Parasitology: today and tomorrow

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 812-822
Author(s):  
D. F. Mettrick

Parasites have, over the centuries, been responsible for high mortalities among humans and domestic and wild animals. The presence of parasitic infections has made vast areas of the world uninhabitable for both humans and animals. Major strengths of Canadian parasitology include wildlife parasitology, systematics, and taxonomy. Experimental studies in parasitology are limited; in particular the subdisciplines of parasite molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and neurobiology are very limited. There is concern that we will not be able to maintain the quality of Canadian research in parasitology, particularly in the emerging new technologies. It is greatly to the credit of those early Canadian parasitologists, who laid the foundations for today's advances in parasitology, that a relatively small group of approximately 100 professional parasitologists has today reached a very high standard of parasitological research. The next 25 years will be an exciting period as new insights allow us to further understand the complexity of host–parasite relationships. The development of new vaccines, drugs, and vector control point to significant reductions in parasitic infections.

2007 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-14
Author(s):  
L Williams

The surgical training system in the UK has long been considered to be of a very high standard. However, it is currently under threat from many changes. To assure the quality of the future surgical consultant workforce we have moved away from apprentice-type training towards more ordered education. Although the reduction in hours and years will mean less overall experience there is a genuine belief that improved education and assessment can compensate. It says much for our island mentality that although we belong to the EU we consider European surgical training to be distinct from our own.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1044-1045 ◽  
pp. 1549-1552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otakar Cigler ◽  
Karel Kubečka ◽  
Petr Waldstein

The construction and rehabilitation of buildings and structures are intervention in the environment of people. Therefore, we are always looking for new technologies that are not only environmentally friendly but also acceptable from the point of view. Speed, flexibility, minimum limit for residents and transport, and also a high efficiency is the reason why more and more in recent years carried out the rehabilitation of sewerage using remediation sleeves. One of the systems of trenchless rehabilitation of sewerage systems used in Western Europe is a system company RELINEEUROPE Alphaliner Liner GmBH & co., the company's Technicians have developed one of the most important practices in the area of trenchless rehabilitation of sewerage systems. A large proportion of the development also has operators and owners of the pipeline. Technology offers very high quality of carried out restorations. This article describes the procedures for ensuring the quality of the used in Germany, which is a world leader in the development, production and use of this technology.


1971 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Webbe

The epidemiology of parasitic infections may be profoundly influenced by infra-specific variations in infectivity for either intermediate or definitive hosts. Such variations will decide the basic ecology of the host-parasite relationship, and variations in virulence and pathogenicity therefore determine different patterns of disease. While some of the evidence of infra-specific variations has been derived from experimental studies, much of it has been recorded by those concerned with investigations of the epidemiology and transmission of parasitic infections and the practical aspects of their control. The unequivocal demonstration of genetic heterogeneity of certain parasites of medical importance has therefore resulted in a better understanding of their epidemiology and, in some cases, is leading to greater precision in attempts to control them.


Author(s):  
Ivona D. Stanković ◽  
Anita Stanković ◽  
Marija Spalević ◽  
Dragan Zlatanović ◽  
Tamara Stanković

Stroke can have different clinical characteristics and consequences, with unequal disability and outcome, thus demanding individual approach, specific skills and general knowledge. Treatment of stroke has significantly improved during the last twenty years, mainly because of clinical and experimental studies, adequate medicamentous therapy, and the use of new technologies as well. Use-dependent rehabilitation strategy includes repetitive training with proper adjustment of the program. Other rehabilitation practices should also be incorporated, such as self-care, recreation, and home-based activities. Motivation of the patients, improving quality of life, functional independence, activities of daily life are crucial. Holistic approach means that the patient as a whole should be considered and treated. Scientific evidence is sufficient to confirm the necessity of physical rehabilitation of patients after stroke in order to achieve the optimal results. Current evidence on the effect of physical therapy in stroke rehabilitation is presented.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chem Int

The assessment of groundwater is essential for the estimation of suitability of water for safe use. An attempt has been made to study the groundwater of selected areas of Punjab (Sheikhupura & Sahiwal) and Sindh (Sindh, Jawar Dharki and Dharki), Pakistan. The results indicate that pH, color and odor were all within limits of WHO that is pH ranges 6.5–8.5, colorless and odorless, respectively. The high values of suspended solids were observed in the Sindh-1 and Dharki samples. Microbiologically only Sahiwal and Jawar Dharki were found fit for drinking purpose. Trace metals analysis of Sheikhupura-1 and Sindh-1 showed that values do not fall within limits of WHO for Iron. The ionic concentration analysis showed that high bicarbonate (HCO3-), ions are present in the samples of Sahiwal and Dharki; Sindh-1 and Jawar Dharki samples showed very high concentration for chloride ions, all samples were satisfactory level for sulphate (SO42-), sodium, magnesium and phosphate ions except samples of Sindh-1 and Jawar Dharki. High concentration of calcium and potassium ions was observed in samples of Sindh-1, while all other samples were found fit for drinking purposes in respect of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ions. The high concentration of Fluoride was found only in Sheikhupura-2 samples.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-360
Author(s):  
S. A. Kolodii ◽  
Yu. V. Kordon ◽  
O. A. Nazarchuk ◽  
N.I. Osadchuk

