bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum on haematological parameters of pregnant women at first antenatal visit in South-western Nigeria
Authors: Obebe Oluwasola O. , Falohun Olufarati O. , Olajuyigbe Olaitan O. , Lawani Mike A. , Ajayi Olubunmi A. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas are at high risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection and its complications. This study investigated the impact of asymptomatic P. falciparum on haematological parameters of pregnant women at first antenatal visit in south-western Nigeria.Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional evaluation of 130 asymptomatic pregnant women was conducted. Plasmodium infection was diagnosed using Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy and rapid diagnostic test, while haemoglobin levels (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined using semi-automated haematology analyser.Results: Multigravid pregnant women presented more during their second trimester. Overall malaria prevalence in the sampled population was 14.6%. Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was highest (68.4%) in the second trimester. P. falciparum infected pregnant women had significantly lower mean values of packed cell volume (PCV), haematocrit (Hb), and total white blood cell (WBC) compared to non-infected individuals (t = -4.07, p= 0.001; t = 3.30, p = <0.001; t = -2.77, p <0.001).Conclusion: There is asymptomatic P. falciparum infection in the study area and this may form a reservoir for transmission. Pregnant women infected with malaria parasites exhibited important changes in haematocrit level, haemoglobin concentration, and total white blood cells. Use of anti-malaria therapy and insecticide-treated bed net would result in greater haematological benefits.
Development partner support to the health sector at the local level in Morogoro region, Tanzania
Authors: Frumence Gasto M. , Chebet Joy , Callaghan-Koru Jennifer A. , Mosha Idda , Chitama Dereck , Killewo Japhet , Winch Peter 
Published: June 2021

Background: The Tanzanian health sector receives large amounts of funding from multiple international development partners to support a broad range of population-health interventions. However, little is known about the partners’ level of commitment to sustain funding, and the implications of uncertainties created by these funding mechanisms. This study had the following objectives: 1) To present a theoretical model for assessing funding commitments by health development partners in a specified region; 2) to describe development partner funding commitments against this framework, using a case study example of Morogoro Region, Tanzania; and 3) to discuss policy considerations using this framework for district, regional and national level.Methods: Qualitative case study methodology was used to assess funding commitments of health-related development partners in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Using qualitative data, collected as part of an evaluation of maternal and child health programs in Morogoro Region, key informants from all development partners were interviewed and thematic analysis was conducted for the assessment. Results: Our findings show that decisions made on where to commit and direct funds were based on recipient government and development partner priorities. These decisions were based on government directives, such as the need to provide health services to vulnerable populations; the need to contribute towards alleviation of disease burden and development partner interests, including humanitarian concerns. Poor coordination of partner organizations and their funding priorities may undermine benefits to target populations. This weakness poses a major challenge on development partner investments in health, leading to duplication of efforts and resulting in stagnant disease burden levels.Conclusion: Effective coordination mechanisms between all stakeholders at each level should be advocated to provide a forum to discuss interests and priorities, so as to harmonize them and facilitate the implementation of development partner funded activities in the recipient countries.
Attendance of male partners to different reproductive health services in Shinyanga District, North western Tanzania
Authors: Chibwae Alfred , Kapesa Anthony , Jahanpour Ola , Seni Jeremiah , Basinda Namanya , Kadelya Emmanuel , Konje Evelyne , Nyanza Elias Charles , Ngallaba Sospatro , Dewey Deborah 
Published: June 2021

Background: Male involvement in reproductive health (RH) services in Africa has been associated with improved maternal and child health outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors affecting male partner attendance to available reproductive health services in Shinyanga district, north-western Tanzania.Methods: A house to house survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among randomly selected married men. Additional in-depth interviews were conducted among married men found attending RH services. Factors that motivates the uptake of locally available RH services together with their partners were explored.Results: A total of 204 men participated in the study, 94.4 % (193/204) of them reported to have ever attended the RH service with their female partners at least once whereas 50.6% (103/204) of them attended at least thrice. Three quarters (154/204) attended HIV counselling and testing (VCT) and 63% (129/204) attended antenatal services (ANC). Reported attendance to sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child (PMTCT), and reproductive health cancer services were all less than 13%. The male partners age group (25-34 years; χ2=9.347, df =3 p-value < 0.001), female partner invitation to HR services (χ2= 29.901, df=1, p-value <0.001) and having less than 2 children (χ2= 6.201, df= 2, p-value < 0.05) were associated with higher RH service attendance. Only 20% (4/20) of married men attended RH because they expected better health outcomes in their presence whilst majority attended because they were summoned or just happen to be at the clinic for other purposes.Conclusion: The male attendance to RH services together with their female partners’ in rural Shinyanga was mainly focused ANC and VCT. Most of men attended because were verbally invited by their partners. Education on couple communication empowerment among women attending RH clinics could sustainably improve attendance to all RH services.
Diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound in the evaluation of abdomino-pelvic lesions at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Binde Mohamed S. , Kasanga Godrey , Chalya Phillipo L. , Mahalu William 
Published: June 2021

