bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional analysis of falsified, counterfeit and substandard medicines in a low-middle income country
Authors: Khurelbat Daariimaa , Dorj Gereltuya , Sunderland Bruce Vivian , Sanjjav Tsetsegmaa , Bayarsaikhan Enkhtuul , Damdindorj Davaadagva , Dorj Gantuya , Jigjidsuren Altantuya , Lkhasuren Oyun , Erdenetsetseg Baasandorj
Published: March 2020

Background: High prevalence of falsified, counterfeit and substandard medicines pose a threat to public health and treatment failure. This study aimed to investigate the quality of selected essential medicines available in Mongolia.Methods: A cross-sectional study collected essential medicines from pharmacy outlets in Mongolia, during June and July, 2017. These products were then submitted for pharmacopoeial analysis and registration status.Results: A total of 1770 samples from 118 pharmacy entities were purchased from wholesalers in urban and rural areas. Pharmacopoeial analysis found 179 (10.1%) samples or eleven product groups were unacceptable. The prevalence of substandard locally produced medicines (n=105, 5.9%) was higher than imported equivalents [ (n=74, 4.17%, p=0.0001)]. Approximately one-third of all unacceptable tests were related to assay (n=73, 30.8%) and weight variation. Of 1770 samples, 76 (4.3%) were unregistered and the prevalence of unregistered samples was 3.8% in Ulaanbaatar city and 5.8% in rural areas, respectively. Conclusions: This study has indicated that falsified and substandard medicines are prevalent in Mongolia. Considerable effort is required by regulatory authorities, private manufacturers, as well as importers to increase the quality of essential medicines in Mongolia.
Determinants and impact of role-related time use allocation on self-reported health among married men and women: a cross-national comparative study
Authors: Jonsson Kenisha Russell , Oberg Gustav , Samkange-Zeeb Florence , Adjei Nicholas Kofi
Published: March 2020

Background: Research on the effects of marriage on health has largely maintained that there is a distinctly gender-specific gradient in health, with men deriving far greater benefits than women. One reason provided for these differences is the disproportionate amount of time spent by women on housework activities and childcare. However, this hypothesis has yet to be explicitly tested for these role-related time use activities. This study provides empirical evidence on the associations between role-related time use activities (i.e. housework, childcare and paid work) and self-reported health among married men and women.Methods: Data from the Multinational Time Use Study (MTUS) on 32,881 men and 26,915 women from Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and the US were analyzed. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) models and multivariable logistic regression were used to estimate the association between role-related time use activities and self-reported health among married men and women.Results: The findings showed that education, occupation and number of children were the most consistent predictors of time allocation among married men and women. Significant gender differences were also found in time allocation, with women sacrificing paid working time or reducing time devoted to housework for childcare. Men, in contrast, were less likely to reduce paid working hours to increase time allocation to childcare, but instead reduced time allocation to housework. Allocating more time to paid work and childcare was associated with good health, whereas time spent in housework was associated with poor health, especially among women.Conclusions: Time allocations to role-related activities have differential associations on health and these effects varies by gender and across countries. To reduce the gender health gap among married men and women, public policies need to take into account social and gender roles.
Prevalence of positive TST among Healthcare workers in a high-burden TB setting in Peru
Authors: Sedamano Juana , Schwalb Alvaro , Cachay Rodrigo , Zamudio Carlos , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Soto-Cabezas Gabriela , Munayco César V. , Seas Carlos
Published: March 2020

Background Tuberculosis (TB) transmission has long been recognized as an important occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs possess a 5.8% annual risk of exposure and three times greater risk of developing active TB than the general population.Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study between September 2014 and March 2015 among HCWs in a high-burden TB setting in Lima to estimate the prevalence of positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and to investigate factors associated with a positive TST.Results 240 participants were included in the analysis; TST was administered to 190 (79.2%) while the rest were exempted due to a previous positive TST result, history of TB or refused the test. A positive TST result was found among 56.2% of participants (95% CI: 49.22% - 63.55%). When considering those who had a previous positive TST result and those with a history of TB, the prevalence of a positive TST was 64.3% (95% CI: 57.8% - 70.3%). No significant differences of TST results were observed between clinical/paramedical and administrative staff in the health center. The use of N95 mask during work hours was reported by 142 (69.9%) participants. Prevalence ratios (PR) show that workers with more than 120 months as a HCW were 1.44 times more likely to be TST positive. The multivariate analysis found that HCWs with over 10 years of service were 1.62 times more likely to be TST positive.Conclusion This study supports previous reports that TB infection is an occupational hazard for HCWs. Prevention of TB transmission through control measures, as well as timely diagnosis of LTBI in this selected risk group, is critical for the individual and for public health.
Trends and Determinants of Underweight and Overweight/Obesity among Urban Ethiopian Women from 2000 to 2016
Authors: Ahmed Kedir Yimam , Abrha Solomon , Page Andrew , Arora Amit , Shiferaw Solomon , Tadese Fentaw , Negash Canaan , Yeneabat Tebikew , Alemu Emana , Gebremichael Delelegn Yilma , Seiko Abdulaziz , Ogbo Felix Akpojene
Published: March 2020

