bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of maternal and newborn care in Switzerland during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study based on WHO quality standards
Authors: de Labrusse Claire , Abderhalden‐Zellweger Alessia , Mariani Ilaria , Pfund Anouck , Gemperle Michael , Grylka‐Baeschlin Susanne , Mueller Antonia N. , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Covi Benedetta , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo explore quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in healthcare facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Switzerland.MethodsWomen giving birth in Switzerland answered a validated online questionnaire including 40 WHO standards‐based quality measures. QMNC score was calculated according to linguistic region and mode of birth. Differences were assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for relevant variables.ResultsA total of 1175 women were included in the analysis. Limitations in QMNC during the pandemic were reported by 328 (27.9%) women. Several quality measures, such as deficient communication (18.0%, n = 212), insufficient number of healthcare professionals (19.7%, n = 231), no information on the newborn after cesarean (26.5%, n = 91) or maternal and newborn danger signs (34.1%, n = 401 and 41.4% n = 487, respectively) suggested preventable gaps in QMNC. Quality measures significantly differed by linguistic region and mode of birth. Multivariate analysis established a significantly lower QMNC for women in French‐ and Italian‐speaking regions compared with the German‐speaking region. Moreover, in several quality indicators reflecting communication with healthcare providers, women who did not answer the questionnaire in one of the Swiss national languages had significantly worse scores than others. A significant lower QMNC was also found for young and primiparous women and for those who experienced cesarean or instrumental vaginal birth.ConclusionWomen giving birth in Switzerland during the pandemic reported notable gaps in QMNC. Providers should be attuned to women who are younger, primiparous, and those who had an emergency cesarean or instrumental vaginal birth given the lower QMNC reported by these groups. Women who did not respond in a Swiss national language may need improved communication strategies.
Women's perspectives on the quality of hospital maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia‐Herzegovina
Authors: Drandić Daniela , Drglin Zalka , Mihevc Ponikvar Barbara , Bohinec Anja , Ćerimagić Amira , Radetić Jelena , Ružičić Jovana , Kurbanović Magdalena , Covi Benedetta , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Mariani Ilaria , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in countries of the former Yugoslavia.MethodWomen giving birth in a facility in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia‐Herzegovina between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021 answered an online questionnaire including 40 WHO standards‐based quality measures.ResultsA total of 4817 women were included in the analysis. Significant differences were observed across countries. Among those experiencing labor, 47.4%–62.3% of women perceived a reduction in QMNC due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, 40.1%–69.7% experienced difficulties in accessing routine antenatal care, 60.3%–98.1% were not allowed a companion of choice, 17.4%–39.2% reported that health workers were not always using personal protective equipment, and 21.2%–53.8% rated the number of health workers as insufficient. Episiotomy was performed in 30.9%–62.8% of spontaneous vaginal births. Additionally, 22.6%–55.9% of women received inadequate breastfeeding support, 21.5%–62.8% reported not being treated with dignity, 11.0%–30.5% suffered abuse, and 0.7%–26.5% made informal payments. Multivariate analyses confirmed significant differences among countries, with Slovenia showing the highest QMNC index, followed by Croatia, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, and Serbia.ConclusionDifferences in QMNC among the countries of the former Yugoslavia during the COVID‐19 pandemic were significant. Activities to promote high‐quality, evidence‐based, respectful care for all mothers and newborns are urgently needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04847336.
