Male To Female Sex Ratio Research Articles

Temporal dynamics of condition index and glochidia larval occurrence in freshwater mussel, Lamellidens corrianus (Lea, 1834) collected from a wetland of Mymensingh, Bangladesh

We report the temporal pattern of condition index (CI), and glochidia larval presence and discharge in freshwater mussel, Lamellidens corrianus, obtained from the Darikathal Beel at Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Samples were drawn monthly over a year from July 2021 to June 2022. The mean shell length, shell height, shell breadth, tissue wet weight, and shell dry weight were 86.29±8.36 mm, 19.31±1.42 mm, 40.31±4.90 mm, 12.52±4.77 g, and 12.05±2.85 g, respectively. The male-female sex ratio was 1.00:2.00 with no sexually undifferentiated animals in the sample.

A Study on Effects of Species with the Adaptive Sex-Ratio on Bio-Community Based on Mechanism Analysis and ODE

The species of the adaptive male–female sex ratio has different effects on the bio-community. This paper is aimed at figuring out these effects through mechanism analysis and Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE). Hence, the ODE environmental model is created by combining the Lotka–Volterra model, the interspecific model, and other external factors. The stability is used to characterize these effects. According to this model, effects on bio-community stability under different male–female sex ratios are roughly observed. By innovatively considering different living environments during the species’ lifecycle, the ODE environmental model is optimized, and the effects of different male–female sex ratios on the bio-community are further analyzed by phase-track maps and relative standard deviation. It is found that there are different findings and features in resource-rich and resource-scarce living environments during the lifecycle. Meanwhile, bio-communities in these two types of environments are in a stable state based on different male–female sex ratios. Based on these findings, directive opinions can be used to manage and help relevant bio-communities.

Interest of toxicological analysis in patients admitted to a pediatric emergency department

Objective: Evaluate the interest of toxicology screening in the management of patients in a pediatric emergency department, by assessing its diagnostic utility. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted over two years in the Emergency Department of the Abderrahim Harouchi Mother and Child Hospital, of the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco. We included all children who underwent qualitative toxicological screening by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). A descriptive analysis was conducted on the clinical and toxicological characteristics of the patients. The contingency test allowed us to compare the context of the toxicological screening request and its diagnostic utility. Results: Eighty-seven children were included, with a Male-to Female sex ratio of 1.2. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 14 years, with a median of three years. Among the included population, 119 screenings were performed. Drugs were implicated in 27 cases, while 4 pesticide intoxications were found, including carbofuron, chloralose, methomyl and terbucarb, along with 2 cannabis intoxications. A proportion of 88% of screening requests, made in the absence of clinical guidance, turned out to be positive, accounting for 31% (24 cases out of 77) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Toxicological analysis is a valuable tool to assist the clinician in managing intoxications by confirming or excluding the toxic hypothesis. However, toxicological analysis can only be useful and effective, avoiding analytical pitfalls, in the presence of dialogue between the clinician and the analyst.

Trends in immunological markers of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors in Mamfe District Hospital, Southwest Cameroon

BackgroundBlood transfusion is associated with exposure to blood Transfusion Transmissible Infection (TTIs). The threat posed by the blood-borne pathogens is disproportionately distributed in different healthcare facilities in Cameroon. Thus, there is a need for continuous surveillance of TTIs in the country. This study aimed to assess the screening procedure for blood transfusion and determine the trend in immunological markers of TTIs among blood donors at the Mamfe District Hospital.MethodsA prospective descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted at Mamfe District Hospital from March to May 2022. A total of 165 blood donors were recruited by the consecutive sampling method. Donors were screened using both Rapid diagnostic tests,T. pallidum haemagglutination test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of TTIs. Data generated was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using the statistical software R, version 4.2.0. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics of percentages, means ± standard deviation, and student t-test was used to compare both diagnostic techniques, and was considered significant when p < 0.05.ResultsA hundred and sixty-five donors were enrolled in the study with a male preponderance giving a male-female sex ratio of 22.5 and a mean age of 32.23 ± 8.60 years. The majority (75.2%) of the donors were of the O-positive blood type, repeat donors (69.1%) and were mainly family replacement and paid donors as against the voluntary blood donors (39.4% and 37.0% vs. 23.6% respectively). overall TTIs prevalence was 18.78% (31/165) (), with HBsAg being the most predominant marker at 12.12% (20/165) followed by Treponema pallidum, HCV and HIV antibodies at 4.85 (8/165), 1.21%(2/165), 0.60% (1/165) respectively. Except for the HBV, The prevalence of TTIs was higher when using a single RDT than the ELISA test, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionBloodborne pathogens remain a major menace to safe blood transfusion practice in Mamfe district hospital and their detection could be easily missed if the RDT method alone is used for donor screening. Therefore, the donor screening protocol in Mamfe District Hospital should systematically incorporate a confirmation diagnostic test such as ELISA.

