The potential of task shifting selected maternal interventions to auxiliary midwives in Myanmar: a mixed-method study

Background: An estimated 282 women die for every 100,000 live births in Myanmar, most due to preventable causes. Auxiliary Midwives (AMWs) in Myanmar are responsible for providing a package of care during pregnancy and childbirth to women in rural hard to reach areas where skilled birth attendants (Midwives) are not accessible. This study aims to examine the role of AMWs in Myanmar and to assess the current practices of three proposed essential maternal interventions (oral supplement distribution to pregnant women; administration of misoprostol to prevent postpartum haemorrhage; management of puerperal sepsis with oral antibiotics) in order to facilitate a formal integration of these tasks to AMWs in Myanmar. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted in Magwe Region, Myanmar involving a survey of 262 AMWs, complemented by 15 focus group discussions with midwives (MWs), AMWs, mothers and community members, and 10 key informant interviews with health care providers at different levels within the health care system. Results: According to current government policy, AMWs are responsible for identifying pregnant women, screening for danger signs and facilitating early referral, provision of counselling on nutrition and birth preparedness for women in hard-to-reach areas. AMWs also assist at normal deliveries and help MWs provide immunization services. In practice, they also provide oral supplements to pregnant women (84%), provide antibiotics to mothers during the puerperium (43%), and provide misoprostol to prevent postpartum haemorrhage (41%). The current practices of AMWs demonstrate the potential for task shifting on selected essential maternal interventions. However, to integrate these interventions into formal practice they must be complemented with appropriate training, clear guidelines on drug use, systematic recording and reporting, supportive monitoring and supervision and a clear political commitment towards task shifting. Conclusion: With the current national government’s commitment towards one AMW in one village, this study highlights the potential for shifting specific maternal lifesaving tasks to AMWs

Synthesis and characterization of atomically-thin graphite films on a silicon carbide substrate

This paper reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of graphite thin films produced by thermal decomposition of the (0001) face of a 6H-SiC wafer, demonstrating the successful growth of single crystalline films down to approximately one graphene layer. The growth and characterization were carried out in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The growth process and sample quality were monitored by low-energy electron diffraction, and the thickness of the sample was determined by core level x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy shows constant energy map patterns, which are very sharp and fully momentum-resolved, but nonetheless not resolution limited. We discuss the implications of this observation in connection with scanning electron microscopy data, as well as with previous studies

Transplantation of Skeletal Muscle-Derived Sca-1⁺/PW1⁺/Pax7⁻ Interstitial Cells (PICs) Improves Cardiac Function and Attenuates Remodeling in Mice Subjected to Myocardial Infarction

We have previously shown that skeletal muscle-derived Sca-1⁺/PW1⁺/Pax7⁻ interstitial cells (PICs) are multi-potent and enhance endogenous repair and regeneration. Here, we investigated the regenerative potential of PICs following intramyocardial transplantation in mice subjected to an acute myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced through the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in 8-week old male C57BL/6 mice. 5 × 10⁵ eGFP-labelled PICs (MI + PICs; n = 7) or PBS (MI-PBS; n = 7) were injected intramyocardially into the border zone. Sham mice (n = 8) were not subjected to MI, or the transplantation of PICs or PBS. BrdU was administered via osmotic mini-pump for 14 days. Echocardiography was performed prior to surgery (baseline), and 1-, 3- and 6-weeks post-MI and PICs transplantation. Mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks post-MI + PICs transplantation, and heart sections were analysed for fibrosis, hypertrophy, engraftment, proliferation, and differentiation of PICs. A significant (\u1d631 < 0.05) improvement in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening was observed in the MI-PICs group, compared to MI + PBS group at 6-weeks post MI + PICs transplantation. Infarct size/fibrosis of the left ventricle significantly (\u1d631 < 0.05) decreased in the MI-PICs group (14.0 ± 2.5%), compared to the MI-PBS group (32.8 ± 2.2%). Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the border zone significantly (\u1d631 < 0.05) decreased in the MI-PICs group compared to the MI-PBS group (330.0 ± 28.5 µM2 vs. 543.5 ± 26.6 µm2), as did cardiomyocyte apoptosis (0.6 ± 0.9% MI-PICs vs. 2.8 ± 0.8% MI-PBS). The number of BrdU+ cardiomyocytes was significantly (\u1d631 < 0.05) increased in the infarct/border zone of the MI-PICs group (7.0 ± 3.3%), compared to the MI-PBS group (1.7 ± 0.5%). The proliferation index (total BrdU+ cells) was significantly increased in the MI-PICs group compared to the MI-PBS group (27.0 ± 3.4% vs. 7.6 ± 1.0%). PICs expressed and secreted pro-survival and reparative growth factors, supporting a paracrine effect of PICs during recovery/remodeling. Skeletal muscle-derived PICs show significant reparative potential, attenuating cardiac remodelling following transplantation into the infarcted myocardium. PICs can be easily sourced from skeletal muscle and therefore show promise as a potential cell candidate for supporting the reparative and regenerative effects of cell therapie

