Variable Proportions Research Articles

Use of volcanic ash and chamotte as substitute temper in the production of ceramic tiles

This paper explores the use of waste materials as substitutes in ceramic paste formulations. Building on previous research which has laid the groundwork for the use of volcanic ash as temper in ceramic tile manufacture, investigation is here extended to a broader spectrum of waste-based ceramic pastes. Specifically, five different mixtures have been manufactured through the hand-made technique by using Etna volcanic ash and/or tile processing residues (chamotte), mixed with clay in variable proportions. Physical-mechanical tests including flexural strength, water absorption, resistance to thermal shock, deep abrasion and impact, have been performed and results compared with those of reference tiles. Notably, ceramic pastes combining clay with chamotte or clay with chamotte and fine volcanic ash, show better performance. This is certainly due to the good physical-mechanical properties of chamotte which binds well with the clayey groundmass so reducing shrinkage / cracking and improving the overall quality of ceramic products. Conversely, volcanic ash does not show a high degree of union with the clayey matrix, particularly when occurring in larger grain size. However, when present in fine clasts and in combination with chamotte, the resulting products display good physical-mechanical characteristics.This study highlights once again the potential of waste materials in ceramic manufacturing, paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry.

Improved identification of clinically relevant Acute Leukemia subtypes using standardized EuroFlow panels versus non-standardized approach.

Rare acute leukemia (AL) components or subtypes such as blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) or early T-cell precursor acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ETP-ALL) can be difficult to detect by routine flow cytometry due to their immunophenotypes overlapping with other poorly differentiated AL. We hypothesized that using standardized EuroFlow™ Consortium approach could better diagnose such entities among cases that previously classified as acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-M0, AML with minimal differentiation, AML with myelodysplasia-related changes without further lineage differentiation, and AL of ambiguous lineage. In order to confirm this hypothesis and assess whether these AL subtypes such as BPDCN and ETP-ALL had previously gone undetected, we reanalyzed 49 banked cryopreserved sample cases using standardized EuroFlow™ Consortium panels. We also performed target sequencing to capture the mutational commonalities between these AL subtypes. Reanalysis led to revised or refined diagnoses for 23 cases (47%). Of these, five diagnoses were modified, uncovering 3 ETP-ALL and 2 typical BPDCN cases. In 12 AML cases, a variable proportion of immature plasmacytoid dendritic cell and/or monocytic component was newly identified. In one AML case, we have identified a megakaryoblastic differentiation. Finally, in five acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases, we were able to more precisely determine the maturation stage. The application of standardized EuroFlow flow cytometry immunophenotyping improves the diagnostic accuracy of ALs and could impact treatment decisions.

Revisiting tokenism: impact of gender diversity on corporate social performance of Indian companies

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance, in particular board diversity, and corporate social performance (CSP) amongst the top 500 listed companies in India.Design/methodology/approachData from the top 500 listed Indian companies constituting the BSE500 index for a five-year period from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2019 are used to test the impact of the proportion of women directors, proportion of women independent directors, female CEOs and other corporate governance variables on CSP.FindingsThe results of panel regression analysis suggest that firms characterised by high proportions of women directors, independent women directors or a female CEO spend more on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Furthermore, CEO duality, board size and board independence are positively related to social performance. These findings are of relevance to the policymakers and board of directors who are engaged in meeting corporate governance requirements.Practical implicationsThis is one of the initial studies to document the impact of executive-level female representation on CSP following India's 2013 regulations on mandatory women representation on boards and CSR expenditure. The study reveals that greater gender diversity on corporate boards significantly boosts CSP, offering strategic advantages in governance and CSR. The study offers practical benefits for various stakeholders including corporate regulators, policymakers and corporate managers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the corporate governance and CSR literature by showing that good governance practices and high women representation on boards promote social performance. Our study is one of the preliminary efforts to document the level and impact of female representation at the executive level on CSP after the regulation of minimum women representation on corporate boards and mandatory CSR expenditure requirement introduced in India in 2013.

