Background: Treatment non-adherence poses significant risks to health outcomes and impedes the health system’s efficiency, hence curtailing progress towards the end Tuberculosis (TB) strategy under SDG 3.3. Despite i...Background: Treatment non-adherence poses significant risks to health outcomes and impedes the health system’s efficiency, hence curtailing progress towards the end Tuberculosis (TB) strategy under SDG 3.3. Despite interventions to address TB treatment non-adherence, Kenya still reports high TB treatment non-adherence rates of 35% and consequently poor treatment outcome rates. Health Care Workers (HCWs) play a critical role in linking the population to health services, yet little is known of their influence on patients’ TB treatment non-adherence in Kenya. Objective: To analyze HCW-related factors associated with TB treatment non-adherence among patients in Kisumu East Sub-County. Methods: Health facility-based analytical cross-sectional mixed-method study. A Semi-structured questionnaire on treatment adherence and patients’ perceptions of HCWs during the clinic visit was administered to 102 consenting adult (out of a total census of 107 adults) drug-susceptible TB patients. 12 purposively selected HCWs by rank from 6 health facilities participated in Key Informant Interview sessions. Medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and then expressed as a dichotomous variable. Quantitative analysis utilized STATA version 15.1 while qualitative deductive thematic analysis was done using NVIVO version 14. Results: TB treatment non-adherence rate of 26% (CI: 18% - 36%) was recorded. Overall, patients who felt supported in dealing with the illness were 8 times more likely to adhere to treatment compared to those who were not (aOR = 7.947, 95% CI: 2.214 - 28.527, p = 0.001). Key HCW related factors influencing adherence to treatment included: friendliness (cOR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.514 - 12.284, p = 0.006), respect (cOR = 6.679, 95% CI: 2.239 - 19.923, p = 0.001) and non-discriminatory service (cOR = 0.1478, 95% CI: 0.047 - 0.464, p = 0.001), communication [adequacy of consultation time (cOR = 6.563, 95% CI: 2.467 - 17.458, p = 0.001) and patients’ involvement in their health decisions (cOR = 3.02 95% CI: 1.061 - 8.592, p = 0.038)] and education and counselling (cOR = 4.371, 95% CI: 1.725 - 11.075, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The study results underline importance of patient-centered consultation for TB patients and targeted education and counselling for improved treatment adherence.展开更多
Mpox disease is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days while symptoms and signs may persist f...Mpox disease is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days while symptoms and signs may persist for 2 to 5 weeks. Although, the clinical features are usually less severe when compared to the deadly smallpox, the disease can be fatal with case fatality rate between 1% and 10%. In Imo State, Nigeria, there has been a changing epidemiology of the disease in the last 6 years and the frequency and geographic distribution of cases have progressively increased. This study aims to conduct a review of the disease epidemiology between 2017 and 2023 and implications for surveillance in Imo State. Surveillance data from the Surveillance Outbreak Response and Management System (SORMAS) was extracted between January 2017 and December 2023 across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State. A line list of 231 suspected cases was downloaded into an excel template and analyzed using SPSS<sup>®</sup> version 20 software. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and associations were tested using Fischer’s exact at 0.05 level of significance. Of the 231 suspected cases, 57.1% (132) were males, 42.9% (99) were females and the modal age group was between the ages of 0 - 4 (32.5%). Eight (8) LGAs (districts) accounted for 71% (n = 164) of all the suspected cases. 21.2% (49) were confirmed positive, 27 males (55.1%) and 22 females (44.9%) (p > 0.05). Modal age group was 20 - 24 (22.4%, n = 11), 18% (9) were children under 14 years, p > 0.05. Case fatality rate was 8% (n = 4). There was no significant association between mortality and age group. Five (5) LGAs accounted for about 60% (29) of all confirmed cases. These LGAs contribute only 20% to the total population in the State. Only 5.6% and 4% of suspected and confirmed cases, respectively, had knowledge of contact with an infectious source. The study described the epidemiology of Mpox outbreaks between 2017 and 2023 and the findings have significant implications on detection and outbreak response activities.展开更多
Objective To investigate the effect of ambient air pollution on human health and the subsequent disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in Shanghai. Methods We used epidemiology-based exposure-response functions t...Objective To investigate the effect of ambient air pollution on human health and the subsequent disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in Shanghai. Methods We used epidemiology-based exposure-response functions to calculate the attributable number of cases due to air pollution in Shanghai in 2000, and then we estimated the corresponding DALYs lost in Shanghai based on unit DALYs values of the health consequences. Results Ambient air pollution caused 103 064 DALYs lost in Shanghai in 2000. Among all the health endpoints, premature deaths and chronic bronchitis predominated in the value of total DALYs lost. Conclusion The air pollution levels have an adverse effect on the general population health and strengthen the rationale for limiting the levels of air pollution in outdoor air in Shanghai.展开更多
Objective To study the effect of endocrine disruptor chemicals in cow milk on female reproductive system. Methods A two-generation reproduction was conducted according to U. S. FDA standard. Milk was fed in special bo...Objective To study the effect of endocrine disruptor chemicals in cow milk on female reproductive system. Methods A two-generation reproduction was conducted according to U. S. FDA standard. Milk was fed in special bottle to Wistar rats of both sexes through two successive generations (F0 and F1) in the milk group while artificial milk was fed to rats in the control group. Twenty-four rats of each sex were mated in each group. Measurements were made according to this guideline. Results Reproductive parameters in the milk group such as fertility index, gestation index, weights of uterus and ovary, days of vaginal opening, estrous cycles, histological morphological changes were comparable to those in the control group. However, the means of body weight had some differences. The body weight gains increased significantly in the milk-treated group in F1 and F2 generation compared with those in the control group. The concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in blood in the milk group was comparable to that in the control group, but the standard deviation changed greatly in the milk-treated rats. Conclusion Endocrine disruptor chemicals in milk have no severe effects on the female reproductive system.展开更多
Objective There are evidences that heat wave events cause deaths and emergency cases. This article used the contingent valuation method to find the willingness to pay for the protective measures and investigated the f...Objective There are evidences that heat wave events cause deaths and emergency cases. This article used the contingent valuation method to find the willingness to pay for the protective measures and investigated the factors that influence the willingness to pay. Methods A cross-sectional face-to-face household survey was completed by 637 urban long-term residents and 591 rural long-term residents aged 15-79 in Beijing, China. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors that influenced the payment rate or payment amount for the protective measures, including independent variables for district, gender, age, education, income, air conditioner ownership, heat wave experience, and chronic non-communicable disease. Results The payment rate was 41.1% for protective measures provided by the government and 39.5% by measures provided by the market. Most of the respondents were willing to pay 40 CNY per capita annually for measures provided by the government or the market. The factors influencing willingness to pay were district, gender, income, air conditioner ownership, heat wave experience, and chronic non-communicable disease. Conclusion Protective measures for heat waves need to be provided immediately. More attention should be paid to the situation of vulnerable groups, such as people who live in urban areas, those without air conditioning, and those who have experienced a heat wave in the past.展开更多
