Level of awareness, attitude and perception about human papilloma virus vaccine among University of Mauritius students

The rising number of HPV infections is of global concern. Hence, this study helps to assess awareness, attitude, and perception regarding the HPV vaccine among young people of various fields and both genders as they are equally susceptible to the infection. These are essential to prevent complications like cervical cancer. A cross- sectional quantitative study was carried out, involving online questionnaires in English, French and Kreol Morisien languages distributed on various student platforms. There was randomization of data. Participation was entirely voluntary. 58% of respondents have heard of HPV infection. Female gender and Health Sciences students were more aware of HPV infection. 68.5% of respondents reported that they think the vaccine is safe and 77 % of participants are willing to be vaccinated against HPV post the survey. Awareness about HPV infection and vaccines is relatively high among girls and Health Sciences students. Public health efforts to educate students on HPV and cervical cancer should be strengthened to help curb the rising incidence in Mauritius. Therefore, stakeholders should be proactive to address vaccine hesitancy and increase awareness of vaccine safety. Boys should also be included in the National Immunization Programme to enhance the primary prevention of HPV infection. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 41-48). Le nombre croissant d'infections au VPH est une préoccupation mondiale. Par conséquent, cette étude aide à évaluer la sensibilisation, l'attitude et la perception concernant le vaccin contre le VPH chez les jeunes de divers domaines et des deux sexes, car ils sont également sensibles à l'infection. Ceux-ci sont essentiels pour prévenir les complications comme le cancer du col de l'utérus. Une étude quantitative transversale a été réalisée, impliquant des questionnaires en ligne en langues anglaise, française et créole morisienne distribués sur différentes plateformes étudiantes. Il y a eu une randomisation des données. La participation était entièrement volontaire. 58% des répondants ont entendu parler de l'infection au VPH. Les étudiantes et étudiants en sciences de la santé étaient plus conscients de l'infection au VPH. 68,5 % des répondants ont déclaré qu'ils pensaient que le vaccin était sûr et 77 % des participants étaient disposés à se faire vacciner contre le VPH après l'enquête. La sensibilisation à l'infection au VPH et aux vaccins est relativement élevée chez les filles et les étudiants en sciences de la santé. Les efforts de santé publique pour éduquer les étudiants sur le VPH et le cancer du col de l'utérus devraient être renforcés pour aider à freiner l'augmentation de l'incidence à Maurice. Par conséquent, les parties prenantes doivent être proactives pour lutter contre la réticence à la vaccination et accroître la sensibilisation à la sécurité des vaccins. Les garçons devraient également être inclus dans le programme national de vaccination afin d'améliorer la prévention primaire de l'infection par le VPH. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[12]: 41-48)

ARHGAP21 Protein, a New Partner of alpha-Tubulin Involved in Cell-Cell Adhesion Formation and Essential for Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Cell-cell adhesions and the cytoskeletons play important and coordinated roles in cell biology, including cell differentiation, development, and migration. Adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics are regulated by Rho-GTPases. ARHGAP21 is a negative regulator of Rho-GTPases, particularly Cdc42. Here we assess the function ofARHGAP21in cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and scattering. We find that ARHGAP21 is localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, or perinuclear region but is transiently redistributed to cell-cell junctions 4 h after initiation of cell-cell adhesion. ARHGAP21 interacts with Cdc42, and decreased Cdc42 activity coincides with the appearance of ARHGAP21 at the cell-cell junctions. Cells lacking ARHGAP21 expression show weaker cell-cell adhesions, increased cell migration, and a diminished ability to undergo hepatocyte growth factor-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, ARHGAP21 interacts with alpha-tubulin, and it is essential for alpha-tubulin acetylation in EMT. Our findings indicate that ARHGAP21 is a Rho-GAP involved in cell-cell junction remodeling and that ARHGAP21 affects migration and EMT through alpha-tubulin interaction and acetylation.288421792189Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia do Sangue (INCT)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Brigham Young University Cancer Research CenterFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq