A Potential Malaria Vaccine Candidate Identified Using an Insilico Approach

The search for an effective malaria vaccine has yielded no success yet. Unfortunately, resistance to post-infection treatments is on the increase hence the need to develop an efficient vaccine. The aim of many reverse vaccinology studies is to identify novel proteins found exposed on the surface. Many malaria vaccine candidates can be effective tools against malaria but gross allelic polymorphism is a major hinderance which could be overcome by using highly conserved proteins. Also peptide based vaccines can be of great importance in fighting malaria however this is limited by HLA restriction which can be maneuvered  by using promiscuous peptides. In the current work, our objective was to computationally identify conserved hypothetical, antigenic, surface proteins in pathogenic plasmodium falciparum parasite. So in this study, we employed an in silico approach to screen the proteins on the basis of surface localization, non-homology with host proteome, and MHC class I and II binding promiscuity. The analyses reported XP_001351004.1 an uncharacterized protein as a novel vaccine candidate. Generation of the 3D model of the protein was done using RaptorX server. Furthermore, the B cell and T cell epitopes were also predicted. B cell epitopes were predicted using ABCpred and Kolanskar and Tongaonkar antigenicity method while Tcell epitopes were predicted using CTLpred.Five peptides were selected based on their hydrophobicity. Results from this study could be extended to in-vivo and in-vitro experiments for future vaccine development

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Fishing Communities of Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District. A Cross-sectional study.

Background: Cervical cancer disease in Uganda remains the leading causes of deaths among cancer patients, responsible for about 4,607 deaths annually. Despite the numerous modern treatment options and prevention strategies, cervical cancer screening prevalence remains undefined especially in the fishing communities and yet women living in fishing communities are core interest groups for cervical cancer due to their relatively higher risk of HIV and HPV infections. Methodology: A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach was performed, purposive sampling following a household survey was conducted. Structured interviews and questionnaires were administered to collect data from June 2021 to August 2021. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 25 using the log-binomial model. Results: prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women in fishing communities of Entebbe municipality, Wakiso district remains as low as 23.2%, mainly unsatisfactory among the married women (aPR = 0.232 [0.13 - 0.43], p < 0.001) and, Catholics (aPR = 0.050 [0.01 - 0.18], p < 0.001).  At the same time, higher cervical cancer screening prevalence was observed among employed women (aPR= 2.81 [1.48 - 5.33], p = 0.002), those who had prior recommendation from healthcare workers (aPR = 1.25 [0.09 - 0.65], p = 0.004), and those who perceived that cervical cancer is a curse from God (cPR = 2.800 [CI = 1.798 - 4.36], P = 0.000). Conclusion:  Cervical cancer screening is low among women in fishing communities of Entebbe municipality; only 2 in every 10 women have ever been screened for cervical cancer in their lifetime, while less than 1 in 10 had to follow-up of screening. Recommendation: Behavior change communication preferably using the intrapersonal channel on issues related to cervical cancer screening should be adopted in the fishing communities urgently if we are to elevate the uptake of this secondary prevention measure for cervical cancer

INTRAPERSONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN FISHING COMMUNITIES OF ENTEBBE MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background The chances of developing cervical cancer in Uganda continue to rise especially in the fishing communities due to the relatively higher prevalence of inter-related personal risk factors. This study aimed to examine the Intrapersonal Factors Associated with Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Fishing Communities of Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted among women in the fishing communities of Entebbe-Municipality Wakiso district in Central Uganda and utilized quantitative methods of data collection. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with multiple-response questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed at 5% level significance. Results Of the 293 respondents that were interviewed, only 23.2% of women had ever been screened for cervical cancer. More than three-quarters of them knew that cervical cancer is not curable 234(79.9%). 150(51.2%) women mentioned that the age at the start of screening for cervical cancer in Uganda is 18 years and had 46% less prevalence of cervical cancer screening (cPR = 0.54 [0.33 - 0.90], p = 0.020). Among the perception attributes Cervical cancer screening prevalence was twice as high among women who agreed that cervical cancer is a curse from God (cPR = 2.43 [CI = 1.49 - 3.97], P = 0.000) compared to those who disagreed. Conclusion The intrapersonal factors associated with cervical cancer screening among women in the fishing communities of Entebbe municipality were mainly; marital status, employment status, knowledge of age at the start of the screening, and perceptions of the relevance of screening. Recommendation Communication and education should focus on awareness creation about the fact that even in a marriage where not much risky sexual behavior may be present, the risk of HPV infection remains apparent, for instance from sexually transmitted infections within the couple

