Disruption of MeCP2-TCF20 complex underlies distinct neurodevelopmental disorders.

MeCP2 is associated with Rett syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication syndrome, and a number of conditions with isolated features of these diseases, including autism, intellectual disability, and motor dysfunction. MeCP2 is known to broadly bind methylated DNA, but the precise molecular mechanism driving disease pathogenesis remains to be determined. Using proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID), we identified a transcription factor 20 (TCF20) complex that interacts with MeCP2 at the chromatin interface. Importantly, RTT-causing mutations in MECP2 disrupt this interaction. TCF20 and MeCP2 are highly coexpressed in neurons and coregulate the expression of key neuronal genes. Reducing Tcf20 partially rescued the behavioral deficits caused by MECP2 overexpression, demonstrating a functional relationship between MeCP2 and TCF20 in MECP2 duplication syndrome pathogenesis. We identified a patient exhibiting RTT-like neurological features with a missense mutation in the PHF14 subunit of the TCF20 complex that abolishes the MeCP2-PHF14-TCF20 interaction. Our data demonstrate the critical role of the MeCP2-TCF20 complex for brain function.

Iron deficiency and thyroid dysfunction among sudanese women in first trimester of pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are more susceptible to iron deficiency (ID), and it can lead to several maternal and perinatal adverse effects. There are some published data on the effect of ID on thyroid function, but none of the studies were conducted in sub-Saharan African countries including Sudan. This study was conducted to investigate association between ID (ferritin < 15 µg/L) and thyroid functions [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4)] among Sudanese women in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saad Abuelela Maternity Hospital, Sudan. Obstetric/sociodemographic characteristics were gathered through questionnaires. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, TSH, FT3, and FT4 were measured in all pregnant women. Continuous variables were compared with either independent sample t-test if they were normally distributed, or with Mann-Whitney U- test if they were not-normally distributed. Spearman correlations were performed between the continuous variables. RESULTS: In total, 127 pregnant women with mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of 27.0 (5.5) years and gestational age of 10.5 (3.0) weeks, respectively, were enrolled in this study. Forty-seven (37.0%) of these 127 women had ID. While the median [interquartile range (IQR)] of the parity, TSH, and FT3 were not different between women with ID and women without ID, the median (IQR) of FT4 was significantly lower in women with ID compared with women without ID [1.020 (0.910‒1.120) vs. 1.095 (0.990‒1.217) pmol, P = 0.014]. Serum ferritin was inversely correlated with FT3, (r = -0.225, P = 0.011). There was no significant correlation between serum ferritin, TSH, and FT4. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency was common during the first trimester of pregnancy and was associated with thyroid dysfunctions. Therefore, ID should be evaluated to avoid thyroid dysfunction.

Fostering formative assessment: teachers' perception, practice and challenges of implementation in four Sudanese medical schools, a mixed-method study.

Formative assessment (assessment for learning) enhances learning (especially deep learning) by using feedback as a central tool. However, implementing it properly faces many challenges. We aimed to describe the perception of medical teachers towards FA, their practice, challenges of implementing FA and present applicable solutions. A mixed-method, explanatory approach study was applied by administering a validated questionnaire to 190 medical teachers in four medical schools in Sudan. The obtained results were further studied using the Delphi method. Quantitative analysis revealed that medical teachers perceived their grasping of the concept of FAs and their ability to differentiate formative from summative assessments as very well (83.7%) and (77.4%), respectively. However, in contradiction to the former results, it was noteworthy that (41%) of them mistakenly perceived FA as an approach conducted for purposes of grading and certification. The qualitative study defined the challenges into two main themes: lack of understanding of formative assessment and lack of resources. Medical teachers' development and resource allocation were the main recommendations. We conclude that there is misunderstanding and malpractice in implementing formative assessment attributed to the lack of understanding of FA as well as the lack of resources. We as well present suggested solutions derived from the perception of the medical teachers in the study and evolved around three approaches: faculty development, managing the curriculum by allocating time and resources for FA, and advocacy among stakeholders.

Functional foods and their impact on health.

