Homemade Solutions Research Articles

Local Solutions against Head Lice: A Comparative Study in Nepalese Schools

Background: Infestation by the human head louse Pediculus humanus var capitis is one of the most common parasitic conditions among children worldwide. Availabiliy of commercial products against head lice is often limited in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Different versions of homemade anti-lice solutions were assessed and compared. In addition, differences in results between using a metal louse comb and a plastic one were also evaluated. Method: In five schools of the Kathmandu Valley, 1,323 schoolchildren were screened for this study, designed as a comparative satisfaction survey. Theatre was used as a tool encourage an open dialogue on this much-stigmatized topic. Results: Out of 351 children affected by lice, 208 were included in the final analysis. In the group receiving the solution containing 5% of salt, vinegar, and a wetting agent, the proportion getting rid of head lice (parasite elimination-adults and nits) was 71,1% as compared to 56,8% with mustard oil (difference 14.4%, p-value=0,032). Among the two saline solutions tested, the one using 1% vinegar instead of 10% appeared just as effective, at less cost. Locally available plastic louse combs also appeared to be just as effective as the standard metal louse comb in eliminating head lice. Conclusions: This research programme showed that a product made with natural ingredients can satisfactorily combat head lice. At the same time theatre as a tool to neutralize the stigma accompanying head lice infestation may have helped in implementing the anti-lice program.

The Effect of the Use of Planned Entera Meal Solution on Duration of Patients Weaning from Mechanical Ventilator and Length of Stay in the ICU, a Clinical Trial

Background: Metabolic and nutritional status influences the condition of patients under mechanical ventilation (MV) and determines if they can be disconnected from the ventilator. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of the planned Entera Meal solution on the duration of weaning patients and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Methods: In this clinical trial with a pre-test/post-test design, 42 patients admitted to the ICUs of Golestan and Imam Khomeini hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran, who were under MV, were randomly assigned to the two groups of control and intervention. In the intervention group, the Entera Meal solution was used for energy supply. The administration of the solution was started from 50 mL every 3 hours and was scaled up to 30 mL to reach the calculated energy within 48 - 72 hours. For the control group, routine homemade hospital solutions were used. Data were collected by demographic and medical information questionnaires and a checklist for recording outcomes. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results: The results showed that the length of ICU stay was significantly affected after the administration of the planned Entera Meal solution (P = 0.004). Although we observed that the duration of weaning patients from MV was shorter in the intervention group than in the control group, this difference was not statistically significant (5.23 ± 4.77 vs. 7.71 ± 6.14 days, P = 0.15). Conclusions: The planned Entera Meal solution reduced the length of ICU hospitalization but did not have a statistically significant effect on the duration of patients weaning from the ventilator.

Clinical implementation of 3D printed plesiotherapy moulds using free open source software

PurposeFrom May 2021 the European regulation EU2017/745 covers the manufacture of medical devices in healthcare facilities under certain conditions. In this context, the use of 3D printing and free software can be combined to provide a solution to some of the problems for which no commercial product can be found in brachytherapy.What we present here is a procedure for the design, using open source software, and manufacture, with Fused Deposition Modeling technology, of brachytherapy surface moulds. Material and methodsThe procedure starts with a CT scan of the patient treatment area with radiopaque markers. 3D slicer software is then used to delimit the applicator mould that follows the patient's surface. After this, we use the Freecad software to design the channels where we will insert the plastic tubes through which the radiation source will deliver the treatment. We also use the Meshmixer software to make the final delimitation of the applicator edges as well as to find and correct any inconsistency. ResultsMoulds created by means of 3D printing allow us to combine the precise fit to the patient's surface of homemade solutions with the geometric accuracy between catheters of commercial products. This is clearly seen when treating small and irregular surfaces such as the ear pinna. ConclusionManufacture of brachytherapy surface moulds with FDG technology is a good example of customized solutions in healthcare facilities supported by new European legistation. If we add to this the use of free open source software, we are facing an alternative to classics solutions used up to now in superficial brachytherapy.

