State-selective charge exchange cross sections in collisions of highly-charged sulfur ions with helium and molecular hydrogen

The state-selective cross section data are useful for understanding and modeling the x-ray emission in celestial observations.In the present work,using the cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy,for the first time we investigated the state-selective single electron capture processes for S^(q+)–He and H_(2)(q=11–15)collision systems at an impact energy of q×20 keV and obtained the relative state-selective cross sections.The results indicate that only a few principal quantum states of the projectile energy level are populated in a single electron capture process.In particular,the increase of the projectile charge state leads to the population of the states with higher principal quantum numbers.It is also shown that the experimental averaged n-shell populations are reproduced well by the over-barrier model.The database is openly available in Science Data Bank at 10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00091.

Absolute partial and total ionization cross sections of carbon monoxide with electron collision from 350 eV to 8000 eV

The absolute partial and total cross sections for electron impact ionization of carbon monoxide are reported for electron energies from 350 eV to 8000 eV.The product ions(CO^(+),C^(+),O^(+),CO^(2+),C^(2+),and O^(2+))are measured by employing an ion imaging mass spectrometer and two ion-pair dissociation channels(C^(+)+O^(+)and C^(2+)+O^(+))are identified.The absolute cross sections for producing individual ions and their total,as well as for the ion-pair dissociation channels are obtained by normalizing the data of CO^(+)to that of Ar^(+)from CO-Ar mixture target with a fixed 1:1 ratio.The overall errors are evaluated by considering various kinds of uncertainties.A comprehensive comparison is made with the available data,which shows a good agreement with each other over the energy ranges that are overlapped.This work presents new cross-section data with electron energies above 1000 eV.

Measurement of the neutron-induced total cross sections of ^(nat)Pb from 0.3 eV to 20 MeV on the Back-n at CSNS

The neutron-induced total cross sections of natural lead have been measured in a wide energy range(0.3 eV-20 MeV)on the back-streaming white neutron beamline(Back-n)at the China Spallation Neutron Source.Neutron energy was determined by the neutron total cross-section spectrometer using the time-of-flight technique.A fast multi-cell fission chamber was used as the neutron detector,and a 10-mm-thick high-purity natural lead sample was employed for the neutron transmission measurements.The on-beam background was determined using Co,In,Ag,and Cd filters.The excitation function of ^(nat)Pb(n,tot)reaction below 20 MeV was calculated using the TALYS-1.96 nuclear-reaction modeling program.The present results were compared with previous results,the evaluated data available in the five major evaluated nuclear data libraries(i.e.,ENDF/B-VIII.0,JEFF-3.3,JENDL-5,CENDL-3.2,and BROND-3.1),and the theoretical calculation curve.Good agreement was found between the new results and those of previous experiments and with the theoretical curves in the corresponding region.This measurement obtained the neutron total cross section of natural lead with good accuracy over a wide energy range and added experimental data in the resonance energy range.This provides more reliable experimental data for nuclear engineering design and nuclear data evaluation of lead.

Neuroanatomical Basis of Postoperative Pain and Assessment of Its Management in a Series of Patients Undergoing Caesarean Sections

Introduction: In recent decades, the cost of postoperative pain has been the subject of many studies based on protocols developed by scientific societies for its assessment and optimization. At the Regional Hospital of Saint-Louis (Senegal), several protocols have been developed for pain management, but no study has focused on the assessment of postoperative pain management specifically. We therefore initiated this work, the objectives of which were to remind the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of postoperative pain, and to analyze the assessment and management of this pain in patients who have undergone a caesarean section. Materials and methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study, which took place in the gynecology-obstetrics department, over a period from January 2019 to July 2020. All patients who gave birth by cesarean section were included. The data was collected from a survey sheet written for this purpose. For each of the patients, the information was taken every day throughout the duration of postoperative hospitalization. Results: It appears from our work that after a cesarean section, the pain felt evolves on the first postoperative days with a peak during the second day. As in the data reported in the literature, there does not seem to be a difference in terms of pain intensity and analgesia dosage between scheduled and emergency caesarean sections. However, young age and female gender—for other types of surgeries—are risk factors associated with high postoperative pain scores. This trend is probably related to the low pain experience of tested patients. Our initial hypothesis was that acute post-operative pain after caesarean sections could be linked to defects in the perception and processing of pain by caregivers. Indeed, we have shown that awareness-raising, information, and training actions have made it possible to significantly improve the management of pain after a cesarean section. Conclusion: After a cesarean section the pain is intense, especially when the effects of the morphine wear off. However, in our context where morphine and its derivatives are only slightly used, the post-operative pain is maximal rapidly. This pain therefore needs to be researched and treated appropriately. After a campaign to raise awareness among healthcare personnel, it is possible to significantly improve the systematic administration of analgesics.

