Infrequent Practice Research Articles

The Effects of Rhythm Jump Training on the Rhythmic Reproduction Ability in Jumping and Agility in Elementary School Soccer Players

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of rhythm jump training on the rhythm and motor abilities of elementary school students to provide insights into its potential benefits for their physical performance and coordination. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 101 elementary school students (grades 1–6) attending a soccer school. Participants were divided into a rhythm jump group (n = 51, age: 7.5 years, height: 126.0 cm, weight: 25.7 kg) and a control group (n = 39, age: 8.0 years, height: 128.8 cm, weight: 26.5 kg) based on their practice venue. The rhythm jump group engaged in 10 min of rhythm jump at the beginning of soccer practice once a week over 8 weeks (intervention period), while the control group continued regular soccer training. Measurements included rhythmic reproduction ability during jumps, Pro Agility Test (PAT) values, and Reactive Strength Index (RSI) scores, assessed before and after the intervention period. Rhythmic reproduction ability was measured by comparing the data of the timing of jumps to 4- and 8-beat audio tracks. These were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant interactions were observed between 8-beat rhythmic reproduction ability and PAT values. In 8-beat rhythm deviation, a significant decrease was observed in the rhythm jump group (0.048 s) compared to that in the control group (0.013 s) (p < 0.01). PAT time significantly decreased in the rhythm jump group (0.18 s) compared to the control group (−0.25 s) (p < 0.01). There was no observed interaction between 4-beat rhythmic reproduction ability and RSI. Conclusions: This study revealed that rhythm jump training can be effective even with short sessions and infrequent practice, emphasizing its efficiency. The short-term rhythm jump intervention improved the 8-beat rhythmic reproduction ability and agility of elementary school students.

Community Pharmacist Perception and Practice of Herbal product in Eastern Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Herbal Products (HP) are commonly utilized for both medicinal and preventative purposes, however, there is a rising concern about their efficacy and safety in contemporary medical practice. The study aims to determine the perception and practice regarding HP among community pharmacists in Eastern Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in the Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess pharmacists' perceptions and practices regarding herbal remedies. Results: Pharmacy personnel from 246 community pharmacies participated in the study, in which the majority were male (78.9%), and had more than 3 years of experience (57.7%). 47.2% of respondents had shown a positive perception towards HP, whereas only 25.6% of respondents demonstrated good practices regarding herbal items at their pharmacy. Cough preparations (45.9%) and general health tonics (26.4%) were the most sold HP. Most participants (69.5%) believed HP is safe and effective, with 76% recommending the need for proper regulation. A significant number (84.1%) reinforced incorporating HP subjects in the pharmacy curriculum. In terms of practice, over half (51.2%) of pharmacy personnel sometimes dispensed HP, with 87.4% advising consumers on their use. A pharmacist perception was associated with pharmacy practice experience (p=0.020), and practice was linked with age, with better practices seen in those with age ≤30 years (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concludes that most community pharmacy personnel had poor perception and infrequent practice of herbal products in their pharmacy. The study recommends strict quality control, education, and regulation of herbal products to safely and effectively integrate HP in community pharmacy settings. Keywords: Herbal products, Ayurvedic product, Community Pharmacist, Complementary and alternative medicine, attitudes, Practice

Data-Driven Augmented Reality for Scout Password Recognition in Interactive Learning Environment

Scout password is an essential component of scout science, used for communication through secret codes. Learning scout passwords has traditionally relied on conventional methods, where coaches provide material and exercises during weekly meetings. Due to infrequent practice opportunities, this approach often limits students' ability to engage deeply with the material. To address these challenges, this research introduces a data-driven augmented reality (AR) application designed to enhance the learning experience by making scout password recognition more interactive and accessible. The proposed tool leverages AR technology to provide real-time visualization of movements and auditory cues, creating an immersive and engaging learning environment. By integrating data-driven insights into the AR application, the learning process is tailored to individual student needs, ensuring effective understanding and retention of scout codes. The development process follows the Multimedia Life Cycle methodology, providing a structured and iterative approach to creating a user-friendly and impactful application. This innovative AR-based tool aims to transform traditional scout learning methods, offering students a more dynamic and interactive way to master scout password communication while addressing the limitations of conventional teaching practices.

