Emollients to Prevent Eczema in High-Risk Infants: An Integrative Review

The purpose of this integrative review was to assess the research on topical emollients to prevent atopic dermatitis (AD) also known as eczema, in infants at high risk for this condition. Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Skin barrier dysfunction plays a prominent role in its development. Topical emollients have been hypothesized to enhance the skin barrier and prevent AD. Methods: Searches were conducted in September 2021 in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using key word search terms dermatitis, atopic, emollients, petrolatum, and infant, newborn. Inclusion criteria were articles written in English published between 2010 and 2021 that tested emollients in high-risk infants and measured the development of AD. Results: Eight primary research articles were included. Six studies were limited by small sample sizes, short-term application of emollients, and short-term follow-up. These studies generated inconclusive results. Two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a combined sample of 3,791 infants found no evidence that early, regular use of emollients prevents AD among high-risk infants. Clinical Implications: Findings from two high-quality RCTs indicate that clinicians should not recommend use of emollients to prevent AD. Clinicians may provide evidence-based recommendations for infant skin care, including bathe with water or a combination of water and liquid cleanser formulated for infants, and avoid soaps. Products applied to skin should be free of scent and contact allergens. Petroleum jelly or mineral oil is appropriate to moisturize infants\u27 skin as needed

Determinants of agriculture credit fungibility among smallholder farmers: The case of rural Ghana

This study examined the determinants of rural household agriculture credit fungibility (CF). The study found agricultural CF among farmers, with approximately 79% of farmers involved in agricultural CF. Household financial burden was found to be the main cause of CF among the studied farmers. Most fungible credit was used for clothing and food consumption. A probit model was employed to analyze survey data collected from four regions in Ghana. We employed an instrumental variable approach (IV-Probit) to test for robustness due to endogeneity issues. The econometric model results show that the variables of off-farm income and farm size inversely influenced agricultural CF, while those of education, household size, male farmer gender, and chronic disease variables had a positive effect on agricultural CF. Our findings have policy implications for alleviating agricultural CF. &nbsp

Agronomic Evaluation of Eight Genotypes of Hot Pepper (Capsicum Spp L.) in a Coastal Savanna Zone of Ghana

Local landrace varieties of pepper (Capsicum sp) often fail to meet the expectations of farmers with respect to fruit yield, while exotic breeds are unadapted to local conditions, with detrimental effects on local pepper production. The aim of the study was to assess the agronomic performance of eight (8) pepper genotypes, comprising 6 exotic and 2 local genotypes, under rain-fed conditions to identify those suitable for cultivation locally. The experiment was conducted between April and October 2011 at the research farm of the Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replicates was used. Weed control was carried out manually with the aid of a hoe and a cutlass at 4 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP).  One application of 15-15-15 NPK fertilizer was made at 2 WAP, using a rate of 200 kg ha-1. No pesticides or fungicides were applied. Parameters measured include number of days to 50% flowering, height at first branching, total plant height at maturity, canopy spread at maturity and total yield. Results indicate that exotic hybrid varieties matured earlier than the local genotypes. They also performed better in terms of fruit weight, fruit length and fruit yield. However, the two local landrace varieties, Anloga and Legon 18, produced the highest number of undamaged fruits. Keywords: Capsicum sp, genotypes, exotic pepper, landrace, yield, plant height, fruit weigh

Exploring the Landscape of Palliative Care Provision for Black Patients with Hematologic Cancers: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review to identify and describe what is known about palliative care among Blacks with hematological malignancie

Exploring the Landscape of Palliative Care Provision for Black Patients with Hematologic Cancers: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review to identify and describe what is known about palliative care among Blacks with hematological malignancie

Exploring the Landscape of Palliative Care Provision for Black Patients with Hematologic Cancers: A Scoping Review.

A scoping review to identify and describe what is known about palliative care among Blacks with hematological malignancie

Determinants of agriculture credit fungibility among smallholder farmers: The case of rural Ghana

This study examined the determinants of rural household agriculture credit fungibility (CF). The study found agricultural CF among farmers, with approximately 79% of farmers involved in agricultural CF. Household financial burden was found to be the main cause of CF among the studied farmers. Most fungible credit was used for clothing and food consumption. A probit model was employed to analyze survey data collected from four regions in Ghana. We employed an instrumental variable approach (IV-Probit) to test for robustness due to endogeneity issues. The econometric model results show that the variables of off-farm income and farm size inversely influenced agricultural CF, while those of education, household size, male farmer gender, and chronic disease variables had a positive effect on agricultural CF. Our findings have policy implications for alleviating agricultural CF

Determinants of agriculture credit fungibility among smallholder farmers: The case of rural Ghana

This study examined the determinants of rural household agriculture credit fungibility (CF). The study found agricultural CF among farmers, with approximately 79% of farmers involved in agricultural CF. Household financial burden was found to be the main cause of CF among the studied farmers. Most fungible credit was used for clothing and food consumption. A probit model was employed to analyze survey data collected from four regions in Ghana. We employed an instrumental variable approach (IV-Probit) to test for robustness due to endogeneity issues. The econometric model results show that the variables of off-farm income and farm size inversely influenced agricultural CF, while those of education, household size, male farmer gender, and chronic disease variables had a positive effect on agricultural CF. Our findings have policy implications for alleviating agricultural CF.</jats:p