Background
The inappropriate and inconsistent selection of primary outcomes (POs) in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) can make evidence difficult to interpret, ...limiting its usefulness to inform clinical practice.
Objectives
To systematically review the choice and consistency of POs in RCTs and SRs of preventative interventions for preterm birth.
Search strategy
Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Specialised Register of trials and a full list of published reviews and protocols.
Selection criteria
Full reports of RCTs for preterm birth prevention published after CONSORT (January 1997–January 2011), and Cochrane Reviews and protocols relevant to preterm birth prevention, for the same period.
Data collection and analysis
For RCTs, the PO was the outcome used for sample size calculation. For SRs, we included all outcomes listed as ‘primary’. Two review authors selected studies and double‐checked the data for accuracy.
Results
Seventy‐two different POs were reported by 103 RCTs. The three most common POs were based on length of gestation, with preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation being the most common (18/103, 18%). Few RCTs chose perinatal morbidity (4/103) or mortality (1/103), or their composites (5/103), as POs. In 33 Cochrane Reviews, 29 different POs were reported. The three most common POs were based on death or morbidity in the baby, with death of the baby being the most common (22/33, 67%). POs were variably defined.
Conclusions
There is a lack of consistency in the choice and definitions of POs in clinical research related to preterm birth prevention. SRs are more likely to report morbidity and mortality as POs, whereas RCTs tend to use length of gestation. Researchers are urged to review the outcomes reported in RCTs and SRs in their respective areas of interest to highlight discrepancies and facilitate the development of core outcome sets.
The expeditious development of novel cobalt-base γ–γ′ alloys as possible next generation superalloys critically depends on achieving a comprehensive understanding of the coarsening kinetics of ...ordered γ′ precipitates. This paper discusses the coarsening of L12 ordered Co3(W, Al) precipitates in a model ternary Co–10Al–10W (at.%) alloy during isothermal annealing at 800 and 900°C. The experimentally determined temporal evolution of average size of the γ′ precipitates suggests classical matrix diffusion limited Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner coarsening at both temperatures. The γ′ coarsening rate constants have been determined using a modified coarsening rate equation for non-dilute solutions. Furthermore, using the Cahn–Hilliard formulation for interfacial energy, the γ/γ′ interfacial energies at the respective annealing temperatures have been correlated to the concentration profile across the interface that has been experimentally determined using atom probe tomography. The calculated interfacial energies are in comparable range with those observed in nickel-base superalloys. Additionally, this analysis has permitted, for the first time, the determination of the gradient energy coefficient for γ/γ′ interfaces in Co-base alloys, a critical input for phase-field and other simulation models for microstructural evolution.
Cobalt-doped ZnTe (Co:ZnTe) polycrystalline powders with different Co concentrations (0%, 3%, 5% and 8%) are prepared by solid state reaction method with an aim to study their dilute magnetic ...semiconducting behaviour. The effect of Co doping on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of the synthesized samples are investigated. The phase and crystallinity of Co:ZnTe powders are studied through X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The surface morphology has been analysed through scanning electron microscopy. The chemical environment of the dopant in the host lattice is analysed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optoelectronic properties of Co:ZnTe powder samples are evaluated through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The ferromagnetic behaviour of the samples has been investigated at room temperature by the vibrating sample magnetometer. The origin of magnetism in ideal Co:ZnTe bulk system has been analysed through ab initio density functional theory.
Pre-eclampsia is associated with deficient intravascular production of prostacyclin, a vasodilator, and excessive production of thromboxane, a vasoconstrictor and stimulant of platelet aggregation. ...These observations led to the hypotheses that antiplatelet agents, low-dose aspirin in particular, might prevent or delay development of pre-eclampsia.
To assess the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet agents for women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (July 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 1), EMBASE (1994 to November 2005) and handsearched congress proceedings of the International and European Societies for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy.
All randomised trials comparing antiplatelet agents with either placebo or no antiplatelet agent were included. Quasi-random studies were excluded. Participants were pregnant women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Interventions were any comparisons of an antiplatelet agent (such as low-dose aspirin or dipyridamole) with either placebo or no antiplatelet.
Two authors assessed trials for inclusion and extracted data independently.
Fifty-nine trials (37,560 women) are included. There is a 17% reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia associated with the use of antiplatelet agents ((46 trials, 32,891 women, relative risk (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 0.89), number needed to treat (NNT) 72 (52, 119)). Although there is no statistical difference in RR based on maternal risk, there is a significant increase in the absolute risk reduction of pre-eclampsia for high risk (risk difference (RD) -5.2% (-7.5, -2.9), NNT 19 (13, 34)) compared with moderate risk women (RD -0.84 (-1.37, -0.3), NNT 119 (73, 333)). Antiplatelets were associated with an 8% reduction in the relative risk of preterm birth (29 trials, 31,151 women, RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97); NNT 72 (52, 119)), a 14% reduction in fetal or neonatal deaths (40 trials, 33,098 women, RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.98); NNT 243 (131, 1,666) and a 10% reduction in small-for-gestational age babies (36 trials, 23,638 women, RR 0.90, 95% CI0.83 to 0.98). There were no statistically significant differences between treatment and control groups for any other outcomes.
