Monday, 30 December 2019
Sunday, 29 December 2019
Coping with Assisted Reproductive Technology: Evidence from Clients Seeking Infertility Interventions in Selected Private Health Facilities in Ghana
Date: 2018-10
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Infertility remains a challenge for some couples globally. Recent evidence shows that one in every six couples will face fertility problem in their reproductive age. For the past four decades, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has been an effective intervention for infertility. The complexities associated with the ART presents many challenges to couples including psychological, social, and emotional difficulties. These challenges underscore the relevance of coping particularly during the process of the ART. Objectives: This study therefore sought to understand the challenges associated with ART and the various coping strategies infertile couples adopt when seeking ART. Methods: The study employed convergent parallel mixed method design. Exploratory phenomenological approach and cross-sectional survey were used for the qualitative and the quantitative studies respectively. Overall, 12 women and 6 men participated in the qualitative study, whereas 211 women participated in the quantitative study. The qualitative study employed purposive sampling technique and the quantitative used convenience sampling technique to recruit the respondents. The qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews and the Ways of Coping questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. Analysis of the quantitative data was done using content analysis technique whereas the quantitative data was analysed using the Stata version 14.0. Descriptive statistics such as the mean, frequencies were determined from the quantitative data. Inferential statistics such as Chi-square test of independence, Fishers exact test, one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal Wallis were used to determine association between each of the predictors of coping and levels of coping strategy. Results: The study revealed couples with infertility problems highly value biological children due to social stigmatization about childlessness. Some respondents indicated that they have suffered various forms of psychological, emotional, and social afflictions because of their inability to have their own children. Respondents utilised ART the best alternative solution to infertility problem. Factors such as advanced age of the woman, pressure from families, particularly mothers-in-law, and friends influenced respondents’ uptake of ART. Furthermore, various ART uptake challenges, identified included anxiety about treatment outcome, high cost of ART, and long distance to ART centres. The study respondents used different coping strategies to cope with ART. These included confrontational, distance, self-control, social support, acceptance responsibility, escape-avoidance, problem solving and positive reappraisal coping strategy. The most highly used coping strategy was positive-reappraisal (n = 104, 49.3%). Fertility centre and cause of infertility were the two covariates that were significantly related to overall coping strategy. None of the covariates were associated with the positive reappraisal coping strategy. Conclusions: Having children in marriage in the Ghanaian society is very crucial. Even though ART offers a better solution to infertility, it has its own associated challenges necessitating the adoption of various forms of coping strategies. Given the importance couples attach to biological children, evidence of infertility prevalence in Ghana, Government should consider integrating ART services into the existing obstetric and gynecological facilities to serve as an alternate solution to the challenges of infertility in Ghana. Again, the reproductive health unit of the Ghana Health Service should sensitise the general public about the availability of ART, its effectiveness as well as the associated benefits. This will reduce the negative consequences of childlessness in the Ghanaian society. Given the emotional and psychological challenges reported by the clients in this study, it is recommended that counseling units should be established in these centres to offer services to clients at every stage of the treatment.
Description:
PhD.
Naturopathy in the management of women with diminished ovarian reserve: a research proposal.
Maunder, Alison. "Naturopathy in the management of women with diminished ovarian reserve: a research proposal." Australian Journal of Herbal & Naturopathic Medicine 31.4 (2019).
Medical ethnobotany of Wik, Wik-Way and Kugu peoples of Cape York Peninsula, Australia: an integrated collaborative approach to understanding traditional phytotherapeutic knowledge and its applications
Edwards, Sarah Elizabeth.University of London, University College London (United Kingdom), ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2006. 10105153.