Background: Nutritional, epidemiological and demographic transitions have been associated with the emergence of the double burden of malnutrition globally. In Ethiopia, there has been no nationally representative investigation of trends and determinants of both underweight and overweight/obesity among urban women. This study examined the trends and determinants of underweight and overweight/obesity in urban Ethiopian women from 2000 to 2016.Methods: Trends in the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity were investigated based on a series of the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data for the years 2000 (n=2559), 2005 (n=1112), 2011 (n=3569), and 2016 (n=3106). Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the association between socioeconomic, demographic, behavioural, and community-level factors with underweight and overweight/obesity.Results: The prevalence of underweight in urban Ethiopian women improved significantly from 23.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.3%, 26.3%) in 2000 to 14.8% (95% CI: 13.1%, 16.7%) in 2016, while overweight/obesity increased significantly from 10.9% (95% CI: 9.1%, 13.0%) in 2000 to 21.4% (95% CI: 18.2%, 25.1%) in 2016. Urban women from rich households and those who had never married were less likely to be underweight. Urban women who were from wealthy households and those who attained at least secondary education were more likely to be overweight/obese. Women who were informally employed and listened to the radio were less likely to be overweight/obese compared to those who were unemployed and did not listen to the radio, respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 2000 to 2016, with a concurrent reduction in the prevalence of underweight. Context-specific policy interventions that target improvement in socioeconomic status, regular physical activity and healthier dietary choices for urban Ethiopian women are needed.
Targeting vulnerable groups of health poverty alleviation in rural China— what is the role of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme for the elderly population?
Authors: Wang Nianshi , Li Ye , Ma Meiyan , Jiao Mingli , Wu Qunhong , Hao Yanhua , Shan LingHan , Gao Lijun , Tian Wanxin , Liu Limin , Xia Qi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND : Based on the health poverty alleviation policy, we explored whether the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NRCMS) had effectively reduced the economic burden of the rural elderly population and impoverished vulnerable groups with regard to medical expenses, providing further evidence for increasing the medical insurance system. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The method was adapted from WHO to calculate the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment by medical expense (IME). The treatment effect model was used to identify the determinants of CHE in the rural elderly residents. RESULTS: The incidence of CHE in rural China for the elderly is 19.65%, and the impoverishment by medical expense has reached 6.94%. The households enrolled in NRCMS suffered higher CHE (21.9%) and IME (8.0%), than unenrolled households (20.6%, 7.7%). The NRCMS did not provide sufficient economic protection from CHE for households with 3 chronic diseases, inpatients, or adults over 65, Risk factors for CHE included education levels, households with inpatients, people over 65 years old, disabilities, and so on. CONCLUSIONS: Although the NRCMS had reduced barriers to the use of household health services while reducing their out of pocket payments, in some respects, it was still not effective to reduce the risk of residents falling into poverty. Our research identifies the characteristics of vulnerable groups that the NRCMS does not provide enough support for, and are at risk of falling into poverty through health impoverishment.
Patient and nurse perspectives of a nurse-led community-based model of HIV care delivery in Malawi: a qualitative study
Authors: Sande Odala , Burtscher Doris , Kathumba Daneck , Tweya Hannock , Phiri Sam , Gugsa Salem
Published: March 2020

Background Differentiated models of care (DMOC) are used to make antiretroviral therapy (ART) accessible to people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Malawi, Lighthouse Trust has piloted various DMOCs aimed at providing quality care while reducing personal and logistical barriers when accessing clinic-based healthcare. One of the approaches was community-based provision of ART by nurses to stable patients. Methods To explore how the nurse-led community ART programme (NCAP) is perceived, we interviewed eighteen purposively selected patients receiving ART through NCAP and the four nurses providing the community-based health care. Information obtained from them was complemented with observations by the study team. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data was analysed using manual coding and thematic analysis. Results Through the NCAP, patients were able to save money on transportation and the time it took them to travel to a health facility. Caseloads and waiting times were also reduced, which made patients more comfortable and gave nurses the time to conduct thorough consultations. Closer relationships were built between patients and care providers, creating a space for more open conversations (although this required care providers to set clear boundaries and stick to schedule). Patients’ nutritional needs and concerns related to stigma remain a concern, while operational issues affect the quality of the services provided in the community. Considerations for community-led healthcare programmes include the provision of transportation for care providers; the physical structure of community sites (in regard to private spaces); the timely consolidation of data collected in the field to a central database; and the need for care providers to cover multiple facility-based staff roles. Conclusions The patients interviewed in this study preferred the NCAP approach to the facility-based model of care because it saved them money on transport, reduced waiting-times, and allowed for a more thorough consultation, while continuing to provide quality HIV care. However, when considering a community-level DMOC approach, certain factors – including staff transportation and workload – must be taken into consideration and purposefully planned.
Effect of a free healthy school meal on fruit, vegetables and unhealthy snacks intake in Norwegian 10- to 12-year-old children
Authors: Vik Frøydis Nordgård , Heslien Kaia Elisabeth Paulsen , Lippevelde Wendy Van , Øverby Nina Cecilie
Published: March 2020

