bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arsenic in Santa Catarina soils
Authors: Machado Matheus Rodrigo , Miquelluti David José , Campos Mari Lucia 
Published: October 2021

Arsenic (As) is one of the most harmful chemical elements known to man and to the environment, mainly due its high toxicity and wide distribution; the content of this element within the soils is a genuine concern, thus making it paramount to know its natural contents in a regional context. The present study aimed to determine the natural Arsenic content in the A horizon of 31 soil profiles from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, which is useful in determining reference values, monitoring, remediation of contaminated areas, legal regulation and Brazilian laws. Soil samples were prepared following the USPEA 3051A SW-846 method and were previously chemically reduced from As(V) to AS(III) by using the BCR method. The determination was performed in an Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry - Hydride Generation (ICP-OES-HG at cold vapor). Results obtained from the soil groups reveal the materials of basaltic origins as the ones with more As content while those of sediment origins had lesser content. Evaluated soil profiles fit into the following descending order regarding their As content: Latossolos, according to EMBRAPA (Oxisols according to Soil Taxonomy) > Nitossolo (Ultisols, Oxisols (Kandic), Alfisols) > Chernossolos (---) = Cambissolo (Inceptisols) = Argissolo (Ultisols) > Neossolos (Entisols).
Keywords: arsenic content, reference value, soils, trace element.
Application of polyelectrolytes for improving the dewatering performance of drinking water treatment sludge using geotextiles
Authors: Avancini Livia Luiza de Souza , Muller Matheus , Vidal Delma de Mattos 
Published: October 2021

The sludge generated at drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) is a high-moisture content residue, and therefore difficult to handle, transport, dispose of or recover. During the last decades, geotextile tubes have been successfully applied to reduce the residue volume, facilitate its handling and subsequent reuse. This study aimed to understand the factors that interfere in the filtration and dewatering efficiencies and to experimentally analyze the dewatering process of WTPs sludge, evaluating different test procedures and investigating the influence of the type and dosage of polymeric additives on dewatering performance. Geotextile cone dewatering tests and geotextile bag dewatering tests were performed, using four different woven geotextile samples and an aluminum sulfate WTP sludge sample. The results showed that the use of geotextile cone dewatering tests for geotextile selection and for additive selection and dosage was representative for the dewatering process intended, reflecting the results verified in the geotextile bag dewatering tests. Sludge chemical conditioning increased dewatering rate and solids retention during the tests’ early stages, but it did not result in a higher final solids content sludge cake.
Keywords: dewatering systems, geosynthetics, waste management.
Microplastics in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Lake Amatitlán
Authors: Oliva-Hernández Bessie Evelyn , Santos-Ruiz Francis Mariel , Muñoz-Wug Manuel Alejandro , Pérez-Sabino Juan Francisco 
Published: October 2021

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm found in the environment, which can cause health problems for aquatic organisms and humans, being classified as emerging pollutants. In Guatemala, Lake Amatitlán is one of the most polluted lakes as it receives discharges of wastewater, treated and untreated, as well as other waste from Guatemala City and other major urban populations. In a recent study, microplastics were found in sediments in Lake Amatitlán, so it was necessary to determine whether the lake's fish are affected by these pollutants, which can be harmful to their health. This research aimed to determine the microplastics in fish from Lake Amatitlán, for which 65 specimens of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected in October and December 2020, and January 2021. The collected fish were dissected in the laboratory, where the number and type of microplastics were analyzed in the digestive tract, after their separation by digestion and filtration. Lines or fibers were the most common type of microplastics, found in 63 specimens (96.9% of the analyzed specimens), ranging from 0 to 27 lines/fibers per individual. The frequency of other types of microplastics found were 0-3 fragments/individual, 0-2 films/individual, and 0-4 foams/individual, while microspheres were not found in any specimen. The presence of microplastics in tilapia from Lake Amatitlán is an indicator of contamination in the lake by pollutants that could affect the trophic network and represents a risk for the fish consumers, requiring the attention of environmental and health authorities.
Keywords: emerging pollutants, Guatemala, pollution.
Comparative incidence of adverse drug reaction during the first and subsequent year of antiretroviral therapy in a Nigerian HIV infected cohort
Authors: O Abah Isaac , D Dayom Wetkos , A Dangiwa Dauda , Aderemi-Williams Roseline , Anejo-Okopi Joseph , O Agbaji Oche , Kanki Phyllis , C Aguiyi John 
Published: October 2021