A retrospective clinico epidemiological study of leprosy cases treated at tertiary care hospital Tirupur

Leprosy is a chronic communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Aim is to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile, and type of MDT given for leprosy cases treated at tertiary care hospital Tirupur. A Retrospective study was done by obtaining records of all leprosy patients from the OP Leprosy registration card for a duration of one year from April 2021 – March 2022 were included in the study. The details of patients such as clinical and epidemiological profile were noted and descriptive analysis was done. During the study period, 35 cases of leprosy were included in the study. Majority of the cases were in age group 18 – 45 years. Male female sex ratio was found to be 2.5:1 and no childhood leprosy was recorded. Lepromatous leprosy was the most common type noted in this study. MB MDT was given in most patients. Grade 1 disability was recorded highly than grade 2. Type 1 reaction was found to be more and majority of the cases were noted in local group compared to migratory group. The present study provides an insight into the disease burden as well as the effectiveness of the health-related services at a tertiary care hospital, Tirupur. The study also highlights the early diagnosis and management of leprosy and the importance of the surveillance activity, thereby minimizing the risks of leprosy in Tirupur.

Sex Ratio, Age Structure and Parasitism in Unaspis mabilis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in the Philippines

Lanzones scale insect (LSI) has been an important insect pest of lanzones since its first record in 2004. It causes massive defoliation on trees which eventually results to underdeveloped and sour fruits. Different lanzones-growing areas in the Philippines were surveyed for LSI along with its associated parasitoids in commercial lanzones farms located in Laguna (Los Baños,Nagcarlan and Sta. Maria), Oriental Mindoro (Villa Cerveza, Villa Cerveza, San Gabriel-Alcate), Negros (Abante-Pamplona, Poblacion - Pamplona, Lunga, Valencia, Talisay - Negros Occidental, Jawa-Valencia, Lunga-Valencia, Bongbong), Misamis Occidental (Aloran - Misamis Occidental, Calamba, Oroquieta, Sapang Dalaga, Plaridel), Camiguin (Catarman, Poblacion, Sagay, Tagdo, Mahinog), North Cotabato (Makilala, Kidapawan, and Kabacan) and Sulu (Maimbung, Patikol,Talipao). From each collection site, a total of 10 infested trees were sampled at random with leaflets (N=10) collected in four cardinal directions around canopy. Leaflets were scanned, photographed, and transported to the laboratory. Population estimates of each local population was obtained along with demographic structure viz. age structure and male-female sex ratio. The sample per tree were kept individually in customized cages for parasitoid emergence and determination of parasitization rate. Parasitoids were identified as Aphytis sp., Encarsia sp. and 2 other unidentified species. LSI population and percent parasitism in Laguna were quite high compared to North Cotabato. Results of this study will contribute to the basic knowledge needed to improve control strategy on LSI.