Functional foods play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk factors of various diseases. Most foods have a functional element which is responsible for improving the healthy state. All food substances such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, fish, dairy contain functional ingredients. A wide range of naturally occurring substances from plant and animal sources having active components which play a role in physiological actions deserve attention for their optimal use in maintaining health. The market for functional food is keep on expanding, and the global market is projected to reach a value of at least 91 billion USD soon. Overwhelming evidence from preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies have shown that intake of functional foods could have an impact on the prevention of chronic diseases, especially cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal tract disorders and neurological diseases. Extensive research needs to be done to determine the potential health benefits for the proper application of these foods to improve health state and combat chronic disease progression. The aim of this review is to conduct a thorough literature survey, to understand the various classification of functional foods and their health benefits.

Application of Combined Local and Global Optimization Algorithms in Joint Interpretation of Direct Current Resistivity and Seismic Refraction Data: A Case Study of Dammam Dome, Eastern Saudi Arabia.

The main geological structures in the Dammam Dome are defined by integrating geophysical measurements and applying new methodological approaches. Dammam Dome is characterized by a well-developed fracture/joints system; thus, high complexity of the subsurface is expected. Direct Current Resistivity (DCR) and Seismic Refraction (SR) geophysical survey aimed to map the Dammam Dome's near-surface features. The geophysical data were acquired along two profiles in the northern part of Dammam Dome. To maximize the results from conducting DCR and SR measurements over a complex area, a combined local and global optimization algorithm was used to obtain high-resolution near-surface images in resistivity and velocity models. The local optimization technique involves individual and joint inversion of the DCR and SR data incorporating appropriate regularization parameters, while the global optimization uses single and multi-objective genetic algorithms in model parameter estimation. The combined algorithm uses the output from the local optimization method to define a search space for the global optimization algorithm. The results show that the local optimization produces satisfactory inverted models, and that the global optimization algorithm improves the local optimization results. The joint inversion and processing of the acquired data identified two major faults and a deformed zone with an almost N-S direction that corresponds with an outcrop were mapped in profile one, while profile two shows similar anomalies in both the resistivity and velocity models with the main E-W direction. This study not only demonstrates the capability of using the combined local and global optimization multi-objectives techniques to estimate model parameters of large datasets (i.e., 2D DCR and SR data), but also provides high-resolution subsurface images that can be used to study structural features of the Dammam Dome.

Association Between the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Elementary School Students and Their Parental Occupation in Sudan.

Global efforts to identify groups at high risk for schistosomiasis have mainly concentrated on identifying their geographical distribution. Investigations on the socioeconomic characteristics of high-risk groups are relatively scarce. This study aimed to explore the associations between schistosomiasis among students and their parents' occupations. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting 105,167 students in 1,772 primary schools across Sudan in 2017. From these students, 100,726 urine and 96,634 stool samples were collected to test for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infection. A multi-level mixed effect analysis was used with age and sex as fixed factors, and school as a random factor. The odd ratios (ORs) of practicing open defecation among farmers' children were almost 5 times higher than their counterparts whose parents were government officials (OR=4.97, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 4.57-5.42, P<0.001). The ORs of contacting water bodies for watering livestock among farmers' children were more than 4 times higher than those of children whose parents were government officials (OR=4.59, 95% CIs: 4.02-5.24, P<0.001). This study shows that schistosomiasis represents a disease of poverty and that farmers' children constituted a high-risk group.

Ferric iron stimulation in marine SMFCs: Impact on the microbial structure evolution in contaminated sediments with low and high molecular weight PAHs.

The impact of ferric iron stimulation on the evolution of microbial structure in marine sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs), operated for the bioremediation of a complex mixture of low and high molecular weight PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene), was assessed. Microbial evolution profiles showed high relative abundances of exoelectrogenic iron-reducing bacteria throughout the biodegradation, namely Geoalkalibacter, under ferric iron stimulation and anode reducing conditions, irrespective of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) inhibition. Highest PAHs removal was measured in the absence of anode reduction, under Fe stimulation and SRB inhibition, reaching 40.85% for benzo(a)pyrene, the most persistent PAH used in this study. Results suggest that amendment of contaminated sediment with ferric iron could constitute a better bioremediation strategy than using SMFCs. This becomes significant when considering the well-established and dominant indigenous SRB population in marine sediments that usually limits the performance of the anode as a terminal electron acceptor in marine SMFCs.

