EFFECT OF EARLY SEXUAL DEBUT ON HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Early sexual debut is of major concern because it is a correlate for health and economic shocks experienced in adulthood. In South Africa, this concern has provided impetus for research directed at the HIV and AIDS epidemic, teenage pregnancy and the effect of adolescent sexual behaviour on persistence in school. Of interest to the present study is high school completion, which is a well-established empirical barometer of adult socioeconomic opportunities. Using data from the five waves of the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS), this paper examines the association between sexual behaviours initiated in pre- and early adolescence and high school completion rates. The CAPS study is a longitudinal survey that was designed to investigate young people's (aged 14-22 years) educational attainment and sexual behaviours in Cape Town, South Africa. The sample was constituted from 3213 individuals who had initiated sex during their teenage years and the analysis was undertaken when the youngest cohort was aged 21, an age at which they should have completed high school if they were on time. Logistic regression models were fitted separately for males and females. Overall, the results reveal that early sexual debut is correlated with long-term negative educational outcomes. Individuals who experience early sexual debut are less likely to complete high school than their counterparts who make their sexual debut later on in life. This effect is worse for Africans, who also disproportionately have an earlier sexual debut than other race groups. Apart from race however, the findings also reinforce the effect of other demographic factors on high school completion, namely, place of residence and family socioeconomic status as measured by parental education and household income. Hence, early sexual debut adds another layer of inequality and worsens the plight of Africans, females, those living in rural areas and those who come from low-income families.

Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone), a highly efficient treatment of dyspareunia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) identified as the most bothersome symptom of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women at both screening and day 1. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial studied the effect of prasterone (DHEA) applied locally in the vagina on the severity of dyspareunia in 114 postmenopausal women who had identified dyspareunia as their most bothersome symptom of vaginal atrophy, while meeting the criteria for superficial cells ≤ 5% and pH > 5.0 at both screening and day 1. RESULTS: At the standard duration of 12 weeks of treatment, increasing doses of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% DHEA decreased the percentage of parabasal cells by 48.6  ±â€Š 6.78%, 42.4  ±  7.36% and 54.9  ±â€Š 6.60% (p < 0.0001 vs. placebo for all) with no change with placebo (p = 0.769). The effects on superficial cells and pH were also highly significant compared to placebo at all DHEA doses. The severity score of pain at sexual activity decreased by 0.5, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.4 units in the placebo and 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% DHEA groups, respectively, with the p value of differences from placebo ranging from 0.0017 to < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Intravaginal DHEA, through local estrogen and androgen formation, causes a rapid and highly efficient effect on pain at sexual activity without systemic exposure of the other tissues, thus avoiding the recently reported systemic effects of estrogens.

The bacterial community structure of submerged membrane bioreactor treating synthetic hospital wastewater.

The pharmaceuticals are biologically active compounds used to prevent and treat diseases. These pharmaceutical compounds were not fully metabolized by the human body and thus excreted out in the wastewater stream. Thus, the study on the treatment of synthetic hospital wastewater containing pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, carbamazepine, estradiol and venlafaxine) was conducted to understand the variation of the bacterial community in a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) at varying hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 12 and 18 h. The variation in bacterial community dynamics of SMBR was studied using high throughput sequencing. The removal of pharmaceuticals was uniform at varying HRT. The removal of both ibuprofen and estradiol was accounted for 90%, whereas a lower removal of venlafaxine (<10%) and carbamazepine (>5%) in SMBR was observed. The addition of pharmaceuticals alters the bacterial community structure and result in increased abundance of bacteria (e.g., Flavobacterium, Pedobacter, and Methylibium) reported to degrade toxic pollutant.

Off-line ion source terminal for ISAC at TRIUMF.

