Abstract: This research analyzes the labor market transitions of people aged 55 and older in Mexico, focusing on their transition from non-availability to full-time employment, part-time employment or availability, and differentiating between women and men. It estimates multi-state models that show the onset of active aging as reflected in the transition of women to part-time employment and men to full-time employment. One explanatory factor is that unpaid domestic work reduces women’s opportunities to transition to part-time employment.

Resumen: Esta investigación analiza las transiciones laborales de la población de 55 años o más edad en México, centrándose en su paso desde la no disponibilidad hacia el empleo de tiempo completo, el empleo de tiempo parcial o la disponibilidad, y diferenciando entre mujeres y hombres. Para ello, se estiman modelos multiestado que muestran un envejecimiento activo incipiente, reflejado en la transición femenina al empleo de tiempo parcial y la transición masculina al empleo de tiempo completo. Un factor explicativo destaca que el trabajo doméstico no remunerado reduce las posibilidades de las mujeres de transitar al empleo de tiempo parcial.

This research explored the denitrification potential of a submerged zone incorporated into the present permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) design. The following three main factors controlling denitrification were investigated through a laboratory study: (i) detention time, (ii) inclusion of a carbon source (newspaper), and (iii) submerged zone depth. The study used 10 columns, each fully packed with 50-63 mm washed aggregate and including a 1.5 m deep submerged zone. Columns were paired according to detention time (1, 2, 5, 10 and 'varied' days) with one set including newspaper, the other set not. All columns were loaded with synthetic stormwater over a 4-month period. Samples were taken from different submerged depths (0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1 500 mm) and analysed for concentrations of ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3-) and phosphate (PO4(3-)) every 10 days. This study found that 10 - or more - days detention and the provision of a carbon source had the most significant impact on denitrification - providing an overall mean NO3- and nitrogen removal above 41% and 59%, respectively. Moreover, a submerged depth of 300 mm was sufficient to achieve a minimum NO3- removal of 41% in columns which included a carbon source and had 10 days detention. Generally, an increase in detention time resulted in an increase in NH3 and PO4(3-) removal with overall mean values of 86% and 30%, respectively, achieved with 10-day detention periods.

ABSTRACT The results of the effect of five different incubation temperatures on the development of clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) larvae are presented. This ornamental species is widely marketed worldwide and is reared in captivity at CIAD to meet the demand in the domestic market. The experimental work was carried out over 30 days post-hatching to observe the temperature's effect on the development of the larvae's vertebral column and caudal complex. The eggs were incubated at 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34°C. The percentage of hatching, survival, growth, and the presence of skeletal malformations were evaluated. Hatching and survival percentages did not show significant differences between treatments. Regarding growth, there were significant differences between treatments, with organisms showing slower growth at 26°C and larger sizes at 34°C. The highest percentage of malformations occurred in larvae cultured at 34°C, with lordosis being the most frequently observed deformity among the treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that the optimal temperature range for cultivating and harvesting quality A. ocellaris organisms is between 28 and 30°C.

RESUMEN La teoría del capital humano (HCT) ha pasado de ser un principio central de la teoría económica neoclásica a una posición política normativa y prescriptiva que guía nuestra comprensión del crecimiento económico en múltiples escalas, desde la individual hasta la nacional. En este artículo, un grupo diverso de estudiantes de posgrado cuestiona sus experiencias de acumulación y realización de "capital humano". Sostienen que el HCT tiene en su centro un tema abstracto y falsamente universal que oscurece cómo las relaciones transnacionales de patriarcado, raza y colonialidad constituyen clases y crear así una realidad en la que no todos pueden realizar inversiones en capital humano. Este artículo profundiza en cómo este grupo de estudiantes adultos desarrolló una comprensión de la clase como una relación socialmente constituida dentro del capital y, por lo tanto, pone de relieve la necesidad de que los educadores de adultos trabajen desde una articulación de clase más matizada que reconozca la relacionalidad con otras formas de opresión.

