Chemoenzymatic Measurement of LacNAc in Single-Cell Multiomics Reveals It as a Cell-Surface Indicator of Glycolytic Activity of CD8+ T Cells.

Despite the rich information about the physiological state of a cell encoded in the dynamic changes of cell-surface glycans, chemical methods to capture specific glycan epitopes at the single-cell level are quite limited. Here, we report a chemoenzymatic method for the single-cell detection of N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) by labeling LacNAc with a specific DNA barcode. The chemoenzymatic labeling does not alter the transcriptional status of immune cells and is compatible with multiple scRNA-seq platforms. Integrated analysis of LacNAc and the transcriptome of T cells at the single-cell level reveals that the amount of cell-surface LacNAc is significantly upregulated in activated CD8+ T cells but maintained at basal levels in resting CD8+ T cells (i.e., naive and central memory T cells). Further analysis confirms that LacNAc levels are positively correlated with the glycolytic activity of CD8+ T cells during differentiation. Taken together, our study demonstrates the feasibility of the chemoenzymatic detection of cell-surface glycan in single-cell RNA sequencing-based multiomics with TCR sequence and cell-surface epitope information (i.e., scTCR and CITE-seq), and provides a new way to characterize the biological role of glycan in diverse physiological states.

Effects of immunocastration and supplementary feeding level on the performance and blood biochemical markers of farmed yearling fallow deer (Dama dama).

In cervids, blood biochemical markers may reflect changes in various physiological and environmental factors, especially in response to changes in metabolism following nutrient supplementation or the manipulation of hormone production. Decreasing androgen production through immunocastration (IC) to ease the husbandry of male animals is currently a more ethically acceptable method than physical castration, but its commercial use is unexplored in fallow deer. Forty yearlings male fallow deer were grouped into four treatment combinations: IC on high (200 g commercial pellets + 600 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) or low (100 g commercial pellets + 300 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) level of feed supplementation, or noncastrated bucks on a high or low level of feed supplementation. Immunocastrated animals were vaccinated at the start of the study (Week 1) and again during Week 3 of the study. Diet affected all body growth parameters (slaughter weight, daily gain, carcass weight, dressing percentage and body condition score). Fallow deer from all treatments showed increasing concentrations of fat and energy blood biochemical markers over the study period, including plasma glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TRIG), and decreased cholesterol (CHOL) and lipase (LIPA) concentrations. The higher level of supplementary feeding decreased plasma albumin (ALB) and creatinine (CREA), and increased globulin (GLOB) concentrations. On the other hand, IC and lower-level supplementation reduced growth performance. Overall, IC may be an interesting tool for welfare management of yearling stags for slaughter; however, the advantage appears to only be in well-fed animals, as low-level of feeding can further reduce growth performance in immunocastrated animals. Further studies should evaluate the carcass performance of animals under similar treatment conditions to ascertain the effects on muscle and fat yields.

Prevalence and Determinants of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence against Heterosexual Men Living with HIV in a Semi Rural Community, Northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Globally, female-perpetrated IPV has been well studied among various groups but little is known about IPV against heterosexual men living with HIV. This study sought to identify the prevalence and determinants of female-perpetrated IPV among heterosexual HIV-positive men in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive crosssectional study carried out at one secondary and tertiary health facility respectively, both situated in Birnin Kudu. Using an intervieweradministered pre-tested questionnaire, the prevalence and determinants of female-perpetrated IPV was assessed among 322 heterosexual HIV-positive men attending the anti-retroviral therapy clinics at the two health facilities. Data was entered into and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 25. RESULTS: The prevalence of IPV in the last year was 45% (145D 322). Out of the survivors of IPV, 143 (98.6%), 75 (51.7%), and 51 (35.2%) had experienced psychological aggression, physical assault and sexual coercion respectively. The number of children fathered, experience of childhood violence, and marital status were significantly associated with IPV (p< 0.05) However, they remained significant determinants of IPV after controlling for confounders (ethnicity, marital status, educational status ) {Adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) = 7.34 and 95% confidence interval (C.I.) = 1.49 - 35.4; aOR= 1.84 C.I. 1.33 - 2.80; aOR = O.51 (0.29 - 0.90) respectively}. CONCLUSION: This study identified a high prevalence of femaleperpetrated IPV against heterosexual men living with HIV and emphasizes that exposure to childhood violence and being childless are determinants of IPV. Efforts should be made to screen for IPV among men living with HIV so as to optimize their health and wellbeing.

