Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Papillomavirus in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in the world. Today, there is growing evidence that HPV can be transmitted early in life, and one potential route is mother-to-child transmission. Data on this route of HPV transmission are scarce in Africa and particularly in Burkina Faso, where no data on the subject are yet available. The aim of our study was to estimate the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HPV infection and to identify circulating genotypes. Methodology: Cervico-uterine samples were collected from 100 full-term pregnant women and, buccal samples were obtained from their newborns at Hopital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO) by the specialist physician. HPV DNA amplification and genotyping were performed by PCR followed by hybridization using the HPV Direct Flow Chips kit, detecting 36 genotypes including 18 high-risk and 18 low-risk. Results: The prevalence of HPV in newborns was 8% (8/100). Six (6) HPV-positive neonates had HPV-positive mothers, while 2 HPV-positive neonates had HPV-negative mothers. The vertical transmission rate was 26.09% (6/23). Mother-newborn genotypes were concordant. However, the genotype profile of the newborns was more restricted than that of the mothers. Conclusion: HPV DNA was found in 8% of newborns in our study. The genotype profile of the mother-newborn pair was concordant. Asymptomatic HPV infection in a pregnant woman could constitute a risk factor for vertical transmission.

A meta-analysis of lamivudine for interruption of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus

AIM： To determine the therapeutic effect of lamivu- dine in late pregnancy for the interruption of motherto-child transmission （MTCT） of hepatitis B virus （HBV）. METHODS： Studies were identified by searching available databases up to January 2011. Inclusive criteria were HBV-carrier mothers who had been involved in randomized controlled clinical trials （RCTs） with lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy, and newborns or infants whose serum hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg）, hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg） or HBV DNA had been documented. The relative risks （RRs） for inerruption of MTCT as indicated by HBsAg, HBV DNA or HBeAg of newborns or infants were calculated with 95% confidence interval （CI） to estimate the efficacy of lamivudine treatment. RESULTS： Fifteen RCTs including 1693 HBV-carrier mothers were included in this meta-analysis. The overall RR was 0.43 （95% CI, 0.25-0.76; 8 RCTs; Phet- erogeneity= 0.04） and 0.33 （95% CI, 0.23-0.47; 6 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.93） indicated by newborn HBsAg or HBV DNA. The RR was 0.33 （95% CI, 0.21-0.50; 6 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.46） and 0.32 （95% CI, 0.20-0.50; 4 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.33） indicated by serum HBsAg or HBV DNA of infants 6-12 mo after birth. The RR （lamivudine vs hepatitis B immunoglobulin） was 0.27 （95% CI, 0.16-0.46; 5 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.94） and 0.24 （95% CI, 0.07-0.79; 3 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.60） indicated by newborn HBsAg or HBV DNA, respectively. In the mothers with viral load 〈 106 copies/mL after lamivudine treatment, the efficacy （RR, 95% CI） was 0.33, 0.21-0.53 （5 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.82） for the interruption of MTCT, however, this value was not significant if maternal viral load was 〉 106 copies/mL after lamivudine treatment （P = 0.45, 2 RCTs）, as indicated by newborn serum HBsAg. The RR （lamivudine initiated from 28 wk of gestation vs control） was 0.34 （95% CI, 0.22-0.52; 7 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.92） and 0.33 （95% CI, 0.22-0.50; 5 RCTs; Pheterogeneity = 0.86） indicated by newborn HBsAg or HBV DNA. The incidence of adverse effects of lamivudine was not higher in the mothers than in controls （P = 0.97）. Only one study reported side effects of lamivudine in newborns. CONCLUSION： Lamivudine treatment in HBV carrier- mothers from 28 wk of gestation may interrupt MTCT of HBV efficiently. Lamivudine is safe and more efficient than hepatitis B immunoglobulin in interrupting MTCT. HBV MTCT might be interrupted efficiently if maternal viral load is reduced to 〈 106 copies/mL by lamivudine treatment.

Estimating the Health and Economic Outcomes of the Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV Using a Decision Tree Model

In 2016, there were 17.8 million (15.4-20.3 million) women living with HIV/AIDS across the world and the prevalence of reproductive desire among this group was 26%-49%[1]. If pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS are left untreated, the rates of HIV transmission from mother-to-child would range from 14% to 48%, depending on the presence and duration of breastfeeding[2].

