bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phage therapy in allergic disorders?
Authors: Górski Andrzej , Jończyk-Matysiak Ewa , Łusiak-Szelachowska Marzanna , Międzybrodzki Ryszard , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Borysowski Jan
Published: January 2018

Allergic disorders pose a growing challenge to medicine and our society. Therefore, novel approaches to prevention and therapy are needed. Recent progress in studies on bacterial viruses (phages) has provided new data indicating that they have significant immunomodulating activities. We show how those activities could be translated into beneficial effects in allergic disorders and present initial clinical data that support this hope.

Impact statement

Allergic disorders pose a growing challenge to medicine and our society, so new approaches to prevention and therapy are urgently needed. Our article summarizes progress that has been recently made and presents a shift in our understanding of the immunobiological significance of bacterial viruses (phages). Currently, phages may be considered not only as mere “bacteria eaters” but also as regulators of immunity. The new understanding of phages as important factors in maintenance of immune homeostasis opens completely new perspectives for their use in controlling aberrant immune responses. It is likely that this new knowledge could be translated into novel means of immunotherapy of allergic disorders.
Comparison of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Oral Pentobarbital Sedation for Transthoracic Echocardiography in Infants and Toddlers: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Miller Jeffrey W. , Ding Lili , Gunter Joel B. , Lam Jennifer E. , Lin Erica P. , Paquin Joanna R. , Li Bi Lian , Spaeth James P. , Kreeger Renee N. , Divanovic Allison , Mahmoud Mohamed , Loepke Andreas W.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Acquisition of transthoracic echocardiographic (TTEcho) images in children often requires sedation. The optimal sedative for TTEcho has not been determined. Children with congenital heart disease are repeatedly exposed to sedatives and anesthetics that may affect brain development. Dexmedetomidine, which in animals alters brain structure to a lesser degree, may offer advantages in this vulnerable population.

METHODS:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial enrolled 280 children 3–24 months of age undergoing outpatient TTEcho, comparing 2.5 µg·kg−
1 intranasal dexmedetomidine to 5 mg·kg−1 oral pentobarbital. Rescue sedation, for both groups, was intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 µg·kg−1. The primary outcome was adequate sedation within 30 minutes without rescue sedation, assessed by blinded personnel. Secondary outcomes included number of sonographer pauses, image quality in relation to motion artifacts, and parental satisfaction.

RESULTS:

Success rates with a single dose were not different between sedation techniques; 85% in the pentobarbital group and 84% in the dexmedetomidine group (P = .8697). Median onset of adequate sedation was marginally faster with pentobarbital (16.5 [interquartile range, 13–21] vs 18 [16–23] minutes for dexmedetomidine [P = .0095]). Time from drug administration to discharge was not different (P = .8238) at 70.5 (64–83) minutes with pentobarbital and 70 (63–82) minutes with dexmedetomidine. Ninety-five percent of sedation failures with pentobarbital and 100% of dexmedetomidine failures had successful rescue sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intranasal dexmedetomidine was comparable to oral pentobarbital sedation for TTEcho sedation in infants and did not increase the risk of clinically important adverse events. Intranasal dexmedetomidine appears to be an effective “rescue” sedative for both failed pentobarbital and dexmedetomidine sedation. Dexmedetomidine could be a safer option for repeated sedation in children, but further studies are needed to assess long-term consequence of repeated sedation in this high-risk population.
Analysis of importance value index of unlogged and logged peat swamp forest in Nenasi Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: ISMAIL MOHD HASMADI , ZAKI PAKHRIAZAD HASSAN , FUAD MOHD FADLI AHMAD , JEMALI NOOR JANATUN NAIM
Published: January 2018

Ismail MH, Fuad MFA, Zaki PH, Jemali NJN. 2017. Analysis of importance value index of unlogged and logged peat swamp forest in Nenasi Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia. Bonorowo Wetlands 1: 74-78. Peat swamp forests are highly significant globally, both for their diverse and threatened species and as a representative of unique wetland ecosystems. Apart from its critical role in providing habitat for wildlife, the tropical peat swamp forest also acts as a gene bank that harbors potentially useful varieties of plant species. The composition of trees of the peat swamp forest in Nenasi Pahang State, Peninsular Malaysia were investigated especially in un-logged and logged over forests. The objectives of this study are two folds; (i) to identify and compare the dominant tree species in the two types of forests and (ii) to calculate the importance value index (IVI) of the vegetation in the study areas. Two plots of 50 m by 20 m were established in different forest type. At each site this quadrate was in turned subdivided using a 25 m by 20 m, and 5 m by 5 m, respectively. The results showed that the unlogged peat swamp forest is higher in tree species compared to logged peat swamp forest. There were 10 species distributed among 9 families in the unlogged forest and 7 species in 7 families in the logged forest. The most dominant species identified in unlogged peat swamp forest were Litsea sp., Syzygium sp. and Santiria laevigata. The IVI for these species were 71.21, 51.13 and 42.49. In logged peat swamp forest the dominant species are Shorea platycarpa, followed by Pometia pinnata, and Xylopia fusca. The IVI of these species were 87.38, 52.66 and 47.55, respectively. The study concludes that in the logged peat swamp forests about 40 percent of the tree composition has declined compared to unlogged peat swamp forest.
Outcomes of surgery in patients aged ≥90 years in the general surgical setting
Authors: Sudlow A , Tuffaha H , Stearns AT , Shaikh IA
Published: January 2018