Leptin receptor gene polymorphisms c.668A>G and c.1968G>C in Sudanese women with preeclampsia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Leptin receptor gene (LEPR) variants may affect the leptin levels and act as a risk factor for preeclampsia. Two LEPR gene missense variants rs1137101 (c.668A>G) and rs1805094 (c.1968G>C) were investigated in Sudanese women with preeclampsia. METHODS: A matched case-control study (122 women in each arm) was conducted in Saad Abualila Maternity Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan from May to December 2018. The cases were women with preeclampsia and the controls were healthy pregnant women. Genotyping for LEPR gene variants c.668A>G and c.1968G>C was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression models (adjusted for age, parity, body mass index and hemoglobin level) were conducted. RESULTS: Genotype frequency of LEPR gene variants c.668A>G and c.1968G>C was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05) in the controls. Allele G in LEPRc.668A>G variant was significantly more frequent in the cases compared with the controls [43.4% vs. 10.2%; OR = 6.44; 95%CI (3.98-10.40); P < 0.001]. In variant LEPRc.668A>G, genotype AG was the prevalent genotype in the cases compared with the controls, and it was significantly associated with preeclampsia risk [37.7% vs. 15.5%; AOR = 3.48; 95%CI (1.15-10.54); P = 0.027]. Likewise, the GG genotype was the second most common genotype in the cases compared with the controls, and was associated with preeclampsia risk [24.6% vs. 2.5%; AOR = 14.19; 95%CI (1.77-113.76); P = 0.012]. None of the LEPRc.1968G>C variant genotypes were associated with preeclampsia. The CC genotype was not detected in neither the cases nor the controls. The haplotype A-G 70.1% was the prevalent haplotype in this population, and it significantly protected against preeclampsia [OR = 0.14; 95%CI (0.09-0.23); P < 0.001]. However, the haplotype G-G 26.8% was significantly associated with preeclampsia risk [OR = 6.70; 95%CI (4.16-11.05); P < 0.001]. Both variants c.668A>G and c.1968G>C were in strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 1, r2 = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the rs1137101 (c.668A>G) variant and G-G haplotype may independently associate with the development of preeclampsia.

Factor-V Leiden G1691A and prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms in Sudanese women with preeclampsia, a case -control study.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. There are few studies on the association of preeclampsia with thrombophilia in Africa including Sudan. METHODS: A case -controls study was conducted at Saad Abualila Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan during the period of February through November 2017. The cases were women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women were the controls (180 women in each arm of the study). Genotyping for Factor-V Leiden 1691G/A and Prothrombin gene variation 20210G/A was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the age, parity, body mass index (BMI) and the other characteristics between the cases and the controls. Genotypes distribution of Factor V Leiden 1691G/A and prothrombin gene 20210G/A in controls was in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The factor V Leiden-variation was present in 9.6% of the cases compared with 0.6% of the controls, P < 0.001 (OR = 18.60, 95% CI = 2.38-136.1). Only 4 patients with severe preeclampsia had homozygous variation A/A and it was not detected in the controls. Prothrombin G20210A variations not detected neither in the cases nor in the controls group. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of Factor V Leiden 1691G/A variation in preeclamptic patients compared to controls suggest an involvement of this variation in predisposing to preeclampsia in this setting.

Serum magnesium and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus in Sudanese pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a big health problem that adversely affects both the maternal and perinatal outcomes. We aimed to predict the development of GDM in the first trimester using high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum magnesium. METHODS: The study conducted in the antenatal care clinic of Saad Abualila Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan). Pregnant women were enrolled in this longitudinal cohort study during first trimester ≤14 weeks of gestation. Serum hs-CRP and magnesium concentrations were measured between weeks 11 and 14 of gestation. Glucose tolerance test and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) measurement were performed between 24 and 28 weeks gestational age. To assess insulin sensitivity and ß-cell function, Homeostatic Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA-ß indices and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were calculated and used. RESULTS: Out of the 126 who completed the study 19 (15%) were diagnosed as GDM. The median (interquartile) of FBG was significantly higher in women with GDM [81 (70-95) vs. 67(60-75) mg/dl; P = < 0.001] compared to women without GDM. There was no significant difference in hs-CRP, serum magnesium, HOMA-IR, QUICKI and HOMA- ß between women with GDM and women without GDM. No correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI), serum magnesium, hs-CRP, FBG and insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS: First trimester hs-CRP and serum magnesium levels were not correlated with the later development of gestational diabetes in this setting.

The wmN1 enhancer region in intron 1 is required for expression of human PLP1.