In this study, the concentration and spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals(PTMs), including arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd), chromium(Cr), lead(Pb), copper(Cu), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), and magnesium(Mg) in 23 wel...In this study, the concentration and spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals(PTMs), including arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd), chromium(Cr), lead(Pb), copper(Cu), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), and magnesium(Mg) in 23 wells and drinking groundwater distribution networks of Rafsanjan, located in southeast Iran were evaluated. Moreover, the assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation(MCS). The results showed that the concentrations of As and Pb in more than 99% and 23.46% of the study area, respectively, were higher than the maximum concentration level(10 μg/L). The mean concentration of other metals, including Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Mn in all drinking water resources was within the WHO standard level. The mean hazard quotient(HQ) for As in the age group of children was 9.246 and adults 2.972, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As in the study area. The lifetime cancer risk(LTCR) of As was 1.36 E-3 for adults and 1.52 E-2 for children, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As. The level of HQ and LTCR for Pb in both age groups was in the acceptable range. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the most effective variables were pollutant concentration and body weight(BW), respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that exposure to PTMs, especially As through drinking water in the study area can have significant effects on people’s health living in the area;therefore, it is necessary to treat and remove As from groundwater resources before drinking or using for domestic purpose.展开更多
Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is...Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.展开更多
BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4(REG4)has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers,but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC)have not yet been elucidated.Our previous stud...BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4(REG4)has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers,but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC)have not yet been elucidated.Our previous study found that the drug resistance of CRC cells may be closely linked to their fat metabolism.AIM To explore the role of REG4 in CRC and its association with lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance.METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis and bioinformatics and pathological analyses of REG4 expression in CRC.The effects of REG4 on the phenotypes and related protein expression were also investigated in CRC cells.We detected the impacts of REG4 on the chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in CRC cells.Finally,we analyzed how REG4 regulated the transcription and proteasomal degradation of lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells.RESULTS Compared to normal mucosa,REG4 mRNA expression was high in CRC(P<0.05)but protein expression was low.An inverse correlation existed between lymph node and distant metastases,tumor-node-metastasis staging or short overall survival and REG4 mRNA overexpression(P<0.05),but vice versa for REG4 protein expression.REG4-related genes included:Chemokine activity;taste receptors;protein-DNA and DNA packing complexes;nucleosomes and chromatin;generation of second messenger molecules;programmed cell death signals;epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation;transcription repression and activation by DNA binding;insulin signaling pathway;sugar metabolism and transfer;and neurotransmitter receptors(P<0.05).REG4 exposure or overexpression promoted proliferation,antiapoptosis,migration,and invasion of DLD-1 cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-nuclear factor-κB pathway.REG4 was involved in chemoresistance not through de novo lipogenesis,but lipid droplet assembly.REG4 inhibited the transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1)and ATP-citrate lyase(ACLY)by disassociating the complex formation of anti-acetyl(AC)-acetyl-histone 3-AC-histone 4-inhibitor of growth protein-5-si histone deacetylase;-sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 in their promoters and induced proteasomal degradation of ACC1 or ACLY.CONCLUSION REG4 may be involved in chemoresistance through lipid droplet assembly.REG4 reduces expression of de novo lipid synthesis key enzymes by inhibiting transcription and promoting ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation.展开更多
This study assessed the knowledge, and perceptions on safety measure practices and challenges of private sector participation (PSP) operators on solid waste management in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a cross-section...This study assessed the knowledge, and perceptions on safety measure practices and challenges of private sector participation (PSP) operators on solid waste management in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study and utilized interviewer administered questionnaire. The study employed purposive sampling among 256 PSP operators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment and multiple regression analysis correlation at 5% level of significance. Respondents’ age was 35.7 ± 4.2 years, and included 78.5% male. About 55.9% of the respondents spent up to 5 years in the waste management operations. Some 44.9% had at least completed secondary school education. A good knowledge of waste management was exhibited by 68.4% of the respondents. The respondents who had spent 16 years and above in waste management operations were more knowledgeable (8.0 ± 2.1) compared to those who had spent lesser time展开更多
Objective: To study the interaction between the polymorphisms of FOXO3A and the environmental factors in the longevity district of Bama county.Methods: Using Taqmaq probe,genotyping of FOXO3A gene was performed for 20...Objective: To study the interaction between the polymorphisms of FOXO3A and the environmental factors in the longevity district of Bama county.Methods: Using Taqmaq probe,genotyping of FOXO3A gene was performed for 200 longevous elderly(aged 90-110)and 288 healthy controls(aged 48-89).The interaction between the polymorphisms of gene and environmental factors were analyzed by using conditional logistic regression.Results: Minor allele frequencies(MAF)of five known SNPs in FOXO3A gene were higher in cases than in controls(P<0.05).There was a positive interction between minority alleles of rs2764264 in FOXO3A gene and the environment factors in the longevity district(OR=11.08,γ=1.075).Conclusion: Five SNPs of FOXO3A gene would be closely correlated with human longevity in Bama.The interaction between the polymorphisms of FOXO3A genes rs2764264 and the environment factors in the longevity district had synergy to longevity.The longevity phenomenon in Bama probably was the result of the interaction between gene and environmental factors.展开更多
Exposure to high PM10 by women and children for hours on a daily basis in poor ventilated kitchen may lead to respiratory morbidity among this vulnerable group. In Nigeria, data on the levels of air pollutants associa...Exposure to high PM10 by women and children for hours on a daily basis in poor ventilated kitchen may lead to respiratory morbidity among this vulnerable group. In Nigeria, data on the levels of air pollutants associated with kerosene stove combustion are very scarce. Like-wise little had been documented on the pulmonary health of women exposed to kerosene stove emission. This study was carried out to measure the levels of kerosene combustion emissions within kitchen environments and also assess the pulmonary function status of the exposed women at baseline. Particulate matter (PM10) and gaseous emissions (GE) were measured in six purposively selected clusters of regular kerosene stove users (KSU) using gravimetric sampler and gas monitors, respectively and their values compared with WHO guideline limits. 167 randomly selected KSU were surveyed to elicit their socio demographic features. A spirometer was used to assess the lung function status (FEV1) of 72 KSU in six neighbourhood kitchen clusters. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s correlation tests. Respondents’ mean age was 38 + 12.9 years. Mean duration of exposure to GE was 18.9 + 9.8 years. Mean PM10 was 248.1 + 14.1 μg/m3 and ten folds higher than WHO guideline limit of 25 μg/m3. Mean GE in ppm were: CO (0.00), CO2 (200.1 + 12.4), SO2 (0.01 + 0.00) and NO2 (0.00). Mean FEV1 among KSU was 2.0 + 0.5 litres which was significantly lower than the mean predicted value of 2.7 ± 0.5 litres. There was a negative correlation between PM10 and FEV1 (r = -0.7539, p > 0.05). Safer cooking methods and practices to obviate health hazards are advocated.展开更多
