Topography of aortic heart valves

The cooperative effort towards the development of a tri-leaflet prosthetic heart valve is described. The photogrammetric studies were conducted on silicone rubber molds. Information on data acquisition and data reduction phases is given, and certain accuracy aspects of the project are explained. The various outputs which are discussed include digital models, profiles, and contour maps

The Adoption of ICT by Libraries of Teacher Colleges of Education in Northern Ghana: challenges and prospects

This study was conducted to investigate the adoption of ICT by libraries of teacher training colleges of education located in northern Ghana. The study an area covers five administrative regions located in northern Ghana. These are the Northern Region, North East Region, Upper East Region, Savanna Region and Upper West Region. The survey method was used and questionnaire was used as data gathering tool. Copies of the questionnaire were issued to eight librarians of the eight teacher college libraries in the study area. Findings of the study revealed that the adoption of ICT by libraries of teacher training colleges of education located in northern Ghana was still a new phenomenon and therefore in a conception stage. The study also revealed that although the libraries use ICT in the provision of some services these services were inadequate because of some challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of skilled staff, and the lack of support from management. The study recommended that ICT literacy training should be given to college librarians since ICT is a dynamic environment which needs constant practice and training. It was also recommended that management of teacher colleges of education provide adequate support to the libraries by equipping them with modern ICT tools such as computers, printers and scanners to support their house keeping activities. The study also recommended that college librarians go on attachment programmes to understudy librarians in mainstream university libraries in order to learn the best practices in modern librarianship

Genetic study of congenital limb anomalies among Egyptian children

Objective: This study has been conducted to reveal genetically-determinedfactors that underlie the development of congenital limb anomalies amonga sample of Egyptian infants and children. These data might prove useful in taking preventive measures and/or providing proper counseling to concerned families.Subjects and Methods: The study comprised studying 140 (One hundred and forty) Egyptian children with congenital limb anomalies. They consisted of (98) males and (42) females ranging in age from 10 days to 18 years. All cases were selected from among patients attending the outpatient medical genetics clinic, faculty of medicine, Ain-Shams university, Cairo-Egypt. Enrolled cases were subjected to a list of investigations including complete history with pedigree construction, anthropometric measurements and full clinical examination. In addition, specific radio-imaging studies and laboratory investigations were done for cases necessitating further diagnostic workup. Results: The results of the study revealed that isolated limb anomalies were found in (55) patients representing (39.3%) of cases. The remaining eighty five (85) patients constituting (60.7%) of enrolled cases comprised two groups: those with limb defects as part of a well defined genetic syndrome (Syndromic limb defects) (76 patients - 54.3%) and those with limb defects as part of a chromosomal aberration syndrome (9 patients - 6.4%). Genealogical data of the study revealed that parental consanguinity is found in (47.3%) of cases with isolated limb defects, in (72.3%) of cases with syndromic limb defects and in (44.4%) of cases with limb defects due to chromosomal abnormalities. Valid history of prenatal drug intake by the mother was found in (43.6%) of cases with isolated limb defects, in (25%) of syndromic limb defects and in none of the cases with chromosomal abnormalities.Conclusions: Detailed analysis of data of the study drew useful  recommendations regarding many aspects like the possibility of prenatal diagnosis of most cases as well as the availability of many curative and/or palliative intervention measures for early detected and managed cases. Of prime importance, however, is the urgent need of alerting gynecologists and obstetricians taking care of pregnant women to the important role played by iatrogenic prescription of drugs during pregnancy in causation of many types of congenital limb anomalies. Cessation of this non-based evidence medical attitude is necessary and can result in a significant reduction in drug-induced congenital limb anomalies among newborns.Key Words: Limb anomalies, Egyptian children, consanguinity, chromosomal abnormalities

English proficiency for economic self-reliance for immigrants in Portland, Maine

The primary motivation for taking on this particular project is the increasing numbers of Africans in Portland Maine who are not realizing their full potential in the labor market. The community targeted for intervention is people who have immigrated to Portland from the three countries of Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The three countries are collectively known as the Great Lakes Region of central Africa. All three countries have experienced many years of war and unmitigated violence. Portland has experienced a wave of immigration over the past ten years exacerbating the competition for what limited jobs there are available. This project focuses on 80 men and women who were chosen on the basis of their education, professional experience, and motivation to improve and perfect their English in order to improve their job income, position or prospect. Wage earners are concentrated in the health care field where wages are comparatively low and higher education and English-language proficiency are keys to long term success. The significant outputs are organizing the men and women into activities that will improve their English skills as well as their job seeking skills in a short period of time. The target group is motivated to begin. The project is exciting to them. The major outcomes to date are the relationships we have built with key partners and the awareness by the whole community of 800 of the need for such work. We recommend swift action for early success. The problem worsens as the potential talent pool grows and the job market recovers from the recession. (Author abstract)Karara, A. (2011). English proficiency for economic self-reliance for immigrants in Portland, Maine. Retrieved from http://academicarchive.snhu.eduMaster of Science (M.S.)School of Community Economic Developmen