The myelin proteolipid protein gene (PLP1) encodes the most abundant protein present in myelin from the central nervous system (CNS). Its expression must be tightly controlled as evidenced by mutations that alter PLP1 dosage; both overexpression (elevated PLP1 copy number) and lack thereof (PLP1 deletion) result in X-linked genetic disorders in man. However, not much is known about the mechanisms that govern expression of the human gene. To address this, transgenic mice were generated which utilize human PLP1 (hPLP1) sequences (proximal 6.2 kb of 5'-flanking DNA to the first 38 bp of exon 2) to drive expression of a lacZ reporter cassette. LoxP sites were incorporated around a 1.5-kb section of hPLP1 intron 1 since it contains sequence orthologous to the wmN1 region from mouse which, previously, was shown to augment expression of a minimally-promoted transgene coincident with the active myelination period of CNS development. Eight transgenic lines were generated with the parental, 6.2hPLP(+)Z/FL, transgene. All lines expressed the transgene appropriately in brain as evidenced by staining with X-gal in white matter regions and olfactory bulb. Removal of the "wmN1" region from 6.2hPLP(+)Z/FL with a ubiquitously expressed Cre-driver caused a dramatic reduction in transgene activity. These results demonstrate for the first time that the wmN1 enhancer region: (1) is functional in hPLP1; (2) works in collaboration with its native promoter-not just a basal heterologous promoter; (3) is required for high levels of hPLP1 gene activity; (4) has a broader effect, both spatially and temporally, than originally projected with mPlp1.

Rubella, herpes simplex virus type 2 and preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a major health problem. Although, the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not fully understood, there are recent studies on association between infections and preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between maternal seropositivity of rubella, Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and preeclampsia. METHOD: A case -controls study (90 women in each arm) was conducted at Saad Abualila Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. The cases were women with preeclampsia and the controls were healthy pregnant women. Rubella and HSV-2 IgG antibodies were analysed in the maternal sera of all of the participants using ELISA. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the age, parity and gestational age between the two groups. Maternal serum IgG seropositivity for rubella (92.2% vs. 34.4%, P < 0.001) and HSV-2 (87.8% vs. 57.8%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in preeclampsia than in the controls. There was no significant difference in the maternal serum IgM seropositivity for rubella (3.3% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.650) and HSV-2 (2.2% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.560). All the IgM seropositive cases were IgG seropositive too. In binary logistic regression women with rubella (OR = 4.93; 95% CI = 2.082-11.692, P < 0.001) and HSV-2 (OR = 5.54; 95% CI = 2.48-12.38, P < 0.001) IgG seropositivity were at higher risk for preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: In the current study rubella and HSV-2 IgG seropositivity is associated with preeclampsia. Preventive measure should be implemented.

NFκB-inducing kinase inhibits NFκB activity specifically in neurons of the CNS.

The control of NFκB in CNS neurons appears to differ from that in other cell types. Studies have reported induction of NFκB in neuronal cultures and immunostaining in vivo, but others have consistently detected little or no transcriptional activation by NFκB in brain neurons. To test if neurons lack some component of the signal transduction system for NFκB activation, we transfected cortical neurons with several members of this signaling system along with a luciferase-based NFκB-reporter plasmid; RelA was cotransfected in some conditions. No component of the NFκB pathway was permissive for endogenous NFκB activity, and none stimulated the activity of exogenous RelA. Surprisingly, however, the latter was inhibited by cotransfection of NFκB-inducing kinase (NIK). Fluorescence imaging of RelA indicated that co-expression of NIK sequestered RelA in the cytoplasm, similar to the effect of IκBα. NIK-knockout mice showed elevated expression of an NFκB-reporter construct in neurons in vivo. Cortical neurons cultured from NIK-knockout mice showed elevated expression of an NFκB-reporter transgene. Consistent with data from other cell types, a C-terminal fragment of NIK suppressed RelA activity in astrocytes as well as neurons. Therefore, the inhibitory ability of the NIK C-terminus was unbiased with regard to cell type. However, inhibition of NFκB by full-length NIK is a novel outcome that appears to be specific to CNS neurons. This has implications for unique aspects of transcription in the CNS, perhaps relevant to aspects of development, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation. Full-length NIK was found to inhibit (down arrow) transcriptional activation of NFκB in neurons, while it elevated (up arrow) activity in astrocytes. Deletion constructs corresponding to the N-terminus or C-terminus also inhibited NFκB in neurons, while only the C-terminus did so in astrocytes. One possible explanation is that the inhibition in neurons occurs via two different mechanisms, including the potential for a neuron-specific protein (e.g., one of the 14-3-3 class) to create a novel complex in neurons, whereas the C-terminus may interact directly with NFκB. [Structure of NIK is based on Liu J., Sudom A., Min X., Cao Z., Gao X., Ayres M., Lee F., Cao P., Johnstone S., Plotnikova O., Walker N., Chen G., and Wang Z. (2012) Structure of the nuclear factor κB-inducing kinase (NIK) kinase domain reveals a constitutively active conformation. J Biol Chem. 287, 27326-27334); N-terminal lobe is oriented at top].

