Corrigendum to: Deep Learning-based Automated Knee Joint Localization in Radiographic Images Using Faster R-CNN.

In the online version of the article, a change was made in the section of author's affiliation. The affiliation of Drs. Sivakumari and Vani in the online version of the article entitled "Deep Learning-based Automated Knee Joint Localization in Radiographic Images Using Faster R-CNN has been updated in "Current Medical Imaging", 2024; 20: e15734056262464 [1]. The original article can be found online at: https:// www.eurekaselect.com/article/135374 Original: T. Sivakumari1 and R. Vani1* 1SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Corrected: T. Sivakumari1 and R. Vani1* 1Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Corrigendum to: Performance analysis of Alexnet for Classification of Knee Osteoarthritis.

In the online version of the article, a change was made in the section of author's affiliation. The affiliation of Drs. Sivakumari and Vani in the online version of the article entitled "Performance analysis of Alexnet for Classification of Knee Osteoarthritis has been updated in "Current Medical Imaging", 2024; 20: e090823219574 [1]. The original article can be found online at: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/133483 Original: T. Sivakumari1 and R. Vani1* 1SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Corrected: T. Sivakumari1 and R. Vani1* 1Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Spermatogonial quantity in prepubertal boys undergoing fertility preservation is comparable between haematological and non-haematological cancers.

Fertility restoration potential of immature testicular tissue (ITT) depends on the number of spermatogonial cells in the retrieved tissue prior to cryopreservation in oncofertility programme. There are limited data on the association between type of malignancy and testicular germ cell population. Hence, this study is aimed to investigate the spermatogonial and Sertoli cell population in ITT retrieved from 14 pre-pubertal boys who opted for fertility preservation. Histopathological and immunochemical analysis of seminiferous tubules from haematological (N = 7) and non-haematological (N = 7) malignant patients revealed 3.43 ± 2.92 and 1.71 ± 1.81 spermatogonia per tubular cross section (S/T), respectively. The Sertoli cell number was comparable between haematological and non-haematological group (18.42 ± 3.78 and 22.03 ± 10.43). Spermatogonial quantity in ITT did not vary significantly between haematological and non-haematological cancers. This observation, though preliminary, would contribute to the limited literature on paediatric male oncofertility.

Differential sperm histone retention in normozoospermic ejaculates of infertile men negatively affects sperm functional competence and embryo quality.

BACKGROUND: The unique epigenetic architecture that sperm cells acquire during spermiogenesis by retaining <15% of either canonical or variant histone proteins in their genome is essential for normal embryogenesis. Whilst heterogeneous levels of retained histones are found in morphologically normal spermatozoa, their effect on reproductive outcomes is not fully understood. METHODS: Processed spermatozoa (n = 62) were tested for DNA integrity by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, and retained histones were extracted and subjected to dot-blot analysis. The impact of retained histone modifications in normozoospermic patients on sperm functional characteristics, embryo quality, metabolic signature in embryo spent culture medium and pregnancy outcome was studied. RESULTS: Dot-blot analysis showed heterogeneous levels of retained histones in the genome of normozoospermic ejaculates. Post-wash sperm yield was affected by an increase in H3K27Me3 and H4K20Me3 levels in the sperm chromatin (p < 0.05). Also, spermatozoa with higher histone H3 retention had increased DNA damage (p < 0.05). Spermatozoa from these cohorts, when injected into donor oocytes, correlated to a significant decrease in the fertilisation rate with an increase in sperm histone H3 (p < 0.05) and H3K27Me3 (p < 0.01). An increase in histone H3 negatively affected embryo quality (p < 0.01) and clinical pregnancy outcome post-embryo transfer (p < 0.05). On the other hand, spent culture medium metabolites assessed by high-resolution (800 MHz) nuclear magnetic resonance showed an increased intensity of the amino acid methionine in the non-pregnant group than in the pregnant group (p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with sperm histone H3 in the pregnant group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Histone retention in spermatozoa can be one of the factors behind the development of idiopathic male infertility. Such spermatozoa may influence embryonic behaviour and thereby affect the success rate of assisted reproductive technology procedures. These results, although descriptive in nature, warrant further research to address the underlying mechanisms behind these clinically important observations.

