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Chemtexts 2022Microchemistry, i.e., the chemistry performed at the scale of a microgram or less, has its roots in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In the first half...
Microchemistry, i.e., the chemistry performed at the scale of a microgram or less, has its roots in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In the first half of the twentieth century a wide range of spot tests have been developed. For didactic reasons, they are still part of the curriculum of chemistry students. However, they are even highly important for applied analyses in conservation of cultural heritage, food science, forensic science, clinical and pharmacological sciences, geochemistry, and environmental sciences. Modern pregnancy tests, virus tests, etc. are the most recent examples of sophisticated spot tests. The present contribution aims to provide an overview of the past and present of this analytical methodology.
PubMed: 34976574
DOI: 10.1007/s40828-021-00152-z -
BMJ Open Feb 2022Urine pregnancy tests are often inaccessible in low-income settings. Expanded provision of home pregnancy testing could support self-care options for sexual and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Urine pregnancy tests are often inaccessible in low-income settings. Expanded provision of home pregnancy testing could support self-care options for sexual and reproductive health and rights. We conducted a systematic review of pregnancy self-testing effectiveness, values and preferences and cost.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE and four trial registries were searched through 2 November 2020.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
We included trials and observational studies that compared urine self-testing for pregnancy to health worker-led pregnancy testing on effectiveness outcomes; quantitative and qualitative studies describing values and preferences of end users and health workers and costs of pregnancy self-testing.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. Findings were summarised in GRADE evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.
RESULTS
For effectiveness, four randomised trials following 5493 individuals after medical abortion showed no difference or improvements in loss to follow-up with home pregnancy self-testing compared with return clinic visits. One additional trial of community health workers offering home pregnancy tests showed a significant increase in pregnancy knowledge and antenatal counselling among 506 clients. Eighteen diverse values and preferences studies found support for pregnancy self-testing because of quick results, convenience, confidentiality/privacy, cost and accuracy. Most individuals receiving pregnancy self-tests for postabortion home management preferred this option. No studies reported cost data.
CONCLUSION
Pregnancy self-testing is acceptable and valued by end users. Effectiveness data come mostly from articles on postabortion care, and cost data are lacking. Greater availability of pregnancy self-tests, including in postabortion care and CHW programs, may lead to improved health outcomes.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021231656.
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Self-Testing
PubMed: 35228285
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054120 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is the most common cause of uterine infertility. This study aims to evaluate whether platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment can stimulate...
PURPOSE
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is the most common cause of uterine infertility. This study aims to evaluate whether platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment can stimulate damaged endometrium regeneration in rats.
METHODS
First, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and ELISAs were used to evaluate the microstructure of PRF. Then, mechanical damage was used to establish an IUA rat model. A total of 40 SD female rats were randomized to three groups: PRF transplantation group, IUA group, and sham group. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days and uteruses were obtained for further analysis. Finally, functional and histological recovery of the damaged endometrium was analyzed by pregnancy test, HE staining, Masson's staining, and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
PRF has two distinct zones, platelets and fibrin zone. Long and narrow fibrin fibers interconnected with each other and formed a three-dimensional, flexible, and elastic structure; platelet aggregates were trapped in fibrin fibers, and each platelet is associated with several fibrin fibers. PRF exudates promoted endometrial stromal cell proliferation and migration . PRF transplantation was beneficial for maintaining uterine structure, promoting endometrial luminal epithelium and endometrial gland regeneration, and decreasing fibrotic areas .
CONCLUSION
Intrauterine administration of PRF was demonstrated to be effective in preventing IUA and stimulating damaged endometrium regeneration in rats. This study not only provided a promising method for its potential in endometrial regeneration in women who suffer from uterine infertility but also may prevent IUA after intrauterine surgery in clinical cases.
Topics: Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Rats; Endometrium; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Fibrin; Infertility; Platelet-Rich Fibrin; Regeneration
PubMed: 37614713
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1154958 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Progesterone (P4) is essential for pregnancy. A controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) leads to a iatrogenic luteal defect that indicates a luteal phase support (LPS) at...
