Instructions Of Use Research Articles

Exploratory survey of localization and translation in Zimbabwe's agricultural and pharmaceutical industries in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

Purpose: This study aims to explore the elements of localization and translation for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries in Zimbabwe to ensure that the localization of pharmaceutical and agricultural products is made available.
 Research methodology: This study applied an exploratory research approach to answer the key questions that emerge from the deficit of research and application of localization in Zimbabwe.
 Results: The time has come for language specialists and others in the areas of medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and information communication technology (ICT) to work together to ensure that product packaging, instructions of use, and other related product information for both locally produced and imported products are in the languages spoken by local communities in which these products are used.
 Limitations: Localization and translation are still in their infancy in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular. As such, research and literature about this emerging area of applied language studies are still scarce. While the researchers would have liked to engage literature on the subject in greater detail, the paucity of literature on the subject only afforded the researchers an exploratory kind of study. The current study was conducted with the hope of stimulating further research on this promising area of research.
 Contribution: By answering the above questions, this exploratory study hopes to contribute to localization and translation as language industries to ensure that pharmaceutical and agricultural products are localized for the benefit of end-users.

Personal Brand — Instructions of Use. Do Young Professionals Want and Need to be Taught Personal Branding?

ABSTRACT In modern business, personal branding (PB) is perceived as a ‘leadership imperative’. The main purpose of the present article is to analyse last-year students, often being professionals and market-entrant entrepreneurs, at the same time, attitudes towards PB’s role in business. Primarily, it is investigated whether they need to be taught principles, rules and tools of PB in the course of their studies. To achieve this goal, a qualitative, in-depth interview method is used. The data are analysed using the thematic analysis method. The results obtained supplement the knowledge of management sciences with issues concerning the perception of PB and state a significant set of practical implications for the authorities of universities and the authors of academic curricula.

Early Results of Elective Endovascular Repair of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms With the MinosTM Stent-Graft System.

A variety of last-generation endografts are currently available for standard endovascular repair (EVAR) of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The purpose of this study is to report the preliminary clinical outcomes of the Minos trimodular stent-graft system, which was recently introduced to the European market. Between February 2020 and 2022, we treated 41 consecutive AAA patients (mean age 72.2±8.5, 37 males) with elective standard EVAR using the Minos. The mean maximum diameter of AAAs was 54.7±6.6 mm, the mean proximal neck's (PN) diameter was 24.8±2.7 mm, while the relevant length and angulation were 16.0 mm and 21.7°, respectively. Overall, 22 (53.6%) patients presented with shorter and angulated PN, according to the stent-graft's instructions of use, and in 6 (14.6%) patients the PN angulation >60° was combined with concomitant iliac angulation >60°. Eleven (26.8%) EVARs were performed with concomitant enormous iliac artery narrowing and tortuosity. Finally, in 19 (46.3%) AAAs, the distal iliac landing zone was aneurysmatic and they were treated with the bell-bottom technique in 17 patients and with limb extension to the external iliac artery in two cases. We evaluated technical and clinical success of the index procedures, which was based on the combination of five factors: freedom from EVAR-related mortality, from graft-related endoleak of any type, from migration at any part of graft as well the absence of notable increase AAA's sac maximum diameter and the patency of bifurcated stent-graft and of access vessels. Primary technical and clinical success of index procedures was 100%. During a median 12-month radiological follow-up the clinical success remained 100%. No type I or III endoleak, stent-graft migration, EVAR-related death, AAA rupture, or graft-related adverse events or reinterventions were documented. Four (9.8%) type II endoleaks were detected with stable AAA sac diameter. The overall incidence of sac regression was 34.1% (n=14). The preliminary results of our series showed that Minos provided excellent feasibility and safety features even through angulated and tortuous iliac vessels and in short and angulated PNs. The overall clinical success at 1 year suggests that performance of Minos follows very high standards. Further validation of these promising results with long-term data is acquired to complete the evaluation of this recently introduced stent-graft system. The current study explored the clinical performance of a new in market ultra-low profile bifurcated abdominal aortic stent-graft, the MINOS. The early and 12-month results of study suggest that implantation of this stent-graft in standard EVAR, even in hostile proximal aortic neck and iliac vessels conditions, follows very high clinical standards and encourage the further clinical use of MINOS.