RESUMO A teoria do capital humano (TCH) tem mudado o enfoque na abordagem, desde a teoria económica neoclássica para teorias normativa e prescritiva que destacam o entendimento de crescimento económico baseado em escalas diversas, designadamente da escala individual para a nacional. Neste artigo, um grupo de estudantes de graduação interroga as suas experiências de acumulação e de desenvolvimento do “capital humano”. Argumentam que a TCH tem no seu interior uma ideia falsa e generalizadamente aceite que obscurece como as relações transnacionais de patriarcado, raça e colonialismo constituem as relações de classe e, por essa via, criam a ideia de que investimentos no capital humano não podem ser ambicionados por todos. Neste artigo debate-se o modo como os aprendentes adultos entendem a classe social, enquanto uma relação socialmente constituída no quadro do capital; e defende-se a necessidade dos educadores de adultos trabalharem a partir de um conceito de classe mais complexo que reconhece relações com outras formas de opressão.

ABSTRACT Human capital theory (HCT) has moved from a core tenet of neoclassical economic theory to a normative and prescriptive policy position that guides our understanding of economic growth across multiple scales, from the individual to the national. In this paper, a diverse group of graduate students interrogate their experiences of accumulating and realising ‘human capital.’ They argue that HCT holds at its centre an abstract and falsely universal subject that obscures how transnational relations of patriarchy, race, and coloniality constitute class relations and thus create a reality in which investments in human capital cannot be realised by all. This paper further elaborates how this group of adult learners developed an understanding of class as a socially constituted relation within capital and thus foregrounds the need for adult educators to work from a more nuanced articulation of class that recognizes relationality with other forms of oppression.

BACKGROUND. Many studies have shown that South African women tend to initiate antenatal care late in their pregnancies. This presents challenges in the provision of quality healthcare to both mother and child. There are several studies on the social and cultural reasons for late booking. However, understanding the factors in a woman's choice to initiate antenatal care is important in informing healthcare strategies and policies. METHODS. This study was an analytical cross-sectional study of household and general health factors associated with attendance of antenatal care by pregnant women in Tshwane in 2015. It was a secondary data analysis from complete data sampling households registered on AitaHealth™. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess which factors are associated with antenatal care attendance. RESULTS. The age of the head of the household was a significant factor in the attendance of antenatal care. The odds of attending antenatal care were 3.3, 2.1 and 1.8 times higher in households where the head of the household was 30 - 39 years of age, 20 - 29 or 40-49 years of age, respectively, than when between 10-19 years of age. Factors that increased the odds of attending antenatal care were living in households that had electricity and piped water, and running a business from home. Residing in a permanent dwelling and being food secure increased the odds of antenatal care attendance. CONCLUSION. The identified health and household factors should inform policies and programmes geared towards improving services around antenatal care provision.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Water supply for industrial use and social consumption decreases due to droughts, overexploitation of groundwater and pollution from agricultural and industrial chemicals. Objective: To evaluate the quality of water for industrial use and social consumption from the supply source belonging to the Central Refinería Ecuador (Sugar Refinery Ecuador). Materials and Methods: The quality of water for industrial use and social consumption was evaluated through the application of testing techniques and methods, in the determination of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Results and Discussion: The water quality parameters for industrial use and social consumption evaluated were odor, taste and color of odorless, tasteless and colorless respectively. Total dissolved solids were 553 mg L-1, pH 7,33 pH units, calcium 75 mg L-1, magnesium 45 mg L-1, chloride 45 mg L-1, sulfate of 21 mg L-1, nitrite of 0,03 mg L-1, nitrates of 20,2 mg L-1, total coliforms of 1 222 most probable number per 100 mL and thermotolerant coliforms of 584 most probable number probable per 100 mL. Conclusions: These water quality values are suitable for industrial use, while for social consumption they are not suitable due to microbiological contamination and non-compliance with health protection requirements. Although the physical and chemical values analyzed in water for social consumption are within maximum limits.