CONTEXTE: Globalement, la VPI perpétrée par les femmes a été bien étudiée dans divers groupes, mais on sait peu de choses sur la VPI à l'encontre des hommes hétérosexuels vivant avec le VIH. Cette étude visait à identifier la prévalence et les déterminants de la VPI perpétrée par les femmes parmi les hommes hétérosexuels séropositifs à Birnin Kudu, dans l'État de Jigawa, au Nigéria. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive transversale menée dans un établissement de santé secondaire et tertiaire, tous deux situés à Birnin Kudu. À l'aide d'un questionnaire pré-testé administré par un enquêteur, la prévalence et les déterminants de la VPI perpétrée par les femmes ont été évalués parmi 322 hommes hétérosexuels séropositifs fréquentant les cliniques de thérapie antirétrovirale dans les deux établissements de santé. Les données ont été saisies et analysées à l'aide de la version 25 du logiciel statistique pour les sciences sociales. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence de la VPI au cours de la dernière année était de 45% (145D 322). Parmi les survivantes de VPI, 143 (98,6 %), 75 (51,7 %) et 51 (35,2 %) avaient subi respectivement une agression psychologique, une agression physique et une coercition sexuelle. Le nombre d'enfants engendrés, l'expérience de la violence dans l'enfance et l'état matrimonial étaient significativement associés à la VPI (p<0,05). Cependant, ils restaient des déterminants significatifs de la VPI après contrôle des facteurs de confusion (ethnicité, état matrimonial, niveau d'éducation) {Ratio de probabilité ajusté (RNA) = 7,34 et intervalle de confiance à 95 % (IC) = 1,49 - 35,4 ; RNA = 1,84 IC 1,33 - 2,80 ; RNA = O,51 (0,29 - 0,90), respectivement}. CONCLUSION: Cette étude a mis en évidence une forte prévalence de la VPI perpétrée par des femmes à l'encontre d'hommes hétérosexuels vivant avec le VIH et souligne que l'exposition à la violence pendant l'enfance et le fait de ne pas avoir d'enfants sont des facteurs déterminants de la VPI. Des efforts devraient être faits pour dépister la VPI chez les hommes vivant avec le VIH afin d'optimiser leur santé et leur bien-être. Mots clés: Prévalence, Violence entre partenaires intimes, Déterminants, Hommes, Femmes, Coercition, Infection par le VIH, Survivants, Nigeria.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria - A multi-facility study of 34 tertiary hospitals.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions. Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2). Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical.

Differential heterologous neutralisation profile against strains within DENV-3 genotype II.

The dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) homotypic outbreak cycles reported in Klang Valley, Malaysia in 1992-1995 and 2002 demonstrated different epidemic magnitude and duration. These outbreak cycles were caused by two closely related strains of viruses within the DENV-3 genotype II (DENV-3/II). The role of viral genotypic diversity and factors that could have influenced this phenomenon were investigated. The serum neutralisation sensitivity of DEN3/II strains responsible for the DENV-3 outbreak cycles in 1992-1995 and 2002 were examined. Representative virus isolates from the respective outbreaks were subjected to virus neutralisation assay using identified sera of patients with homotypic (DENV-3) or heterotypic dengue infections (DENV-1 and DENV-2). Results from the study suggested that isolates representing DENV-3/II group E (DENV-3/II-E) from the 1992-1995 outbreak and DENV-3/II group F (DENV-3/II-F) from the 2002 outbreak were neutralised at similar capacity (intergenotypic differences <2-fold) by sera of patients infected with DENV-3, DENV-1 and DENV-2/Asian genotypes. Sera of the DENV-2/Cosmopolitan infection efficiently neutralised DENV-3/II-F (FRNT50 = 508.0) at a similar neutralisation capacity against its own homotypic serotype, DENV-2 (FRNT50 = 452.5), but not against DENV-3/II-E (FRNT50 = 100.8). The different neutralisation sensitivities of DENV-3/II strains towards the cross-reacting DENV-2 heterotypic immunity could play a role in shaping the DENV-3 recurring outbreaks pattern in Malaysia. Two genetic variations, E-132 (H/Y) and E-479 (A/V) were identified on the envelope protein of DENV-3/II-E and DENV-3/II-F, respectively. The E-132 variation was predicted to affect the protein stability. A more extensive study, however, on the implication of the naturally occurring genetic variations within closely related DENV genotypes on the neutralisation profile and protective immunity would be needed for a better understanding of the DENV spread pattern in a hyperendemic setting.