The off-line ion source (OLIS) terminal consists of a microwave cusp ion source, either a surface ion source or a hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source and an electrostatic switch that allows selecting any one of the sources without mechanical intervention. These sources provide variety of beams to ISAC experiments, for commissioning the accelerators, for setting up the radioactive experiments, and for tuning the beam lines. The microwave ion source has been operational since 1995 and provides singly and doubly charged beams from various stable isotopes for many ISAC experiments at high and low energy areas. Originally its prime goal was to provide beams from gaseous elements, but later two ovens and a sputtering system were added in order to provide beams from liquids and from solids. The surface ion source installed in 2002 can provide low energy spread beams from alkali and semialkali elements. It also has three separate ovens and an ionizer. Therefore, it can provide three different temperature regions simultaneously to provide different beams to ISAC. It is mainly used for laser spectroscopy experiments and other experiments, which require a finite beam quality. A hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source was also developed and installed in order to meet specific demands from experiments. This source terminal is now automated for start up and for mass selection. It is capable of providing stable beams for months without maintenance and it is also capable of providing negative ion beams if required. To date, over 40 different isotopes including many rear isotopes were delivered to various experiments from the OLIS source terminal. Performances of the ion sources and some of the results are discussed.

Effect of bioavailability on the fate of hydrophobic organic compounds and metal in treatment of young landfill leachate by membrane bioreactor.

Complex dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in landfill leachate provides reliable media for adsorption of highly hydrophobic contaminants, such as Di 2-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP). In this research, the feasibility of submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) for treatment of landfill leachate (LFL) was determined. Later, the operating conditions were optimized for removal of DEHP, COD, NH4(+) and PO4(3-), and finally the effect of bioavailability was examined by introduction of different concentrations of humic acid into the influent. The result revealed that presence of complex agglomerated organic compounds increased the removal efficiency of DEHP and COD, even though DEHP biodegradation rate in sludge dramatically decreased (from 58.8% to 12.8%). MBR retention of different metals in the absence and in the presence of recalcitrant DOM was also studied. Like DEHP, ternary interaction between metals, DOM, and sludge play a pivotal role in their removal efficiency and their concentration in sludge.

Prothrombin-activator (thromboplastin) generation in the blood of water snake (Natrix piscator).

The generation of prothrombin-activator (thromboplastin) in water snake (Natrix piscator) is clearly delayed, compared to a mammalian system, but the final activity is well comparable to that in man, when homologous sources of "phospholipid" (erythrocyte-lysate) and of substrate plasma are employed in one stage "thromboplastin generation test". The use of heterologous source of either of the above reagents resulted in significantly longer clotting times; hence the need for homologous source of above reagents in the test is emphasized for comparative studies on animal haemostasis.

Fibrinolysis in the pigeon (Columba livia).

The presence of plasminogen activator in the euglobulin fraction of pigeon plasma, was demonstrated by conspicuous lysis on unheated fibrin plates; human as well as bovine fibrin were susceptible to lysis. The presence of free plasmin in euglobulin fraction was indicated by lysis on heated fibrin plates.

Comparative studies of blood coagulation in hibernating and non-hibernating frogs (Rana tigrina).

1. During hibernation in frogs (Rana tigrina) there occurs prolongation of several clotting tests, viz, whole blood clotting time, plasma recalcification time, cephalin time and prothrombin time. 2. The ambient body temperature of the frog during winter hibernation is low and the retarded blood clotting at lower temperature may play an important protective role against intravascular thrombosis. 3. Shorter plasma recalcification time in low-spun plasma as compared to high-spun plasma indicated the presence of procoagulant activity in platelets/leucocytes of frogs.

Hemostatic parameters in newborn--I. Effect of gestation and rate of intrauterine growth.

The present study comprises of 208 term, 159 preterm and 18 post-term neonates born to mothers with no history of drug intake or any disease likely to effect coagulation of the newborn. PT, TT and KCCT were relatively prolonged and plasma fibrinogen reduced to varying degree in newborns (as compared to adults). There was further prolongation of TT and reduction in plasma fibrinogen levels amongst preterm newborns as compared to term babies; TT was more prolonged amongst post-term babies also. PT was significantly more prolonged till 30 weeks of gestation, after which a near plateau was formed. KCCT showed significant improvement after 33 weeks and a further trend to normalisation after 38 weeks of gestation. Serum FDP values showed too much of variation for any meaningful statistical analysis but generally FDPs were higher in preterm babies. Intrauterine growth rate had no significant effect on these parameters amongst preterms - similar values for SGA (small for gestational age), AGA (appropriate for gestational age) and LGA (large for gestational age). On the other hand, amongst term babies SGA neonates had significantly prolonged PT and low plasma fibrinogen as compared to AGA; LGA babies also showed more prolongation of TT as compared to AGA.

Hemostatic parameters in newborn--II. Sequential study during the first four weeks of life.