Urinary tract infections and antimicrobial sensitivity among diabetic patients at Khartoum, Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more susceptible to urinary tract infection (UTI) than non-diabetics. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) uropathogenic strains, the choice of antimicrobial agent is restricted. This study investigated the epidemiology of UTI, antimicrobial susceptibility, and resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from adult diabetic patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Khartoum Hospital, Sudan during the period of March - September 2013. Consecutive patients (men and women) were approached to participate in the study, irrespective of UTI symptoms. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from each participant using pre-tested questionnaires. Clean-catch, midstream urine samples were collected and cultured for UTI diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility. Symptomatic bacteriuria was defined as a positive urine culture (≥10(5) colony-forming units [CFU]/mL of a single bacterial species) from patients with symptoms associated with UTI; asymptomatic bacteriuria was defined as a positive urine culture from patients without symptoms associated with UTI. RESULTS: A total of 200 diabetic patients were enrolled, 121 (60.5%) men and 79 (39.5%) women; 193 (96.5%) had type II DM. The overall prevalence of UTI was 39 (19.5%). Among the total population, 17.1% and 20.9% had symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria, respectively. According to multivariate logistic regression, none of the investigated factors (age, sex, type of DM and duration) were associated with UTI. The predominant isolates were Escherichia coli (22, [56.4%]), and Klebsiella pneumoniae, [9, (23%)]. Eight of 22 E. coli, four of nine K. pneumoniae and one of five Enterococcus faecalis isolates originated from symptomatic patients. Six, four, three, and two of 22 E. coli isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, respectively. Two, two, one and one of nine K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, cephalexin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. All 22 E. coli isolates were sensitive (100%) to gentamicin and cephalexin. All nine K. pneumoniae were sensitive to gentamicin (100%) and 88.8% were sensitive to cephalexin. CONCLUSION: In Sudan, about one-fifth of diabetic patients have UTI. E. coli is the most frequent isolate followed by K. pneumoniae.

Understanding the genetic mechanisms and cognitive impairments in Down syndrome: towards a holistic approach.

The most common genetic cause of intellectual disability is Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21. It commonly results from three copies of human chromosome 21 (HC21). There are no mutations or deletions involved in DS. Instead, the phenotype is caused by altered transcription of the genes on HC21. These transcriptional variations are responsible for a myriad of symptoms affecting every organ system. A very debilitating aspect of DS is intellectual disability (ID). Although tremendous advances have been made to try and understand the underlying mechanisms of ID, there is a lack of a unified, holistic view to defining the cause and managing the cognitive impairments. In this literature review, we discuss the mechanisms of neuronal over-inhibition, abnormal morphology, and other genetic factors in contributing to the development of ID in DS patients and to gain a holistic understanding of ID in DS patients. We also highlight potential therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life of DS patients.

Corrigendum: Maternal serum iron status, hepcidin and interleukin-6 levels in women with preeclampsia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1049994.].