RESUMEN Introducción: El suministro de agua para uso industrial y consumo social disminuye debido a las sequías, la sobreexplotación del agua subterránea y la contaminación procedente de productos químicos agrícolas e industriales. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad del agua para el uso industrial y consumo social de la fuente de abasto perteneciente al Central Refinería Ecuador. Materiales y Métodos: La calidad del agua para uso industrial y consumo social se evaluó mediante la aplicación de técnicas y métodos de ensayos, en la determinación de los parámetros físicos, químicos y microbiológicos. Resultados y Discusión: Los parámetros de calidad del agua para el uso industrial y el consumo social evaluados fueron el olor, el sabor y el color de inodora, insípida e incolora respectivamente. Los sólidos totales disueltos fueron de 553 mg L-1, el pH de 7,33 unidades de pH, el calcio de 75 mg L-1, el magnesio de 45 mg L-1, el cloruro de 45 mg L-1, el sulfato de 21 mg L-1, el nitrito de 0,03 mg L-1, los nitratos de 20,2 mg L-1, los coliformes totales de 1 222 número más probable por 100 mL y los coliformes termotolerantes de 584 número más probable por 100 mL. Conclusiones: Estos valores de calidad del agua para el uso industrial son aptos, mientras que para el consumo social son no aptos por contaminación microbiológica e incumplimiento de los requisitos de protección sanitarios. Aunque los valores físicos y químicos analizados en el agua para consumo social se encuentran dentro de límites máximos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nowadays the pollutants produced in water exceed the capabilities of its decontamination mechanisms. It is necessary to evaluate the wastewater belonging to the Central Refinería Ecuador (Sugar Refinery Ecuador). Objective: To evaluate the quality of the wastewater from the Central Refinería Ecuador (Sugar Refinery Ecuador) for its possible use in agricultural irrigation. Materials and Methods: The quality of the wastewater was evaluated through physical, chemical and microbiological tests. Results and Discussion: The main physical, chemical and microbiological results evaluated at two points in time were: temperature 46.6 and 43.6 ºC, electrical conductivity 2 359 and 1 366 µS cm-1, sedimentable solids 8 and 3.50 mL L-1. pH 5.8 and 6.3 pH units, total phosphorus 5 and 3.75 mg L-1, total nitrogen 4.20 and 6.45 mg L-1, chemical oxygen demand 1 832 and 1 742 mg L-1, biochemical oxygen demand 1 671 and 1 451 mg L-1, fats and oils 296.90 and 30.90 mg L-1; cadmium 0.06 and 0.16 mg L-1, total chromium 0.10 and 0.20 mg L-1, copper 1.19 and 1.80 mg L-1, lead 0.43 and 0.55 mg L-1, zinc 1.37 and 2.33 mg L-1, total coliforms 8 800 000 and 160 000 mg L-1 and fecal coliforms 8 800 000 and 1 070 000 mg L-1. Conclusions: The effluent does not comply with the discharge requirements of NC 27, (2012) and is classified of poor quality to be used for sugarcane irrigation according to NC 855, (2011).

RESUMEN Introducción: Hoy en día los contaminantes producidos en el agua superan las capacidades de sus mecanismos de descontaminación. Siendo necesario evaluar las aguas residuales pertenecientes al Central Refinería Ecuador. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad del agua residual del Central Refinería Ecuador, para su posible aprovechamiento en riego agrícola. Materiales y Métodos: La calidad del agua residual se evaluó mediante ensayos físicos, químicos y microbiológicos. Resultados y Discusión: Los principales resultados físico, químicos y microbiológicos evaluados en dos momentos fueron: temperatura 46,6 y 43,6 ºC, conductividad eléctrica 2 359 y 1 366 µS cm-1, sólidos sedimentables 8 y 3,50 mL L-1. pH 5,80 y 6,30 unidades de pH, fósforo total 5 y 3,75 mg L-1, nitrógeno total 4,20 y 6,45 mg L-1, demanda química de oxígeno 1 832 y 1 742 mg L-1, demanda bioquímica de oxígeno 1 671 y 1 451 mg L-1, grasas y aceites 296,9 y 30,9 mg L-1; cadmio 0,06 y 0,16 mg L-1, cromo total 0,10 y 0,20 mg L-1, cobre 1,19 y 1,80 mg L-1, plomo 0,43 y 0,55 mg L-1, zinc 1,37 y 2,33 mg L-1, coliformes totales 8 800 000 y 1 60 000 mg L-1 y coliformes fecales 8 800 000 y 1 070 000 mg L-1. Conclusiones: El efluente no cumple con los requisitos de vertimiento de la NC 27, (2012)y es clasificada de mala calidad para ser aprovechada en el riego de la caña de azúcar según NC 855, (2011).

ABSTRACT Intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) is one of the most common and well-known activation methods used during routine EEG recordings. However, although it is the most straightforwardly standardized activation technique, its methodology still has significant variability, and the interpretation and classification of photoparoxysmal response (PPR) remain largely subjective. Objective: This review aims to provide an updated reference about the standardized methodology to perform the IPS procedure. Additionally, it intends to provide an update on the interpretation and classification of the PPR. A critical analysis about current practical/clinical challenges is formulated, and some potential operational criteria to improve the interrater agreement for the confirmation of PPR are proposed. Conclusions: Proposed operational criteria include, but are not limited to morphology, amplitude, duration, lag, and redundancy. The generalization of using a standardized IPS methodology and defined operational criteria to confirm the presence of PPR can help improve the diagnosis of epilepsy and photosensitivity. Thus, the clinical practice of EEG would maintain its validity, and enhance the care of patients with epilepsy. This review in Spanish can contribute to standardize this clinical practice in Spanish-speaking countries.

