Selective recognition in potentiometric transduction of amoxicillin by molecularly imprinted materials

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in food-producing animals has received increasing attention as a contributory factor in the international emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Woodward in Pesticide, veterinary and other residues in food, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2004). Numerous analytical methods for quantifying antibacterial residues in edible animal products have been developed over years (Woodward in Pesticide, veterinary and other residues in food, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2004; Botsoglou and Fletouris in Handbook of food analysis, residues and other food component analysis, Marcel Dekker, Ghent, 2004). Being Amoxicillin (AMOX) one of those critical veterinary drugs, efforts have been made to develop simple and expeditious methods for its control in food samples. In literature, only one AMOX-selective electrode has been reported so far. In that work, phosphotungstate:amoxycillinium ion exchanger was used as electroactive material (Shoukry et al. in Electroanalysis 6:914���917, 1994). Designing new materials based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) which are complementary to the size and charge of AMOX could lead to very selective interactions, thus enhancing the selectivity of the sensing unit. AMOX-selective electrodes used imprinted polymers as electroactive materials having AMOX as target molecule to design a biomimetic imprinted cavity. Poly(vinyl chloride), sensors of methacrylic acid displayed Nernstian slopes (60.7 mV/decade) and low detection limits (2.9 �� 10���5 mol/L). The potentiometric responses were not affected by pH within 4���5 and showed good selectivity. The electrodes were applied successfully to the analysis of real samples.

Echinococcosis in southern Brazil: efforts toward implementation of a control program in Santana do Livramento, Rio Grande do Sul

This investigation aimed to design a strategy for echinococcosis control in Santana do Livramento county, an endemic area in state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Fecal samples from 65 dogs were obtained from urban, suburban and rural areas. Purging with Arecoline Bromhidrate (AB) was done to visualize Echinococcus granulosus, and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed to detect parasite coproantigen. Samples were obtained at the beginning and at the end of treatment with Praziquantel. A third fecal sampling was also done in rural areas four months after the end of treatment. Each dog was treated immediately after the first purging and every 30 days for eight months. In urban and suburban areas no infected dogs were found. In rural areas, first evaluation showed 11.36% and 27.69% of infected dogs by AB and ELISA, respectively. No infected dogs were diagnosed in the second evaluation and in the third evaluation 36.84% and 47.37% infected dogs were identified by AB and ELISA, respectively. Medication program to combat dog infection resulted in successful interruption of parasite transmission, but the project failed to create awareness of the need for dog prophylaxis among rural populations as well as to establish a permanent control program in this municipality.

Nitrite biosensing via selective enzymes���a long but promising route

Sensors 2010, 10, 11530-11555

Successful control program to implement the appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean section

OBJECTIVE: Describe implementation of a successful program to reduce doses (cefazolin 2 to 1 g) used for antimicrobial prophylaxis. METHODS: Evaluation of an intervention program to reduce prophylactic antimicrobial doses. The intervention included weekly staff discussions, automatic dispensation of 1g-vial of cefazolin by the pharmacy unless expressly requested by surgeon and increase in post-discharge surveillance as a strategy to reassure surgeons of the safety of the reduction. In the pre and post intervention periods, a prospective study of antimicrobial consumption and surgical site infections were measured. RESULTS: There were 5,164 and 5,204 deliveries in 2001-2002 and 2003-2004, respectively; 1,524 (29.5%) and 1,363 (26%) were cesarean sections. There was a 45% decrease in cefazolin vials used on average per cesarean section (2.29 to 1.25). Patients evaluated increased from 16% to 67% and the SSI rates in both periods were 3.34% to 2.42%, respectively. CONCLUSION: An ample intervention, including administrative and educational measures, led to high compliance with dose reduction and saved more than US$4,000 in cefazolin, considered important because government reimbursement in Brazil for cesarean section is $80.