Hybrid Handwash with Silver Nanoparticles from Calotropis gigantea Leaves and Patchouli Oil: Development and Properties

When washing hands, handwashing is one way to prevent diseases caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the most common bacteria that can cause infections. The production of handwash utilizing silver nanoparticles as an active antibacterial agent remains a relatively infrequent practice. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the leaves of Calotropis gigantea, which grows in the geothermal area of Ie Seu-um Aceh Besar, has been carried out using the green synthesis method and hybrid green synthesis with patchouli oil. Handwash with active ingredients such as silver nanoparticles was successfully formulated, evaluated, and tested against S. aureus and E. coli. The organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, foam height measurements, density, irritation, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli were evaluated. The results showed that the organoleptic properties of the handwash with silver nanoparticles were not changed during a 30-day storage period, with pH values in the range of 9.7-10.3, and did not cause irritation upon using silver nanoparticle handwash. The best formula for handwashing with silver nanoparticles in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria was F2, with inhibition zones of 12.9 ± 2.85 mm and 10.95 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. The formulated handwash with silver nanoparticles met the requirements of good liquid soap according to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) with potent antibacterial activity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Southeast Asian countries

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a disease caused by pathogenic Candida species. This disease typically affects women of reproductive age with high sexual activity (i.e., sex workers), poor educational attainment and economic status, and infrequent hygiene practices. VVC remains a major public health concern. VVC prevalence across Southeast Asian countries remains poorly understood. To address this concern, the current study estimated the current prevalence of VVC infections among women in Southeast Asian countries by conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses. All studies reporting the prevalence of VVC in Southeast Asia were obtained from Ovid Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL. A review of titles and abstracts was done independently by three reviewers. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was performed in R v.4.1,1 using the ‘meta’ package (version 4.19-0). Based on the results of the current study, the pooled estimated prevalence of VVC among Southeast Asian women is 23.0% (95% CI: 18.0% to 28.0%). Across countries, Laos had the highest estimated prevalence at 33.0% (95% CI: 22.0% to 46.0%). Subgroup analysis based on pregnancy status and occupation revealed a higher estimated prevalence among non-pregnant women (32.0%, 95% CI: 25.0% to 40.0%) and non-sex workers (33.0%, 95% CI: 20.0% to 48.0%). Based on the diagnostic method, the prevalence was higher for the combinatorial approach using microscopy, a culture-based approach, and molecular techniques (51.0%) and lowest when solely based on clinical diagnosis (9.0%, 95% CI: 1.0% to 22.0%) or an exclusively culture-based approach (11%, 95% CI: 6.0% to 18.0%). Overall, further study is necessary to accurately characterize the current distribution of VVC across Southeast Asian countries. Developing more effective diagnostic and management strategies is to improve the health of affected women.

Assessing the Accuracy of ECG Chest Electrode Placement by EMS and Clinical Personnel Using Two Evaluation Methods

Background and purpose: A valid 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) depends on correct acquisition technique, particularly on the accurate location of precordial (chest) electrodes. The emergency medical services (EMS) segment of the care continuum is under-represented in previous clinically oriented studies of electrode placement. This study sought to assess the accuracy of chest electrode placement by EMS and clinical personnel in one geographic area, to identify patterns of misplacement to inform future training and continuing education, and to compare two methods of assessing electrode placement. Methods: This prospective observational study recruited a convenience sample of EMS and clinical personnel. Participants placed simulated electrodes on a CPR-style manikin and completed a questionnaire about their training and experience. A subset also marked electrode locations on a printed diagram of the ribcage. Digitized placement data and questionnaire responses were analysed statistically. Results: Findings from 149 participants showed misplacement patterns consistent with prior studies, with 41.6% rated as “acceptable” and 34.2% placing £ 3 electrodes acceptably. Correctness of electrode placement was comparable between EMS and clinical participants. More correct electrode placement correlated with classroom vs. on-the-job training, frequent vs. infrequent practice, and greater self-confidence. The diagram data collection method proved not equivalent to, and probably less reliable than, the hands-on manikin method for assessing placement skills. Conclusions: Significant variation in ECG chest electrode placement by EMS personnel was comparable to that previously reported for clinical personnel, suggesting that existing concerns about placement errors by clinical personnel may apply equally to EMS personnel. More frequent practice and classroom-based initial ECG training were associated with significantly greater placement accuracy. Participants used diverse strategies to identify electrode locations. Further research is warranted to clarify optimal strategies for placing chest electrodes, especially on diverse body types. Sound initial ECG training and continuing education are necessary to reinforce high-quality ECG skills.

