An Analysis of Shakespeare's Treatment of Women in King Lear

This paper analyzes Shakespeare’s different treatment of the male and female antagonists Edmond and Goneril in King Lear from their entrance,actions and ending,aiming at exploring his attitude toward women through the comparative studies of these two equally evil characters with different gender.Through the analysis,the author found that Shakespeare’s treatment of women is different from that of men.He is less tolerant and mercy to women than to men,from which a conclusion can be drawn that Shakespeare cannot totally get rid of the traditional conceptions that women is inferior than men even though he is a humanist.

Baseline survey of pregnant women's knowledge of treatment to prevent mother- to-child human immunodeficiency virus transmission in a resource limited setting

Despite continuing advances in scientific knowledge about treatments to prevent mother-to-child(MTCT)of the human immune deficiency virus(HIV),there is a paucity of data on pregnant women’s knowledge of treatments to prevent MTCT of HIV in Aba,South Eastern Nigeria.We investigated pregnant women’s knowledge of the availability of treatments to prevent MTCT of HIV in the low resourced setting of Aba town in South Eastern Nigeria.A descriptive study involving 100 consecutive and consenting patients at the antenatal clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital(ABSUTH),Aba,South Eastern Nigeria over the period 1st November, 2007 to 30th November,2007.Using a structured questionnaire,the respondents’sociodemographic data were obtained as well as their knowledge of the availability of treatments to prevent mother to child HIV transmission in pregnant women and self-reported data on their having ever tested for HIV.Knowledge regarding availability of treatment to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV was good as 95%of the respondents were aware that such treatment was available.Knowledge that treatment is available to help someone infected by HIV to live longer was also good as 96% of the respondents were aware of the availability of such treatment.Seventy one percent of the respondents had ever tested for HIV.The levels of knowledge regarding the availability of treatment to prevent mother to child HIV transmission and to help someone infected with HIV are good.Thus, utilization of anti-retroviral prophylaxis amongst HIV infected pregnant women in this community would be expected to be high if the drugs were available.This will reduce the impact of HIV,especially in children.

Risk factors and natural history of breast cancer in younger Chinese women

AIM: To investigate the age differences in the risk factors, clinicopathological characteristics and patterns of treatment of female breast cancer patients. METHODS: Seven thousand one hundred and fiftytwo women with primary breast cancer from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Registry were recruited after receiving patients' consent, they were asked to complete standardized questionnaires which captured their sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors associated with breast cancer development. Among them, clinicopathological data and patterns of treatment were further collected from medical records of 5523 patients with invasive breast cancers. Patients were divided into two groups according to the age at diagnosis: younger(< 40 years old) vs older patients(≥ 40 years old) for subsequent analyses.RESULTS: Analysis on the sociodemographic characteristics and exposure to risk factors were performed on 7152 women with primary breast cancer and the results revealed that younger patients were more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles; these include a lack of exercise(85.4% vs 73.2%, P < 0.001), having high stress in life(46.1% vs 35.5%, P < 0.001), having dairy/meat-rich diets(20.2% vs 12.9%, P < 0.001),having alcohol drinking habit(7.7% vs 5.2%, P = 0.002). Younger patients were also more likely to have hormone-related risk factors including nulliparity(43.3% vs 17.8%, P < 0.001) and an early age at menarche(20.7% vs 13.2%, P < 0.001). Analyses on clinicopathological characteristics and patterns of treatment were performed on 5523 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. The invasive tumours in younger patients showed more aggressive pathological features such as having a higher percentage of grade 3 histology(45.7% vs 36.5%, P < 0.001), having a higher proportion of tumours with lymphovascular invasion(39.6% vs 33.2%, P = 0.003), and having multifocal disease(15.7% vs 10.3%, P < 0.001); they received different patterns of treatment than their older counterparts.CONCLUSION: Younger patients in Hong Kong are more likely to encounter risk factors associated with breast cancer development and have more aggressive tumours than their older counterparts.

Coronary artery disease in women:From the yentl syndrome to contemporary treatment

In recent years attention has been raised to the fact of increased morbidity and mortality between women who suffer from coronary disease. The identification of the so called Yentl Syndrome has emerged the deeper investigation of the true incidence of coronary disease in women and its outcomes. In this review an effort has been undertaken to understand the interaction of coronary disease and female gender after the implementation of newer therapeutic interventional and pharmaceutics' approaches of the modern era.

