bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community mobilization for blood donation, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ottong J.G , Asuquo E.E.J , Olaniran N.S , Duke F.D , Abia R.P ,   (The Calabar PMM Team)
Published: July 2002

AbstractPreliminary studies: A study of institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria, revealed poor storage facilities and inadequate availability of blood. Focus group discussions highlighted people's fears and misconceptions about blood donations as important factors contributing to the problem. Interventions: Blood facilities were upgraded in the teaching hospital and a secondary institution. Fifteen community mobilization sessions to improve attitudes and stimulate voluntary blood donation were conducted over three months in 1994. Non‐cash incentives were offered, including certificates of honor, free blood screening and assurance of priority if a family member needed blood. Results: Blood donations to the teaching hospital maternity increased from 40 pints per month in 1991 to 81 in 1994. However, national strikes interrupted service and the increase was not sustained. At the secondary facility, blood transfusions increased from 14 in 1991 to 35 in 1995, with 100% of donations from volunteers. Costs: The cost of community mobilization for blood donation was US $17 531. Conclusions: Increasing voluntary blood donations through non‐cash incentives and community mobilization is possible. No conclusions may be drawn regarding sustainability, however. © 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Facilitating emergency obstetric care through transportation and communication, Bo, Sierra Leone
Authors: Samai O , Sengeh P ,   (The Bo PMM Team)
Published: July 2002

AbstractPreliminary studies: Focus group discussions revealed poor roads, few vehicles, and high transportation costs as major causes of delay in deciding to seek and in reaching emergency obstetric care. Interventions: Beginning in September 1992, a four‐wheel drive vehicle was posted at Bo Government Hospital (BGH). Motorbikes to summon the vehicle were posted at the eight project‐area primary health units (PHUs). Problems with the motorbike system (accidents, breakdowns) led to the installation of a radio system linking the hospital, PHUs and the referral vehicle. These interventions were complemented by community education activities and earlier improvements in the health facilities. Results: The number of women with major obstetric complications arriving at BGH from the project area increased from 0.9 to 2.6 per month, while case fatality rate dropped from 20% to 10%. In the post‐intervention period, approximately half of women with complications from the project area utilizing BGH came by project vehicle. The mean time from the vehicle being called by the PHU to the patient's arrival at BGH was 3.1 h. Case fatality rate did not differ by whether or not women came by project vehicle. Costs: Cost of the transport and communication intervention was approximately US $75 000, including: vehicle, $27 500; radios, $12 500; motorbikes, $27 000. Conclusions: Improvements in transport can help greater numbers of women with complications reach hospitals and may improve their chances of survival. © 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Impact of roles of women on health in India
Authors: Buckshee K. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractIndia's population has more than doubled since 1961. Although India has been a leader in developing health and population policies, there have been major implementation problems due to poverty, gender discrimination, and illiteracy. Yet, three‐quarters of the food produced annually in India is because of women. In 1991, only 39.3% of Indian women were literate. The literacy level of women can affect reproductive behavior, use of contraceptives, health and upbringing of children, proper hygienic practises, access to jobs and the overall status of women in the society. Early marriage and childbirth was a major determinant of women's health and was also responsible for the prevailing socioeconomic underdevelopment in India. The overall maternal mortality for India is 572.3 per 100 000 births, ranging from 14.9% in Bihar to 1.3% in Kerala. Anemia is an indirect factor in 64.4% of the maternal deaths. Trained birth attendants currently assist in about 60–80% of all births in women at the time of delivery. Socioeconomic factors are responsible for maternal deaths to a large extent — money in 18.3%, transport in 13.7%. When the mother dies it doubles the chances of death of her surviving sons and quadruples that of her daughters. Among the avoidable factors in maternal deaths, lack of antenatal care is the most important. Women, if educated and aware, can improve the health of their children by simple measures like good hygiene, exercise and dietary habits. Because of poverty, many of the young children, especially girls living on streets are easy prey for criminal prostitution rings, drug trafficking and consequences of HIV infection, and severe emotional and mental disturbances. Women are responsible for 70–80% of all the healthcare provided in India. Female healthcare providers can play an important role in educating society to recognize their health and nutrition needs. Women professionals and empowerment of women at all levels are required for improvement of the health and nutrition structure in India.