The integration of Ukrainian system of Higher education into the European one accompanies by a transformation processes. The main goal of Higher school in our country is to prepare competitive specialists. The pedagogues of medical universities implement modern educational technologies with the use of analytically-searching work and scientific information. The implementation of new technologies of teaching is the important task of modernization of pedagogical system of mastering highly skilled specialists. The aim — to ground the implementation of test control for the estimation of quality of knowledge of future doctors. Gaining knowledge in microbiology is very necessary for future doctors to understand the principals of diagnostics and struggling infectious diseases. Knowledge in microbiology is basis for better understanding of clinical disciplines, as it assists logical perception of clinical data, influences on the forming clinical thought without which it is impossible to become a highly skilled specialist. The implementation of modern methods of studies, control, providing the increase of creative activity of students, forming and developing in them professional thought is one of the effective way of the improvement of quality of pedagogical training of highly skilled doctors. The experience of applying of the test control of knowledge in students in the medical university at classes of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology has been presented in the manuscript. The use of different types of test control has been proved to be one of the effective methods for determining the level of knowledge among students. Test control promotes the activation of cognitive activity, forms students’ skills of independent work, develops their logical thinking. Test control of obtained knowledge should be used in conjunction with other methods of studying the subject. The analysis of the results of the writing of the KROK-1 qualification exam by the students of the stomatological department has been conducted. The use of different methods of estimation of control of knowledge is necessary for its improvement. The study of microbiology is the important base of forming fundamental knowledge in students. Therefore, test control in a complex with other pedagogical methods can be used as one of the important and optimal methods to improve estimation of the basic level of students’ knowledge.


Author(s):  
T. N. Antipova ◽  
D. S. Shiroyan

The system of indicators of quality of carbon-carbon composite material and technological operations of its production is proved in the work. As a result of the experimental studies, with respect to the existing laboratory equipment, the optimal number of cycles of saturation of the reinforcing frame with a carbon matrix is determined. It was found that to obtain a carbon-carbon composite material with a low cost and the required quality indicators, it is necessary to introduce additional parameters of the pitch melt at the impregnation stage.


1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3603-3611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dympna Waldron ◽  
Ciaran A. O'Boyle ◽  
Michael Kearney ◽  
Michael Moriarty ◽  
Desmond Carney

PURPOSE: Despite the increasing importance of assessing quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced cancer, relatively little is known about individual patient's perceptions of the issues contributing to their QoL. The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) and the shorter SEIQoL–Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) assess individualized QoL using a semistructured interview technique. Here we report findings from the first administration of the SEIQoL and SEIQoL-DW to patients with advanced incurable cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: QoL was assessed on a single occasion using the SEIQoL and SEIQoL-DW in 80 patients with advanced incurable cancer. RESULTS: All patients were able to complete the SEIQoL-DW, and 78% completed the SEIQoL. Of a possible score of 100, the median QoL global score was as follows: SEIQoL, 61 (range, 24 to 94); SEIQoL-DW, 60.5 (range, 6 to 95). Psychometric data for SEIQoL indicated very high levels of internal consistency (median r = .90) and internal validity (median R2 = 0.88). Patients' judgments of their QoL were unique to the individual. Family concerns were almost universally rated as more important than health, the difference being significant when measured using the SEIQoL-DW (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced incurable cancer were very good judges of their QoL, and many patients rated their QoL as good. Judgments were highly individual, with very high levels of consistency and validity. The primacy given to health in many QoL questionnaires may be questioned in this population. The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to clinical assessment and advance directives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1633.2-1634
Author(s):  
F. Cosan ◽  
O. M. Gedar

