Polymyxin sensitivity/resistance cosmopolitan status, epidemiology and prevalence among O1/O139 and non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae : a meta-analysis

DATA AVAILABLE STATEMENT : The datasets/information used for this study are avail- able within the manuscript and the supplementary mate- rials.Resistance/sensitivity to polymyxin-B (PB) antibiotic has been employed as one among other epidemiologically relevant biotyping-scheme for Vibrio cholerae into Classical/El Tor biotypes. However, recent studies have re- vealed some pitfalls bordering on PB-sensitivity/resistance (PBR/S) necessitating study. Current study assesses the PBR/S cosmopolitan prevalence, epidemiology/distribution among O1/O139 and nonO1/nonO139 V. cholerae strains. Relevant databases (Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed) were searched to retrieve data from environ- mental and clinical samples employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Random-effect-model (REM) and common-effect-model (CEM) of meta-analysis was performed to de- termine prevalence of PBR/S V. cholerae strains, describe the cosmopolitan epidemiological potentials and biotype relevance. Heterogeneity was determined by meta-regression and subgroup analyses. The pooled analyzed iso- lates from articles (7290), with sensitive and resistance are 2219 (30.44%) and 5028 (69.56%). Among these PB- sensitive strains, more than 1944 (26.67%) were O1 strains, 132 (1.81%) were nonO1 strains while mis-reported Classical biotype were 2080 (28.53) respectively indicating potential spread of variant/dual biotype. A significant PB-resistance was observed in the models (CEM = 0.66, 95% CI [0.65; 0.68], p -value = 0.001; REM = 0.83 [0.74; 0.90], p = 0.001) as both models had a high level of heterogeneity ( I2 = 98.0%; 2 =33 = 1755 . 09 , = 2 . 4932 ). Egger test ( z = 5.4017, p < 0.0001) reveal publication bias by funnel plot asymmetry. The subgroup analysis for continents (Asia, Africa) and sources (acute diarrhea) revealed (98% CI (0.73; 0.93); 55% CI (0.20; 0.86)), and 92% CI (0.67; 0.98). The Epidemiological prevalence for El tor/variant/dual biotype showed 88% CI (0.78; 0.94) with O1 strains at 88% CI (0.78; 0.94). Such global prevalence, distribution/spread of phenotypes/genotypes ne- cessitates updating the decades-long biotype classification scheme. An antibiotic stewardship in the post antibiotic era is suggestive/recommended. Also, there is need for holistic monitoring/evaluation of clinical/epidemiological relevance of the disseminating strains in endemic localities.African German Network of Excellence in Science 2022.www.elsevier.com/locate/imjhttp://www.elsevier.com/locate/imjam2024Microbiology and Plant PathologySDG-03:Good heatlh and well-bein

UCP-LF and other assay methods for schistosome circulating anodic antigen between 1978 and 2022

Detection of circulating anodic antigen (CAA) is known for its high sensitivity in diagnosing schistosomiasis infection, even in low-prevalence settings. The Up-Converting Phosphor-Lateral Flow (UCP-LF) assay developed in 2008 presented greater sensitivity than other assay methods in use for CAA detection. Our study aims to comprehensively review all studies conducted in this area and thus generate informed conclusions on the potential for adopting the UCP-LF assay for diagnosing this important yet neglected tropical disease. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we generated search criteria to capture all studies in English journals available in the Scopus and PubMed databases on 20 December 2022. A total of 219 articles were identified, and 84 that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and eventually included in the study. Twelve different assay methods were identified with a noteworthy transition from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to the UCP-LF assay, a laboratory-based assay that may be applicable as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic test for schistosomiasis. Reducing the time, cost, and dependence on specialized laboratory skills and equipment, especially relating to the trichloroacetic acid extraction step and centrifugation in the UCP-LF CAA assay may go a long way to aid its potential as a POC tool. We also propose the development of a CAA-specific aptamer (short protein/antigen-binding oligonucleotide) as a possible alternative to monoclonal antibodies in the assay. UCP-LF has great potential for POC application

Misconceptions on COVID-19 Risk Among Ugandan Men: Results From a Rapid Exploratory Survey, April 2020