Hepatitis B prevalence and incidence in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is a serious potentially fatal hepatocellular disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. In the fishing communities of Lake Victoria Uganda, the hepatitis B virus infection burden is largely unknown. This study assessed the prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B in these communities. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that tested serum samples collected from 13 to 49-year-old study participants that were residing in two Ugandan Lake Victoria fishing communities of Kasenyi (a mainland) and Jaana (an island). The samples were collected between 2013 and 2015 during the conduct of an HIV epidemiological cohort study in these communities. A total of 467 twelve-month follow-up and 50 baseline visit samples of participants lost to follow-up were tested for hepatitis B serological markers to determine prevalence. To determine hepatitis B virus incidence, samples that were hepatitis B positive at the follow-up visit had their baseline samples tested to identify hepatitis B negative samples whose corresponding follow-up samples were thus incident cases. RESULTS: The baseline mean age of the 517 study participants was 31.1 (SD ± 8.4) years, 278 (53.8%) of whom were females. A total of 36 (7%) study participants had hepatitis B virus infection, 22 (61.1%) of whom were male. Jaana had a higher hepatitis B virus prevalence compared to Kasenyi (10.2% vs 4.0%). In total, 210 (40.6%) study participants had evidence of prior hepatitis B virus infection while 48.6% had never been infected or vaccinated against this disease. A total of 20 (3.9%) participants had results suggestive of prior hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B incidence was 10.5 cases/100PY (95% CI: 7.09-15.53). Being above 25 years of age and staying in Jaana were significant risk factors for hepatitis B virus acquisition (AOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.2; p < 0.01 and 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8; p < 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B virus incidence in Lake Victoria fishing communities of Uganda is very high, particularly in the islands. Interventions to lower hepatitis B virus transmission in these communities are urgently needed

Finding women in fishing communities around Lake Victoria: "Feasibility and acceptability of using phones and tracking devices".

INTRODUCTION: Women in fishing communities have both high HIV prevalence and incidence, hence they are a priority population for HIV prevention and treatment interventions. However, their mobility is likely to compromise the effectiveness of interventions. We assessed the acceptability, feasibility and of using phones and global positioning system (GPS) devices for tracking mobility, to inform future health research innovations. METHODS: A mult-site formative qualitative study was conducted in six purposively selected Fishing Communities on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Participants were selected based on duration of stay in the community and frequency of movement. Sixty-four (64) women participated in the study (16 per fishing community). Twenty-four (24) participants were given a study phone; 24 were asked to use their own phones and 16 were provided with a portable GPS device to understand what is most preferred. Women were interviewed about their experiences and recommendations on carrying GPS devices or phones. Twenty four (24) Focus Group Discussions with 8-12 participants were conducted with community members to generate data on community perceptions regarding GPS devices and phones acceptability among women. Data were analyzed thematically and compared across sites/countries. RESULTS: Women reported being willing to use tracking devices (both phones and GPS) because they are easy to carry. Their own phone was preferred compared to a study phone and GPS device because they were not required to carry an additional device, worry about losing it or be questioned about the extra device by their sexual partner. Women who carried GPS devices suggested more sensitization in communities to avoid domestic conflicts and public concern. Women suggested changing the GPS colour from white to a darker colour and, design to look like a commonly used object such as a telephone Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, a rosary/necklace or a ring for easy and safe storage. CONCLUSION: Women in the study communities were willing to have their movements tracked, embraced the use of phones and GPS devices for mobility tracking. Devices need to be redesigned to be more discrete, but they could be valuable tools to understanding movement patterns and inform design of interventions for these mobile populations

Clinic presentation delay and tuberculosis treatment outcomes in the Lake Victoria region of East Africa: A multi-site prospective cohort study

In the Lake Victoria region of East Africa, little is known about delays between tuberculosis (TB) symptom onset and presentation at a clinic. Associations between clinic presentation delay and TB treatment outcomes are also poorly understood. In 2019, we abstracted data from routine TB treatment records for all adults (n = 776) initiating TB treatment in a 6-month period across 12 health facilities near Lake Victoria. We interviewed 301 cohort members and assessed whether they experienced a clinic presentation delay longer than 6 weeks. We investigated potential clinical and demographic correlates of clinic presentation delay and examined the association between clinic presentation delay and an unfavorable TB treatment outcome (death, loss to follow-up, or treatment failure). Clinic presentation delay was common, occurring among an estimated 54.7% (95% CI: 48.9%, 61.2%) of cohort members, though no specific correlates were identified. Clinic presentation delay was slightly associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. The 180-day risk of an unfavorable outcome was 14.2% (95% CI: 8.0%, 20.4%) among those with clinic presentation delay, compared to 12.7% (95% CI: 5.1%, 20.3%) among those presenting earlier. Multi-level community-based interventions may be necessary to reduce clinic presentation delays in communities near Lake Victoria

