Efecto de una intervención de teleenfermería en contexto pandemia para prevenir anemia infantil: estudio piloto en lambayeque, perú

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de una intervención de teleenfermería en contexto de pandemia para prevenir la anemia infantil en Perú. Material y Método: Estudio piloto, analítico, cuasi experimental con pre y pos-test. La muestra estuvo constituida por 60 madres de un establecimiento de atención primaria de Lambayeque, Perú, que fueron seleccionadas a conveniencia y luego asignadas al Grupo control (30) y Grupo experimental (30), este último sometido a una intervención de teleenfermería de 4 meses. El efecto se midió comparando el promedio de hemoglobina e ingesta alimentaria de hierro antes y después de la intervención. La hemoglobina fue determinada bioquímicamente a través del análisis de sangre; la ingesta alimentaria de hierro fue recogida mediante entrevistas telefónicas a través del recordatorio de 24 horas. Resultados: El promedio de hemoglobina en el grupo experimental no presentó diferencia significativa entre el inicio y el final de la intervención (p= 0,199); en el grupo control el promedio de hemoglobina presentó diferencias significativas entre el inicio y el final de la intervención (p= 0,013). El promedio de ingesta alimentaria de hierro en los niños del grupo control (p= 0,049) y experimental (p= 0,000) sí tuvieron diferencias significativas entre el inicio y el final de la intervención. Conclusión: Los niños que recibieron la intervención con teleenfermería se mantuvieron sin anemia y la ingesta alimentaria de hierro aumentó por lo que se corrobora que los programas de teleenfermería tienen el potencial de incrementar información sobre alimentación, favoreciendo la salud del niño, de la madre y la familia.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a telenursing intervention in the context of the pandemic to prevent childhood anemia in Peru. Material and Method: Pilot, analytical, quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-test. The sample consisted of 60 mothers from a primary health care facility in Lambayeque, Peru, who were selected at convenience and then assigned to a control group (30) and an experimental group (30), with the latter being subjected to a 4 months telenursing intervention. The effect was measured by comparing the average hemoglobin and dietary iron intake before and after the intervention. Hemoglobin level was determined biochemically through blood analysis. Dietary iron intake was collected through telephone interviews following a 24-hour recall. Results: The average hemoglobin level in the experimental group did not show significant differences between the beginning and the end of the intervention (p= 0.199); whereas in the control group, the average hemoglobin level showed significant differences between the beginning and the end of the intervention (p= 0.013). The average dietary intake of iron among the children of the control group (p= 0.049) and the experimental group (p= 0.000) had a significant difference between the beginning and the end of the intervention. Conclusion: The children who received the telenursing intervention suffered no anemia and the dietary iron intake increased, thus corroborating that telenursing programs have the potential of offering more information on nutrition, favoring the health of the child, the mother and the family.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção de telenfermagem no contexto da pandemia para prevenir a anemia infantil no Peru. Material e Método: Estudo piloto, analítico, quase-experimental com pré e pós-teste. A amostra foi composta por 60 mães de uma unidade básica de saúde de Lambayeque, Peru, que foram selecionadas por conveniência e depois designadas para um dos dois grupos de pesquisa: grupo controle=30 e um grupo experimental=30, submetido esse último a uma intervenção de telenfermagem de 4 meses. O efeito foi medido comparando a hemoglobina média e a ingestão de ferro dietético antes e depois da intervenção. O nível de hemoglobina foi determinado bioquimicamente através da análise de sangue. A ingestão de ferro dietético foi coletada através de entrevistas telefónicas por meio de um recordátorio de 24 horas. Resultados: O nível médio de hemoglobina no grupo experimental não apresentou diferenças significativas entre o início e o final da intervenção (p= 0,199). No grupo controle, a hemoglobina média mostrou diferenças significativas entre o início e o final da intervenção (p= 0,013). A ingestão alimentar média de ferro entre as crianças do grupo controle (p = 0,049) e do grupo experimental (p = 0,000) teve uma diferença significativa entre o início e o final da intervenção. Conclusão: As crianças que receberam a intervenção de teleenfermagem não sofreram anemia e a ingestão de ferro por via alimentar aumentou, corroborando assim que os programas de teleenfermagem podem oferecer mais informações sobre a nutrição, favorecendo a saúde da criança, da mãe e da família.

