Comparison of an ID NOW COVID-19 Assay Used at the Point of Care to Laboratory-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests.

The emergence of a novel coronavirus, namely, SARS-CoV-2, necessitated the use of rapid, accurate diagnostics to quickly diagnose COVID-19. This need has increased with the emergence of new variants and continued waves of COVID-19 cases. The ID NOW COVID-19 assay is a rapid nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) that is used by hospitals, urgent care facilities, medical clinics, and public health laboratories for rapid molecular SARS-CoV-2 testing at the point of care. The District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences Public Health Laboratory Division (DC DFS PHL) implemented ID NOW COVID-19 testing in nontraditional laboratory settings, including a mobile testing unit, health clinic, and emergency department, to assist with rapid identification and isolation for populations at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the District of Columbia. The DC DFS PHL provided these nontraditional laboratories with safety risk assessment, assay training, competency assessment, and quality control monitoring as parts of a comprehensive quality management system (QMS). We assessed the accuracy of the ID NOW COVID-19 assay when operated in the context of these trainings and systems. This was done by comparing results from 9,518 paired tests, and strong agreement (κ = 0.88, OPA = 98.3%) was found between the ID NOW COVID-19 assay and laboratory-based NAATs. These findings indicate that the ID NOW COVID-19 assay can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in nontraditional laboratory settings when used within the context of a comprehensive QMS.

Lack of Age-Appropriate Reference Intervals Causing Potentially Missed Alerts in Clinical Reports of Dyslipidemia.

This study shows that only 12.5% of laboratory reports (2/16) included age-appropriate pediatric reference ranges for all lipid and lipoproteins. The use of erroneous reference range(s) could lead to missed alerts of dyslipidemia in up to 97.3% (total cholesterol), 93.6% (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), 94.8% (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and 87.8% (triglycerides) of youth in the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cohort. These findings highlight the potential missed opportunities for reinforcing lifestyle counseling for dyslipidemia in addition to obesity in youth.

Post introduction evaluation of the malaria vaccine implementation programme in Ghana, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa with the region contributing to more than 90% of global cases in 2020. In Ghana, the malaria vaccine was piloted to assess the feasibility, safety, and its impact in the context of routine use alongside the existing recommended malaria control measures. To obtain context-specific evidence that could inform future strategies of introducing new vaccines, a standardized post-introduction evaluation (PIE) of the successes and challenges of the malaria vaccine implementation programme (MVIP) was conducted. METHODS: From September to December 2021, the WHO Post-Introduction Evaluation (PIE) tool was used to conduct a mixed methods evaluation of the MVIP in Ghana. To ensure representativeness, study sites and participants from the national level, 18 vaccinating districts, and 54 facilities from six of the seven pilot regions were purposively selected. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using data collection tools that were adapted based on the WHO PIE protocol. We performed summary descriptive statistics on quantitative data, thematic analysis on qualitative data, and triangulation of the results from both sets of analyses. RESULTS: About 90.7% (49/54) of health workers stated that the vaccine introduction process was smooth and contributed to an overall improvement of routine immunisation services. About 87.5% (47/54) of healthcare workers, and 95.8% (90/94) of caregivers accepted RTS,S malaria vaccine. Less than half [46.3%; (25/54)] of the healthcare workers participated in the pre-vaccine introduction training but almost all [94.4%; (51/54)] were able to constitute and administer the vaccine appropriately. About 92.5% (87/94) of caregivers were aware of the RTS,S introduction but only 44.0% (44/94) knew the number of doses needed for maximum protection. Health workers believed that the MVIP has had a positive impact on under five malaria morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The malaria vaccine has been piloted successfully in Ghana. Intensive advocacy; community engagement, and social mobilization; and regular onsite supportive supervision are critical enablers for successful introduction of new vaccines. Stakeholders are convinced of the feasibility of a nationwide scale up using a phased subnational approach taking into consideration malaria epidemiology and global availability of vaccines.