HIV risk perception and PrEP uptake among black MSM in Mississippi.

Rates for HIV are disproportionately higher for Black men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to other MSM in the U.S. While there is evidence that low perceived risk of HIV infection may increase HIV vulnerability, few studies have examined this relationship among Black MSM in the Southern U.S. where the HIV rates are the highest in the country. This study examined the association between perceived HIV risk and PrEP adoption among Black MSM in a medium-size city in Mississippi. Data were drawn from a subsample of the "ACCELERATE!" intervention, an innovative and sustainable community-driven project to improve health outcomes among Black MSM. The outcome of interest was PrEP uptake, a binary variable derived from responses to the question "Have you taken PrEP in the last year?". The perceived risk of HIV, an independent variable, is measured by self-report of an individual's assessment of their vulnerability of contracting HIV defined as low versus high risk. Covariates included age and socio-environmental factors (health insurance, incarceration and discrimination) Sample characteristics were provided using means and standard deviations for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Exact logistic regression was used to assess the association between perceived HIV risk and PrEP adoption, adjusting for covariates. A total of 84 HIV negative Black men with a median age of 30 (min = 18, max = 69) years were available for analyses. Approximately 16% of participants reported experiencing incarceration and 57% reported experiencing discrimination. Seven out of ten respondents reported having low perceived risk, and 28.6% (24/84) reported having high perceived risk for HIV. There were 73 participants (86.9%) who reported PrEP use in the last year. We observed a higher proportion of participants with high perceived risk that reported lower uptake of PrEP. After adjusting for age, socioeconomic variables, and risky sexual behaviors, higher levels of perceived risk of HIV were associated with decreased odds of PrEP uptake (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04-0.94, p = 0.040). The role of HIV risk perception on PrEP adoption is complex among Black MSM in Mississippi. Higher levels of perceived risk of HIV were associated with lower odds of PrEP adoption among Black MSM. This inverse relationship between HIV risk perception and PrEP adoption suggests social- and structural- factors play a critical role in decision-making on PrEP initiation among Black MSM in Jackson. In addition, further longitudinal studies are needed to understand the complex interactions between perceived risk and PrEP use.

Are the mothers admitted for childbirth in a tertiary care hospital satisfied with the health care services? A mixed methods study from Mangaluru, Karnataka state, India

ContextPatient Satisfaction is the strongest determinant of hospital functioning and is an indirect or proxy indicator of the quality of doctor. AimsThe study aims to assess maternal satisfaction with healthcare services during childbirth during hospital stay, explore factors influencing satisfaction, and assess the perceptions of both mothers and their bystanders regarding the healthcare services provided. Methods and materialIt is a sequential explanatory mixed method study conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in a tertiary college hospital among 291 pregnant women admitted for childbirth. Quantitative data obtained using expert validated questionnaire was entered in an Excel sheet and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 23. Descriptive statistics were reported as median (IQR) for continuous variables and as frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Normality was tested using Shapiro Wilk test and to test significant difference in satisfaction scores across the variables Mann Whitney U test was used. For the qualitative phase, in-depth interview was conducted to explore factors determining patient satisfaction in healthcare services. ResultsQuantitative results showed that mothers were satisfied with the admission process, support given during breastfeeding, immunization and vaccination, health education and very satisfied with the privacy, doctors and nursing services, overall cleanliness. Qualitative results revealed the admission process was time consuming, overall cleanliness was poor, guidance on breast feeding and immunization and service provided by doctors and nurses are good. ConclusionThe study concluded that while mothers were generally satisfied with healthcare services, particularly with support during breastfeeding, immunization, and doctor and nursing services, there were concerns about the admission process and overall cleanliness.