Background:Reactive arthritis (ReA) is defined by 1999 ACR criteria as arthritis preceding a bacterial genitourinary (GUS) or gastrointestinal (GIS) infection in 3 days-6 weeks and evidence of triggering infection. Recently, ReA is classified as SpA and patients who do not fulfill SpA criteria are classified as undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA) according to ASAS/EULAR SpA classification criteria.Objectives:In several case reports which are associated with other infective agents are reported and the definition is extended for some clinicians so that SpA which is occurred after any infection is called as ReA. On the other hand, some researchers still accept the classical definition of ReA. The problem with the heterogeneity of opinions and unstandardized definition of ReA hinders studies about pathogenesis and standardization of treatments. In this study, we aimed to determine the spectrum of the use of the definition of reactive arthritis in publications in PubMed between 2009-2019.Methods:The ReA keyword is searched in PubMed for the years between 2009-2019. 248 different publications have been identified and included in this research. 89 articles, 47 reviews, 108 case reports, 2 guidelines, and 2 editorials reviewed for the definition of ReA.Results:Only 42.7% (106 patients) of these publications meet the classical definition which suggests ReA after only GIS and GUS infections. In 4 (1.6%) of the publications ReA was defined after GIS, GUS and oropharyngeal infections; in 3 (1,2%) of the publications after any bacterial infection; in 9 (3.6%) of the publications after any infection. In 8 (3.2%) of the publications, ReA and USPA was used correspondingly. In 39 (15,7%) of the publications the term agent related, ReA was used without making a general definition for ReA. 79 publications (31,9%) have not defined ReA.According to causative agent and ReA relationship, in 64 (24,6%) general infective agents, in 75 (30,2%) classical agents, in 22 (8,9%) other bacterial agents, in 23 (9,3%) streptococcus, in 10(4%) intravesical BCG, in 6 (2.4%) HIV, in 6 (2.4%) tuberculosis, in 12 (4,8%) clostrudium difficle, in 2 (0.8%) parasites were reported. In 31 (12,5%) of the publications the causative agent for the ReA was unknown, the diagnosis was made clinically.Conclusion:In this study, it is aimed to draw attention terminology intricacy and the need for the standardization of the definition of ReA and USpA. It is clear that to standardize the definition of Rea and USpA is necessary. Between 2009-2019 there are reported cases diagnosed as ReA associated with bacterial infections (especially with Clostridium difficile, streptococcus and tuberculosis infections), and viral infections (by a majority with HIV), and parasitic infections. It is not clear if we need to define them classically or define them as USPA. Another important consideration is the necessity of extended laboratory investigations to find out the real causative agent even if the patient is clinically diagnosed with ReA. The requirement of the differentiation between ReA and USpA must be revealed for therapeutic researches.References:[1]A proposal for the classification of patients for clinical and experimental studies on reactive arthritis. Pacheco-Tena C, Burgos-Vargas R, Vázquez-Mellado J, Cazarín J, Pérez-Díaz JA. J Rheumatol. 1999 Jun;26(6):1338-46.[2]The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria for peripheral spondyloarthritis and for spondyloarthritis in general. Rudwaleit M, van der Heijde D, Landewé R, Akkoc N, Brandt J, Chou CT, Dougados M, Huang F, Gu J, Kirazli Y, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011;70:25–31.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1695
Author(s):  
Constantin-Octavian Andrei ◽  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Markku Poutanen ◽  
Hannu Koivula ◽  
Jan Johansson

The tenth launch (L10) of the European Global Navigation Satellite System Galileo filled in all orbital slots in the constellation. The launch carried four Galileo satellites and took place in July 2018. The satellites were declared operational in February 2019. In this study, we report on the performance of the Galileo L10 satellites in terms of orbital inclination and repeat period parameters, broadcast satellite clocks and signal in space (SiS) performance indicators. We used all available broadcast navigation data from the IGS consolidated navigation files. These satellites have not been reported in the previous studies. First, the orbital inclination (56.7±0.15°) and repeat period (50680.7±0.22 s) for all four satellites are within the nominal values. The data analysis reveals also 13.5-, 27-, 177- and 354-days periodic signals. Second, the broadcast satellite clocks show different correction magnitude due to different trends in the bias component. One clock switch and several other minor correction jumps have occurred since the satellites were declared operational. Short-term discontinuities are within ±1 ps/s, whereas clock accuracy values are constantly below 0.20 m (root-mean-square—rms). Finally, the SiS performance has been very high in terms of availability and accuracy. Monthly SiS availability has been constantly above the target value of 87% and much higher in 2020 as compared to 2019. Monthly SiS accuracy has been below 0.20 m (95th percentile) and below 0.40 m (99th percentile). The performance figures depend on the content and quality of the consolidated navigation files as well as the precise reference products. Nevertheless, these levels of accuracy are well below the 7 m threshold (95th percentile) specified in the Galileo service definition document.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document