System and market failures: the unavailability of magnesium sulphate for the treatment of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Low cost and effective drugs, such as magnesium sulphate, need to be included in initiatives to improve access to essential medicines in Afric

Generalização da transformada de Fourier e suas consequências

Nesta dissertação apresentamos um estudo de diferentes tipos de generalizações da Transformada de Fourier (clássica). É dada uma ênfase especial à Transformada de Fourier Fracionária. Um conjunto significativo de novas convoluções é aqui considerado e associado a essas transformações integrais gerais. Tais convoluções dão origem a várias consequências, entre as quais destacamos diferentes tipos de desigualdades de Young e novas classes de equações integrais (para as quais estudamos a sua solvabilidade). Além disso, também são referidas aplicações a outras ciências (como é o caso de propagação de ondas óticas e processamento de sinal).In this dissertation we present a study of different types of generalizations of the (classical) Fourier Transform. A special emphasis is given to the Fractional Fourier Transform. A significant number of new convolutions are here considered and associated with those general integral transforms. Such convolutions give rise to several consequences among which we point out different kinds of Young inequalities and new classes of integral equations (to which we study their solvability). Moreover, applications to other sciences are also mentioned (as it is the case of optical wave propagation and signal processing).Mestrado em Matemática e Aplicaçõe

The Golf Caddie - The Forgotten Worker

Caddies are an integral part of the game of golf. As an occupation, little is known regarding the physical and psychological demands of caddying. Likewise, there is a dearth of scientific literature regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among caddies. This research endeavor attempted to provide a review of literature regarding the physical demands associated with caddying as well as the prevalence of MSDs. The authors then provide targeted research recommendations to address the shortcomings of the current state of the scientific literature as related to the occupation of caddying. This information may help inform workplace health intervention strategies to improve job performance/satisfaction, lower the occurrence of MSDs, lower health care costs, increase occupational longevity, and enhance the quality of life for the professional caddie

Prevalence of hyperglycemia in masters athletes

BACKGROUND: Ageing is associated with decreased physical activity, obesity and subsequently an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2dm). Master athletes (MA) have initiated exercise or sport later in life or pursued a physically active lifestyle for an extended period. Subsequently, MAs have been proposed as a model of successful ageing as this active lifestyle is associated with health benefits including decreased health risk of chronic diseases and a reduction in premature mortality. Given long-term physical activity/exercise has previously been shown to be protective against hyperglycemia, a risk factor for T2dm, it is plausible that MA may have protective benefit against developing hyperglycemia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperglycemia via fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in MAs competing at the World Masters Games (WMG). METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational survey utilized an online survey using open-source web-based software was used to investigate MAs physiological and medical-related parameters. Over 28,000 MAs competed in the WMG, of which 8,072 MAs completed the survey. Of these MAs, a total of 486 (males 277, females 209; range 27 to 91 years, mean age 55.1 ± 10.2 years) attained recent pathology results which included FPG which was subsequently analyzed for this study. FPG and other outcome variables were compared between genders and to the Australian and United States general population. RESULTS: Mean FPG for MAs was 5.03 mmol (±1.2, 95% CI [4.9-5.1] mmol) with majority (75.5%) of MAs reporting a normal (5.51 to 7.0 mmol). There was no significant difference ( = 0.333) in FPG between genders however, males had a slightly higher (+2.1%) FPG as compared to females (5.08 ± 1.2 mmol (95% CI [4.9-5.22] mmol) versus 4.98 ± 1.1 mmol (95% CI 4.8-5.1 mmol)). The majority of males (71.8%) and females (80.3%) were classified with a normal FPG. With regard to an abnormal FPG level, only 4.0% of males and 4.9% of females were classified abnormal which was suggestive of undiagnosed T2dm. With regard to age by decade, there was no significant difference ( = 0.06-1.00) between age groups and no relationship between the MAs\u27 age and FPG ( = .054, = 0.24). As a group, MAs had a significantly lower FPG as compared to the Australian (-3.2%, = 0.005) and United States general populations (-13.9%, \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most, however not all, MAs were found to have normal glycaemia, with only a small percentage indicating a risk of developing T2dm (i.e., impaired fasting glucose) and a smaller percentage identified with an abnormal FPG, suggestive of T2dm. These findings suggest MAs appear to be at low metabolic risk for developing T2dm based upon FPG and the physical activity/exercise they complete as MAs may indeed be protective against hyperglycemia whilst maintaining an active lifestyle

A Public Health Paradox: The Women Most Vulnerable to Malaria Are the Least Protected

Raquel Gonzalez and colleagues highlight an urgent need to evaluate antimalarials that can be safely administered to HIV-infected pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis

Resting Blood Pressure in Master Athletes: Immune from Hypertension?

