Labor Time Research Articles

A Deep Learning-based Method of Investigating Rammed-earth Wall Damage on the Ming Great Wall Military Defense System

The collection, detection, and statistical analysis of massive damage information from large cultural heritage sites is an important issue that affects the progress, depth, and quality of cultural heritage protection efforts. The Ming Great Wall of China, known for its vast size, poses a significant challenge to protection efforts. Conventional methods for collecting and recognizing damage information from the wall are nearly impossible due to its scale. The limitation has significantly hindered efforts to safeguard the vulnerable rammed-earth walls of the Ming Great Wall. To address this issue, we developed new technical schemes that combine the efficiency of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for low-altitude surveying and mapping with the accuracy of artificial intelligence detection. This enables the efficient collection, detection, and statistical analysis of a massive amount of damage data from the Great Wall sites. The system achieved an average damage detection accuracy of 0.838, as measured by the average precision (AP). Additionally, the system's average effective detection range exceeded 91.5%, while reducing manual labor time by about 95%. These results provide accurate, efficient, and timely data and technical support for efforts such as status investigation, condition evaluation, protection and maintenance, and budgeting for the Great Wall sites. Furthermore, this research proposes a potential approach for gathering and analyzing data from other large-scale cultural heritage sites.

Effectiveness and Safety of Sublingual versus Vaginal Misoprostol for Induction of Labor for Full Term Pregnant Women in Cha-Am Hospital

Objective: To study the effectiveness and safety of sublingual misoprostol compared with the same dose administered vaginally every four hours for induction of labor at term pregnancy within 24 hours. Materials and Methods: One hundred seventy-six pregnant women of 37 to 42 gestational age fulfilling the study inclusion criteria were recruited and assigned by randomization into two groups. Each group was treated separately by 25-mcg misoprostol sublingually or vaginally every four hours within 24 hours. Results: Mean age of sublingual and vaginal misoprostol group was 25.9±6.9 and 25.5±7.2 years old, respectively, while the mean parity of sublingual and vaginal group was 0.9±1.0 and 1.0±1.0, respectively, which most were first pregnant. Three out of four had no underlying diseases. The initial cervical diameter before receiving misoprostol was 1.7±1.0 and 1.7±0.9 mm, respectively. The total labor time between the two groups was not significantly different. The percentage of success in the sublingual group was more than in the vaginal group, at 79.3 and 74.7, respectively. The side effects of induction were more significantly found in the vaginal group (p<0.05). The pain score was not different, but the satisfactory score was better reported in the sublingual group than in the vaginal one (p<0.05). The Apgar score at 5 minutes of neonates between the two groups were not significantly different (9.8±0.4 and 9.9±0.2). Conclusion: Twenty-five mcg misoprostol administered through sublingual for labor induction in full term pregnant women could not make the total labor time significantly shorter than in the vaginal group. The success rate in the sublingual group was not significantly better than in the vaginal group. The satisfaction was higher in the sublingual group but the pain scores and Apgar score at 5 minutes were not different between the groups.

A 3D printed device for vibration-assisted separation of different-stage mosquito larvae

Mosquitoes, as major vectors of dangerous diseases, demand effective control measures for public health. Larvicides, while offering a potential solution, can exhibit varying effects on different mosquito species and developmental stages during efficacy studies. Standardizing mosquito developmental stages and ensuring optimal, synchronized development rates of various larval stages are crucial for larvicidal experiments and maximizing pupal production. Manual separation of different stages of larvae is labor intensive, time consuming and error prone. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of a stereolithography 3D-printed device for the separation of mosquito larvae. This device is designed to have three modules to collect different larval stages based on their radial size differences. Each module of the device was equipped with small vibration motors to enable vibration-assisted filtration to prevent clogging. The accuracy of the larvae separation device was studied by repeated experiments and collected samples were analyzed under an optical microscope. The 3D-printed device was demonstrated to be orders of magnitude faster and more accurate compared to manual separation process. A larvicidal bioassay was also designed to investigate larvicidal assay impact on the survival of collected L3 and L4 specimens. Overall, it was shown that the presented device carries an important potential for rapid and accurate separation of different size larvae for larvicidal studies.