A sequential study of kaolin cephalin clotting time (KCCT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), plasma fibrinogen and serum FDP was conducted during the first four weeks of life on term and preterm babies. A "physiological dip" of PT and TT was noted inappropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies both term and preterm; in case of KCCT, the dip was significant in term AGA babies only. At the end of four weeks, PT and TT had moderately improved in term babies but showed little improvement in preterm ones; KCCT reached almost an adult value in all babies except in preterm AGA and term LGA (large for gestational age) ones. Plasma fibrinogen showed no "physiological dip" and reached adult level in two to four weeks. Serum FDP levels were appreciably raised in preterm AGA babies only at birth and there too normalised by 72 h.

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in haemorrhagic stroke.

Studies of 11 patients with haemorrhagic stroke revealed no significant change in kaolin cephalin clotting time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, PF 3 availability, platelet count and factor V and VIII during the first week. Plasma fibrinogen was significantly increased while factors VII + X were decreased (borderline significance). Prolongation of plasma recalcification time and decrease in heparin tolerance reached borderline significance. There was moderate, but significant, increase in serum antithrombin activity and plasma (euglobulin fraction) fibrinolytic activity.

Blood fibrinolytic system in rana tigrina.

Fibrinolytic activity as well demonstrable in the blood of Rana tigrina. There occurs prompt lysis of diluted plasma; and the plasma euglobulin fraction shows lysis on both unheated and heated fibrin (human or bovine) plates, implying the presence of plasmin-like enzyme in this fraction. The fibrinolytic activity is remarkably inhibited by the erythrocyte-lysate and is moderately enhanced by leucocytes-thrombocytes. EACA suppresses the lysis of dilute cell-free plasma clots at concentrations of 10(-4) M or more, possibly indicating the presence of plasminogen activator in the plasma. Activation of fibrinolysis by human urokinase and not by streptokinase, shows the probable presence of plasminogen and absence of proactivator.

Sexual abuse of children under 12 years of age: a review of 511 cases.

In a retrospective study of 511 cases of alleged sexual abuse in children 12 years of age and under, data were analyzed with respect to the victim's age, sex, and the type of sexual abuse (intra- or extrafamilial). A total of 85.5% of the victims were female and 14.5% were male with ages ranging from 2 months to 12 years. The mean age of female victims was 6.8 years and that of male victims, 7.4 years. Most victims (68%) presented with histories of single assault by a known perpetrator (78%). Characteristics of abuse were found to be associated with the victim's age, sex, and relationship to the assailant. School-age victims were more likely to be abused by an individual outside the family or by a complete stranger. Older victims were also more likely to be involved in severe forms of sexual abuse (penetration, attempted penetration or oral-genital contact), associated with acts of abduction and with reports to the police. Male victims were more likely to be assaulted by a stranger, outside the home environment, and to suffer a more severe form of sexual abuse than female victims. Finally, extrafamilial sexual abuse was distinguished from intrafamilial sexual abuse insofar as it was more often a single episode, occurring outside the home environment, involving an act of abduction and physical force, and being reported to the police.

Use of antifibrinolytic therapy in prostate surgery.

The prophylactic use of the antifibrinolytic drug, PAMBA, in a small intravenous dose preoperatively, combined with local irrigation postoperatively, effectively reduces blood loss. The drug is safe and relatively free of adverse side effects, but attentive postoperative care is warranted.

Hemostatic changes in neonates with anoxia and sepsis.

Hemostatic profile (prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), kaolin cephalin clotting time (KCCT), plasma fibrinogen, serum fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and platelet counts) was examined in 153 neonates with birth anoxia and 86 with sepsis. Remarkable hemostatic alterations occurred in neonates with severe anoxia and sepsis, while those with moderate anoxia exhibited minimal or no change. Vitamin K administration to anoxic babies showed no improvement in the hemostatic profile after 48-72 hours. The hemostatic alterations were presumably due to incipient disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In spite of the marked coagulation changes, only 3 neonates with sepsis and none of the anoxic newborns presented with clinical bleeding indicating a well balanced hemostatic mechanism.

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration patient: nursing care plan.

CAVH is gaining acceptance as an alternative to traditional therapies for renal failure and diuretic-resistant fluid overload in critical care areas. This article describes precise nursing management techniques and provides a detailed care plan for caring for the patient undergoing this emerging treatment modality.