Implementasi Metode Rabbani dalam Pembelajaran Tahfidz Al-Qur'an Santriwati Kelas XII

The aims of this research was to know the implementation of the Rabbani method in learning of the tahfidz Al-Qur'an at the Al-Ikhlas Taliwang Modern Islamic Boarding School and Nurul Haramain NW Narmada Modern Islamic Boarding School, the obstacles and solutions. This research was qualitative research with multi-site study design. Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Determination of informants used purposive sampling technique. Data analysis used interactive analysis techniques by Miles Hubermen and Saldana. The results of the research showed that: 1) Implementation of the Rabbani method in learning of tahfidz Al-Qur'an at Al-Ikhlas Taliwang Modern Islamic Boarding School and Nurul Haramain NW Narmada Modern Islamic Boarding School for females agreed with steps and stages contained in the instructions of use of the Rabbbani method, 2) Internal obstacles: the students did not master makharijul huruf and tajwid, forgot, and did not focus. External obstacles: the difficulty in distinguishing the similar verses, the difficulty in dividing the time and the limited number of teachers who master the Rabbani method. 3) Solutions: providing of motivation, internal approach, reading improvement (tahsin) of Al-Qur'an, tahfidz contact book, delivering the memorization (tasmi'), memorization repetition (muraja'ah), training of the Rabbani method, study visits, and taking notes on similar verses.

BinPo: An open-source code to compute the band structure of two-dimensional electron systems

We introduce BinPo, an open-source Python code to compute electronic properties of two-dimensional electron systems. A bulk tight binding Hamiltonian is constructed from relativistic density functional theory calculations represented in the basis of maximally localized Wannier functions. BinPo has a Schrödinger-Poisson solver, integrating an electric field-dependent relative permittivity to obtain self-consistently the confining electrostatic potential energy term in the derived tight binding slab system. The band structure, energy slices, and other properties, along with different projections and orientations can be computed. High resolution and publishable figures of the simulations can be generated. In BinPo, priority has been given to ease-of-use, efficiency, readability and modularity, therefore becoming suitable to produce reliable electronic structures simulations at low computational cost. Along with the code itself, we provide files from first-principles calculations for some materials, instructions of use, and detailed examples of its wide range of capabilities. The code was developed with a focus on the ABO3 perovskite structure-based systems, such as SrTiO3 and KTaO3, because of their increasing impact in the materials community. Some features, such as the projection onto orbital states, are restricted to calculations using the relevant t2g orbitals for this family of materials, yet it is possible to include more elements in the basis for the band structure determination of other systems. The use of a relativistic approach allows for the inspection of the role of spin-orbit coupling and the resulting Rashba effect on the systems. We detail the approaches used in the code, so that it can be further exploited and adapted to other problems, such as adding new materials and functionalities which can strength the initial code scopes. Program summaryProgram title: BinPoCPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/zk4xy7vfy4.1Developer's repository link:https://github.com/emanuelm33/BinPoCode Ocean capsule:https://codeocean.com/capsule/0987578Licensing provisions: GPLv3Programming language: PythonExternal routines/libraries: NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, ASE.Nature of problem: Compute the band structure and other electronic properties in two-dimensional electron systems.Solution method: Construction of a slab Hamiltonian from one built using a basis of maximally localized Wannier functions. Solve the Schrödinger-Poisson scheme to get the self-consistent potential energy along the slab. Use this potential to compute the band structure and additional properties by solving the Schrödinger equation.Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: Other features included are the visualization of the self-consistent process and final solutions, band structure and energy slices with different projections. High resolution and customizable figures can be obtained in all cases.

Current Perspective on Residual Knowledge Gaps in the Assessment of Transporter-Mediated Drug Interactions.

Assessment of transporter-mediated drug-drug interaction (DDI) is integral to drug development. A risk-based approach leveraging in vitro, in vivo, and in silico information is used to evaluate the DDI liability of drugs and inform the instructions of use. While tremendous advances have been made in recent decades, there are knowledge gaps warranting further research. Herein, we focus on select areas to advance assessment of DDI potential for drugs as substrates, inhibitors, or inducers of certain transporters.