The Effect of Segmentation Method on Medial Temporal Lobe Subregion Volumes in Aging.

Early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with volume reductions in specific subregions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Using a manual segmentation method-the Olsen-Amaral-Palombo (OAP) protocol-previous work in healthy older adults showed that reductions in grey matter volumes in MTL subregions were associated with lower scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), suggesting atrophy may occur prior to diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often progresses to AD. However, current "gold standard" manual segmentation methods are labour intensive and time consuming. Here, we examined the utility of Automatic Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields (ASHS) to detect volumetric differences in MTL subregions of healthy older adults who varied in cognitive status as determined by the MoCA. We trained ASHS on the OAP protocol to create the ASHS-OAP atlas and then examined how well automated segmentation replicated manual segmentation. Volumetric measures obtained from the ASHS-OAP atlas were also contrasted against those from the ASHS-PMC atlas, a widely used atlas provided by the ASHS team. The pattern of volumetric results was similar between the ASHS-OAP atlas and manual segmentation for anterolateral entorhinal cortex and perirhinal cortex, suggesting that ASHS-OAP is a viable alternative to current manual segmentation methods for detecting group differences based on cognitive status. Although ASHS-OAP and ASHS-PMC produced varying volumes for most regions of interest, they both identified early signs of neurodegeneration in CA2/CA3/DG and identified marginal differences in entorhinal cortex. Our findings highlight the utility of automated segmentation methods but still underscore the need for a unified and harmonized MTL segmentation atlas.

ADAM SMITH’S THEORY OF VALUE AND THE FALLING RATE OF PROFIT: UNCOMMON CONCEPTIONS AND COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Smith’s theory of value and distribution, which emphasizes labor time as the determinant of prices, has been widely misunderstood. Ricardo misinterpreted it as relevant only to primitive societies, while Marx inaccurately aligned it with his own labor theory of value. In reality, Smith’s perspective oscillates between a labor-based and a labor-commanded approach to relative prices, intended for modern economies. Neoclassical economists further distorted Smith’s views by incorporating utility theory. Moreover, while Smith is often linked to the theory of a falling rate of profit due to competition, he actually attributed it to rising capital intensity. Contrary to the belief that Smith was a staunch advocate of free markets, he supported reasonable government intervention.

Real‐time estimation of olive flounder growth in indoor aquaculture using cameras combined with a grid

AbstractEstimating fish growth in real time has many benefits for indoor aquaculture farms, such as saving labor time and costs, reducing water pollution during feeding, improving feeding activity and determining when to harvest. Hence, this study proposed a visual‐information‐based method for measuring olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) length, using accurate growth tracking for efficient aquaculture management. Using two cameras, an light‐emitting‐diode (LED) grid was placed at the bottom of the water tank to measure fish length. The pixels unit from the fish length in the captured image was converted to centimeters based on the relationship of a pre‐built dataset. A total of 180 lengths were calculated using images captured by the cameras. The average length of each fish acquired from the cameras was calculated separately, and Lagrange's interpolating polynomial algorithm was implemented to calculate the overall length of each fish. This method reduced the computational complexity, and results were obtained more rapidly and in a user‐friendly environment. The power model generated the length–weight relationship, which allowed us to estimate the body weight of each olive flounder based on the length. The proposed approach enabled us to calculate the length of olive flounders with a highly accurate R2 of 0.995.

Assessing the Efficiency and Economic Feasibility of Mustard Cultivation Using a Happy Seeder