Mercury Speciation and Stable Isotopes in Emperor Penguins: First Evidence for Biochemical Demethylation of Methylmercury to Mercury-Dithiolate and Mercury-Tetraselenolate Complexes

Apex marine predators, such as toothed whales and large petrels and albatrosses, ingest mercury (Hg) primarily in the form of methylmercury (MeHg) via prey consumption, which they detoxify as tiemannite (HgSe). However, it remains unclear how lower trophic level marine predators, termed mesopredators, with elevated Hg concentrations detoxify MeHg and what chemical species are formed. To address this need, we used high energy-resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy paired with nitrogen (N) and Hg stable isotopes to identify the chemical forms of Hg, Hg sources, and species-specific δ202Hg isotopic values in emperor penguin, a mesopredator feeding primarily on Antarctic silverfish. The penguin liver contains variable proportions of MeHg and two main inorganic Hg complexes (IHg), Hg-dithiolate (Hg(SR)2) and Hg-tetraselenolate (Hg(Sec)4), each characterized by specific isotopic values (δ202MeHg = 0.3 ± 0.2‰, δ202Hg(SR)2 = −1.6 ± 0.2‰, δ202Hg(Sec)4 = −2.0 ± 0.1‰). Using δ15N as a tracer of food source, we show that Hg(SR)2 is likely not obtained through dietary intake, but rather is present as a biochemical demethylation product. Furthermore, on average, female penguins transferred Hg to the egg strictly as MeHg in the egg albumen but as mixtures of MeHg and IHg in the membrane (89% and 11%, respectively) and yolk (32% MeHg and 68% Hg(Sec)4). Despite IHg species in eggs, MeHg is still the main species quantitatively transferred by the mother to the chick because of the disproportionate mass of the MeHg-rich albumen compared to the yolk. This work highlights the transformation of MeHg to Hg(SR)2 during demethylation for the first time in multicellular organisms, but further work is needed to understand the formation of Hg(SR)2 in the presence of relatively abundant Se biomolecules in lower trophic level predator species.

Chromospheric Modeling of the Active M3V Star G 80–21 with RH1.5D

This study investigates the active regions of the M3.0V star G 80–21 using the observed data from the CARMENES project with synthetic spectra generated by the RH1.5D radiative transfer code. The CARMENES project aims to search for exoplanets around M dwarfs using high-resolution near-infrared and optical echelle spectrographs. By comparing the observed data and models for the chromospheric lines of H α and the bluest Ca ii infrared triplet line, we obtain the best-fit models for this star. The optimal fitting for the observed spectrum of G 80–21 is achieved by employing two active areas in conjunction with an inactive region, with a calcium abundance of [Ca/H] = −0.4. This combination successfully fits all the observed data across varying ratios. The minor active component consistently comprises approximately 18% of the total (ranging from 14% to 20%), which suggests that the minor active component is likely located in the polar regions. Meanwhile, the major active component occupies a variable proportion, ranging from 51% to 82%. Our method allows for the determination of the structure and size of stellar chromospheric active regions by analyzing high-resolution observed spectra.

Gendered socio-economic and mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in selected informal settlements in Kenya: an intersectional analysis.

