miki , Kagawa , Japan
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Hata T. Current status of fetal neurodevelopmental assessment: Four-dimensional ultrasound study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:1211-1221. [PMID: 27528188 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
With the latest advent of four-dimensional (4-D) ultrasound, fetal neurobehavioral or neurodevelopmental assessment can be easily and readily performed. Using this technique, typical fetal movements and behavioral patterns have become apparent in all three trimesters of pregnancy. In twin pregnancy, 4-D ultrasound facilitates the precise evaluation of inter-twin contact and intra-pair stimulation. New fetal neurobehavioral assessment tests, such as Kurjak's Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test and the Fetal Observable Movement System, may reflect the normal and abnormal neurological development of the fetus, and will facilitate more precise assessments of fetal neurobehavior or neurodevelopment, and fetal brain and central nervous system functions. In this review article, I also discuss interesting topics regarding maternal and fetal stress, fetal pain, and fetal consciousness. Four-dimensional ultrasound has opened the door to new scientific fields, such as 'fetal neurology' and 'fetal psychology,' and fetal neurobehavioral science is at the dawn of a new era. Knowledge on fetal neurobehavior and neurodevelopment will be advanced through fetal behavioral research using this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Hata
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Miki, Japan.
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Marx V, Nagy E. Fetal Behavioural Responses to Maternal Voice and Touch. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129118. [PMID: 26053388 PMCID: PMC4460088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although there is data on the spontaneous behavioural repertoire of the fetus, studies on their behavioural responses to external stimulation are scarce. Aim, Methods The aim of the current study was to measure fetal behavioural responses in reaction to maternal voice; to maternal touch of the abdomen compared to a control condition, utilizing 3D real-time (4D) sonography. Behavioural responses of 23 fetuses (21st to 33rd week of gestation; N = 10 in the 2nd and N = 13 in the 3rd trimester) were frame-by-frame coded and analyzed in the three conditions. Results Results showed that fetuses displayed more arm, head, and mouth movements when the mother touched her abdomen and decreased their arm and head movements to maternal voice. Fetuses in the 3rd trimester showed increased regulatory (yawning), resting (arms crossed) and self-touch (hands touching the body) responses to the stimuli when compared to fetuses in the 2nd trimester. Conclusion In summary, the results from this study suggest that fetuses selectively respond to external stimulation earlier than previously reported, fetuses actively regulated their behaviours as a response to the external stimulation, and that fetal maturation affected the emergence of these differential responses to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Marx
- School of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Emese Nagy
- School of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Four-dimensional (4D) sonographic assessment of fetal facial expressions is considered to reflect normal and abnormal fetal neurological developments, and may be an important clue to predict the fetal brain function and well-being before and after birth. HDlive is a new surface-rendering mode, which uses an adjustable light source that facilitates the ability to create lighting and shadowing effects, thereby increasing depth perception. This technique facilitates extraordinarily realistic imaging of the fetal face, making it almost impossible to differentiate between actual photographs and HDlive images. In this article, we discuss recent topics regarding fetal facial expressions assessed by 4D ultrasound and HDlive, focusing on mouthing, sucking, yawning, blinking, tongue expulsion, scowling (pain/distress), and smiling. Moreover, we consider possibility of the existence of fetal emotion or awareness.
How to cite this article
Hata T, Kanenishi K, Hanaoka U, Marumo G. HDlive and 4D Ultrasound in the Assessment of Fetal Facial Expressions. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(1):44-50.
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Sato M, Kanenishi K, Hanaoka U, Noguchi J, Marumo G, Hata T. 4D ultrasound study of fetal facial expressions at 20-24 weeks of gestation. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2014; 126:275-9. [PMID: 24996686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of fetal facial expressions at 20-24 weeks of gestation using four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography and to determine whether there was any correlation between facial expression and gestational age (20-34 weeks). METHODS The facial expressions of 23 healthy fetuses were examined using 4D ultrasound at 20-24 weeks. Each fetus was recorded continuously for 15 minutes. The frequencies of mouthing, yawning, smiling, tongue expulsion, scowling, sucking, and blinking were assessed and the data combined with those expressions observed at 25-34 weeks of gestation in two previous studies (n = 34) to determine the correlation between gestational age and each of the facial expressions. RESULTS Mouthing was significantly more frequent than the other six facial expressions at 20-24 weeks (P < 0.05). Yawning was significantly more frequent than smiling, scowling, and blinking (P < 0.05), and sucking was significantly more frequent than smiling, scowling, and blinking (P < 0.05). The frequency of yawning, smiling, tongue expulsion, scowling, and blinking increased with gestational age (P < 0.05). Mouthing movement and sucking frequencies remained constant between 20 and 34 weeks. CONCLUSION Frequencies of complicated facial expressions such as smiling and scowling may increase with advancing gestation owing to the development of the fetal brain and central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Sato
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Kanenishi
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Uiko Hanaoka
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Junko Noguchi
- Department of Nursing, Kagawa Prefectural College of Health Sciences, Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Genzo Marumo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marumo Ladies Clinic, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Hata
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan.
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Development of prenatal lateralization: Evidence from fetal mouth movements. Physiol Behav 2014; 131:160-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Reissland N, Francis B, Aydin E, Mason J, Schaal B. The development of anticipation in the fetus: A longitudinal account of human fetal mouth movements in reaction to and anticipation of touch. Dev Psychobiol 2013; 56:955-63. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Reissland
- Department of Psychology; Durham University; Durham UK
| | - B. Francis
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - E. Aydin
- Department of Psychology; Durham University; Durham UK
| | - J. Mason
- School of Medicine; Pharmacy and Health; Durham University; Durham UK
| | - B. Schaal
- Developmental Ethology and Cognitive Psychology Group; Center for Smell; Taste and Food Science; CNRS-Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
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Reissland N, Francis B, Mason J. Can healthy fetuses show facial expressions of "pain" or "distress"? PLoS One 2013; 8:e65530. [PMID: 23755245 PMCID: PMC3673977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With advances of research on fetal behavioural development, the question of whether we can identify fetal facial expressions and determine their developmental progression, takes on greater importance. In this study we investigate longitudinally the increasing complexity of combinations of facial movements from 24 to 36 weeks gestation in a sample of healthy fetuses using frame-by-frame coding of 4-D ultrasound scans. The primary aim was to examine whether these complex facial movements coalesce into a recognisable facial expression of pain/distress. METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Fifteen fetuses (8 girls, 7 boys) were observed four times in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Fetuses showed significant progress towards more complex facial expressions as gestational age increased. Statistical analysis of the facial movements making up a specific facial configuration namely "pain/distress" also demonstrates that this facial expression becomes significantly more complete as the fetus matures. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The study shows that one can determine the normal progression of fetal facial movements. Furthermore, our results suggest that healthy fetuses progress towards an increasingly complete pain/distress expression as they mature. We argue that this is an adaptive process which is beneficial to the fetus postnatally and has the potential to identify normal versus abnormal developmental pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Reissland
- Department of Psychology, University of Durham, Durham, United Kingdom.
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