scholarly journals A case analysis of a mass treatment approach to control GI and water-related conditions in Sudan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaaddin Salih ◽  
Mohamed Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Case Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Discussion Section ◽  
Primary Input ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Preparation Phase ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The efficiency of mass chlorination in controlling diarrheal diseases during acute emergencies has been extensively reported in literature. However, long-term crises received unparallel attention. Researchers have previously carried out a trial that investigated the impact of using chemical means to treat water reservoirs of Um-Baddah Nevachah, a refugee camp located in the western outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan. A double-blind community experimental trial was carried out by randomly adding either chlorine or a placebo to the major water tanks in the area. Data were collected using a mixed-methods study design. The primary input was the quantitative data derived from total coliforms lab tests and records of the local primary healthcare center, while the embedded (nested) portion generated most of the qualitative data from direct face-to-face interviews. As a case analysis, this study aims to critically appraise the original trial. In the Background the authors discussed the context of the trial, approach used, and outcomes. Discussion section included three issues related to the trial: scientific importance, challenges and strategies. Discussion Importance: There are two factors that contribute to the importance of this study: First, the integrated and systematic approach followed to resolve associated challenges. The study swiftly moved from investigating potential water contamination, to test whether it is related to an endogenous focus that auto-taints drinking water, and finally it explored the impact of tanks chlorination on public health. Second, the longstanding humanitarian context which remains largely underreported in literature. Challenges: funding limitations were among the first obstacles faced. During the fieldwork preparation phase, a lot of work was required to resolve logistical and security challenges. Keeping volunteers motivated was the biggest concern during the last phase of data collection. Strategies: The “Matrix Solutions Strategy” was developed and used to optimize scarce resources to simultaneously target multiple problems through a single intervention. Conclusion Key lessons learned from the whole experience were: persistence is paramount for the success of studies in precarious situations; lateral thinking generates alternative solutions that are novel, feasibility and practical in resources-limited settings; and finally respecting local culture and regulations is essential for building trust with both authorities and vulnerable societies.

Self-Esteem and Loneliness as Predicting Factors of Arab Children Achievement İn Kuala Lumpur

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma'a Abdel Fattah Alhoot ◽  
Ssekamanya Sıraje Abdallah
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Arab Children ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Arab Schools ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Taking into consideration the fact that self-esteem and loneliness have an even more important role to play in students' learning, this study seeks to examine the correlation of these two factors with children academic performance. The study involved 499 (grade 4 to grade 9) Arab children studying at Arab schools in Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia. Data were collected via two questionnaires (one for loneliness and the other for self-esteem). The correlational data analysis yielded a negative correlation between loneliness and academic achievement while there is a positive correlation between self-esteem and achievement. Results also suggested that there is no correlation between students' gender, age, and academic achievement. Furthermore, the results revealed that self-esteem is a good predictor of achievement while loneliness and gender are not good predictors. The findings of the present study are discussed in relation to the relevant literature, taking into consideration the impact of children mental health on their academic achievement. Finally, recommendations for further research are presented.

Impact Strength, Flexural Modulus and Wear Rate of PMMA Composites Reinforced by Eggshell Powders

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (7A) ◽  
pp. 960-966
Author(s):  
Aseel M. Abdullah ◽  
Hussein Jaber ◽  
Hanaa A. Al-Kaisy
Keyword(s):  
Impact Strength ◽  
Wear Rate ◽  
Flexural Modulus ◽  
Matrix Material ◽  
Weight Fraction ◽  
Pure Pmma ◽  
Calcination Process ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Interface Bond

In the present study, the impact strength, flexural modulus, and wear rate of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) with eggshell powder (ESP) composites have been investigated. The PMMA used as a matrix material reinforced with ESP at two different states (including untreated eggshell powder (UTESP) and treated eggshell powder (TESP)). Both UTESP and TESP were mixed with PMMA at different weight fractions ranged from (1-5) wt.%. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of the PMMA/ESP composites were enhanced steadily with increasing eggshell contents. The samples with 5 wt.% of UTESP and TESP additions give the maximum values of impact strength, about twice the value of the pure PMMA sample. The calcination process of eggshells powders gives better properties of the PMMA samples compared with the UTESP at the same weight fraction due to improvements in the interface bond between the matrix and particles. The wear characteristics of the PMMA composites decrease by about 57% with increases the weight fraction of TESP up to 5 wt.%. The flexural modulus values are slightly enhanced by increasing of the ESP contents in the PMMA composites.