RESUMEN La estimulación luminosa intermitente (ELI) es una de las maniobras más comunes y conocidas utilizadas durante los registros de electroencefalograma (EEG). A pesar de ser la de más fácil estandarización, presenta una gran variabilidad metodológica y la interpretación y clasificación de la respuesta fotoparoxística (RFP) sigue siendo, en gran medida, subjetiva. Objetivo: La presente revisión intenta ofrecer un marco de referencia actualizado acerca de la metodología estandarizada para la ejecución de la ELI y para interpretar/clasificar la RFP. Se formula un análisis crítico de los retos prácticos actuales en el ámbito clínico y se proponen algunos criterios operativos que pueden contribuir a mejorar el acuerdo entre evaluadores. Conclusiones: Los criterios operativos propuestos abarcan -pero no se limitan- a la morfología, la amplitud, la duración, el desfase y la redundancia. La generalización del uso de una metodología estandarizada de ELI, aunada a criterios operativos para confirmar la presencia de RFP, puede ayudar a mejorar el diagnóstico de epilepsia y de fotosensibilidad. De esta forma, la práctica clínica del EEG no solo mantendría su vigencia, sino que incluso mejoraría la atención a pacientes con epilepsia. La presente revisión en idioma español puede contribuir a homogeneizar esta práctica clínica en países hispanohablantes.

ABSTRACT The study was carried out at the Tío Pedro farm in the municipality of Venezuela, in the province of Ciego de Ávila, with the objective of proposing mathematical models to estimate the hydraulic parameters of a pumping system using the furrow irrigation technique for the cultivation of black bean. The results showed expected fluctuations in hydraulic parameters such as flow rate, head, hydraulic power, pumping time, and pumped volume. Functional relationships were found between flow and pumping head, as well as between hydraulic power, flow and pumping head. These ratios can improve pump system performance, save energy, and increase pump efficiency. In addition, functions were developed to predict the characteristic curves of the load, the efficiency of the pump and the system in general. These results can improve energy efficiency and water management in agriculture.

RESUMEN El estudio se realizó en la finca Tío Pedro en el municipio de Venezuela, en la provincia de Ciego de Ávila, tuvo como objetivo proponer modelos matemáticos para estimar los parámetros hidráulicos de un sistema de bombeo utilizando la técnica de riego por surcos para el cultivo del frijol negro. Los resultados mostraron fluctuaciones esperadas en los parámetros hidráulicos como caudal, carga, potencia hidráulica, tiempo de bombeo y volumen bombeado. Se encontraron relaciones funcionales entre el caudal y la carga de bombeo, así como entre la potencia hidráulica, el caudal y la carga de bombeo. Estas relaciones pueden mejorar el funcionamiento del sistema de bombeo, ahorrar energía y aumentar la eficiencia de la bomba. Además, se desarrollaron funciones para predecir las curvas características de la carga, la eficiencia de la bomba y del sistema en general. Estos resultados pueden mejorar la eficiencia energética y la gestión del agua en la agricultura.

ABSTRACT The energy efficiency of irrigation systems is an aspect of great importance in all design and management processes; For this reason, an investigation was carried out in the "Tío Pedro" farm located in the municipality of Venezuela, Ciego de Ávila province during the years 2021 and 2022 with the objective of estimating the general energy yield in the furrow irrigation system. During this period, the pump unit offers the following average operating regime: pump flow rate of 61.1 L s-1; pumping time of 2,8 hours and pumping head of 18.2 m. This behavior reduces a hydraulic power of 10.9 kW and a pump efficiency of 85.2%. The energy supplied in pumping was 429.4 kWh and the energy absorbed in the evaluated period was 631.9 kWh. In relation to the energy parameters of the system, an energy balance of the supply of 7,4 m was obtained; a system energy load index of 15.2 m; an energy efficiency of the pumping of 68.2% (excellent) and a general energy efficiency of the system of 34.0% (normal).

