AIM:To document the epidemiologic patterns and risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infections in Mali in order to develop prevention means for both diseases.METHODS:Two prospecti...AIM:To document the epidemiologic patterns and risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infections in Mali in order to develop prevention means for both diseases.METHODS:Two prospective studies were conducted in Bamako in 2009 among 1000 pregnant women(i.e.,young women)who consulted six reference health centers,and in 2010,among 231 older women who attended general practice in two hospitals.Antibody tests and molecular analysis(performed only for HCV)were used to quantify the frequencies of both infections.The data were collected from patients recruited through a questionnaire.Transmission risk factors of both diseases were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis.RESULTS:HCV seroprevalence was 0.2% for young and 6.5% for older women.HIV prevalence was similar in both populations(4.1% vs 6.1%).In older women,the analysis of risk factors highlighted an association between HCV infection and episodes of hospitalization(P < 0.01).The study did not show an association between HIV infection and the variables such as hospitalization,transfusion,tattoo,dental care,and endoscopy.A significant decrease of HIV seroprevalence was detected in young women who used condoms for contraception more than for other purposes(P < 0.01).By contrast,HIV seroprevalence was significantly increased in young women using condoms mainly to prevent sexual infections rather than for contraception(P < 0.01).No HCV/HIV coinfection was detected in our study.CONCLUSION:Risk factors and epidemiologic data of HIV and HCV as well as the absence of co-infection strongly suggest epidemiological disparities between these diseases.展开更多
AIM: To study the prevalence and risk factors of significant hepatic fibrosis in Moroccan human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) monoinfected patients.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV monoinfected pa...AIM: To study the prevalence and risk factors of significant hepatic fibrosis in Moroccan human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) monoinfected patients.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV monoinfected patients(negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody). Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the data base of the Infectious Diseases Unit in Ibn Rochd Hospital Center [age, gender, duration of HIV infection, CD4 T lymphocyte count, HIV viral load, glycemia and current or prior use of antiretroviral and antiretroviral therapy(ART) duration]. The primary outcome was a FIB4score > 1.45. Multivariable logistic regression identifiedindependent risk factors for FIB4 > 1.45.RESULTS: A FIB4 score > 1.45 was identified in 96among 619(15.5%). HIV monoinfected patients followed up between September 1990 and September2012. Multivariate analysis showed that only a viral load > 75(OR = 2.23, 95%CI: 1.36-3.67), CD4 > 200cells/mm3(OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.21-0.72) and age at FIB4 index calculation(OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.07-1.13)were independently associated with the occurrence of FIB4 index(> 1.45). Gender, duration of HIV infection,glycemia, use of antiretroviral therapy and ART duration were not associated with significant fibrosis by FIB4.CONCLUSION: FIB4 score > 1.45 was found in 15.5%of Moroccan HIV monoinfected patients. Age, HIV viremia > 75 copies/mL and CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3are associated with liver fibrosis. Further studies are needed to explore mechanisms for fibrosis in HIV monoinfected patients.展开更多
Cases (n=44) with squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCA) and age-matched healthy controls (n=176) were analyzed. Significant difference due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, ages at the first marriage, ages at th...Cases (n=44) with squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCA) and age-matched healthy controls (n=176) were analyzed. Significant difference due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, ages at the first marriage, ages at the first sexual intercourse, ages at the first birth given to baby, number of gravidities, number of deliveries, Body Mass Index (BMI), education level of women and their husbands (p<0.05) was observed. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, four factors have entered the model (p<0.05), including HPV infection [OR (odds ratio)=26.13, 95%CI (confidence interval)=9.40?72.60], education level of women (OR=0.41, 95%CI=0.21?0.79), education level of spouses (OR=0.45, 95%CI=0.22?0.94), BMI (OR=0.73, 95%CI=0.57?0.93). Moreover, HPV infection is relative to education level of women (r=?0.14), and their spouses (r=?0.21), age at the first marriage (r=?0.20), age at the first birth given to baby (r=?0.20) and BMI (r=?0.15).展开更多