Contemporary Results with the Biosynthetic Glutaraldehyde Denatured Ovine Collagen Graft (Omniflow II) in Lower Extremity Arterial Revascularization in a Septic Context

Peripheral vascular graft infections are poorly-evaluated, despite high mortality and amputation rates. The vascular substitute of choice remains controversial when veins are unavailable. This study aims to evaluate the results of a biosynthetic collagen graft (Omniflow II®) in an infected field when autologous veins are unavailable. This retrospective, multicentric study included all consecutive patients in whom an Omniflow II graft was used for infra-inguinal revascularization in a septic context from January 2015 to January 2020. The primary end-point was freedom from major amputation; secondary end-points were 30-day mortality, survival, patency, and freedom from reinfection estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Twenty-nine patients (27 men, median age of 69years interquartile range IQR:60; 76) were included. Fever was present in 58.6%, a septic rupture in 17.9%, a pseudo-aneurysm in 25.0%. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.4%. Median follow-up reached 49months. At 1 and 3years, estimated freedom from major amputation was 88.4% and 83.9%, survival: 96%, primary patency: 74.6% and 65.8%, and reinfection free-survival: 85.6%. There were 7 occlusions (1 iliofemoral, 1 below-knee, and 5 above-knee bypasses), 3 explantations for persistent sepsis, 4 reinfections (all within 6months which led to 1 death and 3 out of 4 major amputations). The risk of major amputation increased with bypass reinfection (P=0.004), occlusion (P=0.005), and polymicrobial infection (P=0.05). In a septic context, the Omniflow II graft shows acceptable freedom from major amputation and reinfection. This usage remains outside the instructions of use, it is, therefore, is essential to pursue longer-term studies in larger cohorts.

Analysis of the pharmaceutical care activities practiced by private homeopathic pharmacies located in Rio de Janeiro North Zone

The complexity of homeopathic treatment delegates to the Pharmacist the need and the responsibility of pharmaceutical care. This paper had the objective of verifying the practices of pharmaceutical care in homeopathy. The study was conducted in homeopathic pharmacies situated in Rio de Janeiro North Zone, during March and April, 2011, where 15 pharmacists were interviewed, with the help of a semi-open questionary self-administered. For the survey were investigated variables related to pharmaceutical: sex, age, nature of the institution where he graduated, having completed post-graduate and working ties. Information professionals for the pharmaceutical care were collected in 14 questions grouped into three areas: attitudes, perceptions and satisfaction. Attending the ethical aspects, the study was submitted to and approved by the Ethics Committee of University Estácio de Sá. The results demonstrated that 33% of the pharmacists have less than 5 years of professional practice, and 53% are specialists graduated by the Hahnemann’s Institutite of Brasil. All Pharmacists claim to orient patients, mostly during dispensation and through phone contacts. Most pharmacists oriented patients passively and actively. The elderly were pointed as the ones, who most often sought orientation. During dispensation of homeopathic drugs, all patients elicit some orientation. 67% of the pharmacies keep material for pharmaceutical guidance to the patients, usually leaflets. The verbal and written orientation was predominanted on homeopathic pharmacist. Posology and instructions of use for the pharmaceutical form dispensed were described as the most common doubts of the patients. Of all pharmacists interviewed, 67% pointed to self-medication practices in the pharmacy. The questions which measure the position and perception of the pharmacists related to pharmaceutical assistance scored over 3. The question which scored higher was related to the patient trust regarding the pharmacist guidance. We concluded that there was a mobilization on the pharmacists side to overcome obstacles and focus on the patient through the practices of pharmaceutical care.

Assessment of 12 qualitative RT-PCR commercial kits for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The emergence of the novel coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in the late months of 2019 had the officials to declare a public health emergency leading to a global response. Public measurements rely on an accurate diagnosis of individuals infected with the virus by using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The aim of our study is to relate the fundamental clinical and analytical performance of SARS‐CoV‐2 (RT‐PCR) commercial kits. A total of 94 clinical samples were selected. Generally, 400 µl of each respiratory specimen was subjected to extraction using ExiPrep 96 Viral RNA Kit. All kits master mix preparation, cycling protocol, thermocycler, and results interpretation were carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions of use and recommendations. The performance of the kits was comparable except for the LYRA kit as it was less sensitive (F = 67, p < .001). Overall, four kits scored a sensitivity of 100% including: BGI, IQ Real, Sansure, and RADI. For specificity, all the tested kits scored above 95%. The performance of these commercial kits by gene target showed no significant change in CT values which indicates that kits disparities are mainly linked to the oligonucleotide of the gene target. We believe that most of the commercially available RT‐PCR kits included in this study can be used for routine diagnosis of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2. We recommend including kits with multiple targets in order to monitor the virus changes over time.

