Recently Published Articles
Determinants of Consistent Condom Use among HIV-Positive Women in Abia State, South-East Nigeria.
Abstract:
The use of condoms in marriages is a complex decision. It however plays a role in prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The problem is, what factors and conditions determine consistent condom use among HIV positive women? This study aimed at identifying determinants of consistent condom use among HIV positive women cohabiting with their partners and attending ‘Heart to Heart’ treatment centre in Abia State University Teaching Hospital. This longitudinal descriptive study was conducted among 248 married HIV positive women who attended ‘Heart to Heart’ treatment centre in the Abia State University Teaching Hospital from December 2012 to February 2013 and are cohabiting with their partners. Interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire...
Editorial of the First Issue - Journal of New Developments in Chemistry
Abstract:
An inaugural editorial sets scope and standards for the journal, highlighting emerging areas in chemical methods, materials, and interfaces with biology and energy.
Metallic Iron for Water Treatment: Healing A Research Community
Abstract:
Despite two decades of intensive research on using metallic iron (Fe0) for environmental remediation and water treatment, basic concerns about their efficiency still prevail. This communication presents the basic idea of the view that challenges the prevailing paradigm on the operating mode of Fe0/H2O systems. The alternative paradigm is in tune with the mainstream science on aqueous iron corrosion. Its large scale adoption will enable a scientifically based system design and increase the acceptance of this already proven efficient technology.
The construct Validity of the CES-D among HIV-Infected Perinatal Thai Women: Explanatory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Abstract:
It is important to measure depressive symptoms in HIV-infected individuals because depressive symptoms have been found to be correlated with faster progression to AIDS. Worldwide, the CES-D has been used to assess depressive symptoms and examined for its construct validity. However, no previous studies have investigated the CES-D’s construct validity among HIV-infected perinatal women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the construct validity of the CES-D using both explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis among HIV-positive perinatal women in Thailand. Results showed that, overall, the CES-D is a 4-factor instrument with good construct validity and can be used to evaluate depressive symptoms among HIV-positive perinatal Thai women. However, some items from our study loaded differently on the 4 factors from Radloff’s model. Finally, the CES-D can be used as a general-factor scale without being compromised.
Sociocultural Issues as Barriers to HIV-Infected Orphan Care in Southern Africa
Abstract:
As advances in treatment and prevention are starting to decrease the magnitude of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, the number of orphans and children surviving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is growing. To date, little research has been conducted in the care of HIV-infected children in orphanages in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this qualitative study, managing personnel in 10 programs caring for HIV-infected children were interviewed to ascertain perceived barriers to care of these children. While all programs commented on medical infrastructure barriers, respondents felt sociocultural issues were more pressing. After analysis of transcribed interviews, three major themes of poverty, denial/stigma, and cultural differences with outsiders emerged. These findings have implications for international programs that both serve and seek to serve the needs of HIV-infected children and orphans in Africa. Outside funding ...
The Pharmacist Knowledge and Computer Skills Towards E-Health. Results of A Survey among Italian Community Pharmacists
Abstract:
Health practitioners of different disciplines (physicians, paramedic personnel, pharmacists) should possess adequate ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills and practical competence on these technologies. Pharmacy practice requires a relevant flow of information, collection and handling of which could be facilitated by ICT. The correct use of ICT requires a proper knowledge by professionals offering a public service. The purpose of this paper was to assess basic informatics background and computer uses in pharmacists practicing in Italy, with the aim to identify educational interventions for increasing their informatics abilities. A questionnaire was proposed to pharmacists working in Italian community pharmacies. The survey was articulated into 35 questions concerning computer ...
Current MR-Enterography in the Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease, an Update.
Abstract:
To utilize the effectiveness of MR-Enterography as a potential investigating marker for the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. This article reviews the technique of performing MR enterography which aids in the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, it also serves accurate information about the severity of the disease and complications of it that may guide for the surgical or medical treatment.
Diagnostics of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Patient with Concomitant Lymphoma Infiltration of Central Nervous System During R-CHOP Chemotherapy- A Case Presentation and Review of the Literature.
Abstract:
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare complication associated, inter alia, with rituximab-based lymphoma treatment. PML diagnosis is made easier with the criteria recently published by the American Academy of Neurology. Unambiguous diagnosis of PML can be achieved by demonstration of the histopathological triad comprising:(1) demyelination, (2) bizarre astrocytes and (3) enlarged oligodendroglial nuclei together with detection of viral particles by electron microscopy. However, symptoms of PML may be similar to those observed during lymphoma progression into the central nervous system (CNS). Here we report the case of a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with R-CHOP who developed clinical signs indicating PML. Intravital diagnostic methods failed to yield an unequivocal diagnosis of PML or lymphoma progression in the CNS. However, a post-mortem examination of brain biopsy specimens performed by electron ...
Identification of Novel Biomarker for Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Abstract:
Sarcomas are neoplastic malignancies that typically arise in tissues of mesenchymal origin. The identification of novel molecular mechanisms leading to sarcoma formation and the establishment of new therapies has been hampered by several critical factors. Human uterine leiomyosarcoma (Ut-LMS) develops more frequently in the muscle tissue layer of the uterine body than in the uterine cervix. Although the development of gynecologic tumors is often correlated with the secretion of female hormones; that of human Ut-LMS does not and its risk factors remain unknown. Importantly, a diagnostic biomarker that can distinguish malignant Ut-LMS from benign tumor uterine leiomyoma (LMA) has yet to be established. Therefore the risk factor(s) associated with human Ut-LMS to establish a diagnosis and novel therapeutic method. Proteasome
Intercoronary Continuity with Bidirectional Flow: Dynamic Changes Parallel to Coronary Disease Progression
Abstract:
Direct intercoronary continuity is a rare angiographic finding. We report an unusual case of a 51-year old male with coronary disease who demonstrated intermittent variability in the directions of flow as a result of changes in his coronary disease.