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BMC Pediatrics Jun 2024Despite the highest (88%) Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV coverage in Eastern Africa, 50% of new HIV infections in children aged 0-14 years...
Feeding modalities, HIV transmission and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants visited Gamo and Gofa zones public health facilities, Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective follow up study.
BACKGROUND
Despite the highest (88%) Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV coverage in Eastern Africa, 50% of new HIV infections in children aged 0-14 years occur in the region.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the feeding modalities, the rate of HIV transmission and its predictors among HIV exposed infants (HIV-EIs) visited Gamo and Gofa Zones public health facilities, Southern Ethiopia from January 2013 to February 2019.
METHOD AND MATERIALS
Institution-based retrospective follow up study was employed among 450 HIV-EIs having DNA/PCR test results. All infant-mother pair records in selected health facilities were reviewed using a standard data extraction tool from March to July 2019. HIV transmission probabilities were assessed by Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analysis method and log-rank tests were used to compare the risk among different groups. The Cox-proportional hazards model, adjusted on infant feeding modalities and other co-variants was used to identify predictors of HIV transmission, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.
RESULTS
In total, 383 complete records were analyzed. In the study, 85.6% (95%CI: 81.6%, 89.1%) of HIV-EIs were exclusively breastfed in the first six months. The 18 months probability of infant HIV transmission was 64 (16.7%) (95%CI: 13.1%-20.8%). The risk of HIV-transmission was higher among infants who were delivered at the hospital than health centers/health posts (AHR = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.19, 7.95); discontinued Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in at least one visit (AHR = 6.32; 95%CI: 3.35, 11.94); did not exclusively breastfeed (AHR = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.72, 5.47) and came from urban areas (AHR = 5.90; 95%CI: 1.40, 24.85).
CONCLUSIONS
The study showed that HIV-EIs had a greater rate of 18 months HIV transmission than the national pooled prevalence. The risk of transmission is higher among infants who do not breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, and the risk increases with the number of months spent by breastfeeding. Therefore, strengthening counselling on safer feeding options and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis use; provision of quality PMTCT service with special focus in hospitals and urban residents were recommended.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; HIV Infections; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Retrospective Studies; Infant; Female; Breast Feeding; Male; Infant, Newborn; Follow-Up Studies; Bottle Feeding; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Adult; Risk Factors; Infant Formula
PubMed: 38926639
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04894-w -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The aim of this study is to introduce a dental capping agent for the treatment of pulp inflammation (pulpitis). Nanohydroxyapatite with Elaeagnus angustifolia L. extract...
The aim of this study is to introduce a dental capping agent for the treatment of pulp inflammation (pulpitis). Nanohydroxyapatite with Elaeagnus angustifolia L. extract (nHAEA) loaded with metronidazole (nHAEA@MTZ) was synthesized and evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro model of pulpitis. nHAEA was synthesized through sol-gel method and analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Brunauer Emmett Teller. Inflammation in human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) induced by LPS. A scratch test assessed cell migration, RT PCR measured cytokines levels, and Alizarin red staining quantified odontogenesis. The nHAEA nanorods were 17-23 nm wide and 93-146 nm length, with an average pore diameter of 27/312 nm, and a surface area of 210.89 m/g. MTZ loading content with controlled release, suggesting suitability for therapeutic applications. nHAEA@MTZ did not affect the odontogenic abilities of HDPSCs more than nHAEA. However, it was observed that nHAEA@MTZ demonstrated a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. HDPSCs treated with nanoparticles exhibited improved migration compared to other groups. These findings demonstrated that nHAEA@MTZ could be an effective material for pulp capping and may be more effective than nHAEA in reducing inflammation and activating HDPSCs to enhance pulp repair after pulp damage.
Topics: Plant Extracts; Humans; Pulpitis; Metronidazole; Dental Pulp; Durapatite; Nanoparticles; Green Chemistry Technology; Drug Carriers; Stem Cells; Cell Movement; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 38926433
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65582-4 -
PloS One 2024Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer originating from bile duct epithelium, particularly prevalent in Asian countries with liver fluke infections. Current...
