Metabolic syndrome does not affect sustained virologic response of direct-acting antivirals while hepatitis C clearance improves hemoglobin A1c.

AimTo determine whether successful treatment with directacting antivirals (DAA) is associated with improvements in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and if type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or metabolic syndrome affects sustained virologic response (SVR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of all hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System treated with varying DAA therapy between 2014-2016. Separate multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of HbA1c decrease ≥ 0.5 after DAA treatment and predictors of SVR 12-wk post treatment (SVR12).ResultsA total of 1068 patients were treated with DAA therapy between 2014-2016. The presence of T2DM or metabolic syndrome did not adversely affect SVR12. 106 patients had both HCV and T2DM. Within that cohort, patients who achieved SVR12 had lower mean HbA1c pre treatment (7.35 vs 8.60, P = 0.02), and lower mean HbA1c post-treatment compared to non-responders (6.55 vs 8.61, P = 0.01). The mean reduction in HbA1c after treatment was greater for those who achieved SVR12 than for non-responders (0.79 vs 0.01, P = 0.03). In adjusted models, patients that achieved SVR12 were more likely to have a HbA1c decrease of ≥ 0.5 than those that did not achieve SVR12 (adjusted OR = 7.24, 95%CI: 1.22-42.94).ConclusionIn HCV patients with T2DM, successful treatment with DAA was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c suggesting that DAA may have a role in improving insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the presence of T2DM or metabolic syndrome does not adversely affect SVR12 rates in patients treated with DAA

Diversité et sélection participative de variétés locales productives de banane plantain de Côte d’Ivoire

Objectif: Parmi les principales cultures vivrières qui contribuent à la sécurité alimentaire en Côte d’Ivoire, la banane plantain occupe une place de choix. Cependant, la production reste toujours faible à cause de l’utilisation de variétés traditionnelles à faible rendement et aux mauvaises pratiques agricoles appliquées par les producteurs. Cette étude se propose d’identifier des variétés locales performantes pour accroire les rendementsMéthodologie et résultats: Pour apporter une solution à ces problèmes, plusieurs variétés locales de banane plantain ont été collectées dans les zones de production de bananiers en Côte d’Ivoire. Une diversité élevée de variétés de banane plantain a été observée à l’Est du pays. L’évaluation agronomique en station de recherche a permis de sélectionner de nombreux génotypes qui présentent des potentialités agronomiques intéressantes (haut rendement, tolérance aux maladies, précocité, etc.). Parmi ces variétés, 10 ont fait l’objet d’une sélection participative dans deux zones agro-écologiques différentes de la Côte d’Ivoire. Les résultats de cette évaluation ont permis de sélectionner 6 (CNRA-PLA-3, CNRA-PLA-4, CNRA-PLA-15, CNRA-PLA-7, CNRA-PLA-18 et CNRA-PLA-9) parmi les 10 variétés par les producteurs eux-mêmes. Ces variétés ont été choisies par les producteurs sur la base de leur rendement élevé, leur précocité et leur tolérance à la cercosporiose noire.Conclusion et application des résultats: La présente étude a permis de mettre en évidence 6 variétés locales productives de banane plantain à la suite d’une sélection participative. Ces variétés peuvent être conseillées aux producteurs pour accroître ainsi les productions afin d’assurer la sécurité alimentaire des populations.Mots clés: Banane plantain, rendement, tolérance, sélection participative, Côte d’IvoireEnglish AbstractEnglish Title: Diversity and participatory selection of high-yielding local plantain varieties in Côte d’IvoireObjective: Among the main food crops that contribute to food security in Côte d’Ivoire, plantain occupies a place of choice. However, the production is still low due to the use of traditional varieties with low yield and poor agricultural practices applied by the producers. This study aims to identify performant local plantain varieties to increase the yield.Methods and Results: To provide a solution to these problems, several local varieties of plantain have been collected in plantains production areas in Côte d’Ivoire. A high diversity of plantain varieties has been observed in the east of the country. The agronomic evaluation in research station allowed to select many genotypes with interesting agronomic potential (high yield, tolerance to diseases, precocity, etc.). Among these varieties, 10 were used for participatory selection in two different agro-ecological areas in Côte d’Ivoire. The results of this evaluation allowed the producers to select 6 (CNRA-PLA-3, CNRA-PLA-4, CNRA-PLA-15, CNRA-PLA-7, CNRA-PLA-18 and CNRA-PLA-9) among the 10 varieties. These varieties have been chosen by the producers on the basis of their high yield, their precocity and their tolerance to black sigatoka.Conclusion and application of results: The present study permitted to identify 6 performant local plantain varieties during a participatory selection. The varieties may be recommended to the producers in order to increase the productions and ensure the food security of the population.Keywords: Plantain, yield, tolerance, participatory selection, Cote d'Ivoir