Quality of maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth in Luxembourg during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results of the IMAgiNE EURO study
Authors: Arendt Maryse , Tasch Barbara , Conway Francesca , Lecomte Aline , Covi Benedetta , Mariani Ilaria , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) during childbirth in Luxembourg from women's perspectives.MethodsWomen giving birth in facilities in Luxembourg between March 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021, answered a validated online WHO standards‐based questionnaire as part of the multicountry IMAgINE EURO study. Descriptive and multivariate quantile regression analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 493 women were included, representing 5.2% of women giving birth in the four maternity hospitals in Luxembourg during the study period. Most quality measures suggested high QMNC, although specific gaps were observed: 13.4% (n = 66) of women reported not being treated with dignity, 9.1% (n = 45) experienced abuse, 42.9% (n = 30) were not asked for consent prior to instrumental vaginal birth, 39.3% (n = 118) could not choose their birth position, 27% (n = 133) did not exclusively breastfeed at discharge (without significant differences over time), 20.5% (n = 101) reported an insufficient number of healthcare professionals, 20% (n = 25) did not receive information on the newborn after cesarean, and 41.2% (n = 203) reported lack of information on newborn danger signs before discharge. Multivariate analyses highlighted higher reported QMNC indexes among women born outside Luxembourg and delivering with a gynecologist, and significantly lower QMNC indexes in women with the highest education levels and those delivering in the hospital offering some private services.ConclusionsDespite maternal reports suggesting an overall high QMNC in Luxembourg, improvements are needed in specific aspects of care and communication, mostly related to maternal autonomy, respect, and support, but also number and competencies of the health workforce.
Womenʼs assessment of the quality of hospital‐based perinatal care by mode of birth in Romania during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study
Authors: Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Simionescu Anca Angela , Mariani Ilaria , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Nanu Michaela Iuliana , Nanu Ioana , Handra Claudia Mariana , Covi Benedetta , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO Study Group
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess women's perceptions of the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) received in hospitals in Romania during the COVID‐19 pandemic by mode of birth.MethodsA validated anonymous online questionnaire based on WHO quality measures. Subgroup analysis of spontaneous vaginal birth (SVB), emergency cesarean, and elective cesarean and multivariate analyses were performed, and QMNC indexes were calculated. Maternal age, educational level, year of birth, mother born in Romania, parity, type of hospital, and type of professionals assisting the birth were used for multivariate analysis.ResultsA total of 620 women completed the survey. Overall, several quality measures suggested gaps in QMNC in Romania, with the lowest QMNC indexes reported for provision of care and availability of resources. Women who had either elective or emergency cesarean compared with those who had SVB more frequently lacked early breastfeeding (OR 2.04 and 2.13, respectively), skin‐to‐skin contact (OR 1.73 and 1.75, respectively), rooming‐in (OR 2.07 and 1.96, respectively), and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (OR 2.27 and 1.64, respectively). Compared with elective cesarean, emergency cesarean had higher odds of ineffective communication by healthcare providers (OR 1.65), lack of involvement in choices (OR 1.58), insufficient emotional support (OR 2.07), and no privacy (OR 2.06). Compared with other modes of birth, a trend for lower QMNC indexes for emergency cesarean was observed for all domains, while for elective cesarean the QMNC index for provision of care was significantly lower.ConclusionQuality indicators of perinatal care remain behind targets in Romania, with births by cesarean the most affected.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT04847336
Lipoprotein particles exhibit distinct mechanical properties
Authors: Piontek Melissa C. , Roos Wouter H. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLipoproteins (LPs) are micelle‐like structures with a similar size to extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are therefore often co‐isolated, as intensively discussed within the EV community. LPs from human blood plasma are of particular interest as they are responsible for the deposition of cholesterol ester and other fats in the artery, causing lesions, and eventually atherosclerosis. Plasma lipoproteins can be divided according to their size, density and composition into chylomicrons (CM), very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL), low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL). Here, we use atomic force microscopy for mechanical characterization of LPs. We show that the nanoindentation approach used for EV analysis can also be used to characterize LPs, revealing specific differences between some of the particles. Comparing LPs with each other, LDL exhibit a higher bending modulus as compared to CM and VLDL, which is likely related to differences in cholesterol and apolipoproteins. Furthermore, CM typically collapse on the surface after indentation and HDL exhibit a very low height after surface adhesion both being indications for the presence of LPs in an EV sample. Our analysis provides new systematic insights into the mechanical characteristics of LPs.
