bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing HIV status disclosure and partners’ testing through counselling in Tanzania
Authors: Idindili Boniphace , Selemani Majige , Bakar Fakihi , Thawer Sumaiyya G. , Gumi Abdallah , Mrisho Mwifadhi , Kahwa Amos , Massaga Julius J. 
Published: June 2021

Background: In Tanzania HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) is being implemented through voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), provider initiated counselling and testing (PITC) and work place counselling and testing (HTC). Within these programmes, HIV status disclosure is emphasized. However, among persons who test HIV positive, many do not disclose their status to their partners and social networks. However, data are lacking on the effectiveness of the different HTC strategies on HIV positive status disclosure.Objective: To investigate which of the three HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) strategies: Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), Provider Initiated Counselling and Testing (PITC) and work place Counselling and testing is associated with improved HIV-positive status disclosure in Eastern Tanzania.Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 455 newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients at 6 HTC sites during enrolment and at three months follow-up to collect data on disclosure status.Results: We found that PITC strategy attended a relatively higher proportion of clients 182/455(40.1%) as compared to VCT 169/455 (37.1%) and work place HTC strategies 104/455(22.9%) respectively. Among clients, about one third 130/455(28.6%) were found to be HIV-positive. HIV status disclosure rates were variable and were in order of preference of disclosing to family members 86/130(66.2 %), followed by relatives 74/130(56.9%) and sexual partners 71/130(54.6%). A high proportion of participants 77/130(59.2%) experienced violence acts from sexual partners in form of stigma and discrimination, abuse, divorce and termination from employment. In the multivariate logistic regression, disclosure to sexual partners was associated with violence acts of about two times higher (Disclosure to Partners OR=1.89) when compared to the group that did not disclose to their partners.Conclusion: PITC strategy was found to result into higher rates of HIV positive status disclosure when compared to VCT and work place HTC strategies. Stigma, discrimination and violence acts are still prevalent in Tanzania and discourages HIV positive status disclosure. Based on these findings, there is an urgent need of promoting public education on HIV transmission, prevention and treatment and enhancing strategies to reduce risky sexual behaviour and increase condom use.
Mental health, anthropometry and blood pressure among adolescents living in slums of Nashik, India
Authors: Khopkar Sushama A. , Virtanen Suvi M. , Kulathinal Sangita 
Published: June 2021