Background: Despite close to two decades of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria, data on late on-onset ART-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are sparse.
Objectives: To describe early and late-onset ADRs and compare their incidence in an outpatient HIV positive Cohort on ART.
Method: We described the incidence of clinical ADRs identified and documented in an outpatient clinic cohort of HIV-pos- itive patients treated between June 2004 and December 2015 at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Incidence rates of ADRs during the first and subsequent years of ART were compared.
Results: of the 13,983 patients’ data analyzed, 9317 were females (66%), and those in the age bracket of 25 to 45 years made up 78% of the studied population. During 52,411 person-years (py) of ART, 1485 incident ADRs were recorded; Incidence rate (IR) 28.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.9:29.8) ADRs per 1000 person-years (py) of ART. The IR of ADRs was about two times higher in the first year of ART compared to subsequent years of treatment; crude incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.77 (95% CI 1.59:1.97). Anemia, hypersensitivity reactions, and nervous system disorders had 7, 23, and 5 times higher incidence, respectively, in the first year of therapy, compared to subsequent years.
Conclusion: The first year of ART is the period of highest risk of ADRs. Individual and programmatic treatment success in resource-limited settings requires strategies for early identification and management of ADR during the period of greatest risk of ADRs.
Keywords: Adverse drug events; antiretroviral therapy; drug toxicity; sub- Saharan Africa.
Knowledge, attitude, and preferred strategies towards HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescents attending secondary schools in South Western Uganda
Authors: Beebwa Esther , Muzoora Conrad , Ashaba Scholastic , Groves Sara , Atwine Fortunate 
Published: October 2021

Background: Globally, HIV/AIDS continues to rise among adolescents. Ugandan studies have examined knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS among adult populations. This study specifically paid attention to this particular age group of adolescents 12-19 years.
Aim: To explore HIV knowledge and attitudes among adolescents attending secondary schools Mbarara Uganda.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in three secondary schools in South Western Uganda. Forty eight (48) adolescents with age range between 12-19 years were purposively recruited in the study. Data were collected from six focus groups and analyzed thematically. Ethical approval received from MUST (#05/10-17) and UNSCT (#SS4535) review committees.
Results: Four themes emerged: Knowledge about HIV, sources of information, attitudes towards persons with HIV and prevention strategies. Most adolescents had the basic knowledge of HIV from multiple sources like social media, health workers, peers, and parents. Their attitudes toward individuals with HIV included compassion, shock, and uneasiness. Par- ticipants suggested prevention programs to be implemented in the schools emphasizing HIV education, life skills, sex edu- cation and the formation of peer groups.
Conclusions: The findings showed that most participants had knowledge about HIV and how it can be prevented however few had knowledge gap thinking that HIV does not exist.
Keywords: Adolescents; attitudes; knowledge; HIV/AIDS; prevention.
Diphtheria serology in adults in Central Java and East Java, Indonesia: the importance of continuous diphtheria vaccination
Authors: Sunarno  , Asri Febriyani , Subangkit  , Mursinah  , Herna  , Nike Susanti , Kambang Sariadji , Widoretno  , Dwi Febriyana , Tati Febrianti , Ratih Dian Saraswati , Nelly Puspandari 
Published: October 2021

Background: Vaccination increase immunity against diphtheria, yet will decrease by aging. Therefore, boosters are needed to be done regularly.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the immunity to diphtheria for the population of 16 years old and above.
Methods: The sample of study were 295 collected blood serums by Riskesdas project in 2013, the criteria was above 15 years of age and originating from the Provinces of Central Java or East Java inclusively. Immunity assessment was based on antibody titer (IgG) against diphtheria using Vero Cell cytotoxicity test. Statistical analysis was performed using the X2 test.
Results: The full protective IgG titer (>0.1 IU/ml) at the age of 16-20 years included 75% sample with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 0.19 IU/ml. Yet, at the age of 21-60 years and > 60 years, full protective IgG titers only cover 45.5% and 33.3% sample with GMT respectively 0.06 IU / ml. Statistical analysis showed the relationship between age and immune status with p-value 0.003. Otherwise, no relationship between the status of immunity with sex and residency with p-values of 0.16 and 0.43.
Conclusions: The immune status against diphtheria at the age of above 15 years decreases with aging.
Keywords: Adult; diphtheria; Indonesia; serology.
Association of eNOS (G894T, rs1799983) and KCNJ11 (E23K, rs5219) gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease in North Indian population
Authors: Tasleem Raza Syed , P Singh Sachendra , Rizvi Saliha , Zaidi Alina , Srivastava Sanchita , Hussain Arif , Mahdi Farzana 
Published: October 2021

