Impact of early versus late artificial rupture of membranes during oxytocin induction of labour on the incidence of chorioamnionitis: a randomised controlled trial (ARM trial).

Background: The approach to induction of labour differs internationally, with timing of amniotomy being controversial. Some institutions favour performing artificial rupture of membranes prior to commencement of oxytocin infusion, with the belief that the labour will progress more efficiently. In other institutions, the approach recommended is for oxytocin infusion with intact amniotic membranes until the person has reached the active phase of labour, citing risk of infection with early amniotomy.

Obstetrician views on Fetal Pillow® device use and research in Aotearoa New Zealand: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: There is anecdotal evidence of Fetal Pillow® use, but no formal local information on clinician practices and perspectives.

Aims: To assess obstetrician use of the Fetal Pillow®, knowledge of relevant research, and interest in a proposed randomised controlled trial in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Materials And Methods: Anonymous cross-sectional survey of practising obstetricians and obstetric trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand distributed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Maternal levels of care during pregnancy influence labor and delivery outcomes - present practices and future priorities.

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a diagnosis that is usually unexpected. Though there are many risk factors for the condition and multiple theories as to its genesis, the majority of cases cannot be predicted prior to the occurrence of the clinical syndrome. Indeed, it is common for a pregnant person to have multiple risk factors and a completely healthy child.

Exosome-Coated Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Specific Targeting and Treatment of Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and invasive types of brain cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 6.8%. With limited options, patients often have poor quality of life and are moved to palliative care after diagnosis.

Targeted Biodegradable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Colorectal Cancer Imaging.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and early detection and diagnosis are essential for effective treatment.

Europium-Doped Calcium Silicate Nanoparticles as High-Quantum-Yield Red-Emitting Phosphors.

Europium ion-activated calcium silicate phosphors (CaSiO:Eu) with sharp red-light emission were fabricated via the hydrothermal method. The size of CaSiO:Eu phosphors was controlled between 20 and 200 nm by precursor silicate particle sizes. Systematic studies to determine morphology, crystal phase, and photoluminescence (PL) were carried out for all the phosphors, and their optical efficiencies were compared.

Active contact proximity to the cerebellothalamic tract predicts initial therapeutic current requirement with DBS for ET: an application of 7T MRI.

Objective: To characterize how the proximity of deep brain stimulation (DBS) active contact locations relative to the cerebellothalamic tract (CTT) affect clinical outcomes in patients with essential tremor (ET).

Background: DBS is an effective treatment for refractory ET. However, the role of the CTT in mediating the effect of DBS for ET is not well characterized.

Paradoxical Modulation of STN β-Band Activity with Medication Compared to Deep Brain Stimulation.

Background: Excessive subthalamic nucleus (STN) β-band (13-35 Hz) synchronized oscillations has garnered interest as a biomarker for characterizing disease state and developing adaptive stimulation systems for Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives: To report on a patient with abnormal treatment-responsive modulation in the β-band.

Methods: We examined STN local field potentials from an externalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead while assessing PD motor signs in four conditions (OFF, MEDS, DBS, and MEDS+DBS).

Low-frequency deep brain stimulation reveals resonant beta-band evoked oscillations in the pallidum of Parkinson's Disease patients.

Introduction: Evidence suggests that beta band (11-35 Hz) oscillations in the basal ganglia thalamocortical (BGTC) circuit are linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathophysiology. Previous studies on neural responses in the motor cortex evoked by electrical stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus have suggested that circuit resonance may underlie the generation of spontaneous and stimulation-evoked beta oscillations in PD. Whether these stimulation-evoked, resonant oscillations are present across PD patients in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), a primary output nucleus in the BGTC circuit, is yet to be determined.

Placental abruption leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation: a clinical case and short review.

We present the case of a primigravida with disseminated intravascular coagulation at 21 weeks' gestation. Furthermore, we performed a short review of the evidence-based management of the condition. The patient presented with pain and vaginal bleeding.

Neonatal outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of maternal treatment of iron deficiency anemia with intravenous ferumoxytol vs oral ferrous sulfate.

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is common worldwide and has known maternal risks. The relationship between the types of treatment offered for maternal anemia and the effects on the fetus and newborn are largely uninvestigated.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether maternal treatment with intravenous ferumoxytol compared to oral ferrous sulfate results in an increase in neonatal hematologic and iron indices.

Intravenous infusions of ferumoxytol compared to oral ferrous sulfate for the treatment of anemia in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy is highly prevalent and presents significant risk to patients. Initial treatment is often with oral medication. We hypothesized that intravenous ferumoxytol would result in superior treatment of anemia as compared to oral ferrous sulfate.

Topical negative pressure wound therapy to prevent wound complications following caesarean delivery in high-risk obstetric patients: A randomised controlled trial.

Background And Aims: We investigated whether the use of a prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system in women undergoing caesarean would decrease wound complications in a high-risk population.

Materials And Methods: A randomised controlled trial was performed. Women with risk factors for wound complications undergoing caesarean delivery were randomised to a standard dressing or NPWT placed over their caesarean wound.

Basal ganglia engagement during REM sleep movements in Parkinson's disease.

To elucidate the role of the basal ganglia during REM sleep movements in Parkinson's disease (PD) we recorded pallidal neural activity from four PD patients. Unlike desynchronization commonly observed during wakeful movements, beta oscillations (13-35 Hz) synchronized during REM sleep movements; furthermore, high-frequency oscillations (150-350 Hz) synchronized during movement irrespective of sleep-wake states. Our results demonstrate differential engagement of the basal ganglia during REM sleep and awake movements.

High- vs low-dose oxytocin in lean and obese women: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Women with obesity are likely to experience longer lengths of labor and are at an increased risk of cesarean delivery. We hypothesized that high-dose oxytocin would decrease the time to delivery in a cohort of women with obesity undergoing induction of labor.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether women with obesity benefited from higher doses of oxytocin for induction of labor.

Bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis in hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a retrospective cohort analysis with elimination of incorporation bias.

Background: Recent studies support the diagnostic role of bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis (BALL) in patients with suspected hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Our study aim was to determine the spectrum of BALL findings with elimination of incorporation bias in non-fibrotic and fibrotic patients and assess correlates of positive BALL cut-off and BALL association with long-term outcomes in those with fibrotic disease (f-HP).

Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was pursued of patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy for interstitial lung disease.

Performance of a Maternal Abdominal Surface Electrode System for Fetal Heart Rate and Uterine Contraction Monitoring from 34 to 37 Weeks.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare performance of a maternal surface electrode patch with ultrasound- and tocodynamometer-based monitoring to detect fetal heart rate and uterine contractility in late preterm labors.

Study Design: Thirty women between 34 and 36 weeks' gestation were monitored simultaneously with a Doppler/tocodynamometer system and a wireless fetal-maternal abdominal surface electrode system. Fetal and maternal heart rate and uterine contraction data from both systems were compared.

Cervical avulsion during induced labour: diagnosis, intraoperative management and postoperative course.

We report the presentation, operative management and follow-up of a 31-year-old nulliparous woman who experienced a cervical avulsion injury (CAI) during labour. The woman was induced with dinoprostone gel, followed by oxytocin infusion and had a prolonged active phase. During the second stage, fetal decelerations were noted and the consultant asked to make a plan for delivery.

Perinatal asphyxia from the obstetric standpoint.

Perinatal asphyxia remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality for term newborns. Though access to health care and birth attendants have decreased the rate, Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) has not been eliminated. Worldwide, women at socioeconomic disadvantage have the highest risk of delivering a neonate with NE.