Introduction: Environmental health is a rapidly evolving field, and professionals working in this field have to deal with increasingly complex environmental and public health concerns. Consequently, their skill develo...Introduction: Environmental health is a rapidly evolving field, and professionals working in this field have to deal with increasingly complex environmental and public health concerns. Consequently, their skill development is a key component in ascertaining their abilities to match work requirements to the satisfaction of their employers. Training and education of these professionals requires involvement of the relevant stakeholders to apt their technical skills in preparation of the role to be undertaken. Thus, the universities and other institutions of higher learning, in their efforts to improve graduate output should understand the labor market. Additionally, due to constant transformation and reorganization of strategies and plans by practitioner organizations, employers’ perspective in assessing graduates’ abilities and performance is necessary. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the employers’ perspectives on the graduates’ abilities to handle work demands. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study design involving employers and graduates of environmental health program of Moi University using mixed methods was carried out. Pretested semi structured paper questionnaires were administered to 45 employers, while online survey was carried out on 227 sampled graduates. In-depth interviews were further subjected to the graduates to corroborate issues raised. Quantitative data analysis was done using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 20 where the data was summarized using frequencies and proportions. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Results: The overall employer assessment of the graduates’ abilities to handle work demands was satisfactory with 18 (46.1% 7 of the employers rating them as good). On self-assessment, 116 (61.7%) of the graduates reported not to have faced any skills competency challenge at their work place and only 57 (30.3%) reported adequacy in skills acquired during undergraduate training. From the in-depth interviews, the graduates applauded the current curriculum implementation strategy of Problem Based Learning (PBL) but faulted the infrastructural inadequacies for low competencies and inadequate skills. The in-depth interviews further revealed a picture of graduates struggling with skills’ mismatch in their job placement. Conclusion: The study revealed a good rating by employers on the graduates’ competency skills but a high proportion (69.7%) of graduates reported lack of adequate skills to match their work demands. Recommendations: Institutions of higher learning need to invest in infrastructural elements of curriculum implementation to boost more practical sessions for better skills’ acquisition that matches the industrial needs.展开更多
<strong>Objectives:</strong> This study aimed to conduct a comparative assessment of bacterial cross-contamination in commercial and non-commercial processing plants including associated risk factors for b...<strong>Objectives:</strong> This study aimed to conduct a comparative assessment of bacterial cross-contamination in commercial and non-commercial processing plants including associated risk factors for bacterial contamination. <strong>Study Design</strong><strong>:</strong> This was analytic cross sectional survey on bacterial contamination of broiler carcasses between different processing systems. <strong>Introduction:</strong> Zambia, like most African and Asian Countries, still practices “live-open non-commercial broiler carcass processing systems” besides the “closed abattoir based systems”. However, shelf life, spoilage and hygiene levels have been postulated to vary based on the type of processing system. Live-open non-commercial processing systems are popular among majority consumers owing to their perceived “freshness”, compared to commercially dressed chickens. In between, consumers have to balance freshness and quality assurance. Ultimately, this becomes inert, remotely but an important public health issue. However, lack of empirical evidence on safety levels to guide consumer product selection leaves them to speculation. It is this need to close this gap that created an impetus for us to undertake this study. <strong>Methods:</strong> Biological samples were collected before carcass wash and after carcass wash alongside a structured questionnaire that gathered risk-associated data. Standard microbiological enumeration methods were used to isolate bacteria and enumerate contamination. <strong>Results:</strong> Broiler carcasses processed from “open” non-commercial systems were more contaminated (45.6%) than “closed-abattoir” commercially processed systems (35%). <em>Escherichia coli</em> were major contaminants (71.3%) and few <em>Salmonella</em> spices (typhi or para-typhi) in 1.3%. Risk analysis indicates washing (method) of carcasses at commercial systems was significantly more risky for contamination than non-commercial ones. Major sources of contamination were “distance from water sources”. Increased volume of slaughters per day (>15,000 birds) for commercial systems accounted for increased cross-contamination, particularly, distance from water source was a ma-jor risk factor for contamination.展开更多
Objective:To assess healthcare workers’knowledge of novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in the early phase of the outbreak in Indonesia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12 hospitals in Indonesia ...Objective:To assess healthcare workers’knowledge of novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in the early phase of the outbreak in Indonesia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12 hospitals in Indonesia from March 6 to March 25,2020.Healthcare workers’knowledge on COVID-19 was assessed,and demographic data,workplace characteristics,and medical professional characteristics as well as the current local situation of COVID-19 were collected.To characterize determinants associated with knowledge,a logistic regression analysis was employed.Results:Out of 288 healthcare workers who completed the interview-assisted questionnaire,149(51.7%)respondents had a good knowledge.Nurses and other types of healthcare workers had lower odds of having good knowledge compared to doctors:adjusted odds ratio(aO R):0.38;95%CI:0.20-0.72 and aO R:0.31;95%CI:0.13-0.73,respectively.Compared to healthcare workers who had medical practice experience less than 5 years,those who had worked for more than 10 years had lower knowledge(a OR:0.43;95%CI:0.20-0.90).Healthcare workers who worked in the infection department had higher knowledge compared to those in the emergency room(aO R:14.33;95%CI:3.67-55.88).Conclusions:The knowledge of COVID-19 among surveyed healthcare workers was relatively low.The COVID-19 response in Indonesia will require further education and enhancement of the capacity of healthcare workers in the emergency room where COVID-19 patients may be treated the earliest.展开更多