RESUMEN La eficiencia energética de los sistemas de riego es un aspecto de gran importancia en todos los procesos de diseño y manejo; por este motivo se desarrolló una investigación en la finca “Tío Pedro” ubicada en el municipio de Venezuela, provincia Ciego de Ávila durante los años 2021 y 2022 con el objetivo de estimar el rendimiento energético general en el sistema de riego por surcos. Durante este periodo la unidad de bombeo funcionó con el siguiente régimen de operación promedio: caudal de bombeo de 61,1 L s-1; tiempo de bombeo de 2,8 horas y carga de bombeo de 18,2 m. Este comportamiento determinó una potencia hidráulica de 10,9 kW y rendimiento de la bomba de 85,2%. La energía suministrada en el bombeo fue de 429,4 kWh y la energía absorbida en el periodo evaluado de 631,9 kWh. En relación con los parámetros energéticos del sistema se obtuvo un balance energético del suministro de 7,4 m; un índice de carga energética del sistema de 15,2 m; un rendimiento energético del bombeo de 68,2% (excelente) y un rendimiento energético general del sistema de 34,0% (normal).

As real-time air quality monitoring becomes more prevalent in US underground mines, it is important to provide the highest data reliability with the fewest possible sensors. Real-time sensors remain costly, and these costs are not exclusively financial; the time required to install, calibrate, and maintain real-time sensors poses a large barrier to widespread implementation. Current atmospheric monitoring systems typically rely on displaying point-specific values. This requires operators to infer real-time airborne contamination distributions. Monitoring and control software utilizing mine ventilation network (MVN) solvers has been implemented in limited cases because of their ability to simulate ventilation systems quickly, but these solvers use a one-dimensional representation of the mine, limiting spatial resolution of estimated distributions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has likewise been considered as a means to improve spatial resolution, but processing times prevent its use as a basis for monitoring and control. For the real-time monitoring of airborne contamination distributions, we propose a spatial interpolation method that can estimate the distribution of airborne contaminants in near-real time. This method provides a middle ground between fast processing times and increased spatial resolution. With the use of a pathfinding algorithm and optimization through absolute percentage error minimization, this method outperforms spatial interpolation with a Euclidean distance. By providing contamination distribution information to operators, this method and its derivatives stand to outperform current atmospheric monitoring systems.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern in resource-constrained sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Efforts to combat this burden are hampered by the region's wide variation in reported prevalence. This review aimed to systematically synthesize up-to-date data on PPD in SSA. The review was structured per the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Included in the review were studies that reported the prevalence of PPD in SSA. A search was undertaken of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PsycINFO. A random-effect model was fitted to estimate the pooled burden of postpartum depressive symptoms in SSA. We conducted subgroup analyses to estimate the distribution of postpartum depressive symptoms based on important study characteristics: sample size, the timing of diagnosis, design, study setting/region, instrument, and income/ economy. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms ranged from 3.8% to 69.9%, with a pooled estimate of 22.1% (CI 18.5-26.2; I² = 98.2; Tau = 0.848; p<0.001). There was a significant variation in postpartum depressive symptoms with sample size (p<0.001). The highest prevalence (25.6% CI 21.5-30.1) was obtained within 12 weeks postpartum. The prevalence estimate was highest (23.3%; CI 20.1-26.8) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). South Africa (30.6%; CI 23.6-38.7) and Zimbabwe (29.3%; CI 22.2-37.5) reported the highest prevalence rates, while Tanzania (13.5%; CI 10.1-17.9) reported the lowest prevalence estimates. Upper-middle SSA countries presented the highest prevalence rates (30.6%; CI 23.6-38.7). The prevalence was highest within the period 2010-2015. PPD constitutes a significant health burden in SSA and is fast becoming an epidemic in southern Africa. SIGNIFICANCE: • Given that PPD is a recurring mental health challenge among women in sub-Saharan Africa, there is an urgent need for strategic policy provisions to ameliorate its burden. • An increase in prevalence of PPD from 2005-2010 to 2015-2021 is indicative of the need for national governments to intensify efforts targeted at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5 in the region. • In SSA, the prevalence of PPD is highest (approximately 30%) in Southern Africa, precisely South Africa and Zimbabwe, where it is fast becoming an epidemic; hence strategies are needed to curtail its growing trend. • There is a need to characterise and stratify the risk factors of PPD in sub-Saharan to guide policy development of predictive algorithms and implementation strategies.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El uso racional de los medicamentos proporciona una estrategia de ahorro de costos para maximizar los resultados terapéuticos tanto en los países en desarrollo como en los países desarrollados. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el uso racional de medicamentos para algunas enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) seleccionadas en tres farmacias de hospitales públicos de Jamaica, usando los indicadores de prescripción de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Métodos. En este estudio transversal retrospectivo se examinaron las prescripciones realizadas a pacientes ambulatorios adultos que incluían al menos un medicamento para enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes, cáncer, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica o asma, dispensadas entre enero y julio del 2019, utilizando los indicadores de prescripción para el uso racional de medicamentos de la OMS. Los datos se analizaron y expresaron mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Para todos los análisis realizados se estableció un nivel de significación de p <0,05. Resultados. Se examinó un total de 1 500 prescripciones que incluían 5 979 medicamentos; la mayor parte de ellas correspondían a pacientes de sexo femenino de 42 a 60 años. Se observó que había polimedicación en el 35,6% (534) de las prescripciones, con un promedio de 4 y un máximo de 17 medicamentos por receta. En todos los centros se dispensó la mayor parte de los medicamentos prescritos, y el motivo principal para no hacerlo fue la falta de existencias del medicamento en cuestión. La prescripción de genéricos fue elevada en todos los centros y supuso más del 95% (5 722) de los medicamentos prescritos. En dos centros la prescripción se realizó en su totalidad de acuerdo con la Lista Modelo de Medicamentos Esenciales de la OMS, pero en el centro 1 no se alcanzó el objetivo por un 1,4%. Conclusiones. Se siguieron las directrices de la OMS para el uso racional de medicamentos en cuanto a la proporción de medicamentos prescritos de la Lista Modelo de la OMS y la proporción de antibióticos prescritos. El número de medicamentos por receta y la proporción de medicamentos prescritos mediante su nombre genérico no cumplieron con los criterios de la OMS. Sin embargo, las prescripciones estaban en consonancia con las directrices de tratamiento de las enfermedades no transmisibles seleccionadas.