Prevalence and Factors Determining Adolescents Risk Taking Behaviours in Sarawak, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: During adolescence, significant physical, emotional, and social changes influence growth. This phase exposes adolescents to risky situations. Understanding adolescent risk-taking is crucial. This study aims to determine the extent of risk-taking behaviour among Malaysian adolescents and identify associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a community-based study, we surveyed 1,344 Malaysian adolescents aged 10-19 across 22 districts in Sarawak using multi-stage cluster sampling and face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS v28.0. RESULTS: Analysis found that 43.7% of adolescents engaged in risky behaviours, with a higher incidence in males (50.1%) compared to females (37.4%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified for low-medium risk behaviours were being aged 15-19 (AOR=1.52; CI:1.14-2.02), infrequent religious practice (AOR=1.70; CI:1.01-2.84), poor parent-child relations (AOR=2.02; CI:1.07-3.83) and having a history of mental abuse (AOR=3.02; CI:1.37-6.62). However, a larger family size appeared to be a protective factor (AOR=0.39; CI: 0.18-0.89). High-risk behaviours were more prevalent in older (AOR=2.65; CI:1.91, 3.68) male adolescents (AOR=2.75; CI: 2.02, 3.75) and low religious value (AOR=3.55; CI: 1.32-9.52), larger families (AOR=2.03; CI: 1.38-3.00), lower school grades (AOR=1.74; CI: 1.27-2.38), physical ailments (AOR=2.63; CI:1.60-4.32), and a history of mental abuse (AOR=3.85; CI:1.78-8.31). CONCLUSION: Adolescents aged 15-19 with weak family ties, low religious engagement, and a history of mental abuse tend to exhibit low to medium risk behaviours. Older male adolescents with health issues are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours, whereas those from larger families show fewer such tendencies. These insights are crucial for shaping targeted interventions and policies.

Development of Numeracy Problems with the Context of Bee Cultivation Activity for Junior High School Students

The minimum competency assessment evaluates the numeracy skills of Indonesian students, aiming to facilitate the development of personal skills for self-improvement and contribute positively to society. The low numeracy skills among students are the lack of familiarity and infrequent practice in solving numeracy problems. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of numeracy problems with a context of biodiversity conservation using the Research and Development (RD) method by Tessmer. This model includes preliminary, self-evaluation, expert review, one-to-one, small group, and field tests. The subjects of this study were Year 7 students from one junior high school in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. This study developed were 20 problems. The validity data result of the questions is 0.88 with valid criteria, and the practicality data result of the questions is 89.7% with highly practical criteria. Furthermore, the potential effect is obtained from the average student score (75.39), indicating good criteria. It can be stated that numeracy questions with a context of bee cultivation activity met the valid and practical criteria, and have a potential effect. Therefore, teachers can use these questions as instruments to improve students' numeracy skills.

Purely laparoscopic living donor right posterior sectionectomy: expanding living donors in America

Background: Minimally-invasive hepatectomy in living donor transplantation remains an infrequent practice in American institutions, limited to few centers with expertise. The practice of living donation is further restricted by anatomical variants in certain donors where a standard right or left hepatectomy does not provide adequate donor remnant volume or sufficient graft weight for the recipient. Whenever feasible, the use of right posterior sector grafts can provide a suitable alternative. This video aims to showcase our approach to a purely laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy for living donation.

