Mutations in the hepatitis B virus preS2 region and abrogated receptor activity for polymerized human albumin.

The preS2 region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been reported to have human polymerized albumin receptor (PAR) activity, which correlates with viral replication. Here, we studied the genomic sequence of the preS region from rare patients lacking PAR activity, despite active viral replication. PAR and DNA polymerase activity was identified in 178 HBe antigen-positive HBV carriers, and a significant correlation between 2 markers was shown, except in 2 hepatitis patients lacking PAR activity. Nucleotide sequences of the preS region of HBV from both patients were examined by direct sequencing of PCR products. In one patient, a 45-base deletion was found to overlap half of the putative polymerized human albumin binding site in the preS2 region. In the other patient, a point mutation at the first nucleotide of the start codon of the preS2 region of HBV was found. There was no such genomic change in the 3 control HBV sequences. These results indicate that the preS2 region is necessary for binding of polymerized human albumin, and this is the first report of naturally existing mutant virus with no or low PAR activity.</p

Serological Surveillance Development for Tropical Infectious Diseases Using Simultaneous Microsphere-Based Multiplex Assays and Finite Mixture Models

Background:A strategy to combat infectious diseases, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), will depend on the development of reliable epidemiological surveillance methods. To establish a simple and practical seroprevalence detection system, we developed a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay system and evaluated utility using samples obtained in Kenya.Methods:We developed a microsphere-based immuno-assay system to simultaneously measure the individual levels of plasma antibody (IgG) against 8 antigens derived from 6 pathogens: Entamoeba histolytica (C-IgL), Leishmania donovani (KRP42), Toxoplasma gondii (SAG1), Wuchereria bancrofti (SXP1), HIV (gag, gp120 and gp41), and Vibrio cholerae (cholera toxin). The assay system was validated using appropriate control samples. The assay system was applied for 3411 blood samples collected from the general population randomly selected from two health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) cohorts in the coastal and western regions of Kenya. The immunoassay values distribution for each antigen was mathematically defined by a finite mixture model, and cut-off values were optimized.Findings:Sensitivities and specificities for each antigen ranged between 71 and 100%. Seroprevalences for each pathogen from the Kwale and Mbita HDSS sites (respectively) were as follows: HIV, 3.0% and 20.1%; L. donovani, 12.6% and 17.3%; E. histolytica, 12.8% and 16.6%; and T. gondii, 30.9% and 28.2%. Seroprevalences of W. bancrofti and V. cholerae showed relatively high figures, especially among children. The results might be affected by immunological cross reactions between W. bancrofti-SXP1 and other parasitic infections; and cholera toxin and the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), respectively.Interpretation:A microsphere-based multi-serological assay system can provide an opportunity to comprehensively grasp epidemiological features for NTDs. By adding pathogens and antigens of interest, optimized made-to-order high-quality programs can be established to utilize limited resources to effectively control NTDs in Africa

Promoting spirulina-enriched bread for primary school children in Ethiopia: Assessing parental willingness to purchase through information nudging

Providing alternative dietary supplements to enhance children's health and nutritional status is crucial for preventing undernutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. This study aimed to nudge parents of primary school children to consider purchasing Spirulina-fortified bread. To achieve this, data from 111 parents from two primary schools in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia were used. A logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of parental willingness to purchase and pay a premium price for Spirulina-fortified bread. The results showed that age, employment, the number of dependent children, income, perception of benefits, taste and acceptability, and parents' willingness to pay a premium price significantly influence parents to consider purchasing Spirulina-fortified bread for their children. Parents' willingness to pay a premium price for Spirulina-fortified bread was significantly influenced by the number of dependent children, employment status, income, and perception of nutritional benefits for their children. The findings of the study can assist parents and guardians in implementing effective evidence-based dietary feeding interventions for children. Additionally, they can guide policymakers and other stakeholders to emphasize the importance of providing Spirulina-supplemented bread to children and supporting parents based on their socioeconomic status

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SNP Discrimination by Tolane-Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids: Application for the Detection of Drug Resistance in Pathogens

During the treatment of viral or bacterial infections, it is important to evaluate any resistance to the therapeutic agents used. An amino acid substitution arising from a single base mutation in a particular gene often causes drug resistance in pathogens. Therefore, molecular tools that discriminate a single base mismatch in the target sequence are required for achieving therapeutic success. Here, we synthesized peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) derivatized with tolane via an amide linkage at the N-terminus and succeeded in improving the sequence specificity, even with a mismatched base pair located near the terminal region of the duplex. We assessed the sequence specificities of the tolane-PNAs for single-strand DNA and RNA by UV-melting temperature analysis, thermodynamic analysis, an in silico conformational search, and a gel mobility shift assay. As a result, all of the PNA-tolane derivatives stabilized duplex formation to the matched target sequence without inducing mismatch target binding. Among the different PNA-tolane derivatives, PNA that was modified with a naphthyl-type tolane could efficiently discriminate a mismatched base pair and be utilized for the detection of resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors of the influenza A/H1N1 virus. Therefore, our molecular tool can be used to discriminate single nucleotide polymorphisms that are related to drug resistance in pathogens

Assessing eating habits and preferences for bakery products among urban dwellers in Ethiopia

In response to the growing demand for healthier food options, food industries are setting high expectations for their products. Integrating consumer opinions in innovating bakery products with new dietary ingredients is vital for the success of bakery businesses. This study aimed to assess the eating habits and preferences of 180 customers of baked goods selected through systematic sampling. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test of independence and descriptive analyses. Bread consumption frequency was significantly correlated with age, education and family size. Urban consumers preferred cookies, "Difo Dabo" ("Abesha Dabo"), cake and white bread. When purchasing baked goods, consumers prioritized quantity, taste, price, size and nutritional value. Females, the young, those with education beyond secondary level and larger family sizes prioritized price, while the young, higher-income individuals and those with higher education gave more preference to nutritional value. A higher preference for nutritious and organic ingredients was observed among younger, higher-income and more educated customers. They also held a positive perception of the health effects of nutrients in baked foods. The study’s findings provide insights for bakery businesses, guiding innovation through the incorporation of dietary supplements