The role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goat reproduction.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis connects the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. The regulation of reproductive processes includes integrating various factors from structural functions and environmental conditions in the HPG axis, with the outcome indication of these processes being the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. These factors include feed consumption and nutritional condition, sex steroids, season/photoperiod, pheromones, age, and stress. GnRH pulsatile secretion affects the pattern of gonadotropin secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which then regulates both endocrine function and gamete maturation in the gonads. This regulates gonadotropins and testosterone (T) production. There is evidence that in males, GnRH participates in a variety of host behavioural and physiological processes such as the release of reproductive hormones, progression of spermatogenesis and sperm function, aggressive behaviour, and physiological metabolism. GnRH activates receptors expressed on Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, respectively to stimulate T secretion and spermatogenesis in the testis. Photoperiod affects the reproductive system of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via rhythmic diurnal melatonin secretion. Increased release of melatonin promotes sexual activity, GnRH production, LH stimulation, and T production. This induces testicular functions, spermatogenesis, and puberty. GnRH reduces the release of LH by the pituitary through the cascade effect and decreases plasma concentration of T. Gut microbiota maintain sex steroid homeostasis and may induce reduction in reproduction productivity. Recently, findings of kisspeptin-neurokinin-dynorphin neuronal network in the brain have resulted in fast advances in how GnRH secretion is controlled. Emerging studies have also indicated that other neuropeptide analogues could be used in control reproduction procedures in various goat and sheep breeds. The Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduce on a seasonal basis and have high reproductive performance. This is a review for the role of GnRH in Tibetan male sheep and goats reproduction. This is intended to enhance reproductive knowledge for understanding the key roles of GnRH relating to male reproductive efficiency of Tibetan sheep or goats.

Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Response to the Monkeypox Outbreak - Laboratory Response Network, United States, May 17-June 30, 2022.

As part of public health preparedness for infectious disease threats, CDC collaborates with other U.S. public health officials to ensure that the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) has diagnostic tools to detect Orthopoxviruses, the genus that includes Variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. LRN is a network of state and local public health, federal, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), veterinary, food, and environmental testing laboratories. CDC developed, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance* for the Non-variola Orthopoxvirus Real-time PCR Primer and Probe Set (non-variola Orthopoxvirus [NVO] assay), a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test to detect NVO. On May 17, 2022, CDC was contacted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding a suspected case of monkeypox, a disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus Monkeypox virus. Specimens were collected and tested by the Massachusetts DPH public health laboratory with LRN testing capability using the NVO assay. Nationwide, 68 LRN laboratories had capacity to test approximately 8,000 NVO tests per week during June. During May 17-June 30, LRN laboratories tested 2,009 specimens from suspected monkeypox cases. Among those, 730 (36.3%) specimens from 395 patients were positive for NVO. NVO-positive specimens from 159 persons were confirmed by CDC to be monkeypox; final characterization is pending for 236. Prompt identification of persons with infection allowed rapid response to the outbreak, including isolation and treatment of patients, administration of vaccines, and other public health action. To further facilitate access to testing and increase convenience for providers and patients by using existing provider-laboratory relationships, CDC and LRN are supporting five large commercial laboratories with a national footprint (Aegis Science, LabCorp, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, and Sonic Healthcare) to establish NVO testing capacity of 10,000 specimens per week per laboratory. On July 6, 2022, the first commercial laboratory began accepting specimens for NVO testing based on clinician orders.

High-throughput sequencing reveals differential expression of miRNAs in yak and cattleyak epididymis.

Cattleyaks (CY) are interspecific hybrids between cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos gruniens, YK) exhibiting the same prominent adaptability and higher performances than YK. The main problem of this crossbreeding is that the males are sterile. Different series of events of spermatogenesis coordinate to regulate gene expressing, involving microRNAs (miRNAs). As non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs), miRNAs predominantly facilitate the regulation of gene expression at post-transcriptional stages and play important roles in the acquisition and maintenance of male fertility in reproduction. The function of miRNA in the male reproductive system extends from the testis into the epididymis, regulating gene expression and contributing to regional gene expression variations. RNA sequencing on biological replicates, we described differentially expressed miRNAs profiles for tissue from epididymis of YK and CY. In the present study, High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that 55 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in the epididymis of YK and CY. Among these, 43 DE miRNAs were upregulated while the remaining 12 DE miRNAs were downregulated between epididymis of YK and CY. In addition, we identified that the top most important DE miRNAs, bta-miR-449c, bta-miR-539, bta- miR-136, bta-miR-504, bta-miR-31 and bta-miR-222 were involved in the process of sperm maturation in epididymis CY. It was identified that the bta-miR-449c and bta-miR-222 may play major roles in the process of sperm maturation, sperm quality, sperm count, sperm production and male infertility of CY. Furthermore, GO and KEGG analyses were performed to classify the functions of target genes for DE miRNAs. In addition, RT-qPCR validation of the DE miRNAs and its targeted genes revealed that putative miRNAs are involved in the male CY infertility by altering the gene expression. Present findings may not only increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by the miRNAs in epididymis, but also provide a valuable information to understand the male infertility mechanism of CY.

