BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
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This study examines the validity and reliability of the British Society for Colposcopy and Cytopathology (BSCCP) objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The BSCCP OSCE results obtained over eight OSCE circuits were analysed using SPSS 15. ⋯ The reliability of the OSCE's range from Cronbach's alpha of 0.617 to 0.775. The OSCE has face, content and concurrent validity.
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It is well-established that maternal smoking has adverse birth outcomes (low birthweight, LBW, and preterm births). The comprehensive Irish workplace smoking ban was successfully introduced in March 2004. We examined LBW and preterm birth rates 1 year before and after the workplace smoking ban in Dublin. ⋯ Significant declines in preterm births and in maternal smoking rates after the smoking ban are welcome signs. However, the increased LBW birth risks might reflect a secular trend, as observed in many industrialised nations, and merits further investigations.
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We aim to measure the thrombotic changes during the postnatal period up to 6 weeks after delivery and assess the extent of the risk period. ⋯ Coagulation screens as well as thomboelastometry suggest a persistent hypercoagulation during the first 3 weeks after delivery.