1,695 research outputs found
Endemic treponemal diseases.
The endemic treponemal diseases, consisting of yaws, bejel (endemic syphilis) and pinta, are non-venereal infections closely related to syphilis, and are recognized by WHO as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Despite previous worldwide eradication efforts the prevalence of yaws has rebounded in recent years and the disease is now a major public health problem in 14 countries. Adequate data on the epidemiology of bejel and pinta is lacking. Each disease is restricted to a specific ecological niche but all predominantly affect poor, rural communities. As with venereal syphilis, the clinical manifestations of the endemic treponemal diseases are variable and can be broken down in to early stage and late stage disease. Current diagnostic techniques are unable to distinguish the different causative species but newer molecular techniques are now making this possible. Penicillin has long been considered the mainstay of treatment for the endemic treponemal diseases but the recent discovery that azithromycin is effective in the treatment of yaws has renewed interest in these most neglected of the NTDs, and raised hopes that global eradication may finally be possible
Random question sequencing in computer-based testing (CBT) assessments and its effect on individual student performance
This research is important because it has identified a gap in the existing knowledge base. A term is therefore coined to label a computer-based test mode effect, the so-called Item Randomisation Effect, discussed in detail in this thesis. Item Randomisation Effect is a test mode effect occurring in computer-based testing contexts, especially noticeable in test-takers that may be susceptible to test anxiety. The practise of randomising multiple choice items in computer-based test venues is commonplace, mainly as a deterrent for cheating. Previous research attempted to determine the degree of equivalence across testing modalities of any test. The need was to ensure test-takers in paper-based tests would not have an advantage/disadvantage over test-takers given the same test in a computer-based mode. Such studies have a nomothetic perspective. This research contrasts with those earlier studies in that it has an ideographic perspective because it is concerned with the performance of individuals taking any test in the computer-based modality. This subtle difference in perspective may account for the apparent gap in the existing educational research literature. Evidence of Item Randomisation Effect was found in this study but further research into this test mode effect is necessary.Dissertation (MEd (Computer-Integrated Education))--University of Pretoria, 2008.Curriculum Studiesunrestricte
Yaws.
Yaws is a non-venereal endemic treponemal infection caused by Treponema pallidum sub-species pertenue, a spirochaete bacterium closely related to Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum, the agent of venereal syphilis. Yaws is a chronic, relapsing disease predominantly affecting children living in certain tropical regions. It spreads by skin-to-skin contact and, like syphilis, occurs in distinct clinical stages. It causes lesions of the skin, mucous membranes and bones which, without treatment, can become chronic and destructive. Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, like its sexually-transmitted counterpart, is exquisitely sensitive to penicillin. Infection with yaws or syphilis results in reactive treponemal serology and there is no widely available test to distinguish between these infections. Thus, migration of people from yaws-endemic areas to developed countries may present clinicians with diagnostic dilemmas. We review the epidemiology, clinical presentation and treatment of yaws
Yaws.
INTRODUCTION: Yaws, caused by Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, is endemic in parts of West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The WHO has launched a campaign based on mass treatment with azithromycin, to eradicate yaws by 2020. SOURCES OF DATA: We reviewed published data, surveillance data and data presented at yaws eradication meetings. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: Azithromycin is now the preferred agent for treating yaws. Point-of-care tests have demonstrated their value in yaws. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: There is limited data from 76 countries, which previously reported yaws. Different doses of azithromycin are used in community mass treatment for yaws and trachoma. GROWING POINTS: Yaws eradication appears an achievable goal. The programme will require considerable support from partners across health and development sectors. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Studies to complete baseline mapping, integrate diagnostic tests into surveillance and assess the impact of community mass treatment with azithromycin are ongoing
Yaws
Introduction Yaws, caused by Treponema pallidum ssp. pertenue, is endemic in parts of West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The WHO has launched a campaign based on mass treatment with azithromycin, to eradicate yaws by 2020. Sources of data We reviewed published data, surveillance data and data presented at yaws eradication meetings. Areas of agreement Azithromycin is now the preferred agent for treating yaws. Point-of-care tests have demonstrated their value in yaws. Areas of controversy There is limited data from 76 countries, which previously reported yaws. Different doses of azithromycin are used in community mass treatment for yaws and trachoma. Growing points Yaws eradication appears an achievable goal. The programme will require considerable support from partners across health and development sectors. Areas timely for developing research Studies to complete baseline mapping, integrate diagnostic tests into surveillance and assess the impact of community mass treatment with azithromycin are ongoin
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