Characteristics of Physician Relocation Following Hurricane Katrina

2009 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-12
Author(s):  
Kusuma Madamala ◽  
Claudia R. Campbell ◽  
Edbert B. Hsu ◽  
Yu-Hsiang Hsieh ◽  
James James
Keyword(s):  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Introduction: On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States, resulting in the evacuation of more than 1.5 million people, including nearly 6000 physicians. This article examines the relocation patterns of physicians following the storm, determines the impact that the disaster had on their lives and practices, and identifies lessons learned. Methods: An Internet-based survey was conducted among licensed physicians reporting addresses within Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated disaster zones in Louisiana and Mississippi. Descriptive data analysis was used to describe respondent characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with physician nonreturn to original practice. For those remaining relocated out of state, bivariate analysis with x2 or Fisher exact test was used to determine factors associated with plans to return to original practice. Results: A total of 312 eligible responses were collected. Among disaster zone respondents, 85.6 percent lived in Louisiana and 14.4 percent resided in Mississippi before the hurricane struck. By spring 2006, 75.6 percent (n = 236) of the respondents had returned to their original homes, whereas 24.4 percent (n = 76) remained displaced. Factors associated with nonreturn to original employment included family or general medicine practice (OR 0.42, 95 percent CI 0.17–1.04; P = .059) and severe or complete damage to the workplace (OR 0.24, 95 percent CI 0.13–0.42; P < .001). Conclusions: A sizeable proportion of physicians remain displaced after Hurricane Katrina, along with a lasting decrease in the number of physicians serving in the areas affected by the disaster. Programs designed to address identified physician needs in the aftermath of the storm may give confidence to displaced physicians to return.

Dampak Insentif Pajak Perumahan Terhadap Potensi Penerimaan Pajak Negara Dan Peningkatan Pendapatan Masyarakat : Kasus Provinsi Papua

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Towaf Totok Irawan
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Tax Incentives ◽  
High Price ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Primary Input ◽  
State Revenue ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Until now the government and private sector have not been able to address the backlog of 13.5 million housing units for ownership status and 7.6 million units for residential status. The high price of land has led to the high price of the house so that low-income communities (MBR) is not able to reach out to make a home purchase. In addition to the high price of land, tax factors also contribute to the high price of the house. The government plans to issue a policy for the provision of tax incentives, ie abolish VAT on home-forming material transaction. This policy is expected to house prices become cheaper, so the demand for housing increases, and encourage the relevant sectors to intensify its role in the construction of houses. It is expected to replace the lost tax potential and increase incomes. Analysis of the impact of tax incentives housing to potential state revenue and an increase in people's income, especially in Papua province is using the table IO because in addition to looking at the role each sector can also see the impact on taxes (income tax 21 Pph 25 Pph, VAT), and incomes (wage). Although in the short-term impact is still small, but very rewarding in the long run. Keywords: Backlog, Gross Input, Primary Input, Intermediate Input

Optimizing electronic capture of patient-reported outcome measures in oncology clinical trials: lessons learned from a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (17) ◽  
pp. 1195-1204
Author(s):  
Florence D Mowlem ◽  
Brad Sanderson ◽  
Jill V Platko ◽  
Bill Byrom
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Oncology Clinical Trials ◽  
Anticancer Treatment ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Electronic Implementation

Aim: To understand the impact of anticancer treatment on oncology patients’ ability to use electronic solutions for completing patient-reported outcomes (ePRO). Materials & methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals who had experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Results: Participants reported that the following would impact the ability to interact with an ePRO solution: peripheral neuropathy of the hands (4/7), fatigue and/or concentration and memory issues (6/7), where they are in a treatment cycle (5/7). Approaches to improve usability included: larger, well-spaced buttons to deal with finger numbness, the ability to pause a survey and complete at a later point and presenting the recall period with every question to reduce reliance on memory. Conclusion: Symptoms associated with cancers and anticancer treatments can impact the use of technologies. The recommendations for optimizing the electronic implementation of patient-reported outcome instruments in this population provides the potential to improve data quality in oncology trials and places patient needs at the forefront to ensure ‘fit-for-purpose’ solutions.

scholarly journals Consumption of Enriched Yogurt with PAF Inhibitors from Olive Pomace Affects the Major Enzymes of PAF Metabolism: A Randomized, Double Blind, Three Arm Trial