Silicon Nanowire Technologies: brief review, home-made solutions and future trends

The silicon nanowire (SiNW) is poised to become an industry standard on the upcoming technological nodes. It presents improved current drive and modulation, minimized footprint, stackability, and a host of different beneficial characteristics. The last few years of research have focused on solving the last remaining challenges of SiNW fabrication as they roll into commercial usage. Now, novel devices, as well as channel and device stacking for 3D VLSI applications is being studied. As well as how can the SiNW geometry can be harnessed for More Than Moore materials and applications. In this review, we present a sample of the range of devices, techniques and applications of SiNW structures, alongside novel developments in the research carried out at University of Campinas. Demonstrations of JLFETs fabricated using Ga+-FIB, e-beam lithography, silicon etching in NH4OH solution, FinFETs fabricated using Ga+ lithography and strained silicon structures are shown. Promising future developments in VLSI and More Than Moore applications such as vertically stacked nanowire geometries, graphene nanoribbon devices, and MagFETs are also presented.

Life at high temperature observed in vitro upon laser heating of gold nanoparticles

Thermophiles are microorganisms that thrive at high temperature. Studying them can provide valuable information on how life has adapted to extreme conditions. However, high temperature conditions are difficult to achieve on conventional optical microscopes. Some home-made solutions have been proposed, all based on local resistive electric heating, but no simple commercial solution exists. In this article, we introduce the concept of microscale laser heating over the field of view of a microscope to achieve high temperature for the study of thermophiles, while maintaining the user environment in soft conditions. Microscale heating with moderate laser intensities is achieved using a substrate covered with gold nanoparticles, as biocompatible, efficient light absorbers. The influences of possible microscale fluid convection, cell confinement and centrifugal thermophoretic motion are discussed. The method is demonstrated with two species: (i) Geobacillus stearothermophilus, a motile thermophilic bacterium thriving around 65 °C, which we observed to germinate, grow and swim upon microscale heating and (ii) Sulfolobus shibatae, a hyperthermophilic archaeon living at the optimal temperature of 80 °C. This work opens the path toward simple and safe observation of thermophilic microorganisms using current and accessible microscopy tools.

P-211 Significant differences in efficiency between two commonly used ionophore solutions for assisted oocyte activation (AOA): a prospective comparison of ionomycin and A23187

Abstract Study question Are there differences in oocyte activation rate and developmental morphokinetic after assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with either ionomycin or A23187? Summary answer Ionomycin produces greater oocyte activation rate than A23187 (43.1% vs 15.9%), while the morphokinetic pattern of parthenotes’ development is similar between both Ca2+ ionophores. What is known already Fertilization failure (FF) after ICSI is often due to a male factor, such as the alteration of sperm-borne oocyte activating factors or globozoospermia. AOA can restore fertilization rate by stimulating transient spikes of Ca2+ in the cytoplasm of the oocyte, but its efficiency and effect on embryo development are not fully characterized. Here, the efficiency of two AOA preparation and protocols commonly used in clinical practice is compared using parthenogenetically activated human oocytes. The objective is to identify the most appropriate protocol for AOA and to compare the morphokinetic pattern of the generated parthenotes up to expanded blastocyst (tB). Study design, size, duration Prospective study involving 120 human oocytes from 66 women from March 2019 to November 2021. Oocytes were activated with two AOA protocols after mock ICSI: i) A23187 (ready-to-use solution, GM508 CultActive (Gynemed) n = 69), and ii) Ionomycin (homemade solution, 10 µmol/L, n = 51). Oocyte activation and development were analyzed in both groups; further, the morphokinetic patterns were compared; videos of embryos obtained with donor oocytes and sperm (n = 39) were used as comparator of normal developmental kinetics. Participants/materials, setting, methods Oocytes were injected with latex microspheres to simulate ICSI, followed by AOA. A23187 was used according to manufacturer specification. For ionomycin, three incubations of seven minutes each were performed. Resulting parthenotes (1PN) were incubated in a time-lapse system for 160h. Activation and developmental rates, tPNf (pronucleus fading), t2, t3, t4, t5, t8 (from 1st division to 8-cell), tsB (blastulation onset) and tB (blastocyst expansion) were compared using Student’s T-test and ANOVA. Statistical significance: p-value <0.05. Main results and the role of chance Ionomycin resulted in a significantly higher oocyte activation rate (22/51, 43.1%) than A23187 (11/69, 15.9%), p = 0.0009. In the ionomycin group, 81.8% (18/22) of parthenotes reached the 2-cell stage, 45.5% (10/22) reached the 5-cell stage, and 18.2% (4/22) reached the pseudo-blastocyst stage, as expected for these pseudo-embryos lacking the contribution of the sperm. In the A23187 group, 54.5% (6/11) reached the 2-cell stage, 27.3% (3/11) the 5-cell stage, and none formed pseudo-blastocysts. While the number of parthenotes progressing through development is much lower for A23187, the expected poor development of human parthenotes past activation and corresponding low numbers did not allow to reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). tPNf was significantly different among the 3 groups compared: 47.4±37.5h (n = 11, A23187), 27.7±23.8h (n = 21, ionomycin) and 23.3±4.6h (n = 39, control), p = 0.0019; with ionomycin presenting an average tPNf similar to the one obtained by ICSI. Among activated oocytes, the morphokinetic pattern in the ionomycin and A23187 groups was very similar to the one obtained in the control group (p > 0.05 at all timings). As an example, the t5 in the 3 groups was 58.5±12.6h (n = 3, A23187), 45.6±21.8h (n = 10, ionomycin), and 49.5±12.4h (n = 34, control), p = 0.29. Limitations, reasons for caution The low number of parthenotes progressing past 2-cells limit the possibility to extract solid conclusions regarding the morphokinetic patterns after AOA. The efficiency of activation using the two tested protocol is however confirmed. Wider implications of the findings The use of homemade ionomycin solutions is an effective option for the treatment of fertilization failures where assisted oocyte activation is indicated. Caution should be exerted when using GM508 Cultactive to investigate fertilization failures of oocyte origin. Trial registration number not applicable