Background Norwegian children have a lower intake of fruit, vegetables, and a higher intake of unhealthy snacks compared to dietary guidelines. Such dietary inadequacies may be detrimental for their current and future health. Schools are favorable settings to establish healthy eating practices. Still, no school meal arrangement is provided in Norway, and most children typically bring packed lunches from home. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serving a free healthy school meal for one year resulted in a higher intake of fruit and vegetables and a lower intake of unhealthy snacks in total among 10-12-year-olds in Norway.Methods The School Meal Project in Southern Norway was a non-randomized trial in two elementary schools in rural areas in the school year 2014/2015. The study sample consisted of 10- to 12-year-old children; an intervention group (N=55) and a control group (N=109) resulting in a total of 164 school children at baseline. A food frequency questionnaire was completed by the children at baseline, at five months follow-up and after one year to assess fruit, vegetable and snacks intake. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess intervention effects on overall intake of fruit and vegetables and unhealthy snacks.Results Serving of a free healthy school meal for one year resulted in a higher weekly intake of vegetables on sandwiches in the intervention group compared to the control group, adjusted for baseline intake (B: 1.11 (95% CI: .38, 1.85)) at the end of the intervention. No other significant intervention effects were found for the remaining fruit and vegetables measures. Serving of a free healthy school meal did not result in a lower weekly intake of unhealthy snacks (i.e. potato chips, candy and sugar sweetened beverages) in the intervention group compared to the control group.Conclusions A free healthy school meal resulted in a higher weekly intake of vegetables on sandwiches but did not significantly change any other investigated dietary behaviors. However, given the inadequate intake of vegetables among children and that even moderate improvements have public health relevance, a free healthy school meal for all school children could be beneficial.
Dose-response association of sleep quality with anxiety symptoms in Chinese rural population: the Henan Rural Cohort
Authors: Shen Jiali , Zhang Haiqing , Wang Yan , Abdulai Tanko , Niu Miaomiao , Luo Zhicheng , Wang Yikang , Li Ruiying , Wang Fang , Wang Chongjian , zhenxing Mao
Published: March 2020

Objectives The epidemiological evidence on the effect of sleep quality on anxiety symptoms has been inconclusive. This study aimed at exploring the relationship between sleep quality and anxiety symptoms in rural China and further validating the association utilizing a meta-analysis.Methods A total of 27,911 participants aged 18–79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort Study completed assessments of sleep quality. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis was conducted to evaluate the sleep quality with anxiety symptoms. A meta-analysis was used to validate the result of the cross-sectional study.Results Altogether, 6087(21.80%) were poor sleepers and 1557(5.58%) had anxiety symptoms. The odds of anxiety were increased with increment of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score after fitting restricted cubic splines. And the poor sleep qualitywas associated with a higher possibility of anxiety symptoms OR(95%CI) (4.61, 3.71-5.73) in men, and (3.56, 3.10-4.10) in women on multivariable analysis. Further stratified analyses showed that the effect of sleep quality and anxiety symptoms could be modified by age, marital status, lifestyle and chronic disease. The meta-analysis showed that pooled OR of anxiety symptoms was significantly higher for poor sleepers (1.49, 1.41-1.56, I 2 =98.9%, P <0.001).Conclusions These findings indicate that poor sleep quality was associated with increased odds of anxiety symptoms. In addition, relationship between poor sleep quality and anxiety symptoms was observed in this rural population, especially in participants aged ≥60 years and those with unhealthy habits or had a chronic disease.
Introducing a health, nutrition and sanitation program within microfinance groups: a systems-level mixed methods analysis from rural India
Authors: Irani Laili , Schooley Janine , . Supriya , Chaudhuri Indrajit
Published: March 2020

Background: Bihar has been lagging behind Indian national averages in maternal, neonatal and child health development indicators, primarily due to lack of knowledge on healthy lifesaving practices and where to seek services. Hence, a successful pilot project was scaled up as the JEEViKA Technical Support Program (JTSP), to support the state rural livelihood mission, JEEViKA, to increase demand for and link rural families to existing health, nutrition and sanitation (HNS) services. Program activities were geared in reaching those engaged in JEEViKA’s microfinance-based self-help groups (SHGs). This paper presents the results of the output evaluation following 18 months of program implementation. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted from August-November 2017. Sixty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with program, state, district and block-level officials. Quantitative surveys (678) were carried out among lower level staff, including village-based community mobilizers (CMs) who convene SHG meetings and support SHG-related activities.Results: JEEViKA layered HNS onto its existing system. The block health, nutrition and sanitation integrator (BHNSI) was introduced within JEEViKA to support the layering of HNS work at the block level. CMs were being trained on HNS topics to be shared during SHG meetings. JEEViKA funded the trainings and paid additional remuneration to trained CMs. HNS indicators were routinely collected by CMs and data were analyzed and used across JEEViKA. JEEViKA was supporting new mechanisms for SHG families to procure food while linking them to existing health and nutrition schemes and services. CMs with HNS trainings were more likely to have higher levels of knowledge on HNS topics and were more likely to carry out HNS-related activities, such as interacting with BHNSI for guidance and support, collecting HNS data routinely and spending time weekly on HNS activities. Conclusions: There is greater awareness within JEEViKA on the importance of addressing HNS issues to assist families in reducing economic shocks from health emergencies, improve nutrition and raise families out of poverty. Stronger integration of HNS programming within JEEViKA will be possible through the presence of decentralized staff to solely support these activities and a closer examination of the CMs’ time to integrate HNS activities more coherently.
Are we equipped with serving the right care? Implications for program responses regarding gender-based violence
Authors: Tin Khaing Nwe , Oung Myitzu Tin , Yin Su Su , Htet Kyaw Ko Ko , Hein Kyaw Thu , Einda Hla Mya Thway , Than Kyu Kyu
Published: March 2020

Background Globally, 35% of women have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) which seriously affects all aspects of women’s health. While health sector must play a key role in response, there are many barriers for GBV survivors to access health services, especially in developing countries including Myanmar. Limitations of health sector in provision of quality services to GBV survivors, healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, experience and service availability and readiness, should be explored as an initial step for the improvement of health care response to GBV survivors. Methods This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in four purposively selected townships with higher number GBV cases. Face-to-face interviews were done to all health care providers (n=233) from public health facilities using a structured questionnaire. The findings were described as frequency and percentage for categorical data and mean and standard deviation for continuous data. Results Lady Health Visitors and Midwives were mainly involved (88.0%). About two-thirds had heard GBV without probing. Types of violence they mostly described were physical (81.1%) and sexual violence (8.5%). One-third wanted women to be patient to their partners’ violence to maintain family ties. Nearly two-third assumed conflict between husband and wife was not a matter that someone should involve. About 70% had given care to GBV survivors and they provided only injury treatment (76.1%). A quarter of them experienced sexual violence cases, but only 4.9% and 1.2% provided emergency contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infection treatment. Although nearly two third mentioned about psychological counseling in GBV management, 20% provided counseling services to survivors. Absence of standard GBV management guideline, trained and skilled staff for GBV and counseling room at health facilities were issues mostly stated by the respondents. Conclusions Inadequate knowledge, misconceptions and unfavorable attitudes of GBV among health care providers might deter the effectiveness of GBV management at the health sector. In addition, poor management practice together with no standard management guideline, limited skilled staff, inadequate drug supplies and absence of counseling facilities indicated insufficient readiness to provide quality health care responses to GBV surviours in Myanmar.
Recognition and Stigma of Prescription Drug Abuse Disorder: Personal and Community Determinants
Authors: Shupp Robert , Loveridge Scott , Skidmore Mark , Green Brandn , Albrecht Don
Published: March 2020

Background: Prescription drug abuse (PDA) disorders continue to contribute to the current American opioid crisis. Within this context, our study seeks to improve understanding about stigma associated with, and symptom recognition of, prescription drug abuse. Aims: Model the stigma and symptom recognition of PDA in the general population.Methods: A randomized, nation-wide, online, vignette-focused survey of the general public (N = 631) was implemented with an oversample for rural counties. Logit estimation was used for analysis, with regional and county-level sociodemographic variables as controls. Results: Individual respondents that self-identify as having or having had “a prescription drug abuse issue” were less likely to correctly identify the condition and were 4 times more likely to exhibit stigma. Males were approximately half as likely to correctly identify PDA as females while older (55+) were more likely to correctly identify PDA, relative to those aged 35-54. Being both male and younger was associated with slightly more stigma, in that they were less likely to disagree with the stigma statement. Conclusions: In light of the continued risks that individuals with PDA behaviors face in potentially transitioning to illicit opioid use, the findings of this survey suggested a continued need for public education and outreach. Of particular note is the perspective of those who have self-identified with the condition, as this population faces the largest risks of adverse health outcomes from illicit drug use within the survey respondents.
Lung cancer awareness and palliative care interventions implemented in Africa: A systematic scoping review’
Authors: Nwagbara Ugochinyere Ijeoma , Ginindza Themba G , Hlongwana Khumbulani W
Published: March 2020

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths, responsible for nearly one in five deaths across the globe. In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), lung cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage due to poor public knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. It is believed that increasing the awareness about lung cancer is key to reducing the diagnosis and treatment delays. Early implementation of palliative care has also been reported to improve a patient’s quality of life, symptom burden, and even survival. The aim of this paper was to map evidence on lung cancer awareness and palliative care interventions implemented in Africa.Methods: A scoping review was performed following the method of Arksey and O’Malley. Systematic searches were performed using EBSCOhost platform. A keyword search from the following electronic databases were conducted: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Health Organization (WHO) library, and grey literature. The screening was guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was determined by Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A thematic content analysis was used to present the narrative account of the reviews, and NVivo version 11 was employed to extract themes from all included studies.Results: A total of 2886 articles were screened, and 236 met the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, 167 articles were also excluded following abstract screening. Sixty-nine (69) articles were selected for full-article screening by two researchers with 9 being selected for independent detailed data extraction for this synthesis. These studies were also subjected to methodological quality assessment. Of the nine included studies, eight studies described at least one lung cancer warning signs and symptoms, while one study described the effectiveness of palliative care for lung cancer. Eight articles recognized the level of lung cancer knowledge, risk factors and awareness of warning signs and symptoms in LMICs, mostly Africa and Asia.Conclusions: Most of the participants were aware of tobacco use as a risk factor for lung cancer, but the majority still had limited knowledge on the other pre-disposing risk factors. There is limited evidence on the palliative treatment of symptoms, and majority of patients continued to suffer from uncontrolled symptoms and unmet needs. Therefore, the urgent need for timely access to palliative care to be introduced from diagnosis to end of life to improve the quality of life of the lung cancer patients and their families.
The association of family structure with health behavior, mental health, and perceived academic achievement among adolescents: A 2018 Korean nationally representative survey
Authors: Lee Kang-Sook , Park Hanul
Published: March 2020

Background Adolescence is a period during which physical, social, and mental abilities are rapidly developed, and during this time the family environment plays an important role. Differences in health behaviors, mental health, and academic achievement by family structure may affect future families, income, and employment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association of family structure with health behaviors, mental health, and academic achievement in Korean adolescents. Method Data from the 2018 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were analyzed. The study sample was comprised of 59,096 adolescents. Logistic regression, t-tests, and a variance analysis of a complex sample general linear model were used to examine the association of family structure with health behaviors, mental health, and academic achievement. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.Results Non-intact families (single-mother families, single-father families, and restructured families) had higher odds ratios of health behaviors such as smoking, drinking, Internet use, physical activity, and sexual experience, and mental health issues such as depression, suicidal ideation, perceived stress, and poor perceived health status than intact families (two-parent families). Also, non-intact families were significantly related to low perceived academic achievement compared to intact ones.Conclusion This study showed that family structure is a significant factor in adolescent health behavior, mental health, and perceived academic achievement. Adolescents who experience a transition in their family structure may be more vulnerable to health risks and exhibit lower academic achievement than those in an intact family.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers on Prevention and Control of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Sekota Town, Wag-Himra Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Abebe Ayele Mamo , Abate Biruk Beletew , Zemariam Alemu Birara , Kassie Ayelign Mengesha
Published: March 2020

Background: Intestinal parasites were a major public health problem in many developing countries. It accounts for 1.5 billion infections with one or more causative agents. The national prevalence of helminthiasis in Ethiopia was 29.8% with considerable variability across the different regions. Young children had a high infection rate and suffered with a substantial worm burden of A. lumbricoides, trichuris trichiura and schistosomes . Parasitic infection has also serious consequences on human health, such as hepatomegaly, bleeding, esophageal varices, delay in physical development. It also decreases the immunity system, level of intelligence, and labor productivity. Therefore, this study was intended to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practice on prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infection among their preschool children in Sekota town, Waghimra zone, Ethiopia Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 378 mothers who had under six years but over two years old children. Although, 384 mothers were selected using sample size calculation in the year 2019, the data was collected from 378 mother-child pairs. A face to face interview was performed using pretested and structured questionnaire in the urban villages, Sekota town. The level of maternal knowledge, attitude and practice were presented in percentage, frequence and table. In each step standard operational procedures were followed. Results: The overall level of good knowledge or knoledgable, positive attitude and good practice of mothers towards intestinal parasites prevention and control in considering their preschool children in Sekota town was 45.2%, 55.3% and 51.1% respectively. Seventy-seven 77(20.4%) respondents reported that they knew Ascaris Lumbricoids , 62 (16.4%) participants wash vegetables as a means of intestinal prevention, and 252 (66.7%) of participants stated that their children had at least one stool examination previously. Conclusions: The overall level of optimum knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers on prevention and control of intestinal parasites is low. In particular, the level of optimal knowledge is very low in this study. According to the median parameter, 50% and above of mothers had both positive attitude and good practice. But mothers who were knowledgeable placed below 50%. Therefore, community awareness about parasitic infestation would be created.
Development and validation of the Oral Health Behavior Questionnaire for Adolescents based on the Health Belief Model (OHBQAHBM)
Authors: Xiang Bilu , Wong Hai Ming , Cao Wangnan , Perfecto Antonio P. , McGrath Colman P.J.
Published: March 2020

Background Oral health belief is a prerequisite of changing oral health behaviors especially during adolescence. However, there is a paucity of well-established questionnaire for use among adolescents. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to evaluate adolescents’ beliefs about oral health behaviors using health belief model.Methods A preliminary 43-item questionnaire was developed by an expert panel. Then the questionnaire was finalized by decreasing the number of items to 35 by analyzing the results from face validity and factor analysis from 421 Hong Kong secondary school students. The content validity were evaluated by a panel of 2 behavioral scientists, 2 dentists, 2 schoolteachers and 10 adolescents. The construct validity of the questionnaire was assessed by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, item-total correlation and intraclass coefficient were used to test its reliability. In addition, to confirm its applicability, multiple regression analysis and path analysis were used to evaluate the possibility of HBM as predictors for oral health behaviors and oral hygiene status.Results The initial analysis extracted six factors that jointly accounted for 62.47% of the variance observed. Based on CFA, the final version of the questionnaire consisted of 35 items and the data of the final version fitted the model well. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the subscale (>0.7), item-total correlations (0.47-0.91) and the intraclass coefficient (0.82-0.91) were all above acceptable thresholds. The results of multiple regression analysis and path analysis confirmed its ability to predict oral health behaviors and status.Conclusions The present findings indicate satisfactory validity, reliability and applicability of the proposed Oral Health Behavior Questionnaire for Adolescents based on the Health Belief Model (OHBQAHBM) for measuring oral health beliefs of adolescents. This questionnaire can be used as an instrument to measure oral health beliefs and predict oral health behavior and oral hygiene status of adolescents.
Updating the neural network sediment load models using different sensitivity analysis methods: a regional application
Authors: Asheghi Reza , Hosseini Seyed Abbas , Saneie Mojtaba , Shahri Abbas Abbaszadeh
Published: March 2020

The amount of transported sediment load by streams is a vital but high nonlinear dynamic process in water resources management. In the current paper, two optimum predictive models subjected to artificial neural network (ANN) were developed. The employed inputs were then prioritized using diverse sensitivity analysis (SA) methods to address new updated but more efficient ANN structures. The models were found through the 263 processed datasets of three rivers in Idaho, USA using nine different measured flow and sediment variables (e.g., channel geometry, geomorphology, hydraulic) for a period of 11 years. The used parameters were selected based on the prior knowledge of the conventional analyses in which the effect of suspended load on bed load was also investigated. Analyzed accuracy performances using different criteria exhibited improved predictability in updated models which can lead to an advanced understanding of used parameters. Despite different SA methods being employed in evaluating model parameters, almost similar results were observed and then verified using relevant sensitivity indices. It was demonstrated that the ranked parameters using SA due to covering more uncertainties can be more reliable. Evaluated models using sensitivity indices showed that contribution of suspended load on predicted bed load is not significant.
Análise da interação entre eventos pluviométricos e ações antrópicas como agentes deflagradores de deslizamentos na Zona Norte do Recife
Authors: Alves da Silva Fernando Arthur , Silva Barbosa Bárbara Gabrielly , Coutinho Duarte Cristiana
Published: March 2020

Em função das características climáticas do município do Recife e de seus fatores físico-naturais, as chuvas, representam de modo geral, um agente deflagrador de maior influência dos deslizamentos na cidade. O Distúrbio Ondulatório de Leste (DOL), que atua de abril a julho, é o principal sistema responsável pela intensificação das chuvas nesse período. As ações antrópicas, por sua vez, atuam como um agente efetivo preparatório, diminuindo o fator de segurança das encostas, já suscetíveis a deslizamentos como as dos Tabuleiros e Colinas da Zona Norte do Recife. Assim, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar e demonstrar a atuação das ações antrópicas como principal agente deflagrador dos movimentos de massa associados aos eventos extremos de chuva na Cidade do Recife, com ênfase nos bairros da Zona Norte e no ano de 2017.
Descentralização urbana e expansão imobiliária em áreas ambientalmente vulneráveis de Campina Grande-PB
Authors: Cavalcante de Araújo Douglas , Lima Marques Ailson de , Coelho Moura Debora
Published: March 2020