Malaysia's rapid economic and demographic development have placed negative pressure on its water supplies and the quality of the Juru River, which is close to the nation's capital and its major source of water...Malaysia's rapid economic and demographic development have placed negative pressure on its water supplies and the quality of the Juru River, which is close to the nation's capital and its major source of water. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are supported by physicochemical properties and biological diversity. This study evaluated the anthropogenic impacts on aquatic biodiversity, especially plankton, fish, and macrobenthos, as well as the water quality of the Juru River in the Penang area. Aquatic biodiversity and river water parameters were collected from ten sampling stations along the Juru River. Seven variables were used to assess the physicochemical environment: pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand. At each sampling station, the total number of plankton, fish, and macrobenthic taxa were counted and analyzed. The relationships between the physicochemical parameters and aquatic biodiversity were investigated with biotypological analysis, principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and linear regression analysis. These analyses showed that the richness and diversity indices were generally influenced by salinity, temperature, TSS, BOD, and pH. The data obtained in this study supported the bioindicator concept. The findings, as they related to scientifically informed conservation, could serve as a model for Juru River management, as well as for river management throughout Malaysia and other tropical Asian countries.展开更多
Personal protective equipment(PPE)plays a key role in protecting healthcare workers(HCWs)from highly infectious diseases.Appropriate use of PPE based on the level of exposure can prevent severe acute respiratory syndr...Personal protective equipment(PPE)plays a key role in protecting healthcare workers(HCWs)from highly infectious diseases.Appropriate use of PPE based on the level of exposure can prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection of otolaryngologists[1].展开更多
In this research, the quality of the wastewater discharged into the environment has been investigated. The effluent from solar desalination pond contains large amounts of TDS (3.68 grams per liter) and TH (6.50 grams ...In this research, the quality of the wastewater discharged into the environment has been investigated. The effluent from solar desalination pond contains large amounts of TDS (3.68 grams per liter) and TH (6.50 grams per liter). Since the use of filter is not economical in this case, three types of commercial coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride and ferric sulfide have been used in this study. The main parameters such as effectiveness of three inorganic coagulants, ammonium sulfate, ferric sulfate, and ferric chloride, which separately help to remove hardness, have been studied. According to the results, using laboratory test, 25/g of ferric sulfate as coagulant is best coagulant mass and the ratio of 4 to 3 for auxiliary coagulant (sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide) to coagulant will be best ratio. Also, the mixing rate of 120 rpm in the first reactor will give the best mixing speed. These conditions will lead to 0.348 grams per liter of TDS, 0.345 grams per liter of TH and 0.195 grams per liter of calcium hardness and 300 micro Siemens electrical conductivity of the purified sample.展开更多
Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseas...Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseases and pathogens. This study aimed to assess the availability, functionality, and gender sensitivity of WASH infrastructures of Kinshasa’s peri-urban schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in three of the four educational provinces of Kinshasa, targeting 165 peri-urban schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation grid. Results: An overall proportion of 10.9% of schools possessed a water point, and therefore time-consuming water chores are a necessity in 89.1% of schools. Girl students provided 30% of the labor collecting water during punishments. A total of 98.2% of schools had functional latrines of which 3.6% were found hygienic, associated with water reserve next to the latrines (P = 0.040). Only 2.4% of schools displayed posters raising awareness of latrine hygiene, and 3.6% displayed posters on hand hygiene. The ratios of latrines units for girls were 58:1 for toilets and 115:1 for urinals, justifying open defecation and urination reported in 62.4% of schools. Also, 43% of schools had hand-washing facilities whose functionality was significantly associated with the presence of water points in the school’s inner courtyard (P = 0.032), with water (P P Conclusion: The majority of schools had limited drinking water services, which negatively impact the functionality and gender sensitivity of other WASH provisions. The current evidence as a public health concern would raise government and school authorities’ attention to address these environmental threats.展开更多
Artificial Intelligence (AI) experienced significant advancements in recent years, and its potential power is already recognized across various industries. Yet, the rise of AI has led to a growing concern about its im...Artificial Intelligence (AI) experienced significant advancements in recent years, and its potential power is already recognized across various industries. Yet, the rise of AI has led to a growing concern about its impact on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of this paper was to evaluate contributions and the potential influence of AI to sustainable development in the society domain. Furthermore, the study analyzed GPT-3 responses, as one of the largest language models developed by OpenAI, descriptively. We conducted a set of queries on the SDGs to gather information on GPT-3’s perceptions of AI impact on sustainable development. Analysis of GPT-3’s contribution potential towards the SDGs showcased its broad range of capabilities for contributing to the SDGs in areas such as education, health, and communication. The study findings provide valuable insights into the contributions of AI to sustainable development in the society domain and highlight the importance of proper regulations to promote the responsible use of AI for sustainable development. We highlighted the potential for improvement in neural language processing skills of GPT-3 by avoiding imitating weak human writing styles with more mistakes in longer texts.展开更多
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is one of the most common chronic liver diseases in children and adolescents.NAFLD ranges in severity from isolated hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(N...BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is one of the most common chronic liver diseases in children and adolescents.NAFLD ranges in severity from isolated hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),wherein hepatocellular inflammation and/or fibrosis coexist with steatosis.Circulating microRNA(miRNA)levels have been suggested to be altered in NAFLD,but the extent to which miRNA are related to NAFLD features remains unknown.This analysis tested the hypothesis that plasma miRNAs are significantly associated with histological features of NAFLD in adolescents.AIM To investigate the relationship between plasma miRNA expression and NAFLD features among adolescents with NAFLD.METHODS This study included 81 adolescents diagnosed with NAFLD and 54 adolescents without NAFLD from the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery study.Intra-operative core liver biopsies were collected from participants and used to characterize histological features of NAFLD.Plasma samples were collected during surgery for miRNA profiling.A total of 843 plasma miRNAs were profiled using the HTG EdgeSeq platform.We examined associations of plasma miRNAs and NAFLD features using logistic regression after adjusting for age,sex,race,and other key covariates.Ingenuity Pathways Analysis was used to identify biological functions of miRNAs that were associated with multiple histological features of NAFLD.RESULTS We identified 16 upregulated plasma miRNAs,including miR-193a-5p and miR-193b-5p,and 22 downregulated plasma miRNAs,including miR-1282 and miR-6734-5p,in adolescents with NAFLD.Moreover,52,16,15,and 9 plasma miRNAs were associated with NASH,fibrosis,ballooning degeneration,and lobular inflammation,respectively.Collectively,16 miRNAs were associated with two or more histological features of NAFLD.Among those miRNAs,miR-411-5p was downregulated in NASH,ballooning,and fibrosis,while miR-122-5p,miR-1343-5p,miR-193a-5p,miR-193b-5p,and miR-7845-5p were consistently and positively associated with all histological features of NAFLD.Pathway analysis revealed that most common pathways of miRNAs associated with multiple NAFLD features have been associated with tumor progression,while we also identified linkages between miR-122-5p and hepatitis C virus and between miR-199b-5p and chronic hepatitis B.CONCLUSION Plasma miRNAs were associated with NAFLD features in adolescent with severe obesity.Larger studies with more heterogeneous NAFLD phenotypes are needed to evaluate miRNAs as potential biomarkers of NAFLD.展开更多