In-house protocol: spin-based viral RNA purification

A worldwide shortage of molecular biology consumables is in surge. This includes filter tips, nucleic acid purification kits, polymerases, reverse-transcriptase, and different types of reagents which are included in viral diagnostic kits. In developing countries, the problem is even worse, since there is few capital enterprise to adopt this kind of industry. So, our aim is to develop a suitable, functional, comparable to commercial ones, and affordable in-house protocol to purify viral RNA. We sought some published and commercial RNA purification solutions to set-up an in-house protocol for viral RNA extraction. Solution was prepared accordingly. Also, LPA (linearized polyacrylamide) carrier was evaluated. The whole setting of in-house solutions with addition of LPA carrier was compared to QIAamp viral RNA minikit solutions. Our results showed that linearized polyacrylamide (LPA) carrier in homemade solutions is comparable to poly A carrier which is used in the most commercial kit. In addition, the whole setting of RNA purification solutions did achieve the purpose of viral RNA purification. Also, the result was confirmed using sputum of a Sars-Cov2 infected patient. Our experiments did end up with an affordable homemade solutions for viral RNA purification.

Silver Nanoparticles: An Instantaneous Solution for Anticancer Activity against Human Liver (HepG2) and Breast (MCF-7) Cancer Cells

Cancer is a cataclysmic disease that affects not only the target organ, but also the whole body. Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) have recently emerged as a better option for the treatment of this deadly disease. Accordingly, the present work describes a means to control the growth of cancer cells by using colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) processed via homemade solutions and the characterization of these materials. The AgNPs may become an instantaneous solution for the treatment of these deadly diseases and to minimize or remove these problems. The AgNPs exhibit excellent control of the growth rate of human liver (HepG2) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells, even at a very low concentrations. The cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cells were dose dependent (2–200 μg/mL), as evaluated using MTT and NRU assays. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased by 136% and 142% in HepG2 and MCF-7 cells treated with AgNPs, respectively. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data for both cell types (HepG2 and MCF-7) after exposure to AgNPs showed up- and downregulation of the expression of apoptotic (p53, Bax, caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (BCl2) genes; moreover, their roles were described. This work shows that NPs were successfully prepared and controlled the growth of both types of cancer cells.

Sequencing SARS-CoV-2 in a Malaria Research Laboratory in Mali, West Africa: The Road to Sequencing the First SARS-CoV-2 Genome in Mali

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a necessary tool for genomic epidemiology. Even though the utility of genomics in human health has been proved, genomic surveillance has never been as important as during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been demonstrated by the recent use of genomic surveillance to detect new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. Until recently, Malian scientists did not have access to any local NGS platform, and samples had to be shipped abroad for sequencing. Here, we report on how we adapted a laboratory setup for Plasmodium research to generate the first complete SARS-CoV-2 genome locally. Total RNA underwent a library preparation using an Illumina TruSeq stranded RNA kit. A metagenomics sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq platform, which was followed by bioinformatic analyses on a local server in Mali. We recovered a full genome of SARS-CoV-2 of 29 kb with an average depth coverage of 200×. We have demonstrated our capacity to generate a high-quality genome with limited resources and highlight the need to develop genomics capacity locally to solve health problems. We discuss challenges related to access to reagents during a pandemic period and propose some home-made solutions.