BACKGROUND Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney allograft failure. Therapeutic options are limited and prompt reduction of the net state of immunosuppression represents the mainstay of trea...BACKGROUND Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney allograft failure. Therapeutic options are limited and prompt reduction of the net state of immunosuppression represents the mainstay of treatment. More recent application of aggressive screening and management protocols for BK-virus infection after renal transplantation has shown encouraging results. Nevertheless,long-term outcome for patients with BK-viremia and nephropathy remains obscure. Risk factors for BK-virus infection are also unclear.AIM To investigate incidence, risk factors, and outcome of BK-virus infection after kidney transplantation.METHODS This single-centre observational study with a median follow up of 57(31-80) mo comprises 629 consecutive adult patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2007 and 2013. Data were prospectively recorded and annually reviewed until 2016. Recipients were periodically screened for BK-virus by plasmaquantitative polymerized chain reaction. Patients with BK viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL were diagnosed BK-viremia and underwent histological assessment to rule out nephropathy. In case of BK-viremia, immunosuppression was minimized according to a prespecified protocol. The following outcomes were evaluated: patient survival, overall graft survival, graft failure considering death as a competing risk, 30-d-event-censored graft failure, response to treatment,rejection, renal function, urologic complications, opportunistic infections, newonset diabetes after transplantation, and malignancies. We used a multivariable model to analyse risk factors for BK-viremia and nephropathy.RESULTS BK-viremia was detected in 9.5% recipients. Initial viral load was high(≥ 10000 copies/mL) in 66.7% and low(< 10000 copies/mL) in 33.3% of these patients.Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy was diagnosed in 6.5% of the study population. Patients with high initial viral load were more likely to experience sustained viremia(95% vs 25%, P < 0.00001), nephropathy(92.5% vs 15%, P <0.00001), and polyomavirus-related graft loss(27.5% vs 0%, P = 0.0108) than recipients with low initial viral load. Comparison between recipients with or without BK-viremia showed that the proportion of patients with Afro-Caribbean ethnicity(33.3% vs 16.5%, P = 0.0024), panel-reactive antibody ≥ 50%(30% vs14.6%, P = 0.0047), human leukocyte antigen(HLA) mismatching > 4(26.7% vs13.4%, P = 0.0110), and rejection within thirty days of transplant(21.7% vs 9.5%; P= 0.0073) was higher in the viremic group. Five-year patient and overall graft survival rates for patients with or without BK-viremia were similar. However,viremic recipients showed higher 5-year crude cumulative(22.5% vs 12.2%, P =0.0270) and 30-d-event-censored(22.5% vs 7.1%, P = 0.001) incidences of graft failure than control. In the viremic group we also observed higher proportions of recipients with 5-year estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min than the group without viremia: 45% vs 27%(P = 0.0064). Urologic complications were comparable between the two groups. Response to treatment was complete in55%, partial in 26.7%, and absent in 18.3% patients. The nephropathy group showed higher 5-year crude cumulative and 30-d-event-censored incidences of graft failure than control: 29.1% vs 12.1%(P = 0.008) and 29.1% vs 7.2%(P <0.001), respectively. Our multivariable model demonstrated that Afro-Caribbean ethnicity, panel-reactive antibody > 50%, HLA mismatching > 4, and rejection were independent risk factors for BK-virus viremia whereas cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was protective.CONCLUSION Current treatment of BK-virus infection offers sub-optimal results. Initial viremia is a valuable parameter to detect patients at increased risk of nephropathy. Panelreactive antibody > 50% and Afro-Caribbean ethnicity are independent predictors of BK-virus infection whereas cytomegalovirus prophylaxis has a protective effect.展开更多
The study assessed the levels of some toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) with their potential ecological and human health risks in water, African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Tilapia (Oreochromis spilur...The study assessed the levels of some toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) with their potential ecological and human health risks in water, African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Tilapia (Oreochromis spilurus niger) and sediment samples from the Lower Usuma dam FCT, Nigeria during two major seasons in a year (rainy and dry seasons). Toxic metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) and Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (for As and Hg), and the results obtained were compared with national and international standards. The ecological and human health risk indices of the toxic metals present in the samples from the Dam were evaluated and interpreted. Tilapia from the dam posed the highest but medium ecological and human health risk due to Pb concentration of up to 7.11 mg/kg;ecological risk index of 35.55 and hazard quotient of 50.78. Overall ecological and human health risks were low due to the low concentrations of other toxic metals determined. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn concentrations were all below WHO limits in the LUD water;Ni and Pb were above limits in the African Catfish and Tilapia samples. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant differences accepted at p ≤ 0.05. There was no statistical difference in the concentrations of toxic metals in water but there was significant difference between the concentrations of toxic metals in the fish and sediment samples. Correlation was found to exist between toxic metals in the water, fish and sediment analyzed from the dam. The ecological and human health risks of toxic metals in Lower Usuma dam require regular checks and monitoring hence, it was recommended by the researcher, that this and similar research work be carried out annually by NESREA and also, as research work by other students of Environmental and Analytical chemistry.展开更多
Celiac disease has been reported in up to 2% of some European populations. A similar risk has been identified in the America and Australia where immigration of Eu-ropeans has occurred. Moreover, an increasing number o...Celiac disease has been reported in up to 2% of some European populations. A similar risk has been identified in the America and Australia where immigration of Eu-ropeans has occurred. Moreover, an increasing number of celiac disease patients are being identified in many Asian countries, including China and India. Finally, celiac disease has also been detected in Asian immigrants and their descendants to other countries, such as Canada. Within these so-called "general" celiac populations, however, there are specific high risk groups that have an even higher prevalence of celiac disease. Indeed, the single most important risk factor for celiac disease is having a first-degree relative with already-defined celiac disease, particularly a sibling. A rate up to 20% or more has been noted. Risk is even greater if a specific family has 2 siblings affected, particularly if a male carries the human leukocyte antigen-DQ2. Both structural changes in the small bowel architecture occur along with func-tional changes in permeability, even in asymptomatic first-degree relatives. Even if celiac disease is not evident, the risk of other autoimmune disorders seems significantly increased in first-degree relatives as well as intestinal lymphoma. Identification of celiac disease is important since recent long-term studies have shown that the mortality of celiac disease is increased, if it is unrecognized and untreated.展开更多
A novel approach for engineering application to human error probability quantification is presented based on an overview of the existing human reliability analysis methods. The set of performance shaping factors is cl...A novel approach for engineering application to human error probability quantification is presented based on an overview of the existing human reliability analysis methods. The set of performance shaping factors is classified as two subsets of dominant factors and adjusting factors respectively. Firstly, the dominant factors are used to determine the probabilities of three behavior modes. The basic probability and its interval of human error for each behavior mode are given. Secondly, the basic probability and its interval are modified by the adjusting factors, and the total probability of human error is calculated by a total probability formula. Finally, a simple example is introduced, and the consistency and validity of the presented approach are illustrated.展开更多
AIM To clarify the association between aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10(AKR1B10) expression and hepatocarcinogenesis after hepatitis C virus eradication.METHODS In this study,we enrolled 303 chronic hepatitis C...AIM To clarify the association between aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10(AKR1B10) expression and hepatocarcinogenesis after hepatitis C virus eradication.METHODS In this study,we enrolled 303 chronic hepatitis C patients who had achieved sustained virological response(SVR) through interferon-based antiviral therapy. Pretreatment AKR1B10 expression in the liver was immunohistochemically assessed and quantified as a percentage of positive staining area by using image-analysis software. A multivariate Cox analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios(HRs) of AKR1B10 expression for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development after achieving SVR. The cumulative incidences of HCC development were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test.RESULTS Of the 303 chronic hepatitis C patients,153(50.5%) showed scarce hepatic AKR1B10 expression,quantified as 0%,which was similar to the expression in control normal liver tissues. However,the remaining 150 patients(49.5%) exhibited various degrees of AKR1B10 expression in the liver,with a maximal AKR1B10 expression of 73%. During the median follow-up time of 3.6 years(range 1.0-10.0 years),8/303 patients developed HCC. Multivariate analysis revealed that only high AKR1B10 expression(≥ 8%) was an independent risk factor for HCC development(HR = 15.4,95%CI: 1. 