Background: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11) could be the candidate genes for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigated the relationship of the eNOS (rs1799983) and KCNJ11 (rs5219) polymorphisms with the presence and severity of CAD in the North Indian pop- ulation.
Methods: This study included 300 subjects, 150 CAD cases and 150 healthy controls. Single nucleotide polymorphism was evaluated by Polymerase chain reaction and Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Analysis was performed by SPSS (version 21.0).
Results: We observed that KK genotype of KCNJ11E23K (rs5219) polymorphism (P=0.0001) genotypes and K allele (P=0.0001) was found to be a positive risk factor and strongly associated with CAD. In the case of eNOSG894T (rs1799983) there was no association found with CAD.
Conclusion: These results illustrate the probability of associations between SNPs and CAD although specific genetic pol- ymorphisms affecting ion channel function and expression have still to be clarified by further investigations involving larger cohorts.
Keywords: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD); endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS); potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11); gene polymorphism.
Knowledge and practices of physicians on blood component therapy: a cross-sectional study from two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Obi Esther , Diette-spiff Claudius , Omunakwe Hannah 
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Comprehension of blood component therapy (BCT) has profound impact on transfusion outcomes. Varia- tions from the standards in practices of BCT may jeopardize patient care.
Aim: To assess the understanding and implementation of BCT by physicians.
Methods: The study was carried out at two tertiary health care centres. It was a descriptive cross- sectional study using a self-administered, questionnaire comprising of 30 questions.
Result: A total of 265 physicians responded from various clinical specialties. Physicians studied showed remarkable knowl- edge (98%) of BCT. Nevertheless, 92.8% of the respondents' were inclined to prescribing whole blood and the common- est reason given was ready availability at the blood bank. More than half of the respondents' have prescribed BCT with sedimented red cells and platelet concentrates being the most frequently prescribed blood components. Non-availability of blood components and cost implications were some of the identified limitations to the use of BCT.
Conclusion: Majority of the physicians have a good knowledge concerning BCT. Nonetheless, there was a knowledge-prac- tice mismatch attributable to the unavailability of the various blood components limiting optimal practice of BCT. Strategies should be formulated to overcome these identified challenges to ensure quality transfusion services in our healthcare facil- ities.
Keywords: Physicians; blood component therapy; blood transfusion; blood components; knowledge.
Polymorphism in the TP63 gene imparts a potential risk for leukemia in the North Indian population
Authors: Bhat Amrita , Bhat Gh. Rasool , Verma Sonali , Shah Ruchi , Nagpal Ashna , Sharma Bhanu , Bakshi Divya , Suri Jyotsna , Singh Supinder , Tanwar Mukesh , Vaishnavi Samantha , Bhat Audesh , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: October 2021

Background: The role of single nucleotide polymorphism rs10937405 (C>T) of the TP63 gene in cancer including leu- kemia has previously been studied in different world populations; however, the role of this variant in leukemia in the North Indian population of Jammu and Kashmir is still unknown.
Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the association of genetic variant rs10937405 with leukemic in the Jammu and Kashmir population.
Methods: A total of 588 subjects, (188 cases and 400 controls) were recruited for the study. The rs10937405 variant was genotyped by using the real-time based TaqMan assay.
Results: A statistically significant association was observed between the rs10937405 and leukemia [OR of 1.94 (95% CI 1.51-2.48), p=1.2x10-6].
Conclusion: The current study concludes that the rs10937405 variant is a risk factor for the development of leukemia in the population of Jammu and Kashmir, North India. However, it would be interesting to explore the contribution of this variant in other cancers as well. Our findings will help in the development of diagnostic markers for leukemia in the studied population and potentially for other North Indian populations.
Keywords: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs); Leukemia; North Indian population; Tumour suppressor (TP63); Linkage Disequilibrium (LD); Genome wide association studies (GWAS); Jammu and Kashmir (J &K).
Factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: O Sebabi Francis , O Okello Walter , Nakubulwa Faith , Sempindu Rogers , Driciru Catherine , Nalukenge Caroline , Mulinde Ben , Nakiyingi Lydia , Nakanjako Damalie , N Ssali Grace , A Musika Anne 
Published: October 2021

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of blindness globally. Many patients with cataract in developing countries delay to come for cataract surgery.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among adult pa- tients seen at Mulago National Referral Hospital eye clinic in Uganda.
Methods: Employing a hospital based cross-sectional study, adult patients with cataract and having moderate visual impair- ment or blindness were recruited. Patient-related factors for delayed surgery were assessed using a predetermined question- naire. Data was analyzed using stata version 14.2. Logistic regressions were used to determine the factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among these patients.
Results: Eighty two participants with operable cataract were evaluated. Females were 44 (54%) and the mean age of partic- ipants was 67 years. Fifty three (65%) had delayed uptake of cataract surgery. The factors associated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among patients with cataract were financial constraint, felt no need for surgery and good unilateral vision.
Conclusions: Financial constraints, no felt need for cataract surgery and having good unilateral vision are the factors asso- ciated with delayed uptake of cataract surgery among cataract patients. We recommend cataract surgical outreach to remote areas and health education.
Keywords: Risk factors; operable cataract; cataract; surgery; Uganda; sub-Saharan Africa.
Current fertility desire and its associated factors among currently married eligible couples in urban and rural area of Puducherry, south India
Authors: Kumar Saya Ganesh , Cheriyath Premarajan Kariyarath , Roy Gautam , Sarkar Sonali , Sekhar Kar Sitanshu , Ulaganeethi Revathi , Jose Olickal Jeby 
Published: October 2021