Measurement of Br(n,γ)cross sections up to stellar s-process temperatures at the CSNS Back‑n

The neutron capture cross sections(n,γ)of bromine were obtained using the time-of-flight technique at the Back-n facility of the China Spallation Neutron Source.Promptγ-rays originating from neutron-induced capture events were detected using four C_(6)D_(6) detectors.The pulse-height weighting technique and double-bunch unfolding method based on Bayesian theory were used in the data analysis.Background deductions,normalization,and corrections were carefully considered to obtain reliable measurement results.The multilevel R-matrix Bayesian code SAMMY was used to extract the resonance parameters in the resolved resonance region(RRR).The average cross sections in the unresolved resonance region(URR)were obtained from 10 to 400 keV.The experimental results were compared with data from several evaluated libraries and previous experi-ments in the RRR and URR.The TALYS code was used to describe the average cross sections in the URR.The astrophysical Maxwell average cross sections(MACSs)of ^(79,81)Br from kT=5 to 100 keV were calculated over a sufficiently wide range of neutron energies.At a thermal energy of kT=30 keV,the MACS value for ^(79)Br 682±68 mb was in good agreement with the KADoNiS v1.0 recommended value.By contrast,the value of 293±29 mb for ^(81)Br was substantially higher than that of the evaluated database and the KADoNiS v1.0 recommended value.

Progress of photonuclear cross sections for medical radioisotope production at the SLEGS energy domain

Photonuclear reactions using a laser Compton scattering(LCS)gamma source provide a new method for producing radioisotopes for medical applications.Compared with the conventional method,this method has the advantages of a high specific activity and less heat.Initiated by the Shanghai Laser Electron Gamma Source(SLEGS),we conducted a survey of potential photonuclear reactions,(γ,n),(γ,p),and(γ,γ')whose cross sections can be measured at SLEGS by summarising the experimental progress.In general,the data are rare and occasionally inconsistent.Therefore,theoretical calculations are often used to evaluate the production of medical radioisotopes.Subsequently,we verified the model uncertainties of the widely used reaction code TALYS-1.96,using the experimental data of the^(100)Mo(γ,n)^(99)Mo,^(65)Cu(γ,n)^(64)Cu,and^(68)Zn(γ,p)^(67)Cu reactions.

Measurement of^(134)Xe(n,2n)^(133m),gXe reaction cross sections in 14‑MeV region with detailed uncertainty quantification

A lead-shielded HPGe detector and offlineγ-ray spectra of the residual product were used to measure the cross section(CS)and ratios of isomeric CS(σm/σg)in^(134)Xe(n,2n)^(133m),gXe reactions at different energies(13.5 MeV,13.8 MeV,14.1 MeV,14.4 MeV,14.8 MeV)relative to the^(93)Nb(n,2n)^(92)mNb reaction CS.The target was high-purity natural Xe gas under high pressure.The T(d,n)4He reaction produces neutrons.TALYS code(version 1.95)for nuclear reactions was used for calculations,with default parameters and nuclear level density models.The uncertainties in the measured CS data were thoroughly analyzed using the covariance analysis method.The results were compared with theoretical values,evaluation data,and previous experimental findings.CS data of the 134Xe(n,2n)133mXe and 134Xe(n,2n)133gXe reactions and the corresponding isomeric CS ratios at 13.5 MeV,13.8 MeV,and 14.1 MeV neutron energies are reported for the first time.This research advances our knowledge of pre-equilibrium emission in the(n,2n)reaction channel by resolving inconsistencies in the Xe data.