Sequencing batch reactor technology for landfill leachate treatment: A state-of-the-art review.

Landfill has become an underlying source of surface and groundwater pollution if not efficiently managed, due to the risk of leachate infiltration into to land and aquifers. The generated leachate is considered a serious environmental threat for the public health, because of the toxic and recalcitrant nature of its constituents. Thus, it must be collected and appropriately treated before being discharged into the environment. At present, there is no single unit process available for proper leachate treatment as conventional wastewater treatment processes cannot achieve a satisfactory level for degrading toxic substances present. Therefore, there is a growing interest in examination of different leachate treatment processes for maximum operational flexibility. Based on leachate characteristics, discharge requirements, technical possibilities, regulatory requirements and financial considerations, several techniques have been applied for its degradation, presenting varying degrees of efficiency. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive review of existing research articles on the pros and cons of various leachate degradation methods. In line with environmental sustainability, the article stressed on the application and efficiency of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system treating landfill leachate due to its operational flexibility, resistance to shock loads and high biomass retention. Contributions of integrated leachate treatment technologies with SBR were also discussed. The article further analyzed the effect of different adopted materials, processes, strategies and configurations on leachate treatment. Environmental and operational parameters that affect SBR system were critically discussed. It is believed that information contained in this review will increase readers fundamental knowledge, guide future researchers and be incorporated into future works on experimentally-based SBR studies for leachate treatment.

Effect of Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs Therapy on Erythrocyte Malondialdehyde and Some Antioxidants in Persons with Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs are necessary for successful treatment of epilepsy. Unfortunately, epilepsy itself and some antiepileptic drugs have been documented to provoke or worsen seizure frequency by altering blood levels of some oxidants and antioxidants in persons with epilepsy. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs on blood levels of some oxidants and antioxidants. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional case-control study. Blood samples were obtained from 35 antiepileptic drug-experienced persons with epilepsy; 35 antiepileptic-naive persons with epilepsy; and 35 age- and- sex matched apparently healthy controls; and analysed for malondialdehyde and antioxidants (uric acid, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: One-hundred and five (105) subjects (35 patients on antiepileptic drugs, 35 newly diagnosed, antiepileptic drug-naive and 35 healthy controls) were investigated. The median ages of antiepileptic drug-experienced, antiepileptic drug-naive and healthy participants were 30.0, 26.0 and 37.0 years respectively. Persons with epilepsy had significantly higher blood levels of malondialdehyde and uric acid and lower levels of enzymatic antioxidants than healthy controls. Also, persons with epilepsy on antiepileptic drug polytherapy had signi-ficantly higher blood levels of malondialdehyde and uric acid and lower levels of enzymatic antioxidants than antiepileptic drug-naive persons with epilepsy and persons with epilepsy on antiepileptic drug monotherapy respectively. CONCLUSION: Epilepsy and antiepileptic drug significantly altered blood levels of malondialdehyde, uric acid and enzymatic antioxidants and/or their homeostatic kinetics.

