Browsing by Author "Yang, J."
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Item Elevated circulating IL-17 level is associated with inflammatory arthritis and disease activity: A meta-analysis(Clinica Chimica Acta, 2019-06-29) Sam, N.B.; Zhang, X.; Yuan, Y.; Pan, Z.; Ma, Y.; Wu, M.; Yang, J.; Han, R.; Chen, M.; Hu, X.; Liu, R.; Xu, S.; Pan, F.Objectives: Previous studies found that the interleukin (IL)-17 level was elevated in inflammatory arthritis, but results were inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of IL-17 cytokine with osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Relevant studies were searched using databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated. Correlation coefficient was utilized to evaluate the relationship between IL-17 and disease activity of AS and RA. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were applied to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Results: 83 records were enrolled. The IL-17 level was elevated in AS (SMD=2.348, P < .001), RA (SMD=1.502, P < .001), PsA (SMD=1.710, P < .001) and OA (SMD=1.192, P=.016), and similar results occurred in subgroup analysis. Furthermore, the IL-17 level was positively associated with disease activity of AS and RA. Conclusion: Circulating IL-17 level is significantly elevated in inflammatory arthritis and is related to the disease activity of AS and RA, suggesting that it plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory arthritis (especially in AS and RA).Item Health Consequences for E-Waste Workers and Bystanders—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020-02-27) Fobil, J.N.; Fischer, D.; Seidu, F.; Yang, J.; Felten, M.K.; Garus, C.; Kraus, T.; Kaifie, A.Informal e-waste recycling is associated with several health hazards. Thus far, the main focus of research in the e-waste sector has been to assess the exposure site, such as the burden of heavy metals or organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the health consequences associated with informal e-waste recycling. A questionnaire-based assessment regarding occupational information, medical history, and current symptoms and complaints was carried out with a group of n = 84 e-waste workers and compared to a control cohort of n = 94 bystanders at the e-waste recycling site Agbogbloshie. E-waste workers suffered significantly more from work-related injuries, back pain, and red itchy eyes in comparison to the control group. In addition, regular drug use was more common in e-waste workers (25% vs. 6.4%). Both groups showed a noticeable high use of pain killers (all workers 79%). The higher frequency of symptoms in the e-waste group can be explained by the specific recycling tasks, such as burning or dismantling. However, the report also indicates that adverse health effects apply frequently to the control group. Occupational safety trainings and the provision of personal protection equipment are needed for all workers.Item In-Situ Adaptation and Coastal Vulnerabilities in Ghana and Tanzania(The Journal of Environment & Development, 2019-06-03) Ablo, A.D.; Yang, J.; Owusu, V.; Andriesse, E.Coastal fisheries communities in sub-Saharan Africa are under high socioeconomic vulnerability in the face of environmental pressures. This article contributes to the current adaptation debate by revisiting the benefits of in-situ adaptation. We assess possible in-situ adaptation strategies amid ongoing vulnerabilities by comparing Ghana and Tanzania. A total of 441 household surveys were conducted in four study sites. The major findings of the study are as follows: First, the three major in-situ adaptation strategies are regular changes of nondestructive fisheries techniques, alternative occupations, and collective action. Second, all three strategies have a significant relationship with income change. Finally, the communities in Tanzania utilized all three strategies more and performed better economically than those in Ghana. On the basis of these insights, we suggest implications of in-situ adaptation for future coastal development in sub-Saharan Africa.