Prostatic Arterial Supply: Anatomic and Imaging Findings Relevant for Selective Arterial Embolization

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomy and imaging findings of the prostatic arteries (PAs) on multirow-detector pelvic computed tomographic (CT) angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before embolization for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study from May 2010 to June 2011, 75 men (150 pelvic sides) underwent pelvic CT angiography and selective pelvic DSA before PA embolization for BPH. Each pelvic side was evaluated regarding the number of independent PAs and their origin, trajectory, termination, and anastomoses with adjacent arteries. RESULTS: A total of 57% of pelvic sides (n = 86) had only one PA, and 43% (n = 64) had two independent PAs identified (mean PA diameter, 1.6 mm �� 0.3). PAs originated from the internal pudendal artery in 34.1% of pelvic sides (n = 73), from a common trunk with the superior vesical artery in 20.1% (n = 43), from the anterior common gluteal-pudendal trunk in 17.8% (n = 38), from the obturator artery in 12.6% (n = 27), and from a common trunk with rectal branches in 8.4% (n = 18). In 57% of pelvic sides (n = 86), anastomoses to adjacent arteries were documented. There were 30 pelvic sides (20%) with accessory pudendal arteries in close relationship with the PAs. No correlations were found between PA diameter and patient age, prostate volume, or prostate-specific antigen values on multivariate analysis with logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: PAs have highly variable origins between the left and right sides and between patients, and most frequently arise from the internal pudendal artery.

Sectors and routes in solid waste collection

Collecting and transporting solid waste is a constant problem for municipalities and populations in general. Waste management should take into account the preservation of the environment and the reduction of costs. The goal with this paper is to address a real-life solid waste problem. The case reveals some general and specific characteristics which are not rare, but are not widely addressed in the literature. Furthermore, new methods and models to deal with sectorization and routing are introduced, which can be extended to other applications. Sectorization and routing are tackled following a two-phase approach. In the first phase, a new method is described for sectorization based on electromagnetism and Coulomb���s Law. The second phase addresses the routing problems in each sector. The paper addresses not only territorial division, but also the frequency with which waste is collected, which is a critical issue in these types of applications. Special characteristics related to the number and type of deposition points were also a motivation for this work. A new model for a Mixed Capacitated Arc Routing Problem with Limited Multi-Landfills is proposed and tested in real instances. The computational results achieved confirm the effectiveness of the entire approach.

Waste collection routing-limited multiple landfills and heterogeneous fleet

This article deals with a real-life waste collection routing problem. To efficiently plan waste collection, large municipalities may be partitioned into convenient sectors and only then can routing problems be solved in each sector. Three diverse situations are described, resulting in three different new models. In the first situation, there is a single point of waste disposal from where the vehicles depart and to where they return. The vehicle fleet comprises three types of collection vehicles. In the second, the garage does not match any of the points of disposal. The vehicle is unique and the points of disposal (landfills or transfer stations) may have limitations in terms of the number of visits per day. In the third situation, disposal points are multiple (they do not coincide with the garage), they are limited in the number of visits, and the fleet is composed of two types of vehicles. Computational results based not only on instances adapted from the literature but also on real cases are presented and analyzed. In particular, the results also show the effectiveness of combining sectorization and routing to solve waste collection problems.

Electromagnetism based approach to Sector design in Waste Collection

For efficient planning of waste collection routing, large municipalities may be partitioned into convenient sectors. The real case under consideration is the municipality of Mon����o, in Portugal. Waste collection involves more than 1600 containers over an area of 220 km2 and a population of around 20,000 inhabitants. This is mostly a rural area where the population is distributed in small villages around the 33 boroughs centres (freguesia) that constitute the municipality. In most freguesias, waste collection is usually conducted 3 times a week. However, there are situations in which the same collection is done every day. The case reveals some general and specific characteristics which are not rare, but are not widely addressed in the literature. Furthermore, new methods and models to deal with sectorization and routing are introduced, which can be extended to other applications. Sectorization and routing are tackled following a three-phase approach. The first phase, which is the main concern of the presentation, introduces a new method for sectorization inspired by Electromagnetism and Coulomb���s Law. The matter is not only about territorial division, but also the frequency of waste collection, which is a critical issue in these types of applications. Special characteristics related to the number and type of deposition points were also a motivation for this work. The second phase addresses the routing problems in each sector: new Mixed Capacitated Arc Routing with Limited Multi-Landfills models will be presented. The last phase integrates Sectoring and Routing. Computational results confirm the effectiveness of the entire novel approach.