Ultrastructural aspects of sylvatic dengue virus infection in Vero cell.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue virus (DENV), the causative agent of dengue disease exists in sylvatic and endemic ecotypes. The cell morphological changes and viral morphogenesis of two dengue ecotypes were examined at the ultrastructural level to identify potential similarities and differences in the surrogate model of enzootic host. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vero cells were inoculated with virus at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1. Cell cultures were harvested over a time course and processed for transmission electron microscopic imaging. RESULTS: The filopodia protrusions on cell periphery preceded virus entry. Additionally, sylvatic DENV infection was found spreading slower than the endemic DENV. Morphogenesis of both dengue ecotypes was alike but at different level of efficiency in the permissive cells. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first ultrastructural study on sylvatic DENV and this comparative study revealed the similarities and differences of cellular responses and morphogenesis of two dengue ecotypes in vitro. The study revealed the weaker infectivity of sylvatic DENV in the surrogate model of enzootic host, which supposed to support better replication of enzootic DENV than endemic DENV.

Autochthonous spread of DENV-3 genotype III in Malaysia mitigated by pre-existing homotypic and heterotypic immunity.

Dengue virus type 3 genotype III (DENV-3/III) is widely distributed in most dengue-endemic regions. It emerged in Malaysia in 2008 and autochthonously spread in the midst of endemic DENV-3/I circulation. The spread, however, was limited and the virus did not cause any major outbreak. Spatiotemporal distribution study of DENV-3 over the period between 2005 and 2011 revealed that dengue cases involving DENV-3/III occurred mostly in areas without pre-existing circulating DENV-3. Neutralisation assays performed using sera of patients with the respective infection showed that the DENV-3/III viruses can be effectively neutralised by sera of patients with DENV-3 infection (50% foci reduction neutralisation titres (FRNT50) > 1300). Sera of patients with DENV-1 infection (FRNT50 ⩾ 190), but not sera of patients with DENV-2 infection (FRNT50 ⩽ 50), were also able to neutralise the virus. These findings highlight the possibility that the pre-existing homotypic DENV-3 and the cross-reacting heterotypic DENV-1 antibody responses could play a role in mitigating a major outbreak involving DENV-3/III in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Isolation, biochemical and molecular identification of Nocardia species among TB suspects in northeastern, Tanzania; a forgotten or neglected threat?

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nocardiosis mimic pulmonary tuberculosis in most clinical and radiological manifestations. In Tanzania, where tuberculosis is one of the major public health threat clinical impact of nocardiosis as the cause of the human disease remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to isolate and identify Nocardia isolates recovered from TB suspects in Northeastern, Tanzania by using biochemical and molecular methods. METHODS: The study involved 744 sputum samples collected from 372 TB suspects from four periphery diagnostic centers in Northeastern, Tanzania. Twenty patients were diagnosed as having presumptively Nocardia infections based on microscopic, cultural characteristics and biomèrieux ID 32C Yeast Identification system and confirmed using 16S rRNA and hsp65 gene specific primers for Nocardia species and sequencing. RESULTS: Biochemically, the majority of the isolates were N. asteroides (n = 8/20, 40%), N. brasiliensis (n = 4/20, 20%), N. farcinica (n = 3/20, 15%), N. nova (n = 1/20, 5%). Other aerobic actinomycetales included Streptomyces cyanescens (n = 2/20, 10%), Streptomyces griseus, Actinomadura madurae each (n = 1/20, 5%). Results of 16S rRNA and hsp65 sequencing were concordant in 15/17 (88. 2%) isolates and discordant in 2/17 (11.8%) isolates. Majority of the isolates belonged to N. cyriacigeorgica and N. farcinica, four (23.5%) each. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Nocardia species may be an important cause of pulmonary nocardiosis that is underdiagnosed or ignored. This underscores needs to consider pulmonary nocardiosis as a differential diagnosis when there is a failure of anti-TB therapy and as a possible cause of human infections.