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer originating from bile duct epithelium, particularly prevalent in Asian countries with liver fluke infections. Current chemotherapy for CCA often fails due to drug resistance, necessitating novel anticancer agents. This study investigates the potential of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA), a naturally occurring nucleoside, against CCA. While MTA has shown promise against various cancers, its effects on CCA remain unexplored. We evaluated MTA's anticancer activity in CCA cell lines and drug-resistant sub-lines, assessing cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The potential anticancer mechanisms of MTA were explored through proteomic analysis using LC-MS/MS and bioinformatic analysis. The results show a dose-dependent reduction in CCA cell viability, with enhanced effects on cancer cells compared to normal cells. Moreover, MTA inhibits growth, induces apoptosis, and suppresses cell migration and invasion. Additionally, MTA enhanced the anticancer effects of gemcitabine on drug-resistant CCA cells. Proteomics revealed the down-regulation of multiple proteins by MTA, affecting various molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular components. Network analysis highlighted MTA's role in inhibiting proteins related to mitochondrial function and energy derivation, crucial for cell growth and survival. Additionally, MTA suppressed proteins involved in cell morphology and cytoskeleton organization, important for cancer cell motility and metastasis. Six candidate genes, including ZNF860, KLC1, GRAMD1C, MAMSTR, TANC1, and TTC13, were selected from the top 10 most down-regulated proteins identified in the proteomics results and were subsequently verified through RT-qPCR. Further, KLC1 protein suppression by MTA treatment was confirmed through Western blotting. Additionally, based on TCGA data, KLC1 mRNA was found to be upregulated in the tissue of CCA patients compared to that of normal adjacent tissues. In summary, MTA shows promising anticancer potential against CCA by inhibiting growth, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing migration and invasion, while enhancing gemcitabine's effects. Proteomic analysis elucidates possible molecular mechanisms underlying MTA's anticancer activity, laying the groundwork for future research and development of MTA as a treatment for advanced CCA.
Topics: Cholangiocarcinoma; Humans; Proteomics; Cell Line, Tumor; Deoxyadenosines; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Cell Movement; Thionucleosides; Antineoplastic Agents; Gemcitabine; Deoxycytidine; Cell Survival; Cell Proliferation; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
PubMed: 38923999
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306060 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance Jun 2024A challenge in achieving the malaria-elimination target in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Thailand, is the predominance of Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
A challenge in achieving the malaria-elimination target in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Thailand, is the predominance of Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has shown extreme resilience to control measures.
OBJECTIVE
This proof-of-concept study aimed to provide evidence for implementing primaquine mass drug administration (pMDA) as a strategy for P. vivax elimination in low-endemicity settings.
METHODS
The study employed a mixed-methods trial to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness, safety, acceptability, and community engagement of pMDA. The quantitative part was designed as a 2-period cluster-crossover randomized controlled trial. The intervention was pMDA augmented to the national prevention and control standards with directly observed treatment (DOT) by village health volunteers. The qualitative part employed in-depth interviews and brainstorming discussions. The study involved 7 clusters in 2 districts of 2 southern provinces in Thailand with persistently low P. vivax transmission. In the quantitative part, 5 cross-sectional blood surveys were conducted in both the pMDA and control groups before and 3 months after pMDA. The effectiveness of pMDA was determined by comparing the proportions of P. vivax infections per 1000 population between the 2 groups, with a multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial model adjusted for cluster and time as covariates and the interaction. The safety data comprised adverse events after drug administration. Thematic content analysis was used to assess the acceptability and engagement of stakeholders.
RESULTS
In the pre-pMDA period, the proportions of P. vivax infections in the pMDA (n=1536) and control (n=1577) groups were 13.0 (95% CI 8.2-20.4) and 12.0 (95% CI 7.5-19.1), respectively. At month 3 post-pMDA, these proportions in the pMDA (n=1430) and control (n=1420) groups were 8.4 (95% CI 4.6-15.1) and 5.6 (95% CI 2.6-11.5), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. The number of malaria cases reduced in all clusters in both groups, and thus, the impact of pMDA was inconclusive. There were no major safety concerns. Acceptance among the study participants and public health care providers at local and national levels was high, and they believed that pMDA had boosted awareness in the community.
CONCLUSIONS
pMDA was associated with high adherence, safety, and tolerability, but it may not significantly impact P. vivax transmission. As this was a proof-of-concept study, we decided not to scale up the intervention with larger clusters and samples. An alternative approach involving a targeted primaquine treatment strategy with primaquine and DOT is currently being implemented. We experienced success regarding effective health care workforces at point-of-care centers, effective collaborations in the community, and commitment from authorities at local and national levels. Our efforts boosted the acceptability of the malaria-elimination initiative. Community engagement is recommended to achieve elimination targets.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20190806004; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20190806004.