Performance analysis of Alexnet for Classification of Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, automated grading of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has focused on determining disease progression. Clinical examinations and radiographic image review are necessary for diagnosis. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with medical care, can slow down KOA progression. X-rays and MRI are crucial diagnostic tools. KOA diagnosis traditionally relies on radiologists' and clinicians' experience. However, the rapid development of deep learning technology (AI) offers promising solutions for medical applications. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review and summarize various methods proposed by researchers for the automated grading of KOA. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of the AlexNet model in classifying the severity of KOA. The performance of the AlexNet model has been compared to that of other models, and the results have been assessed. METHOD: A comprehensive review of existing research on automated grading of KOA has been conducted. Various methods proposed by different researchers have been examined and summarized. The AlexNet model has been employed for classifying the severity of KOA, and its performance has been evaluated. A comparative analysis has been carried out to compare the performance of the AlexNet model with that of other models. The results obtained from the evaluation have been assessed to determine the effectiveness of the AlexNet model in the automated grading of KOA. RESULTS: The results of the study indicate that the AlexNet model demonstrates promising performance in classifying the severity of KOA. Comparative analysis reveals that the AlexNet model outperforms other models in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The evaluation of the model's performance provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of deep learning techniques for automated grading of KOA. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significance of automated grading in the diagnosis and management of knee osteoarthritis. The utilization of deep learning technology, particularly the AlexNet model, shows promise in accurately classifying the severity of KOA. The findings suggest that automated grading methods can serve as valuable tools for healthcare professionals in assessing the progression of KOA and providing appropriate medical care. Further research and development in this area can contribute to enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of automated grading systems for KOA.

Evaluation of Caripill™ as a component of platelet storage solution

ABSTRACT Background Carica papaya Linn. has high nutraceutical and pharmacological values. The leaves possess antimicrobial, anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. They are used to treat thrombocytopenia during dengue fever and the leaf extract is commercially available as tablets under the name Caripill™ (MicroLabs, Bengaluru). Nevertheless, platelet transfusion is recommended in severe cases of thrombocytopenia, but the platelet storage is limited to 5-7 days at 22−24 °C. Reducing oxidative stress (OS) during platelet storage might help in prolonging the shelf-life, since the OS is known to cause platelet storage lesion. Hence, this study investigated the effects of Caripill™ as an additive in Tyrode's buffer during extended platelet storage. Methods Platelets isolated from 4 months old male Wistar rats were stored with Caripill™ (50 and 100 µg/ml) at 22 °C for 12 days. Platelet functional and metabolic markers and various OS markers were analyzed on days 0, 4, 8 and 12. Results Caripill™ (50 and 100 µg/ml) maintained platelet functions and lactate dehydrogenase, elevated nitrites, reduced glucose consumption, protected proteins and up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes. However, the CP100 up-regulated catalase from day 4, elevated nitrites from day 8, prevented the formation of secondary products of lipid peroxidation and increased the total antioxidant capacity on day 4. Conclusions Caripill™ reduced platelet storage lesion up to day 8 of storage. Results suggest that a higher concentration of Caripill™ was more effective in combating the oxidative damage during platelet storage. This study throws light on the beneficial effects of Caripill™ in combating oxidative stress during platelet storage.

Evaluation of Caripill™ as a component of platelet storage solution.

BACKGROUND: Carica papaya Linn. has high nutraceutical and pharmacological values. The leaves possess antimicrobial, anti-tumor and antioxidant properties. They are used to treat thrombocytopenia during dengue fever and the leaf extract is commercially available as tablets under the name Caripill™ (MicroLabs, Bengaluru). Nevertheless, platelet transfusion is recommended in severe cases of thrombocytopenia, but the platelet storage is limited to 5-7 days at 22-24°C. Reducing oxidative stress (OS) during platelet storage might help in prolonging the shelf-life, since the OS is known to cause platelet storage lesion. Hence, this study investigated the effects of Caripill™ as an additive in Tyrode's buffer during extended platelet storage. METHODS: Platelets isolated from 4 months old male Wistar rats were stored with Caripill™ (50 and 100µg/ml) at 22°C for 12 days. Platelet functional and metabolic markers and various OS markers were analyzed on days 0, 4, 8 and 12. RESULTS: Caripill™ (50 and 100µg/ml) maintained platelet functions and lactate dehydrogenase, elevated nitrites, reduced glucose consumption, protected proteins and up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes. However, the CP100 up-regulated catalase from day 4, elevated nitrites from day 8, prevented the formation of secondary products of lipid peroxidation and increased the total antioxidant capacity on day 4. CONCLUSIONS: Caripill™ reduced platelet storage lesion up to day 8 of storage. Results suggest that a higher concentration of Caripill™ was more effective in combating the oxidative damage during platelet storage. This study throws light on the beneficial effects of Caripill™ in combating oxidative stress during platelet storage.