Cardiac Troponin T and creatine kinase MB fraction levels among patients with acute ischemic stroke in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Stroke has been a global burden, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Serum cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) fraction are reported to be elevated in patients admitted with acute ischaemic stroke and high level of these biomarkers indicated more severe stroke and neurologic deficit in some of the patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum levels cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and relate the analytes to severity of stroke. METHOD: Patients with clinical diagnosis of ischaemic stroke diagnosed, confirmed by brain Computerized Tomography scan and equal number of apparently healthy age and sex-matched were recruited. Serum cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) were analysed using ELISA method and Stroke severity was determined using National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS). RESULTS: Mean serum cardiac troponin t (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) in stroke patients were found to be higher than age sex matched control (p<0.05). NIHS Score of 12.2 ± 5.43 and 9.78 ± 3.97 were observed in Patients with elevated and normal cTnT respectively (p=0.009) while NIHS Score were similar in patients with elevated and normal CK-MB (p = 0.772). CONCLUSION: The mean values of serum cTnT and CK-MB were higher in acute ischaemic stroke patients compared to controls. Serum cardiac Troponin t level may be a significant biomarker of the severity of stroke.

Oxidative stress among subjects with metabolic syndrome in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is known to play a role in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome and its components. Racial differences may exist in the level of markers of oxidative stress and antioxidants in patients with metabolic syndrome. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress and antioxidants status in subjects with metabolic syndrome in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out. Two hundred subjects (96 males and 104 females) were recruited for the study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Demographic data were obtained from the participants. Evaluation of anthropometric variables, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, plasma insulin levels, total antioxidant status, and oxidative stress markers was performed. RESULTS: The subjects with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher malondialdehyde as compared to those without metabolic syndrome (236.4 [92.2] vs. 184 [63.2] nmol/l). The antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) were significantly lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (11.3 [4.2] vs. 13.9 [4.1] U/ml, 160[42] vs. 220[32] U/ml, and 2.12 [0.2] vs. 2.42 [0.2] U/ml, respectively). Similarly, the antioxidant Vitamins (A, C, and E) levels were significantly lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (7.1 [4.1] vs. 7.7 [4.2] µmol/L, 225 [55.3] vs. 227.6 [62.3] µmol/L, and 75.9 [13.9] vs. 82.8 [18.6] mg/dl, respectively). There was a positive correlation between components of metabolic syndrome and free radicals. CONCLUSION: Significantly increased oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant defenses were found among Nigerians with metabolic syndrome.

IL-10 and IL-12B gene polymorphisms in a multiethnic Malaysian population.

Inheritance of polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL)-10 promoter and IL-12B genes, which influence cytokine production and activities, may define the balance in T helper response in infection and autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of the IL-10 promoter and IL-12B gene polymorphisms in a multiethnic Malaysian population. Overall, our findings suggest that the IL-12B and IL-10 -592 genotypes were distributed homogenously across all major ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, and Indians, except for polymorphisms at IL-10 -1082. At this gene locus, the ethnic Chinese showed a significantly lower allele frequency of -1082G (2.1%) compared to the Malay (12.2%) and Indian (15.3%) populations. Results for the IL-12B and IL-10 gene polymorphisms were consistent with those reported for the Asian population, but markedly different from those of the African and Caucasian populations. Our findings suggest that there are specific genetic variations between different ethnic groups, which should be examined in all gene population-based association studies.

Blood pressure control in long-term stroke survivors evaluated one year post stroke.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for stroke and treatment of hypertension has been known to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. There are no studies done to evaluate the optimal blood pressure (BP) control in long-term stroke survivors in Nigeria. This study is aimed at determining the proportion of stroke survivors attending stroke prevention clinic who have optimal BP control of hypertension one year post stroke and to determine what factors are associated with the suboptimal BP control. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were consecutively presenting long term stroke survivors attending Neurology Outpatients'Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. After informed consent, socio-demographic data and clinical characteristic were obtained from the patient using structured questionnaire. Admission stroke severity was obtained retrospectively using National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS). Modified Rankin scale (mRs) was used to assess the level of handicap . The presence of depression was determined using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Blood pressure was measured in the dominant, non-stroke arm of the patients using mercury sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were studied with a mean age of 55.15±11.9 years. Most common co- morbid condition was diabetes mellitus. Only 3(4.4%) patients had a repeat stroke during the one year period. Twenty five (36.8%) of these patients still had sub-optimal BP control. Forty seven (69.1%) of these patients were on combination therapy (including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics) and 18 (26.5%) were on calcium channel blockers alone. The difference in mean age of stroke survivors with optimal and sub-optima BP control was not statistically significant. However, the mean duration of formal education of the stroke survivors with optimally controlled blood pressure was significantly higher than those with sub-optimal BP control. Eighteen (26.5%) of long term stroke survivors had clinical depression. Significantly higher proportion of the clinically depressed patients had sub-optimal blood pressure at one year compared to those that were not depressed. Formally educated patients had a better blood pressure control compared to those without formal education. Following a multivariate logistic regression, the major independent determinants of sub-optimal blood pressure control at one year post stroke were presence of depression and low levels of formal educational attainment. CONCLUSION: majority of stroke survivors attending the ABUTH neurology outpatients clinic have suboptimal blood pressure control and major determinant of suboptimal BP control were presence of clinical depression and low formal educational status.