Background: Despite the fact that abdominal ultrasound has been widely used in many centres in Tanzania as a primary diagnostic imaging for patients with abdomino-pelvic lesions, its diagnostic utility has not yet been assessed in Tanzania, and therefore its use as an alternative diagnostic tool in patients with abdomino-pelvic lesions is not justified. This study aimed to determine the utility of abdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of abdomino-pelvic lesions in our local setting.Methods: This was a cross sectional study to evaluate the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound in patients presenting with abdomino-pelvic lesions at Bugando Medical Centre between January 2017 and July 2017. Abdominal ultrasonographic findings were cross-tabulated against operative findings (the gold standard). Then, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and accuracy were calculated to determine the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound.Results: A total of 146 patients (M: F ratio = 1: 2.2) were studied. The mean age at diagnosis was 39.3 years. The diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 39.4-100%, 0-100%, 64.7-100%, 0-100% and 40.8-100% respectively. The kappa statistic (қ) showed good to excellent agreement with the operative findings, the gold standard (қ = 0.75-1.00).Conclusion: The diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound in detecting abdomino-pelvic lesions is much lower than that seen in developed countries, hence, abdominal ultrasound is not a reliable tool in detecting abdomino-pelvic lesions at Bugando Medical Centre and therefore its use should be supplemented with abdominal CT scan in selected cases.
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in selected military camps in Tanzania
Authors: Kalinga Akili , Kavishe Reginald A. , Ishengoma Deus S , Kagaruki Gibson , Mweya Clement , Mgata Saidi , Mahikwano Lucas , Mwanziva Charles , Kamau Edwin , Hickman Mark , Waters Norman , Kreishman-Deitrick Mara , Temu Lucky , Chiduo Sarah , Mswanya Christopher , Amoo George , Ohrt Colin , Vesely Brian 
Published: June 2021