“African” acral keratoderma: Further evidence for a single entity. A retrospective study of 42 patients

BackgroundSeveral phenotypes of non-inflammatory palmar and plantar keratoderma (PPK) have been described in patients of Sub-Saharan African descent. They include keratosis punctata of the palmar creases, marginal keratoderma, also known as acrokeratoelastoidosis or focal acral hyperkeratosis, knuckle pads, other forms of diffuse hyperkeratosis, the very rare “mosaic acral keratosis”, and ainhum. A previous survey has shown that these various forms of PPK are particularly frequent in patients of Sub-Saharan African descent and that they commonly occur concurrently, suggesting that they could form part of a single entity called “African” Acral Keratoderma (AAK). AimTo assess the validity of the concept of AAK and clarify its main characteristics. MethodsA retrospective, descriptive, monocenter study was carried out on patients with AAK seen at our institution between 2009 and 2020. ResultsThere were 42 patients (median age 38 years, range: 12–69 years), all of Sub-Saharan African descent. The male–female sex ratio was 0.3. Thirty-three (78%) had diffuse keratoderma, 25 (59%) had marginal keratoderma on their hands and/or feet, 20 (48%) had knuckle pads, 20 (48%) had keratosis punctata of the palmar creases, 3 had ainhum, and 2 had mosaic acral keratoderma. Mixed forms were seen in 76% of the patients (n = 32). Familial histories were reported by 17 patients (40%). Treatment was topical in over 90% of patients and systemic in 9 patients (21%). Ainhum was managed surgically. ConclusionThis retrospective study provides additional evidence for the concept of AAK. A genetic origin is suggested by the familial aggregation of cases.

P-256 The influence of artificial intelligence embryo scoring on male-female sex ratio

Abstract Study question Are there correlations among male-female sex ratio, human blastocyst ploidy status and artificial intelligence (AI)-based morphokinetics embryo selection? Summary answer Embryo selection based on morphological evaluation by time-lapse system (TLS) with AI technology could lead to a female-biased sex ratio of resulting newborns. What is known already As of now, there have been only limited attempts to evaluate how AI-based TLS embryo selection for priority transfer could affect male-to-female sex ratio in human population, and the results of different publications were contradicting. However, the morphokinetic assessment was made without calculating the embryos KID Score (Embryos with Known Implantation Data), which significantly improves and make faster the decision-making process. Study design, size, duration This is a monocentric, retrospective study from October 2019 to December 2021 including 251 blastocysts with PGT-A results. Embryos were cultured in time-lapse incubator (EmbryoScope, Vitrolife) up to the time of trophectoderm biopsy. All embryos were evaluated based on the KIDscoreTM D5 algorithm (Vitrolife) under routine supervision by experienced embryologists. The PGT-A results were obtained by using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform from Medical Genomics LLC laboratory (Illumina MiSeq, Illumina). Participants/materials, setting, methods Sample size was 251 embryos from 101 women (mean female age was 36.0 ± 5.6 years). All embryos were divided in four groups in accordance with their final KID score: &amp;lt;2.5 ( n = 7), 2.6-5.0 ( n = 33), 5.1-7.5 ( n = 123) and &amp;gt;7.5 ( n = 88). The embryos with sex chromosome abnormalities were also included in research to assess the frequency of occurrence in embryos with low and high KID score. Main results and the role of chance As expected, the percentage of aneuploid blastocysts, as well as the rate of sex chromosome abnormalities, decreased with increasing the embryo KID score. The highest male-female sex ratio among all embryos was observed for the group with KID score &amp;lt;2.5 (1.33), and gradually decreased to values of 0.92 and 0.74 in groups with KID score 5.1-7.5 and &amp;gt;7.5, respectively. At the same time, the highest male-female sex ratio among euploid blastocysts was maximal in the group with KID score 2.6-5.0. The obtained data contradict results of some other studies, which reported faster development of male embryos (which should mean their higher KID score). However, the KID score was not evaluated in them, and thus these results cannot be directly compared to ours. Limitations, reasons for caution Most patients in this study had complicated reproductive history, with repeated failures in IVF programs, often with a stop in embryo development. Also, the present investigation is retrospective. A following multicenter researches with larger sample size and cross-centered validation of embryologist-performed annotation is considered in our future approach. Wider implications of the findings Obtained data doesn’t allow to establish the female-gender prevalence among embryos. Nevertheless, further accumulation of knowledge about relation between KID Embryo Score and embryo gender can be used for presumptive sex determination in special cases with sex-linked diseases, where poor embryo morphology doesn’t allow to perform biopsy for genetic analysis. Trial registration number -

