Enhanced melioidosis surveillance in patients attending four tertiary hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar.

Abstract To investigate the current epidemiology of melioidosis in Yangon, Myanmar, between June 2017 and May 2019 we conducted enhanced surveillance for melioidosis in four tertiary hospitals in Yangon, where the disease was first discovered in 1911. Oxidase-positive Gram-negative rods were obtained from the microbiology laboratories and further analysed at the Department of Medical Research. Analysis included culture on Ashdown agar, the three disc sensitivity test (gentamicin, colistin and co-amoxiclav), latex agglutination, API 20 NE, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and a subset underwent molecular confirmation with a Burkholderia pseudomallei specific assay. Twenty one of 364 isolates (5.7%) were confirmed as B. pseudomallei and were mostly susceptible to the antibiotics used in standard therapy for melioidosis. Ten patients were from Yangon Region, nine were from Ayeyarwaddy region, and one each was from Kayin and Rakhine States. A history of soil contact was given by seven patients, five had diabetes mellitus and one had renal insufficiency. The patients presented with septicaemia (12 cases), pneumonia (three cases), urinary tract infection (two cases) and wound infection (four cases). Eighteen patients survived to hospital discharge. This study highlights the likelihood that melioidosis may be far more common, but underdiagnosed, in more rural parts of Myanmar as in other countries in SE Asia.</jats:p

Increasing Efficiency of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells through Co-sensitization of Organic Dyes LEG4 and DN-F10 as Light Absorber

Organic dyes LEG4/DN-F10 as efficient co-sensitized dye system were introduced in dye- sensitized solar cell. With attribution of broaden spectral absorption, the LEG4/DN-F10 co-sensitized dye system could improve the photovoltaic performance of devices in combination with Co(II/III) electrolyte. The photo-transition energy gap of LEG4/DN-F10 system is 1.81 eV. In the present work, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.47% were achieved for device based on LEG4/DN-F10 with short circuit current density, Jsc of 6.87 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.76 V and FF of 56.78 while PCE of device with single dye are 3.41% for LEG4 dye and 3.76% for DN-F10 dye. The co-sensitization is a simple and effective strategy to improve the photovoltaic performance of the device. Further optimization steps are needed to enhance power conversion efficiency and it is under way

Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells via Electrochemically Deposited TiO2 Compact Underlayer

The TiO2 compact layers produced by the electrochemical deposition method were employed as blocking underlayer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The galvanostatic deposition method was utilized to deposit TiO2 compact layer (TiO2-CL) onto FTO substrates from acidic titanium (III) chloride electrolytic solution. The formation-TiO2 compact layers were affirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The transparency of TiO2 compact layer was examined by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The present work mainly investigated the effect of TiO2-CL incorporation on the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs where the photosensitizer is LEG4 organic dye and the redox mediator is CoII/CoIII based electrolyte. Incorporation of TiO2-CL between transparent FTO electrode and meso-TiO2 could increase efficiency of a device with an obvious increase in short circuit current density. The power conversion efficiency is 4.3% and 3.5% of the devices with and without TiO2-CL

Probiotic Lactobacillus species Inhibitory Effect on The Growth of Oral Streptococci

Oral and dental infections are among the most prevalent infections of man. All people suffer from dental caries at some phase oftheir life span. The mouth is indeed an important source of infections and poor oral health affects a variety of systemic diseases.The aim of this research is to isolate, identify acid-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fermented fruits juice and followedby the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolated bacterial strains Lactobacillus Plantarum S1, Leuconostoc mesenteroides (SCand PP) and Burkholderia cenocepia NP were compared with reference strain sequences. Oral Streptococci were important inthe etiology of dental caries. We targeted for isolation and biochemical identification of oral bacteria (isolates grown in SMABagar) and screened antibacterial activity (agar well diffusion assay) of Lactobacillus species against oral Streptococci. Two Lactobacillus isolates (S1 and PP) were observed to behave a good antagonistic activity against oral Streptococcus strain withdifferences in the size of inhibition zone (mm). The zone diameter of NP broth against Streptococcus sp. was 10 mm. Oral Streptococci was not inhibited by SC broth. In this study, Leuconostoc mesenteroides (PP) showed the highest inhibition zone(13 mm) against oral Streptococci

Community-centred eco-bio-social approach to control dengue vectors: an intervention study from Myanmar