Giardia intestinalis and nutritional status in children participating in the complementary nutrition program, Antioquia, Colombia, May to October 2006

Giardia intestinalis infection is prevalent throughout the world and widely distributed in developing countries. In general, children display serious consequences to their state of health, including slow height-weight development; therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the association between Giardia infection and the nutritional status of children who participate in the program of complementary feeding (Mejoramiento Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia (MANA) - Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF)). A cross-sectional study examining the association of giardiasis with nutritional status was conducted. A total of 2035 children aged eight months to six years-old were studied. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and laboratory analysis of blood and stool samples. Analysis of the results showed that 27.6% of children were infected with G. intestinalis, while 8.1% and 1.9% were mildly and significantly underweight, respectively, and 14.1% presented stunting. Giardiasis was statistically identified as a strong predictor of stunting in this study population.

Avalia����o dos servi��os de sa��de mental em Mo��ambique

RESUMO: O instrumento de avalia����o de sistemas de sa��de mental da organiza����o mundial de sa��de (WHO-AIMS)foi usado para a recolha de informa����es sobre o Programa Nacional de Sa��de Mental de Mo��ambique. O presente estudo tem como objectivo melhorar o Programa Nacional de Sa��de Mental e fornecer um ponto de partida para a monitoriza����o das mudan��as. Os resultados do estudo permitir��o a Mo��ambique fortalecer a sua capacidade para desenvolver planos de sa��de mental baseados em informa����es com pontos de partida e metas bem definidos. O relat��rio ser�� tamb��m ��til para a monitoriza����o do progresso da implementa����o de reformas nas pol��ticas de sa��de mental, na disponibiliza����o de servi��os de base comunit��ria, e no envolvimento dos utentes, seus familiares e outros actores na promo����o, preven����o,cuidados e reabilita����o em sa��de mental. Tendo em conta os antecedentes hist��ricos da sa��de mental em Mo��ambique, a realidade actual clama por reformas profundas voltadas para uma interven����o mais humanizada e com enfoque nos cuidados prim��rios. �� nesse contexto que o estudo realizado apresenta resultados relacionados com as pol��ticas, legisla����o, estrat��gias e planos de ac����o e financiamento para a sa��de mental; servi��os de sa��de mental;cuidados prim��rios; recursos humanos e liga����o com outros sectores chave. A sa��de mental foi avaliada desde o sistema de gest��o at�� ao n��vel comunit��rio. Relativamente aos ��rg��os de gest��o, a principal constata����o �� que existem instrumentos legais para sustentar as iniciativas desta ��rea e influenciar os meios pol��ticos em prol da sa��de mental. Todavia, o caminho a percorrer ainda �� longo uma vez que n��o est�� ainda aprovada nenhuma lei de sa��de mental e os financiamentos para a ��rea n��o permitem a implementa����o das reformas necess��rias. Os servi��os ao n��vel cl��nico debatem-se com a problem��tica dos recursos humanos (constitu��dos principalmente por t��cnicos de psiquiatria) e disponibilidade de psicof��rmacos. O modelo biopsicossocial ainda n��o �� implementado integralmente uma vez que s��o poucos os servi��os que oferecem apoio psicossocial (que inclui a reabilita����o e reintegra����o) para al��m da interven����o farmacol��gica. Esta pode ser considerada uma das principais causas de reca��das identificadas em todas as prov��ncias. H�� uma necessidade urgente de se realizarem pesquisas e levantamentos epidemiol��gicos que possam servir de suporte para a advocacia em sa��de mental com vista a melhoria dos cuidados a prestar aos pacientes e comunidade. Os instrumentos de recolha de informa����o de rotina n��o s��o adequados limitando a fidelidade dos dados recolhidos e a possibilidade de uma gest��o dos servi��os de sa��de mental que responda as reais necessidades da popula����o. Em suma, os resultados aqui apresentados mostram que Mo��ambique tem uma base que pode ser considerada uma mais valia para a reforma do sistema de sa��de mental. Existem, ainda que escassos, recursos como humanos, infra-estruturas e legisla����o para a presta����o dos servi��os cl��nicos. �� preciso investir na sa��de mental para que os recursos existentes sejam melhorados e expandidos, apostando na cria����o de equipas multidisciplinares e qualifica����o das equipas de gest��o e equipas cl��nicas. --------ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Services (WHO-AIMS) was used to collect information about the National Mental Health Program of Mozambique. The present study aims to improve the National Mental Health Program and provide a starting point for monitoring change. The study results will allow Mozambique to strengthen its capacity to develop mental health plans based on information with starting points and well-defined goals. The report will also be useful for monitoring the progress of implementation of reforms in mental health policies, the provision of community-based services, and involvement of users, their families and other stakeholders in the promotion, prevention, care and rehabilitation in mental health. Given the historical background of mental health in Mozambique, the current situation calls for reforms aimed at a more humane intervention focused on primary care. In this context, the study presents results related to policies, legislation, strategies and action plans and funding for mental health; mental health services; primary care; human resources and liaison with other key sectors. Mental health was assessed from the management system to the community level. With regard to the management, the main observation is that there are legal instruments to support the initiatives in this area and to influence the political means on behalf of mental health. However, the pathway is still long as it is not yet approved any Mental Health Law and the funding for the area do not allow the implementation of necessary reforms. Services at the clinical level are struggling with the issue of human resources (consisting primarily of psychiatrist technicians) and availability of psychotropic drugs. The biopsychosocial model is not yet fully implemented since there are few services providing psychosocial support (including rehabilitation and reintegration) in addition to pharmacological intervention. This can be considered a major cause of relapse identified in all provinces. There is an urgent need to conduct research and epidemiological surveys which could provide support for advocacy in mental health in order to improve the mental health car for the patients and community. The routine data collection instruments are not appropriate limiting the fidelity of the data collected and the possibility of a management of mental health services that meets the real needs of the population. In summary, the results presented here show that Mozambique has a groundwork that can be considered an asset for the reform of mental health system. There are, though scarce, human resources, infrastructure and legislation for the provision of clinical services. It���s necessary to invest in mental health so that existing resources are improved and expanded, and to invest on the creation of multidisciplinary teams and qualification of management teams and clinical teams.

