Comparative study of crystallization kinetics and phase segregation of triple cation and methylammonium lead iodide perovskites on moisture probing using synchrotron X-ray based radiation.

3D mixed perovskites have achieved substantial success in boosting solar cell efficiency, but the complicated perovskite crystal formation pathway remains mysterious. Here we present detailed crystallization kinetics of mixed perovskites FAMAPb(IBr), where FA is formamidinium and MA is methylammonium, with the addition of Cs to form a triple cation perovskite (3-CAT), in a comparison with the perovskite building block MAPbI (MAPI) via static grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and micro-diffraction measurements. Spin-coated films produced α-perovskite peaks with no PbI or δ-intermediate phases, which was a promising result for the 3-CAT perovskite from micro-diffraction measurements.

Umbilical cord hemangioma and pseudocyst with favorable fetal outcome.

Key Clinical Message: There is a high association between umbilical cord hemangiomas or cysts with fetal mortality. However, favorable outcome is possible with proper prenatal monitoring and care.

Abstract: Umbilical cord hemangiomas are rare neoplasms of vascular origin, commonly found in the free section of the umbilical cord proximal to placental insertion.

Is HbA1c associated with birth weight? A multivariable analysis of Pakistani pregnant women.

Aim: Globally, one in seven infants is born with low birth weight and 3%-7% of infants are born with high birth weight, with the greatest burden noted in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the association between maternal prenatal glucose regulation and birth weight and the moderating effect of fetal sex among Pakistani women.

Methods: Secondary data from a prospective longitudinal study of healthy pregnant women from Pakistan (N = 189) was used.

Routine third-trimester ultrasound for the detection of small-for-gestational age in low-risk pregnancies (ROTTUS study): randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the proportion of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants detected by routine third-trimester ultrasound vs those detected by selective ultrasound based on serial symphysis-fundus height (SFH) measurements (standard care) in low-risk pregnancy.

Methods: This was an open-label randomized controlled trial conducted at a hospital in Kenya between May 2018 and February 2020. Low-risk pregnant women were randomly allocated (ratio of 1:1) to routine ultrasound for fetal growth assessment between 36 + 0 and 37 + 6 weeks' gestation (intervention group) or to standard care, which involved a selective growth scan on clinical suspicion of fetal growth abnormality based on serial SFH measurements (control group).

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Changing Levels of Psychosocial Distress Scores Across Pregnancy in Kenyan Women.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with deleterious effects on mental health in pregnancy.

Methods: The ACE International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) was used to measure neglect, abuse, and household dysfunction. Longitudinal mixed effect modelling was used to test the effect of ACEs on pregnancy-related anxiety, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress at two time points (12-19 and 22-29 weeks) during pregnancy.

Saskatoon Berry Regulates Glucose Metabolism and Improves Cardiovascular and Liver Signs of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats.

Saskatoon berry () is a potential functional food containing anthocyanins and flavonols, as well as ellagitannins and phenolic acids. We have determined the potential therapeutic effects of Saskatoon berry in diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Nine- to ten-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups.

International standards for fetal brain structures based on serial ultrasound measurements from Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study of INTERGROWTH-21 Project.

Objective: To create prescriptive growth standards for five fetal brain structures, measured using ultrasound, in healthy, well-nourished women at low risk of impaired fetal growth and poor perinatal outcome, taking part in the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) of the INTERGROWTH-21 Project.

Methods: This was a complementary analysis of a large, population-based, multicenter, longitudinal study. The sample analyzed was selected randomly from the overall FGLS population, ensuring an equal distribution among the eight diverse participating sites and of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes across pregnancy (range: 15-36 weeks' gestation).

Linseed Components Are More Effective Than Whole Linseed in Reversing Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats.

Linseed is a dietary source of plant-based ω-3 fatty acids along with fiber as well as lignans including secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). We investigated the reversal of signs of metabolic syndrome following addition of whole linseed (5%), defatted linseed (3%), or SDG (0.03%) to either a high-carbohydrate, high-fat or corn starch diet for rats for the final eight weeks of a 16-week protocol.

A randomised controlled trial of the effect of laryngeal mask airway manometry on postoperative sore throat in spontaneously breathing adult patients presenting for surgery at a university teaching hospital.

Background: Laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) are widely used in anaesthesia and are considered to be generally safe. Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent complication following LMA use and can be very distressing to patients. The use of an LMA cuff pressure of between 30 and 32cm of HO in alleviating post-operative sore throat has not been investigated.

