A Protocol for Improved Precision and Increased Confidence in Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis Concentration Measurements between 50 and 120 nm in Biological Fluids.

Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) can be used to quantitate extracellular vesicles (EVs) in biological samples and is widely considered a useful diagnostic tool to detect disease. However, accurately profiling EVs can be challenging due to their small size and heterogeneity. Here, we aimed to provide a protocol to facilitate high-precision particle quantitation by NTA in plasma, the supernatant of activated purified platelets [the platelet releasate (PR)] and in serum, to increase confidence in NTA particle enumeration.

Adjustment of therapeutic LMWH to achieve specific target anti-FXa activity does not affect outcomes in pregnant patients with venous thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are routinely used to provide therapeutic anticoagulation during pregnancy for women with VTE, with measurement of plasma anti-FXa activity used to guide dosing in certain patient groups. There is limited evidence to support the use of anti-FXa monitoring in pregnant patients.

Obstetric anal sphincter injury, risk factors and method of delivery - an 8-year analysis across two tertiary referral centers.

Objective: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) represents a major cause of maternal morbidity and is a risk factor for the development of fecal incontinence. We set out to analyze the incidence of OASIS and its association with mode of delivery in two large obstetric hospitals across an 8-year study period.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out at two large tertiary referral centers serving a single urban population, from 2003 to 2010.

Eclampsia: trends in incidence and outcomes over 30 years.

Objective: This study set out to describe the incidence, mortality rates, and treatment of eclampsia over a 30-year period in a large urban population.

Study Design: A detailed report of all pregnancies delivered in the Dublin area from 1977 to 2006 was reviewed for incidence, mortality, and treatment of eclampsia. Almost all pregnancies in this area are managed at one of three major obstetric hospitals.

Early and late preterm delivery rates - a comparison of differing tocolytic policies in a single urban population.

Objective: Preterm delivery results in neonatal morbidity and mortality. We set out to estimate the difference in rates of preterm delivery in two institutions, serving a single population, with differing policies regarding use of tocolytic drugs for the prevention of preterm delivery.

Study Design: A retrospective study comparing preterm delivery rates between 2002 and 2007 in two large tertiary hospitals serving a single urban population with similar risk factor profile located less than 2 miles from each other.

Changes in vaginal breech delivery rates in a single large metropolitan area.

Objective: Vaginal breech delivery rates have been accepted widely to be in decline and the Term Breech Trial (TBT) has recommended delivery of a breech-presenting infant by elective cesarean section delivery. Our aim was to examine the rate of vaginal delivery of term breech pregnancies in the 8 years before and after the publication of the TBT.

Study Design: We retrospectively examined vaginal delivery rates of breech presentations over a 16-year period in 3 large tertiary maternity hospitals that serve a single large metropolitan population.