COVID-19 pandemic had devastating socio-economic and health effects, including mental health. This study examines the intersectionality between gender and mental health outcomes among Kenyan adults in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kilifi Counties during the COVID-19 crisis. This is necessary to inform mental health response in case of another pandemic. We analyzed data collected in a longitudinal survey between July 2020 (fourth round) and February 2021 (fifth round). The data covered COVID-19-related effects on job loss, food insecurity, access to health services, and mental health. Participants were randomly sampled from existing cohorts at the Population Council. The outcomes of interest were depressive and anxiety disorders, combined into a binary composite outcome variable. Descriptive statistics included means for continuous variables and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Chi-square tests were used to examine the differences between groups. The relationship between the gendered COVID-19 socio-economic effects and participants' mental health was examined using modified Poisson regression. A total of 4,050 participants were interviewed, 66% female and median age 38 [interquartile range (IQR): 29-46]. Complete income loss was strongly associated with negative mental health outcomes in multiple intersections with varied magnitudes. The association was larger among older females (≥50 years) (PR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.17-1.51, p < 0.001) than older males (PR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.17-1.27, p < 0.001). Partial loss of income was protective against negative mental health outcomes among young males (18-29 years) (PR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76-0.87, p < 0.001) but linked to negative outcomes among middle-aged males (30-49 years old) (PR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.12-1.16, p < 0.001). Skipping meals was associated with negative mental health outcomes for both genders particularly the married (married male: PR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.22-1.83, p < 0.001; married female: PR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.26-1.60, p < 0.001). We observed significant gender differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of socio-economic factors and health services access in shaping mental health outcomes. Interventions targeting pandemic-related mental health issues should be gender-sensitive and address economic vulnerabilities such as job losses and food insecurity. Policies to mitigate these effects, especially for at-risk groups are crucial for reducing mental health burden in future crises.

Enhancing literacy among the elderly on sexually transmitted infections: an educational intervention

Abstract Issue Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose significant public health concerns across different settings and countries, especially in elderly populations, in which recent increases have been noted. This project aimed to target STIs literacy among the elderly, addressing a crucial gap in public health education. Description of the problem This project focused on improving STIs literacy among elderly residents in a municipality in Northern Portugal. Using innovative methods such as tailored materials and interactive sessions, the intervention aimed to evaluate their effectiveness through pre-, post-, and one-month follow-up STD-KQ questionnaire assessments (composite score of total correct calculated as average, ranged from 0 to 27). Statistical analysis used SPSS IBM for Mac OS® v29. Descriptive statistics: mean ± standard deviation for continuous, proportions (%) for categorical variables. Analysis included only individuals with complete data. ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tested intervention impact on STD-KQ scores. Results Fifty-one individuals participated in this study, with an average age of 70,89 ± 5,10 years old, and 64,7% female. The average STD-KQ score increased by 151.54% immediately after, 11.39 ± 5.66 (p &amp;lt; 0,01), and by 122.54% after one month, 10.08 ± 5.35 (p &amp;lt; 0,01), compared to pre-intervention, 4.53 ± 3.96 (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The score at one month follow-up remained similar to post-intervention (p = 0.39), presenting a significant improvement in STIs knowledge. Lessons This pioneering project, to the best of our knowledge the first of its kind, demonstrates the effectiveness of tailored educational interventions in improving STIs literacy among the elderly, with sustained effects after one month. This innovative approach can be adapted and scaled up for broader use in different settings and countries. Key messages • Tailored educational interventions can be a powerful public health strategy to effectively enhance long-term STI literacy among elderly populations. • Assessing knowledge about STIs can be a crucial initial step for physicians to provide or refer for comprehensive education on safe sexual practices in this age group.

Refraining from seeking dental care among the Sámi in Sweden: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWhile equity in health care is the core of the Swedish health system, social inequalities in accessing health care, particularly regarding dental care, exist. There is however no information on how the Sámi population is affected. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for refraining from seeking dental care among the Sámi in Sweden.MethodsA Sámi sample was constructed from three pre-existing registers. Among the 9,249 invitations for individuals aged 18–84 years old, 3,779 answered the survey during February–May 2021. We first calculated frequencies and proportions of the independent variables in terms of socio-economic, socio-demographic, and cultural-related factors as well as the outcome, refraining from dental care. Then, we summarized the magnitude of the association between the independent variables and self-reported refrain from dental care with the prevalence difference (PD) using the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for inferential purposes.ResultsOverall, 17.5% of the participants refrained from seeking dental care despite self-reported need in the last three months, with almost the same proportion between men and women. Among the socio-demographic factors, being in the 30–44 years group (PD = 8.0; 95% CI: 3.59, 12.48), in the 45–64 group (PD = 7.3; 95% CI: 2.96, 11.61) and in the 65–84 group (PD = 5.4; 95% CI: 0.92, 9.78) as well as being divorced/widow-er (PD = 6.7; 95% CI: 2.73, 10.70) and unmarried (PD = 3.1; 95% CI: 0.23, 6.04) were statistically significantly associated with refraining from seeking dental care. Among the socio-economic variables, those in the middle-income quintile (PD = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.28, 9.35), in the poor (PD = 8.1; 95% CI: 3.64, 12.51) and poorest (PD = 8.0 95% CI: 3.48, 12.50) quintiles, and especially those experiencing economic stress once (PD = 9.2; 95% CI: 2.93, 15.48) and several times (PD = 26.5; 95% CI: 19.50, 33.43), were strongly associated with refraining.ConclusionsApproximately one in six of the Sámi participating in this study refrained from seeking dental care despite self-reported need in the last three months. Those who experienced economic difficulties were the most affected group. To achieve equity in dental health care in Sweden, policies removing economic barriers to access dental health care should be implemented.