Management of vitamin D deficiency in young women with 1-year follow up

Vitamin D deficiency is very frequently observed among young women. This study reports the follow up of 68 women over a period of 1 year. The objective of this study was to observe doses of vitamin D can correct and preserve blood levels of vitamin D near 75 nmol/L. It was found that large amounts of vitamin D are needed to correct and then maintain vitamin D blood levels (≥530,000 units), particularly in veiled women (~720,000 units). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels decreased as blood levels of vitamin D increased. Quality of life measured with the SF12? Health Survey questionnaire, improved when the patients’ vitamin D deficiencies were corrected. This work highlights the need for the development of guidelines to treat and correct vitamin D deficiency for the long term in young adult women.

Management of Women Infertility in Tropical Africa: The Experience of the Gynecology Department of University and Hospital Center of Treichville (Abidjan-Cote d’Ivoire)

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the etiology of women infertility and describe their management in our service with limited technical equipment. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study on 175 women treated for infertility and followed in the gynecology services of the university Hospital center of Treichville from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2014. Results: During the study, we recorded 12072 consultations in gynecology including 1582 (13.1%) cases of infertility, but only 175 cases were selected for this study. The patients had an average age of 31.3 years and an average socio-economic level in general (78.9%). The etiologies were found in 79.4% of patients, dominated by classical abnormalities: uterine (fibroids: 41.8%), hormonal, tubo peritoneal (5%). We also found some unusual pathologies related to cultural practices (female genital mutilation, caustic stenosis of the vagina). The surgery was performed in several patients, including myomectomy by laparotomy (46.6%), laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and vaginal surgeries. As to drug treatment, they were various combinations, and the ovarian stimulation practices (62.3%) and induction of ovulation (47.2%) were common. The result of this support has been marked by the occurrence of 74 pregnancies (42.3%), with the birth of healthy children in the majority of cases (95.9%). Conclusion: The management of infertile women was frequent and yielded encouraging results despite our limited technical equipment.

Depressive Disorders Among Women Living in Resource Poor,Northern Kenya:The Role of Psycho-education

This paper highlights the findings of a dissertation research which aimed to determine the effectiveness of a model of psycho-education(PE)developed for this study,in treating the symptoms of depressive disorders among Maasai women living in resource poor settings in Laikipia County,in Northern Kenya.The quasi-experimental research design with an experimental group(EG)and control group(CG)was adopted for this study.The target population for this study were 686 female members of Conservation Enterprise Groups(CEG)operating in the area.A sample size of 200 was selected for the study;(EG,n=100)and(CG,n=100),at 80%power and 30%effective size.The tool used to test for symptoms of depression was the Beck’s Depression Inventory(BDI).The PE was provided as an intervention treatment to the EG at the middle and end of the study,after which the respondents were tested for symptoms of depression.The prevalence of depression was established at 26.7%and statistical tests conducted throughout the studies showed that the PE treatment significantly improved depression symptoms(P<0.005).Data from the(CG)showed that if these symptoms were not treated using,they degenerated into severe symptoms.Data was analysed using SPSS Version 21.0.

Effect of mistletoe combined with carboxymethyl cellulose on dry eye in postmenopausal women

AIM： To investigate the protective effect of mistletoe combined with carboxymethyl cellulose eye drops on dry eye in postmenopausal women.METHODS： Sixty postmenopause female patients diagnosed of dry eye were assigned randomly to mistletoe combined with carboxymethyl cellulose eye drops treatment group（n=30） and control group treated with normal saline eye drops（n=30）. The subjective symptoms of ocular surface, Ocular Surface Disease Index（OSDI）, tear film function tests, tear protein and corneal morphology by confocal scanning microscopy were analyzed before treatment and at 1, 2, 4 and 8 wk after treatment respectively. To ensure the safety of the trial, all patients were examined with systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, urine creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen at 8 wk after treatment.RESULTS： There were no obvious differences between two groups before the treatment（P〉0.05）. In two months after the treatment, the symptoms of ocular surface, OSDI, tear protein, and tear film function were only slightly changed in normal saline eye drops group. However, all indices were improved after the treatment of mistletoe combined with carboxymethyl cellulose eye drops group（P〈0.05）. In addition, the average amount of corneal epithelium basal cells and inflammatory cells of mistletoe treated group were 3174±379 and 38±25 cells/mm2, significantly decreased as compared to the control group with 4309±612 and 158± 61 cells/mm2, respectively. In the control group, althoughnerves still maintained straight under corneal epithelium, the number of nerves were significantly decreased, as compared with normal female. In the mistletoe treated group, the number of nerves was only slightly reduced, compared with normal female.CONCLUSION： Mistletoe combined with carboxymethyl cellulose eye drops can alleviate the symptoms and signs of dry eye symptoms.