Fine-grained gravity flow sedimentation and its influence on development of shale oil sweet sections in lacustrine basins in China

The geological conditions and processes of fine-grained gravity flow sedimentation in continental lacustrine basins in China are analyzed to construct the model of fine-grained gravity flow sedimentation in lacustrine basin,reveal the development laws of fine-grained deposits and source-reservoir,and identify the sweet sections of shale oil.The results show that fine-grained gravity flow is one of the important sedimentary processes in deep lake environment,and it can transport fine-grained clasts and organic matter in shallow water to deep lake,forming sweet sections and high-quality source rocks of shale oil.Fine-grained gravity flow deposits in deep waters of lacustrine basins in China are mainly fine-grained high-density flow,fine-grained turbidity flow(including surge-like turbidity flow and fine-grained hyperpycnal flow),fine-grained viscous flow(including fine-grained debris flow and mud flow),and fine-grained transitional flow deposits.The distribution of fine-grained gravity flow deposits in the warm and humid unbalanced lacustrine basins are controlled by lake-level fluctuation,flooding events,and lakebed paleogeomorphology.During the lake-level rise,fine-grained hyperpycnal flow caused by flooding formed fine-grained channel–levee–lobe system in the flat area of the deep lake.During the lake-level fall,the sublacustrine fan system represented by unconfined channel was developed in the flexural slope breaks and sedimentary slopes of depressed lacustrine basins,and in the steep slopes of faulted lacustrine basins;the sublacustrine fan system with confined or unconfined channel was developed on the gentle slopes and in axial direction of faulted lacustrine basins,with fine-grained gravity flow deposits possibly existing in the lower fan.Within the fourth-order sequences,transgression might lead to organic-rich shale and fine-grained hyperpycnal flow deposits,while regression might cause fine-grained high-density flow,surge-like turbidity flow,fine-grained debris flow,mud flow,and fine-grained transitional flow deposits.Since the Permian,in the shale strata of lacustrine basins in China,multiple transgression-regression cycles of fourth-order sequences have formed multiple source-reservoir assemblages.Diverse fine-grained gravity flow sedimentation processes have created sweet sections of thin siltstone consisting of fine-grained high-density flow,fine-grained hyperpycnal flow and surge-like turbidity flow deposits,sweet sections with interbeds of mudstone and siltstone formed by fine-grained transitional flows,and sweet sections of shale containing silty and muddy clasts and with horizontal bedding formed by fine-grained debris flow and mud flow.The model of fine-grained gravity flow sedimentation in lacustrine basin is significant for the scientific evaluation of sweet shale oil reservoir and organic-rich source rock.

Measurements of absolute electron capture cross sections in He^(2+)–He and Ne^(8+)–O_(2'), N_(2'), CH_4 collisions

The total absolute cross sections of single-and double-electron capture (SEC and DEC) in the collisions of He^(2+)with He and Ne^(8+)with O_(2),N_(2),and CH_(4) were studied in the energy ranges 3.5–50 keV/u and 2.8–40 keV/u,respectively.Through a deep analysis of the experimental systematic uncertainties in the measurement procedure and data evaluation,the error in the experimental results of the SEC cross sections is less than 9%.Within the uncertainties,the present results of the He^(2+)–He collision show good consistency with previous measurements,validating the experimental system and paving the way for precise measurements of EC cross sections for a variety of ions and neutral gases.The present measurements allow for a test of EC theory and provide crucial EC cross section data for the establishment of plasma models in fusion research and astrophysical X-ray studies.

Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Prevalence, Indications and Morbidity of Caesarean Sections in a Referral Hospital of the Health Voucher Program: The Case of Garoua Regional Hospital in the Northern Region of Cameroon

Caesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure performed to remove a fetus from the mother’s uterus through an incision on the abdominal wall, then on the uterine wall. The indications of CS vary not only between countries, but also from one hospital to another and from one team to another within the same hospital. Despite advances in asepsis and anesthesia/resuscitation technics, there are still complications of varying severity inherent to the gravid-puerperal state on one hand and the technics used on the other, irrespective of the operative indication. Thus, the present study was carried out with the objectives of determining the prevalence, identifying the indications, and evaluating the morbidity linked to caesarean sections in our environment. Cameroon has also set up a health voucher program in its northern region, aimed at reducing maternal and fetus morbidity and mortality. The program aims to improve financial access in antenatal care and deliveries, including caesarean sections, in this low-income region of the country. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, from February 1, 2022, to May 31, 2022. We included all women who gave birth by caesarean section. In our study series, out of 905 parturient admissions into the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 226 were caesarian cases. The overall frequency of CS during our study period was 25%. Fetal indications were dominated by cephalopelvic disproportion and non-reassuring fetal heart in 17.3% and 13.7% of cases respectively. Intraoperative complications were dominated by hemorrhage (15.5%). In our study, we noted an 11.1% of prevalence perinatal mortality. Cameroon is a low-income country with limited financial resources, especially in the Northern region. The health voucher program has improved financial access to caesarean sections for parturient in northern Cameroon, and consequently to emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