Background: Despite a decrease in malaria burden reported between 2000 and 2015, an increasing trend of malaria transmission has been recently reported in some endemic countries including Tanzania. Periodic monitoring to identify pocket areas for asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection is vital for malaria elimination efforts. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections among military recruits in selected camps in Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 at four military camps (Bulombora, Mgambo, Ruvu, and Rwamkoma) of National Service located in regions with varying malaria endemicity in Tanzania. Finger prick blood samples collected from asymptomatic military recruits who had been at the camps for over two months were simultaneously tested using microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) to detect malaria parasite infections.
Results: Malaria parasite prevalence among asymptomatic recruits was 20.3% and 19.4% by microscopy and mRDT respectively. There was moderate agreement (Kappa=0.724) between microscopy and mRDT test results. A significant difference (p<0.001) of malaria parasite prevalence among the four study camps was observed; ranging from 1.9% in Bulombora to 39.4% in Rwamkoma. The geometric mean parasite density was 11,053 asexual parasites/µl and most recruits (56.8%) had 200 to 1999 asexual parasites/µl. P. falciparum was the predominant (99.2%) malaria parasite species.
Conclusion: Our study found high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections among military recruits in the selected camps, and this varied from one camp to another. The study has highlighted that public residence institutions such as military camps can be potential hotspots for malaria infection and therefore should not be skipped in routine national malaria surveillance system for monitoring trends of infections
Effect of atractylenolide III on interstitial cells of Cajal and C-kit/SCF pathway of rats with loperamide-induced slow transit constipation
Authors: Hao Wang , Yuxia Gong , Youran Li , Minmin Xu , Yunfe Gu 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To determine the effect of atractylenolide-III (ATL-III) on loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) in a rat STC model, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6 per group): normal control group (NG), model group, and three STC rat groups treated with different doses of ATL-III, viz, 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg. The rats were treated for 15 days. Feed consumption, fecal excretion and intestinal transit rate were determined. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), somatostatin (SS), serotonin (5-HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA expressions of C-kit, SCF, PKC, and PI-3K were assayed using Western blot analysis and realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively.
Results: The amount, weight, and moisture content of stool, and water consumption were significantly higher in ATL-III-treated groups than in the untreated (model) group (p < 0.05), whereas no difference was observed in feed intake. Intestinal transit rate was higher in the ATL-III-treated groups (p < 0.05). Decreased NOS, SS and VIP levels and increased 5-HT level were seen in the ATL-III-treated groups (p < 0.05). ATL-III treatment also induced increases in smooth muscle cells, neuronal cells, and mucous layer (p<0.05). Results from RT-PCR and Western blot revealed that ATL-III–treated groups had elevated c-kit, SCF, PKC, as well as PI-3K mRNA and protein expressions (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that ATL-III mitigates loperamide-induced STC in rats via stimulation of NOS, SS, VIP, and 5-HT secretions. It also increases smooth muscle cells, neuronal cells, and mucous layer, and regulates the signaling pathways involving PKC, PI3K, SCF, and c-kit.
Hepatotoxic and hematotoxic effects of sage oil-loaded ifosfamide nanoemulsion in Ehrlich ascites carcinomabearing mice
Authors: AlMotwaa Sahar M. , Alkhatib Mayson H. , Alkreathy Huda M. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the hepatotoxic and hematotoxic effects of sage oil-loaded ifosfamide (IFO) nanoemulsion (NE) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice.
Methods: Ifosfamide (IFO) was loaded into a NE containing sage oil, and its hepatotoxic and hematotoxic effects were assessed in EAC-bearing mice. Female Swiss albino mice (n = 50) weighing 25 - 30 g (mean weight = 27.5 ± 2.50 g) were randomly assigned to five groups of ten mice each. With the exception of group 1, the mice were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 2.5 × 106 EAC/mouse for 48 h. Group I served as negative control, C (-); group II served as positive control, C (+); while groups III - V were treated i.p. with 60 mg/kg IFO in 0.3mL water (free-IFO); 0.3 mL NE (SAGE-NANO), and 60 mg/kg IFO in 0.3 mL SAGE-NANO (SAGE-IFO), respectively. The treatments were administered for three days.
Results: Treatment with 60 mg/kg bwt IFO (free-IFO) significantly elevated the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p < 0.05). However, subsequent treatment with SAGE-IFO significantly reduced the activity of these liver enzymes (p < 0.05). The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as the activities of catalase and glutathione reductase (GR) significantly increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level decreased significantly in SAGE-IFO group, when compared with free-IFO group (p < 0.05). Treatment with SAGE-IFO significantly restored white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet levels which were altered by free-IFO (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that loading IFO in sage oil-NE greatly reduces its hepatotoxicity and hematotoxicity.
Wogonoside exerts potential anti-tumor activity against bladder cancer in vivo and in vitro via regulation of GSK3β/ERK/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Jiexiang , Cao Yong , Li Yan , Tang Li , Yu Xiaolan , Xia Jiyi 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To explore the antitumor activity of wogonoside on bladder cancer, and its underlying mechanism of action.
Methods: Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was applied to determine the anti-proliferative activity of wogonoside (2 - 128 μM) on bladder cancer 5637 cell line at various times, and the halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was measured. The antitumor activity of wogonoside (30 mg/kg, ip) against bladder cancer 5637 cell line was evaluated in nude mice bearing human bladder cancer 5637 cells. Additionally, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were carried out to investigate the levels of the caspase-3, caspase-9, B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X-protein (Bax), phosphorylated (p)-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK), and p-(protein kinase B) AKT.
Results: The in vitro results revealed that wogonoside exerted anti-proliferative activity against bladder cancer 5637 cells with an IC50 of 20.59 μM (p < 0.01), in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, wogonoside treatment also significantly suppressed tumor volume in mice (p < 0.01). The potential mechanisms were mainly associated with apoptosis mediated by mitochondria via upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax levels and down-regulation of Bcl-2, p-GSK-3β, p-ERK, and p-AKT.
Conclusion: The results reveal that wogonoside has remarkable anti-tumor potentials against bladder cancer. Further translational studies are warranted to test the clinical application of this medicinal agent in bladder cancer.
The impact of ash dieback on veteran trees in southwestern Sweden
Authors: Bengtsson Vikki , Stenström Anna , Wheater C. Philip , Sandberg Karin 
Published: June 2021