Objectives: To build up and analyse the feasibility, process, and effectiveness of a partnership-driven ecosystem management intervention in reducing dengue vector breeding and constructing sustainable partnerships among multiple stakeholders. Methods: A community-based intervention study was conducted from May 2009 to January 2010 in Yangon city. Six high-risk and six low-risk clusters were randomized and allocated as intervention and routine service areas, respectively. For each cluster, 100 households were covered. Bi-monthly entomological evaluations (i.e. larval and pupal surveys) and household acceptability surveys at the end of 6-month intervention period were conducted, supplemented by qualitative evaluations. Intervention description: The strategies included eco-friendly multi-stakeholder partner groups (Thingaha) and ward-based volunteers, informed decision-making of householders, followed by integrated vector management approach. Findings: Pupae per person index (PPI) decreased at the last evaluation by 5·7% (0·35‐0·33) in high-risk clusters. But in low-risk clusters, PPI remarkably decreased by 63·6% (0·33‐0·12). In routine service area, PPI also decreased due to availability of Temephos after Cyclone Nargis. As for total number of pupae in all containers, when compared to evaluation 1, there was a reduction of 18·6% in evaluation 2 and 44·1% in evaluation 3 in intervention area. However, in routine service area, more reduction was observed. All intervention tools were found as acceptable, being feasible to implement by multi-stakeholder partner groups. Conclusions: The efficacy of community-controlled partnership-driven interventions was found to be superior to the vertical approach in terms of sustainability and community empowerment

Molecular Characterization of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes From Yangon Region in Myanmar using SSR Markers

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important stable crops, consumed daily more than half of the world population. In Asia, Myanmar is center of rice genetic diversity as there are numerous rice varieties under diverse agro-ecological zones. In order to estimate genetic diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm in Yangon region of Myanmar, 102 genotypes from different parts of region were analyzed by 12 microsatellite (SSR) markers. In SSR characterization, the mean value of Polymorphic information content (PIC) was found 0.69 for all accessions. The maximum and minimum Polymorphic information content (PIC) values were found to be 0.79 and 0.21 for the primers RM229 and RM201 respectively.The total number of alleles was 91 and the average number of alleles per locus was 7.58. Average gene diversity was 0.72 indicating high genetic diversity among the genotypes. Phylogenetic cluster analysis of SSR data based on UPGMA and Nei's genetic distance divided into eight groups. These results reflect the high genetic differentiation existing in rice germplasm. The results from molecular data will improve in the part of rice varieties improvement programme. This study will support the information for breeders in rice breeding programme

Uptake of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive women ever enrolled into ‘prevention of mother to child transmission’ programme, Mandalay, Myanmar—a cohort study

Abstract Background Early initiation and longer duration of anti-retroviral therapy either as prophylaxis (pARV) or lifelong treatment (ART) in HIV-positive pregnant women prior to delivery has a huge impact in reducing mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, maternal morbidity, mortality and increasing retention in care. In this study, we aimed to determine the following in a ‘prevention of mother-to-child transmission’ (PMTCT) programme in Central Women Hospital, Mandalay, Myanmar: i) uptake of ART and factors associated with the uptake ii) duration of ART/ pARV received by HIV-positive pregnant women prior to delivery, iii) factors associated with ART/ pARV initiation after delivery and iv) factors associated with shorter duration of ART/ pARV (≤ 8 weeks prior to delivery). Method This was a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data from PMTCT programme. We used multivariable Cox proportional Hazard model or log binomial models to assess the association between socio-demographic and clinical factors with a) uptake of ART/pARV, b) initiation of ART/pARV after delivery, c) shorter (≤8 weeks) duration of ART/PARV prior to delivery. Results Of the 670 ART naïve HIV-positive women enrolled to PMTCT programme between March 2011 and December 2016, 588 (88%) were initiated on ART/pARV. In adjusted analysis, only pregnancy stage at enrolment was significantly associated with initiation of ART/pARV. Of 585 who had delivered babies on or before the censor date, 522 (89%) were on ART/pARV. Women who lived outside Mandalay were more likely to be initiated on ART after delivery (i.e., delayed ART initiation in those on ART). Among women who were initiated on ART/pARV before delivery (n = 468), only 59% got ART/pARV for > 8 weeks before delivery. Women whose spouses’ HIV status was not recorded had 40% higher risk of short duration of ART/pARV. Conclusions This study shows high uptake of ART/pARV among those enrolled into the PMTCT programme. However, about one in eight pregnant women did not receive ART before delivery. Among those initiated on ART/pARV before delivery, nearly half of them received ART/pARV for less than 8 weeks prior to delivery. These aspects need to be improved in order to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Exposure to diverse sarbecoviruses indicates frequent zoonotic spillover in human communities interacting with wildlife