Mustard, scientifically known as Brassica juncea, is a vital oilseed crop sown during the Rabi season in various agricultural regions. This crop not only contributes significantly to the edible oil supply but also plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy, providing farmers with essential income and employment opportunities. However, one of the major challenges faced by farmers in mustard cultivation is the tillage process, which is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Conventional tillage methods often require extensive land preparation, leading to increased labor costs and decreased efficiency. In light of these challenges, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the Happy Seeder technology, a modern innovation designed to facilitate direct sowing in the standing stubble of previous crops. This research focused on the mustard variety Pusa-27 and was executed over two consecutive Rabi seasons, specifically from 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was implemented by KVK Rohtas, utilizing both long-term experimental plots and 20 different farmers’ fields to ensure a comprehensive assessment across various agricultural settings. To analyze the impact of the two different sowing methods, two groups of plots were established at each site: one group employed the conventional tillage method (T1), while the other group utilized the Happy Seeder technique (T2). The experimental design followed a randomized block format, consisting of 21 replications for each treatment to ensure robust and reliable data collection. The results of the study revealed that the Happy Seeder sowing method significantly enhanced the productivity of mustard. The average yield recorded for the Happy Seeder group was an impressive 16.25 quintals per hectare, markedly higher than the 12.70 quintals per hectare achieved with conventional tillage. This increase in yield not only highlights the effectiveness of the Happy Seeder technology but also suggests that it can potentially help meet the growing demand for oilseeds. In addition to higher yields, the Happy Seeder method also resulted in reduced input costs, primarily due to lower labor requirements associated with its use. The reduced need for extensive tillage and the ability to sow directly into the stubble allow farmers to save on labor costs and time, making the farming process more efficient. Moreover, the implementation of the Happy Seeder method was associated with significant improvements in soil health. The study indicated enhancements in both the physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil, which are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. Improved soil health not only contributes to better crop yields but also promotes long-term fertility, allowing farmers to sustain their agricultural productivity over time. This result is in conformity to Jat et al. 2009. In conclusion, the findings of this study strongly advocate for the adoption of the Happy Seeder sowing method in mustard cultivation. The notable improvements in productivity, reduction in input costs, and enhancement of soil health suggest that this innovative technique can play a pivotal role in transforming mustard farming into a more sustainable and profitable venture. By embracing such modern agricultural practices, farmers can significantly contribute to food security while also improving their economic viability.

Effectiveness of Use Partograph during Labour among Staff Nurses

Events such as pregnancy and childbirth affect almost every fact of the human experience. Pregnancy alters a woman's body and mind. A partogram, also known as a partograph, is a single sheet of paper that has a composite graphical record of important labor-related data (fetal and maternal) entered against time. Statistics like cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, labor time, and vital signs are examples of pertinent metrics. The partograph is an invaluable tool for identifying indicators of maternal anxiety, irregular labor progress, and fetal distress. The partograph is intended to record the following: the mother's identity, the fetal heart rate, the color of the amniotic fluid, the fetal skull's molding, cervical dilatation, the fetal descent, the uterine contractions, and whether oxytocin was given or not.  Objectives: Determine staff nurses in the experimental and control groups' degree of expertise & efficiency about using partograph during labor.  Methodology:  Research Design: True experimental research design used in study,  Sampling technique & Population. . A basic random sample procedure was used to choose the 60 staff nurses for the study (30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group). A study was conducted using a standardized interview schedule. .  Result: In experimental group of staff nurses had 70% of adequate knowledge about partograph in post test and in control group 30 % of staff nurses only have adequate knowledge about partograph in post test .  Conclusion The study helped the researcher to finalize the importance & use of partograph in labour among staff nurses in progress of labour. partograph is an invaluable tool for identifying indicators of maternal anxiety, irregular labor progress, and fetal distress.

A Marxist Analysis of the Metrification of Academic Labor: Research Impact Metrics and Socially Necessary Labor Time

Research impact metrics have proliferated in the context of the commodification of academia and academic research, being widely applied for the evaluation of the performance of academic workers. The existing literature on this question has so far failed to satisfactorily explain two key questions in relation to research impact metrics, namely, what dimension of academic labor they refer to and measure, and how their deployment in evaluation processes interweaves with the extension of capitalist relations of production in academia. Examination of the social constitution of research impact metrics from a Marxist perspective shows that metrics are indexes of socially necessary labor time, so that they indicate whether a given expenditure of academic labor has resulted in a use-value and has been undertaken according to the prevailing conditions of production and the average degree of intensity and skill. This analysis will also shed light on why research impact metrics have become so prominent in contemporary academia. The reason lies in the private and independent form taken by social labor in the wake of the unfolding of capitalist relations of production in academia. In conditions of private and independent production, the social validation of labor occurs ex post, namely, once that labor has been expended.