3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as multi-colorimetric indicator of chlorine in water in line with health guideline values.

Sanitizing solutions against bacterial and viral pathogens are of utmost importance in general and, in particular, in these times of pandemic due to Sars-Cov2. They frequently consist of chlorine-based solutions, or in the direct input of a certain amount of chlorine in water supply systems and swimming pools. Colorimetry is one of the techniques used to measure the crucial persistence of chlorine in water, including household chlorine test kits commonly based on colorimetric indicators. Here, we show a simple and cheap colorimetric method based on 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), commonly used as chromogenic reagent for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. TMB is converted by chlorine to a colored molecule through a pH-dependent multi-step oxidation process where the chromaticity of TMB is directly proportional to chlorine content. This molecule offers several advantages over other commonly used reagents in terms of safety, sensitivity, and, peculiarly, hue modulation, giving rise to the detection of chlorine in water with a multi-color change of the indicator solution (transparent/blue/green/yellow). Moreover, through the appropriate setting of reaction conditions, such coloration is finely tunable to cover the range of chlorine concentration recommended by international health agencies for treatment of drinking water and swimming pools and to test homemade solutions prepared by dilution of household bleach during health emergency events such as during the current pandemic. Graphical abstractElectronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00216-020-02918-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Development of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry assays to determine the concentration of Bitrex™ and sodium saccharin in homemade facemask fit testing solutions.

RationaleFast and easily transferable chromatography/mass spectrometry assays were required to detect and quantify the amount of Bitrex™ and sodium saccharin in homemade facemask fit testing solutions.MethodsBitrex™ solutions were analysed using reversed‐phase ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with positive ion electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI‐MS). Separation was achieved using a mobile phase gradient with an Acquity BEH C18‐packed column. Sodium saccharin solutions were analysed using ultrahigh‐performance supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with negative ion electrospray ionisation (UHPSFC/ESI‐MS). Separation was achieved using isocratic elution with an Acquity UPC2 Torus Diol packed column and a methanol (25 mM ammonium acetate) co‐solvent.ResultsThe calibration curves obtained using the ratio of the active compound to an internal standard generated linear regression values (R2) >0.99. Samples analysed prior to and after an autoclave sterilisation process and bottling gave repeatable measurements within 10% of the expected concentration.ConclusionsThe two assays afford a fast robust and quantitative analytical method for the detection of the active components used to test the efficacy of the homemade facemask testing solutions.

Impact of Nasal Irrigation With Iodized Table Salt Solution on Mucociliary Clearance: Proof-of-Concept Randomized Control Trial.

Introduction Saline nasal irrigation is a common recommendation shared between the majority of clinical guidelines for sinusitis and rhinitis in adults and children. Studies involving homemade saline have typically involved the use of noniodized salt. However, the literature does not contain any descriptions for the use of iodized table salt in homemade saline solutions. Objectives To study the usefulness of iodized salt in homemade saline and its impact on mucociliary clearance (MCC). Methods Only healthy volunteers were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The sinonasal outcome test (SNOT)-22 and rhinoscopy were used to rule out any clinical evidence of sinusitis or rhinitis in the enrolled subjects. The saccharine clearance time (SCT) was used to evaluate MCC at baseline. Each candidate received 2 different nasal wash solutions—one containing iodized salt and the other containing noniodized salt—on different days. Visual analog scale pain scores were recorded while using each type of nasal wash. The SCT was assessed after each wash. Results Thirty-eight healthy candidates (18 men and 20 women) were enrolled in the study. All subjects were in their 30s. The mean baseline SCT was 10.92 minutes. The use of the noniodized salt solution led to a nonsignificant change ( P = .139) in mean SCT (9.68 min). In contrast, a significant change ( P = .035) was observed in mean SCT after the use of the iodized salt solution (9.06 min). However, the mean postirrigation SCT was not significantly different between solutions ( P = .31). No significant differences were observed in pain/discomfort experience between solutions. Conclusion MCC improved with both solutions. Interestingly, the improvement was significant, when the iodized salt nasal irrigation solution was used. This finding contradicts the conventional recommendation against the use of iodized salt in nasal rinse solution. Moreover, this solution was well tolerated. Further studies regarding the long-term safety are recommended.