Proper interpretation of sectional analysis results

Displacement control algorithms commonly used to evaluate axial force-bending moment(PM)diagrams may lead to incorrect interpretations of the strength envelopes for asymmetric sections.This paper aims to offer valuable insights by comparing existing displacement control algorithms with a newly proposed force control algorithm.The main focus is on the PM diagrams of three example sections that exhibit varying degrees of asymmetry.The comparative study indicates that conventional displacement control algorithms inevitably introduce non-zero out-of-plane bending moments.The reported PM diagram in such cases erroneously neglects the out-of-plane moment and fails to represent the strength envelope accurately.This oversight results in significant and unconservative errors when verifying the strength of asymmetric sections.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Caesarean Scar of Prelabour and Labour Caesarean Sections: A Cross Sectional Analytical Study

Caesarean section is dramatically increased throughout the world in recent years. Rupture of the uterus is a devastating complication in trial of labour following previous Caesarean section. Evidence suggests that the size of the uterine scar and the residual myometrial thickness (RMT) are associated directly with the risk of uterine rupture and risk of dehiscence in subsequent deliveries. Impact of the prelabour and labour Cesarean section on the RMT has not been studied in detail. Objectives: To compare RMT, Caesarean scar defects and to evaluate the elasticity of the Caesarean scar between women who underwent prelabour and labour Caesarean sections. Methods: This was a Cross sectional analytical study. Women who underwent Caesarean section in their first pregnancy were recruited. Sample was stratified to prelabour and labour Caesarean section groups. Transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed six months following the Caesarean section. Dimensions of the uterus, uterine scar defect, RMT and elastosonography of the uterine scar were assessed. Results: A total of 240 postpartum women were analyzed. Uterine niche was detectable in 194 subjects. Prelabour CS group had demonstrated 91.7% (n = 110) scar defects (uterine niche) out of 120 cases and the rate among labour CS group was 70% (n = 84). There was a significant difference in the presence of uterine niche among 2 groups as Prelabour group was found to have more scar defects (p mm (SD 1.2) and 4.99 mm (SD 1.3) respectively and there was no significant difference (t = 0.38, p = 0.71). There was no significant difference between the dimensions of the uterine CS defects of the studied groups. Prelabour CS group had significantly higher Target strain [0.28 vs. 0.24 (t = 2.12, p = 0.04)] and significantly less strain ratio [1.45 vs. 1.55 (t -2.42, p = 0.04)] than labour CS group indicating a better scar in prelabour group. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in RMT and uterine scar defects between prelabour and labour Caesarean section groups. But prelabour Caesarean section scars were less stiff than labour Caesarean section scars. Further studies are warranted to elaborate on the association.

Cesarean Sections according to the Robson’s Classification in Two University Hospitals of Yaoundé: Indications and Maternofetal Outcome

Introduction: Cesarean section is a surgical intervention which consists in the extraction of a fetus from the uterus after its incision. The rate of cesarean section varies depending on the country and the health facility. For this reason, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Robson’s classification to evaluate the practice of cesarean sections in order to identify the groups of women who had abnormally high rates. The objective of our study was to evaluate cesarean sections using the Robson’s classification in CHRACERH and in the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). Methodology: We carried out a retrospective cross sectional and descriptive study in two (02) university hospitals in Yaoundé which took place from December 2017 to May 2018. We included in our study all women who gave birth over a period of two (02) years from January 2016 to December 2017 in these two health facilities. Our sampling was exhaustive over the study period. The parturients’ information was collected using an anonymous and pretested questionnaire. The Robson’s group of every parturient was determined. Descriptive parameters like mean and proportions were calculated. We compared the rates and indications of cesarean sections between the both hospitals using Chi2 test. Results: Out of 330 deliveries realized in CHRACERH, we had 90 cesarean sections;hence, a rate of 27.2%. Out of 1863 deliveries carried out at the YCH, 462 were by cesarean section, hence a rate of 24.8%. The women who belonged to groups 1, 3 and 5 contributed to the highest rates of cesarean sections in both hospitals: in CHRACERH, group 5 (31.1%), group 3 (20%) and group 1 (15.6%), at YCH: group 3 (22.5%), group 1 (21.6%) and group 5 (17.3%). The indications of the cesarean sections varied depending on the Robson’s group and the hospital, the principal indication in group 1 was acute fetal distress (28.6%) in CHRACERH and cephalopelvic disproportion (36.7%) at YCH. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the predominant indication in groups 3 of CHRACERH (44.4%) and YCH (39.2%). In groups 5, CHRACERH and of YCH, a scarred uterus was the principal indication for the cesarean section at 82.4% and 78.4% respectively. At CHRACERH, the maternofetal complications were more frequent in groups 1 and 2 at the YCH, this was the case mostly in groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: The Robson’s classification is an adequate tool for the evaluation and comparison of the rates of cesarean sections. The rates of cesarean section in CHRACERH (27.2%) and at YCH (24.8%) were higher than the rates recommended by WHO. Robson’s groups 1, 3 and 5 were identified as the groups most at risk for cesarean sections in the both hospitals.