Integrating Diabetes Prevention Education Among Teenagers Involved in Summer Employment: Encouraging Environments for Health in Adolescence (ENHANCE).

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth is a growing healthcare and public health concern. It is costly, and youth suffer from disabling and deadly comorbid conditions at a faster pace than adult onset. However, T2D is preventable. The population of obese youth at greatest risk for T2D is of minority race/ethnicity and socioeconomically disadvantaged background, which creates barriers to health promoting lifestyles. Despite being the first line of prevention efforts for T2D, efficacious behavioral lifestyle interventions are still lacking at the community level. During the summers of 2016 and 2017, a study integrated obesity and diabetes prevention health education into TeenWorks summer employment program at Indy Urban Acres in Indianapolis, Indiana. Results were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Participants (N = 168) had a mean age of 15.8 ± 0.7 years, 61% female, 13% Hispanic, 80% Black. By the end of the intervention, physical activity (p = 0.000) and prevention knowledge (p = 0.000) were significantly higher. Dietary intake (p = 0.204), self-efficacy (p = 0.58), food insecurity (p = 0.058) and depression screening scores (p = 0.809) were not significantly different. In light of the continuing childhood obesity epidemic and increasing prevalence of prediabetes and T2D in youth, there is a pressing need to understand and reduce barriers to obesity and diabetes prevention in high-risk populations. This study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating obesity and T2D prevention health education into a teen summer employment program.

A mixed-methods approach to understanding water use and water infrastructure in a schistosomiasis-endemic community: case study of Asamama, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Surface water contaminated with human waste may transmit urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS). Water-related activities that allow skin exposure place people at risk, but public health practitioners know little about why some communities with access to improved water infrastructure have substantial surface water contact with infectious water bodies. Community-based mixed-methods research can provide critical information about water use and water infrastructure improvements. METHODS: Our mixed-methods study assessed the context of water use in a rural community endemic for schistosomiasis. RESULTS: Eighty-seven (35.2 %) households reported using river water but not borehole water; 26 (10.5 %) reported using borehole water but not river water; and 133 (53.8 %) households reported using both water sources. All households are within 1 km of borehole wells, but tested water quality was poor in most wells. Schistosomiasis is perceived by study households (89.3 %) to be a widespread problem in the community, but perceived schistosomiasis risk fails to deter households from river water usage. Hematuria prevalence among schoolchildren does not differ by household water use preference. Focus group data provides context for water preferences. Demand for improvements to water infrastructure was a persistent theme; however, roles and responsibilities with respect to addressing community water and health concerns are ill-defined. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our study illustrates how complex attitudes towards water resources can affect which methods will be appropriate to address schistosomiasis.

Predictors of vaccination card retention in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The home-based vaccination card is an important health record for determining vaccination status of children during surveys, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, there are limited evidence on the factors that influence its retention in Ghana. We assessed the predictors of vaccination card retention in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from 21st December 2022 to 10th January 2023 among children aged 0-59 months in the Tamale Metropolis. Multi-stage sampling was used to select caregivers of children aged 0-59 months for enrolment in the study. Data were collected using validated questionnaire through face-to-face interviews of caregivers. A vaccination card was retained if it was presented for physical inspection by research assistants. The factors that influence vaccination card retention were determined in a multivariate logistic regression analysis at p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1,532 eligible children were enrolled in this study. Vaccination card retention was 91.5%. Negative predictors of card retention included: being resident in the Nyohini (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.15-0.50) and Tamale Central (AOR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.29-0.90) sub-Metro areas and being caregivers of children aged 24-59 months (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.22-0.68). On the other hand, paying for the vaccination card (AOR = 5.14; 95% CI = 2.95-8.95) was a positive predictor of vaccination card retention. CONCLUSION: In this study, vaccination card retention among children aged 0-59 months was higher than national estimates. Vaccination card retention was mainly influenced by sub-Metro area, age of child and mode of acquisition of the card such as out-of-pocket payment. There is need to design and deliver tailored messages including the importance of vaccination card retention to caregivers of children based on geographic context. Additionally, the policy on sale of vaccination cards should be revised to allow for cost sharing to enhance its retention.