Lumbar bone mineral density changes during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Honda A. , Kurabayashi T. , Yahata T. , Tomita M. , Takakuwa K. , Tanaka K. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjective: To elucidate the change of bone metabolism in the lumbar trabecular and its relationship with serum hormonal changes in pregnancy and lactation. Study design: In a cross‐sectional study, we measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of 2–4 lumbar vertebrae of 571 puerperae at days 3–5 postpartum and 341 healthy, non‐pregnant women (control subjects) of approximately the same age by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. In a longitudinal study, we also measured the BMD of 111 puerperae at 3 and 6 months after delivery. Results: The mean BMD at days 3–5 postpartum was significantly lower than that of the control (1.013 ± 0.005 vs. 1.032 ± 0.006 g/cm2, P = 0.019). The lactating group showed BMD decrement to 95.1 ± 0.5% (n = 69) and 94.1 ± 0.7% (n = 61) at 3 and 6 months postpartum, respectively, compared with days 3–5 postpartum, and the amenorrhea group showed the same tendency. The non‐lactating group and resumption of menses group did not show a BMD decrement postpartum. In the lactating group, serum estradiol was significantly lower than in the non‐lactating group at 3 months postpartum, serum prolactin and bone alkaline phosphatase levels were higher than in the non‐lactating group at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Conclusions: Pregnancy may cause a decrease of lumbar BMD, and the lactation and amenorrhea also cause a decrease of BMD. In addition to lactation status, the ovarian dysfunction is one of the factors in bone loss during lactation.
Abortion and maternal health
Authors: Bernstein P.S. , Rosenfield A. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractSince the beginning of recorded history, women have attempted to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Despite the safety of modern techniques of abortion, many women throughout the world still have to resort to unsafe abortions, placing themselves at considerable risk. The World Health Organization estimates that there are approximately 20 million unsafe abortions performed each year, and estimates of maternal deaths as a result of abortion range between 60 000 and 100 000 per year. With free and legal access to safe abortions, rates of complications and mortality drop dramatically. There is an urgent need for efforts to prevent unwanted pregnancies in order to reduce the need for abortion; for the early identification of abortion complications and easy access to treatment for women suffering those complications; for expansion of safe abortion availability; and for proper training and resources for providers of abortion services.
Intracervical misoprostol as an effective method of labor induction at term
Authors: Liu H.‐S , Chu T.‐Y , Chang Y.‐K , Yu M.‐H , Chen W.‐H 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjects: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intracervical misoprostol for the induction of labor at term. Methods: Eighty‐nine term pregnancies requiring induction of labor were treated intracervically with 50 μg of misoprostol. The dose was repeated every 4 h until adequate uterine contraction and cervical dilatation were achieved. Status of cervical ripening, uterine contraction, cervical dilatation, labor course and side effects were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among the 89 patients, 58 had an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤4) and 31 had a favorable cervix (Bishop score >4). Labor was successfully induced in all cases, most (93.3%) of which required a single dose of misoprostol. Seventy‐two patients (81%) proceeded to spontaneous vaginal delivery, and 61 (85%) deliveries were achieved within 12 h. The other 17 cases received cesarean delivery with indications of fetopelvic disproportion (six cases), failure of induction (seven cases) and acute fetal distress (four cases). The mean duration from induction to regular uterine contraction and to delivery was 483±537 min and 79.2±38.2 min, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups with differing status of cervical ripening. Complications of uterine contraction, including tachysystole (15 cases), hypertonus (one case) and hyperstimulation (10 cases) were more common in the group of unfavorable cervix (45%) than that of favorable cervix (23%) (P<0.05). Conclusion: In addition to the oral and intravaginal routes of administration, intracervical misoprostol at a single dose of 50 μg appears to be an effective method for induction of labor at term, but caution should be taken with cases with unfavorable cervix.
