Articles

Qualitative research enabled us to explore the personal perceptions and institutional factors that facilitated academic success, as well as challenges, of a sample of 40 academically talented students with autism spectrum disorder (2e/ASD) who were enrolled in highly competitive colleges and universities in the United States. We explored their high school academic and social experiences, their college transition, parental views of their talents and disabilities, as well as college service providers’ opinions about their academic progress and needs. We identified some specific strength-based teaching and instructional strategies and academic experiences that students reported as contributing to their academic success during high school including challenging and advanced classes, use of strengths-based learning strategies (like independent study, and positive relationships with teachers and counselors. We also found that the level of disability support offered by the college was an important consideration for the academic success of this population, as was an understanding of the laws and regulations that apply and don’t apply when students with disabilities attend college. 

This article shows the driving factors of rural women's participation in the TWITEZIMBERE and REKATUJANE rice cooperatives in the GIHANGA commune. These factors are related to the preservation of traditional culture in Burundi in general and in rural areas in particular, where women are in the majority. To achieve this, the research methodology used is both qualitative (individual interviews and documentary research) and quantitative (questionnaire administered to respondents). The results of this research show that traditional culture has forced rural women to stay at home to care for children and perform various household chores. This situation of isolation leads to a lack of information about the benefits of rice-growing cooperatives and the value they can bring to their members. It is also observed that rural women lack the will to adopt the new rice farming practices in Cooperatives. This situation of lack of will to adopt new behavior has hindered the massive participation of rural women in rice cooperatives. Finally, the article emphasizes that the illiteracy of these rural women and the lack of external technical and financial support are considered other important factors that constituted the barriers to their massive participation in rice cooperatives. To deal with this series of problems, the researcher has discovered strategies that can encourage rural women to participate massively in rice cooperatives, in particular, to become members of rice cooperatives that help their members to make them known and receive external technical and financial support, for example, incentives from the government. For this, the Government must therefore help them by providing multifaceted support including local and foreign technical and financial partners. Similarly, cooperative leaders might seek out various donors for their agricultural cooperative associations.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, commonly referred to as shingles, manifests as a painful skin rash affecting one or more dermatome distributions of the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensory innervation to the eye and its surrounding structures. Acyclovir stands as the primary pharmacological intervention for the treatment of this condition. However, its administration is associated with a notable risk of adverse effects, with acute kidney injury being the most prevalent. Herein, we present a case report involving a 59-year-old female patient who developed acute kidney injury after the prescription of Acyclovir for the management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This case underscores the importance of vigilance regarding potential renal complications associated with Acyclovir therapy, particularly in susceptible patient populations.

The research creates a theoretical basis for examining the metamorphic changes and transformations in urban and housing planning with the interaction created by the latest epidemic in the world, which is moving towards a period related to climate problems. The first quarter of the 21st century witnessed an unexpected event: Humanity found itself in the middle of a pandemic considered temporary, it would be permanent and change the world dramatically. The post-COVID-19 period has led to significant and permanent changes in our lives, from urban planning to housing typologies. The study aims to understand the changing dynamics in the post-pandemic period that converges on the same goal with SDG, (Sustainable Development Goals), as continuity by updated dialogues, and discourses on literature. This research focuses on the SDG, (Sustainable Development Goals), and the post-pandemic period, analysis of two phenomena separated, analogous paradigms or intertwined. The findings of the public perception are there is a distinction between sustainability and pandemics considered dissimilar processes, they contain similarities. Contrary to common ideas, the pandemic was a catalyst for sustainability, and these two concepts contain analogous ideas and principles. In conclusion, it is revealed that they both concentrated on similar ideas; SDG, (Sustainable Development Goals) is “health”, and pandemic is the “healthy city” concept like; clean air, zero carbon, living healthy and safely in airy and green areas, etc.

