An evidence-based approach to male circumcision: what do we know?

Effect of circumcision on genital colonization ofMalasseziaspp. in a pediatric population

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of yeast fungi in samples from the glans penis and prepuce of circumcised and uncircumcised children. Impression preparations were made on modified Dixon and Leeming-Notman agar without cycloheximide. The isolates were identified by morphological and physiological characteristics. The yeasts were detected in 32 (28.6%) of 112 children, 12 (18.2%) being among 66 circumcised and 20 (43.5%) among 46 uncircumcised children. The most common species was Malassezia globosa (40.6%) followed by, Malassezia furfur (31.3%), Malassezia slooffiae (15.6%), Candida albicans (6.3%), Candida tropicalis (3.1%) and Candida parapsilosis (3.1%). The colonization with yeasts, and especially lipophilic species was more frequently observed among uncircumcised versus circumcised children. While age was not found to be a factor (P > 0.05), circumcision was responsible for increasing the colonization rate by 4.8 times (95% CI: 1.6-14.5) (P < 0.01). The circumcision status was not found to effect the distribution of Malassezia spp.

A systematic approach for midwifery students: how to consider evidence-based research findings

The midwifery profession is increasingly applying the results of evidence-based research findings. Several researchers were asked if they would answer questions regarding the essential research skills necessary for midwives, the relevance of applying valid evidence to practice, and concerns regarding evidence-based practice overall. The objectives were to share expert researchers' responses that could be used by educators to help introductory midwifery students understand the importance of developing skills in assessing "the best evidence" and to stimulate interactive discussion in the classroom. Consideration of the expert opinions stimulated student thinking on the relation of evidence-based findings to practice in an exciting approach characterized by inquiry and debate, which got favorable responses and evaluations from the students.