Antiplatelet agents, largely low-dose aspirin, have moderate benefits when used for prevention of pre-eclampsia and its consequences. Further information is required to assess which women are most likely to benefit, when treatment is best started, and at what dose.
A pseudorandom binary sequence of 7-bit word length (PRBS-7) generator has been designed as a low complexity circuit to validate the dual RSFQ/ERSFQ standard cell library, the circuit simulation ...methodology using process corners and Monte-Carlo statistical variations, as well as the digital design methodology using Verilog simulations with load-dependent timing back-annotation. The PRBS-7 design was optimized across multiple process corners with Monte-Carlo circuit simulations by incorporating statistical variations of the process parameters. To validate the digital design flow, the PRBS-7 was simulated using the Verilog behavioral descriptions of library cells. Using Liberty files for different global bias current (XI) process corners, the margins obtained from digital simulation were compared with circuit simulations. A 5 mm × 5 mm chip, incorporating both the RSFQ and ERSFQ variant of the PRBS-7, was fabricated in the MIT-LL 100 μA/μm 2 SFQ5ee fab node. The RSFQ variant of the PRBS-7 has been successfully tested up to 64.77-GHz clock frequency, and the ERSFQ variant up to 45.72-GHz clock frequency. In addition, we have analyzed the model-to-hardware correlation for RSFQ PRBS-7 for different clock frequencies. The simulations account for two process parameters, critical current density ( J c ), and sheet resistance ( R s ).
The addition of nickel to cobalt-base alloys enables alloys with a near zero γ−γ′ lattice misfit. The solute partitioning between ordered γ′ precipitates and the disordered γ matrix have been ...investigated using atom probe tomography. The unique shift in solute partitioning in these alloys, as compared to that in simpler Co-base alloys, derives from changes in site substitution of solutes as the relative amounts of Co and Ni change, highlighting new opportunities for the development of advanced tailored alloys.
Display omitted
SnO
2
thin films and ZnO–SnO
2
composite thin films were grown by reactive magnetron sputtering. Optical emission spectra was used to monitor the sputtered Sn and Zn species in the plasma. The ...structural and morphological characteristics of the films were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The films were investigated for their humidity sensing characteristics using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 100 Hz–5 MHz. The sensing mechanism was evaluated by fitting the impedance spectra with the corresponding equivalent circuit. The composite ZnO–SnO
2
based sensors exhibit faster response time (~21 s) compared to that of pure SnO
2
. The pure SnO
2
based humidity sensors possess better sensitivity ((1.10 ± 0.079) kΩ/%RH) whereas the ZnO–SnO
2
based sensors exhibit better sensor response (~ 24%). The enhancement in the sensor response is attributed to the dissociative adsorption of water molecules at the Sn and Zn lattice sites resulting in increased protonic conduction.
To construct evidence-based algorithms for the assessment and management of common amniotic fluid abnormalities detected during labour.
Low-risk singleton, term pregnant women in labour.
Birth ...facilities in low- and middle-income countries.
We searched international guidelines published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SOGC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We also searched The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE up to 20 January 2020 using keywords for relevant systematic reviews and randomised trials.
We developed evidence-based intrapartum care algorithms for four case scenarios: oligohydramnios; meconium-stained amniotic fluid; bloody amniotic fluid or vaginal bleeding; and purulent amniotic fluid or discharge. These conditions may be associated with fetal and /or maternal morbidity. Differential diagnosis includes uteroplacental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, abruption, placenta or vasa praevia, uterine rupture and intra-amniotic infection, respectively. Algorithms include how to assess for, diagnose and manage these conditions.
Four algorithms are presented, to provide a systematic approach and guidance on the clinical management for the following amniotic fluid abnormalities: oligohydramnios; meconium-stained liquor; bloody amniotic fluid or vaginal bleeding; and purulent amniotic fluid or discharge. These algorithms may be beneficial in supporting clinical decision making, particularly in low-resource settings.
Evidence based algorithms for management of common amniotic fluid abnormalities seen during labour.
A simple and cost-effective sol–gel-based spin-coating method for Cu-O film is reported. The solution-processed film has been investigated for its viability as a hole transport layer (HTL) and ...alternative to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT):polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) whose hygroscopic nature affects device stability. Cu-O thin films were obtained by spin-coating precursor solution onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates followed by thermal annealing in air at 300 °C to convert the precursor to oxide form. x-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) elemental analysis revealed the presence of both types of phase, namely CuO and Cu
2
O, at the surface of the film. These films are amorphous in nature, as is evident from their ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum with a considerable amount of subbandgap absorption in the low energy regime. The solar cell performance and Schottky junction properties of devices fabricated using amorphous Cu-O HTL and PEDOT:PSS-HTL were compared and found to be equivalent. Both the PEDOT-PSS reference device and the Cu-O device suffered from poor fill factor originating from surface states present at the Al/polymer interface. The Cu-O/polymer interface does not introduce an additional barrier to charge collection and works as efficiently as the PEDOT:PSS/polymer interface. Solution-processable Cu-O films can thus be used as an alternative to PEDOT:PSS.
PDF