Treatment of turbine blades in electric power stations by adding nano oxides to the matrix material (Al80-Ni20)

Abstract A base material of Al80-Ni20 was used and mixed with variable proportions of Nano chromium oxide (Cr2O3) at percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%, as well as with Nano magnesium oxide (MgO) at percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%. These mixtures were then applied using the thermal spraying method with a flame. This particular method is commonly used for repairing cracks and protecting turbine blades in electric power stations from external corrosion. However, it is important to note that this method may face challenges when exposed to high-temperature water vapour, salts and other working conditions experienced by turbine blades. Samples were prepared by thermally sintering the coating at 1000 °C for two hours. Various measurements were performed to assess the structural properties using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), as well as other physical tests such as porosity, hardness, adhesion strength and frictional wear. The SEM analysis revealed that the presence of 10% Cr2O3 resulted in a surface that was uniformly free from external defects, whereas the addition of MgO led to a less homogeneous surface. The physical data obtained indicated a preference for Cr2O3, as evidenced by the porosity results (4.5%) observed after thermal sintering at 10%, as well as the hardness (193 HV), adhesion strength (40 MPa) and wear (2.90 × 10−5 g cm−1) measurements. Moreover, the analyses of the properties of MgO under the same conditions included porosity (10%), hardness (155 HV), adhesion strength (35 MPa) and wear (5.50 × 10−5 g cm−1).

Clinical and radiological profile of cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma patients reporting to a tertiary trauma centre in central Kerala

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and radiological profile of patients with cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma patients following road traffic accidents in central Kerala. Percentage of cervical spine injuries associated with maxillofacial injuries, age and sex distribution, frequency of the type of cervical spine injury were studied. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on two hundred and fifty patients with maxillofacial trauma who reported to the Department Of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Government Dental College, Kottayam between July 2023 and June 2024 and who gave the consent for the study.Clinical evaluation of cervical spine was undertaken as the part of the initial assessment of all trauma patients. Neck pain was assessed with visual analog scale of 1-10 and altered sensations in upper limbs were evaluated. Lateral neck x-ray was taken to rule out cervical injury in all patients without C.T scan. The data was entered into MS excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS version 20. Proportions were used to study categorical variables, mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative variables. Chi square test was used to test the difference in proportions of categorical variables. p values less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the data. The study has shown that there is a statistically significant occurrence of cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma victims in road traffic accidents. The presence of maxillofacial trauma with cervical spine injury mandates prompt management with immediate reference to neurosurgeon to reduce morbidity.