An integrated model of a prefabrication hub feasibility assessment: a Hong Kong case

Housing issues in densely populated, high-rise cities like Hong Kong place significant pressure on the local Housing Authority to devise effective housing strategies. In response to these challenges, prefabrication, promoting sustainable construction has gained traction, and addresses labour shortages, time constraints, safety concerns, and environmental impacts. However, cross-border logistics from Mainland China heighten supply chain disruptions and risks. Establishing a local prefabrication hub could mitigate these issues and streamline the construction process. There is a lack of research on standardized model solutions for prefabrication hub feasibility assessments, which is essential for objective project viability analysis. This article proposes an integrated model for assessing the feasibility of prefabrication hubs, considering financial, market performance, technical, social, and environmental aspects. The interrelationships among these five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were formulated as hypotheses. A questionnaire survey collected expert opinions from industry and academia on influential KPIs and their measurement items, followed by Structural Equation Modelling and interviews for hypothesis testing and validation. The assessment of market performance appears foundational, with ‘demand analysis for prefabricated components’ and ‘supply analysis’ as the most critical factors. These findings could serve as a basis for developing strategies for smoothly integrating prefabrication hubs into Hong Kong’s supply chain.

Different Types of Milk Flow Curves and Factors Affecting Milkability in Buffalo Species

Buffaloes are characterized by longer teats and teat canals and stronger muscular resistance of the teat wall than cattle; it is necessary to have a high vacuum level to open the teat canal and begin milk ejection. In buffalo milking management, milk yield, and flow profiles are essential parameters to record and evaluate. The milking machine is a critical point, and the characteristics of the milking vacuum and the pulsation rate are closely related to milk flow observations. In Italy, the most used vacuum levels are 44-46 kPa (range 40-53 kPa). The data on the milkability traits of the Mediterranean Italian breed made it possible to classify eight different types of milk flow curves due to anatomical, physiological, and management differences. This study aims to evaluate the main factors influencing milkability in dairy buffaloes. The results suggest the detachment of the milking cluster to reduce the decreasing and blind phases with the following advantages: reduction of the total milking time and consequently of the worker's time, improvement of the farmer's profitability and milk quality through decreasing the incidence of mastitis. Milk ability is influenced by physiological, sanitary, management, and genetic factors. In Mediterranean Italian buffaloes milked with the Automatic Milking System (AMS), a considerable variation in milk ejection and, consequently, in the milk flow curve was found compared to the conventional one, with better pre-stimulation, independent milk ejection for each teat, optimal milking of all quarters. In conclusion, continuous milkability monitoring will help optimize milking practices by reducing labor time and increasing farmers’ income through better milk quality. In addition, the identification of buffaloes with desirable types of milk flow curves could be helpful for buffalo breeders’ associations to address farmer management and to define potential new breeding objectives.

Effectiveness Of Hydrotherapy In Reducing Labour Pain: A Systematized Literature Review

Background: Waterbirth has gained popularity as an alternative birthing option globally, yet its implementation and acceptance in clinical practice remain limited in Singapore. Study Aim: This systemized literature review aims to investigate the effectiveness of waterbirth in reducing labour pain compared to traditional births among pregnant women in Singapore. Methodology: This systematized literature review used databases such as CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), and Web of Science. Selected articles were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. Conclusion: A systematized review of the literature shows that warm showers for labour and immersion in water for labour comprise a multidimensional analysis of their potential impact on the birthing process. Both methods have demonstrated subjective advantages, including pain reduction and a reduction in labour time

Preserving environmental quality of ecotourism sites through community participation in Purulia District of West Bengal, India