文摘Background: Treatment non-adherence poses significant risks to health outcomes and impedes the health system’s efficiency, hence curtailing progress towards the end Tuberculosis (TB) strategy under SDG 3.3. Despite interventions to address TB treatment non-adherence, Kenya still reports high TB treatment non-adherence rates of 35% and consequently poor treatment outcome rates. Health Care Workers (HCWs) play a critical role in linking the population to health services, yet little is known of their influence on patients’ TB treatment non-adherence in Kenya. Objective: To analyze HCW-related factors associated with TB treatment non-adherence among patients in Kisumu East Sub-County. Methods: Health facility-based analytical cross-sectional mixed-method study. A Semi-structured questionnaire on treatment adherence and patients’ perceptions of HCWs during the clinic visit was administered to 102 consenting adult (out of a total census of 107 adults) drug-susceptible TB patients. 12 purposively selected HCWs by rank from 6 health facilities participated in Key Informant Interview sessions. Medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and then expressed as a dichotomous variable. Quantitative analysis utilized STATA version 15.1 while qualitative deductive thematic analysis was done using NVIVO version 14. Results: TB treatment non-adherence rate of 26% (CI: 18% - 36%) was recorded. Overall, patients who felt supported in dealing with the illness were 8 times more likely to adhere to treatment compared to those who were not (aOR = 7.947, 95% CI: 2.214 - 28.527, p = 0.001). Key HCW related factors influencing adherence to treatment included: friendliness (cOR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.514 - 12.284, p = 0.006), respect (cOR = 6.679, 95% CI: 2.239 - 19.923, p = 0.001) and non-discriminatory service (cOR = 0.1478, 95% CI: 0.047 - 0.464, p = 0.001), communication [adequacy of consultation time (cOR = 6.563, 95% CI: 2.467 - 17.458, p = 0.001) and patients’ involvement in their health decisions (cOR = 3.02 95% CI: 1.061 - 8.592, p = 0.038)] and education and counselling (cOR = 4.371, 95% CI: 1.725 - 11.075, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The study results underline importance of patient-centered consultation for TB patients and targeted education and counselling for improved treatment adherence.
文摘Mpox disease is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus, genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. The incubation period is usually 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days while symptoms and signs may persist for 2 to 5 weeks. Although, the clinical features are usually less severe when compared to the deadly smallpox, the disease can be fatal with case fatality rate between 1% and 10%. In Imo State, Nigeria, there has been a changing epidemiology of the disease in the last 6 years and the frequency and geographic distribution of cases have progressively increased. This study aims to conduct a review of the disease epidemiology between 2017 and 2023 and implications for surveillance in Imo State. Surveillance data from the Surveillance Outbreak Response and Management System (SORMAS) was extracted between January 2017 and December 2023 across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State. A line list of 231 suspected cases was downloaded into an excel template and analyzed using SPSS<sup>®</sup> version 20 software. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and associations were tested using Fischer’s exact at 0.05 level of significance. Of the 231 suspected cases, 57.1% (132) were males, 42.9% (99) were females and the modal age group was between the ages of 0 - 4 (32.5%). Eight (8) LGAs (districts) accounted for 71% (n = 164) of all the suspected cases. 21.2% (49) were confirmed positive, 27 males (55.1%) and 22 females (44.9%) (p > 0.05). Modal age group was 20 - 24 (22.4%, n = 11), 18% (9) were children under 14 years, p > 0.05. Case fatality rate was 8% (n = 4). There was no significant association between mortality and age group. Five (5) LGAs accounted for about 60% (29) of all confirmed cases. These LGAs contribute only 20% to the total population in the State. Only 5.6% and 4% of suspected and confirmed cases, respectively, had knowledge of contact with an infectious source. The study described the epidemiology of Mpox outbreaks between 2017 and 2023 and the findings have significant implications on detection and outbreak response activities.
基金This work was supported by Energy Foundation through Grant G-0309-07094 and Shanghai Municipal Committee of Science and Technology through Grant 03DZ05052. Hai-Dong KAN was personally supported by Shanghai Rising-Star Program for Young Investigators (04QMX1402).
文摘Objective To investigate the effect of ambient air pollution on human health and the subsequent disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in Shanghai. Methods We used epidemiology-based exposure-response functions to calculate the attributable number of cases due to air pollution in Shanghai in 2000, and then we estimated the corresponding DALYs lost in Shanghai based on unit DALYs values of the health consequences. Results Ambient air pollution caused 103 064 DALYs lost in Shanghai in 2000. Among all the health endpoints, premature deaths and chronic bronchitis predominated in the value of total DALYs lost. Conclusion The air pollution levels have an adverse effect on the general population health and strengthen the rationale for limiting the levels of air pollution in outdoor air in Shanghai.
文摘Objective To study the effect of endocrine disruptor chemicals in cow milk on female reproductive system. Methods A two-generation reproduction was conducted according to U. S. FDA standard. Milk was fed in special bottle to Wistar rats of both sexes through two successive generations (F0 and F1) in the milk group while artificial milk was fed to rats in the control group. Twenty-four rats of each sex were mated in each group. Measurements were made according to this guideline. Results Reproductive parameters in the milk group such as fertility index, gestation index, weights of uterus and ovary, days of vaginal opening, estrous cycles, histological morphological changes were comparable to those in the control group. However, the means of body weight had some differences. The body weight gains increased significantly in the milk-treated group in F1 and F2 generation compared with those in the control group. The concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in blood in the milk group was comparable to that in the control group, but the standard deviation changed greatly in the milk-treated rats. Conclusion Endocrine disruptor chemicals in milk have no severe effects on the female reproductive system.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Project Number:21277135,91543111)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(Project Number:8132048)
文摘Objective There are evidences that heat wave events cause deaths and emergency cases. This article used the contingent valuation method to find the willingness to pay for the protective measures and investigated the factors that influence the willingness to pay. Methods A cross-sectional face-to-face household survey was completed by 637 urban long-term residents and 591 rural long-term residents aged 15-79 in Beijing, China. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors that influenced the payment rate or payment amount for the protective measures, including independent variables for district, gender, age, education, income, air conditioner ownership, heat wave experience, and chronic non-communicable disease. Results The payment rate was 41.1% for protective measures provided by the government and 39.5% by measures provided by the market. Most of the respondents were willing to pay 40 CNY per capita annually for measures provided by the government or the market. The factors influencing willingness to pay were district, gender, income, air conditioner ownership, heat wave experience, and chronic non-communicable disease. Conclusion Protective measures for heat waves need to be provided immediately. More attention should be paid to the situation of vulnerable groups, such as people who live in urban areas, those without air conditioning, and those who have experienced a heat wave in the past.