Clinic presentation delay and tuberculosis treatment outcomes in the Lake Victoria region of East Africa: A multi-site prospective cohort study

In the Lake Victoria region of East Africa, little is known about delays between tuberculosis (TB) symptom onset and presentation at a clinic. Associations between clinic presentation delay and TB treatment outcomes are also poorly understood. In 2019, we abstracted data from routine TB treatment records for all adults (n = 776) initiating TB treatment in a 6-month period across 12 health facilities near Lake Victoria. We interviewed 301 cohort members and assessed whether they experienced a clinic presentation delay longer than 6 weeks. We investigated potential clinical and demographic correlates of clinic presentation delay and examined the association between clinic presentation delay and an unfavorable TB treatment outcome (death, loss to follow-up, or treatment failure). Clinic presentation delay was common, occurring among an estimated 54.7% (95% CI: 48.9%, 61.2%) of cohort members, though no specific correlates were identified. Clinic presentation delay was slightly associated with unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. The 180-day risk of an unfavorable outcome was 14.2% (95% CI: 8.0%, 20.4%) among those with clinic presentation delay, compared to 12.7% (95% CI: 5.1%, 20.3%) among those presenting earlier. Multi-level community-based interventions may be necessary to reduce clinic presentation delays in communities near Lake Victoria

Analysis of the MUII-plus mentorship programme: reflections of Fellows’ experiences and lessons for other programmes

Background: The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model. Over the years, the programme has evolved and is presently anchored on the “GROW” approach. This model allows individuals to: set Goals (What I want?); Reflect (Where am I now?); think of Options (What can I do?); What to implement (my actions?). It is intended to help fellows (current, honorary, alumni) herein referred to as mentees achieve their short, medium, and long-term research, career and professional goals. Methods: A mixed methods study combining a cross-sectional survey, one focus group discussion and 11 in-depth key informant interviews were carried out between November 2018 and January 2019 to 1) assess the status of the mentorship programme, 2) perform a strength weakness opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis, and 3) identify factors relevant for sustainability. Results: An open invitation was made to 52 fellows to participate in the survey, and 23 responded. Among respondents, the largest proportions were male [70% (16/23)], and PhD fellows [35% (8/23)]. The respondents rated the fellowship experience as excellent [65% (15/23)], and most [78% (18/23)] revealed they had benefitted greatly from the programme. The SWOT analysis revealed outstanding strengths of having regular fellows’ meetings for peer support, and availability of international collaborations, linkages and exposure. Opportunities identified included large pool of mentees within MUII-plus and evidence of fellows taking up leadership positions. The biggest threat to the mentorship programme was the busy schedule of mentors. Conclusions: The MUII-plus mentorship programme has strong potential to offer research and career mentorship to its fellows. To promote sustainability of the programme, there is a need for innovative ways to engage mentors; such as digital platforms (e-mentorship) for greater mentor-mentee interactions.</ns3:p

Analysis of the MUII-plus mentorship programme: reflections of Fellows� experiences and lessons for other programmes

Background: The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model. Over the years, the programme has evolved and is presently anchored on the �GROW� approach. This model allows individuals to: set Goals (What I want?); Reflect (Where am I now?); think of Options (What can I do?); What to implement (my actions?). It is intended to help fellows (current, honorary, alumni) herein referred to as mentees achieve their short, medium, and long-term research, career and professional goals. Methods: A mixed methods study combining a cross-sectional survey, one focus group discussion and 11 in-depth key informant interviews were carried out between November 2018 and January 2019 to 1) assess the status of the mentorship programme, 2) perform a strength weakness opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis, and 3) identify factors relevant for sustainability. Results: An open invitation was made to 52 fellows to participate in the survey, and 23 responded. Among respondents, the largest proportions were male [70% (16/23)], and PhD fellows [35% (8/23)]. The respondents rated the fellowship experience as excellent [65% (15/23)], and most [78% (18/23)] revealed they had benefitted greatly from the programme. The SWOT analysis revealed outstanding strengths of having regular fellows� meetings for peer support, and availability of international collaborations, linkages and exposure. Opportunities identified included large pool of mentees within MUII-plus and evidence of fellows taking up leadership positions. The biggest threat to the mentorship programme was the busy schedule of mentors. Conclusions: The MUII-plus mentorship programme has strong potential to offer research and career mentorship to its fellows. To promote sustainability of the programme, there is a need for innovative ways to engage mentors; such as digital platforms (e-mentorship) for greater mentor-mentee interactions.</ns3:p