Background: There are paucity of studies on current fertility desire at community level.
Objective: To assess current fertility desire and its associated factors among eligible couples of reproductive age group in Puducherry, India.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2017 among 2228 currently married eligible couples assessed socio-demographic and fertility-related factors associated with fertility desire. Data were collected based on the National Family Health Survey questionnaire. Association of fertility desire was assessed by univariate and generalised linear regression analysis.
Results: Out of 1979 respondents, current fertility desire within two years was 13.7% (95% CI, 12.3%-15.3%). Mean number of children (SD) currently living and preferred was 1.77(0.851) and 2.11 (0.528) respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the significant factors positively associated with fertility desire include woman's age of 18–24 (APR = 2.91), 25-29 years (APR=2.48), 30-34 (APR=2.47), 35-39(APR=2.06), high socioeconomic status (APR=2.02), those without child (APR=52.35) and those with one child (APR=35.60).
Conclusion: The fertility desire is comparatively lesser than other areas. Those without or with a single child and high so- cio-economic status group had comparatively more fertility desire.
Keywords: Fertility desire; eligible couples; India.
Prevalence and associated factors of HIV-TB co-infection among HIV patients: a retrospective Study
Authors: A Zeru Melkamu 
Published: October 2021

Background: TB/HIV co-infection is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. But the prevalence of co-infection was varies among countries. This study was designed to assess prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection and to determine its factors.
Methods: A retrospective study was done among HIV-positive patients at Hiwot Fana hospital from December, 2014 to 2018. The study participants were selected by simple random sampling. Patients with incomplete chart reviews were exclud- ed and demographic, clinical and laboratory information were analyzed using SPSS and STATA. Uni-vitiate and bivariate logistic regressions were applied.
Results: Five hundred fourteen patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 187(37.4%) had TB. Bivariate logistic analysis showed that HIV patients with regards to marital status[AOR = 2.6; 95%CI = 1.19- 2.89] , education status [AOR = 3.74; 95%CI = 2.47–5.66], weight less than 50kg [AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.35 – 4.81], CD4 level < 200cells/mm3 [AOR = 4.57; 95%CI = 2.38– 6.86] and patient who were at WHO clinical stage III [AOR = 7.8; 95%CI = 5.15 – 8.55] were significantly associated with TB/HIV co-infection.
Conclusion: The prevalence of TB among HIV patients was high and predicted by marital, education status, weight, CD4 cell count and WHO clinical stage III.
Keywords: Prevalence; TB; HIV; co-infection; Harari Region.
Economic analysis of improved variety of groundnut production in north-western Nigeria
Authors: Ojedokun A.O. 
Published: October 2021

This research was conducted to analyse the economics of improved groundnut seeds’ production in North-Western, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed for this study. Data were collected from 125 producers of improved variety of groundnut seeds in Bunkure Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State using well-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics result revealed that respondents were active, mostly males and that they were mostly literate. The result revealed that the marketing of improved variety of groundnut seeds was efficient and that the enterprise was considered viable. Age, household size, farm size and access to credit were the factors that influenced the net marketing margin to producers of improved groundnut seeds. The study recommends that adequate credit facilities should be made available and improved variety of groundnut seeds should be subsidized so that producers can be motivated to use and adopt them.
SOME ETHICAL ASPECTS OF FEMINISM AND EMANSIPATION
Authors: Michael Domansky  
Published: October 2021

Since its birth, feminism has been closely associated with emancipation. And now it is understood primarily as the liberation of women from discrimination, other trends remain, rather, the exception. Moreover, liberation as a goal is rarely called into question. At the same time, freedom is an ethical category, and the desire for liberation inevitably raises moral questions. Therefore, the connection between feminism and ethics is not accidental. The topics that I want to touch on are, in my opinion, key to understanding this connection. I will begin the discussion with what exactly feminism seeks to free itself from, and for this I will remind you of some facts of female discrimination.
Most women in modern society are overburdened with double work: housework and work to earn financial security. As a result, they give up their careers for the careers of a husband. Well, if he understands this, and if he considers his personal success as a result of joint efforts, and not just his talent. The burden of homework interferes with both professional growth and political activity. If a woman, not neglecting her two works, begins to engage in politics, then this activity - participation in rallies, congresses, the search for sponsors and maintaining relations with them, participation in elections - becomes her third job. It is not surprising that in such a situation, women rarely achieve leadership positions, both in government and in business. Needless to say, double loading leaves few opportunities for continuing education.