Progesterone (P4) is essential for pregnancy. A controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) leads to a iatrogenic luteal defect that indicates a luteal phase support (LPS) at least until pregnancy test day. Some clinicians continue the LPS until week 8 or later, when P4 is mainly secreted by syncytiotrophoblast cells.Measuring serum P4 on pregnancy test day after a fresh embryo transfer could help to identify women who might benefit from prolonged LPS. In women with LPS based on P4 administered by the rectal route, P4 concentration on pregnancy test day was significantly higher in patients with ongoing pregnancy than in patients with abnormal pregnancy.This monocentric retrospective study used data on 99 consecutive cycles of COS, triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin, followed by fresh embryo transfer resulting in a positive pregnancy test (>100 IU/L) (from November 2020 to November 2022). Patients undergoing preimplantation genetic screening or with ectopic pregnancy were excluded. All patients received standard luteal phase support (i.e. micronized vaginal progesterone 600 mg per day for 15 days). The primary endpoint was P4 concentration at day 15 after oocyte retrieval (pregnancy test day) in women with ongoing pregnancy for >12 weeks and in patients with miscarriage before week 12 of pregnancy.The median P4 concentration [range] at pregnancy test day was higher in women with ongoing pregnancy than in women with miscarriage (55.9 ng/mL [11.6; 290.6] versus 18.1 ng/mL [8.3; 140.9], p = 0.002). A P4 concentration ≥16.5 ng/mL at pregnancy test day was associated with higher ongoing pregnancy rate (OR = 12.5, 95% CI 3.61 - 43.33, p <0.001). A P4 concentration ≥16.5 ng/mL at pregnancy test day was significantly associated with higher live birth rate (OR = 11.88, 95% CI 3.30-42.71, p <0.001).After COS and fresh embryo transfer, the risk of miscarriage is higher in women who discontinue luteal support after 15 days, as recommended, but with P4 concentration <16.5 ng/mL. The benefit of individualized prolonged luteal phase support should be evaluated.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Progesterone; Abortion, Spontaneous; Fertilization in Vitro; Retrospective Studies; Lipopolysaccharides; Embryo Transfer; Pregnancy Tests; Ovulation Induction
PubMed: 37455896
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1191648 -
Cureus Aug 2022Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is characterized by pruritus of the hand and sole with abnormal liver function test and bile acid metabolism....
Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is characterized by pruritus of the hand and sole with abnormal liver function test and bile acid metabolism. IHCP occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. The overall prevalence is about 1.2 to 1.5%. This study was conducted to assess the fetomaternal outcome according to maternal serum bile acids levels and its correlation with liver function tests in patients with IHCP. Material and methods This ambispective observational study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) for two years at AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It included all the pregnant women attending the outpatient department of OBG with the complaint of pruritis in the palm and sole after 28 weeks of pregnancy and diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy after investigations. Results Only 152 patients were diagnosed with IHCP out of 4,148 deliveries, with a prevalence of 3.6%. Among these, 140 (92.11%) had mild IHCP, 10 (6.58%) had moderate IHCP and two (1.32%) had severe IHCP. There was a significant difference between the birth weight in mild, moderate and severe IHCP (P-value 0.004). About 12.5% (n=19) of patients had meconium-stained liquor during delivery. Two patients (1.32%) with moderate IHCP had intrauterine fetal death in the third trimester, and 6.58% (n=10) neonates were kept on continuous positive airway pressure. Conclusions IHCP is associated with adverse fetal outcomes like spontaneous or iatrogenic preterm delivery, low birth weight, increase in the rate of lower section cesarean section (LSCS) and intrauterine death of a fetus. A significant correlation found between raised bile acid levels and variables of liver function test, hence cost-effectiveness and feasibility of liver function test (LFT) should be considered for the management of IHCP.
PubMed: 36185921
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28512 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2021To determine whether there are differences in measures of cognitive function between second and third trimester pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. This...