ABSTRACT Objective. The rational use of medicines offers a cost-saving strategy to maximize therapeutic outcomes for developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rational use of medicines for selected noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at three pharmacies at public hospitals in Jamaica using the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) prescribing indicators. Methods. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, prescriptions for adult outpatients containing at least one medicine for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma that were filled between January and July 2019 were reviewed using WHO’s prescribing indicators for the rational use of medicines. Data were analyzed and expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. For all analyses conducted, significance was determined at P < 0.05. Results. A total of 1 500 prescriptions covering 5 979 medicines were reviewed; prescriptions were mostly written for female patients aged 42–60 years. Polypharmacy was observed in 35.6% (534) of prescriptions, and there was an average of 4 medicines per prescription, with a maximum of 17. Most of the prescriptions at each site were filled, with the main reason for not dispensing a medicine being that it was out of stock. Generic prescribing was high for all sites, accounting for more than 95% (5 722) of prescribed medicines. There was full compliance with prescribing according to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines at two of the sites, but it was just off the target at Site 1, by 1.4%. Conclusions. The WHO guidelines for the rational use of medicines were followed with respect to the proportion of medicines prescribed from the WHO Model List and the proportion of antibiotics prescribed. The number of medicines per prescription and the proportion of medicines prescribed by generic name did not meet the WHO criteria. However, prescribing was aligned with treatment guidelines for the selected NCDs.

RESUMO Objetivo. O uso racional de medicamentos é uma estratégia de contenção de custos para maximizar os resultados terapêuticos em países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso racional de medicamentos para algumas doenças não transmissíveis selecionadas em três farmácias de hospitais públicos na Jamaica a partir dos indicadores de prescrição preconizados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Métodos. Estudo transversal retrospectivo que avaliou receitas médicas de pacientes ambulatoriais adultos contendo pelo menos um medicamento prescrito para doença cardiovascular, diabetes, câncer, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica ou asma e dispensadas entre janeiro e julho de 2019. A avaliação foi realizada a partir dos indicadores de prescrição preconizados pela OMS para o uso racional de medicamentos. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. O nível de significância de p <0,05 foi adotado em todas as análises. Resultados. Ao todo, foram analisadas 1 500 receitas médicas compreendendo 5 979 medicamentos. Em sua maioria, as receitas foram prescritas para pacientes do sexo feminino com idades entre 42 e 60 anos. A polifarmácia foi observada em 35,6% (534) das receitas; em média, foram prescritos 4 medicamentos, até um máximo de 17. As farmácias estudadas dispensaram a maior parte dos medicamentos receitados. O principal motivo para não fornecer algum medicamento foi o desabastecimento. O percentual de medicamentos genéricos foi alto em todos os locais, representando mais de 95% (5 722) do volume receitado. Houve plena observância da Lista Modelo de Medicamentos Essenciais da OMS nas receitas analisadas em dois dos locais estudos, e observância quase completa (diferença de 1,4%) no local 1. Conclusões. As diretrizes da OMS de uso racional de medicamentos foram cumpridas no que se refere ao percentual de medicamentos receitados de acordo com a Lista Modelo da OMS e o percentual de antibióticos receitados. Os critérios da OMS não foram cumpridos quanto ao número de medicamentos por receita e ao percentual receitado usando o nome genérico. Porém, os medicamentos foram receitados de acordo com as diretrizes terapêuticas para as doenças não transmissíveis selecionadas.