Effects of a mental health training program on health care worker's knowledge and attitude and practice in Belize��

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess mental health knowledge, attitude and practices among health care workers in Belize before and immediately after a competency based training program in mental health. A baseline Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey was given to health personnel, mainly nurses, working primary and secondary care. The intervention was a 13-week face-to-face training course for health care professionals with the objective of increasing their competency in mental health and reducing stigma. After the training a post intervention KAP survey was conducted among the original respondents. 88 health care workers completed the baseline survey and 61 of those respondents completed the post-intervention questionnaire. The results showed that the level of knowledge of the participants had improved by the training intervention and that in general, the intervention was effective in correcting some misconceptions about mental illness and reducing stigmatizing attitudes among the participants.

A filter inexact-restoration method for nonlinear programming

A new iterative algorithm based on the inexact-restoration (IR) approach combined with the filter strategy to solve nonlinear constrained optimization problems is presented. The high level algorithm is suggested by Gonzaga et al. (SIAM J. Optim. 14:646���669, 2003) but not yet implement���the internal algorithms are not proposed. The filter, a new concept introduced by Fletcher and Leyffer (Math. Program. Ser. A 91:239���269, 2002), replaces the merit function avoiding the penalty parameter estimation and the difficulties related to the nondifferentiability. In the IR approach two independent phases are performed in each iteration, the feasibility and the optimality phases. The line search filter is combined with the first one phase to generate a ���more feasible��� point, and then it is used in the optimality phase to reach an ���optimal��� point. Numerical experiences with a collection of AMPL problems and a performance comparison with IPOPT are provided.

A efic��cia dos contratos-programa no setor p��blico da sa��de na regi��o Norte de Portugal

Em Portugal o sistema de sa��de assume uma importante fun����o no desenvolvimento econ��mico e social, na medida em que os servi��os prestados pelo mesmo influenciam n��o s�� o bem-estar social como tamb��m a produtividade. O processo de contratualiza����o alia-se ao setor p��blico da sa��de atrav��s do contrato-programa, o qual pretende estabelecer uma estrat��gia a seguir. O presente trabalho pretende verificar se o setor p��blico da sa��de respeita os princ��pios de economia, efici��ncia e efic��cia, de um modo geral, pretende-se perceber se os contratos-programa s��o cumpridos na sua totalidade. Para tal procedeu-se �� recolha da informa����o descrita nos relat��rios de gest��o dos quinze Hospitais que pertencem �� Administra����o Regional de Sa��de do Norte. A incerteza relacionada com os contratos-programa, a n��o exist��ncia de um modelo linear para a divulga����o p��blica dos resultados no ��mbito do contrato-programa, e ainda o facto de a totalidade das entidades n��o ser obrigada a emitir essa publica����o, conduz �� possibilidade de que n��o estejam a ser cumpridos os princ��pios da economia, efic��cia e efici��ncia.