Re-usage of the Waste Drug as Molecular Chemosensor for Fe3+ Ion: Application towards Fluorescent Ink.

Herein, a novel notion is used to reuse an expired drug namely Telmisartan (Sensor 2) to optically sense the Fe3+ metal ion. Direct re-usage of the drug avoided wearisome procedures of synthesis, hence proved the method as simple and economic. Sensor 2 found highly stable in the temperature range 25-75 °C. Relative fluorescence was almost the same even after 35 days of observation. There were no significant changes in wavelength even after adding different concentrations of FeCl3, which shows the high stability of the compound. The value of Limit of Detection (LOD) observed was 34.2 nM. FTIR studies confirmed the presence of carboxylic group. The method of fluorescence quenching was used to detect the Fe3+ ion. The association between Sensor 2 and Fe3+ was analyzed using Benesi-Hildebrand relation. Positive deviation from the linearity of S-V plots suggested that the quenching was not purely dynamic. Further, this deviation was analyzed by the sphere of action quenching model. To investigate whether the quenching is diffusion limited, we applied the finite sink approximation model and deduced that quenching is due to both static and dynamic processes. Due to the high fluorescence property of the molecule, it was successfully tested to be used as fluorescent ink.

Estimation of Photophysical and Electrochemical Parameters of Bioactive Thiadiazole Derivative.

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of synthesized 4-[5-(2,5-Dimethyl-pyrrol-1-yl)-[1, 3, 4] thiadiazol-2-ylsulfanylmethyl]-6-methoxy-chromen-2-one (DTYMC) compound were recorded in various solvents like acetone, acetonitrile, chloroform, dimethyl formamide (DMF),1,4-dioxane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) at room temperature in order to estimate the ground and excited state dipole moment. The ground state dipole moment (µg) and excited state dipole moment (µe) were calculated using solvatochromic shift method which involve equations proposed by Lippert, Bakshiev and Kawski-Chamma-Viallete. The results were signified that the excited state dipole moment is greater than the ground state dipole moment, which indicates the excited state is more polar than the ground state of the molecule. The bond angle between the ground state and excited state dipole moments were found to be 00, The change in dipole moment (∆µ) was calculated using microscopic solvent polarity parameter ([Formula: see text]). Further multiple linear regression analysis of Kamlet-Taft parameter, HOMO-LUMO energy were determined by cyclic voltammetry using phosphate buffer solution.

Racial/Ethnic Inequities in Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth: The Role of Multiple Forms of Stress.

Introduction Racial/ethnic inequities in low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) persist in the United States. Research has identified numerous risk factors for adverse birth outcomes; however, they do not fully explain the occurrence of, or inequalities in PTB/LBW. Stress has been proposed as one explanation for differences in LBW and PTB by race/ethnicity. Methods Using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 2012 to 2013 for 21 states and one city (n = 15,915) we used Poisson regression to estimate the association between acute, financial and relationship stressors and LBW and PTB, and to examine the contribution of these stressors individually and simultaneously to racial/ethnic differences in LBW and PTB. Results Adjusting for age and race/ethnicity, acute (p < 0.001), financial (p < 0.001) and relationship (p < 0.05) stressors were associated with increased risk of LBW, but only acute (p < 0.05) and financial (p < 0.01) stress increased risk of PTB. Across all models, non-Hispanic blacks had higher risk of LBW and PTB relative to non-Hispanic whites (IRR 1.87, 95% CI 1.55, 2.27 and IRR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18, 1.79). Accounting for the effects of stressors attenuated the risk of LBW and PTB by 17 and 22% respectively, but did not fully explain the increased likelihood of LBW and PTB among non-Hispanic blacks. Discussion Results of this study demonstrate that stress may increase the risk of LBW and PTB. While stressors may contribute to racial/ethnic differences in LBW and PTB, they do not fully explain them. Mitigating stress during pregnancy may help promote healthier birth outcomes and reduce racial/ethnic inequities in LBW and PTB.