Missed Opportunities for Intermittent Preventive Treatment among Pregnant Women, in a Secondary Health Facility, Cross River State, Nigeria

The study determined the magnitude and contributory factors for missed opportunities for the administration of IPTp （intermittent preventive treatment for malaria prevention）, during pregnancy among pregnant women attending a secondary health facility in Calabar. This study was a descriptive survey. Exit interviews were carried out on all pregnant and post natal women who attended the antenatal clinic of a secondary health facility for two weeks in November 2008. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age of respondents was 27.0 ± 5.4, mean parity was 2.4 ± 1.5, mean clinic attendance 4.9 ± 4.0 while mean gestational age at booking was 18.6± 7.7. The prevalence of missed opportunity among the pregnant women was 59.1% for IPTpl ＆ 56.0% for IPTp2; among pregnant PLWHA （people living with HIV/AIDS）, it was 100% for IPTp3, 70% for IPTp2 ＆ 80.0% for IPTpl. Factors accountable for missed opportunity include non-availability of SP （sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine）, lack of supervision, failure to prescribe medication, late booking and lack of knowledge. More women significantly received IPTp2 compared to IPTpl （P = 0.001）. Discussion： The findings establish the need for making SP available in the ANC （antenatal clinic）, educating health workers about current schedule and procedures for administration and early mobilization of pregnant mothers for ANC.

Prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to therapy among partners of pregnant women with syphilis in a city of northeastern Brazil

BACKGROUND One of the main difficulties faced in the prevention of the vertical transmission of syphilis is the inadequate treatment of pregnant women and their partners.The disease causes serious repercussions in infected newborns.AIM To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with the therapeutic adhesion among partners of pregnant women with syphilis in a county in Northeastern Brazil.METHODS This is a descriptive,analytic,quantitative,cross-sectional study that was carried out through interviews with 46 pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis between 2017 and 2018 as well as with their partners.The interviews aimed at collecting data regarding sociodemographic characteristics,obstetric variables and information about syphilis,and partners’related variables.RESULTS Our results showed that 73.91%of the partners did not undergo appropriate treatments,and obtaining negative results in syphilis tests was the main reason for the absence of therapies.The following factors were significantly associated with the lack of treatment among partners:Being a partner that is not the current mate of the pregnant woman,having a level of schooling inferior to 8 years[oddsratio(OR)=10.28],and the pregnant woman undergoing up to two syphilis tests during the prenatal care(OR=8.6).The study found a higher odds of absent treatment among partners if the pregnant woman is not white(OR=13.88)or if the partner has less than 8 years of schooling(OR=21.00)or has a monthly income of less than half the minimum wage(OR=13.93).CONCLUSION The findings of this study show a high prevalence of partners that are not adequately treated for syphilis,a phenomenon that is strongly associated with socioeconomic factors.

Utilization of traditional healers for treatment of malaria among female residents in Makurdi city and its environs

Objective:To ascertain the role of traditional healers in malaria treatment and its impact on control of the disease.Methods:The study was cross-sectional in nature.Test-run structured and semi-structured questionnaires were either interviewer or self administered to adult women aged 18 years old and above.House holds were selected using systematic random sampling methods.Information such as age,educational level,marital status,occupation and methods of malaria treatment were obtained.Focused group discussions about beliefs and perceptions on utilization of traditional healers and in depth discussions on treatment and control of malaria were also carried out.Results:Of the 2 075 respondents studied,49.7%(n=1 031) utilized traditional healers for treatment of malaria,including 16.7%(n=172) utilizing traditional healers strictly while 83.3%(n=859) combining it with other treatment methods such as hospital/clinic, pharmacy/chemist shop,herbs or spiritual healing.The major contributors to utilization of traditional healers were:illiteracy and ignorance,poverty,unemployment/underemployment and slow pace of the comprehensive package implementation of the "roll back malaria"(RBM) programme initiate in the community.Conclusions:Health education should be intensified while adequate facilities put in place to commence home management of malaria and probable free distribution of the artemisinin-based combination therapy(ACT).