Preparation and validation of a new questionnaire to study faculty perception of online teaching - Use of Cronbach’s alpha and pilot.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educators to shift to virtual online classes. Teachers being major stakeholders in the medical teaching-learning process, it becomes important to understand their perception towards this new endeavour. It will make this transition beneficial to the learners. Objectives: To document the process of validation of a new questionnaire devised to study the perception of medical undergraduate teaching faculty towards online classes, using Cronbach’s alpha, and the subsequent pilot for the same. Results: At initial validation, Cronbach’s alpha was not acceptable (0.65) for the questionnaire. One item was scored low by two validators and was removed. Three items were given poor rating for lay out, clarity and feasibility and required editing. The Cronbach’s alpha after revision was 0.92 (acceptable). Pilot study was conducted. Based on the proportion of positive perception (36.4%) regarding ongoing online teaching programme, conducted on 11 teaching faculty with 10% absolute precision and 95% confidence, the minimum sample size for the main study was calculated to be 89. This was feasible from the point of view of total faculty strength. Conclusion: Research work involving a new tool, such as questionnaire, must utilize the statistical tool Cronbach’s alpha for validation, and pilot study for estimating the sample size and testing the content validity.

Aplicación piloto de un programa de reminiscencia positiva para personas mayores institucionalizadas / Pilot application of a positive reminiscence program for institutionalized older people

Resumen Los conocimientos actuales sobre la salud de las personas mayores permiten afirmar que es posible mejorar su calidad de vida, especialmente a través del uso de técnicas no farmacológicas de carácter preventivo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una aplicación piloto de un Programa de Reminiscencia Positiva (REMPOS) que en otros países como España y México han demostrado ser efectivo en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve y en población normal institucionalizadas. La población fue de 60 personas mayores pertenecientes a un centro de Larga Estudia del Gran Concepción. La muestra estuvo constituida por 5 personas mayores que aceptaron participar y que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Instrumentos: se usó el MOCA y Mini Mental para evaluar deterioro leve y normalidad. Procedimiento: se seleccionaron sesiones del REMPOS que podrían tener un sesgo transcultural. Resultados: se encontró que varias de las sesiones necesitaban cambios especialmente con relación a la presencia de analfabetismo funcional, limitación motora y sensorial (vista y oído) en las personas mayores. Se discute la adaptación del programa y las implicaciones derivadas de la institucionalización.

Current knowledge about the health of older people, allows us to affirm that it is possible to improve their quality of life, especially with preventive non-pharmacological techniques. The objective of this article is to present a pilot Application of a Positive Reminiscence Program (REMPOS) which in other countries such as Spain and Mexico have been shown to be effective in older people with mild cognitive impairment and in normal institutionalized populations. The population was 60 older adults belonging to a Long Study center of the Great Conception. The sample consisted of 5 older adults who agreed to participate and who met the inclusion criteria. Instruments MOCA and Mini Mental were used to assess mild impairment and normality. Procedure REMPOS sessions were selected that could have a cross-cultural bias. Results It was found that several of the sessions needed changes especially in relation to the presence of functional illiteracy, motor and sensory limitation (sight and hearing) in older people. Program adaptation and institutionalization are discussed.

Application and reflection on pilot study in acupuncture clinical research / 中国针灸

Pilot study is essential prerequisite for large-scale research. Acupuncture is a complex intervention measure. The factors of its clinical effect and effect mechanism are complicated. Hence, the resource waste is easily induced in research if the large-scale clinical research is rashly carried out before scientific verification. Currently, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence of clinical research, which affects the promotion and application of the curative effect of acupuncture. The pilot study of acupuncture can evaluate the feasibility and the process coordination of trial, optimize program and process and provide the basis of sample size calculation prior to launching a full-scale trial. Thereby, the methodological quality of acupuncture research and the reliability of trial results can be improved. In the paper, the arguments focus on the definition, design and report of pilot study so as to provide the approaches and references for the design and implementation of pilot study of clinical research of acupuncture.