8- 1 3 2. 5,P = 0. 0 1 2). T h e 5- y e a r c u m u l a t i v e incidences of HCC development were 13.7% and 0.5% in patients with high and low AKR1B10 expression,respectively(P < 0.001). During the follow-up period after viral eradication,patients expressing high levels of AKR1B10 expressed markedly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and α-fetoprotein than did patients exhibiting low AKR1B10 expression.CONCLUSION Chronic hepatitis C patients expressing high levels of hepatic AKR1B10 had an increased risk of HCC development even after SVR.展开更多
Objective:To investigated the prevalence of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT),a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiens in an endemic focus of Nigeria,as it relates to age,sex and occupationa...Objective:To investigated the prevalence of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT),a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiens in an endemic focus of Nigeria,as it relates to age,sex and occupational differences.Methods:A total of 474 human subjects were screened using card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis kit.Positive samples were further investigated for parasite positivity in blood/serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Results:Of the 474 screened,44(9.3%) were seropositive with seroprevalence of 22(9.6%) in Urhouka,14(9.5%) in Umeghe and 8(7.9%) for Ugonu.The number of seropositives,observed for weakly,moderately and strongly positives for the three communities were 4,7 and 11 in Urhouka,4,5 and 5 in Umeghe and 3,2 and 3 in Ugonu respectively.Among the 16 volunteers with detected parasite in their blood,4 of them were weakly positive,5 of them were moderately positive and 7 of them strongly positive.4 volunteers from Urhouka community were found parasites in their CSF and they were all strongly positive.The difference between the seroprevalence of males and females was not statistically significant(OR=1.14,95%CI=0.37-3.4,P】0.05).The prevalence difference between age group 21-30 years old and the youngest and oldest age groups was statistically significant(OR=3.5,95%CI= 1.08-12.57,P【0.05) but not significant for other age categories (P】0.05),It was observed that farmers had significantly higher prevalence of HAT infection as well as greater risk of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection than inhabitants with other occupations (OR=3.25,95%CI=0.99-11.79,P【0.05).Conclusions:Human activities such as farming and visits to the river have been identified as major risk factors to HAT.Also the breakdown of HAT control program has been advanced for the rise in HAT in Abraka,an endemic focus in Nigeria.展开更多
文摘AIM:To document the epidemiologic patterns and risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infections in Mali in order to develop prevention means for both diseases.METHODS:Two prospective studies were conducted in Bamako in 2009 among 1000 pregnant women(i.e.,young women)who consulted six reference health centers,and in 2010,among 231 older women who attended general practice in two hospitals.Antibody tests and molecular analysis(performed only for HCV)were used to quantify the frequencies of both infections.The data were collected from patients recruited through a questionnaire.Transmission risk factors of both diseases were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis.RESULTS:HCV seroprevalence was 0.2% for young and 6.5% for older women.HIV prevalence was similar in both populations(4.1% vs 6.1%).In older women,the analysis of risk factors highlighted an association between HCV infection and episodes of hospitalization(P < 0.01).The study did not show an association between HIV infection and the variables such as hospitalization,transfusion,tattoo,dental care,and endoscopy.A significant decrease of HIV seroprevalence was detected in young women who used condoms for contraception more than for other purposes(P < 0.01).By contrast,HIV seroprevalence was significantly increased in young women using condoms mainly to prevent sexual infections rather than for contraception(P < 0.01).No HCV/HIV coinfection was detected in our study.CONCLUSION:Risk factors and epidemiologic data of HIV and HCV as well as the absence of co-infection strongly suggest epidemiological disparities between these diseases.