Some Biological Aspects of Spotted Barb Barbodes binotatus (Valenciennes, 1842) in Tamblingan Lake

The biological aspects of the spotted barb, Barbodes binotatus (Valenciennes, 1842) in Tamblingan Lake were not published yet. This study aims to determine the biological aspects of spotted barb in Tamblingan Lake. Fish samples were captured using gill nets with various mesh sizes at five fixed stations monthly from January to December 2019. A total of 357 individuals of the spotted barb was collected, with the total length of the specimens ranging from 3.9 to 15.6 cm, and total weight varied between 0.93 and 60.30 g. The length-weight relationship for males and females were expressed as W = 0.0375L2.83 and W = 0.0272L3.02, respectively. The growth pattern for males and females was allometric negative and isometric, subsequently. The male-female sex ratio was 1.10:1, and the condition factor for males and females were 0.75-1.42 and 0.40-1.49, respectively. We observed male fish with gonad maturity stage I to IV. In contrast, female fish have gonad maturity stage II to V. The highest gonadosomatic index of male and female fish was found in September, indicating a peak of the spawning time. Fecundity ranged from 57-23897 eggs, with an average of 5901 eggs.

Reproductive characteristics of the giant gurami sago strain ( Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801): basic knowledge for a future hatchery development strategy.

Background: The giant gourami sago strain ( Osphronemus goramy Lacepède) has been approved in 2018 as a candidate for freshwater aquaculture in Indonesia. However, information on the species' reproduction is minimal. This study analyzed the reproductive characteristics of the gourami sago strain broodfish to provide basic knowledge for a future hatchery development strategy. Methods: A total of 10 female and 10 male mature gourami sago strain broodfish were measured for body weight and length, and were evaluated for their reproductive characteristics. Breeding fish were spawned naturally in a 2×1×0.6 m concrete pond with a male-female sex ratio of 1:1. Egg weight and diameter were measured in 25 eggs per female using, respectively, ACIS AD- 600i scales with 0.01 g accuracy, and a microscope (Labo model L-711) using Canon Digital Camera Software 3 . Semen was collected using plastic syringes in 3 mL aliquots, then placed in an insulated ice-cooled container, and analyzed within two hours of collection. Results: Average weights of female and male broodfish before spawning were 2180±159.78 g and 3060±134.99 g, respectively. The relative fecundity and egg diameter were 1029±36 eggs kg -1 and 2.42±0.05 mm, respectively. The hatching rate and embryo survival to an eyed-egg stage were respectively 76.40±2.27% and 94.76±0.42%. Sperm characteristics showed that volume was 0.60±0.12 ml kg -1 and percentage of motile sperm was 70.04±2.27%. Female broodfish weight after spawning was strongly correlated with the weight before spawned ( r2 = 0.999) and absolute fecundity was also strongly correlated with female broodfish weight before spawning ( r2= 0.921). Sperm concentration was moderately correlated with sperm motility ( r2 = 0.556) and duration of sperm motility ( r2 = 0.502). Conclusions: The gourami sago strain broodfish has suitable reproductive characteristics for the development of hatcheries. Successful natural spawning should be followed by larval weaning and feeding technology to increase growth and survival.