Evaluation of periopathogenic bacteria of peri-implantitis using real-time PCR in Koreans: pilot study

PURPOSE: We performed quantitative and qualitative analysis of typical periodontal bacteria using real time PCR method to investigate the microbiological difference according to the severity of peri-implant disease in Koreans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 60 implants were divided into three groups (healthy group, peri-implant mucositis group, peri-implantitis group) through periapical radiographs and clinical indices. The evaluated clinical parameters were pocket depth, plaque index, suppuration and bleeding on probing. Using a sterilized curette instrument, microbial samples were collected from the subgingival plaque and real-time PCR was performed on five periodontal bacteria. The relative expression levels of microorganisms were compared by comparative delta-CT method. RESULTS: The relative expression levels of E. corrodens and T. denticola were significantly higher in the peri-implantitis group (P < 0.017). On the other hand, the relative expression level of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis was relatively high in the healthy implant group regardless of the severity of disease. P. intermedia was significantly lower in the healthy implant group (P < 0.017). CONCLUSION: Periodontal bacteria were detected in Koreans with peri-implant diseases, but there was no microbiological distribution similar to periodontitis.

Developing and validating a localised, self-training mindfulness programme for older Singaporean adults: effects on cognitive functioning and implications for healthcare

There is a paucity of research available on the effect of mindfulness on cognitive function. However, the topic has recently gained more attention due to the ageing population in Singapore, catalysed by recent findings on brain function and cellular ageing. Recognising the potential benefits of practising mindfulness, we aimed to develop a localised, self-training mindfulness programme, guided by expert practitioners and usability testing, for older Singaporean adults. This was followed by a pilot study to examine the potential cognitive benefits and feasibility of this self-training programme for the cognitive function of older adults in Singapore. We found that the results from the pilot study were suggestive but inconclusive, and thus, merit further investigation.

Comparing the Self-Report and Measured Smartphone Usage of College Students: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: Nowadays smartphone overuse has become a social and medical concern. For the diagnosis and treatment, clinicians use the self-report information, but the report data often does not match actual usage pattern. The paper examines the similarity and variance in smartphone usage patterns between the measured data and self-reported data. METHODS: Together with the self-reported data, the real usage log data is collected from 35 college students in a metropolitan region of Northeast Asia, using Android smartphone monitoring application developed by the authors. RESULTS: The unconscious users underestimate their usage time by 40%, in spite of 15% more use in the actual usage. Messengers are most-used application regardless of their self-report, and significant preference to SNS applications was observed in addict group. The actual hourly pattern is consistent with the reported one. College students use more in the afternoon, when they have more free time and cannot use PCs. No significant difference in hourly pattern is observed between the measured and self-report. CONCLUSION: The result shows there are significant cognitive bias in actual usage patterns exists in self report of smartphone addictions. Clinicians are recommended to utilize measurement tools in diagnosis and treatment of smartphone overusing subjects.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Pilot Study of Safety and Feasibility

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been shown that erythropoietin is neuroprotective in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of repetitive high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapy in ALS patients. METHODS: Two consecutive studies were conducted. We first recruited 26 subjects for an initial single-arm safety study. After a lead-in period of 3 months to assess the disease progression, rhEPO was infused intravenously (35,000 IU) once per month for 3 months, and the subjects were followed for an additional 3 months. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) was used for clinical assessment. After confirming the safety of rhEPO, 60 subjects were recruited for the second controlled study (rhEPO and control groups), which involved a total of 6 infusions at a rate of 1/month. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events in the first study. The mean rate of decline in the ALSFRS-R score was lower during the treatment period than during the lead-in period (mean+/-SD: 2.6+/-1.8 and 3.7+/-2.6, respectively; p=0.02). However, the rate of decline during the subsequent 3 months returned to that observed in the lead-in period. In the second study, the mean rate of decline in ALSFRS-R score was significantly lower in the rhEPO group than in the control group (during months 0-3, 1.8+/-1.7 vs. 3.1+/-2.3, p=0.03; during months 4-6, 2.1+/-2.2 vs. 3.5+/-2.3, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous high-dose rhEPO is both safe and feasible for the treatment of ALS. Further investigation using different intervals and doses should be considered.

Éxito anestésico de 1, 8ml de Lidocaína 2 por ciento en exodoncia de dientes mandibulares: estudio piloto / Anesthetic success of 1, 8ml lidocaine 2 percent for mandibular tooth extraction: a pilot study

