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Research Article

Performance of wastewater stabilization ponds in treatment of endocrine disrupting estrogens in Morogoro urban and peri-urban, Tanzania

Sijaona Cassian Msigala*, Faith P Mabiki, Bjarne Styrishave, Robinson H Mdegela

Abstract: The aim of the study was to assess the performance of wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) in treatment of endocrine disrupting estrogens particularly estradiol (E2), estrone (E1) and ethinylestradiol(EE2). The study was conducted at Mafisa and Mzumbe wastewater stabilization ponds located in Morogoro Urban and Peri-urban areas respectively. The endocrine disrupting estrogens in low quality water and sludge were detected and quantified using competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The recovery of estrogens in this study ranged from 65% to 90%. The EE2, E1 and E2 were detected in all samples of low quality water and sludge from anaerobic to maturation ponds in both study sites. The overall estrogen reduction at Mafisa was 95.8%, 95.3%, 94.9% for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. At Mzumbe the overall estrogen reduction was 81.6%, 89.3% and 82.5% for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. The mean concentrations of estrogens in influent to effluent at Mafisa ranged from 35.6 to 1.5. 60.7 to 2.9 and 85.6 to 4.4 ng/ L for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. The corresponding mean concentration at Mzumbe WSPs ranged from 25.5 to 2.7, 23.8 to 4.4 and 39.4 to 6.9 ng/L for EE2, E1 and E2 respectively. Sludge from anaerobic pond contained significant high amount of estrogens, whereas in other ponds median concentrations were significant low. The endocrine disrupting estrogens were significantly reduced in the wastewater stabilization ponds. Keywords: Ethinylestradiol, estradiol, estrone, mafisa, mzumbe, micropollutants reduction. [...] Read More.

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2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Environmental factors affecting the occurrence of autistic disorder

Donald A. Ford*, Jordan D. Sparks, Bryan Ben Bruce and Michael K. Handler

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate a previously overlooked, universally introduced environmental factor, fetal and retroviral contaminants in childhood vaccines, absent prior to change points (CPs) in autistic disorder (AD) prevalence with subsequent dose-effect evidence and known pathologic mechanisms of action. Worldwide population based cohort study was used for the design of this study. The United States, Western Australia, United Kingdom and Denmark settings were used. All live born infants who later developed autistic disorder delivered after 1 January 1970, whose redacted vaccination and autistic disorder diagnosis information is publicly available in databases maintained by the US Federal Government, Western Australia, UK, and Denmark. The live births, grouped by father’s age, were from the US and Australia. The children vaccinated with MMRII, Varicella and Hepatitis A vaccines varied from 19 to 35 months of age at the time of vaccination. Autistic disorder birth year change points were identified as 1980.9, 1988.4 and 1996 for the US, 1987 for UK, 1990.4 for Western Australia, and 1987.5 for Denmark. Change points in these countries corresponded to introduction of or increased doses of human fetal cell line-manufactured vaccines, while no relationship was found between paternal age or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) revisions and autistic disorder diagnosis. Further, linear regression revealed that Varicella and Hepatitis A immunization coverage was significantly correlated to autistic disorder cases. R software was used to calculate change points. Autistic disorder change points years are coincident with introduction of vaccines manufactured using human fetal cell lines, containing fetal and retroviral contaminants, into childhood vaccine regimens. This pattern was repeated in the US, UK, Western Australia and Denmark. Thus, rising autistic disorder prevalence is directly related to vaccines manufactured utilizing human fetal cells. Increased paternal age and DSM revisions were not related to rising autistic disorder prevalence.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Autism disorder, change point, vaccine, paternal age.

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Factors contributing to non-compliance with treatment among tuberculosis patients-Kassala State- Sudan-2016