Trend of measles-rubella vaccination coverage and impact on measles epidemiology in the Savannah Region, Ghana; 2018-2022: A secondary data analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ghana witnessed an outbreak of measles in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic, and Savannah Region was among the regions severely impacted. The objective of this study was to conduct trend analysis of measles case incidence and measles-rubella (MR) vaccination coverage in the Savannah Region to identify gaps and propose remedial actions to mitigate future outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). METHODS: Analysis of measles surveillance and measles-rubella vaccination data for 2018-2022 was conducted to assess relationship between immunization coverage and measles case incidence. Data were extracted from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) platform and loaded into Microsoft Excel 16.0 spreadsheet for analysis. Coverages for first (MR1) and second (MR2) doses of measles-rubella vaccination, dropout rates, and measles incidence (per 100,000) were calculated. RESULTS: The coverage trend for both vaccine doses followed similar trajectories, increasing from 2018 to a peak in 2019, and declining sequentially thereafter to the lowest (for the study period) in 2022. Generally, MR1/MR2 dropout rate was high across all districts during the entire study period. The regional incidence of confirmed measles rose sharply from less than 1/1,000,000 in 2018-2021 to 94 in 2022. Wide variations in vaccination coverage and dropout rates were observed among the districts. There was moderate to fairly strong negative correlation between MR vaccination coverage and measles case incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The MR vaccination coverage in the Savannah Region declined probably due to pre-existing weaknesses in the immunization programme accentuated by impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lowered population immunity likely contributed to occurrence of the measles outbreak in 2022. Pragmatic actions are needed to catch-up on missed children, restore coverage to pre-pandemic levels, and strengthen the immunization programme as part of global efforts towards achieving the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) trajectory.

Identification and analysis of differentially expressed (DE) circRNA in epididymis of yak and cattleyak.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as endogenous non-coding RNA with unique closed ring structure, is closely related to animal reproduction, and understanding the expression of circRNA in yak and cattleyak epididymal tissues is of great significance for understanding cattleyak sterility. Based on this, we screened and identified the differentially expressed circRNA in the epididymis of three yaks and two cattleyak. A total of 1,298 circRNAs were identified in the epididymis of yak and cattleyak, of which 137 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and the functions of some of them were elucidated in this research, as well as qPCR verification to 6 circRNAs from the 137 DE circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly related to metabolic process, development process, immune system process, reproductive process, reproduction, biological adhesion and growth. COG classification analysis showed that the DE circRNAs derived genes were mainly related to replication, recombination and repair. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly involved in RNA degradation. In addition, we also screened Bta-mir-103, which is a circRNA binding miRNA related to sperm activity.

Comparative transcriptome analysis in the caput segment of yak and cattleyak epididymis.

Cattleyaks are equally adaptable to harsh environment as yaks, but produce far more milk and meat in terms of quality and quantity. However, male cattleyaks with active secondary sexuality are infertile and have restricted productivity and breeding of yaks. Much researches continue to be done in regard to the differences in transcriptome profiling in cattleyak epididymis with respect to yak epididymis. The caput segment of the epididymis is highly specialized for the initiation of spermatozoa maturation, synthesis and secretion. We used RNA-Seq technology to comparatively analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with sperm maturation between the caput epididymis of yak and cattleyak. Transcriptomic profiling identified 109 DEGs in which 44 were upregulated and 65 were downregulated. 8 DEGs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. DEGs were analyzed by GO and KEGG analysis to screen the key genes involved in sperm maturation. The upregulation of PAOX and ATP2C2 may be associated with toxicity and apoptosis resistance in cattleyak with respect to yak. However, downregulated DEFB109, DEFB121, DEFB123, DEFA1, LY6G5C, SLC13A2, CST3, CRYBA4 and ADAM28 were associated with innate immune response, sperm maturation, motility and antimicrobial functions. AMPK and Hedgehog signaling pathways were involved in the top-listed five significantly enriched pathways, and the downregulation of HNF4α and LRP2 may have contributed to infertility in cattleyak. The data provide a powerful resource, contributing to the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying male cattleyak infertility.