This study conducted an elemental analysis and assessed heavy metal concentrations in five powdered milk samples (V1, L1, H1, G1, and D1) from Senegal, utilizing X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The analysis focused on aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and chlorine (Cl). Aluminum was either undetected or found at negligible levels in all samples. Calcium levels consistently surpassed the Acceptable Maximum Level (AML) in all samples, with H1 exceeding the AML by approximately 11.1 times (27,745.06 ± 310.16 ppm). Potassium concentrations varied, with G1 exhibiting the highest levels, significantly exceeding the AML (51,058.15 ± 456.13 ppm), while V1 remained within acceptable limits. Chlorine concentrations generally complied with the AML, except for G1, which slightly exceeded the limit (3631.04 ± 31.23 ppm). Phosphorus concentrations in H1 were notably higher than the AML (13,750.94 ± 275.35 ppm). The non-uniformity in heavy metal concentrations among samples emphasizes the need for ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny to address potential risks and ensure the safety of powdered milk.

The city of Santo Amaro (Bahia, Brazil) gained visibility among the scientific community due to the contamination of the Subaé River by lead and cadmium from the PLUMBUM Mineração e Metalurgia Ltda industry, on the banks of the river in 1956, which produced lead ingots The present work aimed to investigate the adsorption capacity of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) of EPS produced by bacterial species from the Subaé River, for possible future application of these biopolymers in bioremediation processes in areas impacted by the aforementioned heavy metals. Subaé river water was collected for physical-chemical analysis and bacterial isolation. It was verified that all isolated bacteria produced an expressive amount of Exopolysaccharide (EPS). Thus, the optimization of this production in different sugars (sucrose, glucose, and mannitol) and in three different pHs: 5.5; 6.5, and 7.5. All bacteria produced EPS in large quantities and the best sugar was sucrose at pH 7.5. In order to use the EPS for the bioremediation area, the adsorption test of lead and cadmium was carried out by the isolated EPS. 0.5 g of the EPS was dissolved in 50 ml of deionized water, then the solutions of metals, lead acetate, and cadmium sulfate (procedure performed separately) were incubated at 28 °C for 16 h after that period, and were centrifuged. Samples were filtered to separate the insoluble EPS and the filtrates obtained were used in the quantification of the metals by atomic absorption (FAAS- Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus spp., and Serratiamarcescens, all showed tolerance to the tested metals, due to the efficiency in the adsorption capacity of the EPS, and it was possible to distinguish seven genera, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lysinibacillus spp. to be used in the bioremediation of environments contaminated with heavy metals.

Morality is a unique human subject. It is affected by a number of cultural factors, such as history, tradition, education, and religious beliefs. Ethics is based on two basic concepts: one is a "value" and the other is the duties "must". In the Islamic faith Health and illness as life and death are not mere facts, they include many values that must be respected. The disease, for example, is not only a medical scientific fact like other physiological phenomena. Despite the rise of secular people most of the arabs are believers and religion remains a significant force in society. Diseases and physical suffering have a big impact on the Muslim's life. It tests endurance, faith, and submission to one almighty God, who has healing powers for all patients. How staff ‘does’ good medical ethics depends on this perspective. To understand the Islamic contribution to medical ethics, five topics are discussed; first, obeying. God's commandments; second, categorising of commandments; third, the 5 guiding principles of Islamic Law (maqased); fourth, judging actions by intention and fifth, refers to a warrant belief in the divine decree and the predestination. In many Western countries multi-cultures and multi-religious textures are met including Muslim citizens and new immigrants. Medical Staff will be required at one point during their work to treat these Muslim patients; therefore, a minimum level of cultural awareness is a prerequisite for the delivery of care that is culturally sensitive. In this paper, there is the highlight of certain key teachings in Islamic medical issues and their applications. Hopefully, the insights gained will aid medical staff to better understand their Muslim patients and deliver care that pays due respect to their beliefs.Muslims in the U.S. and in Europe come from diverse backgrounds. Understanding their beliefs and observances is crucial for providing culturally competent care. In bringing any religious perspective to bear on medico-moral issues, a willingness to listen and courtesy in the debate is necessary.