Reproductive characteristics of the giant gurami sago strain ( Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801): basic knowledge for a future hatchery development strategy

Background: The giant gourami sago strain ( Osphronemus goramy Lacepède) has been approved in 2018 as a candidate for freshwater aquaculture in Indonesia. However, information on the species’ reproduction is minimal. This study analyzed the reproductive characteristics of the gourami sago strain broodfish to provide basic knowledge for a future hatchery development strategy. Methods: A total of 10 female and 10 male mature gourami sago strain broodfish were measured for body weight and length, and were evaluated for their reproductive characteristics. Breeding fish were spawned naturally in a 2×1×0.6 m concrete pond with a male-female sex ratio of 1:1. Egg weight and diameter were measured in 25 eggs per female using, respectively, ACIS AD- 600i scales with 0.01 g accuracy, and a microscope (Labo model L-711) using Canon Digital Camera Software 3 . Semen was collected using plastic syringes in 3 mL aliquots, then placed in an insulated ice-cooled container, and analyzed within two hours of collection. Results: Average weights of female and male broodfish before spawning were 2180±159.78 g and 3060±134.99 g, respectively. The relative fecundity and egg diameter were 1029±36 eggs kg -1 and 2.42±0.05 mm, respectively. The hatching rate and embryo survival to an eyed-egg stage were respectively 76.40±2.27% and 94.76±0.42%. Sperm characteristics showed that volume was 0.60±0.12 ml kg -1 and percentage of motile sperm was 70.04±2.27%. Female broodfish weight after spawning was strongly correlated with the weight before spawned ( r 2 = 0.999) and absolute fecundity was also strongly correlated with female broodfish weight before spawning ( r 2= 0.921). Sperm concentration was moderately correlated with sperm motility ( r 2 = 0.556) and duration of sperm motility ( r 2 = 0.502). Conclusions: The gourami sago strain broodfish has suitable reproductive characteristics for the development of hatcheries. Successful natural spawning should be followed by larval weaning and feeding technology to increase growth and survival.

Gender Inequalities in Health, Education and Economic Opportunities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India

This paper is an attempt to analyze the various indicators of gender inequality in education, health and economic services in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the union territories of India. This study utilized Gender Inequality index and revealed that after taking education as a starting point, the literacy rate and education of the women of Jammu and Kashmir is far lower than their male counterparts and also lower than women at national level. The male-female gap in literacy rate has increased from 12.71 per cent in 1961 to 20.25 per cent in 2011.There is nearly 21% gap between males and females in case of literacy rate. One of the greatest concerns, as far as gender discrimination is concerned is that of male-female sex ratio. The sex ratio has declined from 892 in 2001 to 889 in 2011. The child sex ratio has also declined steeply from 941 in 2001 to 859 in 2011 losing 80 points. The Infant Mortality Rate has fallen from 51 in 2007 to 23 in 2017, however, it is higher for female child than in male child in India as well as in Jammu and Kashmir. The study also found that, only 18 percent of all women age 15-49 were employed in the 12 months preceding the survey; 75 percent of all men aged 15-49 were employed. Thirty-three percent of women and 81 percent of men age 15-49 own a house alone or jointly with someone else, and 27 percent of women and 73 percent of men own land alone or jointly with someone else

Reproductive characteristics of the giant gurami sago strain (Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801): basic knowledge for a future hatchery development strategy

Background: The giant gourami sago strain ( Osphronemus goramy Lacepède) has been approved in 2018 as a candidate for freshwater aquaculture in Indonesia. However, information on the species' reproduction is minimal. This study analyzed the reproductive characteristics of the gourami sago strain broodfish to provide basic knowledge for a future hatchery development strategy. Methods: A total of 10 female and 10 male mature gourami sago strain broodfish were measured for body weight and length, and were evaluated for their reproductive characteristics. Breeding fish were spawned naturally in a 2×1×0.6 m concrete pond with a male-female sex ratio of 1:1. Egg weight and diameter were measured in 25 eggs per female using, respectively, ACIS AD- 600i scales with 0.01 g accuracy, and a microscope (Labo model L-711) using Canon Digital Camera Software 3 . Semen was collected using plastic syringes in 3 mL aliquots, then placed in an insulated ice-cooled container, and analyzed within two hours of collection. Results: Average weights of female and male broodfish before spawning were 2180±159.78 g and 3060±134.99 g, respectively. The relative fecundity and egg diameter were 1029±36 eggs kg -1 and 2.42±0.05 mm, respectively. The hatching rate and embryo survival to an eyed-egg stage were respectively 76.40±2.27% and 94.76±0.42%. Sperm characteristics showed that volume was 0.60±0.12 ml kg -1 and percentage of motile sperm was 70.04±2.27%. Female broodfish weight after spawning was strongly correlated with the weight before spawned ( r 2 = 0.999) and absolute fecundity was also strongly correlated with female broodfish weight before spawning ( r 2= 0.921). Sperm concentration was moderately correlated with sperm motility ( r 2 = 0.556) and duration of sperm motility ( r 2 = 0.502). Conclusions: The gourami sago strain broodfish has suitable reproductive characteristics for the development of hatcheries. Successful natural spawning should be followed by larval weaning and feeding technology to increase growth and survival.