A Glance on the Mineral Deposits and Stratigraphic Sequential Variations and Structures in Different Sections of Indus Basin (Pakistan): New Titanosaurian Sauropod Dinosaurs from the Latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Formation of Pakistan

Indus basin hosts many significant mineral deposits like gypsum and cement raw materials, gemstones, iron, coal, marble, dimension and construction stones, petroleum and water resources, world class pink salt and other many minerals in different regions which need further exploitation and development. The construction of new water dams in different regions are vital (for availability of cheap electricity), because of available barren and fertile lands and wastage of water as flood. Further the installation of more cement industries in different regions of Indus Basin especially in middle Indus (Sulaiman Range where gypsum, clays and limestones can be available via belt) can increase export to receive more foreign exchange and make local cement cheap for the sustainable development of Pakistan. 31 stratigraphic sequential sections at different sections of Indus basins are presented to know the variation and local stratigraphy. Further here three new titanosaur taxa are being described. Saraikimasoom is based on snout;Gspsaurus, (Maojandino), Nicksaurus and Khanazeem are based on cranial, vertebral and appendicular elements;Balochisaurus, Marisaurus, Pakisaurus, and 3 new genera and species Imrankhanhero zilefatmi, Qaikshaheen masoomniazi and Ikqaumishan smqureshi based on vertebral and appendicular elements;and Sulaimanisaurus and Khetranisaurus based on only caudal vertebrae. Although Pakistani Titanosaurians seem to be proliferated found from one horizon of Vitakri Formation just below the K-Pg boundary they have a wide range of diagnostic features and key elements among titanosaurs which can be used for comparison and phylogenetic analyses with broad updated character data set of titanosaurs.

Cross section determination of^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction induced by 14-MeV neutrons uniting with D-T neutron activation and AMS techniques

Aluminum is the primary structural material in nuclear engineering,and its cross section induced by 14-MeV neutrons is of great significance.To address the issue of insufficient accuracy for the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction cross section,the activation method and accelerator mass spectrometry(AMS)technique were used to determine the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al cross section,which could be used as a D-T plasma ion temperature monitor in fusion reactors.At the China Academy of Engineering Physics,neutron activation was performed using a K-400 neutron generator produced by the T(d,n)4He reaction.The^(26)Al∕^(27)Al isotope ratios were measured using the newly installed GYIG 1 MV AMS at the Institute of Geochemistry,Chinese Academy of Sciences.The neutron flux was monitored by measuring the activity of 92mNb produced by the 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb reaction.The measured results were compared with available data in the experimental nuclear reaction database,and the measured values showed a reasonable degree of consistency with partially available literature data.The newly acquired cross-sectional data at 12 neutron energy points through systematic measurements clarified the divergence,which has two different growth trends from the existing experimental values.The obtained results are also compared with the corresponding evaluated database,and the newly calculated excitation functions with TALYS−1.95 and EMPIRE−3.2 codes,the agreement with CENDL−3.2,TENDL-2021 and EMPIRE−3.2 results are generally acceptable.A substantial improvement in the knowledge of the^(27)Al(n,2n)^(26)Al reaction excitation function was obtained in the present work,which will lay the foundation for the diagnosis of the fusion ion temperature,testing of the nuclear physics model,evaluation of nuclear data,etc.