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto anestésico de un cartucho de 1,8ml de anestesia lidocaína al 2 por ciento con epinefrina 1:100.000 en la técnica troncular al nervio alveolar inferior (NAI) para la exodoncia de dientes mandibulares. Material y método: Estudio piloto de carácter analítico. Participaron pacientes voluntarios del servicio Urgencia Dental de Valdivia-Chile con indicación de exodoncia en dientes mandibulares entre Mayo y Julio del año 2010. La técnica anestésica fue realizada por un solo dentista usando sólo un cartucho de anestesia al NAI. Luego de 15 minutos, se evaluó el efecto considerándose efectiva cuando no fue necesario el refuerzo anestésico durante la exodoncia de los dientes. Se analizó la relación entre el éxito anestésico con el sexo, edad, tipo y diagnóstico del diente y el nivel de dolor observado (chicuadrado y regresión logística; p< 0,05). Resultados: 62 pacientes fueron seleccionados, de los cuales solo en 47 (75,8 por ciento) se logró el éxito anestésico. No hubo asociación estadística con el sexo, edad, tipo ni diagnóstico dental y dolor percibido. Conclusión: El uso de un cartucho de 1,8ml de anestesia resultó efectiva en tres de cada cuatro pacientes atendidos por exodoncia de dientes mandibulares. Se sugiere nuevas investigaciones clínicas en relación a la efectividad de otros anestésicos con la misma dosis en el bloqueo del NAI.

Aim: To determine the anesthetic effect of a 1.8 ml cartridge of anesthetic lidocaine 2 percent with epinephrine1:100,000 in inferior alveolar nerve block (NAI) for the extraction in mandibular teeth. Material and methods: A pilot study with analitic design. Participating patients of Dental Emergency Service volunteers from Valdivia-Chile for mandibular teeth extractions attending between May and July of 2010. The anesthetic technique was performed by a dentist using only one cartridge of anesthetic to the NAI. After 15 minutes, the effect was considered effective when anesthetic not require reinforcement with additional anesthesia during extraction of teeth. We analyzed the relationship between success anesthetic effect with sex, age, diagnosis of tooth and type and level of pain observed (chi-square and logistic regression, p <0,05). Results: 62 patients were selected, of which only 47 (75,8 percent) was achieved anesthetic success. There was no statistical association with sex, age, type or dental diagnosis and perceived pain. Conclusion: Using a 1,8 ml cartridge of anesthesia was effective in three of four patients treated by extraction of mandibular teeth. It suggests further research in relation to the clinical effectiveness of other anesthetics with the same dose in NAI.

Implementación de un programa de estimulación cognitiva en personas con demencia tipo Alzheimer: un estudio piloto en chilenos de la tercera edad / Implementation of a Cognitive Stimulation Program for People with Alzheimer Disease: A Pilot Study in a Chilean Elderly Sample

La Terapia de Estimulación Cognitiva (TEC) es una intervención psicosocial para personas con demencia que ha obtenido buenos resultados en población anglosajona. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la TEC en una muestra de personas chilenas. Participaron 22 pacientes con diagnóstico de Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) en fase leve a moderada, pertenecientes a un centro asistencial de la ciudad de Quillota, Chile. Para determinar la eficacia del programa, se definió un diseño experimental mixto 2x2 de medidas repetidas, asignándose aleatoriamente la muestra a dos grupos: intervención (GI) y control (GC). Se establecieron tres dimensiones para evaluar: cognición, calidad de vida y capacidad funcional de la persona con demencia. Posterior a la intervención, el GI presentó una mejoría significativa en sus indicadores de deterioro cognitivo y calidad de vida; por el contrario, el GC no evidenció cambios positivos en ninguna dimensión, empeorando el declive cognitivo. Ninguno de los grupos experimentó cambios significativos en la capacidad funcional. Si bien en la comparación intergrupo no existieron diferencias significativas en ninguna variable, el GI presentó una mejoría sustancial de la función cognitiva, en comparación con el aumento en la progresión del deterioro cognitivo en el GC. Se recomienda que futuras investigaciones contrasten dichos resultados utilizando una muestra más grande de personas con EA.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia that has been successful in Anglo-Saxon population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of CST in a sample of Chilean elders. The participants were 22 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mild to moderate stage, who were living in a residential care home in the town of Quillota, Chile. In order to determine the effectiveness of the program, an experimental mixed design 2x2 (repeated measures) was employed. The sample was randomly assigned into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). Three dimensions were assessed: cognition, quality of life and functional ability. After the intervention, the IG presented a significant improvement in their cognitive function and quality life. In contrast, the CG did not show positive changes in any dimension. In fact, CG showed a worsening in its cognitive deterioration. Both groups did not showed significant changes in functional ability. Even though intergroup comparisons did not yield significant differences, the IG showed an important improvement in cognitive function, compared with an increase in the progression of cognitive impairment in the CG. It is recommended that future research will contrast these results using a larger sample of people with AD.