Tobacco use among fourth year Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) students of the College of Public Health: University of the Philippines Manila, academic year 2012-2013.

This study determines the prevalence of tobacco use among graduating Public Health students at the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila. It also describes the exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, attitudes, behaviors and smoking cessation training of students. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design, adapting a standard questionnaire, pretested and administered to 52 Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) students at the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila. Data generated from the survey were encoded using Epi Info version 3.5.4 and analyzed using Stata version 12. The prevalence of smoking among 4th year BSPH students was 5.8 % (current smokers). In the past 7 days, respondents have been exposed to secondhand smoke (44 % where they live; 79 % in places other than where they live). Majority were aware of the official policy on smoking ban in school, however, 80 % said that the policy is not enforced. Majority had favorable attitudes in terms of banning tobacco sales to adolescents, banning advertising of tobacco products, banning smoking in restaurants, discos/bars/pubs and enclosed public places. Majority of the respondents also believed that health professionals should get specific training on cessation techniques, that they do serve as role models, and that they have a role in giving advice about smoking cessation. More than three-quarters (76.9 %) of students said that health professionals who smoke are less likely to advise patients to quit. Most of the graduating students learned about the dangers of smoking, importance of obtaining tobacco use history, and providing educational support materials in their public health education but only a few received formal training about smoking cessation approaches. The implementation of the no-smoking policy of the university must be revisited. Smoking cessation approaches should be incorporated in the public health curriculum and the role of public health students in advocating a smoke-free lifestyle should be emphasized.

A novel rare copy number variant of the ABCF1 gene identified among dengue fever patients from Peninsular Malaysia.

Copy number variation (CNV) is a form of genetic variation in addition to single nucleotide polymorphisms. The significance of CNV in the manifestation of a number of diseases is only recently receiving considerable attention. We genotyped 163 dengue patients from Peninsular Malaysia for genes possibly linked to dengue infection using quantitative real-time PCR. Here, we report a serendipitous discovery of a novel rare CNV of the ABCF1 gene among the dengue patients. Among these patients, two had a gain of 1 copy (CN = 3) and one had lost 1 copy (CN = 1), indicating that a rare CNV of the ABCF1 gene was detected among dengue patients from Peninsular Malaysia. Although the gene is suspected to regulate inflammatory responses and pathogen-induced cytokine storm, its relevance to dengue requires further investigation.

The frequency and outcome of neuropathies among HIV/AIDS adults treated at a tertiary hospital in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been shown to reduce AIDS- defining illnesses, including neuropathies. However, it has been postulated that an increase in age -, HIV- and HAART- related neurological complications will occur as HIV-infected persons live longer. This study investigated the frequency and outcome of neuropathies in relation to CD4+ cell count and HAART status of hospitalised HIV/AIDS patients in Shika. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive adult (e"15 years) non pregnant HIV- infected patients treated at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Shika-Zaria from January 2006 to May 2013 with neuropathies were studied. Non HIV-infected patients with neurological disorders and HIV-infected patients without neuropathies were excluded. RESULTS: Of 5240 HIV/AIDS patients seen , 11% (566) presented with neuropathy at median CD4+ cell counts of 200 cells / ul, with yearly reduction of the frequency of patients with neuropathy from 3.9% in 2006 to 0.06% in 2013. Male: female ratio was 2:1 and respective mean years were 41.9±10.1: 45.3±17.4 (p<0.00). 253 (45%) were on HAART at presentation. 40 patients died and the mortality was associated with recurrent seizures, CD4+ cell counts d" 100 / ul, male sex, HAART-naivety and presence of co-morbidity and complications. CONCLUSIONS: The progressive reduction in the yearly frequency of neuropathy among HIV/AIDS patients suggests a beneficial effect of HAART on neuropathies. However, late presentation, low CD4+ cell counts and failure of patients to start HAART early were responsible for AIDS-related mortality thus highlighting the importance of early HIV screening and treatment.