基金the result of a research project with code 97361 approved by the Workplace Research Center of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences with the ethics code IR.RUMS.REC.1398.021 from the Vice Chancellor for Research of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciencesowed to Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences for its supports。
文摘In this study, the concentration and spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals(PTMs), including arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd), chromium(Cr), lead(Pb), copper(Cu), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), and magnesium(Mg) in 23 wells and drinking groundwater distribution networks of Rafsanjan, located in southeast Iran were evaluated. Moreover, the assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation(MCS). The results showed that the concentrations of As and Pb in more than 99% and 23.46% of the study area, respectively, were higher than the maximum concentration level(10 μg/L). The mean concentration of other metals, including Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Mn in all drinking water resources was within the WHO standard level. The mean hazard quotient(HQ) for As in the age group of children was 9.246 and adults 2.972, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As in the study area. The lifetime cancer risk(LTCR) of As was 1.36 E-3 for adults and 1.52 E-2 for children, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As. The level of HQ and LTCR for Pb in both age groups was in the acceptable range. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the most effective variables were pollutant concentration and body weight(BW), respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that exposure to PTMs, especially As through drinking water in the study area can have significant effects on people’s health living in the area;therefore, it is necessary to treat and remove As from groundwater resources before drinking or using for domestic purpose.
文摘Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.21377772DNo.H2022406034National Natural Scientific Foundation of China,No.81672700.
文摘BACKGROUND Regenerating gene 4(REG4)has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers,but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer(CRC)have not yet been elucidated.Our previous study found that the drug resistance of CRC cells may be closely linked to their fat metabolism.AIM To explore the role of REG4 in CRC and its association with lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance.METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis and bioinformatics and pathological analyses of REG4 expression in CRC.The effects of REG4 on the phenotypes and related protein expression were also investigated in CRC cells.We detected the impacts of REG4 on the chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in CRC cells.Finally,we analyzed how REG4 regulated the transcription and proteasomal degradation of lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells.RESULTS Compared to normal mucosa,REG4 mRNA expression was high in CRC(P<0.05)but protein expression was low.An inverse correlation existed between lymph node and distant metastases,tumor-node-metastasis staging or short overall survival and REG4 mRNA overexpression(P<0.05),but vice versa for REG4 protein expression.REG4-related genes included:Chemokine activity;taste receptors;protein-DNA and DNA packing complexes;nucleosomes and chromatin;generation of second messenger molecules;programmed cell death signals;epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation;transcription repression and activation by DNA binding;insulin signaling pathway;sugar metabolism and transfer;and neurotransmitter receptors(P<0.05).REG4 exposure or overexpression promoted proliferation,antiapoptosis,migration,and invasion of DLD-1 cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-nuclear factor-κB pathway.REG4 was involved in chemoresistance not through de novo lipogenesis,but lipid droplet assembly.REG4 inhibited the transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1)and ATP-citrate lyase(ACLY)by disassociating the complex formation of anti-acetyl(AC)-acetyl-histone 3-AC-histone 4-inhibitor of growth protein-5-si histone deacetylase;-sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 in their promoters and induced proteasomal degradation of ACC1 or ACLY.CONCLUSION REG4 may be involved in chemoresistance through lipid droplet assembly.REG4 reduces expression of de novo lipid synthesis key enzymes by inhibiting transcription and promoting ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation.
文摘This study assessed the knowledge, and perceptions on safety measure practices and challenges of private sector participation (PSP) operators on solid waste management in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study and utilized interviewer administered questionnaire. The study employed purposive sampling among 256 PSP operators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment and multiple regression analysis correlation at 5% level of significance. Respondents’ age was 35.7 ± 4.2 years, and included 78.5% male. About 55.9% of the respondents spent up to 5 years in the waste management operations. Some 44.9% had at least completed secondary school education. A good knowledge of waste management was exhibited by 68.4% of the respondents. The respondents who had spent 16 years and above in waste management operations were more knowledgeable (8.0 ± 2.1) compared to those who had spent lesser time
基金supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81260423,No.81560523)
文摘Objective: To study the interaction between the polymorphisms of FOXO3A and the environmental factors in the longevity district of Bama county.Methods: Using Taqmaq probe,genotyping of FOXO3A gene was performed for 200 longevous elderly(aged 90-110)and 288 healthy controls(aged 48-89).The interaction between the polymorphisms of gene and environmental factors were analyzed by using conditional logistic regression.Results: Minor allele frequencies(MAF)of five known SNPs in FOXO3A gene were higher in cases than in controls(P<0.05).There was a positive interction between minority alleles of rs2764264 in FOXO3A gene and the environment factors in the longevity district(OR=11.08,γ=1.075).Conclusion: Five SNPs of FOXO3A gene would be closely correlated with human longevity in Bama.The interaction between the polymorphisms of FOXO3A genes rs2764264 and the environment factors in the longevity district had synergy to longevity.The longevity phenomenon in Bama probably was the result of the interaction between gene and environmental factors.
文摘Exposure to high PM10 by women and children for hours on a daily basis in poor ventilated kitchen may lead to respiratory morbidity among this vulnerable group. In Nigeria, data on the levels of air pollutants associated with kerosene stove combustion are very scarce. Like-wise little had been documented on the pulmonary health of women exposed to kerosene stove emission. This study was carried out to measure the levels of kerosene combustion emissions within kitchen environments and also assess the pulmonary function status of the exposed women at baseline. Particulate matter (PM10) and gaseous emissions (GE) were measured in six purposively selected clusters of regular kerosene stove users (KSU) using gravimetric sampler and gas monitors, respectively and their values compared with WHO guideline limits. 167 randomly selected KSU were surveyed to elicit their socio demographic features. A spirometer was used to assess the lung function status (FEV1) of 72 KSU in six neighbourhood kitchen clusters. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s correlation tests. Respondents’ mean age was 38 + 12.9 years. Mean duration of exposure to GE was 18.9 + 9.8 years. Mean PM10 was 248.1 + 14.1 μg/m3 and ten folds higher than WHO guideline limit of 25 μg/m3. Mean GE in ppm were: CO (0.00), CO2 (200.1 + 12.4), SO2 (0.01 + 0.00) and NO2 (0.00). Mean FEV1 among KSU was 2.0 + 0.5 litres which was significantly lower than the mean predicted value of 2.7 ± 0.5 litres. There was a negative correlation between PM10 and FEV1 (r = -0.7539, p > 0.05). Safer cooking methods and practices to obviate health hazards are advocated.