不同治疗方案对卵巢储备功能正常年轻女性夫精人工授精妊娠结局的影响

目的探讨不同治疗方案对年龄<35岁卵巢储备功能正常女性夫精人工授精(AIH)妊娠结局的影响。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2021年8月在本中心行AIH助孕的年龄<35岁卵巢储备功能正常女性的3024个周期的临床资料。根据治疗方案分为6组:自然周期组(NC组,n=380)、克罗米芬组(CC组,n=57)、CC联合促性腺激素(Gn)组(CC+Gn组,n=78)、Gn组(n=1712)、来曲唑组(LE组,n=430)以及LE联合Gn(LE+Gn组,n=367),比较各组患者的一般情况和妊娠结局,并采用多因素Logistic回归分析影响AIH临床妊娠率及活产率的相关因素。结果一般情况比较:6组间体质量指数(BMI)、窦卵泡数(AFC)、基础卵泡刺激素(FSH)水平、优势卵泡数、不孕因素整体比较有统计学差异(P<0.05),而女方年龄、不孕年限、不孕类型及精液处理方式比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。妊娠结局比较:6组患者间临床妊娠率和活产率整体比较有统计学差异(P<0.05),其中LE+Gn组的临床妊娠率和活产率显著高于NC组(分别为20.7%vs.9.5%;16.3%vs.7.4%)(P<0.05);6组间流产率、异位妊娠率及多胎率比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,矫正混杂因素后,LE+Gn治疗方案和优势卵泡数均是临床妊娠和活产的保护因素(OR>1,P<0.05),而不孕年限是临床妊娠和活产的危险因素(OR<1,P<0.05)。结论LE联合Gn方案可显著提高AIH的临床妊娠率和活产率,可作为年龄<35岁卵巢储备功能正常女性AIH助孕的首选治疗方案。

Health-Related Quality of Life in HIV-positive Women on Long-Term Antiretroviral Therapy—A Study from Bangalore, South India

Introduction: Lifelong Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) promotes good quality of life and health among HIV-positive men and women. However, simplified newer and effective ART has not increased retention in care, or long-term ART adherence, especially among women. There are many factors that impede long-term adherence in women. This includes among other things female gender, depression, greater than once-daily dosing, longer time since HIV diagnosis, and patient beliefs. This study measures the quality of life in women whose ART durations range from one to fifteen years, using the standardized WHO Quality of Life questionnaire. Material and Methods: One hundred and fourteen women were divided into three groups based on ART duration. Group 1 had 37 women on ART for less than five years, Group 2 had 48 women on ART from 5 to 10 years and Group 3 had 29 women on ART for more than ten years. They were administered the WHO Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaire, which assesses QOL in six domains. QOL was considered poor in scores between 4 - 9.9, medium in scores of 10 - 14.9 and good in scores of 15 - 20. Results: Scores in all 3 groups were more than 85% in five domains and around 74.5% in the psychological domain. Domain mean scores were Physical 18 (CI 17.63 - 18.37), Psychological 14.9 (CI 14.55 - 15.25), Independence 18.6 (CI 18.33 - 18.87), Social relationships 17.5 (CI 17.07 - 17.93), Environmental 17.6 (CI 17.25 - 17.95), Spiritual, Religious, Personal beliefs, 17.4 (CI 16.93 - 17.87). Scores for women on long-term ART (Group 3) are not different from the other 2 groups and the p-values were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Women on long-term ART fare extremely well compared to other groups with more than 93% showing good QOL and none showing poor Quality of Health in spite of being on ART for a longer period of time than the other two groups. Despite a multitude of impeding factors, women who continue ART faithfully and consistently enjoy a good quality of health and life. Adequate preparation and a supportive health system are essential for ensuring long-term adherence, but the attitude and commitment of women are also critical.

快速反应团队工作模式对重症孕产妇抢救效率及救治结局的影响

目的:观察对重症孕产妇实施快速反应团队(RRT)工作模式的干预效果。方法:回顾性收集2021年10月-2022年10月开展常规护理模式的148例重症孕产妇临床资料纳入对照组,2022年11月-2023年11月开展RRT工作模式的152例重症孕产妇临床资料纳入观察组。比较两组抢救效率、救治结局、新生儿情况、重症孕产妇并发症。结果:观察组处理时间(22.6±4.0min)、抢救情况(10.5%)、剖宫产率(35.5%)、新生儿死亡率(0)、ICU入住率(2.0%)、住院时间(7.56±1.34d)、并发症总发生率(2.6%)均少于对照组(33.0±4.5min、18.9%、52.0%、4.1%、27.7%、10.86±3.33d、12.2%),预警情况(40.1%)、有效处理率(98.0%)、5minApagar评分(8.74±0.58分)、脐带血pH值(7.64±1.96)高于对照组(27.7%、81.8%、8.46±0.64分、4.96±1.34)(均P<0.05),两组孕产妇死亡率、新生儿1minApagar评分无差异(P>0.05)。结论:RRT工作模式可提高重症孕产妇的抢救效率,改善救治结局、新生儿情况。