文摘AIM: To study the prevalence and risk factors of significant hepatic fibrosis in Moroccan human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) monoinfected patients.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV monoinfected patients(negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody). Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the data base of the Infectious Diseases Unit in Ibn Rochd Hospital Center [age, gender, duration of HIV infection, CD4 T lymphocyte count, HIV viral load, glycemia and current or prior use of antiretroviral and antiretroviral therapy(ART) duration]. The primary outcome was a FIB4score > 1.45. Multivariable logistic regression identifiedindependent risk factors for FIB4 > 1.45.RESULTS: A FIB4 score > 1.45 was identified in 96among 619(15.5%). HIV monoinfected patients followed up between September 1990 and September2012. Multivariate analysis showed that only a viral load > 75(OR = 2.23, 95%CI: 1.36-3.67), CD4 > 200cells/mm3(OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.21-0.72) and age at FIB4 index calculation(OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.07-1.13)were independently associated with the occurrence of FIB4 index(> 1.45). Gender, duration of HIV infection,glycemia, use of antiretroviral therapy and ART duration were not associated with significant fibrosis by FIB4.CONCLUSION: FIB4 score > 1.45 was found in 15.5%of Moroccan HIV monoinfected patients. Age, HIV viremia > 75 copies/mL and CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3are associated with liver fibrosis. Further studies are needed to explore mechanisms for fibrosis in HIV monoinfected patients.
文摘Cases (n=44) with squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCA) and age-matched healthy controls (n=176) were analyzed. Significant difference due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, ages at the first marriage, ages at the first sexual intercourse, ages at the first birth given to baby, number of gravidities, number of deliveries, Body Mass Index (BMI), education level of women and their husbands (p<0.05) was observed. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, four factors have entered the model (p<0.05), including HPV infection [OR (odds ratio)=26.13, 95%CI (confidence interval)=9.40?72.60], education level of women (OR=0.41, 95%CI=0.21?0.79), education level of spouses (OR=0.45, 95%CI=0.22?0.94), BMI (OR=0.73, 95%CI=0.57?0.93). Moreover, HPV infection is relative to education level of women (r=?0.14), and their spouses (r=?0.21), age at the first marriage (r=?0.20), age at the first birth given to baby (r=?0.20) and BMI (r=?0.15).
文摘BACKGROUND Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney allograft failure. Therapeutic options are limited and prompt reduction of the net state of immunosuppression represents the mainstay of treatment. More recent application of aggressive screening and management protocols for BK-virus infection after renal transplantation has shown encouraging results. Nevertheless,long-term outcome for patients with BK-viremia and nephropathy remains obscure. Risk factors for BK-virus infection are also unclear.AIM To investigate incidence, risk factors, and outcome of BK-virus infection after kidney transplantation.METHODS This single-centre observational study with a median follow up of 57(31-80) mo comprises 629 consecutive adult patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2007 and 2013. Data were prospectively recorded and annually reviewed until 2016. Recipients were periodically screened for BK-virus by plasmaquantitative polymerized chain reaction. Patients with BK viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL were diagnosed BK-viremia and underwent histological assessment to rule out nephropathy. In case of BK-viremia, immunosuppression was minimized according to a prespecified protocol. The following outcomes were evaluated: patient survival, overall graft survival, graft failure considering death as a competing risk, 30-d-event-censored graft failure, response to treatment,rejection, renal function, urologic complications, opportunistic infections, newonset diabetes after transplantation, and malignancies. We used a multivariable model to analyse risk factors for BK-viremia and nephropathy.RESULTS BK-viremia was detected in 9.5% recipients. Initial viral load was high(≥ 10000 copies/mL) in 66.7% and low(< 10000 copies/mL) in 33.3% of these patients.Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy was diagnosed in 6.5% of the study population. Patients with high initial viral load were more likely to experience sustained viremia(95% vs 25%, P < 0.00001), nephropathy(92.5% vs 15%, P <0.00001), and polyomavirus-related graft loss(27.5% vs 0%, P = 0.0108) than recipients with low initial viral load. Comparison between recipients with or without BK-viremia showed that the proportion of patients with Afro-Caribbean ethnicity(33.3% vs 16.5%, P = 0.0024), panel-reactive antibody ≥ 50%(30% vs14.6%, P = 0.0047), human leukocyte antigen(HLA) mismatching > 4(26.7% vs13.4%, P = 0.0110), and rejection within thirty days of transplant(21.7% vs 9.5%; P= 0.0073) was higher in the viremic group. Five-year patient and overall graft survival rates for patients with or without BK-viremia were similar. However,viremic recipients showed higher 5-year crude cumulative(22.5% vs 12.2%, P =0.0270) and 30-d-event-censored(22.5% vs 7.1%, P = 0.001) incidences of graft failure than control. In the viremic group we also observed higher proportions of recipients with 5-year estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min than the group without viremia: 45% vs 27%(P = 0.0064). Urologic complications were comparable between the two groups. Response to treatment was complete in55%, partial in 26.7%, and absent in 18.3% patients. The nephropathy group showed higher 5-year crude cumulative and 30-d-event-censored incidences of graft failure than control: 29.1% vs 12.1%(P = 0.008) and 29.1% vs 7.2%(P <0.001), respectively. Our multivariable model demonstrated that Afro-Caribbean ethnicity, panel-reactive antibody > 50%, HLA mismatching > 4, and rejection were independent risk factors for BK-virus viremia whereas cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was protective.CONCLUSION Current treatment of BK-virus infection offers sub-optimal results. Initial viremia is a valuable parameter to detect patients at increased risk of nephropathy. Panelreactive antibody > 50% and Afro-Caribbean ethnicity are independent predictors of BK-virus infection whereas cytomegalovirus prophylaxis has a protective effect.
文摘The study assessed the levels of some toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) with their potential ecological and human health risks in water, African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Tilapia (Oreochromis spilurus niger) and sediment samples from the Lower Usuma dam FCT, Nigeria during two major seasons in a year (rainy and dry seasons). Toxic metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) and Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (for As and Hg), and the results obtained were compared with national and international standards. The ecological and human health risk indices of the toxic metals present in the samples from the Dam were evaluated and interpreted. Tilapia from the dam posed the highest but medium ecological and human health risk due to Pb concentration of up to 7.11 mg/kg;ecological risk index of 35.55 and hazard quotient of 50.78. Overall ecological and human health risks were low due to the low concentrations of other toxic metals determined. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Zn concentrations were all below WHO limits in the LUD water;Ni and Pb were above limits in the African Catfish and Tilapia samples. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant differences accepted at p ≤ 0.05. There was no statistical difference in the concentrations of toxic metals in water but there was significant difference between the concentrations of toxic metals in the fish and sediment samples. Correlation was found to exist between toxic metals in the water, fish and sediment analyzed from the dam. The ecological and human health risks of toxic metals in Lower Usuma dam require regular checks and monitoring hence, it was recommended by the researcher, that this and similar research work be carried out annually by NESREA and also, as research work by other students of Environmental and Analytical chemistry.
文摘Celiac disease has been reported in up to 2% of some European populations. A similar risk has been identified in the America and Australia where immigration of Eu-ropeans has occurred. Moreover, an increasing number of celiac disease patients are being identified in many Asian countries, including China and India. Finally, celiac disease has also been detected in Asian immigrants and their descendants to other countries, such as Canada. Within these so-called "general" celiac populations, however, there are specific high risk groups that have an even higher prevalence of celiac disease. Indeed, the single most important risk factor for celiac disease is having a first-degree relative with already-defined celiac disease, particularly a sibling. A rate up to 20% or more has been noted. Risk is even greater if a specific family has 2 siblings affected, particularly if a male carries the human leukocyte antigen-DQ2. Both structural changes in the small bowel architecture occur along with func-tional changes in permeability, even in asymptomatic first-degree relatives. Even if celiac disease is not evident, the risk of other autoimmune disorders seems significantly increased in first-degree relatives as well as intestinal lymphoma. Identification of celiac disease is important since recent long-term studies have shown that the mortality of celiac disease is increased, if it is unrecognized and untreated.
