Liquor Volume Research Articles

Feto-Maternal Outcome in Pregnancy With Thrombocytopenia and Abnormal Platelet Indices.

Platelet count and its associated indices like mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are cost-effective biomarkers that are easily accessible and have a potent role in the diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenia.Since anaemia and thrombocytopenia often go together in pregnancy, it is advisable to utilise these indices for feto-maternal benefit. The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care centre in New Delhi from July 2022 to December 2023 whereinpregnant womenof age 18-40 years, period of gestation >28 weeks with thrombocytopenia or abnormal platelet indices were enrolled. Women with pancytopenia, bone marrow suppression or past or current SARS-CoV-2 positive status were excluded. A total of 150 women were enrolled in the study. The mean age of study population was 25.33 ± 2.90 (range 19-34) years. Subjects were divided into three groups - Group A (mild thrombocytopenia) 24.6%, Group B (moderate thrombocytopenia) 64.6% andGroup C (severe thrombocytopenia) 10.6% based on thrombocytopenia severity. Analysing the risk factors, Group C was found to have a significantly higher number of patients with anaemia (p=<0.001), fever (p=0.031), abnormal liquor volumes (p=0.004) and need for blood and platelet transfusion (p=0.077). On correlation of thrombocytopenia with abnormal platelet indices, it was observed that manual platelet count (MPC) and MPV were indirectly correlated (p=0.027). PDW wasfound to be directly associated with severe thrombocytopenia and indirectly associated with moderate thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is directly correlated to factors like maternal fever and anaemia, fetal growth restriction, abnormal liquor, blood products and platelet transfusions. It was also concluded that platelet indices like PDW and MPV play an important role in predicting the feto-maternal outcome and hence timely interventions can be done to improve the same.

Alcoholic beverage types consumed by population subgroups in the United States: Implications for alcohol policy to address health disparities.

We aimed to identify alcoholic beverage types more likely to be consumed by demographic subgroups with greater alcohol-related health risk than others, mainly individuals with low socio-economic status, racial/ethnic minority status and high drinking levels. Fractional logit modelling was performed using a nationally representative sample of US adult drinkers (analytic N = 37,657) from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Waves 2 (2004-2005) and 3 (2012-2013). The outcomes were the proportions of pure alcohol consumed as beer, wine, liquor and coolers (defined as wine-/malt-/liquor-based coolers, hard lemonade, hard cider and any prepackaged cocktails of alcohol and mixer). Adults with lower education and low or medium income were more likely to drink beer, liquor and coolers, while those with a 4-year college/advanced degree and those with high income preferred wine. Excepting Asian adults, racial/ethnic minority adults were more likely to drink beer (Hispanics) and liquor (Blacks), compared with White adults. High- or very-high-level drinkers were more likely to consume liquor and beer and less likely to consume wine (and coolers), compared with low-level drinkers. High-level and very-high-level drinkers, who were less than 10% of all drinkers, consumed over half of the total volume of beer, liquor and coolers consumed by all adults. Individuals with low socio-economic status, racial/ethnic minority status or high drinking level prefer liquor and beer. As alcohol taxes, sales and marketing practices all are beverage-specific, targeted approaches to reduce consumption of these beverages, particularly among individuals with these profiles, are warranted.

Coal gasification crude slag based complex flocculants by two-step acid leaching process: synthesis, flocculation and mechanisms.

Coal gasification crude slag (CGCS) is the side-product of the coal gasification process, and its effective utilization has attracted great attention. A novel flocculant of poly-aluminum-ferric-acetate-chloride (PAFAC) was synthesized based on the recovery of CGCS by a two-step acid leaching process, namely HCl-acid leaching and HAc-acid leaching, which was optimized by an acid leaching liquor volume ratio of HCl to HAc of 3 : 2, polymerization pH of 3.5, and reaction temperature and time of 70 °C and 3.0 h, respectively. The performance of PAFAC was further evaluated by kaolin simulated wastewater, domestic sewage, river water, and aquaculture wastewater. The results revealed that PAFAC was feasible for the removal of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phosphorus (TP). Moreover, PAFAC was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which proved that PAFAC was a kind of amorphous polyionic composite. Additionally, the acid leaching kinetics and flocculation mechanisms were further investigated. It was found that the acid leaching process was followed by the unreacted shrinkage core model, and the flocculation process was dominated by charge neutralization, adsorption bridging and precipitation net trapping. The work is expected to develop a new method for the safe disposal of CGCS and provide a novel way for the preparation of Fe-Al composite flocculants, especially, offering a potential strategy for the promotion of the additional value of the coal chemical industry.