Objective: Psychosocial approaches are increasingly being advocated as an efficacious means of addressing mental health problems. However, with a multitude of complex and varying interpretations present with the use of the term ‘psychosocial’ / ‘psycho-social’ in contemporary discussions of mental health, its application can be vague and even contradictory. This presents problems for research to inform practice and practice to inform research, ultimately inhibiting the help given to those suffering. Method: Literary review, reflecting an extended period of 10 years, explores and analyses the use of the terms ‘psychosocial’ and ‘psycho-social’ within a mental health context. Results: This article identifies that applications and use of the term psychosocial vary significantly, with two models being primarily evident in mental health applications: a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary model. Conclusion: A standardised system is established for mental health theorists and practitioners to identify and categorise these different applications. This outcome is intended to lead to a better understanding of different psychosocial applications, provide better communication between existing psychosocial applications, and improve clarity for future instruction.

Introduction: Corticosteroid therapy is widely used in dermatology for treating various conditions. In France, the cost of corticosteroid treatment varies, and in Mali, a significant prevalence of corticosteroid-treated diseases has been reported. Given the prolonged treatment duration often required, understanding the cost implications in resource-limited settings is crucial.Patients and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study took place at the dermatology department of the University Hospital Center of Dermatology in Bamako. Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy over one year. Variables included sociodemographic data, clinical information, and medication costs.Results: During the study period, 24 cases of dermatoses treated with corticosteroids were identified among 125 hospitalized patients, representing a prevalence of 19.2%. Most patients were women (58.3%), with an average age of 37.5 years. Lichen planus (54.2%) and pemphigus (37.5%) were the most common pathologies. Many patients had extensive lesions before treatment, but the majority responded well to corticosteroids.Discussion: Despite study limitations, such as its descriptive nature, it provided valuable insights into the economic evaluation of long-term corticosteroid therapy. The predominance of women, the age distribution, and the prevalence of specific dermatoses were highlighted. The study also revealed the substantial financial burden of corticosteroid treatment, primarily driven by direct costs.Conclusion: The study underscores the financial challenges associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy in dermatology in Mali. The high costs adversely affect patients and their families, especially considering the socioeconomic status of many patients. Moreover, the findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care strategies and the need for accessible healthcare solutions to address these challenges effectively.

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a symmetrical length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy due to chronic hyperglycemia. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified diabetes as a major global health concern. Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by motor dysfunctions (weakness and atrophy) especially at the distal muscles of lower limbs, and impaired dynamic muscular control in type 2 diabetes patients. Symptoms start in a distal-to proximal pattern in the feet, and ankle and proximally in the hip and knee for both flexors and extensors. Proximal muscle weakness affects postural stability. Dorsiflexor weakness causes increased hip, knee flexion and metatarsophalangeal extension in the initial swing whereas weakness in plantar flexors causes a greater amount of hip and knee flexion during the stance phase.Methodology: 34 subjects with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who fulfilled all the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Ethical standards have been maintained and informed consent was taken. Subjects were randomly assigned by lottery method into two groups, intervention, and control with 17 in each. Since it is a single blinded study subjects were blinded about the interventions provided. Pre and post-test scores were taken before and after 4 weeks using Surface Electromyography (sEMG), Kinovea Software, Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Short Form -36 (SF-36).Results: The pre and post-score values of the kinematics of gait, Functional Gait Assessment, and Short Form - 36 were analyzed using a Paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test within the group analysis, Mann- Whitney U test and Independent t-test for between the group analysis. Both groups displayed notable variations, whereas the intervention group exhibited more significant differences (p < 0.05). Thus, it can be inferred that lower extremity training significantly improves gait kinematics and quality of life in diabetic neuropathy.Conclusion: Lower extremity training is effective in improving the kinematics of gait and quality of life in diabetic neuropathy.