Promoting the Use of Library Services: Challenges and Prospects in some Ghanaian Technical Universities

The study examines marketing practices in some selected academic libraries in Ghana which include; Sunyani, Tamale and Accra technical university libraries. The study relied on both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Two hundred and eighty-four (284) students and twenty (20) professional library staff of these universities were studied. The data collected through questionnaire was analyzed with the use of SPSS whiles that of the interviews were recorded, transcribed and interpreted. The findings of the study revealed that the techniques and tools used by these universities were found to be inadequate and social media tools were highly not considered. Inadequate facilities, lack of funds, lack of staff and knowledge of staff in marketing and lack of marketing policies were identified as major challenges faced by the selected libraries in promoting the use of their services. Some recommendations were however suggested and include; advocate for more facilities and funds for marketing, increase number of staff and skills in marketing and develop best marketing policies, tools and techniques for effective promotion activities in their libraries. The study shall be useful to academic libraries and more especially to TUs in terms of policy formulation such as informing library management of the challenges facing their libraries in carrying out promotional activities in their libraries

Premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome defined as the loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40. POI is a life-changing diagnosis, with profound physical and psychological consequences. Spontaneous POI affects approximately 1% of women under the age of 40. However, the rising incidence of iatrogenic POI is of increasing concern. POI is a heterogeneous, multifactorial disorder, and in the majority of cases the etiology is unknown. The diagnosis of POI is based on the presence of amenorrhea and of an elevated gonadotropin level. Hormone replacement therapy should be used at least until the average age of menopause to alleviate the symptoms of hypoestrogenism and to prevent severe long term consequences especially those of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. The treatment of these women should be coordinated by a multidisciplinary team. Women with POI should be informed that there is a small chance of spontaneous pregnancy. IVF with donor oocytes represents the highest chance for pregnancy in these patients. Further research is needed to identify the population in risk in a timely manner and to find mechanisms that can prolong, recover, or preserve ovarian function

A laboratory scale device for microencapsulation of genetically engineered cells into alginate beads

The microencapsulation of recombinant cells, widely used for in vitro high-density cell culture, is a novel and potentially cost-effective method of in vivo heterologous protein delivery, where the protein producing cells are immunologically protected from tissue rejection. We report here a simple, reliable and inexpensive laboratory method to generate calcium alginate microcapsules containing genetically engineered, interleukin-2 expressing, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.in vitro high-density cell culture, is a novel and potentially cost-effective method of in vivo heterologous protein delivery, where the protein producing cells are immunologically protected from tissue rejection. We report here a simple, reliable and inexpensive laboratory method to generate calcium alginate microcapsules containing genetically engineered, interleukin-2 expressing, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.in vivo heterologous protein delivery, where the protein producing cells are immunologically protected from tissue rejection. We report here a simple, reliable and inexpensive laboratory method to generate calcium alginate microcapsules containing genetically engineered, interleukin-2 expressing, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.Fil: Fiszman, Gabriel Leon. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Karara, Armando Luis. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Finocchiaro, Liliana Maria Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; ArgentinaFil: Glikin, Gerardo Claudio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; Argentin

Adolescent pregnancy: An important issue for paediatricians and primary care providers-A position paper from the European academy of paediatrics.

Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing, remain a widespread health-related problem with potential short and long-term consequences. Comprehensive social, economic, environmental, structural, and cultural factors heavily impact on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and early pregnancy. Health professionals can play a pivotal role in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. Improved access to family planning, sexuality education in schools, community-based interventions, and policies contribute greatly to reduce the risk of adolescent pregnancy and the adoption of respectful and responsible sexual behaviour. Additionally, health care professionals can support pregnant adolescents in making decisions under these circumstances and provide adequate health care. This review highlights actions that can guide healthcare professionals in empowering young adolescents to become more aware and capable of making informed decisions about their sexual life, health, and future