The importance of valuing environmental resources, especially in ecotourism sites, has become increasingly important over the last two decades. Ecotourism is now considered as an important source of livelihood of local stakeholders in backward regions. Therefore, the preservation of ecotourism sites through community participation seems very important to maintain continued flow of tourists. This study aimed at recognizing the importance of community participation for the preservation of ecotourism sites. For this, this study executed a survey based on non-probability sampling in two ecotourism sites (Garpanchkot and Baranti) covering 100 respondents in Purulia District, West Bengal of India. The central issue of this study was to assess the tendency of community participation for the conservation of ecotourism sites and find the optimum condition for offering participatory labour time. This study showed that the participation of young people is high, and the majority of respondents are aware of the importance in protecting ecotourism sites. Because respondents were too poor to offer money, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to elicit their willingness to pay (WTP) participatory labour time for the conservation of ecotourism sites. Respondents’ age, income, education level, caste, and their perceived environmental quality had significant relationship with their WTP participatory labour time by applying the ordinary least square (OLS) model. It was found that the mean WTP participatory labour time of each respondent in a month is approximately 3.64 h. The significance of this study is that community participation can improve the sense of belonging, trust, and credibility of ecotourism sites, making them more appreciative of the value and protection of these sites.

JournalADE: Creation and validation of a novel program for automated data extraction (ADE) to assess authorship gender representation

Background: Analyses of gender in academic authorship are key to characterizing representation in surgical fields, but current methods of manual data collection are time-consuming and error prone. The purpose of this study was to design a program to automatically extract publication data and verify the accuracy of this program in comparison to manually-collected data in a pilot study of three orthopaedic surgery journals. Methods: Publications from three orthopaedic subspecialty journals between January 2019 and June 2021 were identified via PubMed search. For each publication, online publication date, journal issue month, first author name, and senior author name were collected from PubMed listings by hand and programmatically in a Python script (JournalADE). Gender was determined using Gender API. Results: The percent of publications for which manually- and program-collected online publication dates were within 14 days of each other was above 95% for all journals. There was 98.3% (95% CI=97.84-98.76%) agreement for online publication date, with a mean difference of 6.43 (SD 0.87) days. Journal issue month agreement was 99.6% (95% CI=99.37-99.83%). Agreement for first author gender was 97.33% (95% CI=96.75-97.91%) and for senior author gender was 96.77% (95% CI=96.14-97.4%). Estimated labor time for manual collection was 100 hr, compared to 15 min for JournalADE. Conclusions: When comparing the JournalADE- and manually-collected data, rates of agreement were high at a fraction of the time. This supports the efficacy of JournalADE and sets the stage for its use in future studies of gender in authorship.

The Impact Of Endorphin Massage On The Efficient Production Of Postpartum Breast Milk In TPMB Sulastri, Pagelaran District, Pringsewu Regency In 2024.

Initiating breastfeeding within the first day of delivery has been shown to decrease the likelihood of newborn mortality. It is specifically demonstrated to provide exclusive protection against diarrhea, respiratory infections, and pneumonia ASI. The project seeks to investigate endorphin massage's impact on smoothness development in postpartum women at TPMB Sulastri, S.ST., M.Kes in 2024.ASI stands for Automatic Speech Recognition. This research employs a quasi-experiment design utilizing a pretest-posttest control group strategy. The sample included of 14 participants in the intervention group and 14 participants in the control group. Purposive sampling techniques were employed. The instrument utilizes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and checklist sheets. A three-day Endorphin massage treatment was administered and assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. The study found that 50% of individuals had a moderate frequency of meal intake. The utilization rate of non-hormonal contraceptives was 71.4%. The weight of newborns does not exceed 100% of the BBLR. The gestational age at the time of labor is 100% accurate. The mean milk output of the intervention group was 2.6 before and 7.5 after. The mean of the control group was 2.5 before and 5.2 after. The endorphin massage significantly impacted the efficient production of breast milk in postpartum moms. This was evidenced by a p-value of 0.000 (< 0.05) and a positive Correlation Coefficient value of 0.88, indicating a highly robust association between the two variables. Ultimately, endorphin massage has a significant impact on facilitating the efficient production of breast milk in mothers throughout the postpartum period. It is desirable for lactating postpartum women to regularly engage in endorphin massage to ensure the continuous and unobstructed flow of breast milk during the entire two-year duration of breastfeeding.

