Simulation and optimization of evacuation routes in case of fire in underground mines

Risks of fire occurrence in underground mines are known for a long time. Evacuation and rescue plans allow to each underground mine to respond and establish control in case of emergency. The primary goal of this paper is to determine the optimal system for evacuation in case of fire in underground mines and through a process of computer simulation to be presented to all workers that are affected by this issue. In this study is developed a system that allows by using available software to work out the complete evacuation plans that include analysis of fire scenarios and optimal routes for evacuation. With development of database of fire scenarios, it is possible to plan routes for evacuation in all situations. This presented methodology can serve to make effective system for evacuation and rescue in case of fire and to help save lives and protect the financial investment in the mine. This methodology represents the most economical option of making an effective system for evacuation and also can serve as an idea of making a software package that includes all the steps of making a system for evacuation and rescue in case of fire in underground mines. This presented model will have increased accuracy compared to other models presented so far, because of the prepared 3D model of the underground mine which includes the actual dimensions of the mine along with its associated elements from which the fire dynamics and system for evacuation depends

Membrane Initiated Effects of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Prostate Cancer Cells: Effects on AP1 and CREB Mediated Transcription

Vitamin D effekter på progression av cancer i prostat

Intra- and Juxta-Articular Osteoid Osteoma Mimicking Arthritis: Case Series and Literature Review

Background: Intra- and juxta-articular osteoid osteomas are rare, representing less than 10% of all osteomas. Compared to the classic diaphyseal or metaphyseal site of long bones, they often have an atypical onset, a longest diagnostic delay, and frequent initial misdiagnoses, with pictures that can mimic inflammatory monoarthritis. We aimed to describe a case series, and to provide a literature review of this uncommon and misleading tumor location. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients referred to three pediatric rheumatology centers, with a final diagnosis of articular osteoid osteoma. A review of the literature was additionally conducted. Results: We included 10 patients with a mean age of 14 years. All patients with unusual sites (olecranon fossa, lumbar vertebra, distal phalanx of the toe, fibula) had a misdiagnosis, and cases with initial suspicion of monoarthritis had the longest diagnostic delay, up to 24 months. The literature review confirms the significant risk of misdiagnosis, and an average time from symptom onset to diagnosis ranging from 0.4 to 1.8 years. Conclusions: Articular osteoid osteoma may mimic arthritis, especially in adolescence. Knowledge of the atypical forms of presentation, and of the clinical and radiological pitfalls, reduces the risk of diagnostic error

Minding the gap: The importance of active facilitation in moving boundary objects from in-theory to in-use as a tool for knowledge mobilisation

The Health Inequalities Assessment Toolkit (HIAT) was developed to support those involved in health research to integrate a focus on health inequalities. Our study focuses on bringing together the concepts of boundary objects (BO) and brokers-as-bricoleurs to explain the implementation of the HIAT within a research capacity building programme. Exploring the extent to which (i) the HIAT operated as a BO and (ii) the ideal conditions to nurture and enhance its effectiveness during knowledge mobilisation. We employed a qualitative approach to analyse: semi-structured focus groups and telephone interviews; secondary data from an evaluation of the wider research programme within which the capacity building was situated. Data was thematically analysed incorporating the properties of a BO: meaningfulness, convergence, resonance and authenticity. Four main themes identified: (1) Generating convergence through creating a focus (2) Reconciling differences to create a common language (3) Workshop facilitators: boundary brokers-as-bricoleurs, (4) Thoughts into action. The HIAT operated as a BO, enabling individuals across the different project teams to galvanise around the issue of health inequalities, explore collaboratively and incorporate equity within service evaluations. Highlighting the importance of involving brokers with an ability to improvise and mobilise around the HIAT, using their expertise to translate and interpret across boundaries and emphasise shared goals. Reflecting on this, a modified tool with additional resources beyond socio-economic causes has been launched as a forum to consider health inequalities from diverse perspectives for use beyond UK health and social care research