Efficacy of continuous electroencephalogram for the management of altered mental status in the neurosurgical intensive care unit.

Background: Continuous electroencephalograms (cEEGs) are often used in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) to detect subclinical seizures (SCSs) in patients with altered mental status (AMS). This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of this approach for improving patient outcomes. Methods: We reviewed the records of 100 patients admitted to the NSICU between 2015 and 2020 who underwent continous electroencephalograms (cEEG) during workup of unexplained AMS. Patient outcomes were classified as positive (discharged), neutral (transfer of care), or negative (dead). Incidence of SCSs on cEEG and association with patient outcomes was analyzed with Chi-square analysis and relative risk (RR). Results: For the 99 included patients, median age was 62 years and 43% were female. About 15.2% had a known or newly diagnosed brain tumor. Outcomes were positive in 22 patients, neutral in four, and negative in 73. SCSs were detected in 15 patients, of whom 12 died, two were discharged, and one whose care was transferred. Chi-square association between SCS and outcome (P = 0.59) and RR of death associated with SCS diagnosis (1.1) was not significant. Conclusion: We found a lower incidence of SCSs (15.2%) than reported in the literature. In the absence of clinically evident seizures, continous cEEGs performed in the NSICU to determine the etiology of AMS did not yield an improvement in patient outcomes, and patients diagnosed and treated for SCS did not have statistically decreased risk of death. In summary, electroencephalogram monitoring for SCS is important but should not delay diagnosis and treatment of other, potentially life-threating etiologies of AMS.

Imbalanced class distribution and performance evaluation metrics: A systematic review of prediction accuracy for determining model performance in healthcare systems.

Focus on predictive algorithm and its performance evaluation is extensively covered in most research studies to determine best or appropriate predictive model with Optimum prediction solution indicated by prediction accuracy score, precision, recall, f1score etc. Prediction accuracy score from performance evaluation has been used extensively as the main determining metric for performance recommendation. It is one of the most widely used metric for identifying optimal prediction solution irrespective of dataset class distribution context or nature of dataset and output class distribution between the minority and majority variables. The key research question however is the impact of class inequality on prediction accuracy score in such datasets with output class distribution imbalance as compared to balanced accuracy score in the determination of model performance in healthcare and other real-world application systems. Answering this question requires an appraisal of current state of knowledge in both prediction accuracy score and balanced accuracy score use in real-world applications where there is unequal class distribution. Review of related works that highlight the use of imbalanced class distribution datasets with evaluation metrics will assist in contextualizing this systematic review.

RNA-Seq reveals the functional specificity of epididymal caput, corpus, and cauda genes of cattleyak.

The first filial generation of the cattleyaks demonstrates hybrid vigor; however, the male cattleyaks are infertile and restrict productivity and breeding. The discovery of genes in a segment-specific approach offers valuable information and understanding concerning fertility status, yet the biology of cattleyak epididymis is still progressing. Comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on segment pairs of cattleyak epididymis. The caput versus corpus epididymis provided the highest (57.8%) differentially expressed genes (DEGs), corpus versus cauda (25.1%) followed, whereas caput versus cauda pair (17.1%) had the least DEGs. The expression levels of genes coding EPHB6, TLR1, MUC20, MT3, INHBB, TRPV5, EI24, PAOX, KIF12, DEPDC5, and KRT25, which might have the potentials to regulate the homeostasis, innate immunity, differentiation, motility, transport, and sperm maturation-related function in epididymal cells, were downregulated in the distal segment of epididymis. Top enriched KEGG pathways included mTOR, axon guidance, and taste transduction signaling pathways. EIF4B, EPHB6, and TAS2R42 were enriched in the pathways, respectively. Identifying key, new, and unexplored DEGs among the epididymal segments and further analyzing them could boost cattleyak fertility by maximizing sperm quality from genetically better sires and also facilitate better understanding of the epididymal biology.