Factors associated with co-administration of birth dose vaccines insenegalese children

Co-administration of the bilié de Calmette et Guérin (BCG) and birth doses of oral polio (OPV zero) and hepatitis B (HepB BD) vaccines is strongly recommended. The objective was to determine the factors associated with this co-administration in the health district of Podor (Senegal). This cross-sectional study was conducted among 726 children aged 12 to 23 months. This was a two-stage cluster sampling. The data was collected in June 2020. An electronic questionnaire was developed using the Open Data Kit Collect application. Co-administration was modeled as one dose, two doses and three doses. Ordinal logistic regression was used to search for factors likely to influence co-administration. Of the 726 children, 115 (16%), 234 (32%) and 377 (52%) received a single dose, two and three doses, respectively. Factors associated with co-administration were recognition by mothers or caregivers that several vaccines can be administered simultaneously (adjusted OR = 1.46, p-value = 0.017), availability of a health record kept at home (adjusted OR = 6.88, p-value = 0.006), hospitalization of the newborn after birth (adjusted OR = 1.74, p-value = 0.002) and receipt of advice during postnatal care (adjusted OR = 1.72, p-value = 0.01). Co-administration of birth doses is an infrequent practice in Podor. Awareness and availability and proper maintenance of health information management tools would be necessary.

Des arts de voyager au xixe siècle ?

The diversification of travel modes and types of travellers that characterizes the 19th century does not put an end to the arts of travel that marked the previous centuries: they diversify in their own way, their supports multiply, specialize and adapt to these new conditions, while focusing, through the guides, on a previously infrequent practice of travel: leisure travel. The emergence of tourism and the joint access of travelogues to literature also contribute, throughout the century, to the evolution of the apodemic genre, of which the present study intends to offer only some features.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Knowledge, Practices, and Beliefs Among Primary Care Physicians and Newborn Hospitalists.

Background:Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) affects 1 in every 200 United States infants, at present there are 9 states which mandate newborn cCMV screening. With more infants being diagnosed, more children will need continuing care from providers who are knowledgeable about cCMV.Objectives:To examine pediatric provider knowledge, practices, and beliefs around cCMV.Methods:Primary care and newborn hospitalist pediatricians (N = 103) from Michigan, who “regularly care for infants” were invited to participate in a survey about their cCMV-related knowledge, clinical practices, and beliefs.Results:Respondents had low knowledge of typical cCMV presentation and sequelae, with mixed knowledge of screening and testing standards. Most (68%) reported rarely/never screening for cCMV, though 71% strongly agreed/agreed that primary care providers should test for cCMV. Most (90%) strongly agreed/agreed that infants who fail/refer on their newborn hearing screen should be tested for cCMV, yet 81% expressed not being comfortable diagnosing and managing cCMV. Most (72%) felt that cCMV was not sufficiently covered in their medical training; almost all respondents endorsed interest in learning more.Conclusions:Primary care and newborn hospitalists in this study expressed mixed knowledge about, infrequent practice of and low comfort with screening and caring for children with cCMV. This may present a prime opportunity for education and clinician support by professional organizations.

P52 Intervention Mapping of Maternal Self-Care Practices to Facilitate Intervention Design

<h3>Background</h3> Maternal self-care, or behaviors facilitating healthy eating, physical activity (PA), and stress management practices, may play an important role in child weight status. Few childhood obesity interventions, however, consider maternal self-care and health practices. <h3>Objective</h3> To understand existing beliefs, practices, and supports or barriers related to self-care in mothers of preschoolers in rural communities via in-depth interviews, and develop and refine a theory-based self-care intervention using Intervention Mapping (IM). <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A semi-structured interview guide was developed using Social Cognitive Theory constructs and pilot tested to establish content and face validity. Telephone interviews with mothers (n = 19) recruited from preschool centers in rural Colorado were conducted by a trained researcher. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using an iterative approach. IM steps were then followed: formulation of change objectives, material creation, and implementation/evaluation plan development. <h3>Results</h3> Three interview themes emerged: self-care practices; facilitators and barriers; and resources. Mothers had varying definitions of self-care and contexts in which self-care strategies were used. The majority of participants described self-care practices as important for helping them be a better mom, but reported infrequent practices of self-care. Barriers such as time, access to healthy food options or facilities for PA, and exhaustion made incorporation difficult in daily life. This input guided IM for the development of a self-care program which includes 2 workshops, 4 remote health coaching sessions, and a companion website. Topics addressed include what defines self-care, how to incorporate self-care behaviors into a busy life, and how self-care can benefit families. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Understanding mothers' existing self-care practices and beliefs provided insights to inform and guide the development and refinement of a self-care intervention using IM. A maternal self-care intervention offers a unique approach to childhood obesity prevention efforts.

Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Transport and Palliative Care: A Case Series.

To present our center's experience with terminal extubation in 3 palliative critical care home transports from the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Unit. All cases were identified from our Cardiovascular intensive care unit ( CVICU). Patients were terminally ill children with no other surgical or medical option who were transported home between 2014 and 2018, for terminal extubation and end-of-life care according to their families' wishes. The patients were 7, 9 months, and 19 years; and they had very complex and chronic conditions. The families were approached by the CVICU staff during multidisciplinary meetings, where goals of care were established. Parental expectations were clarified, and palliative care team was involved, as well as home hospice was arranged pre transfer. The transfer process was discussed and all the needs were established. All patients had unstable medical conditions, with needs for transport for withdrawal of life support and death at home. Each case needed a highly trained team to support life while in transport. The need of these patients required coordination with home palliative care services, as well as community resources due to difficulty to get in their homes. Transportation of pediatric cardiac critical care patients for terminal extubation at home is a relatively infrequent practice. It is a feasible alternative for families seeking out of the hospital end-of-life care for their critically ill and technology dependent children. Our single-center experience supports the need for development of formal programs for end-of-life critical care transports.

X-ray densitometry of drilling fluids at the rig standpipe

Fluids used during well construction operations serve as a primary barrier for well control, with the fluid density generating sufficient hydrostatic pressure in the fluid column to control downhole formation fluids and gas. Real-time density measurement at the well inlet, where high pressures of many thousands of psi can occur, is highly desirable in order to maintain well control. This improved characterization of the well bore pressure profile allows one to drill wells with narrow drilling margins without non-productive time from well control events, resulting in safer and more cost-effective well construction operations. Gamma ray densitometers are suitable measuring devices for high-pressure density measurement. Typical flow conditions encountered at the inlet, such as a fully filled pipe and a homogeneously mixed mud, are very conducive to their use. In-spite of their high measurement accuracy and relatively fast response times, however, these meters have seen limited adoption in field. This is primarily because the meters come with safety concerns due to the radioactive source required for gamma ray generation. Additionally, the source has to be tracked throughout its life and properly handled during storage, transportation, installation and disposal. Given these concerns and challenges, a majority of oil and gas operating and service companies use manual density measurements at the mud pits using a pressurized mud balance. To help change this rather antiquated and infrequent practice that relies on manual labor, this paper evaluates the feasibility of using a non-radioactive, X-ray based densitometer as an alternative to the gamma ray meter. X-ray densitometry works on the same proven principles as gamma ray densitometry, without the latter's drawbacks. Two X-ray methods, an empirical method and a model-based method (inspired by a technique used in the medical field known as single X-ray absorptiometry) are presented here. Real-time density measurements on the high pressure line with an accuracy of 99% or better and a measurement frequency of 1 Hz are feasible using these methods.

Family medicine residents in central Saudi Arabia. How much do they know and how confident are they in performing minor surgical procedures?