To Identify Common Risk Factors Associated with IUFD in Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh

Introduction: Intra uterine fetal death is always an unacceptable event not only by the expecting mother and family but also by the obstetrician. Both the woman &amp; the obstetrician become desperate to know the cause of IUFD &amp; its prevention in future pregnancy. In more than 50% cases causes of fetal death cannot be determined. Objective: To identify common risk factors associated with IUFD. Methods: It was a cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur over the period of 6 months dated from July 2017 to December 2017. Sample size: 50 cases. All pregnant woman after 28 weeks of gestational age who were admitted in antenatal ward of the Gynae &amp; Obstetric department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur. During the study period all the patients with IUFD &amp; Fetuses who does not show any signs of births were the study population of this study. Result: Total 50 patients included in your study. Table-I shows that most of the women with IUFD cases fall in the age group of 20-30years 76% and 72% of women had primary level of education. Most of the patient 70%were from middle class. All were housewife. Majority (88%) were from rural area. Majority 52% were primigravida, 50% were&gt;36weeks of gestational age, history of abortion were in 14% cases &amp; IUFD in 04% cases. None of the patient took regular antenatal care, most of the Patient (72%) took irregular ANC, and 28% of patient did not take any ANC. Hypertensive disorder was the major risk factors 34% which include chr. HTN. 08%, preeclampsia 10% &amp; eclampsia 16%, Other risk factors were PROM 16%, Prolong labor and obstructed labour 12%, GDM 06%, Rupture uterus with previous C/S 10%, Placental factor 08%, Cord prolapse 06%, Severe IUGR 04%, no risk factors found in 04% cases. 72% of the cases had mild anaemia, 60% were normotensive &amp; 40% had high blood pressure, Scar tenderness were found in 20% cases who had H/O C/S. the patient 58% had Hb% 08-10gm/dl, all were Rh+ve mother, PPBS raised in 06% cases. In USG liquor volume normal 20%, mild to moderate oligohydramnios in 44%, moderate to severe oligohydramnios in 20% &amp; severe oligohydramnios in 16% cases. Shows vaginal delivery had occurred in 86% cases. 14% need operative intervention among which 10% laparotomy were due to rupture uterus &amp; 04% LSCS were due to scar tenderness. Maternal outcome in 84% cases were uneventful. Wound infection occured in 12% cases &amp; Puerperial sepsis occurred in 04% cases. Conclusions: PIH, PROM were leading causes of IUFD. Majority of women who had IUFD were emergency admission who had not received adequate antenatal care. A significant proportion of IUFD is preventable by health education to patients and community for regular antenatal care, about warning signs during antenatal period, hospital delivery and early referral.

Maternal and Fetal Outcome between Dated and Post-dated Pregnancy: A Comparative Study Conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital

This prospective observational comparative study was conducted in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGyn) of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH), Dhaka. It was carried out from April 2019 to September 2019. The objectives was to compare the feto-maternal outcome of postdated pregnancy (40+1- 41+6 weeks) with pregnancy at term(37-40 weeks). Pregnant women admitted in ShSMCH with or without labour pain were considered as study population. Following ethical clearance from the local ethical committee and written informed consent, 59 cases of post-dated pregnancy (case) and 59 cases of term pregnancy (control) were included inthis study. Cases and control were selected by random sampling method according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: 1) Patients who have excellent EDD(dated by early ultrasonogram) , 2) Patients having regular menstrual cycle prior to present pregnancy and can remember exact LMP, 3) Postdated pregnancy as case and pregnancy at term as control. Exclusion criteria were: 1) Patients with eclampsia, systemic hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and renal disease, 2) Patients with multiple gestation and any congenital anomaly, 3) Pregnancy occurred during lactational amenorrhoea, 4) Pregnancy with veneral disease, 5) pregnancy with blood group incompatibility. Data were collected with a pre-designed structured questionnaire. A full assessment were done by history[age, occupation, menstrual and obstetric history, medical, surgical and family history, antenatal care(ANC)], physical examination (general, abdominal and vaginal) and ultrasonogram (USG) to assess gestational age and liquor volume. After proper counselling, induction of labour given to patients without labour pain and fetal distress. Mode of delivery, post-delivery maternal and fetal outcome and complication were recorded.This study showed that maximum number of patients in term pregnancy (control) belonged to age group (21-30 years) [control 71.2%, case 62.7%] and in post-dated pregnancy (case) belonged to &gt;30 years [control 15.5%, case 23.7%]. In both groups, maximum number of women were housewives, control 48(81.4%), case 46(78%) and service-holder 11(18.6%) in control, 13 (22%) in case. In control group 36 (61%) were primi-gravida and 23 (39%) were multi-gravida. In case group 29(49.2%) were primi-gravida, 30(50.8%) multi-gravida. Family history of post-dated pregnancy were present in 14(23.7%) of control group and 13(22%) of case group. Most of the women of both control (93.2%) and case (89.8%) received regular ANC. Large fetus were seen in 6(10.2%) of control and 9(15.3%) of case group. Vertex was common presenting feature in both control (94.9%) and case (88.1%). Liquor volume was adequate in maximum number of women of both control (69.5%) and case (62.7%) group. Uterine irritability was present in 16(27.1%) of control and 17 (28.8%) of case group. Associated complication, such as CPD and elderly primi were present in 10 (16.9%) of control and 9 (15.3%) of case group. Induction of labour was required in 33(55.9%)of control and 41 (69.5%) of case group. Normal vaginal delivery was achieved in 41 (69.5%) of control and in 33 (55.9%) of case group women. LSCS required in 18 (30.5%) of control and 25 (42.4%) of case group women. Cause of LSCS is fetal distressin (54.5%) of control and (42.4%) of case group. Post-operative complication were more in case (16.9%), versus (3.4%) in control. Fetal complication were more in case group (22%), versus control (6.8%) regarding birth asphyxia, RDS, neonatal jaundice, neonatal septicemia, meconium aspiration syndrome, macrosomia and neonatal death. So this study showed that maternal and fetal perinatal morbidiy were quite high in post-dated pregnancy. There is scope for further improvement of clinical care practices of post-dated pregnant womenwith acceptable maternal and fetal outcome. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 130-136

Inclusion, occlusion and adsorption of rare earth elements from chloride media onto barite-gypsum composite

In this study, a synthetic BaSO4·CaSO4 composite was prepared by co-precipitation technique, characterised and examined for REE sorption. The sorption parameters were; pH = 4, equilibrium time = 20 min, temperature = 303 K, and REE liquor volume to composite mass ratio of 0.2:1 L g−1. The sorption reaction was controlled by pseudo 2nd order kinetic mechanism and Langmuir adsorption isotherm with an adsorption capacity of 168.63 mg g−1. 90.14% of REE (III) was desorbed using 1 mol L−1 HNO3. The process was endothermic and spontaneous. Accordingly, 1:1 barite-gypsum (natural ingredient for BaSO4·CaSO4), with 136 mg g−1 loading capacity, was used for REEs extraction.

Isolation and production optimization of a novel milk-clotting enzyme Bacillus velezensis DB219