Comparative cranio‐mandibular myology of three species of Batoidea from the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Ramírez‐Díaz Cristina , Peña Renato , Diogo Rui , Cruz‐Escalona Víctor H. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe mandibular apparatus of batoids (skates, electric rays, guitarfishes, stingrays, and sawfishes) is composed of a few skeletal elements to which the muscular bundles, responsible for all movements involved in the feeding mechanism, are inserted. The description of the different mandibular morphologies can help to understand the different feeding guilds in this group. In this study, we examined the cranio‐mandibular myology of adult Rostroraja velezi, Narcine entemedor, and Zapteryx exasperata, three species of rays that coexist in the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico. This study described the muscles on the ventral and the dorsal surfaces for each species, identified the origins and insertions of these muscles, as well as the general characteristics of muscle morphology. There were 17 and 18 muscle bundles attached to the feeding apparatus, including five on the dorsal surface. Only the levator rostri, which elevates the rostrum during feeding, showed considerable differences in shape and size among species. The muscles of the adductor complex showed the greatest differences in size among the three species. N. entemedor presented the exclusive muscle X in the lower mandibular area and the extreme reduction of the coracohyoideus in the pharyngeal area derived from the absence of the basihyal cartilage. The information generated in our study supports the morphological specialization of electric rays (N. entemedor) for an almost exclusive suction feeding strategy.
Effects of filtration timing and pore size on measured nutrient concentrations in environmental water samples
Authors: Reed Megan H. , Strope Erica K. , Cremona Fabien , Myers Justin A. , Newell Silvia E. , McCarthy Mark J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNutrient monitoring is important for informing management decisions to mitigate eutrophication in aquatic systems. Many nutrient monitoring programs use filter pore sizes that allow microorganisms to pass into samples and/or wait extended times between sample collection and filtration/preservation, allowing microbial processes to alter nutrient concentrations. Here, 34 sites were sampled to determine how filter pore size and filtration timing affected measured ammonium (NH4+) and orthophosphate (ortho‐P) concentrations. Three filter pore sizes (0.22, 0.45, and 0.70 μm) were used to filter water immediately upon collection and after 5 and 22 h in a bottle. NH4+ and ortho‐P concentrations varied relative to “baseline” measurements (i.e., 0.22 μm, field‐filtered samples), both over time and with different filter pore sizes, and showed no predictable direction of change based on ambient nutrient concentration or trophic status. As expected, larger relative changes occurred with lower ambient concentrations; however, for the entire dataset, samples with > 1 μmol L−1 ortho‐P and > 3 μmol L−1 NH4+ were lower by 11 and 33%, respectively, which would result in reported nutrient concentrations that were not representative of in situ conditions. Whole‐water samples filtered after 22 h varied up to 3070% for NH4+ and 480% for ortho‐P from baseline concentrations. Filtering water samples with a 0.22 filter (or 0.45 μm, at worst), immediately upon collection, should be adopted as standard practice to ensure that reported nutrient concentrations represent the most accurate measurement possible. Inconsistent and/or insufficient sampling and sample handling procedures can lead to poorly calibrated models and misinformed management and legislative decisions.