Campina Grande, no agreste paraibano, concebida como cidade de porte médio, expressa contradições contemporâneas urbanas e socioespacais através de uma reestruturação pautada na segregação, tendo neste fenômeno, os bairros planejados. Os bairros planejados chegaram ao Brasil por meio das cidades jardins, que se constituem em bairros planejados segundo o conceito inglês de garden city, e que oferecem aos condôminos amplas áreas verdes com praças, parques, intensa arborização em suas calçadas, além de um traçado urbano sustentável. Diante dessa discussão, esse trabalho utilizou uma metodologia pautada na fragilidade ambiental e enalteceu que esses empreendimentos estão em terrenos com declividade superior a 30%, onde as moradias se encontram assentadas sob Neossolos Litólicos associados a Cambissolos rasos embasados tanto por granito como por gnaisse, cuja susceptibilidade à erosão deve ser considerada ao preparar o terreno com técnicas engenharia especificas. Dessa forma, diante das características fisiográficas e do púbico alvo, pode-se ressaltar estar ocorrendo expansão urbana e descentralização da cidade de Campina Grande por ações em massa de deslocamento das classes C e D para ambientes vulneráveis, que podem acarretar danos materiais e humanos.
Mapeamento de áreas propensas ao risco ambiental no Município de Santa Rita (PB) pelo uso de Sistema de Informações Geográficas
Authors: Silva Pereira Floriza Maria da , Henrique de Araújo Silvânia , Cunico Camila
Published: March 2020

As variáveis que envolvem o estudo de riscos ambientais são muitas e complexas, como importante ferramenta pedagógica nos estudos sobre esta temática tem-se o mapeamento de áreas propensas a ele pelo uso de Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG). O município de Santa Rita localizado no estado da Paraíba, entre os anos de 2002 e 2011 registrou duas ocorrências de enchentes de acordo com Plano Diretor de Proteção Civil, assim o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal mapear as áreas propensas ao risco ambiental do município. A metodologia aplicada associa as cartografias digitais de clinografia, drenagem e setores censitários do Censo Demográfico de 2010 do Institulo Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Como resultado principal tem-se que metade do município de Santa Rita (49,1%) encontra-se em situação de insegurança ambiental “Muito Baixo” e “Baixo” localizados majoritariamente ao norte da cidade, já as maiores intensidades de risco ambiental “Muito Alto” e “Alto” (34,2%) localizam-se mais ao sul.
Uso de áreas verdes na expansão de conjuntos habitacionais no Subúrbio de Salvador, Bahia
Authors: De Jesus Viana Cassio , Martins Falcão Plínio
Published: March 2020

É sabido que o avanço da urbanização vem provocando impactos no meio natural, principalmente nas áreas verdes inseridas na cidade, as quais não são valorizadas, apesar dos benefícios ofertados na questão paisagística e da saúde. Frente a esse entrave, o presente estudo tem como objetivo expor a quantidade de espaços verdes reduzidos para a construção de conjuntos habitacionais iniciados no final da década de 60, no Subúrbio Ferroviário de Salvador. Para isso, tornou-se necessário lançar mão da seguinte sequência metodológica, composta por quatro etapas: (i) pesquisa bibliográfica, acerca dos conceitos de áreas verdes, fotointerpretação e expansão habitacional no subúrbio; (ii) identificação dos conjuntos habitacionais e elaboração da planilha com informações dos empreendimentos; (iii) obtenção das fotografias aéreas, fotointerpretação, georreferenciamento e cálculo de áreas verdes; (iv) trabalhos de campo e elaboração de mapas temáticos acerca das áreas verdes remanescentes. Por fim, os resultados apontaram que houve um processo elevado de supressão de áreas verdes na região provocados pela implantação dos primeiros complexos habitacionais e uma atividade mais discreta em relação aos mais recentes.
Uso do mapa de Declividade e do Modelo Digital de Elevação na análise do relevo do município de São Miguel do Tapuio – Piauí
Authors: Marques Leal Janaira , Maria Sabóia de Aquino Claudia , John Lennon Tavares da Silva Francisco
Published: March 2020

A cartografia apresenta-se como uma importante ferramenta de representação do espaço geográfico, sendo possível abordar variadas temáticas em pesquisas relacionadas à análise do relevo. Neste sentido, a presente pesquisa constitui-se no uso dos mapas de Declividade e Modelo Digital de Elevação (MDE) na análise do relevo do município de São Miguel do Tapuio, onde estes apresentam eficácia no que concerne ao auxílio no ordenamento territorial. Utilizaram-se imagens SRTM para a elaboração dos referidos mapas. Para a definição das classes de declividade utilizou-se a metodologia da EMBRAPA (2009).
The Effect of Immobilization Stress on Gastric Mucosal Histopathology in White Mice (Mus musculus) Male Swiss Webster Strain
Authors: Bunaya Rizki , Romus Ilhami , Siregar Fajri Marindra , Juananda Desby
Published: March 2020