The milk-clotting enzyme (MCE) is a crucial ingredient in cheese manufacture. Due to the limits of traditional MCE, finding viable substitute is a pressing issue. This study aims to isolate and identify a wild strain with high milk-clotting activity (MCA) and low proteolytic activity (PA) and optimize the fermentation conditions for MCE production. A strain of Bacillus velezensis DB219 with high MCA/PA value (9.2) was isolated from dairy soil (Wuchang, Heilongjiang, China) and identified through 16S rRNA from 40 strains. The optimal wheat bran, carbon, nitrogen, inoculum size, volume and initial pH were 60 g/L, soluble starch 12.5 g/L, corn steep liquor 3 g/L, 5%, 40 mL and 6.15, respectively for improving DB219 MCE production through single factor experiment. The wheat bran concentration, corn steep liquor concentration and volume were the most critical factor and their changed range was determined through Plackett–Burman design and the steepest ascent/descent experiments. The response surface analysis experiment of three factors and three levels was conducted by Box–Behnken design. The theoretical optimal fermentation conditions for DB219 MCE were as follows: wheat bran concentration 60.14 g/L, soluble starch 12.5 g/L, corn steep liquor 3 g/L, inoculum size 5%, volume 40.08 mL and initial pH 6.15. DB219 MCE achieved the maximal MCA (3164.84 SU/mL) that was 101.9% of the predicted value (3104.49 SU/mL) and 4.3-fold higher than the control.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcome of Women Having Decreased Fetal Movements in The Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Every year, 2.6 million newborns are stillborn throughout the world. Objective: To determine the obstetric and neonatal outcomes among women presenting with reduced fetal movements in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: The pregnant women were in the low as well as a high-risk category. The pregnant women were advised to count 3 times a day post-meal or use the Count to 10 techniques to track their fetal movements in the third-trimester phase. The antenatal presentation was documented, blood pressure was taken, and a comprehensive BPP was performed All perinatal outcomes were documented, involving both pregnancies that continued as well as deliveries that occurred at a later gestational age. Results: A total of 110 pregnant women with reduced fetal movement (RFM) were taken as a part of this research. The average age was 35 years. A total of 56 were from the high-risk category while 54 were from the low-risk category. Out of 49% (n= 54) women, 15 women were more sensitive to the subjective experience of RFM due to factors such as an anterior placenta, overweight, as well as increased maternal stress. Out of 56 high-risk category women, 15 women revealed an abnormality in the volume of liquor. While on the other hand, out of 54 low-risk category women, 8 showed less prevalence of abnormal liquor volume. Conclusions: High-risk pregnancies accounted for a considerable percentage of individuals having RFM. Comparing the high-risk category with the low-risk category reveals that the rising incidence of stillbirth as well as low BPP were present at the time pregnant women were admitted.

Ultrasound in labor: clinical practice guideline recommendation by the World Association of Perinatal Medicine (WAPM) and the Perinatal Medicine Foundation (PMF)

This recommendation document follows the mission of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine (WAPM) in collaboration with the Perinatal Medicine Foundation (PMF). We aim to bring together groups and individuals throughout the world for standardization to implement the ultrasound evaluation in labor ward and improve the clinical management of labor. Ultrasound in labor can be performed using a transabdominal or a transperineal approach depending upon which parameters are being assessed. During transabdominal imaging, fetal anatomy, presentation, liquor volume, and placental localization can be determined. The transperineal images depict images of the fetal head in which calculations to determine a proposed fetal head station can be made.

Fetomaternal outcome in pregnancies with abnormal liquor volume – a prospective observational study

Fetomaternal outcome in pregnancies with abnormal liquor volume – a prospective observational study

A Prospective Clinical Study of FETO-Maternal Outcome in Pregnancies with Abnormal Amniotic Fluid Index

Background: We report a clinical study of fetomaternal outcome in pregnancies with abnormal liquor volume managed at a tertiary care hospital&#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, S.P Medical College, Bikaner&#x0D; Results- In. In oligohydramnios group 90.8%babies were healthy while8.4%were died in NICU and0.8% were still birth while in polyhydramnios group 76% babies were healthy while 4% were died in NICU and20%babies were still birth. Still birth rate in very high in polyhydramnios group. This difference was found statistically highly significant (p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Development of abnormal liquor volume during pregnancy signals danger to the foetus. It is associated with an increased incidence of caesarean section, labour complications and adverse perinatal outcome. But isolated oligo and polyhydramnios in term gestation has better perinatal outcome compared to early onset and with associated conditions like hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, GDM, IUGR. Ultrasound is the ideal method to detect any abnormality in liquor volume. If any abnormality is detected during the ultrasound, a careful search should be made to detect any identifiable congenital anomalies.&#x0D; Keywords: Oligohydramnios, Polyhydramnios, Fetomaternal

Ultrasound in labor: clinical practice guideline and recommendation by the WAPM-World Association of Perinatal Medicine and the PMF-Perinatal Medicine Foundation.