Feasibility of replacing homemade solutions by commercial products for qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators: a mixed effect logistic regression study

Qualitative fit testing is mandatory for tight-fitting respirators to ensure that the wearer fitted properly before entering a contaminated workplace. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the homemade solutions as substitution of commercial products for qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators. Two homemade solutions of Bitrex™ and saccharin were made according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.134. Threshold Screening Tests (TSTs) of commercial solutions, as well as homemade ones, were conducted on 62 participants in a random order. A placebo was also tested to assure the participants could distinguish its flavorless from other taste of solutions. There were no statistically significant differences between the commercial and homemade solutions representing that participants detected the bitter taste of the Bitrex™ and sweet taste of the saccharin solutions (96.8% vs. 91.9% and 93.5% vs. 83.9%, respectively). Homemade solutions that were stable and haven’t been contained microbial contaminations, could be substituted for commercial products in qualitative fit testing of filtering face-piece respirators (FFRs). Overall, this protocol presents a practical and cost-benefit technique to assess the fit testing of FFRs.

Antecedents of Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship Initiatives in Pakistan and Outcomes: Collaboration between Quadruple Helix Sectors

The concept of social entrepreneurship has not reached full understanding in almost all developing countries, specifically in Pakistan. Social entrepreneurship is an outstanding social vehicle that, if adopted, can transform a society by resolving its social, economic, and environmental issues with the help of homemade solutions for social problems. The phenomena of social entrepreneurship rarely exist in Pakistan, due to a lack of research in and awareness of the field. So far, no quantitative or qualitative research has been conducted on the subject area of social entrepreneurship. Thus, the prime objective of this study is to investigate the effect of personal factors (human capital, social capital, motivational factors) on the development of social entrepreneurial ventures in Pakistan. This research study has investigated the interaction effect of the collaboration of quadruple helix sectors on the factors that affect the development of social entrepreneurial ventures in Pakistan. Quadruple Helix Innovation Theory (QHIT) explains that the economic development of a country stands on four pillars: university, industry, government, and civil society. In this research, a quantitative research approach has been adopted by using a survey questionnaire. This research study has used convenience sampling to select a sample from the target population for collecting answers from respondents who were conveniently available. The population of this study includes all of the social entrepreneurs operating in two important cities (Bahawalpur, Multan) of southern Punjab, Pakistan. SmartPLS 3 was utilized to analyze the data. Moderation has been tested using the bootstrapping technique in SmartPLS software. It is found that human capital, social capital, and motivational factors have a significant positive relationship with social entrepreneurship. Moreover, quadruple helix sectors moderate the relationship between personal factors (human capital, social capital, motivational factors) and social entrepreneurship. The study provides a road map for the development of social entrepreneurship in Pakistan as a solution to social problems.

A novel plant DNA extraction method using filter paper-based 96-well spin plate.

A simple, low cost and safe method using homemade filter paper-based 96-well spin plates and homemade solutions was developed for high throughput plant DNA extraction to use in molecular marker analysis. A low cost and safe method was developed for high throughput extraction of plant DNA for molecular marker analysis. In this method, we describe a simple way to prepare 96-well spin plate using filter paper, a plant material product for DNA binding. Such filter paper-based spin plate can combine with homemade non-toxic buffers for high throughput extraction of plant DNA. We confirmed that filter paper is an efficient solid-phase DNA binding material and comparable to silicon-based glass fiber filters adopted in commercial DNA extraction kits, and that plant DNA extracted by this method can be readily used as template for PCR. The efficacy of this method was also fully demonstrated by molecular marker analysis in segregating populations of tomato. Due to greatly reduced expense compared to commercial kits, this method is of great value for small labs with limited resources.