Dissemination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 sequence type 8 lineage in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus (MRSA) is an important nosocomial and community-associated (CA) pathogen. Recently, a variant of the MRSA USA300 clone emerged and disseminated in South America, causing important clinical problems. METHODS: S. aureus isolates were prospectively collected (2006-2008) from 32 tertiary hospitals in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. MRSA isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and were categorized as health care-associated (HA)-like or CA-like clones on the basis of genotypic characteristics and detection of genes encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin and staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec IV. In addition, multilocus sequence typing of representative isolates of each major CA-MRSA pulsotype was performed, and the presence of USA300-associated toxins and the arcA gene was investigated for all isolates categorized as CA-MRSA. RESULTS: A total of 1570 S. aureus were included; 651 were MRSA (41%)--with the highest rate of MRSA isolation in Peru (62%) and the lowest in Venezuela (26%)--and 71%, 27%, and 2% were classified as HA-like, CA-like, and non-CA/HA-like clones, respectively. Only 9 MRSA isolates were confirmed to have reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides (glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus phenotype). The most common pulsotype (designated ComA) among the CA-like MRSA strains was found in 96% of isolates, with the majority (81%) having a \u3c or =6-band difference with the USA300-0114 strain. Representative isolates of this clone were sequence type 8; however, unlike the USA300-0114 strain, they harbored a different SCCmec IV subtype and lacked arcA (an indicator of the arginine catabolic mobile element). CONCLUSION: A variant CA-MRSA USA300 clone has become established in South America and, in some countries, is endemic in hospital settings

Factors associated with self-reported discrimination against men who have sex with men in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To estimate self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil and to analyze associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 3,859 MSM recruited in 2008–2009 with respondent driven sampling. Data collection conducted in health centers in 10 Brazilian cities. A face-to-face questionnaire was used and rapid HIV and syphilis tests conducted. Aggregated data were weighted and adjusted odds ratio estimated to measure the association between selected factors and self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly young, eight plus years of schooling, pardo (brown), single, low-income, and identified themselves as gay or homosexual. The prevalence of self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation was 27.7% (95%CI 26.2–29.1). Discrimination was independently associated with: age < 30 years, more years of schooling,community involvement and support, history of sexual and physical violence, suicidal thoughts, and unprotected receptive anal intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported discrimination among MSM in Brazil is high. These results challenge the assumptions that MSM-specific prevention and support programs are not required or that health professionals do not need special training to address MSM needs

Service user experiences of care recommendations from the 2014 NICE guideline for bipolar disorder: a survey

Clinical guidelines for mental health disorders produced by the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE) emphasise a recovery-based approach clinical care with collaborative decision-making. The aim of the study was to explore service user experience of collaborative decision-making and recovery focussed care in relation to a NICE clinical guideline for bipolar disorder four years after publication. Participants with a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder were recruited from adult mental health services in four specialist mental health NHS Trusts through health professional or self-referral following advertisement. An online or written survey was designed with service user input to cover 40 NICE recommendations on recovery based or collaborative care. Participants completed the survey anonymously and independent of any health professional involvement. Of 222 participants, 72 (33.5%) reported to a great extent care was delivered in line with a positive recovery message; 55 (25.5%) reported that not much or no care was recovery based. Only four items (10%) on medication or the offer of crisis services were endorsed as collaborative decision-making with a health professional by >70% service users. Most decision-making in relation to the NICE clinical guideline for bipolar disorder was not delivered collaboratively and only some care was recovery focussed

In vitro fermentation of juçara pulp (Euterpe edulis) by human colonic microbiota

This study was carried out to investigate the potential fermentation properties of juçara pulp, using pH-controlled anaerobic batch cultures reflective of the distal region of the human large intestine. Effects upon major groups of the microbiota were monitored over 24 h incubations by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured by HPLC. Phenolic compounds, during an in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation, were also analysed. Juçara pulp can modulate the intestinal microbiota in vitro, promoting changes in the relevant microbial populations and shifts in the production of SCFA. Fermentation of juçara pulp resulted in a significant increase in numbers of bifidobacteria after a 24 h fermentation compared to a negative control. After in vitro digestion, 46% of total phenolic content still remained. This is the first study reporting the potential prebiotic effect of juçara pulp; however, human studies are necessary to prove its efficacy