Pengaruh Fashion Involvement Terhadap Impulse Buying Melalui Hedonic Value (Studi Kasus Pada Pelanggan Distro Inspired 27 Kota Malang)

ABSTRACTThis study discusses the direct and indirect study of Fashion Involvement in Impulse Buying through Hedonic Value. This research was conducted in Inspired 27 cities of Malang. Analysis with path analysis method will be the technique method to analyze this research. This study is causally using a quantitative approach. The collection of data in a structured way and using statistical methods as the analysis of data. By using the independent variabel fashion involvement, the dependent variable impuls buying, and hedonis value as intervening variable. The method used is a survey method that opens a structured questionnaire. This research conducted by 83 questionnaires to customers of Inspired 27 Malang Distro. The results show that Fashion Involvement in Hedonic Value, Fashion Involvement is directly related to Impulse Buying, and Hedonic Value is directly related to Impulse Buying, and connects Hedonic Value as an intervention variable that successfully mediates the relationship between Fashion Involvement and Impulse Buying.  Keyword : Fashion Involvement, Impulse Buying, Hedonic Valu

Pression d’inoculum de la maladie des raies noires (MRN) causée par Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet, dans les plantations industrielles de bananiers, en Côte d’ivoire

The Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) is one of main parasitic constraints of the agro-industrial plantations of banana in the world. Caused by a fungus ascomycete (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet), the losses of yield are up to 50 %, without of resistant cultivars and effective management. This study relative to the level of the disease has been conducted in 12 industrial plantation in 6 production area: Aboisso, Grand- Bassam, Dabou, Agboville, Azaguié and Tiassalé; for a total surface of 2576 ha. The observations concerned the ranks of Youngest Leaf Spotted (YLS), of the Youngest Leaf Necrosed (YLN), the Number of Standing Leaves (NSL) and the gap between the Youngest Leaf Spotted and the Number of Standing Leaves. The results showed that chronic re-infestation of industrial plantation during the last five years, except CDBCI Tiassalé-Songon in 2011 and 2012. An acceptable level of re-infestation was observed in 2012 on other plantations, with the rank of YLS greater than or equal to 3, except BATIA Tiassalé and CDBCI Azaguié. The internal inoculum pressure (YLS) varied a lot from one plantation to another and from one year to another. Except plantation SBMK Aboisso and BATIA Tiassalé, other plantations had at least one value of the rank of the top YLS or equal to 8, during the study indicating a relatively low severity of the BLSD. From 2009 to 2012, all plantations have shown over 8 standing leaves, the minimum required for proper filling of the bunch of banana regime at the time of flowering

Incidence de la densité de plantation sur la croissance et le rendement du bananier plantain en Côte d’Ivoire : cas de deux hybrides (PITA 3 et FHIA 21) et deux variétés locales (Corne 1 et Orishele)