Introduction

An increasing proportion of the population is living into their nineties and beyond. These high risk patients are now presenting more frequently to both elective and emergency surgical services. There is limited research looking at outcomes of general surgical procedures in nonagenarians and centenarians to guide surgeons assessing these cases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients aged ≥90 years undergoing elective and emergency general surgical procedures at a tertiary care facility between 2009 and 2015. Vascular, breast and endocrine procedures were excluded. Patient demographics and characteristics were collated. Primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day mortality rates. The impact of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade, operation severity and emergency presentation was assessed using multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 161 patients (58 elective, 103 emergency) were identified for inclusion in the study. The mean patient age was 92.8 years (range: 90–106 years). The 90-day mortality rates were 5.2% and 19.4% for elective and emergency procedures respectively (p=0.013). The median survival was 29 and 19 months respectively (p=0.001). Emergency and major gastrointestinal operations were associated with a significant increase in mortality. Patients undergoing emergency major colonic or upper gastrointestinal surgery had a 90-day mortality rate of 53.8%.

Conclusions

The risk for patients aged over 90 years having an elective procedure differs significantly in the short term from those having emergency surgery. In selected cases, elective surgery carries an acceptable mortality risk. Emergency surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of death, particularly after major gastrointestinal resections.
The Patient Concerns Inventory integrated as part of routine head and neck cancer follow-up consultations: frequency, case-mix, and items initiated by the patient
Authors: Rogers SN , Thomson F , Lowe D
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer (2004) and the Cancer Reform Strategy (2007) support the premise that assessment and discussion of patients’ needs for physical, social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing should be undertaken during oncology follow-up. We report the use of the Patient Concerns Inventory in a routine head and neck cancer clinic setting over a seven-year period, summarising the number of available clinics, the number of patients completing the inventory within a clinic, the range of clinical characteristics and the concerns they wanted to discuss.

Methods

The data were analysed from oncology follow-up clinics between 1 August 2007 and 10 December 2014. Audit approval was given by the Clinical Audit Department, University Hospital Aintree.

Results

There were 386 patients with 1198 inventories completed at 220 clinics, median 6 (range 4–7) per clinic. The most common concerns raised by patients across all the clinic consultations were dry mouth (34%), fear of recurrence (33%), sore mouth (26%), dental health (25%), chewing (22%) and fatigue/tiredness (21%).

Conclusions

The incorporation of the Patient Concerns Inventory as part of routine oncology clinics allows for a more patient initiated and focused consultation available to the majority of patients throughout their follow-up. The inventory allows for greater opportunity to provide holistic targeted multiprofessional intervention and support.
Introduction into the NHS of magnetic sphincter augmentation: an innovative surgical therapy for reflux – results and challenges
Authors: Prakash D , Campbell B , Wajed S
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common, chronic debilitating condition. Surgical management traditionally involves fundoplication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a new definitive treatment. We describe our experience of introducing this innovative therapy into NHS practice and report the early clinical outcomes.

Methods

MSA was introduced into NHS practice following successful acceptance of a cost-effective business plan and close observation of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendations for new procedures, including a carefully planned prospective data collection over a two-year follow-up period.

Results

Forty-seven patients underwent MSA over the 40-month period. Reflux health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) was significantly improved after the procedure and maintained at one- and two-year (P < 0.0001) follow-up. Drug dependency went from 100% at baseline to 2.6% and 8.7% after one and two years. High levels of patient satisfaction were reported. There were no adverse events.

Conclusions

MSA is highly effective in the treatment of uncomplicated GORD, with durable results and an excellent safety profile. This laparoscopic, minimally invasive procedure provides a good alternative for patients where surgical anatomy is unaltered. Our experience demonstrates that innovative technology can be incorporated into NHS practice with an acceptable business plan and compliance with NICE recommendations.
Book Reviews
Authors: Pfeifer Karen , Sullivan Antony T.
Published: January 2018

The Ba’thification of Iraq: Saddam Hussein’s Totalitarianism, Aaron M. Faust (2015) Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 296 pp., ISBN: 9781477305577, h/bk, $55.00

A History of the Iraq Crisis: France, the United States, and Iraq, 1991–2003, Frederic Bozo (2016) Washington, DC and New York: Woodrow Wilson Center Press and Columbia University Press, Epilogue, Afterword, Notes, Bibliography, and Index, 381 pp., ISBN: 9780231704441, h/bk, $55.00
Assessment of Hazardous Substances in Electrical Cables: Implementation of RoHS Regulations in India
Authors: Rambabu U. , Balaram V. , Ratheesh R. , Chatterjee S. , Kishore Babu M. , Munirathnam N. R.
Published: January 2018