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 801
Author(s):  
Maria Detopoulou ◽  
Agathi Ntzouvani ◽  
Filio Petsini ◽  
Labrini Gavriil ◽  
Εlizabeth Fragopoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activating Factor ◽  
Lipid Mediator ◽  
Olive Pomace ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Catabolic Enzymes ◽  
Platelet Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase ◽  
The Impact ◽  
By Products ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a proinflammatory lipid mediator, plays a crucial role in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, the inhibition of endothelium inflammation by nutraceuticals, such as PAF inhibitors, is a promising alternative for preventing cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a new functional yogurt enriched with PAF inhibitors of natural origin from olive oil by-products on PAF metabolism. Ninety-two apparently healthy, but mainly overweight volunteers (35–65 years) were randomly allocated into three groups by block-randomization. The activities of PAF’s biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes were measured, specifically two isoforms of acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (LPCATs), cytidine 5′-diphospho-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and two isoforms of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase in leucocytes (PAF-AH) and plasma (lipoprotein associated phospholipase-A2, LpPLA2). The intake of the enriched yogurt resulted in reduced PAF-CPT and LpPLA2 activities. No difference was observed in the activities of the two isoforms of lyso PAF-AT. In conclusion, intake of yogurt enriched in PAF inhibitors could favorably modulate PAF biosynthetic and catabolic pathways.

scholarly journals A synbiotic intervention modulates meta-omics signatures of gut redox potential and acidity in elective caesarean born infants

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Lay ◽  
Collins Wenhan Chu ◽  
Rikky Wenang Purbojati ◽  
Enzo Acerbi ◽  
Daniela I. Drautz-Moses ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis ◽  
Infant Gut Microbiome ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The compromised gut microbiome that results from C-section birth has been hypothesized as a risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases (NCD). In a double-blind randomized controlled study, 153 infants born by elective C-section received an infant formula supplemented with either synbiotic, prebiotics, or unsupplemented from birth until 4 months old. Vaginally born infants were included as a reference group. Stool samples were collected from day 3 till week 22. Multi-omics were deployed to investigate the impact of mode of delivery and nutrition on the development of the infant gut microbiome, and uncover putative biological mechanisms underlying the role of a compromised microbiome as a risk factor for NCD. Results As early as day 3, infants born vaginally presented a hypoxic and acidic gut environment characterized by an enrichment of strict anaerobes (Bifidobacteriaceae). Infants born by C-section presented the hallmark of a compromised microbiome driven by an enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae. This was associated with meta-omics signatures characteristic of a microbiome adapted to a more oxygen-rich gut environment, enriched with genes associated with reactive oxygen species metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and depleted in genes involved in the metabolism of milk carbohydrates. The synbiotic formula modulated expression of microbial genes involved in (oligo)saccharide metabolism, which emulates the eco-physiological gut environment observed in vaginally born infants. The resulting hypoxic and acidic milieu prevented the establishment of a compromised microbiome. Conclusions This study deciphers the putative functional hallmarks of a compromised microbiome acquired during C-section birth, and the impact of nutrition that may counteract disturbed microbiome development. Trial registration The study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (Number: 2838) on 4th April 2011.

scholarly journals Interactions of Oxysterols with Atherosclerosis Biomarkers in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia and Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination (Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Red Yeast Rice Extract) (Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study)

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 427
Author(s):  
Stefania Cicolari ◽  
Chiara Pavanello ◽  
Elena Olmastroni ◽  
Marina Del Puppo ◽  
Marco Bertolotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bifidobacterium Longum ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Abdominal Circumference ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Red Yeast Rice ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Red Yeast ◽  
The Impact

Background: Oxysterol relationship with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors is poorly explored, especially in moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Moreover, the impact of nutraceuticals controlling hypercholesterolaemia on plasma levels of 24-, 25- and 27-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC, 25-OHC, 27-OHC) is unknown. Methods: Subjects (n = 33; 18–70 years) with moderate hypercholesterolaemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C:): 130–200 mg/dL), in primary CV prevention as well as low CV risk were studied cross-sectionally. Moreover, they were evaluated after treatment with a nutraceutical combination (Bifidobacterium longum BB536, red yeast rice extract (10 mg/dose monacolin K)), following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design. We evaluated 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC levels by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Results: 24-OHC and 25-OHC were significantly correlated, 24-OHC was correlated with apoB. 27-OHC and 27-OHC/total cholesterol (TC) were higher in men (median 209 ng/mL and 77 ng/mg, respectively) vs. women (median 168 ng/mL and 56 ng/mg, respectively); 27-OHC/TC was significantly correlated with abdominal circumference, visceral fat and, negatively, with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Triglycerides were significantly correlated with 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC and with 24-OHC/TC and 25-OHC/TC. After intervention, 27-OHC levels were significantly reduced by 10.4% in the nutraceutical group Levels of 24-OHC, 24-OHC/TC, 25-OHC, 25-OHC/TC and 27-OHC/TC were unchanged. Conclusions: In this study, conducted in moderate hypercholesterolemic subjects, we observed novel relationships between 24-OHC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC and CV risk biomarkers. In addition, no adverse changes of OHC levels upon nutraceutical treatment were found.

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