文摘Introduction: Environmental health is a rapidly evolving field, and professionals working in this field have to deal with increasingly complex environmental and public health concerns. Consequently, their skill development is a key component in ascertaining their abilities to match work requirements to the satisfaction of their employers. Training and education of these professionals requires involvement of the relevant stakeholders to apt their technical skills in preparation of the role to be undertaken. Thus, the universities and other institutions of higher learning, in their efforts to improve graduate output should understand the labor market. Additionally, due to constant transformation and reorganization of strategies and plans by practitioner organizations, employers’ perspective in assessing graduates’ abilities and performance is necessary. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the employers’ perspectives on the graduates’ abilities to handle work demands. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study design involving employers and graduates of environmental health program of Moi University using mixed methods was carried out. Pretested semi structured paper questionnaires were administered to 45 employers, while online survey was carried out on 227 sampled graduates. In-depth interviews were further subjected to the graduates to corroborate issues raised. Quantitative data analysis was done using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 20 where the data was summarized using frequencies and proportions. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Results: The overall employer assessment of the graduates’ abilities to handle work demands was satisfactory with 18 (46.1% 7 of the employers rating them as good). On self-assessment, 116 (61.7%) of the graduates reported not to have faced any skills competency challenge at their work place and only 57 (30.3%) reported adequacy in skills acquired during undergraduate training. From the in-depth interviews, the graduates applauded the current curriculum implementation strategy of Problem Based Learning (PBL) but faulted the infrastructural inadequacies for low competencies and inadequate skills. The in-depth interviews further revealed a picture of graduates struggling with skills’ mismatch in their job placement. Conclusion: The study revealed a good rating by employers on the graduates’ competency skills but a high proportion (69.7%) of graduates reported lack of adequate skills to match their work demands. Recommendations: Institutions of higher learning need to invest in infrastructural elements of curriculum implementation to boost more practical sessions for better skills’ acquisition that matches the industrial needs.
文摘<strong>Objectives:</strong> This study aimed to conduct a comparative assessment of bacterial cross-contamination in commercial and non-commercial processing plants including associated risk factors for bacterial contamination. <strong>Study Design</strong><strong>:</strong> This was analytic cross sectional survey on bacterial contamination of broiler carcasses between different processing systems. <strong>Introduction:</strong> Zambia, like most African and Asian Countries, still practices “live-open non-commercial broiler carcass processing systems” besides the “closed abattoir based systems”. However, shelf life, spoilage and hygiene levels have been postulated to vary based on the type of processing system. Live-open non-commercial processing systems are popular among majority consumers owing to their perceived “freshness”, compared to commercially dressed chickens. In between, consumers have to balance freshness and quality assurance. Ultimately, this becomes inert, remotely but an important public health issue. However, lack of empirical evidence on safety levels to guide consumer product selection leaves them to speculation. It is this need to close this gap that created an impetus for us to undertake this study. <strong>Methods:</strong> Biological samples were collected before carcass wash and after carcass wash alongside a structured questionnaire that gathered risk-associated data. Standard microbiological enumeration methods were used to isolate bacteria and enumerate contamination. <strong>Results:</strong> Broiler carcasses processed from “open” non-commercial systems were more contaminated (45.6%) than “closed-abattoir” commercially processed systems (35%). <em>Escherichia coli</em> were major contaminants (71.3%) and few <em>Salmonella</em> spices (typhi or para-typhi) in 1.3%. Risk analysis indicates washing (method) of carcasses at commercial systems was significantly more risky for contamination than non-commercial ones. Major sources of contamination were “distance from water sources”. Increased volume of slaughters per day (>15,000 birds) for commercial systems accounted for increased cross-contamination, particularly, distance from water source was a ma-jor risk factor for contamination.
文摘Objective:To assess healthcare workers’knowledge of novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in the early phase of the outbreak in Indonesia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 12 hospitals in Indonesia from March 6 to March 25,2020.Healthcare workers’knowledge on COVID-19 was assessed,and demographic data,workplace characteristics,and medical professional characteristics as well as the current local situation of COVID-19 were collected.To characterize determinants associated with knowledge,a logistic regression analysis was employed.Results:Out of 288 healthcare workers who completed the interview-assisted questionnaire,149(51.7%)respondents had a good knowledge.Nurses and other types of healthcare workers had lower odds of having good knowledge compared to doctors:adjusted odds ratio(aO R):0.38;95%CI:0.20-0.72 and aO R:0.31;95%CI:0.13-0.73,respectively.Compared to healthcare workers who had medical practice experience less than 5 years,those who had worked for more than 10 years had lower knowledge(a OR:0.43;95%CI:0.20-0.90).Healthcare workers who worked in the infection department had higher knowledge compared to those in the emergency room(aO R:14.33;95%CI:3.67-55.88).Conclusions:The knowledge of COVID-19 among surveyed healthcare workers was relatively low.The COVID-19 response in Indonesia will require further education and enhancement of the capacity of healthcare workers in the emergency room where COVID-19 patients may be treated the earliest.
文摘Malaysia's rapid economic and demographic development have placed negative pressure on its water supplies and the quality of the Juru River, which is close to the nation's capital and its major source of water. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are supported by physicochemical properties and biological diversity. This study evaluated the anthropogenic impacts on aquatic biodiversity, especially plankton, fish, and macrobenthos, as well as the water quality of the Juru River in the Penang area. Aquatic biodiversity and river water parameters were collected from ten sampling stations along the Juru River. Seven variables were used to assess the physicochemical environment: pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand. At each sampling station, the total number of plankton, fish, and macrobenthic taxa were counted and analyzed. The relationships between the physicochemical parameters and aquatic biodiversity were investigated with biotypological analysis, principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and linear regression analysis. These analyses showed that the richness and diversity indices were generally influenced by salinity, temperature, TSS, BOD, and pH. The data obtained in this study supported the bioindicator concept. The findings, as they related to scientifically informed conservation, could serve as a model for Juru River management, as well as for river management throughout Malaysia and other tropical Asian countries.