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is a fungal disease which affects ash throughout Sweden. Monitoring to study of the impact of ash dieback on veteran trees was undertaken in southwest Sweden in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2020. The study found that 94.5% of the ash trees observed were affected by ash dieback disease in 2020 compared with 62% in 2009. 70 of the studied ash trees have died (21%) since the monitoring began. In 2009 there was no relationship between girth and ash dieback, but in 2020 the correlation between girth and the impact of ash dieback was statistically significant. In 2020, also for the first time during monitoring, the ash trees in the shade were significantly more affected by ash dieback, compared with trees standing in the open. This difference was not detected in 2013 or 2015. The effect of ash dieback on pollarded trees has varied between the years studied, but in 2020 there is no longer any significant difference between the pollarded and the non-pollarded ash trees. There was however a significant difference in the mortality rates between the groups of trees, with ash trees pollarded in more recent times having the highest mortality. Therefore, the recommendation in relation to veteran trees with ash dieback is that all pruning on veteran ash trees should be avoided. Pollarding should only be done on ash pollards that are in a regular cutting cycle and are not showing any symptoms of ash dieback. If possible, clear around old ash trees if they are in shaded conditions. Given that there are relatively few studies on the impact of ash dieback on veteran ash trees, the results of this study should also be relevant outside of Sweden and for the management of ash trees in non-woodland situations. Key words: Ash dieback, pollards, veteran trees, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, ash
From Behavioral Design to Reverence for Life: Care Policies for the Digital Environment
Authors: Ocheretyany Konstantin A. 
Published: June 2021

The article raises the problem of the ecology of a human being in a digital reality, namely, the issue of caring for a resource accessible to any person living in new conditions. The aim of the study is to substantiate the need for a transition from the behavioral design as well as the corresponding ethological paradigm to the existential design, involving a more responsible and careful approach to ecology and ethics in human capital management in the context of cognitive capitalism and digitalization of life. In the modern world it is often the question of productivity growth and technological advancement. Meanwhile, the question of human capacities and incapacities (mental, physical, behavioral) does not arise. Taking into account the absence of a caring attitude towards human capacities, this resource will never go turn into human capital. The research demonstrates that the design of digital media allows the use of the available human resources more properly if technical requirements of speed, quantity, simplicity are changed in compliance with existential requirements (changes in the subject of herself/himself, not in the objects of her/his activities) increasing his/her role, ethical meaning, feeling of presence in the event, tracking the results of actions and a deeper awareness of the results. The article is aimed at media philosophers, anthropologists and theorists of digital culture.
The “Black Swan” of COVID-19 and the Security Issues in Digital Learning
Authors: Baeva Liudmila V. 
Published: June 2021

The social security problems come to the fore as the relationships between individuals, society and modern technologies become more and more complicated. In the context of the pandemic social security issues turned out to be decisive for the education system, the transformation of which caused significant difficulties. The article covers the topic of the security of digital education and focuses on theoretical concepts as well as on the analysis of practical cases found in the media. The author analyzes the experience of educational organizations and education management institutions in the area of protection against risks in the information environment, and identifies the most successful approaches. As a result, the conclusion is made that it is necessary to create a system of safe information and communication environment that should be designed to ensure the rights and quality of life of individuals in the context of the digital transformation of educational and upbringing processes.
Avaliação da Vulnerabilidade Ambiental de Regiões Tropicais Montanhosas com Suporte de SIG
Authors: Calderano Braz , Polivanov Helena , Junior Waldir De Carvalho , Chagas Cesar Da Silva , Calderano Sebastião Barreiros 
Published: June 2021

O objetivo do trabalho foi aplicar uma metodologia para estimar áreas propensas a vulnerabilidade ambiental na região serrana do estado do Rio de Janeiro, utilizando análise multicritério e modelagem em (SIG), através da álgebra de mapas. Os procedimentos utilizados envolveram a aquisição, conversão, armazenamento digital de dados básicos de solo, litologia, relevo, declive, uso da terra, vegetação e pluviosidade, confecção de base de dados, modelo digital de elevação e superposição temática em SIG, com base na interação, ponderação e atribuição de valores específicos a cada fator condicionante da vulnerabilidade, segundo a sua importância. Assim, cada fator foi ponderado do menos vulnerável (1), para o mais vulnerável (5). O mapa final resultante estratifica a área em oito classes de vulnerabilidade: baixa, baixa a moderada, moderada, alta, alta a muito alta, muito alta, muito alta a extremamente alta e extremamente alta. As áreas mais vulneráveis estão associadas a um conjunto de fatores que incluem rochas, relevos e solos mais instáveis, menor proteção da cobertura vegetal e precipitação mais elevada, as menos vulneráveis estão associadas a condições geoambientais inversas. Os resultados produzidos servem de instrumento auxiliar ao planejamento ambiental das terras de paisagens montanhosas da região serrana.
Palavras Chave: Gerenciamento das terras. Geoprocessamento. Álgebra de mapas. Modelo digital de elevação e sistema de informação geográfica.