Objectives:To explore the knowledge, practice, barriers and reported self-confidence of family medicine (FM) residents in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in performing minor surgical procedures (MSP).Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing questionnaires to 267 family medicine residents in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between May and July 2016. The questionnaire includes 7 categories with 71 questions about: knowledge, interest, experience and confidence in performing different MSPs, prior training in MSPs, perceived barriers to performing MSPs and ways to improve basic surgical skills.Results:The response rate was 71.9%. Residents had a mean knowledge score of 15.75% and a mean interest score of 10.4 out of 12. Out of 23 MSPs surveyed, residents had performed a mean average of 9.18. The mean of residents’ confidence scores was 26.6 out of 63. The most common barrier to performing MSPs was a lack of training (n=115; 59.9%), while the least common barrier was a lack of interest (n=113; 58.9%). Participants consider intensive education to be the the most effective way to improve their performance, while increasing the duration of some rotations found to be the least effective way for improvement.Conclusion:A majority of FM residents were interested in MSP, but had low perceived knowledge, low reported confidence and infrequent practice. Family medicine programs should provide continuous standardized training by a qualified and interested trainer within the FM setting.

Attitudes and practices related to intrauterine devices for nulliparous women among Chinese health care providers

BackgroundUnintended pregnancy and induced abortion among young (unmarried or nulliparous) women have become serious social and health issues in China, which are thought to partly result from low use of long-acting reversible contraception, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs). Considering that providers may play an especially important role in increasing use of this particular method, we investigated Chinese health care providers’ attitudes and practices regarding IUDs use for nulliparous women, and further examine the potential factors and reasons contributing to their attitudes and practices.MethodsWe recruited health care providers at two Chinese national academic conferences and surveyed them about knowledge of IUDs, willingness to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women, and their related practices. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the potential factors related to their attitudes and practices.ResultsApproximately a half of respondents reported unwillingness to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women. Providers with more misperceptions about the safety and contraindications were more likely to be unwilling to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women. Moreover, 71.0% of respondents rarely or never recommended or provided IUDs to nulliparous women. Providers’ unwillingness to recommend IUDs to nulliparous women was associated with their infrequent practices (aPR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.96). In addition to concerns about the side effects or complications, traditional sexual concept against premarital sex was often cited as a reason by Chinese health providers for their negative attitudes towards IUDs use for nulliparous women, a large proportion of whom are unmarried.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that negative attitudes and infrequent practices regarding IUDs use for nulliparous women are common in Chinese health care providers. Moreover, misperceptions about IUDs, as well as traditional sexual concept, contribute to Chinese health care providers’ negative attitudes towards IUDs use for nulliparous women, and may further reduce their provision. Educational interventions are needed to improve providers’ accurate knowledge of IUDs and fill the gap between traditional sexual concept and young women’s needs of contraceptive services.

Gestational, perinatal, and postnatal factors that interfere with practice of exclusive breastfeeding by six months after birth

BackgroundDespite evidences indicating the superiority of breastfeeding and recent advances in the indicators of breastfeeding in Brazil, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first six months after birth continues to be an infrequent practice in the country. The objective of the present study was to determine which gestational, perinatal, and postnatal factors of the mother-baby dyad might be associated with the cessation of EBF by six months after birth.MethodsData were collected at the rooming-in facility of the Reference Center of Women’s Health of Ribeirão Preto-Mater (CRSM-Mater) during the postpartum period (24 to 72 h after birth) from December 2012 to April 2013 and by telephone contact between the researcher and participating mothers by six months after birth.Questionnaires were applied to collect data, such as the practice of EBF in the last 24 h in the sixth month after birth. The hierarchical theoretical model was proposed and data were analyzed statistically by log-binomial regression models using SAS 9.3.ResultsThe study involved 283 mother-baby dyads in which the mother evaluated did not present pregnancy-puerperal complications that could impede breastfeeding and confirmed the interest in breastfeeding her child. After the telephone contact in the exact sixth month after the birth of each participating baby, 84.8% of the participating mothers reported that they were no longer exclusively breastfeeding their babies. After statistical analysis, we found that there was a significant association between cessation of EBF and maternal report of previous experience with EBF for one month (0.91, 95% CI 0.81, 0.99) and six months (0.81; 95% CI 0.68, 0.94). These practices were associated with the maintenance of EBF and, even after adjustment for maternal socio-demographic variables, this association was maintained (0.85; 95% CI 0.73, 0.99). Thus, there is a greater chance of practicing and maintaining EBF by six months after birth when mother had previous experience with it.ConclusionThe identification of the risk variables associated with cessation of EBF by six months postpartum, such as previous experience with exclusive breastfeeding, may contribute to the effectiveness of EBF intervention and support measures during the first six months after birth.