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1796089911?pq-origsite=gscholar
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1796089911?pq-origsite=gscholar
Situating health and well-being in the Atlanta and Trinidad-Tobago transnational context
| Lisa Shanti Chaudhari | |
| Publisher: | 2011. |
|---|---|
| Dissertation: | Ph. D. University of Georgia 2011 |
| Edition/Format: |  Thesis/dissertation : Thesis/dissertation : eBook : English |
| Summary: |
This study investigates the ethnoecology of a transnational community focusing on changes in health knowledge and perceptions influencing health practices. I use a multi-sited approach integrating classic ethnographic techniques and cross-disciplinary methods such as GIS to study the Atlanta and Trinidad and Tobago transnational community. This complementary approach based on an ethnoecological and biocultural framework is used to: 1) document and compare the ethnoecology between both locations, 2) assess and compare health, 3) examine health practices, and 4) evaluate health and well-being perceptions. This study allows us to set a baseline from which the relatively young, but growing Trinidad and Tobago community in Atlanta can be compared to other established communities (e.g. New York and Toronto). Findings point to a disjuncture between physical and perceived health status, highlighting the complex nature of well-being in migrant communities. The Atlanta community results indicate poor physical health, yet self-rated health is superior. Investigating health practices through individual health network maps and geo-narratives show us that place and space are significant factors across locations. Health resources close to home represent a large proportion of resources accessed. In Atlanta, a sense of "home" is an underlying factor behind behavior. When looking at health perspectives, key concepts consistent across locations include food-diet, the ocean, and relaxation. The distinctions in the level of importance or presence of themes illustrate transformations in health and wellness concepts. A multilevel health approach that takes elements from a variety of health categories (e.g. biomedical, ethnobotanical) is common to both locations. This project demonstrates how a comprehensive and layered picture of well-being in this transnational setting is critical and how its complexity can be reflected at varying levels. By assessing specific dimensions of knowledge, perceptions, and practice, I explore the interplay of factors influencing the human environment relationship to determine significant elements that promote health and well-being of this community. I look at how research in this particular transnational community contributes to recent conversations in ethnoecology, migration and health studies. Finally, I discuss the applicability and value of cross-disciplinary methods for local health projects
|
Friday, 20 December 2019
Sunday, 15 December 2019
Thursday, 12 December 2019
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZATION, BIOFERTILIZER AND THIDIAZURON ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CELERY (APIUM GRAVEOLENS L.) PLANT.
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZATION, BIOFERTILIZER AND THIDIAZURON ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CELERY (APIUM GRAVEOLENS L.) PLANT.
Friday, 29 November 2019
Sunday, 24 November 2019
Estrogenic effects of phytoestrogens derived from Flemingia strobilifera in MCF-7 cells and immature rats
Arch Pharm Res. 2018 May;41(5):519-529. doi: 10.1007/s12272-018-1027-1. Epub 2018 May 24.
Jeong SY1, Chang M2, Choi SH3, Oh SR3, Wu HH4, Zhu Y4, Gao XM4, Wang X4,5, Zhang B1, Lim DS1, Lee JY1, Kim SD1, Song YS6.
Author information
- 1
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea.
- 2
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea.
- 3
- Natural Medicine Research Center, KRIBB, Chungbuk, 363-883, Republic of Korea.
- 4
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
- 5
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- 6
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, 04310, Republic of Korea. yssong@sookmyung.ac.kr.
Abstract
Phytoestrogen (PE) has received considerable attention due to the physiological significance of its estrogenicity. Flemingia strobilifera (FS) has been used as a folk medicine in Asia for the treatment of inflammation, cancer, and infection; however, the estrogenic effects and chemical components of FS have not yet been reported. We aimed to uncover the estrogenic properties and PEs derived from FS using phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation. PEs from FS extract (FSE) were analyzed by NMR, HPLC, and MS. To evaluate estrogenic activity, FSE and its compounds were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays, including human estrogen receptor alpha (hERα) binding, estrogen response element (ERE)-luciferase reporter assays, and uterotrophic assays. FSE and its compounds 1-5 showed binding affinities for hERα and activated ERE transcription in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, FSE and compounds 1-5 induced MCF-7 cell proliferation and trefoil factor 1 (pS2) expression. In immature female rats, significant increases in uterine weight and pS2 gene were observed in FSE-treated groups. We identified estrogenic activities of FSE and its bioactive compounds, suggesting their possible roles as PEs via ERs. PEs derived from FSE are promising candidates for ER-targeted therapy for post-menopausal symptoms.