Effectiveness of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in reducing under-five malaria morbidity and mortality in the Savannah Region, Ghana.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in reducing under-five malaria morbidity and mortality. Design: Under-five malaria data for confirmed episodes, deaths, and number of children dosed per cycle of SMC campaign were extracted from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS-2) for 2018-2019. Data verification was done to compare extracted data with the source for completeness and consistency. Association between SMC and the main outcome variables (malaria cases and mortality) was computed from 2X2 tables and reported as rate ratios at a 95% confidence level. Setting: All seven (7) districts in Savannah Region, Ghana. Participants: Children under five years. Intervention: Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine (SPAQ) prophylaxis given monthly, four times, durng the rainy season (July to October). Main outcome measures: SMC coverage per cycle and under-five malaria morbidity and mortality ratios. Results: Over 370,000 dose packs of SPAQ were administered with an average cycle coverage of 93%. There was approximately 17% (p<0.01) and 67% (p=0.047) reduction in malaria-related morbidity and mortality, respectively, in the implementation year compared with the baseline. This translated into nearly 9,300 episodes of all forms of malaria and nine malaria-attributable deaths averted by the intervention. Conclusion: SMC (combined with existing control measures) wields prospects of accelerating the regional/national malaria elimination efforts if the implementation is optimised. Expansion of the intervention to other high-prevalence regions with seasonal variation in disease burden may be worthwhile. Funding: None declared.

Using drones to transport suspected COVID-19 samples; experiences from the second largest testing centre in Ghana, West Africa.

BACKGROUND: The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11 2020, by the World Health Organisation prompted the need for a sustained and a rapid international response. In a swift response, the Government of Ghana, in partnership with Zipline company, launched the use of Unmanned Automated Vehicles (UAV) to transport suspected samples from selected districts to two foremost testing centres in the country. Here, we present the experiences of employing this technology and its impact on the transport time to the second largest testing centre, the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) in Kumasi, Ghana. METHODS: Swab samples collected from suspected COVID-19 patients were transported to the Zipline office by health workers. Information on the samples were sent to laboratory personnel located at KCCR through a WhatsApp platform to get them ready to receive the suspected COVID-19 samples while Zipline repackaged samples and transported them via drone. Time of take-off was reported as well as time of drop-off. RESULTS: A total of 2537 COVID-19 suspected samples were received via drone transport from 10 districts between April 2020 to June 2021 in 440 deliveries. Ejura-Sekyedumase District Health Directorate delivered the highest number of samples (765; 30%). The farthest district to use the drone was Pru East, located 270 km away from KCCR in Kumasi and 173 km to the Zipline office in Mampong. Here, significantly, it took on the average 39 minutes for drones to deliver samples compared to 117 minutes spent in transporting samples by road (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of drones for sample transport during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the travel time taken for samples to be transported by road to the testing site. This has enhanced innovative measures to fight the pandemic using technology.

ADIPOR1 regulates genes involved in milk fat metabolism in goat mammary epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Fat metabolism is a complex process regulated by a number of factors. Adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) gene takes active part in lipid metabolism. Although, there have been some researches indicating that ADIPOR1 could influence the milk fat metabolism through targeting some factors, little is known about the effect of ADIPOR1 on goat milk fat metabolism. To investigate the regulatory role of ADIPOR1 on milk fat metabolism in GMECs, we analysed overexpression in the presence and absence of AdipoRon (50 µM) and examined knockdown using siRNA. Using RT-qPCR, we assessed ADIPOR1 mRNA expressions among different lactation stages in goat mammary gland and the expression of six genes that regulate milk fat metabolism in GMECs. RESULTS: ADIPOR1 mRNA expression level was higher during the various lactation stages, except dry-off period. Knockdown and overexpression results revealed a significant decrease and increase in mRNA expression of ADIPOR1 and genes considered: SREBF1, ACACA, FASN, SCD, ATGL, and HSL, respectively. Treatment of GMECs with AdipoRon 50 µM resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mRNA expression of all measured genes, except SREBF1. CONCLUSION: Overall, ADIPOR1 plays a central role in regulating the transcription of several genes involved in milk fat metabolism.