Le site du Bronze moyen du Vrignoux à Aizenay (Vendée): stèles anthropomorphes et dépôt de parures annulaires

Un diagnostic archéologique réalisé par le service départemental de l’archéologie de Vendée a mis au jour un dépôt de parures annulaires enfoui dans un contexte particulier, topographique d’une part, mais surtout archéologique, au lieu-dit le Vrignoux à Aizenay. En effet, des fosses associées à ce dépôt livrent pour certaines de la céramique, et pour d’autres des fragments de stèles, réemployés comme éléments de calage. Deux autres stèles de petite taille, mais complètes, ont été découvertes, l’une dans un fossé parcellaire subactuel, et l’autre, mise à bas à côté de sa fosse d’implantation. Cet article propose, après une présentation du contexte de découverte et des structures du site, une description des stèles, à la fois sur un plan technologique – ce qui permet de démontrer qu’elles ont bien été façonnées – et sur un plan typologique. En l’absence d’élément de datation direct du contexte originel d’implantation de ces stèles, leur mise en perspective dans un cadre plus large, à l’échelle notamment du domaine atlantique où les découvertes de ces petites stèles anthropomorphes se multiplient, permet d’envisager une origine néolithique. L’étude céramique, la réalisation de plusieurs datations 14C et l’analyse du dépôt de parures annulaires convergent pour attribuer l’enfouissement du dépôt et la remobilisation des stèles entre la fin du Bronze moyen 1 et le début du Bronze moyen 2, soit entre la fin du XVIe et la première moitié du XVe siècle avant notre ère. Si l’interprétation du contexte dans lequel le dépôt a été effectué est discutée, on retiendra surtout, outre la probable pérennité du site, l’originalité des pratiques étudiées. En effet, le contexte du dépôt, en lien avec des structures bâties, est inédit dans la région. Ces pratiques sont mises en relation avec les remobilisations mégalithiques à l’âge du Bronze. Qui plus est, aux objets métalliques sont associées de la céramique et des datations 14C. Celles-ci suggèrent une attribution légèrement plus ancienne que ce qui était envisagé jusqu’ici pour ce type de parure annulaire à tige grêle, à section quadrangulaire ou biconvexe et extrémités indifférenciées, dont la répartition correspondrait aux contours d’un groupe régional spécifique, que le dépôt d’Aizenay contribue à mieux caractériser.

Consanguinity and associated perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth

Consanguinity defined as the sexual union between two related individuals has been previously an infrequent practice in Australia, but recently there has been migration from countries with widespread practice of consanguinity. There is limited and conflicting evidence in the literature that suggests consanguinity to be associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. To assess the effect of consanguinity on perinatal outcomes. A retrospective analysis of singleton births over a ten-year period at an Australian tertiary hospital. The data were extracted from the hospital obstetric database and analysed for an association between consanguinity and perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth. Main outcome measures were stillbirth, threatened premature labour, fetal congenital abnormality, perinatal mortality and neonatal outcomes. There were 46 399 singleton births recorded over the ten-year study period, and 44 004 had consanguinity data available. The overall consanguinity rate was 5.5% (n = 2565), which remained consistent over the study period at our institution. Consanguinity was associated with higher rate of threatened premature labour (5.6% vs 4.7%, P = 0.003), fetal congenital abnormality (4.2% vs 3.1%, P = 0.004), perinatal mortality (2.4% vs 1.0%, P < 0.001) and reduced risk of hypertension in pregnancy (5.3% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001). Consanguinity was an independent risk factor for stillbirth with a relative risk of 2.88 (P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.98, 4.18). Women from consanguineous relationships are at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth. Given the 5% prevalence of consanguinity in our obstetric population, these findings have significant implications for preconception counselling, obstetric care and health resource allocation.