Noble Gases, Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes in Different Lithologies of Pesyanoe: Irradiation History and Impact Processes on the Aubrite Parent Body

Abstract We present the results of stepwise crushing and combustion analyses for noble gases, carbon and nitrogen in Pesyanoe aubrite pyroxene lithologies, composed of grey (Px-G) and light (Px-B) enstatites differing in the degree of impact processing and the number of inclusions. Our study identifies three main noble gas endmembers in Pesyanoe: a cosmogenic component, radiogenic 40Ar, and an endmember representing a mixture of solar wind and Q components in variable proportions. Based on petrographic and noble gas data we argue that these gases accumulated in the material during its regolith history and were later redistributed into gas inclusions/voids as the result of an impact event. During impact metamorphism, Px-G acquired its grey color and multiple gas inclusions were formed within it, more than in case of Px-B. Our study demonstrates for the first time: (1) The host phase of gases trapped during shock metamorphism are grains of rock-forming minerals, in particular Px-G, due to the formation of a large number of cracks in the direction of cleavage during brittle deformation, (2) The gas capture is associated not with the final stage of the formation of consolidated fragmental breccia, at which lithification of the fragments occurred, but with one of the intermediate impact events. High amounts of trapped and cosmogenic noble gases are released during the stepwise crushing—significantly higher than in case of any other studied aubrite. Some unusually high 36Ar/132Xe ratios (up to 54 780 versus 22 705 in the solar wind) were discovered during crushing of Px-G. Our preferable explanation of this phenomenon is a specific superposition of noble gas elemental fractionation processes related to the impact cratering of the Pesyanoe parent body. The carbon isotopic composition (δ13C = –21.2 ± 0.2‰, 1σ) is slightly heavier than that of the Bustee aubrite carbon. The combined use of different extraction methods made it possible to determine that the solar type and indigenous (δ15Nindig = –0.1 ± 3.2‰, 1σ) nitrogen components are located in the gas inclusions, whereas the extraneous nitrogen component (~+45‰) is chemically bound. The large cosmic ray exposure age variations (44 and 55 Ma in case of Px-G and Px-B, respectively) and the heterogeneous distribution of solar-type gases in Pesyanoe aubrite point to a diverse irradiation history of the material before breccia formation. Alternatively/additionally, cosmogenic gases (as well as solar and primordial) in Px-G may have became lost and/or partly redistributed into gas inclusions as a result of the impact event.

Influence of the chemical activation with KOH/KNO3 on the CO2 adsorption capacity of activated carbons from pyrolysis of cellulose

Plant biomass is an attractive precursor to prepare activated carbons with high surface area for CO2 adsorption due to its low-cost and easy regeneration. Despite this interest, there are still remaining questions regarding the optimal processing conditions and the choice of activating agent. Moreover, since plant biomass shows a highly variable proportion of different biopolymers (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin), it is important to understand the activation effect on each constituent. In this work, carbons obtained from pyrolysis of cellulose were activated using two potassium salts, using two different activation temperatures. The samples were characterized to elucidate the influence of the activation conditions on their CO2 adsorption capacity. In general, all the carbons activated at higher temperature showed higher adsorption capacity. These results are comparable with other carbons derived from biomass described in the bibliography. Among the activated carbons studied, the carbon activated only with KOH exhibits the highest CO2 adsorption capacity at 1 bar meanwhile the highest adsorption capacity at saturation pressure belongs to the carbon activated with larger ratio of KNO3.

Spatial multi-omics in whole skeletal muscle reveals complex tissue architecture

Myofibers are large multinucleated cells that have long thought to have a rather simple organization. Single-nucleus transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics and spatial metabolomics analysis have revealed distinct transcription profiles in myonuclei related to myofiber type. However, the use of local tissue collection or dissociation methods have obscured the spatial organization. To elucidate the full tissue architecture, we combine two spatial omics, RNA tomography and mass spectrometry imaging. This enables us to map the spatial transcriptomic, metabolomic and lipidomic organization of the whole murine tibialis anterior muscle. Our findings on heterogeneity in fiber type proportions are validated with multiplexed immunofluorescence staining in tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus and soleus. Our results demonstrate unexpectedly strong regionalization of gene expression, metabolic differences and variable myofiber type proportion along the proximal-distal axis. These new insights in whole-tissue level organization reconcile sometimes conflicting results coming from previous studies relying on local sampling methods.