Mohammed El-Muttalut* and Mustafa Khidir Elnimeiri

Abstract: Tuberculosis is a global health problem. Sudan shoulders 8% of tuberculosis burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Kassala State, in Eastern Sudan, is one of the most affected states with annual TB risk of 120 new cases per 100,000 of populations. Non-compliance to tuberculosis treatment is common, and is the most important cause of failure of initial therapy, relapse and emergence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis cases. The overall objective of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with non-compliance with TB treatment among TB patients in Kassala State. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kassala State. The sample size mounted to 366 participants who were selected using simple random sampling technique. A standardized administered pre-tested, pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire consisted of 10 sections with a total of 80 questions. A multivariate logistic regression analysis model was built using the enter method for the statistically significant variables at univariate analysis level taking P-value of 0.25 to determine the association between non-compliance and the study outcomes. 366 TB patients were included in this study, of whom 60 were treatment defaulters. TB patients aged 40 years and above, and those living in rural areas were found to be at higher risk of default with P-value 0.023 and 0.013 respectively. Lower education level and low income were also found to be significantly associated with treatment default with P-value 0.024 and 0.045 respectively. The study revealed that discontinuing treatment after feeling better (and wrongly perceiving it as cure) at the start of continuation phase was the most important predictor of treatment default with P-value 0.004. Non-compliance was found to be influenced by multiple factors including lack of patient knowledge and awareness about TB and its treatment (stopping treatment after feeling better), low education level, low income level and age and residence of the patient. It is necessary to educate patients about various aspects of tuberculosis and its treatment as it is the key intervention to lower the default rate. Moreover, effective supervision, close follow up and support for TB patients is crucial, particularly for those aged 40 years and above, living in rural areas and those of low education and income level. Keywords: Tuberculosis, non-compliance, cross-sectional, Kassala State, Sudan. [...] Read More.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, non-compliance, cross-sectional, Kassala State, Sudan.

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Prostate cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among men in Bamenda, Cameroon

Kaninjing Ernest, Rahman Saleh, Close Fran, Pierre Rodrigue, Dutton Matthew, Lamango Nazarius and Onokpise Oghenekome

Abstract: In Cameroon, few population-based studies have examined factors associated with screening for prostate cancer. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate prostate cancer-related knowledge, assess rates of prostate cancer screening, and explore factors influencing screening in Bamenda. Questionnaires were administered to a cluster random sample of 556 men. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of the factors on screening. A medium level of knowledge was found among 55.2% of participants regarding prostate cancer risk factors while the screening rate for that affection was 8.1% among the study population. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for prostate cancer screening among men who are 65 years-old and older as opposed to men aged 40 to 44 years-old was 4.4 [1.1 - 17.6]. Furthermore, 6.4 [1.9 – 20.9] was the adjusted OR and 95% CI for screening among men with income > 150,000.00 Francs relative to those with income < 50,000.00 Francs. The adjusted OR and 95% CI was 14.8 [6.6 – 33.4] for screening among men aware of screening tests relative to those not aware. Age, income, and awareness were the factors associated with prostate cancer screening among men in Bamenda where screening rate was low and knowledge level was average. Keywords: Prostate cancer, screening, knowledge, awareness, attitudes and beliefs, Bamenda, Cameroon.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, screening, knowledge, awareness, attitudes and beliefs, Bamenda, Cameroon.

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Chronic conditions and multimorbidity in the Swiss primary care population

Mezzadri Ehrat*, , Patrick Utzinger, Mohr Strambini, Marc Bastl, Rosset Aeschlimann, Nikles Ivo, and Adrien Michel

Abstract: 1Mezzadri Ehrat* (correspondent author, markus.gnaedinger@hin.ch),2,3 Patrick Utzinger,4Mohr Strambini, 5Marc Bastl, 1,3Rosset Aeschlimann, 1Nikles Ivo, and 6Adrien Michel[...] Read More.

Keywords: Multimorbidity, comorbidity, morbidity, drug treatment, drug utilization, polymedication, polypharmacy, care-dependency, hospitalization, primary health care, patient care management, delivery of health care, adult, child, Switzerland.

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Neurological disorder burden in Faisalabad, Punjab-Pakistan: Data from the major tertiary care centers of the city

André Marie*, Constant Duméril, Martin Bouquet, Legrand d'Aussy, Louis Thuillier and François Thuillier

Abstract: Neurological disorders (NDs) cause functional, structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the nervous system and may result in cognitive impairment, mood alteration, muscle weakness, paralysis, poor coordination, seizures, and pain. The burden of NDs in developing countries is 4-5%, compared to 10-11% documented in developed countries. However, the burden of NDs is rising in developing countries due to factors such as prolonged life expectancy, improved health facilities, easy access to diagnostic facilities, and a trend in urbanization. There is inadequate data about the epidemiology of major NDs in Pakistan and most available information are hospital-based estimations or physicians’ collected data, mostly in Karachi. Data concerning other areas of Pakistan is limited. In the present study, we focused on Faisalabad, Pakistan’s third largest city. Data from more than 3,000 patients were collected between March 2015 and May 2015 from the neurology and psychiatry departments of Allied, DHQ, Aziz Fatima Trust, Faisal, and Al-Noor hospitals. Our data indicated that 19.6% (n=602) of the study population has depression, 16.6% (n=508) epilepsy, and 15.2% (n=466) migraines. The distribution of NDs varied between the 8 towns, ranging from 1.9% in Tandliyanwala town to 30.7% in Layalpur town. Of all ND cases, 27% (n=382) demonstrated an inherited pattern of transmission. The male group accounted for a smaller percentage of NDs (41.5%, n=1300) than the female group (58.5%, n=1829). Age groups I (10-30 years) and II (31-50 years) had a similar distribution of NDs(37.8%, n=1073; 37.5%, n=1065), respectively, while the distribution was significantly lower in age groups III (51-70 years) and IV (70-90 years), with rates of 20.7% (n=587) and 4% (n=115), respectively. This descriptive study reports the epidemiology of NDs in this region and establishes a foundation of data to address the existing gap in literature on NDs in this region. Keywords: Neurological disorders, disease burden, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. [...] Read More.