Topics: Humans; Primaquine; Thailand; Mass Drug Administration; Male; Female; Adult; Adolescent; Malaria, Vivax; Antimalarials; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Proof of Concept Study; Child; Cross-Over Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38922648
DOI: 10.2196/51993 -
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Jun 2024Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects the liver in more than 70% of cases, and there is still an underestimated incidence in endemic areas.... (Review)
Review
Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects the liver in more than 70% of cases, and there is still an underestimated incidence in endemic areas. With a peculiar clinical presentation that ranges from paucisymptomatic illness to severe and possibly fatal complications, quality imaging and serological studies are required for diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment to date is surgery combined with antiparasitic agents. The surgical armamentarium consists of open and laparoscopic procedures for selected cases with growing confidence in parenchyma-sparing interventions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is extremely useful for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary fistulas. Recent relevant studies in the literature are reviewed, and two complex cases are presented. The first patient underwent open surgery to treat 11 liver cysts, and during the follow-up, a right pulmonary cyst was diagnosed that was treated by minimally invasive surgery. The second case is represented by the peritoneal rupture of a giant liver cyst in a young woman who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Both patients developed biliary fistulas that were managed by ERCP. Both patients exhibited a non-specific clinical presentation and underwent several surgical procedures combined with antiparasitic agents, highlighting the necessity of customized treatment in order to decrease complications and successfully cure the disease.
Topics: Female; Humans; Biliary Fistula; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Echinococcosis, Hepatic; Laparoscopy; Liver; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38921947
DOI: 10.3390/tomography10060070 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Babesiosis is a growing concern due to the increased prevalence of this infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites, affecting various animals and humans. With...
Babesiosis is a growing concern due to the increased prevalence of this infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites, affecting various animals and humans. With rising worries over medication side effects and emerging drug resistance, there is a notable shift towards researching babesiacidal agents. Antimicrobial peptides, specifically cathelicidins known for their broad-spectrum activity and immunomodulatory functions, have emerged as potential candidates. Aquiluscidin, a cathelicidin from , and its derivative Vcn-23, have been of interest due to their previously observed antibacterial effects and non-hemolytic activity. This work aimed to characterize the effect of these peptides against three species. Results showed Aquiluscidin's significant antimicrobial effects on species, reducing the . growth rate and exhibiting IC values of 14.48 and 20.70 μM against . and . , respectively. However, its efficacy was impacted by serum presence in culture, and it showed no inhibition against a strain grown in serum-supplemented medium. Conversely, Vcn-23 did not demonstrate babesiacidal activity. In conclusion, Aquiluscidin shows antibabesia activity in vitro and its efficacy is affected by the presence of serum in the culture medium. Nevertheless, this peptide represents a candidate for further investigation of its antiparasitic properties and provides insights into potential alternatives for the treatment of babesiosis.
PubMed: 38921794
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060496 -
Biosensors Jun 2024Agricultural products are vitally important for sustaining life on earth and their production has notably grown over the years worldwide in general and in Brazil...
Agricultural products are vitally important for sustaining life on earth and their production has notably grown over the years worldwide in general and in Brazil particularly. Elevating agricultural practices consequently leads to a proportionate increase in the usage of pesticides that are crucially important for enhanced crop yield and protection. These compounds have been employed excessively in alarming concentrations, causing the contamination of soil, water, and air. Additionally, they pose serious threats to human health. The current study introduces an innovative tool for producing appropriate materials coupled with an electrochemical sensor designed to measure carbendazim levels. The sensor is developed using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) mounted on a glassy carbon electrode. This electrode is equipped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for improved performance. The combined system demonstrates promising potential for accurately quantifying carbendazim. The morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) technique. The analytical curve was drawn using the electrochemical method in the range of 2 to 20 ppm while for HPLC 2-12 ppm; the results are presented as the maximum adsorption capacity of the MIP (82.4%) when compared with NIP (41%) using the HPLC method. The analysis conducted using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) yielded a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 ppm and a repeatability of 5.08% ( = 10). The results obtained from the analysis of selectivity demonstrated that the proposed electrochemical sensor is remarkably efficient for the quantitative assessment of carbendazim, even in the presence of another interferent. The sensor was successfully tested for river water samples for carbendazim detection, and recovery rates ranging from 94 to 101% were obtained for HPLC and 94 to 104% for the electrochemical method. The results obtained show that the proposed electrochemical technique is viable for the application and quantitative determination of carbendazim in any medium.