Background: Both hypertension and depression are common disorders and obesity is on the rise in low and middle-income countries. Because early life changes may prove to be precursors to the development of diseases in adult, assessing the mental and physical health of younger population is crucial. This study aimed to determine the association between blood pressure, mental health and anthropometric status of adolescents from urban slums in Nashik, India. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among eligible adolescents during November 2010 and April 2011 in two randomly selected slums of Nashik, Maharashtra, India. A total of 545 adolescents were selected from 276 households. Data on socio-demographic indicators, anthropometry, blood pressure, mental wellbeing, and addictions were collected using pretested structured questionnaires by house visits. Mental wellbeing was examined using the General Health Questionnaire with 12 items (GHQ-12). A higher score indicates more-optimal mental wellbeing. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyse the data. Results: Girls had better mental wellbeing scores than boys. Adolescents with low mental wellbeing score had higher percentage of stunting (22%) compared to high scores. The factors associated significantly with systolic blood pressure (SBP) were age, mid mental wellbeing score, stunting, and thinness. For diastolic blood pressure (DBP), sex, high mental wellbeing score, and father's education were, in addition, also significant. When moving from the low to mid mental wellbeing score, SBP and DBP decreased and the same was observed for high score. The prevalence of prehypertension was 20%. Conclusion: The findings showed that the adolescents do run a higher risk of substance abuse, health-related problems and higher SBP and DBP if there is an evidence of distress. It brings into focus the importance of mental health management in adolescents.
Experiences with surgical management of undescended testis at a tertiary care hospital in north-western Tanzania
Authors: Kadilo Steven , Manyama Mange , Kayange Neema M. , Chalya Phillipo L. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Undescended testes (UDT) are prone to a lot of complications but early detection and correction give good results. There is paucity of published data on UDT in our setting. This study describes the clinical presentation, management and outcome of this condition at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in northwestern TanzaniaMethods: This was a retrospective study of patients who were admitted and operated for undescended testis at BMC between July 2006 and June 2014. Results: A total of 84 patients with 102 UDT were studied. Forty-six (54.9%) patients were aged above 5 years. Majority (72.5%) UDT were non-palpable. The right side was involved in 54.8%; left side in 23.8% while 21.4% were bilateral. Associated inguinal hernia was reported in 48 (77.4%) patients. Ultrasonography was performed in 34 (45.9%) patients with non-palpable testes and was used to locate 12(35.3%) testes. Laparoscopy was not used in any patient. At surgery, 54 (52.9%) testes were found in the inguinal canal, 28 (27.5%) in the superficial inguinal pouch, 10 (9.8%) in the abdomen and 10 (9.8%) testes were not found. Out of the 92 (90.2%) visible testes, 69 (75.0%) underwent orchidopexy (single stage in 54 (78.3%) testes and multistage in 15 (21.7%) testes) and 23 (25.0%) orchidectomy. Single stage procedures were more likely in patients less than 5 years, with palpable testes and those with testes located at the superficial inguinal pouch (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were recorded in 8(9.5%) patients. The overall success rate of treatment was 95.7%. In this study, only 12 (14.3%) patients were available for follow up at 12 months after discharge.Conclusion: Patients with UDT presented late in our hospital because diagnosis by birth attendants was rarely made even though the anomaly was obvious at birth. The parents, patients themselves and development of complications drew attention to undescended testis. Health awareness campaign, thorough genital examination after birth and regular screening of toddlers for UDT may result in early presentation
Applicability of structured telephone monitoring to follow up heart failure patients discharged from Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Mmbali Sabina , Chillo Pilly 
Published: June 2021

Background: Studies from developed countries have shown that home monitoring and follow up of heart failure (HF) patients by use of phone calls is cost-effective as it reduces re-admission and improves patients’ clinical status. This intervention has however not been tested in resource poor countries including Tanzania, and there are questions as to whether it is applicable in such situations. This study was carried out to determine the applicability of structured telephone monitoring of HF patients discharged from Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: All heart failure patients admitted at the hospital’s Cardiovascular Medicine Department between August and December 2014 were consecutively recruited. Information on their clinical and demographic characteristics was collected and their mobile phone numbers recorded. Patients were then contacted through their phones on day 7, 14 and 30 post discharge and inquiry on their clinical status was made.Results: A total of 164 HF patients were admitted during the study period, of these 4 declined to participate, 3 could not establish a phone number and 26 died before discharge leaving 131 (79.9%) for follow-up. The mean age was 45±19 years and 56.5% were women. The proportion of patients that could be contacted through mobile phones were 96.2%, 94.7% and 93.9% on day 7, 14 and 30 post discharge, respectively. Over 90% of the contacted patients gave valuable information regarding their clinical status.Conclusion: Majority of HF patients can be contacted and provide valuable clinical information through mobile phones within a month post discharge from the national hospital in Tanzania. Structured telephone monitoring could be used as a tool to follow up HF patients in a resource-poor country like Tanzania.
Malnutrition and associated factors among adults starting on antiretroviral therapy at PASADA Hospital in Temeke District, Tanzania
Authors: Kabalimu Titus K. , Sungwa Edson , Lwabukuna Warles C. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Malnutrition is known to play a significant role in HIV/AIDS progression. Severe malnutrition has been previously found to be associated with early mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) undergoing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among adult PLHIV attending care and treatment centre (CTC) in Temeke District, Tanzania.Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study involved consecutive eligible patients attending the CTC for initiating in ART, between January and April, 2014. All participants who agreed to sign a consent form were enrolled. The participants had undergone baseline workup for ART initiation (by CTC), which included blood tests for liver and renal function tests, and CD4+ cell count, using calibrated instruments and standard techniques. In all patients the weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI), denoting the nutritional status. This parameter was recorded in the study instrument together with the CD4+ count for each patient. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain more information, namely demographic and lifestyle data.Results: A total of 125 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of malnutrition among participants was 19.4%. Those with severe malnutrition comprised of 9%. Significant association was noted between malnutrition and irregular income (OR= 3.8, CI: 1.2-11.5) and also inability to get at least two meals a day (OR= 3.4, CI: 1.2-9.2). Severe malnutrition was significantly associated with the CD4+ counts of <200 cells/mm(OR =7.6; CI: 1.7-34.6).Conclusion: About 19% of participants were malnourished at the time of initiation of ART and among them 9% were severely malnourished. The most important risks for malnutrition were found to be irregular income and inability to get adequate feeding. This calls for routine nutritional assessment at CTCs prior to initiation of ART so as to identify those who need immediate intervention, including those with severe malnutrition.
Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical analysis of extracts from Ormocarpum trichocarpum (Taub.) and Euclea divinorum (Hiern) used as traditional medicine in Tanzania
Authors: Kilonzo Mhuji , Rubanza Chrispinus , Richard Upendo , Sangiwa Gideon 
Published: June 2021