How does pesticide reduction affect labour time and profitability? A crop production case study

CONTEXTNational and international agendas are focusing on reducing pesticides due to their detrimental effects on flora, fauna, and human health, which has led to the introduction of agri-environmental programmes aimed at reducing the risk of pesticides. Pesticide reduction in agriculture can have an impact on labour time requirements and profitability. OBJECTIVEWe used winter wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes as examples to analyse the changes in profitability and working time requirements, including management tasks. METHODSFor the calculations, we used five different production schemes for each crop: reference; (A) reduction of herbicides; (B) reduction of growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides; combination of schemes (A) and (B); and organic production. The working time requirements for fieldwork and farm management work were modelled for each scheme and crop. The respective partial costs and benefits of the schemes were calculated for each crop. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSBased on the model assumptions, scheme (B) appears favourable in terms of working time requirements, and profitability of winter wheat and sugar beet. Scheme (A) offers synergies between the same parameters for potato production. Economic analysis shows that crop production with reduced pesticide use may even experience an increase in financial viability if the yield is not severely jeopardised, and farmers can be compensated through premiums and direct payments. SIGNIFICANCEOur results can support policy-making, since the labour time requirement and profitability of pesticide-reduced crop production can affect the success of voluntary agri-environmental programmes for the reduction of the risks from pesticide use in agriculture.

Prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in mother–newborn dyads in low-income and middle-income south Asian and African countries: a prospective, observational study

Rectovaginal group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation in pregnant individuals at the time of labour is a major risk factor for invasive GBS disease by age 7days (early-onset disease). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of rectovaginal GBS colonisation at the time of labour among pregnant women and vertical transmission to their newborns across selected low-income and middle-income African and south Asian countries. This prospective, observational study was undertaken at 11maternity and obstetric care facilities based in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan. HIV-negative pregnant women aged 18-45years who were in the early stages of labour and at least 37weeks' gestation were eligible for inclusion. Lower vaginal and rectal swabs and urine were collected from the women, and swabs of the umbilicus, outer ear, axillary fold, rectum, and throat were obtained from their newborns, for GBS culture. Standardised sampling and culture using direct plating and selective media broth for detection of GBS colonisation was undertaken at the sites. Serotyping of GBS isolates was done in South Africa. The primary outcome was the prevalence of rectovaginal GBS among pregnant women, analysed in participants with available data. This study is registered with the South African National Clinical Trials Register, number DOH-27-0418-4989. 6922pregnant women were enrolled from Jan 10, 2016, to Dec 11, 2018, of whom 6514 (94·1%; 759-892per country) were included in the analysis; data from Bhutan were not included in the study due to issues with specimen collection and processing. Overall, the prevalence of maternal GBS colonisation was 24·1% (95% CI 23·1-25·2; 1572of 6514); it was highest in Mali (41·1% [37·7-44·6]; 314of 764) and lowest in Ethiopia (11·6% [9·5-14·1]; 88of 759). Theoverall rate of vertical transmission of GBS from women with rectovaginal GBS colonisation was 72·3% (70·0-74·4; 1132of 1566); it was highest in Mozambique (79·2% [73·3-84·2]; 168of 212) and lowest in Bangladesh (55·8%, 47·5-63·8; 77of 138). The five most common GBS colonising serotypes were Ia (37·3% [34·9-39·7]; 586of 1572), V(28·5% [26·3-30·8]; 448of 1572), III (25·1% [23·0-27·3]; 394of 1572), II (9·2% [7·8-10·7]; 144of 1572), and Ib(6·5% [5·4-7·8]; 102of 1572). There was geographical variability in serotype proportion distribution; serotype VIIwas the third most common serotype in India (8·6% [5·3-13·7]; 15of 174) and serotype VI was mainly identified in Bangladesh (5·8% [3·0-11·0]; eight of 138) and India (5·7% [3·2-10·3]; ten of 174). Our study reported a high prevalence of GBS colonisation in most settings, with some geographical variability even within African countries. Our findings suggest that serotypes not included in current multivalent capsular-polysaccharide GBS vaccines prevail in some regions, so vaccine efficacy and post-licensure effectiveness studies should assess the effect of vaccination on maternal GBS colonisation given the potential for replacement by non-vaccine serotypes. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Comparison of Four Rapid N-Glycan Analytical Methods and Great Application Potential in Cell Line Development

