An Analytical Study of the Economic Condition of Jews in Fatimid Egypt

This study examines the economic conditions of Jews in Fatimid Egypt from the 10th to 12th centuries CE. Through an analysis of primary sources, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the economic and social factors that affected the Jewish community during this period. The study argues that while Jews in Fatimid Egypt enjoyed certain economic privileges such as their involvement in international trade networks and their exemption from some taxes, they also faced some social and political restrictions, including forced conversion and discriminatory laws in the era of some Fatimid rulers. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community in Fatimid Egypt demonstrated resilience and adaptability, developing a range of economic strategies to maintain their livelihoods and build social networks. These strategies included investment in trade and finance, engagement with the wider Muslim society, and the development of communal institutions. The study highlights the complexity of Jewish economic life in medieval Egypt, challenging simplistic assumptions about the economic conditions of minority groups in pre-modern societies.

Effect of Laryngeal Mask Airway Manometry on Post-Operative Sore Throat in Spontaneously Breathing Adult Patients Presenting for Surgery at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Background: Laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) are widely used in anaesthesia and are considered to be generally safe. Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent complication following LMA use and can be very distressing to patients. The use of an LMA cuff pressure of between 30 and 32cm of H20 in alleviating postoperative sore throat has not been investigated. Primary objective: To compare the occurrence of POST between the intervention group in which LMA cuff pressures will be adjusted to 30-32cm of H20 and the control group in which only monitoring of LMA cuff pressures will be done. Secondary Objectives: To compare the severity of POST between the two study groups. To compare the LMA cuff pressures between the two study groups. Study Design: A single blind randomized control trial Methods: Eighty consenting adult patients scheduled to receive general anaesthesia with use of an LMA were randomized into two groups of 40 patients each. In the intervention group LMA airway cuff pressures were adjusted by the principal investigator to a pressure of 30 to 32cm of H20.The control group only had LMA cuff pressures monitored throughout the surgery. All patients were interviewed postoperatively at two, six and twelve hours. Data of their baseline characteristics, occurrence and severity of POST was collected. If POST was present; a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was used to assess the severity. Cuff pressures between the two study groups were also determined. Results: The baseline demographic characteristics of the participants were similar. The use of manometry to limit LMA AMBU® AuraOnce™ intracuff pressure to 30-32cm H2O reduced POST in surgical patient’s by 62% at 2 hours and 6 hours (Risk Ratio 0.38 95%CI 0.21-0.69)in the intervention group. The median POST pain score in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group with scores of 0 at 2, 6 and 12 hours post operatively. Routine practice of LMA cuff inflation by anesthesiologists is variable, and the intracuff pressures in the control group were higher than in the intervention group. (P<0.001) Conclusion: Among this population, reduction of LMA AMBU® AuraOnce™ intracuff pressure to 30-32cm H2O reduces the occurrence and severity of POST. The LMA cuff pressures should be measured routinely using manometry and reducing the intracuff pressures to 30-32 cm of H20 recommended as best practice.