National policies and care provision in pregnancy and childbirth for twins in Eastern and Southern Africa: A mixed-methods multi-country study.

Background: High-risk pregnancies, such as twin pregnancies, deserve particular attention as mortality is very high in this group. With a view to inform policy and national guidelines development for the Sustainable Development Goals, we reviewed national training materials, guidelines, and policies underpinning the provision of care in relation to twin pregnancies and assessed care provided to twins in 8 Eastern and Southern African countries: Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Methods And Findings: We located policies and guidelines by reviewing national repositories and by contacting experts to systematically map country-level maternal and newborn training materials, guidelines, and policies.

Interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections in healthy women and babies.

Optimising the use of caesarean section (CS) is of global concern. Underuse leads to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Conversely, overuse of CS has not shown benefits and can create harm.

Achacha () Rind Improves Cardiovascular Function in Rats with Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome.

is a fruit known as achachairú. It is native to South American countries such as Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil, but it is also cultivated as achacha in northern Australia. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemicals in achacha rind and pulp and to investigate these components as potential treatments for the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Image-scoring system for umbilical and uterine artery pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound measurement.

Objectives: To develop an objective image-scoring system for pulsed-wave Doppler measurement of maternal uterine and fetal umbilical arteries, and evaluate how this compares with subjective assessment.

Methods: As an extension to the INTERGROWTH-21 Project, we developed a scoring system based on six predefined criteria for uterine and umbilical artery pulsed-wave Doppler measurements. Objective evaluation using the scoring system was compared with subjective assessment which consisted of classifying an image as simply acceptable or unacceptable.

Monitoring fetal growth in settings with limited ultrasound access.

Abnormal fetal growth significantly increases neonatal mortality and the risk of stillbirth. This creates the need for accurately monitoring fetal growth in all pregnancies regardless of the risk status. Several methods used in clinical practice include abdominal palpation, symphysio-fundal height measurements, and obstetric ultrasound.

Kappaphycus alvarezii as a Food Supplement Prevents Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats.

The red seaweed, , was evaluated for its potential to prevent signs of metabolic syndrome through use as a whole food supplement. Major biochemical components of dried are carrageenan (soluble fiber ~34.6%) and salt (predominantly potassium (K) 20%) with a low overall energy content for whole seaweed.

Transcriptome analysis of mammary epithelial cell gene expression reveals novel roles of the extracellular matrix.

Background: The unique lactation strategy of the tammar wallaby has been invaluable in evaluating the role of lactogenic hormones and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the local control of mammary gland function. However molecular pathways through which hormones and ECM exert their effect on wallaby mammary gland function remain unclear. This study undertakes transcriptome analysis of wallaby mammary epithelial cells (WallMEC) following treatment with mammary ECM from two distinct stages of lactation.

Two-Dimensional Echocardiography Estimates of Fetal Ventricular Mass throughout Gestation.

Background: Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound quality has improved in recent years. Quantification of cardiac dimensions is important to screen and monitor certain fetal conditions. We assessed the feasibility and reproducibility of fetal ventricular measures using 2D echocardiography, reported normal ranges in our cohort, and compared estimates to other modalities.

Quality control of ultrasound for fetal biometry: results from the INTERGROWTH-21 Project.

Objective: To assess a comprehensive package of ultrasound quality control in the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study of the INTERGROWTH-21 Project, a large multicenter study of fetal growth.

Methods: Quality control (QC) measures were performed for 20 313 ultrasound scan images obtained prospectively from 4321 fetuses at 14-41 weeks' gestation in eight geographical locations. At the time of each ultrasound examination, three fetal biometric variables (head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL)) were measured in triplicate on separately generated images.

Selenium, Vanadium, and Chromium as Micronutrients to Improve Metabolic Syndrome.

Trace metals play an important role in the proper functioning of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Some of the trace metals are thus essential for maintaining homeostasis, while deficiency of these trace metals can cause disorders with metabolic and physiological imbalances. This article concentrates on three trace metals (selenium, vanadium, and chromium) that may play crucial roles in controlling blood glucose concentrations possibly through their insulin-mimetic effects.

Comparison of the prevalence and characteristics of inpatient adverse events using medical records review and incident reporting.

Background: Information on adverse events (AEs) in hospitalised patients in developing countries is scanty.

Objective: To compare the magnitude and characteristics of inpatient AEs in a tertiary, not-for-profit healthcare facility in Kenya, using medical records review and incident reporting.

Methods: Estimation of prevalence was done using incidents reported in 2010 from a random sample of medical records for hospital admissions.