Reduced fibrinolytic activity in aqueous humor of chronic simple glaucoma.

Fibrinolytic activity of aqueous humor was tested by the Astrup fibrin plate lysis technique in 7 patients who had chronic simple glaucoma and was compared with a control group of 7 patients with senile cataract. The plasminogen activator content of aqueous humour in glaucoma patients was remarkably reduced; it was not demonstrable in as many as six out of seven patients. The lysis zones in the control group ranged from 110 to 900 mm2 with an average of 423 mm2. The want of aqueous fibrinolytic activity may have a pathogenetic implication for glaucoma since deposition of fibrin in the angle of the eye to depressed fibrinolytic activity could increase resistance to aqueous flow.

A study of factors related to rural job preference among prospective nursing graduates.

Four hundred and thirty prospective nursing graduates from ten schools and five colleges in India were studied to identify factors related to their preferences for work in urban or rural areas. Seventy per cent expressed a preference for urban work. Significant factors related to rural preferences were: religion and background (rural or urban); type of educational institution (government or non-government); and living in a rural setting during community nursing experience. Of the personal, professional and socio-cultural factors related to rural work preference, the most significant were: accomodation, sanitation and safe water; job availability for spouse, security, and school for children. Of the personal and professional factors, the most important were: continuing education opportunities, job satisfaction, and intellectual stimulation.

Occurrence, fate and effects of Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate in wastewater treatment plants: a review.

Phthalates, such as Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) are compounds extensively used as plasticizer for long time around the world. Due to the extensive usage, DEHP is found in many surface waters (0.013-18.5 µg/L), wastewaters (0.716-122 µg/L), landfill leachate (88-460 µg/L), sludge (12-1250 mg/kg), soil (2-10 mg/kg). DEHP is persistent in the environment and the toxicity of the byproducts resulting from the degradation of DEHP sometime exacerbates the parent compound toxicity. Water/Wastewater treatment processes might play a key role in delivering safe, reliable supplies of water to households, industry and in safeguarding the quality of water in rivers, lakes and aquifers. This review addresses state of knowledge concerning the worldwide production, occurrence, fate and effects of DEHP in the environment. Moreover, the fate and behavior of DEHP in various treatment processes, including biological, physicochemical and advanced processes are reviewed and comparison (qualitative and quantitative) has been done between the processes. The trends and perspectives for treatment of wastewaters contaminated by DEHP are also analyzed in this review.

A multicharge ion source (Supernanogan) for the OLIS facility at ISAC/TRIUMF.

The Off-Line Ion Source (OLIS) [K. Jayamanna, D. Yuan, T. Kuo, M. MacDonald, P. Schmor, and G. Dutto, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 67, 1061 (1996); K. Jayamanna, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 02711 (2008)] facility consists of a high voltage terminal containing a microwave cusp ion source, either a surface ion source or a hybrid surface-arc discharge ion source [K. Jayamanna and C. Vockenhuber, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 02C712 (2008)], and an electrostatic switch that allows the selection of any one of the sources without mechanical intervention. These sources provide a variety of +1 beams up to mass 30 for Isotope Separator and ACcelerator (ISAC) [R. E. Laxdal, Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B 204, 400 (2003)] experiments, commissioning the accelerators, setting up the radioactive experiments, and for tuning the beam lines. The radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) [M. Marchetto, Z. T. Ang, K. Jayamanna, R. E. Laxdal, A. Mitra, and V. Zvyagintsev, Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. 150, 241 (2005)] injector accelerator is a constant velocity machine designed to accept only 2 keV/u and the source extraction energy is limited to 60 kV. Further stripping is then needed downstream of the RFQ to inject the beam into the drift tube linac [M. Marchetto, Z. T. Ang, K. Jayamanna, R. E. Laxdal, A. Mitra, and V. Zvyagintsev, Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. 150, 241 (2005)] accelerator that requires A/q up to 6. Base on this constraints a multicharge ion source capable to deliver beams above mass 30 with A/q up to 6 was needed in order to reach full capability of the ISAC facility. A Supernanogan [C. Bieth et al., Nucleonika 48, S93 (2003)] multicharge ion source was then purchased from Pantechnik and was installed in the OLIS terminal. Commissioning and performance of the Supernanogan with some results such as emittance dependence of the charge states as well as charge state efficiencies are presented.