Tumor markers in endometriosis
Authors: Abrão M.S. , Podgaec S. , Pinotti J.A. , de Oliveira R.M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectives: The objective of the present study was to determine the concentrations of CA 125, CA 15‐3, CA 19‐9, carcioembryogenic antigen (CEA), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and beta‐2 microglobulin (B2MG) in patients with pelvic endometriosis. Method: Fifty women were divided into two groups: group A (control) had no endometriosis or other diseases, and group B consisted of 35 women with pelvic endometriosis. All women were submitted to serum determination of CA 125, CA 15‐3, CA 19‐9, CEA, AFP and B2MG. Samples were collected during the menstrual cycle and 1 week later. Results: Mean CA 125 concentrations were altered in patients with endometriosis, but all 50 patients studied presented normal CEA, AFP and B2MG concentrations. Small variations detected in CA 19‐9 and CA 15‐3 had no statistical significance. Conclusion: CA 125 is the only important marker in the diagnosis of stages III/IV of endometriosis, especially when blood samples for its determination are obtained during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle.
Dietary phytoestrogens in the prevention of long‐term postmenopausal diseases
Authors: Chiechi L.M. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPhytoestrogens (PEs) are natural compounds, with a biological activity like estrogen, which comprise isoflavones, lignans and coumestans. A traditional Asiatic phytoestrogen‐rich diet is associated with a lower incidence of breast cancer and postmenopausal illness, and much evidence indicates that PEs prevent bone resorption, increase bone density and reduce cholesterol. The estrogenic effects of phytoestrogens can be useful in preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Calcium metabolism in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ray J. , Vasishta K. , Kaur S. , Majumdar S. , Sawhney H. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractObjectives: To study calcium metabolism in pre‐eclampsia and normotensive gravid women. Method: Ten milliliters of heparinized blood samples and 24‐h urine samples were collected from 50 pre‐eclamptic and 50 normotensive primigravidae. Blood samples were studied for calcium uptake, intracellular calcium level and calcium‐dependent adenosine triphosphatase activity of red blood cell ghost. Urinary calcium excretion was estimated from the 24‐h urine samples. These values were compared in the two groups. Results: The mean gestational age at recruitment was similar in both the groups. The mean maternal age was 24.28±2.41 years in pre‐eclamptic and 23.48±4.16 years in normotensive women. In pre‐eclampsia 24‐h urinary calcium excretion (71.20±22.95 mg/day) and calcium‐dependent ATPase activity (10.78±2.40 nmol/Pi/mg protein/min) was significantly lower compared to normotensive primigravidae (calcium excretion=189.24±57.06 mg/day; Ca2+‐dependent ATPase=12.64±2.42 nmolPi/mg /protein per min; P<0.001). Intracellular calcium levels and calcium uptake at 10 min by red blood cells were significantly higher in pre‐eclampsia (P<0.05). Calcium uptake by red blood cells at 20 and 30 min was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Pre‐eclampsia is associated with increased levels of intracellular calcium, decreased calcium‐dependent ATPase activity of erythrocytes and hypocalciuria.
Efficacy of a psychoeducational intervention in improving relatives’ knowledge about schizophrenia and reducing rehospitalisation
Authors: Cassidy E. , Hill S. , O’Callaghan E. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryWe sought to establish if a brief psychoeducational intervention for relatives is effective in improving relatives’ knowledge about schizophrenia and reducing rehospitalization. We evaluated 101 relatives of 55 patients with schizophrenia before and after an 8-week psychoeducational group using a self-report method. We also conducted a matched case-control study of the effects on rehospitalisation for 28 of these patients. We calculated the number of hospital days for each index case and control in the 1 and 2 years before and after the intervention.Relatives made significant gains in their knowledge about schizophrenia, particularly about medication. Patients whose relatives attended the group had significantly fewer days in hospital and days per admission compared to controls in the year after the programme but the effect waned in the second year after the intervention. Controls were almost four times more likely to be readmitted at 2 years than cases. Median time to readmission was significantly longer in cases compared to controls. We conclude that a psychoeducational group, which is valued by carers, is effective in increasing their knowledge about schizophrenia as well as reducing and forestalling the rehospitalization of their affected relatives. Such programmes deliver what carers frequently request in a cost-effective manner.