A Pilot Study of the Physical Characteristics and Thermal Effects of Mud compared with Bentonite / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Design : A pilot, comparative study was conducted. Background : Heat wraps using bentonite (HWb) are commonly used in thermotherapy. In the Okayama University Misasa Medical Center, heat wraps using mud (HWm) produced by mixing soil with boiling water have also been used. The subjective thermal effects of HWm on patients with osteoarthritis of the knee have been reported. However, the objective thermal effects of HWm have not been examined. As such, the physicochemical thermal effects of HWm were analyzed and compared with those of HMb. Methods : The thermal effects of HWm and HWb were investigated regarding heat radiation, conduction, capacity and moisture content. Heat radiation and conduction were measured by changes in temperature of the heat wraps, in addition heat conduction was also assessed by blood flow in body surfaces (<i>N</i>=7). Heat capacity and moisture content were measured with a Differential Scanning Calorimeter. Results: Heat radiation and heat conduction of HWm were significantly greater than those of HWb (<i>p</i><0.001). The specific heat capacity of HWm was 2.0 J/g/°C, and was 1.7 J/g/°C for HWb. Moisture content of HWm and HWb were 0.6 mg/g and 0.3 mg/g, respectively. Conclusion : Heat radiation, conduction and capacity of HWm are superior to those of HWb. Moreover, the moisture content in HWm is greater than that of HWb. These results indicate that the thermal effects of HWm would have more be physicochemical usefulness.

The pilot study of main care-givers' empowerment measurement / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To check up the consistency of theoretic frame and practical data of "main care-givers,empewerment measurement" as well as its feasibility. Methods Through wide paper re-searching, the original theory "self- dependence" of China which based on the "empowerment" theory from the west was built up. Then a theoretic measurement sheet was made of which the theoretic reliability and contest reliability were both checked through multiple procedures. Finally the result was screened and puri-fied into 64 items. In this study, 120 main care- givers of in- patients over 65 years old were taken as the objects, and a pre-test with the 64-itemsheet. Results Empowerment measurement reliability was 0.89, 9 factors were all confirmed at factor analysis, cumulative contribution rate was 56.3%. Conclusions "Mea-surement of main care- givers' empewerment" is available, highly reliable and capable of application.

Tooth wear prevalence and sample size determination: A pilot study

Tooth wear is the non-carious loss of tooth tissue, which results from three processes namely attrition, erosion and abrasion. These can occur in isolation or simultaneously. Very mild tooth wear is a physiological effect of aging. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of tooth wear among 16-year old Malay school children and determine a feasible sample size for further study. Fifty-five subjects were examined clinically, followed by the completion of self-administered questionnaires. Questionnaires consisted of socio-demographic and associated variables for tooth wear obtained from the literature. The Smith and Knight tooth wear index was used to chart tooth wear. Other oral findings were recorded using the WHO criteria. A software programme was used to determine pathological tooth wear. About equal ratio of male to female were involved. It was found that 18.2% of subjects have no tooth wear, 63.6% had very mild tooth wear, 10.9% mild tooth wear, 5.5% moderate tooth wear and 1.8 % severe tooth wear. In conclusion 18.2% of subjects were deemed to have pathological tooth wear (mild, moderate & severe). Exploration with all associated variables gave a sample size ranging from 560 – 1715. The final sample size for further study greatly depends on available time and resources.

Bile Duct Replacement Using Bovine Pericardial Patch Graft: an Experimental Study

PURPOSE: The repair of common bile duct injuries is a complex procedure that has a significant rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of the bovine pericardial patch (BPP) graft for replacement of the bile duct. METHODS: In this study, BPP with Indermil glue was used to evaluate the effectiveness, morphological changes, early complications and changes of BPP's character. Four male pigs weighing 30~40 kg each were used in the study. We attached a BPP on the small size defected common bile duct (CBD) surface of one pig with using Indermil glue. Another pig's segment of the CBD was resected and the biliary tract was replaced by a tube formed from BPP. After 2 weeks, these animals were sacrificed and we analyzed the patch attachment, the cholangiography and morphological changes. RESULTS: We made a tube-like form from BPP with Indermil; we put it into saline (NaCl 0.9%), gastric juices and bile for 2 weeks to test the changes of the material and the strength of the attachment. Nothing changed, and the attachment remained secure. After 2 weeks these animal were sacrificed and the patch attachment was evaluated by cholangiography and the morphological changes. One significant adhesion with fibrosis in surrounding tissue was noted with obstruction of the CBD. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that BPP with Indermil glue may well be an acceptable membrane in CBD replacement.

