Multi-ancestry genome-wide association meta-analysis of Parkinson?s disease

Although over 90 independent risk variants have been identified for Parkinson’s disease using genome-wide association studies, most studies have been performed in just one population at a time. Here we performed a large-scale multi-ancestry meta-analysis of Parkinson’s disease with 49,049 cases, 18,785 proxy cases and 2,458,063 controls including individuals of European, East Asian, Latin American and African ancestry. In a meta-analysis, we identified 78 independent genome-wide significant loci, including 12 potentially novel loci (MTF2, PIK3CA, ADD1, SYBU, IRS2, USP8, PIGL, FASN, MYLK2, USP25, EP300 and PPP6R2) and fine-mapped 6 putative causal variants at 6 known PD loci. By combining our results with publicly available eQTL data, we identified 25 putative risk genes in these novel loci whose expression is associated with PD risk. This work lays the groundwork for future efforts aimed at identifying PD loci in non-European populations

Guillain–Barre syndrome associated with hepatitis E virus infection: A case report

Key Clinical Message Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can be manifested with several neurological syndromes including GBS. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider HEV in their differential diagnosis for patients with neurological disorders. Abstract We report a case of Guillain‐Barré syndrome associated with hepatitis E virus infection. The current case‐report demonstrates diagnostic challenge to identify GBS case in a limited‐resources country like Sudan. However, HEV infection should be highly suspected in patients with neurological manifestation with high liver enzymes

The first Helicobacter pylori‐induced Guillain–Barré syndrome in Sudan

Key Clinical Message This case report highlights the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the development of GBS. Healthcare providers should consider H. pylori in their differential diagnosis for patients with neurological syndromes. Astract We report the first known case of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in Sudan. This case highlights the role of H. pylori infection in the development of GBS. It also emphasizes the importance of wide screening of different endemic infections for patients with neurological syndromes for early detection and improves the case management in resource‐limited settings like Sudan. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of H. pylori‐inducing neurological disorders

COVID-19 in Sudan

The steadily growing COVID-19 pandemic is challenging health systems worldwide including Sudan. In Sudan, the first COVID-19 case was reported on 13th March 2020, and up to 11 November 2020 there were 14,401 confirmed cases of which 9,535 cases recovered and the rest 3,750 cases were under treatment. Additionally, 1,116 deaths were reported, indicating a relatively high case fatality rate of 7.7%. Several preventive and control measures were implemented by the government of Sudan and health partners, including the partial lockdown of the country, promoting social distancing, and suspending mass gathering such as festivals and performing religious practices in groups. However, new cases still emerging every day and this could be attributed to the noncompliance of the individuals to the advocated preventive measurements

Availability of Therapies and Services for Parkinson\u27s Disease in Africa: A Continent-Wide Survey

Background: The growing burden of Parkinson\u27s disease (PD) in Africa necessitates the identification of available therapies and services to improve patient care. Objective: To investigate the availability, affordability, frequency of usage, and insurance coverage of PD therapies (pharmacological, surgical, physical, and speech therapies) and services including specialized clinics, specialists, and nurses across Africa. Methods: A comprehensive web-based survey was constructed and distributed to neurologists/physicians with a special interest in PD across Africa. The survey instrument includes components that address availability, affordability, frequency of use, and insurance coverage of different therapies and services. Results: Responses were received from 28 (of 43 contacted) countries. Levodopa-based oral preparations were always available in 13 countries (46.4%) with variable affordability and “partial or no” insurance coverage in 60% of countries. Bromocriptine was the most available (50%) and affordable ergot dopamine agonists (DA), whereas non-ergot DA was always available in only six countries (21.4%). Trihexyphenidyl was the most available and affordable anticholinergic drug (46.4%). Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were available in most countries (89.3% and 85.7% respectively), with variable affordability. Quetiapine and clozapine were less available. Specialized clinics and nurses were available in 25% and 7.1% of countries surveyed, respectively. Other services were largely unavailable in the countries surveyed. Conclusion: PD-specific therapies and services are largely unavailable and unaffordable in most African countries. The data provide a platform for organizing strategies to initiate or scale up existing services and drive policies aimed at improving access to care and tailoring education programs in Africa

Obstacles faced by healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan

The impacts of COVID -19 pandemic have been quite significant on healthcare providers. I was particularly challenging for those in Low and Middle-Income Countries including Sudan. Unfortunately, the pandemic has hit Sudan on extremely difficult time for the country and its people. The country was coming out of long-brutal and devastating dictatorship and transitioning to new democracy with civilian leadership. In addition to the pandemic related issues, trying to rebuild the health system during socioeconomic crisis, healthcare providers in the country were challenged personally and professionally. These challenges include the stress of working in under-resourced settings with limited access to personal-protection equipment and testing kits raised the fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to their families. The professional, social, and personal life of healthcare providers have been dramatically changed by the ongoing pandemic, however, they are heroically accepting this change in a hope that, this will save the life of many more people. Nevertheless, their fights and sacrifices should at least be rewarded by governments and communities altogether strictly enforce the implementation of other preventive measures including vaccination, face masking, and social distancing and get all protected. We should all understand that, unless we are all protected no one is protected, so all must adapt to the new norm of life and collaborate not only on ending this pandemic but to prevent similar ones in the future

Guillain‐Barre syndrome associated with COVID‐19 infection: A case series

Abstract In this communication, we reported a series of six patients presented with Guillain‐Barré syndrome that associated with COVID‐19 infection, which was confirmed with RT‐PCR. Here we discuss the laboratory investigation and case management, as well as clinical presentation and outcome of each case. The current report demonstrated the first case series of COVID‐19‐associated GBS‐cases in Sudan

Knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention among women in Khartoum state, Sudan

Background: Cervical cancer is considered the third leading cause of death among women worldwide, and human papillomavirus was identified as a major causative agent for developing cervical cancer. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer prevention among women in Khartoum state, Sudan. Design: A community-based cross-sectional study implemented in Khartoum state, Sudan, from 1 August 2020 to 1 September 2020. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study using an electronic questionnaire for data collection. Descriptive statistics, frequency, mean, and percentage were computed. Results: The study included 716 female participants with a mean age of 27.6 + 8.7 years. 580 (81.0%) and 229 (32.0%) had heard about cervical cancer and Pap test, respectively. cervical cancer was assumed related to alcohol consumption 109 (15.2%), giving birth to many children 51 (7.1%), ageing 118 (16.5%), and having many sexual partners 335 (46.8%). In addition, 300 (41.9%) attributed cervical cancer to having human papillomavirus infection, 256 (35.6%) to the prolonged use of contraceptives, and 162 (22.6%) to smoking. Knowledge about the best time to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus, 110 (15.4%) stated it is better after marriage. Regression models to predict the effectors on participants’ knowledge and attitudes showed a low standard deviation of the estimates with higher values of the adjusted R 2 [R: 0.041, 0.017, and 0.006; std: 1.527, 0.417, and 0.426]. This indicates the combined influence of occupation, educational level, family income, and marital status on the participant’s knowledge and attitude levels. Conclusion: This study revealed that the participant’s knowledge and attitudes levels are mainly driven by their occupation, educational level, family income, and marital status altogether. This underscores the need for a countrywide community engagement campaign through health education and raising awareness sessions, and massive social media to sensitize the community and healthcare providers about the risk of cervical cancer and the available prevention and control measures