An audit of congenital anomalies in the neonatal unit of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. One-year study period: 1st November 2000 to 31st October 2001

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Induction of apoptosis in human cancer cells by targeting mitochondria with gold nanoparticles

A major challenge in designing cancer therapies is the induction of cancer cell apoptosis, although activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways by targeting gold nanoparticles to mitochondria is promising. We report an in vitro procedure targeting mitochondria with conjugated gold nanoparticles and investigating effects on apoptosis induction in the human breast cancer cell line Jimt-1. Gold nanoparticles were conjugated to a variant of turbo green fluorescent protein (mitoTGFP) harbouring an amino-terminal mitochondrial localization signal. Au nanoparticle conjugates were further complexed with cationic maltotriose-modified poly(propylene imine) third generation dendrimers. Fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed that Au nanoparticle conjugates were directed to mitochondria upon transfection, causing partial rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane, triggering cell death. The ability to target Au nanoparticles into mitochondria of breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis reveals an alternative application of Au nanoparticles in photothermal therapy of cancer

Ward Round - Crocodile bites in Malawi: microbiology and surgical management

We present a case series of 5 patients admitted over 5 months to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital who had sustained injuries from a crocodile bite. Three patients required amputation of a limb. The severe soft tissue injury associated with a crocodile bite and the unusual normal oral flora of the crocodile create challenges in treatment. Progressive tissue destruction and haemolysis are complications of such infected wounds. An antibiotic regime is recommended that covers gram negative rods, anaerobes and may include doxycycline, as well as the need to have a low threshold for early amputation. Malawi Medical Journal Vol. 21 (1) 2009: pp. 29-3

Providing surgical care in Somalia: A model of task shifting.

ABSTRACT

An Emancipatory Approach to Cultural Competency: The Application of Critical Race, Postcolonial, and Intersectionality Theories

Nurses teach, work, and conduct research in an increasingly hostile sociopolitical climate where health inequities persist among marginalized communities. Current approaches to cultural competency do not adequately equip nurses to address these complex factors and risk perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination. A theory-driven emancipatory approach to cultural competency will instead lead to lasting change and uphold the core nursing value of commitment to social justice. This article explicates key tenets of critical race, postcolonial feminist, and intersectionality theories and then applies them, using an emancipatory approach to cultural competency that can reshape nursing education, research, and practice

A qualitative assessment of gender roles in child nutrition in Central Malawi

This study was part of a baseline study conducted in 2017 as part of the CARE Southern Africa Nutrition Initiative (SANI), a project undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.BACKGROUND : Child malnutrition persists globally with men and women playing distinct roles to support children’s nutrition. Women frequently carry the bulk of the workload related to food, care, and health, all of which are critical factors in child nutrition. For this reason, development efforts have emphasised women ignoring the potential role of men in supporting children’s nutrition. This study sought to understand the different roles that Malawian men and women play in children’s nutrition. METHODS : This qualitative was conducted in rural Central Malawi as part of a baseline study in 2017 for the CARE Southern Africa Nutrition Initiative. Seventy-six participants were interviewed, including 19 men and 57 women, using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. We sought to understand the gender distribution of men’s and women’s roles and how these roles influence child nutrition. RESULTS : We found that both men and women were involved in productive, reproductive, and community work. However, consistent with the literature, women carried a disproportionate workload in supporting child nutrition compared to men. Women’s heavier workloads often prevented them from being able to meet children’s food needs. Nevertheless, shifts in gender roles were observed in some of the sampled communities, with men taking up responsibilities that have been typically associated with women. These changes in gender roles, however, did not necessarily increase women’s power within the household. CONCLUSIONS : Traditional gender roles remain prevalent in the sampled communities. Women continue to be primarily responsible for the food, care, and health of the household. Women’s heavy workloads prevent them from providing optimal care and nutrition for children. While efforts to advance gender equality by encouraging men to participate in child care and other household responsibilities appear to have had marginal success, the extent to which these efforts have successfully encouraged men to share power remains unclear. Improving gender equality and child nutrition will require efforts to redistribute gendered work and encourage men to move towards shared power with women over household decision-making and control over income.CARE Malawi.http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpublichealtham2023Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Developmen

Biogas production potential from co-digestion of composted faecal sludge mixed with rice husks and sawdust

The global demand for energy is increasing, with 80% of total energy obtained from fossil fuels rich in greenhouse gases. Biogas is an effective alternative to fossil fuels. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating biogas production potential from co-digestion of com posted faecal sludge (FS) mixed with rice husks (RH) and sawdust (SD). FS of 2000g, 3000g was mixed with RH and SD (2mm, 4mm). The ratios for RH and SD were 1: 0, 0: 1, 1: 1, 3: 1, 1: 3; each mixed with FS, composted for 20days followed by biogas production. Quantity and quality of biogas were measured using water and NaOH displacements, respectively. CH4 con tent ranged between 74-76%. Digester with 2000g FS and 100g RH (4mm) performed excel lently, producing 17.2 L of biogas. Conclusively, RH, SD and FS have potential to produce biogas. However, a comparative study should be done on fresh and composted materials to assess the influence of composting on biogas production