Histidine‐Functionalized Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles Exhibit Enhanced Adsorption onto Planar Stainless Steel
Authors: Brotherton Emma E. , Josland Daniel , György Csilla , Johnson Edwin C. , Chan Derek H.H. , Smallridge Mark J. , Armes Steven P. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of isopropylideneglycerol monomethacrylate (IPGMA) is used to prepare a series of PGEO5MA46‐PIPGMAy nanoparticles, where PGEO5MA is a hydrophilic methacrylic steric stabilizer block bearing pendent cis‐diol groups. TEM studies confirm a spherical morphology while dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis indicated that the z‐average particle diameter can be adjusted by varying the target degree of polymerization for the core‐forming PIPGMA block. Periodate oxidation is used to convert the cis‐diol groups on PGEO5MA46‐PIPGMA500 and PGEO5MA46‐PIPGMA1000 nanoparticles into the analogous aldehyde‐functionalized nanoparticles, which are then reacted with histidine via reductive amination. In each case, the extent of functionalization is more than 99% as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Aqueous electrophoresis studies indicate that such derivatization converts initially neutral nanoparticles into zwitterionic nanoparticles with an isoelectric point at pH 7. DLS studies confirm that such histidine‐derivatized nanoparticles remain colloidally stable over a wide pH range. A quartz crystal microbalance is employed at 25°C to assess the adsorption of both the cis‐diol‐ and histidine‐functionalized nanoparticles onto planar stainless steel at pH 6. The histidine‐bearing nanoparticles adsorb much more strongly than their cis‐diol counterparts. For the highest adsorbed amount of 70.5 mg m–2, SEM indicates a fractional surface coverage of 0.23 for the adsorbed nanoparticles.
Playing in a pandemic: The impact of family on performance in the NBA's “bubble”
Authors: Paulsen Richard J. , Boucot Olivia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUsing the setting of the National Basketball Association's “bubble” during early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we use fixed‐effects regressions with game‐level player data to test for the impact of “psychic” costs of migration on worker productivity. We construct a unique dataset on player families to test for differential impacts of worker isolation from friends and family on players in committed relationships or those with children. Our results indicate that relative to other players, the “psychic” costs of the migration of playing in the “bubble” had a differential negative impact on the performance of players in relationships and/or with children.
A novel computational framework for integrating multidimensional data to enhance accuracy in predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Qinran , Xu Yuhong , Kang Shiyang , Chen Junquan , Yao Zhihao , Wang Haitao , Wu Qinian , Zhao Qi , Zhang Qihua , Xu Rui‐hua , Zou Xiufen , Luo Huiyan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAccurate prognosis prediction is the key to achieving precision treatment and guiding the selection of adjuvant chemotherapy in high‐risk stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Here we developed a novel machine learning method, the random non‐negative matrix factorization (RNMF) algorithm, which outperformed traditional non‐negative matrix factorization in terms of computational speed, accuracy, and robustness in simulated data sets. Moreover, based on multidimensional data from CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and DNA methylation data from those from Sun Yat‐sen University cancer center, we further demonstrated the excellent performance of a novel prognostic computational framework based on the RNMF (PCF_RNMF), which is capable of integrating multidimensional training while allowing survival prediction when single dimensional data for validation is provided. This novel algorithm has great potential to mitigate the challenge of integrating various types of data in public databases with clinically available single‐dimensional data to allow cost‐effective survival prediction for CRC patients in clinical practice.
Optimization of 4D combined angiography and perfusion using radial imaging and arterial spin labeling
Authors: Okell Thomas W. , Chiew Mark 
Published: December 2022

PurposeTo extend and optimize a non‐contrast MRI technique to obtain whole head 4D (time‐resolved 3D) qualitative angiographic and perfusion images from a single scan.Methods4D combined angiography and perfusion using radial imaging and arterial spin labeling (CAPRIA) uses pseudocontinuous labeling with a 3D golden ratio (“koosh ball”) readout to continuously image the blood water as it travels through the arterial system and exchanges into the tissue. High spatial/temporal resolution angiograms and low spatial/temporal resolution perfusion images can be flexibly reconstructed from the same raw k‐space data. Constant and variable flip angle (CFA and VFA, respectively) excitation schedules were optimized through simulations and tested in healthy volunteers. A conventional sensitivity encoding (SENSE) reconstruction was compared against a locally low rank (LLR) reconstruction, which leverages spatiotemporal correlations. Comparison was also made with time‐matched time‐of‐flight angiography and multi‐delay EPI perfusion images. Differences in image quality were assessed through split‐scan repeatability.ResultsThe optimized VFA schedule (2–9°) resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in image quality (up to 84% vs. CFA), particularly for the lower SNR perfusion images. The LLR reconstruction provided effective denoising without biasing the signal timecourses, significantly improving angiographic and perfusion image quality and repeatability (up to 143%, p < 0.001). 4D CAPRIA performed well compared with time‐of‐flight angiography and had better perfusion signal repeatability than the EPI‐based approach (p < 0.001).Conclusion4D CAPRIA optimized using a VFA schedule and LLR reconstruction can yield high quality whole head 4D angiograms and perfusion images from a single scan.