Globally, the use of plastics in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and home appliances as alternatives to aluminum and steel has been increased rapidly. As a result, the sustainable recycling of plastics in the Indian informal sector has been complicated by hazardous additive substances. In plastics, lead and cadmium compounds are mainly applied as pigments and stabilizing agents. As per the directive of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), for all homogenous materials in the manufacture of various types of EEE, the application of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is restricted to a maximum level of 1,000 μg/g and especially cadmium to a maximum level of 100 μg/g. In the present work, five electrical cables of various colors and gauges, available in the local market (Hyderabad, India), were chosen for a case study. As per the norms of IEC62321, Electrotechnical Products—Determination of Six Regulated Substances (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated Biphenlys, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers), the prescreening using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer showed the presence of lead only in all cables against the six restricted substances with variable concentrations with color as well as thickness. The maximum lead content observed was ∼31,000 μg/g in black cables with a 2.5-mm2 thickness. The measured lead content using EDXRF spectrometry has cross-checked with other well-established analytical techniques: Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the results were found to be comparable. The spiking studies of lead showed that the obtained results by EDXRF spectrometry were within the acceptable range (accuracy limit of 100 ± 20 %). From the results obtained, it is concluded that the content of lead tested in all the electrical cables selected was more than 1,000 μg/g and hence found to be noncompliant as per RoHS regulation.
Viscoelastic Asphalt Pavement Simulations and Simplified Elastic Pavement Models Based on an “Equivalent Asphalt Modulus” Concept
Authors: Bodin D. , Chupin O. , Denneman E.
Published: January 2018

Asphalt pavements exhibit viscoelastic behavior resulting in deflections, strains, and stresses varying with both temperature and traffic speed. For structural thickness design against fatigue cracking, the material response is typically assumed to be linear elastic to simplify the calculation of the critical horizontal strain at the bottom of the asphalt layer. An asphalt modulus representing the response of the materials under average conditions for both temperature and traffic speed is generally adopted in the simplified pavement model. This paper presents a method to determine an equivalent asphalt modulus (EAM) for the asphalt layer. The EAM, when used in the linear elastic analysis of a pavement, will result in a resilient response in terms of the critical strain criterion that is equivalent to the response of that structure when calculated using viscoelastic modeling. The methodology of this paper included a qualitative comparison of the EAM approach with published field results. Two thick asphalt pavement configurations representative of typical French pavement designs were considered in this paper. Results showed expected trends of the equivalent asphalt modulus with changes in traffic speed and temperature. The application of time–temperature superposition principle allowed building pseudo-master curves for the EAM dataset. The effect of different asphalt temperature and different traffic speed on the viscoelastic strains was qualitatively validated against the trends observed under full-scale testing.
Protection
Authors: Twomey Christina , Ellinghaus Katherine
Published: January 2018

This article is the guest editors’ introduction to a special volume of Pacific Historical Review entitled “Protection: Global Genealogies, Local Practices.” Guest editors Christina Twomey and Katherine Ellinghaus argue that the global discourse of protection had a strong presence beyond British humanitarian circles and a longer chronological and larger geographical reach than historians have previously noted. Articles in the special volume include Christina Twomey’s examination of protection as a concept with its origins in European, rather than British, colonialism, Trevor Burnard’s study of the Protectors of slaves in Berbice in the early to mid-nineteenth century, Goolam Vahed’s analysis of the Protectors appointed to lobby on behalf of immigrant Indian indentured labourers in late nineteenth century Natal, Rachel Standfield’s investigation of the use of language in Protectorates in Australia and New Zealand in the 1840s, Amanda Nettelbeck’s exploration of the concept of Aboriginal vagrancy in Australia in the 1840s, and Katherine Ellinghaus’s comparison of the discourse of protection in policies of exemption and competency utlised in Oklahoma and New South Wales in the 1940s and 1950s.
Implementation and Improvement of Pediatric Asthma Guideline Improves Hospital-Based Care
Authors: Johnson David P. , Arnold Donald H. , Gay James C. , Grisso Alison , O’Connor Michael G. , O’Kelley Ellen , Moore Paul E.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Standardized pediatric asthma care has been shown to improve measures in specific hospital areas, but to our knowledge, the implementation of an asthma clinical practice guideline (CPG) has not been demonstrated to be associated with improved hospital-wide outcomes. We sought to implement and refine a pediatric asthma CPG to improve outcomes and throughput for the emergency department (ED), inpatient care, and the ICU.

METHODS:

An urban, quaternary-care children’s hospital developed and implemented an evidence-based, pediatric asthma CPG to standardize care from ED arrival through discharge for all primary diagnosis asthma encounters for patients ≥2 years old without a complex chronic condition. Primary outcomes included ED and inpatient length of stay (LOS), percent ED encounters requiring admission, percent admissions requiring ICU care, and total charges. Balancing measures included the number of asthma discharges between all-cause 30-day readmissions after asthma discharges and asthma relapse within 72 hours. Statistical process control charts were used to monitor and analyze outcomes.