Effects of cross-Kerr coupling on transmission spectrum of double-cavity optomechanical system

We theoretically study the transmission spectrum of the cavity field in a double-cavity optomechanical system with cross-Kerr(CK) effect. The system consists of two tunneling coupling optomechanical cavities with a mechanical resonator as a coupling interface. By doping CK medium into the mechanical resonator, CK couplings between the cavity fields and the mechanical resonator are introduced. We investigate the effects of CK coupling strength on the transmission spectrum of the cavity field, including the transmission rate, nonreciprocity and four-wave mixing(FWM). We find that the transmission spectrum of the probe field can show two obvious transparent windows, which can be widened by increasing the CK coupling strength. For the transmission between the two cavity fields, the perfect nonreciprocity and reciprocity are present and modulated by CK coupling and phase difference between two effective optomechanical couplings. In addition, the effects of the optomechanical and CK couplings on FWM show that the single peak of FWM is split into three symmetrical peaks due to the introduction of the CK effect.

Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of Syphilis: Chinese Practice before and during COVID-19 Pandemics

Mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of syphilis remains a leading cause of stillbirth and death among neonates in many developing countries.In 2007,World Health Orgernization launched the global elimination of MTCT(EMTCT)of syphilis.Given the high burden of congenital syphilis,China subsequently released the specific national EMTCT policies and programs to reduce MTCT of syphilis.The congenital syphilis incidence rate per 100,000 live births in China has markedly decreased from 69.9 in 2013 to 11.9 in 2019.However,due to the global pandemic of COVID-19,the current measures for eliminating MTCT of syphilis are greatly challenged.In this article,we summarize the strategies and measures for the EMTCT of syphilis in China in the past 20 years,the remarkable achievements by the policy support under the leadership of the government.In the context of COVID-19 pandemics,strengthening emergency response to the regional outbreaks of COVID-19,adopting safe,rapid,early and high-quality clinical care for 100%of pregnant women to receive prenatal syphilis testing services,ensuring the availability of Benzathine penicillin for the treatment,and strengthening the closed-loop management of pregnant women and newborns infected with syphilis are the key measures to determine the effectiveness of MTCT for syphilis.Lessons from China may be valuable for other countries that are planning to eliminate MTCT of syphilis.

Enhanced Data Transmission Rate of XCTD Profiler Based on OFDM

An expendable conductivity-temperature-depth profiler(XCTD)is one of the most important instruments used to obtain hydrological data,such as temperature and conductivity,and detect ocean depth in a large area.However,the XCTD channel provides poor time-varying performance,narrowband,and low signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),which severely restricts the data transmission rate.In contrast to conventional single-carrier modulation techniques,such as amplitude-shift keying and differential phase-shift keying,this article provides a new method,based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM)to enhance the data transmission rate of deep-sea abandoned profilers.We apply the OFDM to enhance the SNR of the XCTD,which is achieved by reducing the data transmission rate of each sub-channel.Moreover,the bandwidth utilization may be improved by increasing the number of subcarriers in a given bandwidth,which enhances the data transmission rate.Based on analysis of the XCTD channel model,OFDM with different parameters such as constellation mapping,number of subcarriers,subcarrier spacing,signal period and cyclic prefix are achieved.To verify the effectiveness of the OFDM,this study investigates the influence of different parameters on the data transmission rate at different noise levels,i.e.,-20 dB and-40 d B.

Exploring the impact of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral interventions to reduce vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major public health burden.In HBV endemic regions,high prevalence is also correlated with the infections acquired in infancy through perinatal transmission or early childhood exposure to HBV,the socalled mother-to-child transmission(MTCT).Children who are infected with HBV at a young age are at higher risk of developing chronic HBV infection than those infected as adults,which may lead to worse clinical outcome.To reduce the incidence of HBV MTCT,several interventions for the infants or the mothers,or both,are already carried out.This review explores the newest information and approaches available in literature regarding HBV MTCT prevalence and its challenges,especially in high HBV endemic countries.This covers HBV screening in pregnant women,prenatal intervention,infant immunoprophylaxis,and postvaccination serological testing for children.