Transplantation of Skeletal Muscle-Derived Sca-1(+)/PW1(+)/Pax7(-) Interstitial Cells (PICs) Improves Cardiac Function and Attenuates Remodeling in Mice Subjected to Myocardial Infarction

We have previously shown that skeletal muscle-derived Sca-1+/PW1+/Pax7&minus; interstitial cells (PICs) are multi-potent and enhance endogenous repair and regeneration. Here, we investigated the regenerative potential of PICs following intramyocardial transplantation in mice subjected to an acute myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced through the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in 8-week old male C57BL/6 mice. 5 &times; 105 eGFP-labelled PICs (MI + PICs; n = 7) or PBS (MI-PBS; n = 7) were injected intramyocardially into the border zone. Sham mice (n = 8) were not subjected to MI, or the transplantation of PICs or PBS. BrdU was administered via osmotic mini-pump for 14 days. Echocardiography was performed prior to surgery (baseline), and 1-, 3- and 6-weeks post-MI and PICs transplantation. Mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks post-MI + PICs transplantation, and heart sections were analysed for fibrosis, hypertrophy, engraftment, proliferation, and differentiation of PICs. A significant (p &lt; 0.05) improvement in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening was observed in the MI-PICs group, compared to MI + PBS group at 6-weeks post MI + PICs transplantation. Infarct size/fibrosis of the left ventricle significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased in the MI-PICs group (14.0 &plusmn; 2.5%), compared to the MI-PBS group (32.8 &plusmn; 2.2%). Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the border zone significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased in the MI-PICs group compared to the MI-PBS group (330.0 &plusmn; 28.5 &micro;M2 vs. 543.5 &plusmn; 26.6 &micro;m2), as did cardiomyocyte apoptosis (0.6 &plusmn; 0.9% MI-PICs vs. 2.8 &plusmn; 0.8% MI-PBS). The number of BrdU+ cardiomyocytes was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased in the infarct/border zone of the MI-PICs group (7.0 &plusmn; 3.3%), compared to the MI-PBS group (1.7 &plusmn; 0.5%). The proliferation index (total BrdU+ cells) was significantly increased in the MI-PICs group compared to the MI-PBS group (27.0 &plusmn; 3.4% vs. 7.6 &plusmn; 1.0%). PICs expressed and secreted pro-survival and reparative growth factors, supporting a paracrine effect of PICs during recovery/remodeling. Skeletal muscle-derived PICs show significant reparative potential, attenuating cardiac remodelling following transplantation into the infarcted myocardium. PICs can be easily sourced from skeletal muscle and therefore show promise as a potential cell candidate for supporting the reparative and regenerative effects of cell therapies

Therapeutic hypothermia initiated within 6 hours of birth is associated with reduced brain injury on MR biomarkers in mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: a non-randomised cohort study

Objective To examine the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on MR biomarkers and neurodevelopmental outcomes in babies with mild hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Design Non-randomised cohort study. Setting Eight tertiary neonatal units in the UK and the USA. Patients 47 babies with mild HIE on NICHD neurological examination performed within 6 hours after birth. Interventions Whole-body cooling for 72 hours (n=32) or usual care (n=15; of these 5 were cooled for <12 hours). Main outcome measures MRI and MR spectroscopy (MRS) within 2 weeks after birth, and a neurodevelopmental outcome assessment at 2 years. Results The baseline characteristics in both groups were similar except for lower 10 min Apgar scores (p=0.02) in the cooled babies. Despite this, the mean (SD) thalamic NAA/Cr (1.4 (0.1) vs 1.6 (0.2); p<0.001) and NAA/Cho (0.67 (0.08) vs 0.89 (0.11); p<0.001) ratios from MRS were significantly higher in the cooled group. Cooled babies had lower white matter injury scores than non-cooled babies (p=0.02). Four (27%) non-cooled babies with mild HIE developed seizures after 6 hours of age, while none of the cooled babies developed seizures (p=0.008). Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years were available in 40 (85%) of the babies. Adverse outcomes were seen in 2 (14.3%) non-cooled babies, and none of the cooled babies (p=0.09). Conclusions Therapeutic hypothermia may have a neuroprotective effect in babies with mild HIE, as demonstrated by improved MRS biomarkers and reduced white matter injury on MRI. This may warrant further evaluation in adequately powered randomised controlled trials