The Repair of Alimentary Tract Wall with Bovine Pericardium Patches and Glue? A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy and possibility of bovine pericardial patch (BPP) for the repair of full-thickness defects in alimentary tract wall with Indermil(R) glue. BACKGROUND: There is a recent report of the successful replacement of duodenal wall with patches of ePTFE. This finding requires confirmation, Repair of other segments of the abdominal intestinal tract also merit further study. The repair of perforations of the gastrointestinal tract remain challenging. METHODS: In this study, BPP with Indermil(R) glue was used to evaluate the effectiveness, strength, adhesion formation, morphological changes, early complications and change of BPP character. We attached a BPP on the peritoneal surface of three pigs with Indermil(R) glue. After 3 weeks these animals were sacrificed and we analyzed the patch attachment. RESULTS: We made a tubelike form with BPP and Indermil(R); put it in saline (NaCl 0.9%), gastric juices and bile for 2 weeks to test the changes in the material and the strength of the attachment. Nothing changed, The attachment remained secure. We tested the BPP with glue attached to the alimentery tract and liver surface. There were no patch failures. For the next study we attached a BPP on the peritoneal surface. After 3 weeks these animal were sacrificed and the patch attachment was evaluated. One significant adhesion with fibrosis in surround tissue was noted. In this animal more Indermil(R) glue was used. Serosal surface healings was complete in all animals at 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that BPP with Indermil(R) glue may well be an acceptable membrane for at least temporary replacement of the peritoneral surface. Further study is required.

A pilot study on the effect of statins, fibrates and its combination in rat nerves

OBJECTIVE: To determine the histopathological effect of statins, fibrates and its combination in rat nervesMETHODOLOGY: This is a pilot experimental study. Four male albino rats were used in this study. Each rat was given therapeutic doses of simvastatin alone, gemfibrozil alone, gemfibrozil and simvastatin combination and placebo. On day 21, the sciatic nerve was harvested for histopathologic examinationRESULTS: Although not marked, the combination of simvastatin and gemfibrozil produced more axonal degeneration than did simvastatin alone or gemfibrozil alone. Axonal degeneration was documented on teased nerve fibers and epon cross sectionsCONCLUSION: The use of lipid lowering agents may induce peripheral neuropathy Recommendation: This pilot study serves as rationale to proceed with an experiment not only to document neuropathy but also correlate the possible association of the pathomechanism of myotoxicity and neurotoxicity of lipid lowering agents.

Pilot study on community based malaria control in three districts of Nghe An province

The WHO supported study "Community-Based Strengthen Management of Primary Health" was carried out in three pilot districts of Tuong Duong, Thanh Chuong, Quynh Luu of Nghe An province. The management of malaria case, health education at the primary level was found to have been improved significantly. The malaria prevalence was considerably reduced as compared to that of the previous years. The community health workers appeared to be able to properly collect and analyze malaria related data and report to the authority with recommendations of shortcomings and difficulties; to consolidate and integrate primary health care activities; to tackle and solve effectively shortcomings so that take more political commitment for sustainable malaria control. The project has become a model for wider application at a decision by the Nghe An People Committee.

The pilot study of the effect of physical therapy with amphetamine in sensorimotor recovery of acute stoke patients.

Thirteen acute stroke patients were included in this study, 9 males and 4 females. The mean age of patients was 54.77 + 14.14 years. There were twelve ischemic stroke patients and one hemorrhage stroke patient. The mean duration between the stroke and the commencement of the study was 3.8+ 2.2 days. All patients received 10 mg amphetamine per day and underwent a session of physical therapy each day for seven days. The Fugl-Meyer system was used to assess motor function of upper extremities, lower extremities, balance and sensation, using a 3-point ordinal scale for each test. The results of the Fugl-Meyer evaluation were analysed with the Friedman two-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis. The results revealed no significant difference between the first (day 0) and the second (day 1) baseline Fugl-Meyer scores. The significant differences between days of treatment were detected on day 5 and day 7 compared to day 1 in motor function of upper and lower extremities, balance and sensation (P < 0.05). Amphetamine administration did not elevate blood pressure or produce mood changes in any patients. The preliminary results of this study can be concluded that physical therapy in combination with amphetamine promotes recovery of sensorimotor function in acute stroke patients.