Severe Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria among adults at Kassala Hospital, eastern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: There have been few published reports on severe Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria among adults in Africa. METHODS: Clinical pattern/manifestations of severe P. falciparum and P. vivax (according to World Health Organization 2000 criteria) were described in adult patients admitted to Kassala Hospital, eastern Sudan. RESULTS: A total of 139 adult patients (80 males, 57.6%) with a mean (SD) age of 37.2 (1.5) years presented with severe P. falciparum (113, 81.3%) or P. vivax (26, 18.7%) malaria. Manifestations among the 139 patients included hypotension (38, 27.3%), cerebral malaria (23, 16.5%), repeated convulsions (18, 13.0%), hypoglycaemia (15, 10.8%), hyperparasitaemia (14, 10.1%), jaundice (14, 10.1%), severe anaemia (10, 7.2%), bleeding (six, 4.3%), renal impairment (one, 0.7%) and more than one criteria (27, 19.4%). While the geometric mean of the parasite count was significantly higher in patients with severe P. vivax than with severe P. falciparum malaria (5,934.2 vs 13,906.6 asexual stage parasitaemia per µL, p = 0.013), the different disease manifestations were not significantly different between patients with P. falciparum or P. vivax malaria. Three patients (2.2%) died due to severe P. falciparum malaria. One had cerebral malaria, the second had renal impairment, jaundice and hypoglycaemia, and the third had repeated convulsions and hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: Severe malaria due to P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria is an existing entity among adults in eastern Sudan. Patients with severe P. falciparum and P. vivax develop similar disease manifestations.

Association of Selenium Levels with Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Several observational studies have shown inconclusive findings on the association between selenium levels and preeclampsia. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the association between selenium levels and preeclampsia. The databases PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies which investigated selenium levels with preeclampsia and which were published up to April 2022. The overall standardized mean differences (SMD) of selenium levels between cases and controls were measured. Sensitivity analysis, reporting bias, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression were performed for the estimate. The meta-analysis was calculated using the "meta" package in the open-source software R. A total of 26 studies with 1855 preeclampsia cases compared with 3728 healthy pregnant controls were included. The level of selenium was significantly lower in cases of preeclampsia compared with the controls [SMD = - 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): (- 1.46, - 0.25); P = < 0.01). As there was significant heterogeneity [I2 = 96%, Cochran's Q = 620.47; P = < 0.01], the random effects model was used. A stratified meta-analysis revealed that selenium levels were significantly lower in the cases compared with the controls among pregnant women from the African continent [SMD = - 1.15 (- 1.65, - 0.65); P = < 0.01]. Likewise, the same pattern was observed among women from middle- and low-income countries [SMD = - 1.32 (- 2.22, - 0.42); P = < 0.01]. None of the investigated factors (Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality score, year of publication, and sample size) showed significant association with the selenium SMD. The level of certainty of this evidence is "low certainty," as calculated by the GRADEpro GDT online tool. This meta-analysis with low level of evidence certainty revealed that low selenium level is associated significantly with preeclampsia. This pattern is also observed in women from the African continent and women from low- or middle-income countries. Further studies with different prospective designs and detailed patient characteristics are needed to consolidate this evidence.

Association of Maternal Anemia and Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Anaemia during pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of caesarean delivery (CD). This study was conducted to explore the association between CD and maternal anaemia. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant studies on this topic. The assessment and review were conducted with the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. The studies were assessed using the modified Newcastle−Ottawa quality assessment scale. Data were collected in an Excel sheet, and the 'meta' package of the R 4.0.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Fourteen studies that enrolled 336,128 pregnant women were included in the meta-analysis. Women with anaemia were found to be at a higher risk for CD (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.23−2.17). As heterogeneity was detected in the studies, the random-effects model was used for the pooled meta-analysis (Q = 96.7, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, anaemic women were found to be at higher risk for CD in studies from both low-middle-income (7) and high-income countries (7). In meta-regression analysis, none of the investigated covariates were associated with the pooled OR of CD. This evidence demonstrates with a moderate level of certainty that anaemic pregnant women are more likely to have CD than non-anaemic pregnant women.

Spatio-temporal variation of the microbial community of the coast of Lebanon in response to petroleum hydrocarbon pollution.

In this study, the coast of Lebanon was analyzed for the dynamic changes in sediment microbial communities in response to a major petroleum oil spill and tar contamination that occurred in the summer of 2021. Spatio-temporal variations in the microbial structure along the shores of Lebanon were assessed in comparison to baseline microbial structure determined in 2017. Microbial community structure and diversity were determined using Illumina MiSeq technology and DADA2 pipeline. The results show a significant diversity of microbial populations along the Lebanese shore, and a significant change in the sediment microbial structure within four years. Namely, Woeseia, Blastopirellula, and Muriicola were identified in sediment samples collected in year 2017, while a higher microbial diversity was observed in 2021 with Woeseia, Halogranum, Bacillus, and Vibrio prevailing in beach sediments. In addition, the results demonstrate a significant correlation between certain hydrocarbon degraders, such as Marinobacter and Vibrio, and measured hydrocarbon concentrations.