Impact of elevated IgE in protective immunity and immunopathology of dengue.

Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted infection endemic in tropical and subtropical locations of the world where nearly half of the world's population resides. The disease may present as mild febrile illness to severe and can even be fatal if untreated. There are four genetically related but antigenically distinct dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. Immune responses to DENV infection are in general protective but under certain conditions, they can also aggravate the disease. The importance of the cellular immune responses and the antibody responses involving IgG and IgM has been well-studied. In contrast, not much has been described on the potential role of hypersensitivity reactions involving IgE in dengue. Several studies have shown elevated levels of IgE in patients with dengue fever, but its involvement in the immune response against the virus and disease is unknown. Activation of mast cells (MCs) and basophils mediated through dengue-specific IgE could result in the release of mediators affecting dengue virus infection. The present review explores the relationships between the induction of IgE in dengue virus infection, and the potential role of MCs and basophils, exploring both protective and pathogenic aspects, including antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection in dengue.

Sunlight exposure might account for the relatively low COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in tropical countries.

The present study aimed at exploring whether sunlight exposure might account for the relative difference in COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality between tropical and non-tropical countries. A retrospective observational study was designed and data from the World Health Organization weekly COVID-19 epidemiological update was compiled. We examined the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 population, as well as the total number of COVID-19-related mortalities per 100 000 population. Solar variables data were obtained from the Global Solar Atlas website (https://globalsolaratlas.info/). These data were analyzed to determine the association of sunlight exposure to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in tropical and non-tropical countries. Results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100 000 population (P<0.001), as well as the number of COVID-19-related mortalities per 100 000 population (P<0.001) between tropical and non-tropical countries. Analyses of sunlight exposure data found that specific photovoltaic power output, global horizontal irradiation, diffuse horizontal irradiation and global tilted irradiation at optimum angle were significantly inversely correlated to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. This suggests that stronger sunlight exposure potentially leads to lower COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. Findings from this study suggest that the relatively low COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in tropical countries were possibly due to better sunlight exposure that translates into adequate vitamin D status.

SCAPS-1D simulated organometallic halide perovskites: A comparison of performance under Sub-Saharan temperature condition.

Photovoltaic technology has been widely recognized as a means to advance green energy solutions in the sub-Saharan region. In the real-time operation of solar modules, temperature plays a crucial role, making it necessary to evaluate the thermal impact on the performance of the solar devices, especially in high-insolation environments. Hence, this paper investigates the effect of operating temperature on the performance of two types of organometallic halide perovskites (OHP) - formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) and methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). The solar cells were evaluated under a typical Nigerian climate in two different cities before and after graphene passivation. Using a one-dimensional solar capacitance simulation software (SCAPS-1D) program, the simulation results show that graphene passivation improved the conversion efficiency of the solar cells by 0.51 % (FASnI3 device) and 3.11 % (MAPbI3 device). The presence of graphene played a vital role in resisting charge recombination and metal diffusion, which are responsible for the losses in OHP. Thermal analysis revealed that the MAPbI3 device exhibited an increased fill factor (FF) in the temperature range of 20-64 °C, increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE). This ensured that the MAPbI3 solar cell performed better in the city and the season with harsher thermal conditions (Kaduna, dry season). Thus, MAPbI3 solar cells can thrive excellently in environments where the operating temperature is below 65 °C. Overall, this study shows that the application of OHP devices in sub-Saharan climatic conditions is empirically possible with the right material modification.