N-glycan, a critical quality attribute (CQA) of monoclonal antibodies, profoundly impacts potency, immunogenicity, safety, and clinical efficiency. Therefore, N-glycan should be monitored and controlled during development. The conventional 2-AB method is considered the gold standard for N-glycan analysis, which is labor intensive and time consuming. Moreover, its sample requirement is relatively high and cannot be met in early-stage development, including cell line development. In this study, we compared the performance of four rapid analytical methods in N-glycan analysis of mAbs, including the rapid 2-AB method, reduction method, off-line IdeS digestion method, and two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS) method. Our results showed that these four rapid analytical methods could provide comparable N-glycan data. Moreover, these four rapid methods shortened the testing time for the conventional 2-AB method from days to just minutes. They also reduced the sample requirement for the conventional 2-AB method from milligrams to micrograms. Among these four rapid methods, the 2D-LC-MS method demonstrated great potential for applications in time-consuming cell line development because it required less testing time and a lower sample requirement.

Does exogenous glucocorticoid administration during pregnancy precipitate the timing of labor? A scoping review.

To investigate whether synthetic (s) glucocorticoids (GCs) administered between the 24th and the 34th gestational weeks in pre-term labor might precipitate labor, studies on sGCs administration were reviewed. The physiology of endogenous glucocorticoid-related increase in fetal-maternal circulation and its association with labor, followed by a scoping review of studies on exogenous sGCs administered for fetal lung maturation and the timing of labor, were included. The methodology of systematic reviews was followed. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched until October 2023, for original studies investigating the administration of sGCs in pregnancies risking pre-term labor. Duplicates were removed, and 1867 abstracts were excluded as irrelevant. Six controlled and four non-controlled studies were included. The index group consisted of 6001 subjects and 7691 controls in the former, while in the latter, the index group consisted of 2069 subjects. In three out of the six controlled studies, gestational age at labor was significantly lower in sGC-treated women than in controls, while in three studies, gestational age at labor was lower in sGC-treated women than in controls, with a trend toward statistical significance. In one study, gestational age at labor was significantly lower in controls than in sGC-treated women. In the non-controlled studies, the majority of women delivered less than 1 week from the day of sGC administration. In this scoping review, studies lack homogeneity. However, in the controlled studies, a pattern of earlier labor emerges among sGC-treated pregnant women. The use of multiple courses of antenatal sGCs appears to be associated with precipitated labor. Their use should be carefully weighed. Carefully designed trials should examine this ongoing scientific query.

The effect of prenatal education on health anxiety of primigravid women

Background and aimHealth anxiety is a mental disorder that characterized by an excessive fear about health and physical symptoms. High anxiety in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prenatal education on health anxiety of primigravid women.MethodsThe present study was quasi-experimental study. 122 primiparous pregnant women referred to comprehensive health services Shahrekord (A city in the southwest of Iran) clinics in 2019, after receiving consent to participate in the study, randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 8 sessions (1.5-h), once every 2 weeks, from 20 to 37th weeks of gestation. The health anxiety questionnaire was completed on 20th (before the beginning of the courses), 28th and 37th weeks by two groups. Consequences of pregnancy included weight, Apgar score, delivery type, labor time and first breastfeeding time. SPSS version 16 software was used for data analysis.ResultsNo significant difference was found type of delivery, gestational age, height, weight, head length, Apgar score, duration of hospitalization and first breastfeeding time. The duration of the active and latent phase of labor was significantly lower and the weight of newborn was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05). At 37th week, the scores of illness concern, negative consequence and total health anxiety in the intervention group decreased by 3.42, 0.93 and 4.36 respectively and in control group increased by 2.82, 0.03 and 2.86.ConclusionPregnancy educational courses has positive effects on health anxiety, decrease duration of labor time and increased newborn weight. In order to improve the outcome of pregnancy, educational classes during pregnancy should be considered.