Evaluation and Comparison of the Effects of Persulfate Containing and Persulfate-free Denture Cleansers on Acrylic Resin Teeth Stained with Cigarette Smoke: An In Vitro Study.

Problem statement and aim The esthetics of the complete denture primarily depend upon the color of the denture teeth; however, there are situations where the teeth are subjected to extrinsic and intrinsic stains and discolor over time. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of smoking and two different denture cleaners on the color stability of the denture teeth.Material and methodsCommercially available maxillary anterior teeth made up of acrylic resin were selected for the study and were divided into two groups (n=10): persulfate-free denture cleanser and persulfate containing denture cleansers. The acrylic teeth were set in the smoke chamber with a distance to absorb the smoke equally from the cigarette. The smoke was released for 10 minutes, and the results are observed by the spectrophotometer.ResultsAll the values were collected after the 21st day, and data were analyzed with the SPSS software. It was found that denture cleansers with persulfate are effective on color stability. ConclusionsEven though the persulfate containing denture cleansers are injurious to health, they can be recommended to the smokers with clear instructions of use. However, for non-smokers, persulfate-free denture cleansers are preferred over the persulfate containing denture cleansers.

Usability assessment of seven HIV self-test devices conducted with lay-users in Johannesburg, South Africa.

IntroductionThe first 90 of the 90-90-90 initiative introduced by the World Health Organization(WHO) in 2015 requires 90% of people with HIV be aware of their status by 2020. In South Africa, conventional facility-based testing had reached 84.9% in 2018; innovative new methods, like HIV self-testing(HIVST) may close the testing gap. This study aimed to determine the usability of seven HIVST kits among untrained South Africans.MethodsThis cross-sectional study of 1400 adults in Johannesburg evaluated the usability of five blood fingerstick and two oral fluid HIVSTs, using WHO prequalification criteria, from June 2016 to June 2018. Participants were handed one kit, with no further information about the device or test procedure, and asked to perform the test in front of an observer. The observer used product-specific semi-structured questionnaires organized into a composite usability index(UI) using a HIVST process checklist, a contrived results interpretation and a post-test interview that expanded on participant experiences with the device and instructions-of-use(IFU). Participants were not tested themselves, but provided with contrived results to interpret.ResultsThe average UI was 92.8%(84.2%-97.6%); the major difficulty was obtaining and transferring the specimen. Participants correctly interpreted 96.1% of the non-reactive/negative, 97.0% of the reactive/positive, 98.0% of the invalid and 79.9% of the weak positive results. Almost all participants(97.0%) stated they would visit a clinic or seek treatment for positive results; with negative results, half(50.6%) stated they should re-test in the next three months while one-third(36.1%) said they should condomize. Nearly all found the devices easy to use(96.6%), the IFUSs easy to understand(97.9%) and felt confident using the test unassisted(95.9%) but suggested improvements to packaging/IFUs to further increase usability; 19.9% preferred clinic-based testing to HIVST.ConclusionThe UI and interpretation of results was high and in-line with previous usability studies, suggesting that these kits are appropriate for use in the general, untrained and unsupervised public.