Study of Photophysical Properties on Newly Synthesized Coumarin Derivatives.

Herein, we have studied the photophysical properties for three newly synthesized coumarin derivatives; 4-((2,6-dibromo-4-methylphenoxy)methyl)-2H-benzo[h]chromen-2-one (DMB), 4-((3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinolin-1-yl)methyl)-6-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (DIM) and 4-((p-tolyloxy)methyl)-6-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (TMC). The absorption and emission spectra for above said molecules were recorded in different solvents at room temperature in order to calculate their ground and excited state dipole moments. The ground (µ g ) and excited state dipole (µ e ) moments of these coumarin derivatives were calculated using Lippert's, Bakshiev's and Kawski-Chamma-Viallet's equations by the solvatochromic shift method, which involves a variation of Stokes shift with the solvent dielectric constant and refractive index. Ground state dipole moments (µ g ) were also calculated from the Guggenheim method using the dielectric constant and refractive index of the solute molecule. The value of ground state dipole moment obtained from these two methods is well correlated. Further, it is notified that the excited state dipole moment is larger than the ground state dipole moment for all three solute molecules. It inferred that the excited state for above said molecules is more polar than the ground state. The present investigations may shine in the design of nonlinear optical materials. Graphical Abstract The photophysical properties for novel coumarin derivatives were studied in different solvents.Ground and excited state dipole moments were estimated by the solvatochromic shift method. The excited state dipole moment is greater than the ground state dipole moment in systems studied. The excited state is more polar than the ground state. The present investigation may be shine in the design of non linear optical materials.

Analysis of Fluorescence Quenching for Newly Synthesized Biologically Active 3(2H)-pyridazinone Derivative by Aniline.

Herein, we have studied the analysis of fluorescence quenching for newly synthesized biologically active 3(2H)-pyridazinone derivative 5-(5-bromo-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-2-phenyl-2H-pyridazin-3-one [BHP] by various concentrations of aniline using UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and time-correlated single photon counting technique in five different solvents namely, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, dimethylsulfoxide and ethyl acetate at room temperature. The fluorescence intensity of BHP molecule decrease with increasing in the aniline concentration and it is studied using the Stern-Volmer relation. The obtained Stern-Volmer plots were found to be linear in all the five solvents. The various parameters responsible for the fluorescence quenching such as quenching rate parameters (k q ), diffusion rate parameter (k d ) and the probability of quenching per encounter (p) were experimentally calculated in all five solvents. An activation energy of quenching (E a ) was calculated using the values of activation energy of diffusion (E d ) and p. It was found that the values of E a are greater than E d in all five solvents studied. Further, it is inferred that the fluorescence quenching reactions in BHP molecule are more significantly affected by activation energy processes.

Photophysical Properties of a Novel and Biologically Active 3(2H)-Pyridazinone Derivative Using Solvatochromic Approach.

Herein, we report photophysical properties of a novel and biologically active 3(2H)-pyridazinone derivative 5-(4-chloro-2-hydoxy-phenyl)-2-phenyl-2H-pyridazin-3-one [CHP] molecule using solvatochromic approaches. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of CHP molecule have been measured at room temperature in various solvents of different polarities. From this, it is observed that the positions, intensities and shapes of the absorption and emission bands are usually modified. Experimentally, the ground and excited state dipole moments are estimated using solvatochromic shift method which involves Lippert's, Bakshiev's and Kawski-Chamma-Viallet's equations. Theoretically, the ground state dipole moment was estimated using the Gaussian-09 program. The value of ground state dipole moment estimated using experimental and theoretical methods are well correlated. This inference that the molecular geometry is taken for CHP molecule under theoretical and experimental methods are similar. Further, we observed that the excited state dipole moment (µ e ) is greater than the ground state dipole moment (µ g ) which indicates that the excited state is more polar than the ground state. Furthermore, we have estimated an angle between the ground and excited state dipole moments. In addition, we have estimated the fluorescence quantum yield of CHP molecule using Rhodamine B as a standard reference in different solvents.