KEYWORDS:
ERE transcription; Estrogen receptor; Flemingia strobilifera; Immature rat; Phytoestrogen; Uterotrophic effect
- PMID:
- 29797242
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s12272-018-1027-1
- [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Saturday, 23 November 2019
Traditional Uses of the Family Piperaceae in Oaxaca, Mexico
- December 2018
- Tropical Conservation Science 12(2):194008291987931
The ethnobotanical importance of the family Piperaceae is recognized mainly for its medicinal properties. A total of 106 species of two genera of this family (Piper and Peperomia) have been collected in Oaxaca, but only 18 are recorded in scientific publications as medicinal, edible, veterinary, or ritual plants. The objectives of this study are to describe the traditional knowledge and uses of the Piperaceae in areas of high biocultural diversity of Oaxaca and to analyze the relationship between its geographic distribution with ethnobotanical records among ethnic groups. Fieldwork was carried out between 2013 and 2016, and voucher specimens were reviewed in Mexican herbaria. Two multivariate analyses were applied to compare the geographic distribution of Piperaceae with ethnobotanical knowledge in Oaxaca. A total of 13 species of Peperomia, and 7 of Piper were collected, besides some unidentified species of both genera. Seven use categories were registered, with medicinal and edible being the most important. A high percentage (65%) of the species is named in at least one native language. Most species have a single use, mainly medicinal. Peperomia has been collected in Oaxaca since 1980, while Piper since 1960. Multivariate analysis indicated the existence of a differentiated ethnobotanical knowledge of this family among ethnic groups, related to the geographic distribution of species. This study evidences that ethnic groups, who maintain areas of higher biodiversity, obtain these species mainly from the wild, from specific microenvironments; hence, conservation practices must be reinforced for them, as for all ecosystems in general.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337437346_Traditional_Uses_of_the_Family_Piperaceae_in_Oaxaca_Mexico
Thursday, 21 November 2019
Pumpkin Waste as Livestock Feed: Impact on Nutrition and Animal Health and on Quality of Meat, Milk, and Egg
Abstract and figures
Simple Summary: Pumpkin waste are part of the millions of tons of vegetable residues produced yearly that could be used in livestock feeding. Their value not only relies in its nutritional content as its bioactive compounds could modify meat, milk, and egg composition which are of uttermost value for human nutrition. Furthermore, pumpkin waste, which cannot be used in human consumption, may contribute to diminish human-livestock competition for cropland. In this review, we describe the potential of pumpkin waste as animal feedstock as a strategy for more sustainable livestock production while making emphasis on the importance of food from animal origin in human health. Abstract: Meat, milk, and egg contribute positively to the nutrition and health of humans; however, livestock requires a large number of resources, including land for fodder and grains. Worldwide millions of tons of vegetable waste are produced without any further processing, causing pollution and health risks. Properly managed vegetable waste could provide a source of feed for livestock, thus reducing feeding costs. In this regard, pumpkin waste (Cucurbita sp.) is an alternative. Research on pumpkin waste on animal nutrition is scarce, however, it has potential as animal feed not only for its nutritional value but also for its antioxidants, pigments, and polysaccharides content that could enhance quality of meat, milk, and egg, as well animal health. In this review, we describe the environmental impact of livestock as a result of greater demand for food of animal origin, including the importance of the consumption of animal foods in human nutrition and health. Moreover, we emphasize the potential of plant residues and, particularly, on the characteristics of pumpkins and how their use as feedstuff for livestock could improve productivity and modify the composition of meat, milk, and egg.
Wednesday, 20 November 2019
Ground Flaxseed – How Safe is it for Companion Animals and for Us?
EFSA released the 89-page Scientific Opinion “Evaluation of the health risks related to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in foods other than raw apricot kernels”. This opinion, and the ensuring media coverage, has left uncertainty in the minds of consumers, feed and supplement manufacturers and flaxseed producers of how much ground flaxseed can safely be consumed without crossing the threshold of cyanide toxicity. This editorial updates the science and tries to bring clarity to the question “how much flaxseed can I safely feed my dog, cat, horse on a daily basis?” and “how much can I safely eat?” The great majority of ground flaxseed products have a cyanogenic glycoside content of less than 200 mg / kg seed. For people, consuming 30 grams of such flaxseed the average peak blood cyanide concentration will be about 5 µmole / L, much less than the toxic threshold value of 20 to 40 µmole / L favoured by EFSA. Thus, as much as 120 grams of crushed / ground flaxseed can be consumed by a 70 kg adult person before a toxic threshold of 40 µmole / L is reached (up to 1.7 grams ground flaxseed / kg body weight). The toxic threshold of cyanide for dogs is 2 to 4-fold greater than for humans, and unknown for cats and horses. The daily serving amounts for dogs and cats are about 0.23 grams / kg body mass per day, which will result in blood cyanide well below the toxic threshold. The highest recommended daily serving amount for horses is 454 grams per day, or 0.8 to 2 grams per kg / body mass depending on mass of the horse. This amount for horses should not be exceeded.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337345111_Ground_Flaxseed_-_How_Safe_is_it_for_Companion_Animals_and_for_Us
https://www.nutraceuticalalliance.ca/post/ground-flaxseed-how-much-can-we-and-our-companion-animals-safely-eat
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337345111_Ground_Flaxseed_-_How_Safe_is_it_for_Companion_Animals_and_for_Us