RESULTS:

Analyses included 3650 and 3467 encounters 2 years pre- and postimplementation, respectively. Postimplementation, reductions were seen in ED LOS for treat-and-release patients (3.9 hours vs 3.3 hours), hospital LOS (1.5 days vs 1.3 days), ED encounters requiring admission (23.5% vs 18.8%), admissions requiring ICU (23.0% vs 13.2%), and total charges ($4457 vs $3651). Guideline implementation was not associated with changes in balancing measures.

CONCLUSIONS:

The hospital-wide standardization of a pediatric asthma CPG across hospital units can safely reduce overall hospital resource intensity by reducing LOS, admissions, ICU services, and charges.
Examining active cells after incubation with a labeled substrate (eg Carbon-13, Nitrogen-15, Hydrogen-2 or Sulfur-33/34) v1
Authors: Trembath-Reichert Elizabeth , Yuki Morono not provided , Fumio Inagaki not provided , Victoria Orphan not provided
Published: January 2018

Protocol for cell separation, enumeration, and sorting of low biomass samples for SIP-NanoSIMS preparations.
Arborização Urbana e Microclima e a Percepção dos Acadêmicos de Educação Física Quanto a Essa Vegetação
Authors: Barreto Ana Paula , Mathias Filho Joaquim Mauro , Felisbino Richard Mistura , Hunger Marcelo Studart , Delbim Lucas Rissete , Magalhães Roberto , Zavarize Sérgio Fernando , Martelli Anderson
Published: January 2018

A crescente urbanização das cidades, muitas vezes, sem planejamento tem provocado sérios danos às condições ambientais e de qualidade de vida das pessoas. Os efeitos benéficos das áreas arborizadas no que diz respeito ao microclima – temperatura e umidade do ar - sempre foram inerentes no que diz respeito à melhoria da qualidade de vida da população. Neste sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um estudo quantitativo quanto a influência da arborização urbana no microclima dos centros urbanos, analisando as diferenças de temperatura e umidade do ar em dois locais da região central do município de Mogi Guaçu-SP, com características semelhantes de área, destacando-se pela quantidade de unidades arbóreas, assim como verificar a percepção de sessenta acadêmicos do primeiro ao quarto período do curso de Educação Física da Faculdade FMG, Mogi Guaçu–SP quanto aos benefícios dessa vegetação para a população residente. Está bem estabelecida a função exercida pela arborização na redução do calor e insolação no ambiente urbano, conforto térmico e evapotranspiração com aumento da umidade do ar, desempenhando assim, uma importante função na melhoria das condições ambientais das cidades, favorecimento da prática de atividades físicas e qualidade de vida de seus habitantes.Palavras-chave: Microclima. Arborização Urbana. Atividade Física.AbstractThe increasing urbanization of cities, often unplanned, has caused serious damage to the environment and people’s quality of life. The beneficial effects of wooded areas in terms of microclimate - air temperature and humidity have always been inherent in improving the population’s quality of life. In this sense, the objective of this research was to carry out a quantitative study on the influence of urban afforestation on the microclimate of urban centers, analyzing the differences in temperature and humidity of the air in two locations in the central region of the municipality of Mogi Guaçu-SP with similar characteristics of area, highlighing the number of tree units, as well as to verify the perception of 60 scholars from the first to the fourth period of the Physical Education course of the FMG College, Mogi Guaçu-SP, regarding the benefits of this vegetation to the resident population. The role of tree planting in reducing heat and sunshine in the urban environment, thermal comfort and evapotranspiration with increased air humidity is well established, thus playing an important role in improving the environmental conditions of cities, favoring the practice of physical activities and Quality of life of its inhabitants.Keywords: Microclimate. Urban Arborization. Physical Activity.
Outcome of intrauterine adhesion management at a Nigerian tertiary hospital: a five-year review
Authors: Opadiran R. O. , Isah A. D. , Agida E. T. , Adewole N.
Published: January 2018

