Effectiveness of a training course on smoking cessation knowledge and behaviour for health profession students. The SISMA project

Introduction. University students are at risk of starting smoking or continuing and increasing the consumption of tobacco products. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the training course, Sisma Project, about smoking in healthcare degree courses, in terms of knowledge, behaviour and to evaluate the course. Methods. SISMA project was a pre- post study about an intervention delivered to healthcare profession students about smoking and smoking cessation. It had a before-after design and was an online optional course available on the eLearning platform Moodle 2. The course was structured in four lessons of sixty minutes, a debate among experts and a final test of evaluation. The McNemar test was used to measure the effectiveness of Sisma on smoking behaviour of students after the intervention. Students rated the course assigning a score from one to ten, and expressed free comments about point of strength and weakness of Sisma project. Results. The participants were 365 students, 28.5% males and 71.5% females, most were nursing 194 (53.2%) and dental hygienists students 105 (28.8%). Current smokers were 161 (44.1%) before and 142 (38.9%) after the course, there was statistical significant difference in smoking status after attending the course (p < 0.001). Students evaluated the course giving a high score with a mean of 8.13 (SD: 1.1); the main points of strength were the content (33.2%), the structure (15.6%) and knowledge given by the course (12.6%). The main point of weakness were the online structure 62 (37%), problem related to length and time 17 (10%) and the final test 15 (9%). Discussion. Given the central role health professionals play in patient care, students need to be aware and trained in tobacco cessation techniques. Our results indicate that smoking behaviour significantly changed after attending a university course for smoking cessation and students appreciated its contents and structure

Mechanism of electrochemical deposition and coloration of electrochromic V2O5 nano thin film: An in situ x-ray spectroscopy study

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Surface reactions and performance of non-aqueous electrolytes with lithium metal anodes

Six electrolytes were investigated for lithium metal battery applications. The electrolytes were composed of combinations of four different salts (LiPF6, LiB(C2O4)2, LiI and LiN(SO2CF3)2) and three different solvents (PC, DME, and 1,3-dioxolane). All six electrolytes had conductivities \u3e3 mS cm-1 at temperatures from -20 to 40 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and linear polarization, both at room temperature and low temperature (-8 °C), provided congruent results. The LiI-based electrolyte had the lowest film resistance, while 0.7 M LiB(C2O4)2-PC:DME (1:1) had the highest impedance. The presence of 1,3-dioxolane in electrolytes provided lower impedance with LiB(C2O4)2 but higher resistance with LiPF6-based electrolytes. NMR analysis of electrolytes after thermal abuse indicate that LiN(SO2CF3)2-based electrolytes are the most thermally stable. SEM analysis suggests that surface modification and impedance changes are correlated. © 2008 Elsevier B.V

Cervical Cancer Screening with Liquid Cytology in Women with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the use of liquid cytology in Pap smears in women with developmental disabilities (DD) for endocervical cell yield and abnormalities, via speculum examination or blind technique. Methods: We used retrospective chart review of gynecological visits by women with DD from October 2002 to November 2005. Cervical cytology screening included speculum examination or blind technique. Endocervical cell yield was analyzed via Pearson's chi-square test. Results: Of 240 attempted liquid cytology Pap smears, 199 (82.9%) were completed. Of these, 193 met inclusion criteria for the study, and 120 (62.2%) contained endocervical cells. The endocervical cell yield with liquid cytology/speculum was 80.0% and was 43.6% with liquid cytology/blind (p < 0.001). Two blind smears (1.0%) were abnormal; both revealed atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) with subsequent negative human papillomavirus (HPV) typing. Conclusions: Cervical screening with liquid cytology in women with DD provides an overall rate of endocervical cells of approximately 44%-80% depending on the technique used. Although this is much lower than in the general population, this compares favorably with slide Pap smear in women with DD. The 44% yield of endocervical cells and the finding of abnormal Pap smears with the blind technique suggest this is a reasonable alternative for obtaining Pap smears in women with difficult pelvic examinations who otherwise would not receive cervical screening.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78111/1/jwh.2008.0795.pd

Recent developments in borohydride fuel cell cells

Developments in direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFC) are considered together with electrolyte stability and the choice of membrane and electrode materials. The cyclic voltammetry of borohydride oxidation was studied at three electrodes: a) gold on carbon, Au/C, b) gold on titanate nanotubes, Au/TiN and (c) gold foil. Similar currents were observed from the three electrodes. A DBFC in a single, 2- and 4-bipolar cell configuration with Au/C anode and Pt/C cathode produced 2.2, 3.2 and 9.6 W showed cell voltages of 1.06, 0.81 and 3 V, respectively. In another single cell, the reduction of peroxide on a Pd/Ir coated microfibrous carbon cathode was catalytically more active than a platinised-carbon one. The maximum power density achieved was 78 mW cm-2 at a cell voltage of 1.09 V. The need for further research is highlighted, particularly into new electrocatalyst material

Ecosystem modelling of the Eastern Corsican Coast (ECC): Case study of one of the least trawled shelves of the Mediterranean Sea

International audienceThe Eastern Corsican Coast (ECC) is distinguished by its shallow sandy shelf, extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows, and the relatively limited exploitation of fish in this region. To understand ECC trophic functioning and the effects of fishing in this region of the Mediterranean Sea, we applied the Ecopath and EcoTroph approaches. Our model encompassed 5 groups of primary producers and detritus, 14 invertebrate groups, two groups of Chondrichthyes, 16 teleost groups, one seabird group, and one group of cetaceans. The ECC ecosystem was structured into five trophic levels, regulated top-down by Sphyraenidae, Epinephelus marginatus, and Dentex dentex. The ecosystem displayed a high degree of benthic-pelagic coupling, confirmed by keystone groups/species located at intermediate trophic levels (planktivorous teleosts, benthic cephalopods, shrimps, zooplankton). The ECC demonstrated the lowest exploitation rate (F/Z) of all exploited Mediterranean ecosystems, with trawling representing 55% of catches, followed by the lobster net (27%) and fish net (18%) fisheries. Catches often included untargeted groups-often discarded dead-in particular sharks and rays, and several protected species. Moreover, Palinurus elephas, Scorpaena scrofa, and Dentex dentex had elevated F/Z values, highlighting their vulnerabilities to fishing. Although the fishing simulations suggested that the ECC could support a greater exploitation, they also revealed that these fisheries have a marked impact on upper trophic levels. Our study draws attention to the critical habitat the ECC provides for Chondrichthyes, evidenced by the significant biomass for these taxa and the low fishing pressure relative to other exploited Mediterranean systems. This first modelling of the ECC is an initial step towards modelling all Corsican marine ecosystems to serve as a guide for preserving these ecosystems through appropriate management measures