Recent Advancements in Reducing the Off-Target Effect of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing.

The CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)) and the associated protein (Cas9) system, a young but well-studied genome-editing tool, holds plausible solutions to a wide range of genetic disorders. The single-guide RNA (sgRNA) with a 20-base user-defined spacer sequence and the Cas9 endonuclease form the core of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. This sgRNA can direct the Cas9 nuclease to any genomic region that includes a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) just downstream and matches the spacer sequence. The current challenge in the clinical applications of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology is the potential off-target effects that can cause DNA cleavage at the incorrect sites. Off-target genome editing confuses and diminishes the therapeutic potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in addition to potentially casting doubt on scientific findings regarding the activities of genes. In this review, we summarize the recent technological advancements in reducing the off-target effect of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.

Endogenous advanced glycation end products in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications.

Diabetes is a common metabolic illness characterized by hyperglycemia and is linked to long-term vascular problems that can impair the kidney, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. By increasing protein glycation and gradually accumulating advanced glycation end products in the tissues, hyperglycemia plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Advanced glycation end products are heterogeneous molecules generated from non-enzymatic interactions of sugars with proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids via the glycation process. Protein glycation and the buildup of advanced glycation end products are important in the etiology of diabetes sequelae such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and atherosclerosis. Their contribution to diabetes complications occurs via a receptor-mediated signaling cascade or direct extracellular matrix destruction. According to recent research, the interaction of advanced glycation end products with their transmembrane receptor results in intracellular signaling, gene expression, the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, and the production of free radicals, all of which contribute to the pathology of diabetes complications. The primary aim of this paper was to discuss the chemical reactions and formation of advanced glycation end products, the interaction of advanced glycation end products with their receptor and downstream signaling cascade, and molecular mechanisms triggered by advanced glycation end products in the pathogenesis of both micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus.

Magnitude of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Associated Factors Among Computer User Bankers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are the leading cause of workplace health problems; affect workers, employers, and society as a whole following direct and indirect cost. Bankers are expected to perform at computer workstations for long periods of time. As a result, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Hence, this study intends to assess magnitude of work related musculoskeletal disorders and its predictors among computer user bankers in this study area. Material and methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2021. A total of 422 private and Public own computer user bankers were participated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Binary logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. P value less than .05 at 95% CI was considered as a significant association between dependent and independent variables. Result: Overall, 245 (58.8%) of computer-user bankers were suffered work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the previous 12 months. Aged 30 and above [AOR:6.5 (1.7-24.6)], no regular physical exercise [AOR: 6.03 (2.2-16.3)], not received ergonomics training [AOR: 5.46 (2.2-13.1)] and working in awkward posture [AOR: 8.76 (2.9-25.9)] were significantly associated to work related musculoskeletal disorders in the previous 12 months. Conclusion: The magnitude of musculoskeletal disorders among computer user bankers was high. Implementing proper working posture, regular physical exercise, avoiding prolonged use of computer and receiving ergonomics training will reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders among computer user bankers. The implications of the findings enhance the need for training supervision, cascading tasks taking the age of workers in to account, sustained supply of work station materials and promoting physical exercise by banks to their workers uninterruptedly.

Levels and Determinants of Prenatal Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Pregnant women are a critical part of the community to assess various determinants of their future breastfeeding practice. This study aimed to assess the levels and determinants of breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and intention among pregnant women. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women from January 18 to February 27, 2022, at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DTCSH) in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews from participants selected by convenience sampling technique. Data analysis was made using Stata version 16.0. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the determinants of the knowledge, attitude, and intention of pregnant women, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Result: About 57.8% of participants had adequate breastfeeding knowledge and only 46.9% had a positive attitude. Almost two-thirds (65.4%) of them had good intentions to breastfeed. Pregnant women attaining secondary education (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.19), achieving college or university education (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.63, 7.41), being multiparous (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.43), having four or more ANC visits (AOR:1.45; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.31), and having prior breastfeeding experience (AOR: 3.53; 95% CI: 2.22, 5.65) were significant predictors of adequate knowledge. Attending college or university education (AOR = 2.71;95% CI: 2.33, 5.13), being multiparous (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.32, 8.25), and having adequate knowledge (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.88,7.14) were determinants of a positive breastfeeding attitude. Whereas, advanced age (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.59), adequate knowledge (AOR: 5.21; 95% CI: 1.51,8.04), and positive attitude (AOR = 2.41;95% CI:1.50, 4.27) were independent predictors of good breastfeeding intention. Conclusion: The breastfeeding knowledge and attitude of pregnant women were generally suboptimal. Their overall breastfeeding intention was also unsatisfactory. This highlights the need to develop culture-specific interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and intention to enhance the appropriate breastfeeding practice of their future children.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Debre Tabor public health institutions: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Vaccination is the best means of reducing the increased risk of severe COVID-19 during pregnancy. Data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Ethiopia is scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and associated factors among pregnant women. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 pregnant women attending antenatal care in Debre Tabor public health institutions from March 14 to 30, 2022. Participants were recruited using a multistage sampling technique and data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Stata version 16.0 software was used for data analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake, with a p-value< 0.05 considered statistically significant. Result: Only 14.4% (95% CI: 11.7%-17.3%) of participants had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines. The main reasons for declining vaccination were fear that the COVID-19 vaccine may have harmful side effects on the fetus or the mother. Being 45 or older (AOR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.01-2.95), being married (AOR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.12, 2.96), having good knowledge (AOR:3.52, 95%CI:1.83-3.87), and a positive attitude (AOR:4.81, 95% CI: 1.42-7.33) were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. But attaining a college or university education (AOR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.12-0.69) was found to be a barrier to vaccine uptake by pregnant women. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women was substantially low. Old age, being married, low education, good knowledge, and a positive attitude were significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. To enhance the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, the government should improve the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women toward the COVID-19 vaccine.