To determine whether there are differences in measures of cognitive function between second and third trimester pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. This prospective study comprised 40 pregnant and 40 non-pregnant women, 20-40 years old, native-Hebrew speakers who were recruited from the outpatient clinics during a period of nearly 2 years. The patients underwent cognitive and affective evaluation. The performance on the three following tests: difficult and total items of Verbal Paired Associates, the Digit Span-forward and the Naming Objects and Fingers test scores were significantly better among non- pregnant women. All the other test results were similar between the two groups, including the depression scores. On multivariate linear regression analysis, after adjusting for age and years of education , Verbal Paired Associates total score (p = 0.04), and Naming Objects and Fingers (p = 0.01) remained significantly associated with pregnancy, but not Digit Span (p = 0.09). Our study demonstrates an impairment in memory among pregnant women. Furthermore language skills, particularly naming, were also impaired, a finding which has not been previously described.
Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Cognition Disorders; Female; Humans; Israel; Language; Neuropsychological Tests; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 34108532
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91504-9 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022Due to the recent pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the lateral flow immunoassay used for its rapid antigen test is more popular than ever before.... (Review)
Review
Due to the recent pandemic caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the lateral flow immunoassay used for its rapid antigen test is more popular than ever before. However, the history of the lateral flow immunoassay is about 60 years old, and its original purpose of use, such as a COVID-19 rapid antigen test or a pregnancy test, was the qualitative detection of a target analyte. Recently, the demand for quantitative analysis of lateral flow immunoassays is increasing in various fields. Lateral flow immunoassays for quantitative detection using various materials and sensor technologies are being introduced, and readers for analyzing them are being developed. Quantitative analysis readers are highly anticipated for their future development in line with technological advancements such as optical, magnetic field, photothermal, and electrochemical sensors and trends such as weight reduction, miniaturization, and cost reduction of systems. In addition, the sensing, processing, and communication functions of portable personal devices such as smartphones can be used as tools for the quantitative analysis of lateral flow immunoassays. As a result, lateral flow immunoassays can efficiently achieve the goal of rapid diagnosis by point-of-care testing. Readers used for the quantification of lateral flow immunoassays were classified according to the adopted sensor technology, and the research trends in each were reviewed in this paper. The development of a quantitative analysis system was often carried out in the assay aspect, so not only the readers but also the assay development cases were reviewed if necessary. In addition, systems for quantitative analysis of COVID-19, which have recently been gaining importance, were introduced as a separate section.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Immunoassay; Immunologic Tests; Middle Aged; Miniaturization; Point-of-Care Systems; Point-of-Care Testing
PubMed: 36236497
DOI: 10.3390/s22197398 -
PLOS Global Public Health 2023Early detection of pregnancy status may help women initiate earlier antenatal care and healthy pregnancy behaviors, which could lead to healthier mothers and infants....
Early detection of pregnancy status may help women initiate earlier antenatal care and healthy pregnancy behaviors, which could lead to healthier mothers and infants. Pregnancy tests are inexpensive and easy to use; meanwhile, little attention has been given to understanding women's knowledge and use of home pregnancy tests, especially in developing countries. We analyze cross-sectional data collected from 1,008 women ages 18-35, living in Northern Uganda in 2019, who are most likely to be uncertain about their pregnancy status. The survey asked women if they had knowledge of or had ever used a home pregnancy test kit, and barriers to purchasing a home pregnancy test kit. Among the 1,008 women, 65 percent report knowledge of home pregnancy test kits, and 29 percent report having ever used a test kit. Women who have heard of pregnancy test kits have higher levels of education, are in higher wealth quintiles, are more likely to have a salaried occupation and live closer to a health facility. Among women who report knowledge of home pregnancy test kits (N = 657), 90 percent report needing to ask their husband or partner for money to purchase a test kit, seven percent report they would hide the purchase, and 31 percent report that their husband or partner would not support the purchase. Women who report a lack of support from their husband or partner tend to be older, are more likely to have had prior pregnancies, are less likely to have a salaried occupation, are less likely to want a/another child, and are more likely to have a husband or partner desiring more children than herself. Future research aimed at understanding how and whether these barriers affect the utilization of home pregnancy test kits could help inform policymakers on how to increase the use of home pregnancy test kits. Trial registration: NCT03975933. Registered 05 June 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03975933.
