Childbirth, largely a physiologic process, occurs 140 million times per year. Yet, it comes with risks; one mother dies every two minutes worldwide. The risks also extend to the newborn; in 2020, 2.4 million newborns died—25% on the first day of life. The optimal management of labor and prevention of complications require up-to-date information. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AJOG), the premier journal in the discipline, has published a supplement devoted to labor and delivery at term. The content addresses important issues in intrapartum care and advocates for respectful and safe maternity care for all.  

In a feature article published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, Ming Gong’s group summarized their latest progresses in exploring the effects of ions on electrocatalytic reactions, outlined the current challenges and opportunities in the study of ion effects, and provided insights into future research directions.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, a strategy of ligand-protected direct hydrogen reduction was adapted to prepare zeolite-confined Pt-Pd bimetallic cluster catalysts. These catalysts efficiently catalyze hydrogen production from ammonia borane (AB) solvolysis and tandem hydrogenation of nitroarenes. Interestingly, in the tandem reaction, AB undergoes hydrolysis at the Pt sites to produce active hydrogen species, which are then transferred to the neighboring Pd sites to reduce nitroarenes.

This study explores factors influencing students’ sustained use of Virtual Simulation Learning Systems (VSLSs) in Chinese higher education. Analyzing survey data from 274 students, the research finds that perceived value, driven by benefits outweighing costs, significantly impacts continued engagement. System quality and social factors, like course scheduling and teacher recommendations, also play vital roles. The findings inform recommendations for enhancing the enduring utilization of VSLSs, emphasizing the importance of quality systems and supportive learning environments.

In 2017, the CONSORT-CHM Formulas 2017 extension was introduced to enhance the reporting transparency of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulas. This development aimed to detail the rationale, design, analysis, and interpretation of CHM formula interventions, thereby improving clinical trial execution and advancing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, a review assessing the reporting quality of RCTs with CHM formulas has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the reporting characteristics and adherence to the CONSORT-CHM Formulas 2017 checklist over the past five years.

Reseachers from WEHI (Melbourne, Australia) have found a new way to predict a subset of patients who are likely to become resistant to PARP inhibitors (PARPi), a key therapy used to treat ovarian and breast cancers in Australia.