Background: Intrauterine adhesion is a cause of menstrual abnormalities and infertility, which are leading complaints in gynaecological practice in Nigeria. Determining the aetiology and management option would help reduce this problem. The objective of this study was to determine the aetiology, mode of presentation, management option and outcome of intrauterine adhesionsMethods: A retrospective analysis of intrauterine adhesions at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital over a five-year period from 2012 to 2016 was carried out. The case notes of the patients were retrieved from the records department and information extracted from these case notes using a questionnaire included the age, level of education, marital status, parity, complaints, predisposing factors, method of diagnosis, treatment method and outcome. Additional information was obtained from the theatre registered. The least follow up period was one year.Results: There were 82 patients diagnosed with Intrauterine Adhesion over the study period giving an incidence of 1.6%. Fifty-nine case notes were available for analysis. The case note retrieval rate was 72%. Majority of the patients were between the age range of 30-34 years (21, 35.6%). Those with tertiary level of education constituted the majority (34, 57%). Nullipara constituted 54.2% (32) of the total population. Menstrual abnormalities were the most common complaint with 93.2% and this includes those with menstrual abnormalities and other complaints. The commonest predisposing factor identified was a history of dilatation and curettage or uterine evacuation (28, 47.5%). Majority of the patients had partial intrauterine adhesions (51, 86.4%). All patients were treated with adhesiolysis, Foleys catheter insertion and hormonal therapy for 3 cycles. There was not statistical significance between those who had blind adhesiolysis and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in terms of outcome. Restoration of menstrual flow was in 25, (42.4%) while 3, (5.1%) had miscarriges and an equal no of patients had term delivery.Conclusions: Dilatation and curettage is still a major predisposing factor in the development of intrauterine Adhesions. Blind adhesiolysis still has its place in the management of intrauterine adhesion in developing countries.
Incidence and outcome of anemia in pregnant women: a study in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Vanamala V. G. , Rachel Aruna , Pakyanadhan Sushil , . Somavathi
Published: January 2018

Background: Anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency diseases observed globally affecting both developed and developing countries with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic development. Prevention and management of maternal anemia is crucial to prevent morbidity and mortality of the fetus.Methods: The patient history was taken in detail, including age weight and height. BMI was calculated for all the 296 patients who were booked for delivery in our hospital. On enrolment, blood was drawn from the patient for regular check including blood grouping, biochemical parameters including iron estimation, total iron binding capacity, complete blood picture including hemoglobin. Any cause for bleeding was evaluated.Results: 143 patients (48.3%) had a haemoglobin count of less than 10gm%. Most of the anemic patients had moderate anemia followed by women with mild anemia. The most common age group affected was 20-30 years, which was the predominant age group of pregnant patients who had come to our hospital. Most of the women had multi gravida, with 3 being the most common followed by 1 earlier pregnancy. In most of the cases, the interval between 2 consecutive pregnancies was 1 year or less.Conclusions: Anemia is directly proportional to parity, less spacing between pregnancies and related to lower educational status.
Internet use behavior, risk profile and ‘problematic internet use’ among undergraduate medical students: an epidemiological study
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Pasricha Sudhir , Nanda Gurprit Singh , Singh Harinder , Bandyopadhyay Kuntal , Ray Gaurav
Published: January 2018

Background: With emerging internet use, there is need to understand differences between ‘normal’ and ‘problematic internet use’. The objective of the study was to estimate internet use behaviour and risk profile, prevalence of problematic internet use and to determine association among them. Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken among medical undergraduates. Pilot tested, structured questionnaire along with internet addiction test was administered. Results: Total of 122 students with mean age of 20.6 years (SD 0.878) participated in the study. Majority had personal computer and smart phones (88.5% and 98.4% respectively). Students were online at place of residence, classrooms and library (97.5%, 50% and 34.4% respectively). Students were online every day for instant messenger, social networking, leisure, without purpose, emails, downloads, forums, blogging, shopping, listening to radio and gaming (91.0%, 64.8%, 32.0%, 27.9%, 22.1%, 18.0% and 14.8%, 1.6%, 6.6%, 4.1% and 8.2% respectively). False information from internet, blocking of mails, pretending, and sharing password was found in 52.5%, 71.3%, 45.1% and 36.1% students respectively. Only 4.1% students had undertaken cyber safety courses. Moderate prevalence of ‘problematic internet use’ was 19.7%. Significantly higher internet use in classrooms, higher use of emails, social networking, blogging, forums, leisure, surfing without purpose, shopping, downloading and higher cyber risk was seen among those with ‘problematic internet use’ (p=0.001, 0.010, 0.009, 0.021, 0.026, 0.002, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000 and 0.005 respectively). Conclusions: Internet use has become an integral part of our lives. There is a need to estimate the baseline and develop evidence based strategies in the country.
Risk factors associated with female sexual dysfunction among married women in Upper Egypt; a cross sectional study
Authors: Arafa Ahmed E. , Elbahrawe Rasha S. , M. Shawky Sherwet , M. Mostafa Alshimaa , Ahmed Safaa S. , El-Houfey Amira A. , Abbas Ahmed M.
Published: January 2018

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has many psychological and social negative consequences. The aim of this study is to detect the potential risk factors associated with FSD among sexually active women in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Methods: A multi-stage random sampling methodology was used to include 490 premenopausal women, residing in Beni-Suef, in this cross-sectional study. FSD was measured using the Arabic version of the female sexual function index (ArFSFI), throughout an interview. It includes 6 domains; desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. The questions in each domain have five to six choices with a score ranging between zero and five. Results: Age, years of marriage and number of pregnancies correlated negatively with ArFSFI total score (p<0.05). Higher body mass index was associated with lower scores of desire, arousal and lubrication (p<0.05). Compared to those with constant job, unemployed women had lower scores of desire and arousal (p<0.05). No statistically significant associations have been detected between circumcision and any of the studied ArFSFI domains (p>0.05). Conclusions: There are many potential risk factors suggested to be associated with FSD. Further studies should focus on understanding the adaptive strategies used by women to get over their FSD problems. Barriers preventing women with FSD from seeking treatment should also be investigated.
Public and pharmacist perceptions towards counterfeit medicine in Lebanon using focus groups
Authors: Sholy Lydia B. , Gard Paul R. , Williams Sian , MacAdam Angela , Saliba Christiane E.
Published: January 2018