Reproduction and embryonic development in the African freshwater prawn Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851)

The current study aimed to determine parameters and conditions for successful reproduction of Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) in a controlled medium and describing its embryonic development. A total of 122 adult specimens were collected from the delta of Oueme River and stored in polyethylene tanks with 1:2 male-female sex ratio. This broodstock was fed on pelleted food (Biomar Efico) once a day. For the embryogeny monitoring, eggs were sampled each hour through the first two days after spawning and then every 2 hours till hatching. Spawning happened at a mean temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and pH of 27.80±0.56°C, 5.83±0.45 mg/L and 7.41±0.34, respectively. The eggs incubation meantime was 12±1 days with nine main embryonic development stages. Hatching lasted on the average 21.00±1.94 h and led to larvae with a mean size of 2.30±0.90 mm. Mean fecundity was 13062.4±5489.93 eggs and 14715.2±6108 eggs, respectively for the first and second seasons with a highly significant difference between them. The best hatching rates were obtained with salinities equal to 2 and 4‰. The results constitute the first database for larval breeding of M. macrobrachion species.

BROODSTOCK SEX RATIO IMPROVES FRY PRODUCTION IN NILE TILAPIA(OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) IN NORTHERN SENEGAL

This present study was conducted to determine fry production in different male-female sex ratios of Oreochromis niloticusbroodstock in order to improve fry production, which handicapped the development of fish farming in northern Senegal. A total of 180 broodfish (47 males and 133 females) were stocked at a density of 2 fish /m2and was replicated three times for each sex ratio of 1:2, 1:3and 1:4 (male : female). Mean body weight ranges from 136.47±2.13 and 107.27±2.14 g for female and male O. niloticusbroodstock, respectively. The experiment was conducted for 90 days and the broods were fed on commercial diet containing 32% crude protein.Fish were held in 9 rectangular tanks of 30 m3 each (10 × 3 × 1) and half-filled. The results showed that number of fry produced at different sex ratios were significantly different, with sex ratio of 1:2 producing a highest number of fry (279.67) per female, followed by the 1:3and 1:4 treatment recorded the lowest.Broodstock sex ratios also did not affect female survival rates and all treatments had 100% survival rates. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH values obtained were suitable for good water quality and normal tilapia reproduction.In conclusion, the results of the present study recommend to stock Oreochromis niloticus brooders when stocked at a density of 2 fish /m2 at a sex ratio of 1 male : 2 female in order to obtain the highest fry production.

Site-Specific Variation in Familial Cancer as Suggested by Family History, Multiple Primary Cancer, Age at Onset, and Sex Ratio Associated With Upper, Middle, and Lower Third Esophageal and Gastric Cardia Carcinoma.