Preliminary Results of the Evar 30-D SACVA Registry. The First and Largest Multicentric Registry in Southern Spain of Evar for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Introduction: EVAR has been adopted worldwide as a standard approach for AAA in high risk patients unfit for open repair (OR), but also offered to no high-risk patients with no friendly anatomy for EVAR, based in the lower short-term morbidity of the endovascular approach. But published data are still controversial about the benefits of this approach in patients fit for surgery or with hostile aortic anatomies. Methods: Consecutive cases included from January 2016 to December 2017 in a collaboration between 10 Vascular Surgery departments and the Sociedad Andaluza de Angiología y C Vascular(SACVA). Retrospective multicentre data collected through specific designed formularies analyzed by the statistical department FIBAO(CHU Jaen). Initial descriptive analysis are presented in this paper. Results: 372 cases were collected from 10 centers, range cases/center (74-3). Elective EVAR 306(82%) and emergent EVAR 66 cases(18%). Epidemiological data: 357(96%) males and 15(4%) females, mean age of 73,69y.o. for no emergent EVAR VS 75y.o. for emergent EVAR. Tobacco use(89%) followed by arterial hypertension(80%) are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Based on AAA anatomy 76% were aortic aneurysms, 21% aorto-iliac and just 3% isolated iliac aneurysms. Mean of the AAA max diameter was 60.44mm for elective VS 75.54mm for emergent/ruptured cases. Mean neck diameter at renal arteries level was 24,3mm for elective VS 24.9mm for emergencies, and 2cm lower to renal was 26.57mm for elective vs 27.99mm for emergent. Anaesthetic risk 57.4% of the patients were ASA III and 25.7% ASA IV. Percutaneous access in 41.8% of the elective and 27.3% of the emergent cases. 29.7% of the cases where considered hostile neck anatomies, with 18.8% treated out of the instructions of use(IFU's) of the stentgraft. Stentgraft devices: 45.9 % with infrarenal fixation versus 54.1% suprarenal fixation. Technical success for EVAR achieved in 97.8%, with a conversion to OpenRepair rate inferior to 1.3%. 30-D endoleaks in 17.5% of the cases, from those 6% classed as type I. Hospital stay for elective EVAR was 4.85 days VS 8.44 for emergencies. Post-Implant syndrome in 17.4% patients. 30-D mortality for the 62 emergent cases was 22.2% VS 0.7% for the 312 elective. No major 30-D complications reported after EVAR in 85% of the elective cases versus 57.1% of the emergencies. Conclusion: The results of this multicentric registry, the largest with these characteristics performed in Spain shows similar 30-D results compared with other international registries and trials published in the literature, with a global decrease in 30-D mortality, lower than 1.5% for elective AAA repair and close to 20% for ruptured AAA, and reported technical success of superior to 98%. But the elevate number of cases included in this registry performed in hostile necks and out of the stentgrafts IFU's should be clearly remarked. Although it seems not to be relevant at the initial presented 30-D data after EVAR there is a need of close follow-up of these patients and it is mandatory to report the mid and long-term results of these patients over the next years. Disclosure: Nothing to disclose

Formative Research Helped Identify Acceptable, Locally Available Foods to Mix with Unsweetened Small-quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplement in Mexico (P10-030-19)

ObjectivesAppropriate utilisation of home fortificants such as small-quantity lipid-based nutrition supplements (SQ-LNS) requires providing clear and acceptable instructions of use for the target audience. We conducted formative research to identify locally available foods that could be recommended to mix with unsweetened SQ-LNS in Mexico. MethodsThirteen caregivers of 7 to 23 month-old children participated in a SQ-LNS tasting session and guided group discussion at a hospital in a semi-urban area in Morelos, Mexico. After sampling the SQ-LNS, caregivers were asked to select 1 or more of the 9 common complementary foods available to mix with 1 sachet of SQ-LNS (20 g). The common complementary foods available, identified from previous research, were: cooked rice, mashed beans, plain yogurt, strawberry-flavoured yogurt, the sweetened dairy snack Danonino, two types of commercial baby food (carrot and pear), banana, and oatmeal. Caregivers tasted and rated the organoleptic properties of SQ-LNS mixed with each of the foods. Subsequently, we conducted a home feeding session in which caregivers selected 1 of the top 4 foods preferred during the tasting session to mix with SQ-LNS (n = 8). ResultsThe preferred foods for mixing SQ-LNS in the tasting session were mashed beans (n = 5), cooked rice (n = 2), Danonino (n = 2) and unsweetened yogurt (n = 2). Caregivers preferred these foods because they were considered better in masking the taste of the supplement. During the home feeding session, half of the caregivers selected Danonino to mix with SQ-LNS, and none selected unsweetened yogurt. Some caregivers considered that varying the type of foods used to mix with SQ-LNS could be a useful strategy to improve acceptance and adherence to daily supplementation. ConclusionsProviding multiple examples of locally available and acceptable complementary foods to mix with SQ-LNS might be necessary to promote daily supplement use in the study context. Formative research is useful for developing recommendations for SQ-LNS use that take into account the customs and preferences of the target population. Funding SourcesThe study was funded by the Government of Canada, as part of the Business Platform for Nutrition Research hosted by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.

Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial on efficacy and safety of topical 10% Potassium hydroxide for molluscum contagiosum treatment in children

Introduction: Our objective was to assess efficacy, safety and tolerance of topical potassium hydroxide (KOH) 10% for treating Molluscum contagiosum (MC) in children.Material and methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial including all children 2–16 years with MC infection attending pediatrician primary healthcare visits. The treatment was KOH 10% gel applied once daily up to clearing (maximum 30 days).Results: KOH 10% showed superior efficacy to placebo (55.3% vs 16.3%, p < .001). Time until clearing was inferior with KOH 10% (p = .001). MC lesions were reduced with KOH 10%, which also showed higher efficacy when the instructions of use of the device were modified. KOH 10% patients presented more adverse events (AE) than placebo patients (72.3% vs 31.8%, p < .001). Most patients (91.5%) completely recovered. There were no differences in frequency of AE before and after the change of instructions, intolerance was more frequently reported by parents with new instructions.Conclusions: KOH 10% was superior to placebo in the main efficacy outcome and most secondary efficacy outcomes. KOH 10% patients had more AE and intolerance symptoms than placebo, although there were no severe AE and most patients recovered. KOH 10% is an effective and safe topical treatment for MC infection in children.

Sa1982 - A European Multicenter Post-Authorization Study of Oral Trisulfate Solution (Ots) as a Bowel Cleansing Preparation: Compliance with Instructions of Use, Tolerability and Safety in Real-Life Setting

Sa1982 - A European Multicenter Post-Authorization Study of Oral Trisulfate Solution (Ots) as a Bowel Cleansing Preparation: Compliance with Instructions of Use, Tolerability and Safety in Real-Life Setting

Effect of hydrofluoric acid surface treatments on micro-shear bond strength of CAD/CAM ceramics.

IntroductionDental ceramics are appreciated as highly esthetic restorative materials that can simulate the appearance of natural dentition better than other materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrofluoric acid concentration and etching time on micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) to IPS e.max CAD and Vita Mark II of a dual cured resin cement (Panavia F2.0).MethodsThis study was an experimental in vitro study, performed in the dental material research center of Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Two hydrofluoric acid concentrations (5% and 10%) and three different etching times (20, 60 and 120 seconds) were used to etch the specimens respectively. A silane coupling agent (Clearfil porcelain activator) and priming and bonding agent (Clearfil SE bond) were used on the etched surfaces in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions of use. Then resin cement was applied on the prepared ceramic surfaces and light cured. μSBS between resin cement and the porcelains were measured with a universal testing machine. Mode of failure was observed with 40× magnification by means of a Stereo microscope. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and independent-samples t-test and Chi-square tests.ResultsIn both e.max and Vita Mark II groups, μSBS were not significantly different when different etching times (one-way ANOVA) and HF acid concentrations (Independent-samples t-test) were used (p>0.05), but the highest μSBS was shown in e.max specimens etched 60 s with 5% HF and Vita Mark II specimens etched 20 s with 10% HF. μSBS of e.max was significantly higher than Vita Mark II (p=0.00).ConclusionBest surface treatment for e.max and Vita Mark II ceramics is 20 s etch using 5 % hydrofluoric acid.

Evaluation of pharmacotherapy complexity in residents of long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BackgroundPolypharmacy is a reality in long-term care facilities. However, number of medications used by the patient should not be the only predictor of a complex pharmacotherapy. Although the level of complexity of pharmacotherapy is considered an important factor that may lead to side effects, there are few studies in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complexity of pharmacotherapy in residents of three long-term care facilities.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the complexity of pharmacotherapy using the protocols laid out in the Medication Regimen Complexity Index instrument in three long-term care facilities in northeastern Brazil. As a secondary result, potential drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications, medication duplication, and polypharmacy were evaluated. After the assessment, the association among these variables and the Medication Regimen Complexity Index was performed.ResultsIn this study, there was a higher prevalence of women (64.4%) with a high mean age among the study population of 81.8 (±9.7) years. The complexity of pharmacotherapy obtained a mean of 15.1 points (±9.8), with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 59. The highest levels of complexity were associated with dose frequency, with a mean of 5.5 (±3.6), followed by additional instructions of use averaging 4.9 (±3.7) and by the dosage forms averaging 4.6 (±3.0).ConclusionsThe present study evaluated some factors that complicate the pharmacotherapy of geriatric patients. Although polypharmacy was implicated as a factor directly related to complexity, other indicators such as drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications, and therapeutic duplication can also make the use of pharmacotherapy in such patients more difficult.