Background: Medicinal plants have been of great value to human healthcare in most parts of the world for thousands of years. In Tanzania, over 12,000 species of higher plants have been reported, and about 10% are estimated to be used as medicines to treat different human health conditions. The present study aimed to determine in vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical analysis of Ormocarpum trichocarpum and Euclea divinorum which are commonly used as a traditional medicine in Tanzania.
Methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of plants extracts against tested bacterial and fungal species were determined using 96 wells microdilution method. In this method, 50 μL of nutrient and saboraud’s dextrose broth for bacteria and fungus respectively were loaded in each well followed by 50 μL of extract to make final volume of 100 μL. Subsequently 50 μL were transferred from first rows of each well to the second rows and the process was repeated down the columns to the last wells from which 50 μL were discarded. Thereafter, 50 μL of the selected bacterial and fungal suspension was added to each well thus making final volume of 100μL. The lowest concentration which showed no microbe growth was considered as MIC. The study also evaluated phytochemical compounds present in the ethyl acetate extracts from O. trichocarpum stem bark and E. divinorum root bark extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique.
Results: It was revealed that 66% of the tested microbes were susceptible to plant extracts at MIC value of 0.39 mg/mL whereas 83% being susceptible to extracts at MIC value of 0.781 mg/mL. Interestingly, four out of 18 tested plant extracts exhibited high antifungal activity below that of the standard antifungal drug, fluconazole. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various low molecular weight phytochemicals which belongs to six groups of secondary metabolites namely dieterpenes, alphatic hydrocarbons, tetraterpenes, sesquiterpenes, steroid and triterpenes.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the presence of various phytochemicals in the tested plant extracts may be associated with pharmacological properties of O. trichocarpum and E. divinorum and therefore justifying ethnomedical usage of such plants.

Keywords: Antibacterial, antifungal, Ormocarpum trichocarpum, Euclea divinorum
Summa Theologiae 2.0: Intellectual Mass Media in the Modern Russian Realities, or How “The Academic” became “The Mediatic”
Authors: Kyrchanoff Maksym W. 
Published: June 2021

The research paper focuses on the specific features of the status of theology in the modern humanities in Russia. Studying the complexities and difficulties of the institutionalisation of theology and its localisation in the Russian university system and academic culture, the author foregrounds the post-Soviet European experience of the Baltic countries and Ukraine, where theology acquired the status of a “normal” science earlier than in Russia. Within the framework of this study, the peculiarities of the controversial status of theology in the system of higher education as well as in the Russian postgraduate and doctoral studies are considered in the contexts of the frontier of knowledge and the post-Soviet stereotypes. It is assumed that several factors, including the Soviet atheistic cultural heritage, the post-Soviet system of secular degrees and the traditionally significant role of representatives of the natural sciences in the academic community, may significantly contribute to slowing down the transformation of theology into a “normal” science. The paper also deals with the issue of how theology is transforming from the church life of the Russian Christians and becoming more noticeable in the Russian educational cultures and academic spaces. The arguments of the supporters and opponents of the official institutionalisation of theology in the higher education system are critically examined. The author pays special attention to the prospects and possibilities of using the Western experience of “secularization” of theology and its integration into the secular canons of science.
Analisis Faktor Kendala Industri Kecil Menengah (Studi Pada IKM Makanan di Kelurahan Tidar Utara Kota Magelang)
Authors: Nazifah Maya Noura , Ikhwan Khairul 
Published: June 2021

Industri Kecil Mikro sektor makanan menghadapi tantangan yang terus bertambah besar dibalik berkembangnya teknologi informasi. Sementara itu, IKM sektor makanan masih mengalami kendala mendasar yang belum terpecahkan. Penilitian ini, bertujuan menganalisis faktor apa saja yang menjadi kendala usaha yang dialami oleh Industri Makanan yang ada di Kelurahan Tidar Utara, Kota Magelang. Teknik pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini survei menggunakan instrumen kuesioner dan wawancara. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Penelitian ini menguraikan serta menganalisis faktor kendala usaha pada industri makanan di Kelurahan Tidar Utara, Kota Magelang. Total sebanyak 65 data IKM makanan terkumpul. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 3 kendala utama yang mempengaruhi serta menghambat kinerja IKM makanan di Kelurahan Tidar Utara Kota Magelang. Kendala tersebut yaitu: pemasaran, permodalan, dan pembukuan. Solusi atas kendala tentu saja tidak hanya dibebankan pada IKM sendiri, tetapi juga harus memperoleh dukungan dari dari asosiasi pengusaha maupun dari lingkungan pemerintah.
Pragmatic functions of modern english phraseology
Authors: Alimova Feruza 
Published: June 2021

Phraseological units – there is one of the most controversial problems in modern phraseology. This article presents the results of studying the main pragmatic functions of phraseological units in modern English. The relevance of the research lies in the urgent need to differentiate regular pragmatic functions in English phraseology. The aim of the work is to analyze the functions of phraseological units based on the British National Corpus (BNC) and assess their quantitative ratios. The theoretical basis of the research is the phraseological concept of A.V. Kunin.
Давлат-ҳусусий шериклик асосида мактабгача таълим соҳасини ривожлантиришнинг моҳияти, иқтисодий аҳамияти ва хусусиятлари
Authors: Хаджаева Юлдуз 
Published: June 2021

Ўзбекистон Республикасида мактабгача таълим тизимини ривожлантириш муҳим устувор вазифалардан ҳисобланади. Соҳани жадал ривожлантириш, илм талаб тармоқларда ишловчи ва замонавий кадрларларни тайёрлашнинг энг муҳим пойдеворидир.
Ушбу мақолада мактабгача таълим муасасалари фаолияти, унда олиб борилиши лозим бўлган ислоҳотлар бўйича маълумотлар ва илмий таклиф, тавсиялар ишлаб чиқилган бўлиб, улардан кенг масштабда республика бўйича фойдаланиш бугунки куннинг энг муҳим муамомаларидан бири бўлган сифатли ва рақобатбардош кадрлар тайёрлашни ижобий ҳал этиш мумкин бўлади.
Ушбу мақолада мактабгача таълим муасасалари фаолияти, унда олиб борилиши лозим бўлган ислоҳотлар бўйича маълумотлар ва илмий таклиф, тавсиялар ишлаб чиқилган бўлиб, улардан кенг масштабда республика бўйича фойдаланиш бугунки куннинг энг муҳим муамомаларидан бири бўлган сифатли ва рақобатбардош кадрлар тайёрлашни ижобий ҳал этиш мумкин бўлади.
AS RELAÇÕES DO CIRCUITO SUPERIOR E DO CIRCUITO INFERIOR NO EIXO RODOVIÁRIO NATAL-CAICÓ, RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, BRASIL
Authors: Salvador Diego Salomão Candido de Oliveira 
Published: June 2021