BackgroundIn China, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) differ in terms of multiple primary cancer (MPC) and male-to-female sex ratio (MFSR).MethodsWe studied site-specific variation in familial cancer by comparing family history (FH), MPC, age at onset (AO), and MFSR among 8768 patients with ESCC/GCA.ResultsESCC/GCA patients with a positive FH are associated with a significantly higher rate of MPC and a younger AO than those without (sex-specifically: MPC 1.6% vs. 0.7%, P<0.01 and 3.2% vs. 0.8%, P<0.01; AO 53.1 ± 8.1 vs. 54.5 ± 8.2, P=0.000 and 52.9 ± 7.4 vs. 54.0 ± 8.0, P=0.005). Among patients with a positive FH, MPC decreases significantly from upper-, middle-, and lower-third ESCC to GCA (sex-specifically: 53.6%, 1.8%, 1.6%, 0.8%, P=0.000; and 71.4%, 1.5%, 2.2%, 1.6%, P=0.000). From MPC, upper-, middle-, and lower-third ESCC to GCA, AO increased sex-specifically: 51.9 ± 7.2, 52.8 ± 7.9, 52.1 ± 8.3, 54.3 ± 8.4, 55.6 ± 7.6 (P=0.000) and 49.3 ± 6.5, 51.8 ± 9.8, 52.6 ± 7.8, 54.4 ± 8.0, 55.7 ± 7.2 (P=0.000), and FH decreased: 43.8%, 35.1%, 28.2%, 29.5%, 24.4% (P=0.000) and 55.2%, 26.7%, 25.0%, 24.3%, 22.3% (P=0.000). The preponderance of males, smoking, alcohol consumption, and patients ≥50 years old increased from 2.2:1, 1.7:1, 1.0:1, 2.0:1 in ESCC to 6.1:1, 2.8:1, 2.5:1, 4.0:1 in GCA, yet more MPCs were associated with non-preponderant than preponderant counterparts; particularly in GCA, the difference was statistically significant.ConclusionThe proportion of familial cancer may decrease from upper-, middle-, and lower-third ESCC to GCA. This entails molecular investigation, and appreciating this may help us devise a better screening strategy or individualize cancer treatment.

Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Clinical Study of 31 Cases (2004–2014) in Morocco

Background Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare bullous autoimmune dermatosis whose evolution and prognosis are unpredictable. Aim The objective was to analyze long-term outcomes in patients with pemphigus vulgaris by identifying the factors that are able to influence prognosis, in particular the phenotype of pemphigus vulgaris, age at onset, multiplicity of mucosal involvement, relapse and remission rates, and survival functions. Methods A retrospective analysis of a cohort of 31 patients followed for pemphigus vulgaris during the period from January 2004 to January 2014. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris confirmed by histopathology and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and a period of follow-up of at least five years from the diagnosis. The following information was collected by a single investigator. Results In total, 67.7% of patients presented a mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris. Male-female sex ratio was 2.4. The median duration of patient's follow-up was estimated at 7 (6–9) years. Multiple mucosal involvement in the oral cavity and at other mucosal sites was significantly associated with severe mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris (p=0.01). Multiple relapses were significantly associated with the disease severity (p=0.04). Conclusion Poor prognosis factors were severe mucocutaneous type of pemphigus vulgaris and multiple mucosal involvement in the oral cavity and at other mucosal sites.

Geographic study of mortality due to mesothelioma in Peru and its evolution

BackgroundPeru has a public health problem because of asbestos imports. We analyzed the mortality trends for mesothelioma in Peru and its provinces from 2005 to 2014 and estimated their relationship with the amount of asbestos imported previously. MethodsWe computed age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 population (direct method and SEGI world standard population reference), and the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The relationship between the amount of asbestos imported annually along the period 1965–2010 and the number of mesothelioma deaths per year from 2005 to 2014 was estimated by log-linear Poisson regression models and Pearson correlation calculations. ResultsAfter correcting the number of deaths, Peru registered 428 cases (or 430 when corrected cases are rounded by sex) between 2005 and 2014. The highest ASMRs were in Arequipa and Callao (range: 0.40−0.41/100,000 population), followed by Huancavelica (0.36/100,000 population). This translates into approximately one death per each 68–111 of asbestos tons imported. The latency period for the higher level of positive correlation found was 8 years (r = 0.8). Male female sex ratio was lower in provinces such as Junin and Hunacavelica with geological asbestos risk. ConclusionsTwo patterns of mesothelioma risk have been detected, occupational and environmental. During the 2002–2006 years, Peru increased the asbestos use. If crocidolite imports were also increased, this could be behind the 8 years latency period detected. Peru should boost strategies towards the total ban of all forms of asbestos.