Community Based Management of Malaria: exploring the capacity/performance of Community Based Agents and their motivation in Tamale, northern region of Ghana 2013

Background: The use of antimalarial drugs and the prevention of man and vector contact remain the major control and prevention strategy of malaria until the availability of effective and safe vaccine. In Africa, one of the major strategies to malaria control and prevention is the home based malaria strategy through which trained community drug distributors identify and provide antimalarial drugs to children under five years with fever. This research aims at exploring the capacity, performance, and motivation of CBAs in Tamale Metropolis, Northern region, Ghana Methodology: A Survey, in-depth interviews and short ethnographic techniques were conducted among 104 CBAs who were trained and given logistical support to assess and treat children less than five years with malaria presumptively at home. Participants were selected randomly and represented urban, peri-urban and rural settings. Results: 96.2% of respondents identified malaria by presence of fever while 92.3% used fever as a cardinal sign. More than 82% of participants provided early treatment in all the three location. 64.4% of participants administered the correct number of days while 32.7% administered daily doses correctly, only 24% of CBAs knew that the Antimalarial medications they use have some side effects. 77.9% knew when to repeat drug dose when child vomit or when parent forget to give the dose. Most of the participant had registers and were reporting monthly, however, only 26.2% are somewhat motivated by some of the existing of the motivational packages. Conclusion: The overall performance and skills demonstrated by the CBAs are encouraging in all the three settings but documentation and reporting remains a challenge. Community based initiatives should be strengthened and promoted to provide homemade solutions in saving lives especially in resources limited settings. If community interventions such as community drug distribution of antimalarial drugs are needed to improving access to malaria prevention, much attention to what motivates individuals to strengthen their spirit of volunteerism is required.

Saint John’s Abbey Church: Marcel Breuer and the Creation of a Modern Sacred Space by Victoria M. Young

Reviewed by: Saint John’s Abbey Church: Marcel Breuer and the Creation of a Modern Sacred Space by Victoria M. Young Fr. Harry Hagan, osb Victoria M. Young. Saint John’s Abbey Church: Marcel Breuer and the Creation of a Modern Sacred Space. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2014. 240 pp. $34.95. In the early 1950s, St. John’s Abbey was facing an overwhelming need for more space. Quickly the community saw that its homemade solutions were inadequate to meet the extraordinary vision that had been growing among them for some time. Dr. Victoria Young deftly sets this story into a larger context and then creates a sense of the people who set out to expand and realize this vision by building a world-class liturgical space that would serve the prayer of St. John’s and become a witness to the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond. Young opens with the consecration of the church in 1961—the year before the Second Vatican Council began. In various ways, the book makes it clear that the Catholic liturgical reform codified by that council did not suddenly appear but had been developing for some time. The first chapter, “Bricks and Brothers,” sets St. John’s into its larger Benedictine context and then into its midwestern context. Young nicely summarizes the modern liturgical movement which gathered momentum with Pius X calling for the faithful to take an active role in the liturgy [End Page 149] (19). She shows how Benedictines both in Europe and in the United States played a central role in this movement that sought the full, active participation of all in the liturgy. St. John’s itself served as a leader, especially through the work of Virgil Michel, osb (1890–1938) and Godfrey Deikman, osb (1908–2002). The second chapter, called “The Twelve Apostles,” opens with Abbot Baldwin and the monks proposing a competition for a hundred year master plan which would include a new abbey church. The document states: “We feel that the modern architect with his orientation toward functionalism and honest use of materials is uniquely qualified to produce a Catholic work” (32). Young notes that “function had become the lynchpin of a new architectural philosophy with architect Walter Gropius’s founding in 1919 of the Bauhaus in Weimar, Germany” (32, 72). Yes, but Louis Sullivan, the great Chicago architect (1856–1924), famously formulated this “linchpin” as “form follows function.” One could even argue that it reflects two midwestern trademarks: practicality and simplicity. Midwesterners, though their love for the tried and the true may cloud the issue, have a genuine affinity for the elegant simplicity of practicality realized by modern architecture. No one should be surprised that with the leadership of Cummins, Inc.—a maker of diesel engines—Columbus, Indiana, has become a museum of modern architecture. Abbot Baldwin and the building committee invited twelve architects for interviews. None of the five Europeans could come; still Young surveys their work to give a sense of Europe’s vitality. Of the seven American based architects, five came for visits. Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius, and Richard Neutra had roots in the German-speaking world; Joseph Murphy and Barry Byrne were based in the Midwest. Young gives particular attention to Byrne, a prominent architect of the Prairie School deeply involved in the Catholic liturgical movement; he had built St. Columba Church (1949) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was designing a new church for St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas (1957). Although there is no real narrative suspense, Young provides an interesting report of each visit along with what impressed or concerned the committee. In the end, she shows how they came to see Breuer as the best candidate. While their reasons were many, Young, like Isabelle Hymnen before her, underlines Breuer’s willingness to listen and collaborate with the monastic community (63). Also he brought an international dimension to this midwestern project. “Building the Spiritual Axis,” the third chapter, tells the story of the church’s design, development, and execution. It reveals how Breuer with [End Page 150] the monastic community created a sacred path that begins with the justly famous bell banner and then moves through the...