ABSTRACT Background: Crack is the most addictive and potent derivative of cocaine. There is a scarcity of information regarding the oral health of crack users and also the impact this has on their quality of life. The aim of this literature review was to ascertain information regarding oral health and also its impact on the quality of life of crack users. Methods: The keywords oral health, quality of life, crack cocaine and drug users were applied to the databases PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo to obtain the articles. Articles used were published between 1992 and 2017. Results: Crack cocaine users present poor oral health and are usually polydrug users or have a history of consuming other substances such as cannabis, alcohol, tobacco and opiates. The use of crack may individually impact oral health or may be attributed to the effect of polydrug usage, henceforth impacting their quality of life. In addition, socio-demographic and behavioural factors may also impact oral health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Crack has an impact on the oral health of crack users, which also affects their quality of life. This demonstrates the importance of dental surgeons being included in multi- disciplinary teams responsible for the rehabilitation of crack addicts.

Abstract Background To illustrate how (standardised) effect sizes (ES) vary based on calculation method and to provide considerations for improved reporting. Methods Data from three trials of tanezumab in subjects with osteoarthritis were analyzed. ES of tanezumab versus comparator for WOMAC Pain (outcome) was defined as least squares difference between means (mixed model for repeated measures analysis) divided by a pooled standard deviation (SD) of outcome scores. Three approaches to computing the SD were evaluated: Baseline (the pooled SD of WOMAC Pain values at baseline [pooled across treatments]); Endpoint (the pooled SD of these values at the time primary endpoints were assessed); and Median (the median pooled SD of these values based on the pooled SDs across available timepoints). Bootstrap analyses were used to compute 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results ES (95% CI) of tanezumab 2.5 mg based on Baseline, Endpoint, and Median SDs in one study were - 0.416 (- 0.796, - 0.060), - 0.195 (- 0.371, - 0.028), and - 0.196 (- 0.373, - 0.028), respectively; negative values indicate pain improvement. This pattern of ES differences (largest with Baseline SD, smallest with Endpoint SD, Median SD similar to Endpoint SD) was consistent across all studies and doses of tanezumab. Conclusion Differences in ES affect interpretation of treatment effect. Therefore, we advocate clearly reporting individual elements of ES in addition to its overall calculation. This is particularly important when ES estimates are used to determine sample sizes for clinical trials, as larger ES will lead to smaller sample sizes and potentially underpowered studies. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02697773, NCT02709486, and NCT02528188. standardised (standardised (ES analyzed (outcome mixed analysis (SD scores evaluated treatments treatments]) assessed assessed) timepoints. timepoints . timepoints) 95 CI. CI (CI) (95 25 2 5 2. 0416 0 416 0.41 ( 0796 796 0.796 0.060, 0060 0.060 , 060 0.060) 0195 195 0.19 0371 371 0.371 0.028, 0028 0.028 028 0.028) 0196 196 0373 373 0.373 respectively improvement largest Therefore Clinicaltrialsgov Clinicaltrials gov NCT02697773 NCT NCT02709486 NCT02528188 treatments] 9 (CI (9 041 41 0.4 079 79 0.79 006 0.06 06 019 19 0.1 037 37 0.37 002 0.02 02 NCT0269777 NCT0270948 NCT0252818 04 4 0. 07 7 0.7 00 0.0 01 1 03 3 0.3 NCT026977 NCT027094 NCT025281 NCT02697 NCT02709 NCT02528 NCT0269 NCT0270 NCT0252 NCT026 NCT027 NCT025 NCT02 NCT0