© Copyright © 2020 Kasozi, MacLeod, Ssempijja, Mahero, Matama, Musoke, Bardosh, Ssebuufu, Wakoko-Studstil, Echoru, Ayikobua, Mujinya, Nambuya, Onohuean, Zirintunda, Ekou and Welburn. Background: Transmission of COVID-19 in developing countries is expected to surpass that in developed countries; however, information on community perceptions of this new disease is scarce. The aim of the study was to identify possible misconceptions among males and females toward COVID-19 in Uganda using a rapid online survey distributed via social media. Methods: A cross-sectional survey carried out in early April 2020 was conducted with 161 Ugandans, who purposively participated in the online questionnaire that assessed understandings of COVID-19 risk and infection. Sixty-four percent of respondents were male and 36% were female. Results: We found significant divergences of opinion on gendered susceptibility to COVID-19. Most female respondents considered infection risk, symptoms, severe signs, and death to be equally distributed between genders. In contrast, male respondents believed they were more at risk of infection, severe symptoms, severe signs, and death (52.7 vs. 30.6%, RR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.14–2.8). Most women did not share this perception and disagreed that males were at higher risk of infection (by a factor of three), symptoms (79% disagree), severe signs (71%, disagree), and death (70.2% disagree). Overall, most respondents considered children less vulnerable (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.55–2.2) to COVID-19 than adults, that children present with less symptoms (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.77–3.19), and that there would be less mortality in children (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.41–1.88). Of female respondents, 76.4% considered mortality from COVID-19 to be different between the young and the elderly (RR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01–2.92) and 92.7% believed young adults would show fewer signs than the elderly, and 71.4% agreed that elderly COVID-19 patients would show more severe signs than the young (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4, 4.8). While respondents considered that all races were susceptible to the signs and symptoms of infection as well as death from COVID-19, they considered mortality would be highest among white people from Europe and the USA. Some respondents (mostly male 33/102, 32.4%) considered COVID-19 to be a “disease of whites” (30.2%). Conclusion: The WHO has identified women and children in rural communities as vulnerable persons who should be given more attention in the COVID-19 national response programs across Africa; however, our study has found that men in Uganda perceive themselves to be at greater risk and that these contradictory perceptions (including the association of COVID-19 with “the white” race) suggest an important discrepancy in the communication of who is most vulnerable and why. Further research is urgently needed to validate and expand the results of this small exploratory study

COVID-19-related mental health burdens: Impact of educational level and relationship status Among low-Income earners of Western Uganda

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health with the level of education, relationship status, and awareness on mental health among low-income earners in Western Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 253 participants. Anxiety, anger, and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger\u27s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, and Beck Depression Inventory item tools, respectively. Results: The majority of our respondents were male (n = 150/253, 59.3), had a secondary level of education (104/253, 41.1), and were single (137/253, 54.2). No formal education and primary education (r2 = 47.4% and 6.4%, respectively) had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care. In addition, no formal education had a positive correlation with anger and depression (r2 = 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively). Singleness in this study had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care, anger, and depression (r2 = 1.9, 0.8, and 0.3%, respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r2 = 3.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status influenced awareness on mental health care and mental health state among low-income earners in Western Uganda during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, policymakers should strengthen social transformation through the proper engagement of low-income earners in this COVID-19 era

Heavy metals pollution, distribution and associated human health risks in groundwater and surface water: a case of Kampala and Mbarara districts, Uganda

Abstract Groundwater and surface water quality is of great significance for humanity as they serve as the primary drinking water sources globally. Due to population growth and the need to provide people with necessities that depend on water as an essential resource, these bodies of water are becoming more polluted. The present study involved the collection of groundwater and surface water samples from Kampala and Mbarara districts in Uganda during the dry and wet seasons. Also, concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were analyzed in order to evaluate the toxicity of metals, identify potential sources, and determine the health risk associated with their presence in water. Results showed that metals were observed with higher concentration during the wet season than the dry season. The concentrations of Fe (8.646 ± 0.00 mg/L), Mn (2.691 ± 0.01 mg/L) and Cd (0.090 ± 0.41 mg/L) measured in groundwater were significantly higher than those measured in surface water. However, only Cu was observed with higher concentration (0.322 ± 0.06 mg/L) in surface water during the wet season. Furthermore, the degree of contamination (Cd) and the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) were evaluated for both the wet and dry seasons. Results showed that few samples were found in the category of portable drinking water while majority are within the “poor” and “very poor” classes which require proper treatment before consumption. The oral hazard index (HIoral) results showed that none of the samples are suitable for consumption; therefore, cause potential non-carcinogenic health issues to the consumer (HIoral > 1). Moreover, children are more at risk than adults in the study districts (higher HI values in both seasons). This study recommends frequent monitoring of quality of water and also effluent waste treatment by the major source of pollution

Elucidation of chemical profiles and molecular targets of Mondia whitei leave fractions bioactive as novel therapeutics: an in vitro and in silico assay

Abstract Background Mondia whitei root is often used in Africa as a local therapeutic agent for libido enhancement. The fractions of the M. whitei leaves (MWL) lack chemical characterization of their bioactive components and possible molecular targets. We characterized and investigated its molecular target as therapeutic agents in an in vitro and in silico assay. Mineral compositions, antioxidant, and GC-MS characterization were studied. The cytotoxicity effect was measured on HeLa and HT-29 cells by MTT assay. In silico potential inhibitors of Cathepsin B (CathB) as a cancer biomarker were determined. Results The flame photometry produced marked Na+ and K+. GC-MS revealed eighteen bioactive components. The fractions (chloroformic 47.00, ethanolic 45.52, and aqueous 40.13) of MWL caused a higher inhibition ratio compared to standards. The MWL showed a significant cytotoxic effect on the treated cell lines at concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/ml and 100, 150, and 200 μg/ml for HT-29 and HeLa cells, respectively. Ten bioactives (MWL 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18) showed potential inhibition of CathB with binding affinities of −4.40 to −8.3 Kcal/Mol. However, MWL 4, 9, 14, and 17 which have higher binding affinities (−6.7, −7.1, −8.2, and −8.3, respectively) than the standard inhibitor (−6.5) were the lead molecules. Conclusion These chemical profiles and potential molecular targets unraveled in this study propose that MWL has a promising anticancer activity. Graphical Abstrac