Background: Counterfeit medicine is a product that is deliberately and fraudulently mislabelled with respect to identity or source. The international concern is the risk counterfeits pose for public health. To date, there are no published studies on public and pharmacist perceptions towards counterfeit medicine in Lebanon. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore participants’ experiences, views and beliefs regarding counterfeit medicine by employing the mixed methods methodology. Methods: The study used four focus groups. The two public focus groups were recruited using the convenience sampling method from two schools in Mount Lebanon. The two pharmacists’ focus groups were recruited by the snowball approach from different pharmacy settings. All participants were above 18 years old. Results: The public and pharmacist focus groups had a total of 24 and 13 participants respectively. Using thematic analysis, themes and subthemes emerged from the discussions, and the common themes between the public and pharmacists were; awareness, trust, corruption and overcoming counterfeit medicine. Conclusions: The findings showed the perceived risk counterfeit medicine pose to individuals and public health. According to focus group participants, the situation is serious and requires more attention from the Ministry of Public Health and Order of Pharmacists. Therefore, the need is to establish strict control on medicine; implement and enforce the law; reactivate the central laboratory; create a counterfeit medicine reporting system, and develop continuous educational programs.
Health care seeking behavior of parents of under five in District Kanga, Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Minhas Akshay , Chander Vishav , Sharma Seema , Bansal P.
Published: January 2018

Background: Health seeking behavior denotes the process involved in seeking a particular health state. Whereas, the healthcare seeking behavior of any individual denotes the end point contact of care. The objectives of the study were to understand the health seeking behavior and health care seeking behavior of parents of children, 0-5 yrs of age in Himachal Pradesh.Methods: A community based cross- sectional study on 2400 children of age less then and equal to 59 months was conducted. Morbidity profile and socio demographic indicators along with other variables were defined as indicators of health and health care seeking behaviour. The study was conducted using 30 cluster techniques with 80 participants from each cluster of district Kangra. Results: Water and sanitation was taken as one of the indicators of health seeking behavior and majority of our study population was dependent on ‘bavdi’ as water source. Earthen and steel pots were the most sought after storage vessel. In slums however plastic buckets were used. More than 80% of the households did nothing for purification. Majority responded that (82.6%) their child took bath daily. Institutional delivery was prevalent among 81.2% cases and lowest among rural slum. Nutrition was also taken as an indicator. Exclusive breast feeding was prevalent in 51.1% cases. In case of health care seeking behavior in our study around 47.0% parents visited the health facility, but also 24.0% were dependent on home remedies. Majority (30.5%), took treatment from secondary level of health care followed by 28.4% from private Ayurvedic Doctor. Conclusions: The system needs to understand its weaknesses as to why the population still practices unsatisfactory behavior across various areas. Especially in case of institutional deliveries, breast feeding and seeking treatment from a quack.
Comparison of knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients taking treatment at private and public health centre in an urban area
Authors: Kumar Purushottam , Ankushe Rajendra T. , Doibale Mohan K. , Kuril Bina M. , Andurkar Smita P. , Srivastava Abhay
Published: January 2018

Background: Diabetes is undoubtedly one of the most challenging health problems of the 21st century. Diabetes and its complications are major causes of early death in most countries. According to IDF approximately 5.1 million people aged between 20 and 79 years died from diabetes in 2013, accounting for 8.4% of global all-cause mortality among people in this age group. With 1.2 million deaths in 2013, this region [SEA] has the second highest number of deaths attributable to diabetes of any of the seven IDF regions. That figure represents 14.2% of all adult deaths in the Region. India is the largest contributor to regional mortality, with 1.1 million deaths attributable to diabetes in 2013. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study to compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients taking treatment at private and public health centre in an urban area. This study was conducted in a city of field practice area of our medical college, during the period of July 2016 to October 2016. We purposively selected 50 diabetic patients from public health centre and 50 diabetic patients from Private health centre. Diabetic patients were interviewed based on our predesigned pretested questionnaire. Results: 54% diabetic patients taking treatment at private health centre had average to good knowledge as compared to 28% at public health centre. 34% diabetic patients taking treatment at private health centre had positive attitude as compared to 6% at public health centre. 20% diabetic patients taking treatment at private health centre had average to good practice as compared to 6% at public health centre. Conclusions: Knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients taking treatment at private health centre were better than taking treatment at public health centre.
A study on socio-cultural factors and reproductive health of women with HIV/AIDS, in a tertiary care hospital, Kakinada, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sowmyasudha K. , Noor Sofia , Tej Alpha V. P. , Satyanarayana K.
Published: January 2018

