scholarly journals Buruli-Ulcer Induced Disability in Ghana: A Study at Apromase in the Ashanti Region

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pius Agbenorku ◽  
Anthony Edusei ◽  
Margaret Agbenorku ◽  
Thomas Diby ◽  
Esenam Nyador ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Mission Hospital ◽  
Ankle Joints ◽  
Proportional Increase ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Set Up

Objectives. To describe trends and category of disabilities caused by Buruli ulcer disease. Design. This retrospective study was set up to quantify information on the disability trends caused by Buruli ulcer (BU) using data on patients attending BU and chronic ulcer clinics from 2004 to 2009, at Global Evangelical Mission Hospital, Apromase. Methods. Data was retrieved from the WHO BU1 form, case registry book, surgical theatre register, and BU patients' records book of the hospital. Disability was measured as the incapability of patients to perform one or more daily activities due to his/her state of BU disease before treatment. Results. A total of 336 positive BU cases comprising 181 males (53.9%) were recorded of which 113 (33.6%) cases of disabilities were identified. A mean age of 52.5 (±1.32) years was recorded. For the trend of disabilities, the year 2009 recorded the highest (N = 34, 31.0%). The lesions were mostly located at the lower limbs (N = 65, 57.5%) region of the patients. Lesions with diameter >15 cm were the major (59.3%) category of lesions. Conclusion. Trend of disability reveals proportional increase over the years from 2004 to 2009. Contracture at the knee and ankle joints was the commonest disability recorded.

Prevalence of anaemia and it's associated risk factors among under five children at Mukinge Missions Hospital in Kasempa District: Retrospective Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd Sampa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Volume ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Corpuscular Volume ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Mission Hospital ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

BACKGROUND Anemia is a worldwide major problem known to affect people throughout the world. It has an adverse effect on both the social and economic development. The worldwide prevalence of anemia is 9% in developed nations. The global estimate indicates that 293.1 million of children under five years, approximately 43%, are anaemic worldwide and 28.5% of these children are found in sub Saharan Africa. In Zambia specifically Kasempa, no documented studies on prevalence have been done. Despite iron supplementation being given to pregnant women and the availability of blood transfusion. The burden of the disease remains high as determined by high mortality and morbidity. This study aims at determining the prevalence of anemia and the associated risk factors among under-five children at Mukinge Mission Hospital in Kasempa District. Knowledge of prevalence and the associated risk factors of anaemia will enhance early detection and timely management. OBJECTIVE 1.To determine the hemoglobin status of anaemia by its severity among anaemic under-five children admitted at Mukinge Mission Hospital. 2.To assess the association of anaemia with Malaria among under-five children admitted at Mukinge Mission Hospital. METHODS This was a retrospective study review of under-five children that were diagnosed and managed of Anemia at Mukinge Missions Hospital, over the period of period of 2015, 2017 and 2018. .Data of the variables of interest was extracted and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS A sample population of 52 children was included in our study. The majority of the children were females 28 (53.8 %) and 24 (46.2 %) were Males. It was found that moderate and severe anaemia was 17.3% and 82.7 % respectively. Additionally, Majority of the anaemic children (75%) had Normocytic anaemia. The Pearson Chi square test revealed no statistical relationship between the variables; Malaria (p=0.58), Age (P=0.82), Gender (P=0.91). CONCLUSIONS According to our study, 39 (75%) had normal mean corpuscular volume which could suggest chronic diseases and sickle cell anemia. 11 (21.2%) had a low mean corpuscular volume indicating Microcytic anemia which could suggest diseases such as iron deficiency and thalassemia among many other causes. However, we were unable to determine the specific cause of anemia.

scholarly journals Estimation of Human Center of Mass Position through the Inertial Sensors-Based Methods in Postural Tasks: An Accuracy Evaluation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Germanotta ◽  
Ilaria Mileti ◽  
Ilaria Conforti ◽  
Zaccaria Del Prete ◽  
Irene Aprile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Accuracy Evaluation ◽  
Postural Tasks ◽  
Single Sensor ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Displacement Based

The estimation of the body’s center of mass (CoM) trajectory is typically obtained using force platforms, or optoelectronic systems (OS), bounding the assessment inside a laboratory setting. The use of magneto-inertial measurement units (MIMUs) allows for more ecological evaluations, and previous studies proposed methods based on either a single sensor or a sensors’ network. In this study, we compared the accuracy of two methods based on MIMUs. Body CoM was estimated during six postural tasks performed by 15 healthy subjects, using data collected by a single sensor on the pelvis (Strapdown Integration Method, SDI), and seven sensors on the pelvis and lower limbs (Biomechanical Model, BM). The accuracy of the two methods was compared in terms of RMSE and estimation of posturographic parameters, using an OS as reference. The RMSE of the SDI was lower in tasks with little or no oscillations, while the BM outperformed in tasks with greater CoM displacement. Moreover, higher correlation coefficients were obtained between the posturographic parameters obtained with the BM and the OS. Our findings showed that the estimation of CoM displacement based on MIMU was reasonably accurate, and the use of the inertial sensors network methods should be preferred to estimate the kinematic parameters.