A new method for improving the inductively coupled data transmission rate of mooring buoy based on carrier signal frequency selection

In the inductively coupled data transmission system of the mooring buoy, the carrier signal frequency of the transmission channel is limited due to the inherent characteristics of the system, resulting in limited channel bandwidth. The limited channel bandwidth limits the increase in inductively coupled data transmission rate.In order to improve the inductively coupled data transmission rate of mooring buoy as much as possible without damaging the data transmission performance, a new method was proposed in this paper. The method is proposed to improve the data transmission rate by selecting the appropriate carrier signal frequencies based on the principle of maximizing the amplitude value of amplitude-frequency characteristic curve of the system. Research has been done according to this method as follows. Firstly, according to the inductively coupled transmission mooring buoy structure, the inductively coupled data transmission circuit model was established. The binary frequency shift keying(2FSK) digital signal modulation mode was selected. Through theoretical analysis, the relation between the carrier signal frequency and the data transmission performance, the relation between the carrier signal frequency and the 2FSK signal bandwidth were obtained. Secondly, the performance and the bandwidth of the signal transmission were studied for the inherent characteristics of the actual inductively coupled data transmission system. The amplitude-frequency characteristic of the system was analyzed by experiments. By selecting the appropriate carrier signal frequency parameters, an excellent data transmission performance was guaranteed and a large 2FSK signal bandwidth was obtained. Finally, an inductively coupled data transmission rate optimization experiment and a bit error rate analysis experiment were designed and carried out. The results show that the high-speed and reliable data transmission of the system was realized and the rate can reach 100 kbps.

Experiences of Mothers on the Utilization of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality among women of reproductive age and Mother to Child Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus is still a challenge affecting many countries. Globally, an estimation of 180,000 children under 15 years acquire the Human immunodeficiency virus every day, and more than 90% of those infections are due to Mother to Child Transmission. The study sought to explore the experiences of mothers on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design was employed using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample that was selected using purposive sampling technique. Thirteen participants were recruited, and these were HIV-positive mothers at least between the ages of 15 and 49 years and enrolled in the Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV program. The in-depth interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings: Three main themes that emerged are;living with HIV, support system and barriers to utilization of Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV services. Most of the participants expressed having acquired knowledge from the program, and received counselling and support from spouses, family as well as health personnel at Mtendere health facility which culminated into a positive experience and enhanced their uptake of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services. However, barriers to service utilization were identified and these included fear of stigma, negative attitudes from health workers, long waiting times, lack of support and lack of transport to the health facility. Conclusion: Interventions such as community awareness campaigns on Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV, male involvement and implementing mother-to-mother peer support strategies in Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV service utilization should be prioritized so as to alleviate stigma and enhancing a positive experience for these mothers thus reducing on the Mother to Child HIV Transmission burden and mortality rates.

Joint Optimization Strategy for Video Transmission over Distributed Cognitive Radio Networks

A novel joint optimization strategy for the secondary user( SU) was proposed to consider the short-term and long-term video transmissions over distributed cognitive radio networks( DCRNs).Since the long-term video transmission consisted of a series of shortterm transmissions, the optimization problem in the video transmission was a composite optimization process. Firstly,considering some factors like primary user's( PU's) collision limitations,non-synchronization between SU and PU,and SU's limited buffer size, the short-term optimization problem was formulated as a mixed integer non-linear program( MINLP) to minimize the block probability of video packets. Secondly,combining the minimum packet block probability obtained in shortterm optimization and SU's constraint on hardware complexity,the partially observable Markov decision process( POMDP) framework was proposed to learn PU's statistic information over DCRNs.Moreover,based on the proposed framework,joint optimization strategy was designed to obtain the minimum packet loss rate in long-term video transmission. Numerical simulation results were provided to demonstrate validity of our strategies.

Examine a dynamic of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the population-based surveys

The main source of HIV infection in young children is of their mothers, during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or by breastfeeding. The rate of HIV transmission from infected mothers to their newborn children varies from 15% to 40% with one-thirds of these infections was through breastfeeding. This paper examines cross-sectional population-based survey data of HIV test results among mothers and their children in Uganda, Swaziland to estimates of mother-to- child transmission (MTCT) rate of HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV among women aged 15 - 49 who gave birth in the past 5 years in Uganda is 7.3%, and in Swaziland is 37.9%. The HIV prevalence of children who mothers were HIV positive were very similar: 10.3% in Uganda and 11.5% in Swaziland. This association represents the crude rate of MTCT in these two countries at the time of the survey. Presence of HIV antibody in early age (0 - 11 months) is due to both true infection and passive antibody from mothers. The seroconversion dropped nearly half in the second year of age which was likely that many of these children died before reaching the age of 12 - 23 months and passive antibody were gradually cleared at this point. This analysis demonstrated that cross-sectional data can be used to estimate indirectly the magnitude and dynamic of MTCT.