The Burden and Socio-demographic Differentials of Malaria Infection among Asymptomatic School Children in Gombe State, Nigeria

Background: As a foremost disease of public health significance, malaria has wrecked untold havoc among children and pregnant women in developing countries with Africa and Nigeria being worst affected.&#x0D; Objective: This study was aimed at documenting the prevalence and socio-demographic differences in the pattern of malaria infection among asymptomatic primary school children in Gombe state, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Using a cross sectional study design 745 pupils aged 6 to 15 years were assessed from March to June 2019. The subjects were selected from 12 public and 6 private schools in 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, using multi-stage sampling technique. Malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kits were deployed in screening the subjects for malaria parasites positivity or otherwise. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 analytical software. And the findings were presented in tables and charts. Proportions were compared using chi square, with alpha significance level set at 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the participants was 9.96±2.26 and 379 (50.9%) of them were boys while the rest 366 (49.1%) were girls (about 1:1 male-female sex ratio). A total of 101 (13.6%) of the 745 school children screened yielded positive to malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT), with children from the public primary schools being significantly (p=0.000) more affected than their counterparts in the private schools (18.2% vs. 4.1%). Though male children were more affected by malaria, the difference was not statistically significant (15.0% vs. 12.0%, P=0.229). Similarly, significantly higher proportion (p=0.000) of pupils from the rural schools were affected and were about three times more at risk of malaria (OR=3.362, CI: 2.169-5.212) than their urban counterparts (22.4% vs. 7.9%). Low academic performance was found to be associated with malaria infection (p=0.012). Other socio-demographic factors associated with malaria infection among the pupils include; senatorial district, family size, source of parental care, tribe etc. However, from the evidence of this study there was no significant association between the prevalence of malaria infection and birth order, age group and gender of the school children.&#x0D; Conclusion: In view of the high and disproportionate distribution of the burden of malaria among the subjects, it is hereby recommended that concerned authorities should include primary schools in the design and implementation of malaria control/ elimination programmes.

An Analysis of Women’s Participation in Agriculture in Bihar

Understanding the nature of rural landscape change during the urbanization process is vital to formulate rural management plans for sustainable development. However, there is little information on how rural landscapes changes and limited evidence as to how it can be improved. There were 244.9 million households in India of which 179.7 million households or 833 million people were in rural areas (SECC Survey 2011). Survey revealed that 87.2 million rural households reported one of more criteria of deprivation, while 92 million households were engaged in casual manual labour and agricultural activities. In agriculture, the role of women cannot be denied. They contribute in every operation of agricultural activities and are also active in allied sectors like cattle management, dairying, beekeeping, goat rearing mushroom production and poultry farming etc. Women participation in total workforce was assessed 27.44% as against 72.56% by male workforce in 2011. Share of women agricultural workforce in total workforce was computed to be 16.57% in 2001 which declined to 6.23% in 2011. Causes of decline may be their participation other sectors with improvement in their literacy rate which rose to 51.50% in 2011 as compared to 33.57% in 2001. The male-female sex ratio has registered a decline of 0.11% as compared to 2001 census. Women holding land account for only 13.31% as against 87.27% by men in Bihar. Share of women agricultural workforce in total agricultural workforce was estimated to be 19.32% as per census 2011. Analysis of CACP unit level data of Bihar for the year 2013-14, revealed that the contribution of women in agricultural activities was assessed to be 35.94%. Women’s contribution in agriculture is significant and plays diverse role, still their wages were found 7.04% less than their male counterparts during 2015-16. To strengthen women’s participation in agriculture and allied sectors and to improve their access to land, loan and other facilities, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has policy provisions like joint leasing for both domestic and agricultural land under National policy for farmers. Under credit facility provisions government has framed policy for issuing Kisan Credit Cards to women for creating livelihood through livestock practices and agricultural processing. Beside all efforts, there is still a wide gender gap in the state which may be addressed properly for overall development of women and enhancing the rural landscape of the state in particular and nation in general. The paper tries to analyze the role women in agricultural development of Bihar and the issues confronting them.