An effective method to calculate the electron impact excitation cross sections of helium from ground state to a final channel in the whole energy region

The electron impact excitation(EIE) cross sections of an atom/ion in the whole energy region are needed in many research fields, such as astrophysics studies, inertial confinement fusion researches and so on. In the present work, an effective method to calculate the EIE cross sections of an atom/ion in the whole energy region is presented. We use the EIE cross sections of helium as an illustration example. The optical forbidden 1^(1)S–n^(1)S(n = 2–4) and optical allowed 1^(1)S–n^(1)P(n = 2–4) excitation cross sections are calculated in the whole energy region using the scheme that combines the partial wave R-matrix method and the first Born approximation. The calculated cross sections are in good agreement with the available experimental measurements. Based on these accurate cross sections of our calculation, we find that the ratios between the accurate cross sections and Born cross sections are nearly the same for different excitation final states in the same channel. According to this interesting property, a universal correction function is proposed and given to calculate the accurate EIE cross sections with the same computational efforts of the widely used Born cross sections,which should be very useful in the related application fields. The datasets presented in this paper are openly available at https://www.doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00142.

Associations of Perchlorate,Nitrate,and Thiocyanate with Sex Hormones among Children:A Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study in U.S.

Nitrates,thiocyanates,and perchlorates are ubiquitous in the environment and can be introduced to the public through various dietary and environmental sources.Nitrates,thiocyanates,and perchlorates mainly affect health via the same mechanism.These toxins may act as endocrine disrupters and can result in decreased levels of thyroid hormones^([1]).

Acceptability of Caesarean Section among Pregnant Women Seeking Antenatal Care at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka Zambia

Caesarean section remains one of the most common obstetric and major operations performed on women during pregnancy and has contributed to improving maternal and foetal health. Consequently, significant mortality and morbidity from pregnancy and labour-related causes can be eliminated by a timely caesarean section. The acceptance of the life-saving procedure remains unsatisfactory in most sub-Saharan nations. The study aimed to assess the acceptability of caesarean section and associated factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka Zambia. The study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional analytical study design involving 420 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals Lusaka Zambia. Data was obtained using an Interview schedule and analysed using R software version 4.3.2. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and binary logistic regression for statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance. The study found that the acceptability of Caesarean section as a mode of delivery was low (29%) among respondents at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals. This was influenced by marital status (P = 0.002), socioeconomic status (P = 0.050), parity (P = 0.004), gestation age (P = 0.008), previous history of caesarean section (P = 0.003), knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P < 0.001), and sociocultural beliefs (P = 0.045). Low acceptability of Caesarean section delivery is common among women at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, despite its potential benefits for maternal and neonatal health. Socio-demographic and maternal characteristics, knowledge, attitude, perception, and socio-cultural beliefs play a major role in determining acceptability. Therefore, efforts to enhance acceptability should focus on improving knowledge, enhancing positive perceptions and attitudes, and allaying negative socio-cultural beliefs towards caesarean section.

Adjuvant Rectal Diclofenac for Post Operative Analgesia after Caesarean Section—A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: Pain management following caesarean section still remains a challenge in our environment. Most potent analgesics are either not readily available or expensive. Diclofenac suppository is an NSAID that can be used for postoperative analgesia. It is available and affordable. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of combined rectal diclofenac and intramuscular pentazocine with intramuscular pentazocine alone for post operative pain control following lower segment caesarean section. METHODOLOGY: A total of 120 women who met the selection criteria scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine were randomized into two equal groups to receive either 75 mg diclofenac suppository 12 hourly for 24 hours or one anusol suppository (the placebo) 12 hourly for 24 hours. Both groups received pentazocine as primary analgesia. RESULT: The primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients with severe pain at 24 hours using the visual analogue rating scale. Secondary outcome measures are the time from surgery to ambulation, Passage of flatus, maternal satisfaction and presence of complications. Statistical analysis was done using spss version 22 and graph pad statistical package. Student T-test was used for continuous variables whereas chi square was used for categorical variables P CONCLUSION: Adjuvant rectal diclofenac is superior to pentazocine alone in the management of pain after caesarean section. Less number of patients had moderate to severe pain at 24 hours post operation. Maternal satisfaction in relation to pain management is better with diclofenac suppository. The levels of complications were comparable in both groups.