Diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT) as risk assessment and management tools in the Central Witwatersrand Goldfield, South Africa

Diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT) technology was used to monitor bio-available metals and the tool was developed for risk-based pollution assessment and liability apportionment in the Witwatersrand Goldfields, South Africa, where there is widespread mine-related pollution. DGT technology is a passive sampling technique whereby metal species are selectively diffused from polluted water through a diffusion layer and trapped by an inner chelating resin, giving rise to time-weighted average concentrations.The results show that the concentrations of most hazardous metals recorded from grab samples are higher than values recorded from DGT samplers, resulting in inaccurate input information to risk assessors, the public and decision makers. DGT samplers deployed along upper, middle and lower reaches of Elsburgspruit, a stream southeast of Johannesburg, provided data which could assist in evaluating the source and evolution of metals along the stream length. DGT samplers deployed in 5 augers at different depths around a tailings dam showed that liming and trenching fails to contain deep seepage of trace metals. The results highlight the potential of using DGT samplers as a monitoring tool for providing accurate metal pollution information, assessing source and evolution of metals in streams or rivers for apportionment of liabilities, and evaluating the success of current contaminant containment methods.Keywords: Diffusive gradient in thin-films, binding gel, hydrogel, grab samples, diffusive boundary laye

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia Among People Living with HIV/AIDS on Follow-Up Care at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Alemayehu Assefa, Alfoalem Araba Abiye, Tamrat Assefa Tadesse, Minyahil Woldu Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Alfoalem Araba Abiye, Email [email protected]: Despite its importance as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia remains poorly characterized in the African population.Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidemia in people with HIV/AIDS in follow-up at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the charts of 288 people living with HIV/AIDS who had received Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment for at least six months at Zewditu Memorial Hospital from July to September 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from the patient’s charts. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25.Results: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 55.2% in people living with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 40 mg/dl in men and < 50 in women was 46.9%; total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl was 22.6%; triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl was 18.8%, and low-density lipoprotein ≥ 130 mg/dl was 4.9%. Sex [Female adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.595, 95% CI: 0.37– 0.956], age greater than 40 years (AOR = 1.026, 95% CI: 1.005– 1.048), body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (AOR = 1.767, 95% CI: 1.099– 2.84), viral load > 50 (AOR = 0.477, 95% CI: 0.27– 0.842), and CD4 < 500 (AOR = 1.938, 95% CI: 1.18– 3.183) were identified as determinants of dyslipidemia.Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of dyslipidemia among study participants compared to several studies published in a similar population. Being male, older age, higher BMI, low CD4 count, and viral load of < 50 copies/mL were associated with dyslipidemia in people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, lipid profile measurements at baseline must be part of routine care to prevent the devastating effects of dyslipidemia.Keywords: antiretroviral therapy, dyslipidemia, HIV/AIDS, Ethiopi