Background: AIDS is a fatal disease caused by Human Immune-Deficiency Virus. Transmitted by sexual contact mainly heterosexuals, street children, adolescents, migrants are also major vulnerable group to affect. Social and cultural factors have a key role in transmission of the disease.Methods: A total of 303 positive HIV women in reproductive age group were interviewed to assess the socio-cultural factors and reproductive health among them, by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software.Results: Un-educated and un-employed women from nuclear family with early marriage, having predisposing factors of alcoholism, polygamous sexual relationship were affected in this study. Few of them still have sexual relations, majority of them not disclosing their disease status. Few of them facing social stigma and lacking of family support. Majority has access to treatment and they are on regular treatment. Their antenatal and post natal period is un-eventful. A few of them stopped breastfeeding to their babies. Majority have one or two children affected by disease in their family.Conclusions: In our study we found the Major predisposing factor for the disease are STDs, alcoholism and major route of transmission is through sexual contact. A few participants have extramarital polygamous relationship and maintaining confidentiality on their disease status. Majority were on regular treatment. Most of them were not practicing family planning methods.
A PERCEPÇÃO DO DOCENTE NA INCLUSÃO DE ALUNOS COM NECESSIDADES ESPECIAIS NO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Lidio Vanessa Miranda , Camargo Maria Aparecida Bosschaerts de
Published: January 2018

A educação inclusiva é uma realidade e constitui um desafio para o ensino superior. Por isso, não basta adaptações na arquitetura, no material didático e na política educativa. É necessário também que os professores sejam preparados para atender aos alunos com necessidades especiais. Este artigo destaca a importância da capacitação de docentes com respeito ao desenvolvimento pedagógico. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a percepção dos professores perante a educação inclusiva e a necessidade de capacitação dos mesmos. A pesquisa bibliográfica destacou leis e documentos (Declaração de Salamanca, Lei de Diretrizes e Bases 9394/96, Programa Educação Inclusiva) que conduzem à valorização do treinamento e à busca de informações e recursos para o preparo de docentes que atuam neste campo. Propõe a reflexão sobre a efetivação e sucesso da educação inclusiva, a reorganização curricular das universidades, o incentivo aos cursos, o aperfeiçoamento e a criação de centros de apoio. A pesquisa de campo envolveu doze docentes que lecionam no curso de fisioterapia da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, submetidos a um questionário com seis perguntas abertas. A entrevista constatou o despreparo dos docentes para trabalhar com os discentes com necessidades especiais, confirmando a hipótese do presente estudo e destacou o interesse dos participantes por cursos de capacitação. Palavras-chave: Educação inclusiva. Ensino superior. Capacitação de docentes.
O CURRÍCULO E PROJETO PEDAGÓGICO DO CURSO DE LETRAS UFTM DE TRÊS ANOS: CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA UMA DISCUSSÃO NECESSÁRIA
Authors: Souza Walêska Dayse Dias de
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo apresenta elementos do currículo que integra o Projeto Pedagógico do Curso de Letras UFTM,  inicialmente elaborado para ter duração  de três anos, a partir das teorias críticas e pós críticas do currículo discutidas por Silva (1999).  Para isso retoma alguns momentos significativos da história do curso com o objetivo de contextualizá-los e mostrar como essas experiências ajudam a construir a identidade do curso a partir da subjetividade dos participantes do processo.  Conta, com documentos do Curso de Letras,  como foi apresentada a versão inicial do projeto  e o processo de reestruturação desencadeado desde então. Como desdobramento do artigo,  também organiza algumas reflexões sobre o tema práticas de ensino, utilizando, para isso, a legislação existente e alguns fragmentos do projeto. As práticas de ensino são discutidas, conforme os documentos analisados, em diferentes dimensões. Com este estudo, objetiva-se contribuir com as discussões que se desenvolvem a partir do   Projeto Pedagógico do Curso de Letras UFTM, tendo em vista  a sua necessidade de avaliação e acompanhamento permanente, além de sua adequação para o currículo de quatro anos que é proposto para as turmas que iniciaram em 2007. Palavras-chave: Currículo.  Projeto pedagógico. Práticas de ensino.
Estudo do mercado e produção do cavalo Brasileiro de hipismo no estado de São Paulo
Authors: Gameiro Augusto , Santos Bruna Egydio de Sousa , Brandi Roberta Ariboni , Gameiro Augusto Hauber
Published: January 2018