Identification of a conserved region of Plasmodium falciparum MSP3 targeted by biologically active antibodies to improve vaccine design

Merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) is a target of antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI), a protective mechanism against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. From the C-terminal half of the molecule, 6 overlapping peptides were chosen to characterize human immune responses. Each peptide defined at least 1 non-cross-reactive B cell epitope. Distinct patterns of antibody responses, by level and IgG subclass distribution, were observed in inhabitants of a malaria-endemic area. Antibodies affinity purified toward each peptide differed in their functional capacity to mediate parasite killing in ADCI assays: 3 of 6 overlapping peptides had a major inhibitory effect on parasite growth. This result was confirmed by the passive transfer of anti-MSP3 antibodies in vivo in a P. falciparum mouse model. T helper cell epitopes were identified in each peptide. Antigenicity and functional assays identified a 70-amino acid conserved domain of MSP3 as a target of biologically active antibodies to be included in future vaccine constructs based on MSP3

Developing elastomeric cellular structures for multiple head impacts

Foam‐based materials were originally incorporated into helmets in the 1970’s, providing an effective method of absorbing impact energy and so protecting against severe head injury. Similar materials still exist in the majority of protective helmets today, indicating a need for an innovative approach that will achieve a step‐ change in energy absorption performance. This paper focusses on tailoring the Miura‐Ori (MO), origami‐derived geometry, as a method to achieve a material structure tailored to maximise impact energy absorption, whilst complying with existing product design constraints. This ambitious concept was then realised using an elastomeric, additive manufacturing powder, before being tested against foam derived from a commercially‐ available American football helmet. MO pads demonstrated comparable performance versus foam at relatively low impact velocities, though recorded a peak acceleration 15% less than foam at the highest impact velocity. This difference increased once the respective samples were exposed to their third impact, demonstrating the superior performance of MO over multiple impacts. The MO material demonstrated encouraging energy impact absorbing behaviour, with scope remaining to further optimise the geometry in order to further enhance performance. Furthermore, opportunities exist for achieving superior shear‐energy performance than contemporary materials and, ultimately, for harnessing the benefits of additive manufacturing to fabricate person‐specific headwear optimised for a given impact environment

Влияние адъювантного применения ацетазоламида с неинвазивной вентиляцией легких у больных с тяжелым обострением хронической обструктивной болезни легких