HEALTH AND SATISFACTION WITH THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AS FACTORS IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE OLDER GENERATION OF METROPOLITAN RESIDENTS

to identify an assessment of the quality of life of elderly Muscovites and the influence of factors related to health and the assessment of the health care system on it. a sociological survey, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a z-test were used to compare the proportions of variables. an assessment of the quality of life and its components based on questionnaires showed that health is a key factor for the elderly, although its assessment was low. 47% of the elderly are committed to healthy lifestyle, of which 40% regularly exercise. 25% have bad habits, 26% are disabled, which reduces the quality of life. 18% seek medical help on a monthly basis. Those who go to doctors less often rate the quality of life higher (p m 0.001). Satisfaction with the last medical visit is higher than with the healthcare system as a whole. the study revealed a link between healthy lifestyle and the quality of life of the elderly. Regular physical activity improves quality of life by reducing hypochondria and potentially offloading the healthcare system. Satisfaction with the health care system also affects the quality of life and requires an increase in the availability of medical care.

Comparative acceptability of saliva-based self-testing versus blood-based self-testing for HIV screening among key populations in Kisangani

IntroductionHIV self-testing represents a convenient and confidential option for HIV testing—the present study aimed to assess the acceptability of blood versus saliva self-tests among key populations in Kisangani.MethodsThis study was an analytical cross-sectional study. Our sample size was 363 subjects. After obtaining their consent, we administered a questionnaire to participants. We asked participants to choose between blood and saliva self-testing. We defined the acceptability of the self-test (saliva or blood) as the intention to use the self-test using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were described by estimating proportions for categorical variables and means with standard deviations for symmetrically distributed quantitative variables. The variable of interest was the acceptability of self-testing, which was dichotomized (Very Likely/Unlikely). The corresponding endpoint was the proportion of participants accepting the self-test in HIV screening. A bivariate analysis was performed to determine factors related to the acceptability of the self-test, using Pearson’s Chi-square (χ2) and ANOVA followed by 2-to-2 multiple comparisons (Bonferroni) for comparison of means and proportions. A progressive stepwise logistic regression model at the 5% threshold included variables with a bi-variate association.ResultsThe acceptability of the blood self-test was 71.6% compared to 28.4% for the saliva self-test. Factors associated with acceptability of the self-test were higher level of education aOR CI95%: 1.5(0.4–5.5) p = 0.006; non-use of condoms with casual partners aOR CI95%: 2.8(1.4-5) p = 0.003; knowledge of the type of self-test aOR CI95%:2.4(1.02–5.65) p = 0.043 and the obstacle to acceptability of the self-test was non-availability of the self-test aOR CI 95%: 18.9(6.5–54.9) p < 0.0001.ConclusionOur study showed that key populations in Kisangani preferred blood self-testing over saliva self-testing. Blood self-tests must be made available to key population groups, as this would improve access to testing for these populations, thus boosting the first UNAIDS target 95.

HYGIENE DES DISPOSITIFS MEDICAUX REUTILISABLES DANS LA GESTION DES VOIES AERIENNES EN ANESTHESIE AU CHUD/ BORGOU-ALIBORI

Introduction :Nosocomial infection is a priority concern for hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the hygiene of reusable medical devices (DMR) used in anesthesia at CHUD-B/A. Methods :The study was observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical. It surveyed nursing staff in the anesthesia department of CHUD Borgou/Alibori. Sampling was non-random, with a census of all staff. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software. Observations in the study were presented in proportions for qualitative variables and quantitative data using central tendency parameters such as mean with standard deviation, median as appropriate, mode and extremums. Results :A total of 14 caregivers were surveyed. Intermediate risks were related to semi-critical materials, according to 64.3% of subjects. Knowledge of DMR processing steps was affirmed by 92.2% of staff. Decontamination followed by cleaning and rinsing was confirmed by 84.6% of respondents. It was observed that equipment was immersed in a small jar containing a small volume of non-renewed decontamination solution, that there was no decontamination protocol, that hand hygiene was observed in 25 cases, and that gloves were worn in 30 cases. Conclusion:The absence of a DMR management protocol is apparent. Device hygiene needs to be improved. The development of a protocol for DMR treatment and the promotion of single-use equipment are necessary.