Knowledge and Skills of Mothers/Care Givers of Children Under Five Years in Communities with Home Based Management of Malaria in Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, 2013.

BackgroundMalaria is still one of the major public health problems. More than 400 million cases of malaria are reported each year worldwide, Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region where about 90% of all malaria deaths in the world occur especially in children under five years of age. Home based management of Malaria showed a tremendous effect on reducing mortalities among children in Ghana.Objectivesto determine the current level of knowledge and skills of mothers in Tamale Metropolitan Area in the northern region of Ghana in terms of disease identification, management and transmission of malaria.MethodologyA cross sectional study conducted in 2013 involved 400 families and mothers/care givers with children less than five years were selected randomly and represented urban, peri-urbanand rural settings.ResultsMore than 90% of respondents identified malaria by presence of fever while 57.5% used fever as a cardinal sign. 91% of participants sought early treatment in urban and peri-urban settings while 85% did so in rural sites. 55% of participants administered the correct doses daily but only 17% of them knew the side effects of Antimalarial medications used. Almost all participants were aware about transmission of malaria, when to repeat the drug dose and usage of paracetamol as a medicine to reduce body temperature.ConclusionThe overall knowledge and skills demonstrated are encouraging, there is no much difference between urban and rural settings. Community based initiatives should be strengthened and promoted to provide homemade solutions to saving lives and resources.

Strategies for decreasing contamination of homemade nasal saline irrigation solutions.

Saline nasal irrigations (SNI) are an important adjunct in the treatment of rhinosinusitis, and many patients prepare and store these solutions in their homes without an awareness of the potential for contamination. The objectives of this study were to determine if such contamination occurs and the effect of preparation methods on contamination. Stock solutions of various tonicities and pHs were prepared using boiled, bottled, and distilled water (n = 57). The solutions were stored at ambient temperature or refrigerated for 1 week. Each day, 50 mL of the solutions were decanted to simulate transferring the stock solution into an irrigation vector. Cultures of the stock solutions were taken on days 1, 3, and 7. Overall contamination rate was 35.1%. The boiled water solutions were more likely to demonstrate bacterial growth (p < 0.001), as were those that were hypotonic (p = 0.046). pH had no significant effect (p = 0.127). Growth occurred as early as 24 hours after solution preparation. Pathogenic species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella sp, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Acinetobacter junii, Methylobacterium sp, and Brevundimonas diminuta. No bacterial growth occurred in refrigerated solutions (p = 0.008). Pathogenic bacterial growth can occur in a short period of time in homemade SNI solutions with routine handling. Solutions should be refrigerated if possible. If solutions are to be stored at ambient temperature, they should be either isotonic or hypertonic and prepared from bottled or distilled water.

Experimental verification of gamma-efficiency calculations for scintillation detectors in ANGLE 4 software

ANGLE software for semiconductor detector efficiency calculations - long existing and widely accepted tool in quantitative gamma spectrometry - has been recently extended to scintillation NaI detectors. The extension features in the latest edition (ANGLE 4) and it is briefly outlined. Discretization of reference efficiency curve, meaning possibility of using ANGLE 4 for particular gamma energies without constructing the complete reference efficiency curve, is particularly emphasized. This yields both in enhanced practicality and higher accuracy, while reducing the potential for systematic errors. The present work is primarily focussed on experimental verification of ANGLE 4 for NaI detectors. Two detectors (2 ? 2 and 3 x 3 inches) were employed in the experiment. Commercially calibrated gamma sources (in the forms of quasi point and cylinder) and homemade solutions (diluted from calibrated ones) were measured at various distances from the detector(s), ranging 0 cm to 50 cm. Energy range observed was 59 keV to 1408 keV. Versatility of counting conditions, in terms of detectors and sources used, gamma energies observed, source detector separations, etc., was aimed at creating as large experimental evidence as possible for verification purposes. Experimentally obtained efficiencies are compared with those calculated by ANGLE 4. Very good agreement is obtained - well within the experimental uncertainties - thus proving the reliability of the software.