PubMed: 37440465
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002165 -
Ginekologia Polska 2021This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy complications, which increased compared to the same period before the pandemic.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy complications, which increased compared to the same period before the pandemic.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This prospective study was conducted at Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Women›s Health Practices & Research Center between June 2020 and July 2020. The asymptomatic term PROM and miscarriage pregnant women were screened for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) positivity by using IgM and IgG antibody tests. All the positive cases were confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All the patients answered 12 questions to determine their approach to COVID-19.
RESULTS
Four of the 205 (2%) term PROM patients had positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody tests, one of the 205 (0.5%) term PROM patients had a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test, and one of the 205 (% 0.5) term PROM patients had positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibody tests. All 230 miscarriage patients had negative IgM/IgG antibody tests. Four of the positive antibody cases had positive RT-PCR tests (2%) and were referred to a pandemic hospital. The patients thought that 93.2% and 95.6% of pregnant women with term PROM and miscarriage, respectively, SARS-CoV-2 would infect themselves, and 89.8% and 92.6%, respectively, would infect their children. The number of patients who would not consider pregnancy if they were not pregnant during this period was significantly higher in the term PROM (48.3%) compared to the miscarriage (27.8%) patients (p < 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
No COVID-19 cases were determined in the asymptomatic miscarriage patients. In the asymptomatic term PROM patients, the effects of COVID were not observed.
Topics: Antibodies, Viral; COVID-19; Child; Female; Humans; Pandemics; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34263916
DOI: 10.5603/GP.a2021.0134 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Infertility has been recognized as a distressing experience among couples worldwide, cutting across various cultures. This present study was conducted to assess the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Infertility has been recognized as a distressing experience among couples worldwide, cutting across various cultures. This present study was conducted to assess the impact of a supportive stress management program led by an infertility coach for women undergoing fertility treatment. This randomized controlled clinical trial study was performed on 60 infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques at Maryam Infertility Center located in Sari in 2018. After random allocation in two groups, 30 individuals were in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. The intervention program was implemented according to the infertility coach's counseling protocol in six stages. The control group received only routine ward counseling. In order to measure stress, the Newton Infertility Stress Questionnaire was used firstly before intervention and then after oocyte puncture, embryo transfer, and pregnancy testing. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 18 and Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, Friedman test, Wilcoxon test, GEE test, and Cohen's effect size. Our analysis approach has also been based on the analysis of (ITT). The significance level was 0.05. The mean ± SD scores of infertility perceived stress before the intervention in the control was 146.16 ± 16.90 and the intervention group was 156.53 ± 9.31, after intervention at the time of oocyte puncture in the controls was 165.36 ± 8.98 and the intervention group was 155.83 ± 10.70, at the day of embryo transfer in the control group was 156.35 ± 14.45 and in the intervention group was 123.58 ± 22.9 and in the pregnancy test day in the control group was 185.76 ± 26.56 and in the intervention group was 127.61 ± 21.57 (P < 0.001). According to Friedman test, the mean of stress in three situations after the intervention showed a significant difference in reduction of the mean of stress (P < 0.001). In the control group, the stress score of the samples had an increasing trend, which was significant during the measurement steps based on Friedman test results (P < 0.001). In the intervention group, paired t-test results showed no significant comparing mean score of Newton's infertility stress before and after oocyte puncture day (P = 0.711), comparing the mean of stress before and after pregnancy test day (P = 0.003) and also comparing of mean stress before and after pregnancy on the day of embryo transfer according to Wilcoxon test (P < 0.001). And comparing mean stress before and after pregnancy test day, paired t-test (P = 0.001) showed significant statistical differences. According to the results of the GEE test, changes in stress scores over time were significant between the two groups (P < 0.001), as well as the effect of stress on oocyte puncture day (0.41), embryo transfer day (1.69), pregnancy test day (P < 0.001) (2.46) had a significant effect on the day of embryo transfer and pregnancy test day. Based on the results of this study, the infertility coach program demonstrated the ability to decrease the perceived stress related to infertility. Additionally, it showed potential in enhancing treatment outcomes, such as oocyte count and positive pregnancy results, among infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.Trial registration: Iranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/33357 ). Registered 11-11-2018.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Fertility; Infertility, Female; Iran; Mentoring; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 37666933
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41845-4