Brazil has a herd of approximately 5.8 million horses, of which 8,700 belong to the Brasileira de Hipismo breed. The breed has represented Brazil in South American, Pan American and Olympic competitions. The growing demand for these animals and their good performance in competitions has become a quite promising market. Research on it, however, is still scarce. As objectives, the research aimed to determine the structure of the Brasileira de Hipismo market in Brazil; obtain information on the breed supply and demand; estimate average horse production and maintenance costs, and propose users breed typology. The Brazilian Association of Equestrian Horse breeders provided information on animal production and marketing. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Six breeders and 25 horse users were interviewed. Descriptive statistics was employed for data analysis. As results, the market is characterized as a monopolistic competition. Breeders use artificial insemination (50%) and embryo transfer (33%), searching for high quality horses. The average annual cost of production per animal was estimated at R$ 5,709.72. The average maintenance cost was R$ 2,587.80 per animal per month. The animals are mainly used for sports. The study concluded that the horse provides other than financial benefits to breeders and production cannot be considered efficient in terms of profitability. Consumers belong to higher social classes and, for the most part, regard their horses as pets.
Cultural Differences in Auditors' Compliance with Audit Firm Policy on Fraud Risk Assessment Procedures
Authors: Bik Olof , Hooghiemstra Reggy
Published: January 2018

Internationally operating audit firms rely heavily on global firm policies and audit methodologies to ensure consistency of audits across the globe. However, cultural differences are likely to affect auditors' compliance with such firm-wide systems of control. In this study we use proprietary data from a Big 4's internal quality reviews, involving 1,152 audit engagements from 29 countries, to assess the impact of cross-national cultural differences on auditors' compliance (or not) with the firm's policy in a specific yet crucial and culturally susceptible area of the audit process: fraud risk assessment procedures. We find that collectivism and societal trust are negatively associated, while religiosity is positively associated with compliance with global firm policy. However, we do not find evidence that compliance and power distance are associated. Overall, our findings suggest that cross-national differences in auditors' compliance with global audit firm methodology (or not) are associated with cross-national cultural differences. An implication of our findings is that a uniform local application of global audit methodologies may remain an illusion unless different, targeted approaches for different regions in the world are considered.
“Socialmente iguais, humanamente diferentes”: cultura e identidade na construção de resistências
Authors: Maia Viviane De Souza Barbosa , Ribeiro Rafaela de Souza
Published: January 2018

Cultura é parte constituinte da identidade de todo e qualquer indivíduo. Ao pensa-la criticamente por intermédio do referencial teórico gramsciano, a cultura está intrinsecamente relacionada ao modo de ser, operar e pensar de uma classe. O caráter ideológico presente na luta de classes reflete na cultura, de modo que, por um lado torna-se possível constitui-la como instrumento hegemônico e por outro lado, é parte central para resistir e criar uma contra hegemonia. O artigo objetiva refletir sobre a historicidade da categoria cultura e analisar teoricamente a construção, a afirmação e a resistência da cultura e da identidade no seio das relações sociais.
Penentuan Kriteria Pengukuran Indikator Kinerja Penyelenggaraan Diklat Berbasis Kompetensi Menggunakan Metode Focus Group Discussion
Authors: Rohmatulloh Rohmatulloh , Shiddiq Julian Ambassadur
Published: January 2018

The formulation of performance indicators is good and meaningful must meet the criteria CREAM (clear, relevant, economic, adequate, and monitorable). In practice, it is often found performance indicators can not be applied because it has a variety of interpretations in the criteria of measurement. The problem is discussed using focus group method (FG). The results of the discussion have succeeded in identifying and consensusing the six criteria for measuring the key performance indicators (KPI) for the implementation of competency-based training, ie training needs analysis, syllabus curriculum, modules, training implementation guidelines, evaluation of training, and evaluation of training implementation (satisfaction and learning). The use of the FG method in this study is effective enough to generate many ideas and the participation of internal stakeholders in solving the problem. The success of FG is highly dependent on pre-discussion planning, especially the deepening of the issues studied and the determination of data sources or participants, who understand the issues being discussed.
The Invention of Writing and Number Notation
Authors: Imhausen Annette
Published: January 2018

This chapter discusses the invention of writing and number notation in ancient Egypt. Writing is believed to have been invented in Egypt at the end of the fourth millennium BCE. Among the predynastic elite tombs, tomb U-j (assigned to King Scorpion around 3200 BCE) holds a significant place. Within the twelve rooms of the structure, the earliest evidence of hieroglyphic writing from ancient Egypt was discovered. Two types of objects with inscriptions were found in tomb U-j. On the one hand, almost 200 labels made from bone, ivory, or stone and on the other hand, ceramic vessels. If we presume that some basic assumptions about the earliest written objects from tomb U-j are correct, that is, if the abstract signs were indeed the representation of numbers or quantities and the labels were attached to some goods about which they held information (e.g., the indication of their quantities or their origin or owner) then, like in Mesopotamia, the earliest writing is linked to administrative needs, and the invention of a quantity/numerical notation along with the invention of script is almost a necessary consequence.
Metrological Systems
Authors: Imhausen Annette
Published: January 2018

The development of metrology constituted the foundation of the quantitative control of agricultural resources, which then enabled the cultural achievements of ancient Egypt. Note that while some units remained the same and were used throughout Egyptian history, others became obsolete or changed. This chapter focuses on metrological units, which are attested in the Old Kingdom. Some metrological units were linked to a specific kind of object to be measured; thus it is to be expected that there were different units for assessing volumes of grain, liquids, or building materials. The discussions cover length units, area units, capacity units, and weights.