l-carnitine as a Potential Additive in Blood Storage Solutions: A Study on Erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes undergo various changes during storage (storage lesion) that in turn reduces their functioning and survival. Oxidative stress plays a major role in the storage lesion and antioxidants can be used to combat this stress. This study elucidates the effects of l-carnitine (LC) on erythrocytes of stored blood. Blood was obtained from male Wistar rats and stored (4 °C) for 20 days in CPDA-1 (citrate phosphate dextrose adenine) solution. Samples were divided into-(i) controls (ii) LC 10 (l-carnitine at a concentration of 10 mM) (iii) LC 30 (l-carnitine at a concentration of 30 mM) and (iv) LC 60 (l-carnitine at a concentration of 60 mM). Every fifth day, the biomarkers (haemoglobin, hemolysis, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation products) were analysed in erythrocytes. Hemoglobin and protein sulfhydryls were insignificant during storage indicative of the maintenance of hemoglobin and sulfhydryls in all groups. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels increased initially and decreased towards the end of storage. The levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase were lower in experimentals than controls during storage. l-carnitine assisted the enzymes by scavenging the reactive oxygen species produced. Hemolysis increased in all groups with storage, elucidating that l-carnitine could not completely protect lipids and proteins from oxidative stress. Hence, this study opens up new avenues of using l-carnitine as a component of storage solutions with combinations of antioxidants in order to maintain efficacy of erythrocytes.

Solvent Effects on the Electronic Absorption and Fluorescence Spectra of HNP: Estimation of Ground and Excited State Dipole Moments.

We report the effect of solvents on absorption and fluorescence spectra of biologically active 3(2H)-pyridazinone namely 5-(2-hydroxy-naphthalen-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-pyridazin-3-one (HNP) in different solvents at room temperature. The ground and the excited state dipole moments of HNP molecule was estimated from Lippert's, Bakshiev's and Kawski-Chamma-Viallet's equations using the solvatochromic shift method. The ground state dipole moment (µ g ) was also estimated by Guggenheim and Higasi method using the dielectric constant and refractive index of solute at different concentrations, the µ g value obtained from these two methods are comparable to the µ g value obtained by the solvatochromic shift method. The excited state dipole moment (µ e ) is greater than the ground state dipole moment (µ g ), which indicates that the excited state is more polar than the ground state. Further, we have evaluated the change in dipole moment (Δµ) from the solvatochromic shift method and on the basis of molecular-microscopic solvent polarity parameter[Formula: see text], later on the values were compared.

Influence of Oxidative Stress on Stored Platelets.

Platelet storage and its availability for transfusion are limited to 5-6 days. Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the causes for reduced efficacy and shelf-life of platelets. The studies on platelet storage have focused on improving the storage conditions by altering platelet storage solutions, temperature, and materials. Nevertheless, the role of OS on platelet survival during storage is still unclear. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the influence of storage on platelets. Platelets were stored for 12 days at 22°C. OS markers such as aggregation, superoxides, reactive oxygen species, glucose, pH, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and antioxidant enzymes were assessed. OS increased during storage as indicated by increments in aggregation, superoxides, pH, conjugate dienes, and superoxide dismutase and decrements in glucose and catalase. Thus, platelets could endure OS till 6 days during storage, due to the antioxidant defense system. An evident increase in OS was observed from day 8 of storage, which can diminish the platelet efficacy. The present study provides an insight into the gradual changes occurring during platelet storage. This lays the foundation towards new possibilities of employing various antioxidants as additives in storage solutions.

Phytochemicals as potential therapeutics for thrombocytopenia.

Medical knowledge has always relied on plants as the main sources of important beneficial compounds. Many species have been recognized to have medicinal properties and beneficial impact on health, e.g. antioxidant activity, digestive stimulation action, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic potential. This review focuses on the promising role of plants and their products in attenuating thrombocytopenia, a common and complex bleeding disorder. When the platelet count decreases below 150,000/µl, it causes thrombocytopenia. This bleeding disorder is observed in 2.5 % of the normal population. The risk of spontaneous muco-cutaneous bleeding and life threatening intracranial haemorrhage or gastrointestinal bleeding increases rapidly when the platelet count decreases below 10,000/µl. The inability to provide supportive treatment to increase the platelet counts often proves fatal to patients. Currently, treatment for thrombocytopenia includes use of drugs or splenectomy or platelet transfusions, in severe cases. Recently, studies have shown platelet augmenting activity of various plant extracts. The effectiveness, toxicity and side effects of the phytochemicals have to be critically evaluated in clinical trials. An in depth understanding of the role and mechanism of these phytochemicals would lead to their successful implementation in treatment and management of thrombocytopenia and other related bleeding disorders.