This recommendation document follows the mission of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine in collaboration with the Perinatal Medicine Foundation. We aim to bring together groups and individuals throughout the world for standardization to implement the ultrasound evaluation in labor ward and improve the clinical management of labor. Ultrasound in labor can be performed using a transabdominal or a transperineal approach depending upon which parameters are being assessed. During transabdominal imaging, fetal anatomy, presentation, liquor volume, and placental localization can be determined. The transperineal images depict images of the fetal head in which calculations to determine a proposed fetal head station can be made.

Synthesis of Magnesium Hydroxide Using Post‐Reaction Filtrate as Ammonia Carrier and Morphology Analysis

AbstractThis study proposes an advanced technology using post‐reaction filtrate as an ammonia carrier to synthesize magnesium hydroxide (MH) with small particles, which can benefit subsequent hydrothermal modification. In this work, the limitation of ammonia gas and ammonia water methods is avoided. The impact of operating parameters including MgCl2 concentration, temperature, ammonia‐to‐magnesium molar ratio, feed rate, volume of ammonia mother liquor and aging time on the magnesium yield, particle size, and morphology of MH is studied. The temperature and ammonia‐to‐magnesium molar ratio are identified as key factors affecting magnesium yield. MH with a half‐content diameter of 1.70 µm and a morphology resembling small irregular flakes is successfully synthesized at a magnesium yield of 90.06%. The predictions of idea crystal habits are also performed using Morphology and CASTEP modules with Materials Studio Software. The (0 0 1) face can be preserved with the largest facet area because of the slowest crystal growth rate and the smallest attachment energy, which exhibits that MH crystals tend to be flakes.

Antisolvent Precipitation for Metal Recovery from Citric Acid Solution in Recycling of NMC Cathode Materials

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used everywhere today, and their recycling is very important. This paper addresses the recovery of metals from NMC111 (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2) cathodic materials by leaching followed by antisolvent precipitation. Ultrasound-assisted leaching of the cathodic material was performed in 1.5 mol L−1 citric acid at 50 °C and at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 20 g/L. Nickel(II), manganese(II) and cobalt(II) were precipitated from the leach liquor as citrates at 25 °C by adding an antisolvent (acetone or ethanol). No lithium(I) precipitation occurred under the experimental conditions, allowing for lithium separation. The precipitation efficiencies of manganese(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) decreased according to the order Mn &gt; Co &gt; Ni. The precipitation efficiency increased when a greater volume of antisolvent to the leachate was used. A smaller volume of acetone than ethanol was needed to reach the same precipitation efficiency in accordance with the difference in the dielectric constants of ethanol and acetone and their associated solubility constants. After adding two volumes of acetone into one volume of the leach liquor, 99.7% manganese, 97.0% cobalt and 86.9% nickel were recovered after 120 h, leaving lithium in the liquid phase. The metal citrates were converted into metal oxides by calcination at 900 °C.

Pre-Eclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)Prevention– Is Enoxaparin an Effective Option

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of Enoxaparin in preventing pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction in women with the history of pre-eclampsia and IUGR in an earlier pregnancy.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi-Experimental Study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Mar to Sep 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: In this study, a total of 186 pregnant females of age 20-40 years with &gt;6 ± 0 and &lt;16 ± 0 weeks gestation were included. They were divided into two groups. In the study group, injection Enoxaparin 40 mg s/c OD was started from 6 weeks to 36 weeks of gestation along with Aspirin 75 mg OD. In the control group, only Aspirin 75mg OD was given. An antenatal check-up was performed, and patients were followed for liquor volume, fetal growth and doppler ultrasound. Study outcomes were noted in terms of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.&#x0D; Results: The majority of the patients 100 (53.76%), were between 20-30 years of age. The mean gravidity in the study group was 3.84 ± 1.20 and in the control group was 3.83 ± 1.22. In this study, pre-eclampsia was found in 6 (6.45%) patients in the Enoxaparin group and in 17 (18.28%) patients of control group (p-value 0.014). Intrauterine growth restriction was observed in 9 (9.68%) patients of Enoxaparin group and in 28 (30.11%) patients of control group (p-value 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concluded that Enoxaparin effectively prevents pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction in patients with a previous history....