Assessment of the Knowledge and Self-Medication Behaviours towards Antibiotics among Nursing Students at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa

Background: Self-medication with antibiotics is a common phenomenon, especially in the developing world where infectious diseases are common causes of death and a major cause of resistance towards antibiotics. Nursing students are susceptible to self-medication on the account of handling and having access to different types of antibiotics in their future practices. Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the knowledge of antibiotics and prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among third year nursing students of King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for health sciences, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire comprising of twenty five questions on the self-medication behaviors and the knowledge of antibiotics was distributed to a sample of 80 students. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Results indicate that among the participants 35.44% practiced self-medication using antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotics were amoxicillin (68%), followed by erythromycin (28%). Regarding the source of antibiotics used, most students obtained their antibiotics from community pharmacies (60.7%), whereas 21.4% of them used leftover antibiotics from family and friends. Antibiotics were most commonly used for treatment of cold-flu, sore throat and fever (70.3%). The majority of students checked the instructions of use (93%).In terms of knowledge of antibiotics uses 82.3% of students were aware that antibiotics act on bacteria; however, more than 50% of them were not familiar with the term, antibiotic ‘resistance’. Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the prevalence of self-medication and usage of antibiotics among nursing students, the lack of some important knowledge and the risks associated with them.

Smarties: User-friendly codes for fast and accurate calculations of light scattering by spheroids

We provide a detailed user guide for smarties, a suite of Matlab codes for the calculation of the optical properties of oblate and prolate spheroidal particles, with comparable capabilities and ease-of-use as Mie theory for spheres. smarties is a Matlab implementation of an improved T-matrix algorithm for the theoretical modelling of electromagnetic scattering by particles of spheroidal shape. The theory behind the improvements in numerical accuracy and convergence is briefly summarized, with reference to the original publications. Instructions of use, and a detailed description of the code structure, its range of applicability, as well as guidelines for further developments by advanced users are discussed in separate sections of this user guide. The code may be useful to researchers seeking a fast, accurate and reliable tool to simulate the near-field and far-field optical properties of elongated particles, but will also appeal to other developers of light-scattering software seeking a reliable benchmark for non-spherical particles with a challenging aspect ratio and/or refractive index contrast.

Keeping silent about emergency contraceptives in Addis Ababa: a qualitative study among young people, service providers, and key stakeholders.

BackgroundThe growing popularity of emergency contraceptives (ECs) among urban youth in Sub-Saharan Africa is accompanied by debates on morality and health. This study was situated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and aimed to explore how these debates affect the way in which the product is promoted at a national level, how it is dispensed by service providers, and how young people access, purchase, and get informed about ECs.MethodsData were collected using qualitative methods: observations in pharmacies, administering semi-structured questionnaires to young people in pharmacies (N = 36), informal interviews with young people (N = 65), and in-depth interviews with service providers (N = 8) and key stakeholders (N = 3).ResultsKey stakeholders, uncomfortable with high sales of ECs, and service providers, worried about women’s health, promiscuity and the neglect of condoms, stay silent about ECs. Most young people had used ECs more than once. In a context where premarital sex is morally sanctioned ECs provide young people with a way of keeping their sexual lives secret and they fit well with their sex lives that often entail infrequent sexual encounters. Young people preferred (but they are also left with no other option than) to seek information from discreet sources, including friends and partners, leaflets and the mass media. In addition, service providers misunderstood young people’s purchasing behaviour, characterized by buying ECs quickly and feeling too embarrassed to ask questions, as a rejection of counselling. The resultant lack of information about ECs sometimes led to confusion about how to take the pills.ConclusionsThe attitudes and beliefs of key stakeholders and service providers result in a lack of clear information on ECs available to young people. This could be addressed by improving the information leaflet, providing clear instructions of use on blister packages, strategically distributing posters, and service providers adopting a more proactive attitude.