Some statistical considerations in the development of new quality of life (QoL) scales in schizophrenia
Authors: McKellar J 
Published: July 2002

SummaryAssessing the effect of novel pharmaceutical treatments on the quality of life (QoL) of a patient, or group of patients, has been approached in numerous ways over the last 20 years. Techniques as diverse as single questions to multidimensional scales requiring trained assessors to devote several hours to each assessment; from generic questions about how life might have changed to specific issues such as the ability to use a toothbrush. In the pharmaceutical industry, the emphasis is on the registration of a product with national licensing bodies. Each body has tended to see the issue from a different perspective, which has driven study designs to be different in different countries; even different over time within one country. This paper emphasises the basic statistical steps necessary to ensure that a measure of QoL is appropriately recorded, while retaining sufficient flexibility to support the registration in several countries. Aspects about possible study design are included to assist with developing some simple concepts about analysing and then interpreting the results. It is not the intention of the paper to provide the answer, merely to provide the tools to develop the answer robustly. Put briefly, with the right approach generic solutions are feasible and these solutions will have greater utility. The challenge is to recognise exactly what QoL is, and not to deviate from it.
Haemodynamic, neurohumoral and exercise effects of losartan vs. captopril in chronic heart failure: results of an ELITE trial substudy
Authors: Houghton Andrew R. , Harrison Maxine , Cowley Alan J. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:The AT1 receptor antagonists differ from the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors by achieving a more complete blockade of angiotensin II's actions and by not affecting bradykinin metabolism. There is little information on whether this causes clinically significant differences in haemodynamics, neurohormones and exercise tolerance in heart failure.Aims:To compare the effects of losartan and captopril upon central and regional haemodynamics, neurohormones and exercise capacity in heart failure.Methods:In a double‐blind, randomised trial 18 patients aged ≥ 65 years with symptomatic heart failure were allocated to treatment with losartan (10 patients) or captopril (eight patients). Patients underwent assessment at baseline, after the first dose, at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks.Results:Systolic blood pressure fell by −10.7% 1 h after captopril 6.25 mg (P = 0.007) and by −4.8% 3 h after losartan 12.5 mg (P = 0.02). The blood pressure reduction was sustained with losartan at 12 and 24 weeks. Systemic vascular resistance fell acutely after captopril (−16.4%, P = 0.01). Captopril caused an acute and sustained rise in superior mesenteric artery blood flow (+22.9%, P = 0.04), and a slower rise in renal artery blood flow (+31.7%, P = 0.01). Losartan had no acute effects on regional haemodynamics but had increased superior mesenteric artery blood flow by 38.1% at 12 weeks (P = 0.02). There were no substantial differences between losartan and captopril, and no changes occurred in neurohormones or exercise capacity.Conclusion:No substantial differences were observed between losartan and captopril on central or regional haemodynamics, neurohormones or exercise capacity in elderly patients with stable symptomatic heart failure.