Keywords: Neurological disorders, disease burden, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

, Rodrigue Pierre*, C Perry Brown, Charlotte Baker, Matthew Dutton, Oghenekome Onokpise, Brian Hickey

Abstract: Despite the many cardiovascular studies conducted in the United States (US), nationally representative estimates of incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) have been lacking. This study aimed at investigating incidence estimates of CHD in a nationally representative sample of the US population and to compare race- and sex-related incidence estimates. We used data from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study (NHEFS) [n = 6,346]. We determined cumulative incidence and incidence density and used log-rank and chi-square test for estimates comparison. A total of 382 CHD events occurred among 6,346 study participants from 1971 to 1992. The cumulative incidence was 9.93% in the NHEFS cohort; 13.46% among men and 7.00% among women (P< .001); 9.72% among Whites and 11.01% among non-Whites (P = .64). The incidence density, per 1,000 person-years, was 3.68 in the NHEFS cohort; 4.99 among men and 2.66 among women (P< .001); 3.65 among Whites and 3.90 among non-Whites (P = .67). From 1971 to 1992 in the US, the cumulative incidence of CHD was 9.93% and the incidence density was 3.68 per 1,000 person-years. While CHD incidence did not vary across race, males had a higher incidence than females. Keywords: Cumulative incidence, incidence density, coronary heart disease, sex-related differences, race-related differences, Kaplan Meier, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study. [...] Read More.

Keywords: Cumulative incidence, incidence density, coronary heart disease, sex-related differences, race-related differences, Kaplan Meier, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study.

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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Research Article

Socio-demographic and behaviour of obese people in the common of Tchamba (Togo)

Assane Hamadi, Balaka Abago, Tchamdja Toyi*, Djagadou Kodjo Agbéko and Djibril Mohaman Awalou

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the socio-demographic and behavioral profile of obese people in the municipality of Tchamba. We conducted a cross-sectional study examining the obese population of Tchamba Municipality during the period of 20 October to 20 December 2011. The sample of this study was characterized by female with a sex ratio F/H equal to 2.46. The age range of 46 to 60 years was the most represented (35%), and the most common occupation was that of merchant (52.20%). The food was predominantly carbohydrate type of cereals (maize, rice and yam) in all subjects with 85.60 % who were taking three meals a day. Snacking was practiced daily and rarely respectively for 13.33% and 67.80% of the subjects. It was more practiced by the female subjects (65.6%). The sport was not regularly used in 80% of cases. The socio-demographic characteristics most frequently observed within 3 degrees of obesity (lightweight, medium and severe) were as follows: female gender (respectively 64.44 %, 70.96 % et 92.85 %), the profession of trader (respectively 44.44 %, 54.83 % et 71.42 %), sedentary occupation (respectively 64.44 %, 80.64 % et 85.71 %), and not instruction (respectively 73.33 %, 77.41 % et 71.42 %). Behaviours observed among the subjects of our study were distributed as follow: Non sport (respectively 73.33 %, 83.87 % and 92.85 %), snacking (respectively 92.85 %, 9.67 % et 57.14 %), the number of daily meals (respectively 80 %, 90.32 % et 100 %). The main demographic factors observed among obese in our study were: female sex, age (from 46 years), and low levels of education. Sedentary lifestyle, snacking, taking more than 3 meals a day and not in physical exercise were the most found behaviors in obese subjects. Awareness campaigns should be directed towards these targets to promote healthy eating and participation in physical exercise to reduce obesity. keywords: Obesity, behaviour, rural area, non-commutable disease, Togo, Africa [...] Read More.

Keywords: Obesity, behaviour, rural area, non-commutable disease, Togo, Africa

2017, 6(1), 1-6;

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