La présente étude a été entreprise pour déterminer la densité de plantation susceptible de permettre un rendement optimum des variétés (Corne 1 et Orishele) et des hybrides (PITA 3 et FHIA 21). L’effet de trois densités de plantation (1667 ; 2000 et 2500 plants.ha-1), a été testé dans un dispositif expérimental de blocs complets randomisés à quatre répétitions. Les paramètres de croissance et de développement observés, ont été peu affectés par la densité de plantation. Le cycle de production des bananiers Corne 1 a été allongé de 9 jours avec l’augmentation de la densité. Concernant les caractéristiques des doigts, aucun effet significatif n’a été observé. Le plus grand poids moyen des régimes, 8,1 et 11,3 kg pour Corne1 et Orishele et 16 kg pour les hybrides, a été obtenu à la densité de 1667 plants.ha-1. Le plus haut rendement, Corne 1 (19,2 t.ha-1), Orishele (23,2 t.ha-1), PITA 3 (35,6 t.ha-1) et FHIA 21 (38,1 t.ha-1), a été obtenu à la densité de 2500 plants.ha-1. La densité de 2500 plants. ha-1 pourrait donc être recommandée pour accroître la productivité des variétés et des hybrides étudiés dans les conditions de l’essai.Mots clés: bananier plantain, densité de plantation, croissance, rendement, Côte d’IvoireEnglish Title:  Effect of planting density on growth and yield of plantain in Côte d’Ivoire : case of two hybrids (PITA 3 and FHIA 21) and two local varieties (Corne 1 and Orishele)English AbstractThe present study was under taken to determine the planting density may allow optimum performance of varieties (Corne 1 and Orishele) and hybrids (PITA 3 and FHIA 21). The effect of three planting densities (1667, 2000 and 2500 plants.ha-1), was tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Observed growth and development parameters were little affected by planting density. The crop cycle has been lengthened significantly 9 days, in plantain Corne 1, planted at adensity of 2500 plants.ha-1 compared to the density 1667 plants.ha-1. On characteristics of the fingers, no significant effect was observed. The highest bunch weight, 8.1 and 11.3 kg with Corne 1 and Orishele, and 16 kg with the hybrids, was obtained at lower density.The highest yield was obtained at a density of 2500 plants.ha-1.19.2 and 23.2 t.ha-1 were obtained with Corne 1 and Orishele ; 35.6 and 38.1 t.ha-1 with PITA 3 et FHIA 21. The density of 2500 plants.ha-1 could be recommended to increase the productivity of varieties and hybrids studied under the conditions of the test.Keywords: plantain, planting density, growth, yield, Côte d’Ivoir

Nurse led, primary care based antiretroviral treatment versus hospital care: a controlled prospective study in Swaziland

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Antiretroviral treatment services delivered in hospital settings in Africa increasingly lack capacity to meet demand and are difficult to access by patients. We evaluate the effectiveness of nurse led primary care based antiretroviral treatment by comparison with usual hospital care in a typical rural sub Saharan African setting.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We undertook a prospective, controlled evaluation of planned service change in Lubombo, Swaziland. Clinically stable adults with a CD4 count > 100 and on antiretroviral treatment for at least four weeks at the district hospital were assigned to either nurse led primary care based antiretroviral treatment care or usual hospital care. Assignment depended on the location of the nearest primary care clinic. The main outcome measures were clinic attendance and patient experience.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Those receiving primary care based treatment were less likely to miss an appointment compared with those continuing to receive hospital care (RR 0·37, <it>p </it>< 0·0001). Average travel cost was half that of those receiving hospital care (<it>p </it>= 0·001). Those receiving primary care based, nurse led care were more likely to be satisfied in the ability of staff to manage their condition (RR 1·23, <it>p </it>= 0·003). There was no significant difference in loss to follow-up or other health related outcomes in modified intention to treat analysis. Multilevel, multivariable regression identified little inter-cluster variation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Clinic attendance and patient experience are better with nurse led primary care based antiretroviral treatment care than with hospital care; health related outcomes appear equally good. This evidence supports efforts of the WHO to scale-up universal access to antiretroviral treatment in sub Saharan Africa.</p