BackgroundSarbecoviruses are a subgenus of Coronaviridae that mostly infect bats with known potential to infect humans (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). Populations in Southeast Asia, where these viruses are most likely to emerge, have been undersurveyed to date.MethodsWe surveyed communities engaged in extractive industries and bat guano harvesting from rural areas in Myanmar. Participants were screened for exposure to sarbecoviruses, and their interactions with wildlife were evaluated to determine the factors associated with exposure to sarbecoviruses.ResultsOf 693 people screened between July 2017 and February 2020, 12.1% were seropositive for sarbecoviruses. Individuals were significantly more likely to have been exposed to sarbecoviruses if their main livelihood involved working in extractive industries (logging, hunting, or harvesting of forest products; odds ratio [OR]&nbsp;=&nbsp;2.71, P&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.019) or had been hunting/slaughtering bats (OR&nbsp;=&nbsp;6.09, P&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.020). Exposure to a range of bat and pangolin sarbecoviruses was identified.ConclusionExposure to diverse sarbecoviruses among high-risk human communities provides epidemiologic and immunologic evidence that zoonotic spillover is occurring. These findings inform risk mitigation efforts needed to decrease disease transmission at the bat-human interface, as well as future surveillance efforts warranted to monitor isolated populations for viruses with pandemic potential

Exposure to diverse sarbecoviruses indicates frequent zoonotic spillover in human communities interacting with wildlife

Background: Sarbecoviruses are a subgenus of Coronaviridae that mostly infect bats with known potential to infect humans (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). Populations in Southeast Asia, where these viruses are most likely to emerge, have been undersurveyed to date. Methods: We surveyed communities engaged in extractive industries and bat guano harvesting from rural areas in Myanmar. Participants were screened for exposure to sarbecoviruses, and their interactions with wildlife were evaluated to determine the factors associated with exposure to sarbecoviruses. Results: Of 693 people screened between July 2017 and February 2020, 12.1% were seropositive for sarbecoviruses. Individuals were significantly more likely to have been exposed to sarbecoviruses if their main livelihood involved working in extractive industries (logging, hunting, or harvesting of forest products; odds ratio [OR] = 2.71, P = 0.019) or had been hunting/slaughtering bats (OR = 6.09, P = 0.020). Exposure to a range of bat and pangolin sarbecoviruses was identified. Conclusion: Exposure to diverse sarbecoviruses among high-risk human communities provides epidemiologic and immunologic evidence that zoonotic spillover is occurring. These findings inform risk mitigation efforts needed to decrease disease transmission at the bat-human interface, as well as future surveillance efforts warranted to monitor isolated populations for viruses with pandemic potential

Molecular Profiles of Multiple Antimalarial Drug Resistance Markers in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in the Mandalay Region, Myanmar

Emergence and spreading of antimalarial drug resistant malaria parasites are great hurdles to combating malaria. Although approaches to investigate antimalarial drug resistance status in Myanmar malaria parasites have been made, more expanded studies are necessary to understand the nationwide aspect of antimalarial drug resistance. In the present study, molecular epidemiological analysis for antimalarial drug resistance genes in Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax from the Mandalay region of Myanmar was performed. Blood samples were collected from patients infected with P. falciparum and P. vivax in four townships around the Mandalay region, Myanmar in 2015. Partial regions flanking major mutations in 11 antimalarial drug resistance genes, including seven genes (pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr-1, pfcrt, pfk13, pfubp-1, and pfcytb) of P. falciparum and four genes (pvdhfr, pvdhps, pvmdr-1, and pvk12) of P. vivax were amplified, sequenced, and overall mutation patterns in these genes were analyzed. Substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance were detected in both P. falciparum and P. vivax isolated in Mandalay region of Myanmar. Mutations associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance were found in pfdhfr, pfdhps, pvdhfr, and pvdhps of Myanmar P. falciparum and P. vivax with very high frequencies up to 90%. High or moderate levels of mutations were detected in genes such as pfmdr-1, pfcrt, and pvmdr-1 associated with chloroquine resistance. Meanwhile, low frequency mutations or none were found in pfk13, pfubp-1, pfcytb, and pvk12 of the parasites. Overall molecular profiles for antimalarial drug resistance genes in malaria parasites in the Mandalay region suggest that parasite populations in the region have substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance. Continuous monitoring of mutations linked with antimalarial drug resistance is necessary to provide useful information for policymakers to plan for proper antimalarial drug regimens to control and eliminate malaria in the country