The aim of the study was to investigate an efficacy of short-term treatment with acetazolamide (ACET) in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Methods. This was a prospective case-control study. The study involved 20 patients. Inclusion criteria were as follows: AECOPD; pH &gt; 7.33; PaCO2 &gt; 48 mmHg; HCO3– &gt; 26 mmol/L; and treatment with NIV. Clinical characteristics, Charlson comorbidity index, APACHE II score, arterial blood gases, and serum electrolytes were recorded before inclusion. Patients were defined as cases when they had received ACET (500 mg per day) for 3 days; they were compared to a matched control group who did not receive ACET. Clinical parameters, arterial blood gases, serum electrolytes, potential adverse effects, and length of hospital stay were monitored daily. Results. No significant differences in baseline characteristics, comorbidities, or concomitant drugs used were found between the groups. Mean duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the ACET group (16.2 ± 8.4 days vs 19.1 ± 2.8 days; p = 0.023). An iIntra-group analysis showed a significant improvement in clinical and arterial blood gas parameters in both groups already in the first day of the treatment. In the ACET group, systolic blood pressure (SBP), respiratory rate (RR), and SpO2 significantly improved at day 4 (112.5 ± 4.9 mmHg vs 125 ± 7.1 mmHg (p = 0.001); 15.2 ± 1.1 min–1 vs 17.1 ± 0.9 min–1 (p = 0.001) and 94.7 ± 1.1% vs 92.3 ± 0.8% (p = 0.0001), respectively). There was a significant decrease in PaCO2, pH and HCO3– at day 3 (48 ± 3.8 mmHg vs 52.4 ± 5.3 mmHg (p = 0.0288); 7.374 ± 0.4 vs 7.502 ± 0.17 (p = 0.0015) and 26.4 ± 2.8 mmol/L vs 36.9 ± 4.1 mmol/L (p = 0.00001), respectively) and day 4 (44 ± 2.4 mmHg vs 48.4 ± 4.6 mmHg (p = 0.0115); 7.387 ± 0.02 vs 7.480 ± 0.02 (p = 0.00001) and 24.2 ± 2.1 mmol/L vs 35.6 ± 3.0 mmol/L (p = 0.00001), respectively) in the ACET group. No adverse events were recorded in both groups. Conclusions. ACET adjuvant to NIV appears to be effective and could prevent post-NIV alkalosis occurrence and could reduce the length of hospital stay in patients with AECOPD and mixed metabolic disorders (respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis).При широком использовании неинвазивной вентиляции легких (НВЛ) улучшаются исходы лечения лиц с обострением хронической обструктивной болезни легких (ХОБЛ) и гиперкапнической острой дыхательной недостаточностью (ОДН) за счет снижения потребности в интубации трахеи. При обострении ХОБЛ часто развиваются смешанные нарушения кислотно-щелочного состояния, такие как сочетание респираторного ацидоза и метаболического алкалоза. Не исключено, что коррекция метаболического алкалоза, например, с помощью препарата ацетазоламид (АЦЕТ), также может сыграть положительную роль. Однако клинических данных по оценке применения АЦЕТ при НВЛ у больных с обострением ХОБЛ крайне мало. Целью исследования явилась оценка эффективности краткосрочного лечения АЦЕТ у больных с обострением ХОБЛ и гиперкапнической ОДН, получающих НВЛ. Материалы и методы. В проспективном исследовании «случай–контроль» принимали участие пациенты (n = 20), соответствовавшие критериям включения. Перед включением больных в исследование регистрировались клинические признаки, индекс коморбидности Чарлсона, показатели клинической оценки тяжести состояния по шкале APACHE II, газового состава артериальной крови (ГАК) и уровень электролитов сыворотки крови. Пациенты группы «случай» получали АЦЕТ 500 мг в день в течение 3 дней; их показатели сравнивались с таковыми в контрольной группе, в которой АЦЕТ не применялся. Ежедневно регистрировались и сравнивались клинические параметры, показатели ГАК и уровень электролитов сыворотки крови, потенциальные побочные эффекты и продолжительность пребывания в стационаре. Результаты. Между 2 группами никаких существенных различий в отношении исходных характеристик, сопутствующих заболеваний и приема препаратов не отмечено. Средняя продолжительность пребывания в стационаре была значительно меньше в группе АЦЕТ. По результатам внутригруппового анализа показано значительное улучшение клинических параметров и всех показателей ГАК в обеих группах, начиная с 1-го дня. По результатам межгруппового анализа в группе АЦЕТ отмечены статистически значимые улучшения показателей систолического артериального давления, частоты дыхательных движений и насыщения артериальной крови кислородом на 4-й день; на 3-й день выявлено значительное снижение парциального давления углекислого газа в артериальной крови, pH и содержания бикарбоната в плазме крови. Никаких побочных эффектов в обеих группах не отмечено. Заключение. Адъювантное применение АЦЕТ с НВЛ представляется эффективным, предотвращает алкалоз после НВЛ и способствует сокращению времени пребывания в стационаре при обострении ХОБЛ и смешанных метаболических нарушениях – респираторном ацидозе и метаболическом алкалозе

Mechanical characterisation of additively manufactured elastomeric structures for variable strain rate applications

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables production of geometrically-complex elastomeric structures. The elastic recovery and strain-rate dependence of these materials means they are ideal for use in dynamic, repetitive mechanical loading. Their process-dependence, and the frequent emergence of new AM elastomers, commonly necessitates full material characterisation; however, accessing specialised equipment means this is often a time-consuming and expensive process. This work presents an innovative equi-biaxial rig that enables full characterisation via just a conventional material testing machine (supplementing uni-axial tension and planar tension tests). Combined with stress relaxation data, this provides a novel route for hyperelastic material modelling with viscoelastic components. This approach was validated by recording the force-displacement and deformation histories from finite element modelling a honeycomb structure. These data compared favourably to experimental quasistatic and dynamic compression testing, validating this novel and convenient route for characterising complex elastomeric materials. Supported by data describing the potential for high build-quality production using an AM process with low barriers to entry, this study should serve to encourage greater exploitation of this emerging manufacturing process for fabricating elastomeric structures within industrial communities.M. Robinson was supported by the Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships 2 (via the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund). The X-ray imaging work was supported by the Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) facility (EPSRC grant no. EP/M028267/1), the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Government