基金supported by the Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project[2022KY129]from Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission。
文摘Personal protective equipment(PPE)plays a key role in protecting healthcare workers(HCWs)from highly infectious diseases.Appropriate use of PPE based on the level of exposure can prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection of otolaryngologists[1].
文摘In this research, the quality of the wastewater discharged into the environment has been investigated. The effluent from solar desalination pond contains large amounts of TDS (3.68 grams per liter) and TH (6.50 grams per liter). Since the use of filter is not economical in this case, three types of commercial coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride and ferric sulfide have been used in this study. The main parameters such as effectiveness of three inorganic coagulants, ammonium sulfate, ferric sulfate, and ferric chloride, which separately help to remove hardness, have been studied. According to the results, using laboratory test, 25/g of ferric sulfate as coagulant is best coagulant mass and the ratio of 4 to 3 for auxiliary coagulant (sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide) to coagulant will be best ratio. Also, the mixing rate of 120 rpm in the first reactor will give the best mixing speed. These conditions will lead to 0.348 grams per liter of TDS, 0.345 grams per liter of TH and 0.195 grams per liter of calcium hardness and 300 micro Siemens electrical conductivity of the purified sample.
文摘Background: Kinshasa’s peri-urban settings have a low rate of water access, which has significant consequences for the WASH infrastructures in schools and preventative measures against the spread of waterborne diseases and pathogens. This study aimed to assess the availability, functionality, and gender sensitivity of WASH infrastructures of Kinshasa’s peri-urban schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in three of the four educational provinces of Kinshasa, targeting 165 peri-urban schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation grid. Results: An overall proportion of 10.9% of schools possessed a water point, and therefore time-consuming water chores are a necessity in 89.1% of schools. Girl students provided 30% of the labor collecting water during punishments. A total of 98.2% of schools had functional latrines of which 3.6% were found hygienic, associated with water reserve next to the latrines (P = 0.040). Only 2.4% of schools displayed posters raising awareness of latrine hygiene, and 3.6% displayed posters on hand hygiene. The ratios of latrines units for girls were 58:1 for toilets and 115:1 for urinals, justifying open defecation and urination reported in 62.4% of schools. Also, 43% of schools had hand-washing facilities whose functionality was significantly associated with the presence of water points in the school’s inner courtyard (P = 0.032), with water (P P Conclusion: The majority of schools had limited drinking water services, which negatively impact the functionality and gender sensitivity of other WASH provisions. The current evidence as a public health concern would raise government and school authorities’ attention to address these environmental threats.
文摘Artificial Intelligence (AI) experienced significant advancements in recent years, and its potential power is already recognized across various industries. Yet, the rise of AI has led to a growing concern about its impact on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of this paper was to evaluate contributions and the potential influence of AI to sustainable development in the society domain. Furthermore, the study analyzed GPT-3 responses, as one of the largest language models developed by OpenAI, descriptively. We conducted a set of queries on the SDGs to gather information on GPT-3’s perceptions of AI impact on sustainable development. Analysis of GPT-3’s contribution potential towards the SDGs showcased its broad range of capabilities for contributing to the SDGs in areas such as education, health, and communication. The study findings provide valuable insights into the contributions of AI to sustainable development in the society domain and highlight the importance of proper regulations to promote the responsible use of AI for sustainable development. We highlighted the potential for improvement in neural language processing skills of GPT-3 by avoiding imitating weak human writing styles with more mistakes in longer texts.
基金Supported by National Institute of Environmental Health,No.R01ES030691No.R01ES030364,No.R01ES029944,No.U01HG013288,No.T32-ES013678,No.P30ES007048,No.U2CES030859,No.R01ES032831,No.R01ES033688,No.P30ES023515,and No.P2CES033433+8 种基金National Human Genome Research Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health,No.U01HG013288California Environmental Protection Agency,No.20-E0017National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health,No.P01CA196569Ministry of Science and Innovation and State Research Agency,No.CEX2018-000806-SEuropean Union(“NextGenerationEU/PRTR”),No.IJC2020-043630-IEuropean Union’s Horizon Europe Research And Innovation Programme Under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships,No.101059245United States Department of Agriculture,No.6250-51000-053National Institutes of Health,No.R01DK128117-01A1The Teen-LABS Consortium:National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,No.UM1DK072493 and No.UM1DK095710.
文摘BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is one of the most common chronic liver diseases in children and adolescents.NAFLD ranges in severity from isolated hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),wherein hepatocellular inflammation and/or fibrosis coexist with steatosis.Circulating microRNA(miRNA)levels have been suggested to be altered in NAFLD,but the extent to which miRNA are related to NAFLD features remains unknown.This analysis tested the hypothesis that plasma miRNAs are significantly associated with histological features of NAFLD in adolescents.AIM To investigate the relationship between plasma miRNA expression and NAFLD features among adolescents with NAFLD.METHODS This study included 81 adolescents diagnosed with NAFLD and 54 adolescents without NAFLD from the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery study.Intra-operative core liver biopsies were collected from participants and used to characterize histological features of NAFLD.Plasma samples were collected during surgery for miRNA profiling.A total of 843 plasma miRNAs were profiled using the HTG EdgeSeq platform.We examined associations of plasma miRNAs and NAFLD features using logistic regression after adjusting for age,sex,race,and other key covariates.Ingenuity Pathways Analysis was used to identify biological functions of miRNAs that were associated with multiple histological features of NAFLD.RESULTS We identified 16 upregulated plasma miRNAs,including miR-193a-5p and miR-193b-5p,and 22 downregulated plasma miRNAs,including miR-1282 and miR-6734-5p,in adolescents with NAFLD.Moreover,52,16,15,and 9 plasma miRNAs were associated with NASH,fibrosis,ballooning degeneration,and lobular inflammation,respectively.Collectively,16 miRNAs were associated with two or more histological features of NAFLD.Among those miRNAs,miR-411-5p was downregulated in NASH,ballooning,and fibrosis,while miR-122-5p,miR-1343-5p,miR-193a-5p,miR-193b-5p,and miR-7845-5p were consistently and positively associated with all histological features of NAFLD.Pathway analysis revealed that most common pathways of miRNAs associated with multiple NAFLD features have been associated with tumor progression,while we also identified linkages between miR-122-5p and hepatitis C virus and between miR-199b-5p and chronic hepatitis B.CONCLUSION Plasma miRNAs were associated with NAFLD features in adolescent with severe obesity.Larger studies with more heterogeneous NAFLD phenotypes are needed to evaluate miRNAs as potential biomarkers of NAFLD.