文摘A novel approach for engineering application to human error probability quantification is presented based on an overview of the existing human reliability analysis methods. The set of performance shaping factors is classified as two subsets of dominant factors and adjusting factors respectively. Firstly, the dominant factors are used to determine the probabilities of three behavior modes. The basic probability and its interval of human error for each behavior mode are given. Secondly, the basic probability and its interval are modified by the adjusting factors, and the total probability of human error is calculated by a total probability formula. Finally, a simple example is introduced, and the consistency and validity of the presented approach are illustrated.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Health,Labor and Welfare of Japan
文摘AIM To clarify the association between aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10(AKR1B10) expression and hepatocarcinogenesis after hepatitis C virus eradication.METHODS In this study,we enrolled 303 chronic hepatitis C patients who had achieved sustained virological response(SVR) through interferon-based antiviral therapy. Pretreatment AKR1B10 expression in the liver was immunohistochemically assessed and quantified as a percentage of positive staining area by using image-analysis software. A multivariate Cox analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios(HRs) of AKR1B10 expression for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development after achieving SVR. The cumulative incidences of HCC development were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test.RESULTS Of the 303 chronic hepatitis C patients,153(50.5%) showed scarce hepatic AKR1B10 expression,quantified as 0%,which was similar to the expression in control normal liver tissues. However,the remaining 150 patients(49.5%) exhibited various degrees of AKR1B10 expression in the liver,with a maximal AKR1B10 expression of 73%. During the median follow-up time of 3.6 years(range 1.0-10.0 years),8/303 patients developed HCC. Multivariate analysis revealed that only high AKR1B10 expression(≥ 8%) was an independent risk factor for HCC development(HR = 15.4,95%CI: 1. 8- 1 3 2. 5,P = 0. 0 1 2). T h e 5- y e a r c u m u l a t i v e incidences of HCC development were 13.7% and 0.5% in patients with high and low AKR1B10 expression,respectively(P < 0.001). During the follow-up period after viral eradication,patients expressing high levels of AKR1B10 expressed markedly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and α-fetoprotein than did patients exhibiting low AKR1B10 expression.CONCLUSION Chronic hepatitis C patients expressing high levels of hepatic AKR1B10 had an increased risk of HCC development even after SVR.
文摘Objective:To investigated the prevalence of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT),a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiens in an endemic focus of Nigeria,as it relates to age,sex and occupational differences.Methods:A total of 474 human subjects were screened using card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis kit.Positive samples were further investigated for parasite positivity in blood/serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Results:Of the 474 screened,44(9.3%) were seropositive with seroprevalence of 22(9.6%) in Urhouka,14(9.5%) in Umeghe and 8(7.9%) for Ugonu.The number of seropositives,observed for weakly,moderately and strongly positives for the three communities were 4,7 and 11 in Urhouka,4,5 and 5 in Umeghe and 3,2 and 3 in Ugonu respectively.Among the 16 volunteers with detected parasite in their blood,4 of them were weakly positive,5 of them were moderately positive and 7 of them strongly positive.4 volunteers from Urhouka community were found parasites in their CSF and they were all strongly positive.The difference between the seroprevalence of males and females was not statistically significant(OR=1.14,95%CI=0.37-3.4,P】0.05).The prevalence difference between age group 21-30 years old and the youngest and oldest age groups was statistically significant(OR=3.5,95%CI= 1.08-12.57,P【0.05) but not significant for other age categories (P】0.05),It was observed that farmers had significantly higher prevalence of HAT infection as well as greater risk of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection than inhabitants with other occupations (OR=3.25,95%CI=0.99-11.79,P【0.05).Conclusions:Human activities such as farming and visits to the river have been identified as major risk factors to HAT.Also the breakdown of HAT control program has been advanced for the rise in HAT in Abraka,an endemic focus in Nigeria.