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Epidemiological evidence from Zaire for a dietary aetiology of konzo, an upper motor neuron disease

TYELLESKAR, T
et al
1991

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A clear association between seasonal outbreaks of a paralytic disease called konzo and toxic effects from consumption of insufficiently processed bitter cassava roots has been demonstrated in Bandundu region, Zaire. A community-based survey of 6764 inhabitants identified 110 live and 254 dead konzo-affected persons with a history of isolated non-progressive spastic paraparesis of abrupt onset. The start of these annual outbreaks of konzo in 1974 coincided with the completion of a new tarmac road to the capital, which facilitated the transport of cassava and made it the main cash crop. The extensive cassava sales encouraged the consumption by the peasant families of roots that had not been adequately processed; frequent acute cyanide intoxications resulted when the naturally occurring cyanogens in the roots were eaten. The disease mainly appeared in the dry season when there was high consumption of insufficiently processed cassava and the diet lacked supplementary foods with sulfur-containing amino acids which promote cyanide detoxification. These results, which confirm the earlier findings in East Africa, show that, owing to the high cyanide and low sulfur dietary intake, there is an increased risk of konzo outbreaks in cassava-growing areas during periods of adverse agro-economic changes

Training in the community for people with disabilities

HELANDER, E
et al
1989

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This set of 33 manuals is a key training resource for CBR trainers and workers trying to improve the quality of life of disabled people living in developing countries. The manuals present the WHO model of CBR, comprised of a system of 'local supervisors' and a 'community rehabilitation committee'. The manuals address disabled people, school-teachers and families. They cover rehabilitation activities for all types of impairment, as well as training on cross-impairment issues such as breastfeeding, play, schooling, social integration and job placement

ADAPT - Knowledge Management Centre

ADAPT (formally SPASTICS SOCIETY OF INDIA)

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The Knowledge Management Centre, an ADAPT Oracle Project, was conceptualized by Dr. Mithu Alur with Mr. K. Harish. Its purpose was to use the knowledge gleaned over forty years and the experiences gained through the up scaling of the first model she set up, to create digitalization of content which is easy to understand, accessible and interactive

Envisioning new meanings of disability and difference

YWCA PETERBOROUGH
et al

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This website presents information about The Envisioning project where women living with disabilities and physical differences took part in arts-based workshops. Project participants created images of disability and difference that challenge the viewer to question the "less than" or "better than" judgments made regarding physical appearance and to explore alternative ideas of disability and difference. The artists’ stories and images are presented, as well as general information about the project

A leg to stand on

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Legs to Stand On is an initiative to prevent disease and restore the lives of persons afflicted with disabling diseases of the lower limb in countries with limited resources.

Elearnsci.org

ELEARNSCI.ORG

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This is a web-based educational resource for health professionals responsible for the management of spinal cord injury (SCI). It is comprised of seven learning modules, each subdivided into various submodules. Six of the seven modules address the educational needs of all disciplines involved in comprehensive SCI management. The seventh module addresses prevention of SCI. Each submodule includes an overview, activities, self-assessment questions and references. The content of the learning modules is relevant to students and SCI healthcare professionals

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