Electrophysiological properties and seizure networks in hypothalamic hamartoma
Authors: Wang Di , Shan Yongzhi , Bartolomei Fabrice , Kahane Philippe , An Yang , Li Muyang , Zhang Huaqiang , Fan Xiaotong , Ou Siqi , Yang Yanfeng , Wei Penghu , Lu Chao , Wang Yihe , Du Jialin , Ren Liankun , Wang Yuping , Zhao Guoguang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveLittle is known about the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) in vivo and seizure network since only few cases using stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes exploring both cortex and HH have been published. To elucidate these issues, we analyzed simultaneous SEEG recordings in HH and cortex systematically.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated data from 15 consecutive patients with SEEG electrodes into the HH for the treatment purpose of radiofrequency thermocoagulation treatment. Additional SEEG electrodes were placed into the cortex in 11 patients to assess extra‐HH involvement. Interictal discharges within the HH and anatomo‐electroclinical correlations during seizures of each patient were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed.ResultsOverall, 77 electrodes with 719 contacts were implanted, and 33 spontaneous seizures were recorded during long‐term SEEG monitoring. Interictally, distinct electrophysiological patterns, including isolated intermittent spikes/sharp waves, burst spike and wave trains, paroxysmal fast discharges, periodic discharges, and high‐frequency oscillations, were identified within the HH. Notably, synchronized or independent interictal discharges in the cortex were observed. Regarding the ictal discharges, the electrical onset pattern within the HH always started with abrupt giant shifts superimposed on low‐voltage fast activity across patients. The gelastic seizure network mainly involved the HH, orbitofrontal areas, and cingulate gyrus. Seizures with automatisms and impaired awareness primarily propagated to mesial temporal lobes. Moreover, independent ictal discharges arising from the mesial temporal lobe were detected in three out of nine patients.InterpretationThis study comprehensively reveals intrinsic electrophysiological patterns and epileptogenic networks in vivo, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying cortical and subcortical epileptogenesis.
Nanoscale‐Dewetting‐Based Direct Interconnection of Microelectronics for a Deterministic Assembly of Transfer Printing
Authors: Lee Ju Seung , Kang Seung Ji , Shin Joo Hwan , Shin Yiel Jae , Lee Byunghoon , Koo Ja‐Myeong , Kim Tae‐il 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAs electronics dramatically advance, their components should be fabricated for miniaturized scale, and integrated on limited‐size substrates with extremely high density. Current technologies for the integration and interconnection of electronics show some critical limitations in the application of microscale electronics. To address these problems, herein, a new direct and vertical interconnection driven by selective dewetting of a polymer adhesive is introduced. The interconnection system consists of the polymer adhesive and nanosized metal particles, or structured electrodes. Nanoscale‐dewetting windows formed by controlling the stability and wetting property of the adhesive polymer are controlled by the interfacial property of the coated polymer adhesive. The adhesive is coated on substrate by a simple spin‐coating process, and its ultraviolet curable property allows only the device‐mounted parts to be selectively conductive and sticky, while the other parts form insulation and protection layers. The interconnection of the electronics and substrate by adhesive makes it possible to apply the technique to various microsize electronics with electrode size and pitch of 20 µm or less, and endure dramatic temperature change and a long‐term high humidity environment. Moreover, over display comprising over 10 000 microscale light‐emitting diodes (micro‐LEDs), and commercialized microchips are demonstrated with monolithic integration on flexible and transparent substrate.
Tuning the Wrinkles in 3D Graphene Architectures for Mass and Electron Transport
Authors: Lin Jianda , Yin Xiangbin , Pang Hao , Zhang Lei , Liao Bing , Xin Mingliang , Su Yu , Liu Yang , Wu Lian , Jia Kangle , Zhong Benbin , Mai Yuliang , Dai Yongqiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDue to the high in‐plane Young's modulus and defects, graphene is prone to deformations such as wrinkles. The effects of wrinkles on the mass and electron transport properties need to be elucidated as graphene has great potential in applications such as catalysis, sensors, energy storage, and conversion. In this paper, the wrinkling of graphene oxide sheets is dominated by the mass ratio of graphene oxide to N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) to fabricate 3D graphene architectures (TDGAs) with tunable porosity. This template‐free DCC tactic of regulating the wrinkling procedure forms hierarchical porosity and modulates the exposure of defect sites. Considering the confinement effect of the wrinkles and defect sites, orthorhombic phase Nb2O5 (T‐Nb2O5) nanoparticles are loaded onto TDGAs, and as‐obtained T‐Nb2O5@TDGAs composites exhibit favorable properties of Li‐ion and electron transport after the wrinkle structures are optimized. The DCC tactic manifests excellent performance in manipulating mass transport properties through tuning the wrinkles on TDGAs‐based composites, which may greatly contribute to graphene based materials with high performances in energy storage.