Contextualizing Schistosoma haematobium transmission in Ghana: Assessment of diagnostic techniques and individual and community water-related risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: The study assessed associations between Schistosoma haematobium infection (presence of parasite eggs in urine or hematuria) and self-reported metrics (macrohematuria, fetching surface water, or swimming) to evaluate their performance as proxies of infection in presence of regular preventive chemotherapy. It also examined community water characteristics (safe water access, surface water access, and groundwater quality) to provide context for schistosomiasis transmission in different types of communities and propose interventions. METHODS: Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the various measured and self-reported metrics in a sample of 897 primary school children in 30 rural Ghanaian communities. Logistic regression was also used to assess associations between community water characteristics, self-reported water-related behaviors and S. haematobium infection. Communities were subsequently categorized as candidates for three types of interventions: provision of additional safe water sources, provision of groundwater treatment, and health education about water-related disease risk, depending on their water profile. RESULTS: Microhematuria presence measured with a reagent strip was a good proxy of eggs in urine at individual (Kendall's τb = 0.88, p < 0.001) and at school-aggregated (Spearman's rs = 0.96, p < 0.001) levels. Self-reported macrohematuria and swimming were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with egg presence, but self-reported fetching was not. Of the community water characteristics, greater surface water access and presence of groundwater quality problems were significantly associated with increased likelihood of fetching, swimming, and S. haematobium infection. Access to improved water sources did not exhibit an association with any of these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The study illustrates that in presence of regular school-based treatment with praziquantel, microhematuria assessed via reagent strips remains an adequate proxy for S. haematobium infection in primary schoolchildren. Community water profiles, in combination with self-reported water-related behaviors, can help elucidate reasons for some endemic communities continuing to experience ongoing transmission and tailor interventions to these local contexts to achieve sustainable control.

A new classification system for bacterial Rieske non-heme iron aromatic ring-hydroxylating oxygenases.

BACKGROUND: Rieske non-heme iron aromatic ring-hydroxylating oxygenases (RHOs) are multi-component enzyme systems that are remarkably diverse in bacteria isolated from diverse habitats. Since the first classification in 1990, there has been a need to devise a new classification scheme for these enzymes because many RHOs have been discovered, which do not belong to any group in the previous classification. Here, we present a scheme for classification of RHOs reflecting new sequence information and interactions between RHO enzyme components. RESULT: We have analyzed a total of 130 RHO enzymes in which 25 well-characterized RHO enzymes were used as standards to test our hypothesis for the proposed classification system. From the sequence analysis of electron transport chain (ETC) components of the standard RHOs, we extracted classification keys that reflect not only the phylogenetic affiliation within each component but also relationship among components. Oxygenase components of standard RHOs were phylogenetically classified into 10 groups with the classification keys derived from ETC components. This phylogenetic classification scheme was converted to a new systematic classification consisting of 5 distinct types. The new classification system was statistically examined to justify its stability. Type I represents two-component RHO systems that consist of an oxygenase and an FNRC-type reductase. Type II contains other two-component RHO systems that consist of an oxygenase and an FNRN-type reductase. Type III represents a group of three-component RHO systems that consist of an oxygenase, a [2Fe-2S]-type ferredoxin and an FNRN-type reductase. Type IV represents another three-component systems that consist of oxygenase, [2Fe-2S]-type ferredoxin and GR-type reductase. Type V represents another different three-component systems that consist of an oxygenase, a [3Fe-4S]-type ferredoxin and a GR-type reductase. CONCLUSION: The new classification system provides the following features. First, the new classification system analyzes RHO enzymes as a whole. RwithSecond, the new classification system is not static but responds dynamically to the growing pool of RHO enzymes. Third, our classification can be applied reliably to the classification of incomplete RHOs. Fourth, the classification has direct applicability to experimental work. Fifth, the system provides new insights into the evolution of RHO systems based on enzyme interaction.