Enhancing CO Capture via Metal-Ligand Cooperativity: Tuning Ligand Basicity and Zn(II) Lewis Acidity.

A series of thiosemicarbazonato-hydrazinatopyridine zinc(II) complexes were evaluated as direct air CO capture agents. The complexes sequester CO in a methanol solution as a metal-coordinated methylcarbonate. The reaction is reversible upon sparging of solutions with an inert gas (N or Ar).

Perceptions of policymakers in Nigeria toward unsafe abortion and maternal mortality.

Context: In Nigeria, abortion is permitted only to save the life of a woman. Unsafe abortion is common and is a major cause of maternal mortality, yet policymakers have done little to address the problem.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted in 2008 with 49 Nigerian politicians and officials to assess their awareness of unsafe abortion and its role in maternal mortality, and to determine their perceptions of the policies and actions needed to address these problems.

Socio-cultural factors in maternal morbidity and mortality: a study of a semi-urban community in southern Nigeria.

Study Objective: To understand community based or socio-cultural factors that determine maternal morbidity and mortality in a semi-urban setting.

Design: The study is an exploratory multidisciplinary operations research and the instruments were focus groups and interviews.

Setting: Ekpoma, a semi-urban community with a population of 70,000 in central part of Edo state in southern Nigeria.

Emergency loan funds to improve access to obstetric care in Ekpoma, Nigeria. The Benin PMM Team.

Preliminary Studies: Focus group discussions in the community identified difficulties in paying for transport as a major barrier to seeking and reaching emergency care for obstetric complications.

Interventions: After emergency obstetric services in local health facilities had been upgraded, the clans in Ekpoma were mobilized in 1995 to set up emergency loan funds for women with complications. Funds were managed entirely by the clans, with ongoing monitoring and supervision by project staff.

Improving obstetric care at the district hospital, Ekpoma, Nigeria. The Benin PMM Team.

Preliminary Studies: Facility reviews and focus group discussions revealed several factors at the district hospital contributing to maternal deaths in Ekpoma District, Nigeria.

Interventions: In response, the necessary equipment for the operating theater, labor suite and laboratory were repaired or purchased. A blood bank and standby generator were repaired.