https://www.nutraceuticalalliance.ca/post/ground-flaxseed-how-much-can-we-and-our-companion-animals-safely-eat
Monday, 18 November 2019
Tuesday, 12 November 2019
Friday, 8 November 2019
Thursday, 7 November 2019
Sunday, 3 November 2019
Friday, 1 November 2019
Value Added Products, Chemical Constituents and Medicinal Uses of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) -A Review
Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is an annual or perennial plant that is widespread in distribution and belongs to the family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. This plant has long been used for the treatment of various illnesses due to excellent therapeutic potentials and as flavoring agent in several food articles owing to high nutritional value. The genus Apium is known to contain about 20 well-known species of Apiaceae family and its several varieties are found native to Eurasia and are mainly grown in coastal regions. Celery requires relatively high level of humidity and comparatively low level of temperature. Therefore, maximum yield is obtained in cool weather of temperate regions. The aggregated world production of seed oil of celery is estimated to be 51 tons while only India produces 25 tons among all and rest of the contribution is made by United Kingdom, Egypt, France, United States of America and China. Different parts of celery contain fatty acids, volatile essential oils, vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium along with chlorophyll, silica, β-carotene, fibers, sodium and folic acid. Various post-harvest methodologies and treatment processes for preservation of celery are discussed in detail in this review. Different parts of this plant are used for preparation of medicinal formulations in traditional systems of medicines due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-virus, anti-cancer, anti-spasmodic, gastro-intestinal and anti-oxidant potentials.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336825102_Value_Added_Products_Chemical_Constituents_and_Medicinal_Uses_of_Celery_Apium_graveolens_L_-A_Review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336825102_Value_Added_Products_Chemical_Constituents_and_Medicinal_Uses_of_Celery_Apium_graveolens_L_-A_Review
Saturday, 26 October 2019
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
UCBS: Open Level Faculty Position – Environmental Ethics
Open Level Faculty Position – Environmental Ethics
The Environmental Studies Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a tenured or tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant, Associate, or
|
Full Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2020. The Program is looking for individuals with particular emphasis in the area of Environmental Ethics.
The Program seeks candidates with backgrounds in philosophy or a related field in the social sciences or humanities. For this position, we define “ethics” broadly to include any of the three traditional areas of inquiry in this field —meta-, normative, or applied ethics. The Program is particularly interested in scholars who have both theoretical and applied interests, and whose work crosses disciplinary, methodological, cultural, or geographic boundaries. Possible focus areas include climate change, conservation, food and agriculture, risk and vulnerability, the role of science in society, decision-making, social inequality, law, and politics.
Established in 1970, the Environmental Studies Program at UC Santa Barbara is one of the oldest and largest programs of its kind, with more than 1,000 current majors and over 7,000 alumni. The program has a longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching, and a
|
balance among the biophysical sciences, social sciences, humanities, and applied professions. UC Santa Barbara is a Hispanic Serving Institution, and more than 40 percent of our undergraduates are first-generation college students.
For more information, please see http://www.es.ucsb.edu/
Responsibilities of faculty members generally include a research program of the highest quality, teaching at undergraduate and/or graduate levels, recruitment, supervision, and mentorship of graduate students, and participation in university service and professional activities. At a minimum, all applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD (or equivalent) except the dissertation at the time of application. A PhD in Environmental Ethics or a related field is
|
required by anticipated appointment start date. Additionally, Associate/Full rank candidates should have research experience in academia or industry after receipt of PhD. A demonstrated record of excellence in research, and a record of (or potential for) excellent teaching are desired. We are especially interested in candidates who show a potential for cross-campus collaboration, and who can contribute to the diversity of our university community. Successful candidates will have a record of collaborative research, and will be able to participate in an interdisciplinary
|
environment within the Environmental Studies Program and Division. The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.
|
Applications should be submitted electronically, and must include:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of research
- Statement of teaching
- Two recent publications, draft manuscripts, or dissertation/book chapters
- Applicants at the Assistant rank will need to arrange for 3 references to submit letters ofrecommendation on their behalf via UC Recruit
- Applicants at the Associate/Full rank will need to submit the names and contact
information for 3 references.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at UC Santa Barbara. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. The Program strongly encourages all applicants to submit an optional Statement of Contributions to Diversity addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and service.
Applications received by November 15, 2019 will be given priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled.
To apply please visit https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01567
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)