Phosphorus recovery as struvite from hydrothermal carbonization liquor of chemically produced dairy sludge by extraction and precipitation

Phosphorus (P) recovery from dairy wastewater involves its accumulation into phosphorus-rich sludge using a physico-chemical or biological process. The high iron content in chemical sludge decreases its usability in agricultural activities. The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an option used to treat the sludge to obtain hydrochar for various applications, including its use as an energy source and as a carbon-dense material. The HTC process leaves a bigger volume of nutrient-rich liquor, which phosphorus (P) purification was the subject of this work. By direct precipitation, the product iron content was 17.96%, a value higher than accepted limits for phosphate fertilizers. Thus, P extraction followed by struvite precipitation was studied. The use of oxalic acid extracted 86.7% of P from HTC liquor, while 86.6% of iron was removed. The process conditions of pH 9, and salt dosage of 1.73:1.14:1 for Mg:NH4+:P mole ratio for struvite precipitation were obtained with a P recovery of 99.96%, and the effluent P concentration below 2 mg∙L−1. The quality of products as fertilizers was tested by both in-vitro and in-vivo assays. High iron content in the product demonstrated a negative effect on plant germination, whilst the precipitation product from P extract demonstrated an advantage of P purification into struvite for plant macro and micronutrient availability. The used method of P extraction followed by struvite precipitation is useful for both P and iron recovery into two separate products with agricultural and chemical applications, respectively.

THE IMPACT OF ISOLATED OLIGOHYDRAMNIAS AT TERM ON PERINATAL OUTCOME: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Objective: To study the impact of isolated oligohydramnios at term on mode of delivery and perinatal outcome.&#x0D; Study Design: Prospective comparative study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Okara, from Aug 2019 to Aug 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 250 patients were recruited in the study. They were divided in 2 groups. In group A there was 123 patients, with isolated oligohydramnias at term, amniotic fluid index of ≤5cm, while in group B 127 patients, with normal liquor volume were included through lottery method. Demographic parameters, Intrauterine fetal demise, mode of delivery, perinatal out comes like meconium stained amniotic fluid, low birth weight, APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes, of two groups were compared.&#x0D; Results: A total of 57 (46.3%) patients in group A delivered through cesarean section and 27 (21.3%) in group B. Meconium staining of liquor was in 56 (45.5%) in group A versus 13 (10.2%) in group B. As compared to group B the patients in group A lower birth weight babies 2.6 ± 0.34 kg versus 3.0 ± 0.33 kg were delivered. Mortality in group A, intrauterine fetal demise was 4 (3.3%) and still birth was 2.3%. There were no perinatal mortality in controlled group B.&#x0D; Conclusion: Isolated oligohydramnias at term is not associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Umbilical cord compression, potential utero-placental insuffiency and increased incidence of meconium stained liquor possibly explains the increased perinatal morbidity. The delivery should be routinely advocated as in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy with appropriately grown fetus.

Intracranial Hemorrhage After Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Background Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a rare but devastating complication of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair with fenestrated/branched endograft (f/bEVAR). The cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) is considered one of the leading causes; however, other possible concomitant factors have not been individualized yet. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the pattern of ICH events after f/bEVAR for TAAA and to identify possible associated factors. Materials and Methods All f/bEVAR procedures for TAAA performed in a single academic center from 2012 to 2020 were evaluated. ICH was assessed by cerebral computed tomography if neurological symptoms arose. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics were analyzed in order to identify possible factors associated. Results A total of 135 f/bEVAR were performed for 72 (53%) type I, II, III and 63 (47%) type IV TAAA; 74 (55%) were staged procedures, 101 (73%) required CSFD, and 24 (18%) were performed urgently. The overall 30-day mortality was 8% (5% in elective cases); spinal-cord ischemia occurred in 11(8%) and ICH in 8 (6%) patients. All ICH occurred in patients with CSFD. ICH occurred intraoperatively in 1 case, inter-stage in 4 and after F/BEVAR completion in 3, after a median of 6 days the completion stage. Three (38%) of 8 patients with ICH died at 30 days and ICH was associated with 30-day mortality: odds ratio (OR) 13.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3–76, p=0.01. The analysis of the perioperative characteristics identified platelet reduction >60% (OR 11, 95% CI 1.6–77, p=0.03), chronic kidney disease (16% vs 0%, p=0.002), and total volume of liquor drained >50 mL (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.1–69, p=0.03) as associated with ICH. Conclusions Current findings may suggest that ICH is a potential lethal complication of the endovascular treatment for TAAAs and it mainly occurs in patients with CSFD. High-volume liquor drainage, platelet reduction, and chronic kidney disease seems increase significantly the risk of ICH and should be considered during the perioperative period and for further studies.