Background: Immobilization stress is one method of stress induction on experimental animals. It affects the psychology and physical of experimental animals and is the recommended method for assessing changes in histological structure damage. The purpose of research was to analyze the effect of immobilization stress on gastric mucosal in mice.Materials and Methods: This research was experimental with post-test-only control group design. Twenty white mice (Mus musculus) male Swiss Webster strains were used in this study and divided into 4 groups: control, immobilization stress 14 days, immobilization stress 21 days, immobilization stress 28 days. Mice were given immobilization stress using 50 cc syringes for 2 hours every day for 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. Gastric mucosal damage in mice was analyzed under a microscope with of 10 fields of view in each sample. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney test.Results: Gastric mucosal damage score were 0 in control, 1.42±0.265 in 14 days, 1.82±0.265 in 21 days, and 2.54±0.05 in 28 days. There was significant difference between each group (p<0.05), while the greatest damage was found in the 28 days group.Conclusion: These result indicated that immobilization stress caused gastric mucosal damage and the degree of damage is in accordance with duration of stress.Keywords: gastric mucosal, immobilization, stress
Challenges with Wound Infection Models in Drug Development
Authors: Shukla Sandeep K. , Sharma Ajay K. , Gupta Vanya , Kalonia Aman , Shaw Priyanka
Published: March 2020

:

Wound research is an evolving science trying to unfold the complex untold mechanisms
behind the wound healing cascade. In particular, interest is growing regarding the role of microorganisms
in both acute and chronic wound healing. Microbial burden plays an important role in the persistence
of chronic wounds, ultimately resulting in delayed wound healing. It is therefore important for
clinicians to understand the evolution of infection science and its various etiologies. Therefore, to understand
the role of bacterial biofilm in chronic wound pathogenesis, various in vitro and in vivo models
are required to investigate biofilms in wound-like settings. Infection models should be refined
comprising an important signet of biofilms. These models are eminent for translational research to obtain
data for designing an improved wound care formulation. However, all the existing models possess
limitations and do not fit properly in the model frame for developing wound care agents. Among various
impediments, one of the major drawbacks of such models is that the wound they possess does not
mimic the wound a human develops. Therefore, a novel wound infection model is required which can
imitate the human wounds.

:

This review article mainly discusses various in vitro and in vivo models showing microbial colonization,
their advantages and challenges. Apart from these models, there are also present ex vivo wound
infection models, but this review mainly focused on various in vitro and in vivo models available for
studying wound infection in controlled conditions. This information might be useful in designing an
ideal wound infection model for developing an effective wound healing formulation.
Using Gold Nanoparticles for Ultra-trace Spectrophotometric Determination of Sitagliptin Drug in Various Real Samples
Authors: Moradi Maryam , Sohrabi Mahmoud Reza , Mortazavinik Saeid
Published: March 2020

Background:

The determination of trace drugs in aquatic environments is important. For
this purpose, many methods such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and gas
chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) have been used.

Objective:

This study introduces a simple, sensitive, and rapid colorimetric method for the spectrophotometric
determination of sitagliptin (STG) in drinking water, tablet, human plasma, and human
urine using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Methods:

The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) property of AuNPs and the interaction between
STG and AuNPs are the base of the colorimetric method. The addition of STG into AuNPs led to the
aggregation of AuNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) proved the aggregation of AuNPs
in the presence of STG. Also, the size of the nanoparticles distribution was evaluated by Dynamic
Light Scattering (DLS). In addition, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used
to study the chemical structure of AuNPs, STG, and AuNPs in the presence of STG.

Results:

The parameters that affect the absorbance such as pH, type and volume of buffer, AuNPs
concentration, interaction time, ionic strength, and interfering ions were investigated and optimized.
Under the optimum conditions, the determination of STG was performed via this method over the
range of 50-300 μgL-1 (R2=0.9941) with the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification
(LOQ) of 1.23 and 1.39 μgL-1, respectively.

Conclusion:

Eventually, the results showed that the proposed method has a high potential for simple,
rapid, sensitive, and accurate determination of STG.
Comparison of the Effects of Dexamethasone and Ondansetron on the Reduction of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting following Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Nejadi Jahanbakhsh R. , Shamseh Mahnaz , Ronasi Nooshin , Birjandi Mehdi , Karimi Arash
Published: March 2020

Background:

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is a common complication
associated with the use of anesthesia. Several antiemetics are used to reduce the incidence and severity
of PONV. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of dexamethasone and ondansetron
to treat PONV in patients undergoing cesarean section (c-section) under spinal anesthesia.

Methods:

This double-blind clinical trial study was performed on patients who were referred to
Haji Karim Asali Hospital of Khorramabad for elective cesarean section in 2016-17. Upon meeting
the inclusion criteria, patients were allotted into two groups (n=60). Group A received 8mg of dexamethasone
and group B received 4mg of ondansetron after spinal anesthesia. The Visual Analog
Scale (VAS) questionnaire and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire were used
for the analysis. Patients with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and depression were included in the
study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software.

Results:

There was no difference in the demographic data of the two groups. The mean severity of
nausea in group A was significantly higher than in group B. The odd ration of PONV was 20.67,
which was found to be statistically significant, p = 0.018. Concerning the type of delivery with the
frequency of nausea, the results showed that the frequency of nausea in group A was 3.24 times
higher than group B, however, this difference was not statistically significant, p = 0.106.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of this study, ondansetron had a significant effect on the alleviation
of postoperative nausea and vomiting, as compared to dexamethasone in C-section surgical
candidates.