Parental knowledge and attitudes toward food allergies: a cross-sectional study on determinants and educational needs

BackgroundFood allergy (FA) may often lead to fatal consequences if it is treated promptly. Parents of children with FA should have adequate knowledge to improve health outcomes and reduce the associated burden. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and attitudes regarding FA among parents of children with FA.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among parents attending a primary healthcare center using convenience sampling. The minimum sample size of 280 was calculated using an equation based on the local prevalence of FA among children, and was increased to account for missing data. The data were collected using a four-section questionnaire that collected data about the parents and their children and included questions about knowledge and attitudes regarding FA. The knowledge score was calculated by summing the number of correct answers, with a maximum of 15 points. The Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to examine the associations between the knowledge score and other variables. Spearman’s correlation was employed to test the correlations between the knowledge score and other variables.ResultsA total of 381 parents completed the questionnaires, of whom 71.9% were mothers and 28.1% were fathers. The prevalence of food allergies was 14.22%. Almost one-third had children who had one or more types of FA (32.8%). Most of those patients had received a professional diagnosis of FA (75.3%). The median knowledge score was 7.0 (IQR = 6–8), with variable proportions of correct answers across and within topics. A higher knowledge score was significantly associated with parenting a child with FA (p = 0.006), comorbid asthma or eczema (p = 0.012), the preference to acquire information from professional health agencies (p < 0.001), and higher educational (p = 0.002) and income (p = 0.001) levels. Moreover, the number of discussions held with a healthcare professional regarding FA was significantly correlated with the knowledge score (r = 0.210, p = 0.019). Online resources were the most commonly reported source of information (65.4%). Parents believed that having a child with FA can cause stress in the family (76.1%) and impact siblings’ daily lives (66.7%), while only a minority viewed FA as stigmatizing. Additionally, the majority encouraged governmental spending on FA research (92.9%).ConclusionsParenting a child with FA, comorbid asthma or eczema, number of discussions held with healthcare professionals, and education and income levels were significantly associated with a higher knowledge score. Educational interventions targeting parents should blend emotional regulation, medical information, and management skills to increase knowledge about FA and alleviate associated stress.

Quality by Design (QbD) Approach to Develop Colon-Specific Ketoprofen Hot-Melt Extruded Pellets: Impact of Eudragit® S 100 Coating on the In Vitro Drug Release.

A pelletizer paired with hot-melt extrusion technology (HME) was used to develop colon-targeted pellets for ketoprofen (KTP). Thermal stability and side effects in the upper gastrointestinal tract made ketoprofen more suitable for this work. The pellets were prepared using the enzyme-triggered polymer Pectin LM in the presence of HPMC HME 4M, followed by pH-dependent Eudragit® S 100 coating to accommodate the maximum drug release in the colon by minimizing drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used for response surface optimization of the proportion of different independent variables like Pectin LM (A), HPMC HME 4M (B), and Eudragit® S 100 (C) required to lower the early drug release in upper GIT and to extend the drug release in the colon. Solid-state characterization studies revealed that ketoprofen was present in a solid solution state in the hot-melt extruded polymer matrix. The desired responses of the prepared optimized KTP pellets obtained by considering the designed space showed 1.20% drug release in 2 h, 3.73% in the first 5 h of the lag period with the help of Eudragit® S 100 coating, and 93.96% in extended release up to 24 h in the colonic region. Hence, developing Eudragit-coated hot-melt extruded pellets could be a significant method for achieving the colon-specific release of ketoprofen.