scholarly journals Integration of various scales for measurement of insomnia

2021 ◽  
pp. 263208432110100
Author(s):  
Satyendra Nath Chakrabartty
Keyword(s):  
Test Scores ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Weighted Sum ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Normal Probability ◽  
Equivalent Test ◽  
Item Scores ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Different Levels

Background Scales for evaluating insomnia differ in number of items, response format, and result in different scores distributions and score ranges and may not facilitate meaningful comparisons. Objectives Transform ordinal item-scores of three scales of insomnia to continuous, equidistant, monotonic, normally distributed scores, avoiding limitations of summative scoring of Likert scales. Methods Equidistant item-scores by weighted sum using data-driven weights to different levels of different items, considering cell frequencies of Item-Levels matrix, followed by normalization and conversion to [1, 10]. Equivalent test-scores (as sum of transformed item- scores) for a pair of scales were found by Normal Probability curves. Empirical illustration given. Results Transformed test-scores are continuous, monotonic and followed Normal distribution with no outliers and tied scores. Such test-scores facilitate ranking, better classification and meaningful comparison of scales of different lengths and formats and finding equivalent score combinations of two scales. For a given value of transformed test-score of a scale, easy alternate method avoiding integration proposed to find equivalent scores of another scales. Equivalent scores of scales help to relate various cut-off scores of different scales and uniformity in interpretations. Integration of various scales of insomnia is achieved by finding one-to-one correspondence among the equivalent score of various scales with correlation over 0.99 Conclusion Resultant test-scores facilitated undertaking analysis in parametric set up. Considering the theoretical advantages including meaningfulness of operations, better comparison, use of such method of transforming scores of Likert items/test is recommended test and items, Future studies were suggested.

scholarly journals Aquatic Invertebrates as Unlikely Vectors of Buruli Ulcer Disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1247-1254 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Eric Benbow ◽  
Heather Williamson ◽  
Ryan Kimbirauskas ◽  
Mollie D. McIntosh ◽  
Rebecca Kolar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Invertebrates ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Ulcer Disease

scholarly journals A Webgis Framework for Disseminating Processed Remotely Sensed on Land Cover Transformations

2016 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grazia Caradonna ◽  
Antonio Novelli ◽  
Eufemia Tarantino ◽  
Raffaela Cefalo ◽  
Umberto Fratino
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Satellite Data ◽  
Vegetation Indices ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Geospatial Data ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Mediterranean Regions ◽  
Multi Temporal ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Mediterranean regions have experienced significant soil degradation over the past decades. In this context, careful land observation using satellite data is crucial for understanding the long-term usage patterns of natural resources and facilitating their sustainable management to monitor and evaluate the potential degradation. Given the environmental and political interest on this problem, there is urgent need for a centralized repository and mechanism to share geospatial data, information and maps of land change. Geospatial data collecting is one of the most important task for many users because there are significant barriers in accessing and using data. This limit could be overcome by implementing a WebGIS through a combination of existing free and open source software for geographic information systems (FOSS4G). In this paper we preliminary discuss methods for collecting raster data in a geodatabase by processing open multi-temporal and multi-scale satellite data aimed at retrieving indicators for land degradation phenomenon (i.e. land cover/land use analysis, vegetation indices, trend analysis, etc.). Then we describe a methodology for designing a WebGIS framework in order to disseminate information through maps for territory monitoring. Basic WebGIS functions were extended with the help of POSTGIS database and OpenLayers libraries. Geoserver was customized to set up and enhance the website functions developing various advanced queries using PostgreSQL and innovative tools to carry out efficiently multi-layer overlay analysis. The end-product is a simple system that provides the opportunity not only to consult interactively but also download processed remote sensing data.

Firearms and Suicide in Australia

1990 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 500-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher H. Cantor ◽  
Terry Lewin
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Regional Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cultural Attitudes ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Firearm Suicide ◽  
Proportional Increase ◽  
Using Data

Australia has a moderate overall suicide rate but an extremely high male firearm suicide rate. Using data covering the years 1961–1985, a series of multiple regression based analyses were performed. During this period, overall suicide rates fell but firearm suicides remained constant with a resulting increase in the proportion of suicides by firearms. There has been an increase in suicides in the young offset by a decline in the elderly. Young males showed the greatest proportional increase in the use of firearms. A limited regional analysis supported the hypothesis that lack of legislative restrictions on long guns in Queensland with a greater household prevalence of such weapons and different cultural attitudes were associated with higher overall and firearm suicide rates. Such findings are consistent with reports from North America, although trends in Australia are more modest. Reducing the availability and cultural acceptance of firearms is likely to decrease suicide rates, especially in males.