青春期女生原发性痛经的相关因素及预防

原发性痛经的病因从西医的角度讲有生理、精神、神经、遗传及生殖道梗阻性畸形等因素。从中医的角度讲有肾虚血瘀、气滞血瘀、寒湿凝滞、肝肾亏虚等因素。西医一般采用药物、手术等方法治疗,但均具有非常大的副作用和局限性,远期疗效不稳固。目前中医主要采用药物、灸法、针灸、针药并举等治疗方案,多从健康饮食、注意保暖、适当运动、心理疏导等方面进行预防。

院前院内无缝隙一体化急救模式对急诊危重症孕产妇救治效果及母婴结局的影响

目的:探讨院前院内无缝隙一体化急救模式对急诊危重症孕产妇救治效果及母婴结局的影响。方法:回顾性收集2022年5月-2023年2月本院实施传统急救模式时救治的急诊危重孕产妇83例作为传统组,2023年3月-2024年1月本院实施院前院内无缝隙一体化急救模式时救治的急诊危重孕产妇85例作为观察组。比较两组急救时间、急救效果、母婴不良结局。结果:观察组院前急救反应时间(6.4±1.6 min)、院内转运时间(10.3±3.1 min)、急救物品准备时间(15.4±5.1 min)、急诊科救治时间(21.5±6.8 min)均短于传统组(8.1±1.8 min、13.8±4.2 min、24.5±6.4 min),急救总有效率(95.3%)高于传统组(85.5%),孕产妇不良结局发生率(3.5%)、新生儿窒息率(5.9%)及死亡率(1.2%)均低于传统组(16.9%、9.6%)(均P<0.05)。结论:在危重症孕产妇急救中采取院前院内无缝隙一体化急救模式可明显提高急救效率,改善母婴结局。

HBV高载量孕妇孕期抗病毒治疗结合标准阻断措施阻断母婴传播效果

目的:探究乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)高载量孕妇孕期HBV-DNA水平和乙型肝炎病毒e抗原(HBeAg)阳性情况,分析孕期抗病毒治疗结合标准阻断措施对HBV高载量孕妇母婴传播阻断效果。方法:回顾性收集2021年1月-2023年1月本院住院分娩的120例HBV高载量孕妇临床资料,分析孕妇妊娠期、分娩前HBV-DNA水平和HBeAg阳性率,多因素logistic回归分析HBeAg状态影响因素,分析孕期抗病毒治疗对新生儿乙肝母婴传播阻断效果及母婴安全性。结果:120例HBV高载量孕妇中,孕期接受抗病毒治疗93例(治疗组),抗病毒药物分别为替诺福韦占56.6%、拉米夫定占20.8%;未接受治疗27例(未治疗组)。妊娠期,抗病毒治疗组和未治疗组HBV-DNA载量、HBeAg阳性率无差异(P>0.05);分娩前,抗病毒治疗组HBV-DNA载量≥10^(6)IU/ml占比(7.5%)低于未治疗组(92.6%)(P<0.05),而两组HBeAg阳性率(90.3%、92.6%)无差异(P>0.05)。多因素logistic分析,年龄低、HBVDNA载量高影响HBeAg状态的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。新生儿乙肝母婴传播阻断率抗病毒治疗组(100.0%)高于未治疗组(2例,92.6%)(P<0.05)。两组新生儿体质量、早产、剖宫产、妊娠合并症、产时并发症比较无差异(P>0.05)。结论:HBV高载量孕妇HBV-DNA水平较高,HBeAg阳性率与孕妇年龄低、HBV-DNA载量高有关;孕期抗病毒治疗可降低孕妇分娩前HBV-DNA水平,结合标准阻断措施后可提高HBV母婴传播阻断率,且安全性较好。

老年子宫颈癌诊治中国专家共识

子宫颈癌是女性最常见的恶性肿瘤之一。我国60岁及以上子宫颈癌患者占比24.8%。相比年轻患者,老年女性新发宫颈癌确诊时期别更晚,在治疗过程中接受根治性手术的可能性低,完成规范化根治性同步放化疗的比例更低,其总生存率更差。目前缺乏针对老年子宫颈癌患者诊疗的指导意见,为规范中国老年女性子宫颈癌的诊疗,中国老年学和老年医学学会妇科分会组织专家依据循证医学证据,结合临床诊疗经验,形成以下中国专家共识,旨在为老年子宫颈癌的诊治决策提供帮助。