Prospects of Vitamin C as an Additive in Plasma of Stored Blood.

There is a dire necessity to improve blood storage and prolong shelf-life of blood. Very few studies have focused on oxidative stress (OS) in blood and its influence on plasma with storage. This study attempts to (i) elucidate the continuous changes occurring in plasma during storage through oxidant levels and antioxidant status and (ii) evaluate the influence of vitamin C (VC) as an additive during blood storage. Blood was drawn from male Wistar rats and stored for 25 days at 4°C. Blood samples were divided into control and experimental groups. Plasma was isolated every 5 days and the OS markers, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation products, were studied. Catalase activity increased in all groups with storage. Lipid peroxidation decreased in VC (10) but was maintained in VC (30) and VC (60). Although there were variations in all groups, carbonyls were maintained towards the end of storage. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) increased in VC (30) and were maintained in VC (10) and VC (60). Sulfhydryls were maintained in all groups. Vitamin C could not sufficiently attenuate OS and hence, this opens the possibilities for further studies on vitamin C in combination with other antioxidants, in storage solutions.

In Vitro Susceptibility of Wistar Rat Platelets to Hydrogen Peroxide and AAPH-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals are biologically active species because of their likelihood to damage cellular constituents. An in vitro study on Wistar rats was conducted to investigate the influence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) on platelets and compare the vulnerability of platelets to oxidative stress (OS) induced by these two free radical initiators. Isolated platelets were divided into controls (without free radical initiators; n = 5) and experimentals (with free radical initiators; n = 5). Different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0) of free radical initiators H2O2 and AAPH were used to treat the platelets and incubated for 5, 15 and 30 min. Biomarkers such as platelet aggregation, superoxide generation, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugate dienes), protein oxidation (protein carbonyls, sulfhydryls) and antioxidant enzymes were assessed. In H2O2 and AAPH treated platelets, though OS was observed at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mM, platelets could tolerate the oxidative insult. Treatment of platelets with 2.0 mM H2O2 demonstrated the onset of irreversible changes in platelets as observed in the results of increased superoxide generation and lipid peroxidation products. In 2.0 mM AAPH platelets, the oxidative damage was evident as indicated through increased aggregation, superoxide generation and conjugate dienes and lower protein sulfhydryls. Platelets were more susceptible to AAPH than H2O2, as AAPH acted on both lipids and proteins whereas H2O2 acted only on lipids. This study gives insight on platelet survival under different OS situations.

Maternal and hospital characteristics of non-medically indicated deliveries prior to 39 weeks.

Non-medically indicated (NMI) deliveries prior to 39 weeks increase the risk of neonatal mortality, excess morbidity, and health care costs. The study's purpose was to identify maternal and hospital characteristics associated with NMI deliveries prior to 39 weeks. The study included 207,775 births to women without a previous cesarean and 38,316 births to women with a previous cesarean, using data from Florida's 2006-2007 linked birth certificate and inpatient record file. Adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for characteristics were calculated using generalized estimating equation for multinomial logistic regression. Among women without a previous cesarean, NMI deliveries occurred in 18,368 births (8.8 %). Non-medically indicated inductions were more likely in women who were non-Hispanic white (ARR: 1.41, 95 % CI 1.31-1.52), privately-insured (ARR: 1.42, 95 % CI 1.26-1.59), and delivered in hospitals with <500 births per year. Non-medically indicated primary cesareans were more likely in women who were older than 35 years (ARR: 2.96, 95 % CI 2.51-3.50), non-Hispanic white (ARR: 1.44, 95 % CI 1.30-1.59), and privately-insured (ARR: 1.43, 95 % CI 1.17-1.73). Non-medically indicated primary cesareans were also more likely to occur in hospitals with <30 % nurse-midwife births, <500 births per year, and in large metro areas. Among women with previous cesarean, NMI repeat cesareans occurred in 16,746 births (43.7 %). Only weak risk factors were identified for NMI repeat cesareans. The risk factors identified varied by NMI outcome. This information can be used to inform educational campaigns and identify hospitals that may benefit from quality improvement efforts.