Topics: Carbamates; Benzimidazoles; Pesticides; Nanotubes, Carbon; Electrochemical Techniques; Biosensing Techniques; Electrodes; Biomimetic Materials; Limit of Detection
PubMed: 38920608
DOI: 10.3390/bios14060304 -
ALKBH5 regulates chicken adipogenesis by mediating LCAT mRNA stability depending on mA modification.BMC Genomics Jun 2024Previous studies have demonstrated the role of N6-methyladenosine (mA) RNA methylation in various biological processes, our research is the first to elucidate its...
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have demonstrated the role of N6-methyladenosine (mA) RNA methylation in various biological processes, our research is the first to elucidate its specific impact on LCAT mRNA stability and adipogenesis in poultry.
RESULTS
The 6 100-day-old female chickens were categorized into high (n = 3) and low-fat chickens (n = 3) based on their abdominal fat ratios, and their abdominal fat tissues were processed for MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq. An integrated analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq omics data revealed 16 differentially expressed genes associated with to differential mA modifications. Among them, ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), fatty acid binding protein 9 (PMP2), fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), lysosomal associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) have ever been reported to be associated with adipogenesis. Interestingly, LCAT was down-regulated and expressed along with decreased levels of mRNA methylation methylation in the low-fat group. Mechanistically, the highly expressed ALKBH5 gene regulates LCAT RNA demethylation and affects LCAT mRNA stability. In addition, LCAT inhibits preadipocyte proliferation and promotes preadipocyte differentiation, and plays a key role in adipogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, ALKBH5 mediates RNA stability of LCAT through demethylation and affects chicken adipogenesis. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding of RNA methylation regulation in chicken adipogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Adipogenesis; RNA Stability; Chickens; Phosphatidylcholine-Sterol O-Acyltransferase; AlkB Homolog 5, RNA Demethylase; Female; Adenosine; RNA, Messenger; Methylation
PubMed: 38918701
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10537-2 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Jun 2024Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by (from dogs) and (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral... (Review)
Review
Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by (from dogs) and (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by in a 21-year-old male with a history of close contact with a pet dog. Initial symptoms and imaging findings mimicked a pyogenic liver abscess. The initial laboratory investigations revealed neutrophilia and elevated levels of IgE. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, persistent fever prompted further investigation. Subsequent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue demonstrating eosinophil infiltrates and Charcot-Leyden crystals led to a confirmed diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by . Serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue confirmed a -induced liver abscess. Albendazole treatment yielded significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the necessity of considering toxocariasis in liver abscess differentials, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions like Vietnam. Relying solely on serological tests may be insufficient, emphasizing the need for corroborative evidence, including invasive procedures like liver biopsy, for accurate hepatic toxocariasis diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Toxocara canis; Larva Migrans, Visceral; Male; Animals; Young Adult; Albendazole; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Dogs; Liver; Antibodies, Helminth; Ultrasonography; Liver Abscess; Toxocariasis; Immunoglobulin E; Anthelmintics
PubMed: 38918038
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2024.051 -
PloS One 2024Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL)...
BACKGROUND
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) contribute to the spread of VL in endemic areas, making their surveillance imperative for control and elimination. Little is known about long-term patient outcomes in Kenya through follow-up after VL treatment, despite its requirement for control and elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kenya Ministry of Health (KMOH).
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
36 follow-up patients in Tiaty East and West, sub-counties, Kenya, and records from 248 patients at the regional Chemolingot Sub-county Hospital (CSCH) were analyzed separately using Fisher's Exact Tests, two-sample t-tests, and Welch's t-tests in R (Version 4.3.0). The study found a prevalence rate of 88.89% (n = 32) final cure, 5.56% (n = 2) relapse, and 5.56% (n = 2) PKDL in follow-up patients and 92.74% (n = 230) initial cure, 6.86% (n = 17) relapse, and 0.80% (n = 2) PKDL in overall CSCH patients. The mean lengths of time at which follow-up patients relapsed and developed PKDL were 4.5 and 17 months, respectively. Young age (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.63-24.31), shorter length of time from initial treatment to follow-up (p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.03-∞), lower Hb level at primary treatment (p = 0.0002, 95% CI 1.23-3.24), and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated (p<0.05) with VL relapse in follow-up study patients. Female sex (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.84-∞) and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated with PKDL in follow-up study patients.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
More research should be done on PKDL in Kenya with active follow-up to understand its true burden. These results on prevalence and risk factors for PKDL and relapse in Kenya should inform knowledge of patient outcomes and interventions in the region.
Topics: Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Kenya; Male; Female; Adult; Recurrence; Adolescent; Follow-Up Studies; Child; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Child, Preschool; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Middle Aged; Antiprotozoal Agents; Prevalence
PubMed: 38917127
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306067