Ageing is associated with decreased physical activity, obesity and increased risk of hypertension (HTN). Master athletes (MA) have either pursued a physically active lifestyle throughout their life or initiated exercise or sport later in life. We assessed resting blood pressure (BP) in male and female World Masters Games (WMG) athletes. This was a cross-sectional, observational study which utilized an online survey to assess the blood pressure (BP) and other physiological parameters. Results: a total of 2793 participants were involved in this study. Key findings included differences between genders with males reporting higher resting SBP (+9.4%, \u3c 0.001), resting DBP (+5.9%, \u3c 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (+6.2%, \u3c 0.001). Significant differences ( \u3c 0.001) were also identified when comparing WMG athletes\u27 resting BP results (genders combined) to the general Australian population with WMG athletes having a lower SBP ( \u3c 0.001, -8.4%) and DBP ( \u3c 0.001, -3.6%). Additionally, 19.9% of males and 49.7% of female WMG participants were normotensive whereas 35.7% of the general Australian population were normotensive. Only 8.1% of the WMG athletes (genders combined) were found to be HTN compared to 17.2% in the general Australian population. These findings reflect a low prevalence of HTN in WMG participants and support our hypothesis of a low prevalence of HTN in an active, but aged cohort of MA

Accuracy of Physical Self-Description Among Chronic Exercisers and Non-Exercisers

This study addressed the role of chronic exercise to enhance physical self-description as measured by self-estimated percent body fat. Accuracy of physical self-description was determined in normal-weight, regularly exercising and non-exercising males with similar body mass index (BMI)’s and females with similar BMI’s (n=42 males and 45 females of which 23 males and 23 females met criteria to be considered chronic exercisers). Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the degree of agreement between self-estimated percent body fat and actual laboratory measurements (hydrostatic weighing). Three statistical techniques were employed: Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland and Altman plots, and regression analysis. Agreement between measured and self-estimated percent body fat was superior for males and females who exercised chronically, compared to nonexercisers. The clinical implications are as follows. Satisfaction with one’s body can be influenced by several factors, including self-perceived body composition. Dissatisfaction can contribute to maladaptive and destructive weight management behaviors. The present study suggests that regular exercise provides a basis for more positive weight management behaviors by enhancing the accuracy of self-assessed body composition

Cardiovascular and Psychophysical Response to Repetitive Lifting Tasks in Women

BACKGROUND: Understanding the cardiovascular and psychophysical demands of repetitive lifting tasks is important in job design strategies. This study determined the cardiovascular (oxygen consumption (VO) and heart rate (HR) and psychophysical response to repetitive lifting tasks in women. METHODS: Ten female (age 27 ± 5 yrs) participants transferred 11.4, 15.9, and 20.5 kg weights back and forth from a rung 40.6 cm high to a rung 156.2 cm high. Rungs were 195.6 cm apart horizontally. Three, 10 minute bouts (1 = 11.4 kg; 2 = 15.9 kg; 3 = 20.5 kg) were performed at 6 lifts per minute. Cardiovascular and psychophysical (rating of perceived exertion, RPE) parameters were monitored throughout the bouts. VOmax and HRmax were determined via a maximal treadmill test. RESULTS: VO, HR, and RPE were significantly different between each work bout (p \u3c 0.01), with each outcome variable increasing as load increased. VOmax and HRmax equaled 46.5 ± 7.5 mL·kg·min and 191 ± 11 bpm, respectively. Work at 11.4 kg was performed at 38% VOmax and 63% HRmax; at 15.9 kg at 41% VOmax and 72% HRmax; and at 20.5 kg at 49% VOmax and 81% HRmax. RPE at 11.4, 15.9, and 20.5 kgs were: 8.4 ± 1.6, 11.4 ± 1.9, and 15.0 ± 2.2. CONCLUSION: During these repetitive lifting tasks, metabolic cost and perceived exertion increased with weight lifted; average work intensity ranged from 63 to 81% of HRmax and 38 to 49% of VOmax. Results have important implications in relation to job pacing and design, and worksite health promotion strategies aimed at reducing work place injury