Promising high-yielding tetraploid plantain-bred hybrids in west Africa

Open Access Journal; Published online: 21 April 2019The devastating threat of black leaf streak disease caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis on plantain production in West Africa spurred the development of resistant hybrids. The goal of this research and development (R&D) undertaken was assessing the development and dissemination of two plantain hybrids PITA 3 and FHIA 21 bred in the 1980s by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA, Nigeria) and the Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA, Honduras), respectively. In Côte d’Ivoire, plantain growers selected PITA 3 and FHIA 21 based on their improved agronomic characteristics and, between 2012 and 2016, they were massively propagated and distributed to farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo under the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAAP) coordinated by the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). In 2016, the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique in Côte d’Ivoire included the hybrids in the improved cultivar directory. This R&D activity illustrates how three decades of crossbreeding, selection, and distribution led to local acceptance. It also highlights how a CORAF-led partnership harnessed CGIAR research for development. The dissemination and acceptance of these plantain hybrids will enhance the sustainable intensification in plantain-based farming systems across the humid lowlands of West and Central Africa

Impact of exposure to patients with COVID-19 on residents and fellows: An international survey of 1420 trainees

Objectives To determine how self-reported level of exposure to patients with novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) affected the perceived safety, training and well-being of residents and fellows. Methods We administered an anonymous, voluntary, web-based survey to a convenience sample of trainees worldwide. The survey was distributed by email and social media posts from April 20th to May 11th, 2020. Respondents were asked to estimate the number of patients with COVID-19 they cared for in March and April 2020 (0, 1-30, 31-60, >60). Survey questions addressed (1) safety and access to personal protective equipment (PPE), (2) training and professional development and (3) well-being and burnout. Results Surveys were completed by 1420 trainees (73% residents, 27% fellows), most commonly from the USA (n=670), China (n=150), Saudi Arabia (n=76) and Taiwan (n=75). Trainees who cared for a greater number of patients with COVID-19 were more likely to report limited access to PPE and COVID-19 testing and more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Compared with trainees who did not take care of patients with COVID-19, those who took care of 1-30 patients (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.80, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.51), 31-60 patients (AOR 3.30, 95% CI 1.86 to 5.88) and >60 patients (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 2.12 to 7.63) were increasingly more likely to report burnout. Trainees were very concerned about the negative effects on training opportunities and professional development irrespective of the number of patients with COVID-19 they cared for. Conclusion Exposure to patients with COVID-19 is significantly associated with higher burnout rates in physician trainees

Upregulation of miR-31* Is Negatively Associated with Recurrent/Newly Formed Oral Leukoplakia

BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. However, the underlying mechanism of OLK is still unclear. In this study, we explore possible miRNAs involved in OLK. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using miRNA microarrays, we profiled miRNA expression in OLK and malignantly transformed OLK (mtOLK) tissue samples. The upregulation of miR-31*, miR-142-5p, miR-33a, miR-1259, miR-146b-5p, miR-886-3p, miR-886-5p, miR-519d, and miR-301a along with the downregulation of miR-572, miR-611, miR-602, miR-675, miR-585, miR-623, miR-637, and miR-1184 in mtOLK were new observations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses confirmed that miR-31* is highly expressed in mtOLK. There was a significant difference between the FISH score (p<0.05) in patients with or without recurrent/newly formed OLK. Functional analyses demonstrated that a miR-31* inhibitor decreased apoptosis in the Leuk-1, which is an immortalized oral epithelial cell line spontaneously derived from an oral leukoplakia lesion. miR-31* regulated apoptosis, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the HOIEC, which is a HPV E6/E7-immortalized oral epithelial cell line. Furthermore, miR-31* modulated the biological functions of apoptosis, cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in the oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, Cal-27. Using bioinformatic analyses and dual luciferase reporter assays, we determined that the 3' untranslated region of fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) is the target of miR-31*. Expression of FGF3 was downregulated or upregulated in the presence of a miR-31* mimic or inhibitor, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Upregulation of miR-31* is negatively associated with recurrent/newly formed OLK. MiR-31* may exert similar but distinguishable effects on biological function in oral cells with different malignant potential. FGF3 is the target of miR-31*. miR-31* may play an important role during OLK progression through regulating FGF3. MiRNA* strands may also have prominent roles in oral carcinogenesis