scholarly journals Mapping gaseous amines, ammonia, and their particulate counterparts in marine atmospheres of China’s marginal seas: Part 1 – Differentiating marine emission from continental transport

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dihui Chen ◽  
Yanjie Shen ◽  
Juntao Wang ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
Huiwang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
The Yellow Sea ◽  
Sea Spray ◽  
Marine Atmosphere ◽  
Coastal Site ◽  
Marginal Seas ◽  
Range Transport ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Set Up

Abstract. To study sea-derived gaseous amines, ammonia, and primary particulate aminium ions in the marine atmospheres of China's marginal seas, an onboard URG-9000D Ambient Ion Monitor-Ion chromatography (AIM-IC, Thermo Fisher) was set up on the front deck of the R/V Dongfanghong 3 to semi-continuously measure the spatiotemporal variations in the concentrations of atmospheric trimethylamine (TMAgas), dimethylamine (DMAgas), and ammonia (NH3gas) along with their particulate matter (PM2.5) counterparts. In this study, we differentiated marine emissions of the gas species originating from continental transport using data obtained from December 9 to 22, 2019 during the cruise over the Yellow and Bohai Seas, facilitated by additional measurements collected at a coastal site near the Yellow Sea during summer 2019. The data obtained during the cruise and the coastal site demonstrated that the observed TMAgas and protonated trimethylamine (TMAH+) in PM2.5 over the Yellow and Bohai Seas overwhelmingly originated from marine sources. During the cruise, there was no significant correlation (P > 0.05) between the simultaneously measured TMAH+ and TMAgas concentrations. Additionally, the concentrations of TMAH+ in the marine atmosphere varied around 0.28 ± 0.18 μg m−3 (average  ±  standard deviation), with several episodic hourly average values exceeding 1 μg m−3, which were approximately one order of magnitude larger than those of TMAgas (approximately 0.031 ± 0.009 μg m−3). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between the concentrations of TMAH+ and NH4+ in PM2.5 during the cruise. Therefore, the observed TMAH+ in PM2.5 was overwhelmingly derived from primary sea-spray aerosols. Using the TMAgas and TMAH+ in PM2.5 as tracers for sea-derived basic gases and sea-spray particulate aminium ions, the values of non-sea-derived DMAgas and NH3gas, as well as non-sea-spray particulate DMAH+ in PM2.5, were estimated, and the estimated average values of each species contributed to 16 %, 34 %, and 65 % of the observed average concentrations, respectively. Uncertainties remained in the estimations as TMAH+ may decompose into smaller molecules in seawater to varying extents. The non-sea-derived gases and non-sea-spray particulate DMAH+ likely originated from long-range transport from the upwind continents, according to the recorded offshore winds and increased concentrations of SO42− and NH4+ in PM2.5. The lack of a detectable increase in the particulate DMAH+, NH4+, and SO42− concentrations in several SO2 plumes did not support the secondary formation of particulate DMAH+ in the marine atmosphere.

scholarly journals An examination of linkages between corporate social responsibility and firm performance: Evidence from Moroccan listed firms

2021 ◽  
pp. 636-646
Author(s):  
Souhaila Kammoun ◽  
Youssra Ben Romdhane ◽  
Sahar Loukil ◽  
Abdelmajid Ibenrissoul
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Corporate Social

This article analyzes the complexity of the linkages between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance in Morocco and to decompose this complexity through a bidirectional sense of causality. Using data surveyed from 74 Moroccan listed firms, we conduct an econometric modeling to measure this relationship bilaterally and to investigate the underlying factors behind this association. The empirical study proves the existence of a positive association between CSR and firm performance in both directions in the Moroccan context and suggests that the more social enterprises are, the more they achieve better financial results. The mutual linkage between social and financial aspects allows us to draw some managerial implications and set up further research directions.

scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning the Circulation and Cellular Uptake of Mycobacterium ulcerans Toxin Mycolactone

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Tello Rubio ◽  
Florence Bugault ◽  
Blandine Baudon ◽  
Bertrand Raynal ◽  
Sébastien Brûlé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Uptake ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Scavenger Receptor ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Systemic Circulation ◽  
Mycobacterium Ulcerans ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Major Mechanism ◽  
Specific Association

Mycolactone is a diffusible lipid toxin produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer disease. Altough bacterially derived mycolactone has been shown to traffic from cutaneous foci of infection to the bloodstream, the mechanisms underpinning its access to systemic circulation and import by host cells remain largely unknown. Using biophysical and cell-based approaches, we demonstrate that mycolactone specific association to serum albumin and lipoproteins is necessary for its solubilization and is a major mechanism to regulate its bioavailability. We also demonstrate that Scavenger Receptor (SR)-B1 contributes to the cellular uptake of mycolactone. Overall, we suggest a new mechanism of transport and cell entry, challenging the dogma that the toxin enters host cells via passive diffusion.

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