Os circuitos da economia urbana não existem separadamente; eles coexistem, sendo subsistemas de um só sistema urbano: a cidade. A modernização econômica – geradora de uma economia superior, alicerçada na exploração do trabalho para a obtenção de altos lucros e de uma intensificação da situação de pobreza da maioria da população – é a razão para a existência entrecruzada de um circuito hegemônico e um não hegemônico da economia urbana dos países subdesenvolvidos. Quanto mais essa modernização se adensa no território nacional, mais intensas e complexas se tornam as relações entre os circuitos. Neste artigo, compreendemos as relações entre os circuitos da economia urbana no eixo rodoviário Natal-Caicó (RN), atentando para a formação dos subsistemas da economia urbana, os usos da variável finanças e a rede de mercadorias estabelecida pelos circuitos. Assim, encerramos nossas reflexões e análises considerando que o circuito inferior é proeminente na economia urbana do eixo rodoviário Natal-Caicó, coexistindo com o circuito superior por relações de concorrência, complementaridade e subordinação. Palavras-chave: Circuitos da economia urbana. Coexistência. Eixo rodoviário Natal-Caicó.
EXCURSÕES E AULA DE CAMPO EM GEOGRAFIA: UM OLHAR DIFERENTE SOBRE O SEMIÁRIDO
Authors: Dantas Thiago Dos Santos , Cordeiro Joel Maciel Pereira 
Published: June 2021

O semiárido nordestino envolve uma área de aproximadamente 1.120.000 km² distribuído entre 1.262 municípios. Embora seja tratado muitas vezes como ambiente seco e adverso, o semiárido apresenta uma ampla diversidade de elementos naturais, histórico-culturais e áreas economicamente desenvolvidas. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar a relação sociedade-natureza e a diversidade paisagística natural e cultural do semiárido a partir de excursões envolvendo aulas de campo. A excursão envolveu alunos e professores de graduação em geografia (licenciatura plena). Foram visitados os municípios de Juazeirinho, Patos e Sousa na Paraíba e diversas temáticas foram discutidas de forma prática, como vegetação da caatinga, clima, geologia, geomorfologia, paleontologia, recursos hídricos e economia do semiárido. As atividades práticas de excursões envolvendo aulas de campo se demonstraram de fundamental importância para a formação profissional do licenciado em geografia, permitindo o desenvolvimento de novos conceitos, novos olhares e pensamentos críticos sobre diversas temáticas envolvendo o semiárido nordestino.
Variation in bovine leptin gene affects milk fatty acid composition in New Zealand Holstein Friesian  ×  Jersey dairy cows
Authors: Haruna Ishaku Lemu , Zhou Huitong , Hickford Jon G. H. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Leptin is a protein hormone secreted from white adipose tissue. It regulates
food/feed intake, body weight, immune function and reproduction. In our
investigation, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification coupled
with single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to
reveal variation in bovine leptin gene (LEP) in New Zealand (NZ)
Holstein Friesian × Jersey (HF × J) dairy cows.
Subsequent sequence analysis of a 430 bp amplicon spanning the entirety of
exon 3 and part of the intron 2 region revealed three variant sequences
(A3, B3 and C3) containing a total of five nucleotide substitutions,
all of which have been reported previously. Using general linear
mixed-effect model analyses, the presence of variant A3 (the most common
variant) was associated with a decreased level of C15:1, C18:1 trans-11, C18:1
all trans, C18:2 trans-9, cis-12, C22:0 and C24:0 levels but increased levels of C12:1 and
C13:0 iso (p<0.05). Variant B3 was associated with reduced levels
of C6:0, C8:0, C11:0, C13:0 and C20:0 but increased C17:0 iso and C24:0 levels
(p<0.05). Variant C3 was associated with decreased C17:0 iso
levels but increased C20:0 (p<0.05) levels. In a genotype model, the
A3B3 genotype was associated with increased levels of C22:0 and
C24:0 but decreased C8:0, C10:0, C11:0, C13:0, C15:0 and grouped medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) levels (p<0.05). Genotype
A3C3 was found to be associated with decreased levels of C10:0,
C11:0, C13:0 and grouped MCFA (p<0.05). This is the first report of
findings of this kind in NZ HF × J cows, and they suggest that
variation in exon 3 of bovine leptin gene could be explored as a means of
decreasing the concentration of saturated fatty acids in milk.