Optimization and operation of a demonstrative full scale microalgae harvesting unit based on coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation

Biomass harvesting is a bottleneck in microalgae culture and microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems. Sedimentation coupled to coagulation and flocculation has been experimentally studied for a long time, however, full scale sedimentation experiences have not been addressed so far in literature, and scaling up from experimental results may not be straightforward. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a harvesting unit in a demonstration scale microalgae biorefinery for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. The unit consisted of coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation within a lamella settler with a volume of 0.7 m3. A high correlation between the influent turbidity and the coagulant dose could be established, so that the coagulant dose could be determined daily just measuring the influent turbidity without performing any jar-test. Suspended solids concentration in the clarified water was always <26 mg·L−1 and the turbidity <8 NTU. The volume of harvested biomass ranged between 0.8 and 2.5% of the influent mixed liquor volume. This harvested volume was also well correlated with results of standard V30 tests of biomass from the flocculation zone, which was used as a test for harvesting control. Suspended solids concentration in the harvested biomass ranged from 5 to 20 g·L−1. Additionally, a pulse harvesting strategy (with sudden discharges at high flow rate) was used to avoid biomass accumulation inside the settling tank. The present study demonstrates how a full scale coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation process for microalgae separation and concentration can be operated by means of very few simple tools.

Investigation of the outcome of pregnancies complicated by increased fetal movements and their relation to underlying causes - A prospective cohort study.

Retrospective studies have reported an association between a single episode of significantly increased fetal movements (IFMs) and stillbirth after 28weeks' gestation. This prospective study aimed to report the outcome of pregnancies associated with maternal perception of IFMs and determine whether this symptom is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, a pathological intrauterine environment or placental dysfunction. Women reporting IFMs after 28weeks' gestation were recruited from St Mary's Hospital, Manchester and Liverpool Women's Hospital, UK, between 1 November 2017 and 1 May 2019. Demographic and clinical information were obtained and an ultrasound scan was performed to assess fetal biometry, liquor volume and umbilical artery Doppler. Maternal serum samples were collected for analysis of placentally derived biomarkers using ELISA. After delivery, maternal and fetal outcome data were collected and placentas and umbilical cord blood were obtained for analysis using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Placental and serum samples were matched by gestation and maternal characteristics to participants with normal fetal activity. Seventy-seven women presented with IFM, representing 0.45% of the maternity population; 64 women consented to participate in the study, of which 7 (10.9%) experienced adverse pregnancy outcome: birthweight <3rd centile, 2 (3.1%); pH ≤7.10, 1 (1.6%); neonatal intensive care unit admission, 4 (6.3%). Women had IFM for varying lengths of time before presenting: 17.2% had IFM for less than 1hour and 29.7% reported IFM lasting longer than 24hours. Four women (6.3%) had abnormalities of the fetal heart rate trace on assessment. Women with IFM had similar modes of birth to women giving birth in participating maternity units. There was no evidence of macroscopic placental or umbilical cord abnormalities, alterations in microscopic placental structure, placental endocrine dysfunction or intrauterine hypoxia or infection in women with IFM compared with controls. This prospective study did not find evidence of an association between IFM and adverse pregnancy outcome. It also did not find evidence of underlying placental dysfunction, cord anomalies, intrauterine hypoxia or infection in pregnancies with IFM. Further work is required to determine the strength of association between IFM and adverse pregnancy outcome and its origins. At present, IFM cannot be used to identify fetuses at increased risk of adverse outcome.