Systematic analysis of the material basis and mechanism of total saponins of mountain cultivated ginseng against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity based on integrating network pharmacology and in vivo substance profiling
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhang Haiqiang , Nie Jianing , Yu Yang , Li Qiao , Lv Chongning , Lu Jincai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionDoxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is a serious obstacle to oncologic treatment. Mountain cultivated ginseng (MCG) exhibits stronger pharmacological effects than cultivated ginseng (CG) mainly due to the differences in ginsenosides. However, the material basis and the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of total saponins of MCG (TSMCG) against DIC are unclear.ObjectivesWe aimed to elucidate the material basis and the pharmacodynamic effects of TSMCG on DIC as well as the underlying mechanisms.MethodsTo comprehensively analyze the effective substances, the chemical components of TSMCG and their prototypes or metabolites in vivo were characterized through UHPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS. Then, an absorbed component–target–disease network was established to explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of TSMCG against DIC. H9c2 cells were employed for pharmacodynamic assays. The mechanism was verified by Western blot and molecular docking simulations.ResultsA total of 56 main ginsenosides were identified in TSMCG, including 27 ginsenosides of PPD type, 15 ginsenosides of PPT type, two ginsenosides of OA types, and 12 ginsenosides of other types. Moreover, 55 ginsenoside prototypes or metabolites in vivo were tentatively characterized. Ginsenoside Ra1, a differential compound between MCG and CG, could be metabolized by oxidation and deglycosylation. Network pharmacology showed that AKT1, p53, and STAT3 are core targets of 62 intersecting genes. Molecular docking results indicated that most of the ginsenosides have favorable affinity with these core targets. After doxorubicin exposure, TSMCG could increase cell viability and inhibit apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionOur work reveals a novel comprehensive strategy to study the material basis of the protective effects of TSMCG against DIC and the underlying mechanisms through integrating in vivo substance identification, metabolic profiling, network pharmacology, pharmacodynamic evaluation, and mechanism verification.
Design, characterization and evaluation of homogeneous oxidized sodium alginate/polyacrylamide–gelatin composite hydrogels constructed via interpenetrating network technology
Authors: Wang Hongcai , Sun Xiuying , Shang Ting , Li Dongze , Cao Shanshan , Chen Xiuqiong , Yan Huiqiong , Lin Qiang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTo improve the bio‐applicability of alginate hydrogels, a combination of interpenetrating network technology, oxidation of alginate, surface coverage of gelatin and endogenous crosslinking of hydroxyapatite/d‐glucono‐δ‐lactone complex was designed to construct homogeneous oxidized sodium alginate/polyacrylamide–gelatin (OSA/PAM‐GT) composite hydrogels. The effects of mass ratio of PAM chemical crosslinked networks and OSA ionic crosslinked networks on the microscopic morphology, mechanical properties, swellability, biodegradability and biocompatibility of the composite hydrogels were comparatively studied. Experimental results showed that porous OSA/PAM‐GT composite hydrogels with regular morphology can be prepared through the interpenetration of OSA ionic crosslinked network and PAM chemical crosslinked network via hydrogen bonds and Schiff bases, which not only enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite hydrogels, but also regulated their swelling and in vitro biodegradability. When the mass ratio of OSA to PAM was 1:2, the cell proliferation activity on OSA/PAM‐GT composite hydrogels was the best, but excessive PAM reduced the living space of cells and hindered their growth due to the reduction of porosity. Considering the results obtained, interpenetrating network technology in combination with surface coverage of GT would be a useful method for alginate hydrogels to broaden their applications in the field of biomedicine. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.