An Estimation of Achievable Rate for Digital Transmissions over MIMO Channels

Achievable rate (AR) is significant to communications. As to multi-input multi-output (MIMO) digital transmissions with finite alphabets inputs, which greatly improve the performance of communications, it seems rather difficult to calculate accurate AR. Here we propose an estimation of con-siderable accuracy and low complexity, based on Euclidean measure matrix for given channel states and constellations. The main contribution is explicit expression, non-constraints to MIMO schemes and channel states and constellations, and controllable estimating gap. Numerical results show that the proposition is able to achieve enough accurate AR computation. In addition the estimating gap given by theoretical deduction is well agreed.

Performance Evaluation of Flows with Diverse Traffic and Transmission Rates in IEEE 802.11 WLAN

IEEE 802.11 WLAN cannot guarantee the QoS of applications, thus admission control has been proposed as an essen-tial solution to enhance the QoS. Packet delay and throughput are commonly employed as assessment criterions to determine whether a new connection can be admitted into the WLAN. Considering the real network condition, the analytical model is presented in this paper, which is aimed to evaluate the packet delay and throughput performance of IEEE 802.11 WLAN in nonsaturated conditions, taking into account diverse transmission rates and diverse traffic flows (i.e. flows with different packet sizes and arrival rates) simultaneously. This model is based on Markov chain and the theoretical predictions are verified by simulation in OPNET 14.5. We also analyze the influences of transmission rate diversity and traffic flow diversity on throughput performance. It is observed that, the presence of even one station with lower transmission rate can cause a considerable degradation in throughput performance of all the stations when they have the same packet size and arrival rate. Higher system throughput can be achieved if lower transmission rate stations transmit packets with smaller size or arrival rate.

A survey of awareness and knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in pregnant women attending Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the knowledge and awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among women attending the antenatal clinic. Methods and Subjects: This was primarily a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the antenatal clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Nigeria from July 1st, 2010 to October 31st, 2010. Results: The age range of the respondents was 18 - 41 years, (mean 29 ± 5 years). One hundred and forty-nine (92.5%) were married. All the respondents interviewed were aware of HIV/AIDS and 93 (57.8%) had been aware of the disease for ≥5 years. The main sources of information were television 93 (57.8%), radio 77 (47.8%), health workers 53 (32.9%), friends, relatives and neighbors 41 (25.5%) and posters 34 (21.1%). Majority of the respondents identified sexual intercourse as a route of transmission of HIV. Sharing of sharp objects and blood transfusion were identified as routes of transmission by 99 (61.5%) and 82 (50.9%) respectively. One hundred and sixteen (72%) of the respondents knew an apparently healthy person could be living with HIV. Majority of the respondents 125 (77.6%) were aware that HIV can coexist with pregnancy and 120 (74.5%) were aware of MTCT of HIV. Vaginal delivery and breastfeeding were identified as routes of HIV transmission by 44 (27.3%) and 53 (32.9%) of respondents respectively. Delivery by caesarean section was identified as a method of prevention of MTCT by 25 (15.5%) respondents while as many as 48 (29.8%) respondents did not know any method of prevention of MTCT of HIV. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a low level of awareness of methods of prevention of MTCT of HIV among pregnant women booking for antenatal care in our center. Thus, there is the need for adequate counseling about HIV/AIDS and specific aspects of prevention of mother-to-child transmission in our antenatal clinics.

Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Factors in Exposed Children at University Hospital Center of Treichville (Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire)

Background: The elimination of HIV transmission from mother to child is currently possible. Cote d’Ivoire, which has a 4.6% HIV prevalence among women, is one of 22 pilot countries for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Since 2015, Cote d’Ivoire has adopted new strategies according to the WHO B+ guidelines. Objective: To identify factors associated with mother-to-child HIV transmission in children born of seropositive mothers managed at Treichville university hospital. Material and methods: A case-control study was conducted in the obstetrics department at Treichville university hospital, between January 2013 and December 2015. It involved children born to mothers infected with HIV, whose first PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) result was available during this period. A standardized questionnaire on data related to exposed children and their mother was used. Factors associated with mother-to-child HIV transmission were investigated using logistic regression. Results: A total of 214 HIV-exposed children were included in the study with a sex ratio of 0.9. The majority of the children were born by vaginal route (52.8%) and received post-exposure prophylaxis (88.3%) and replacement feed (51.9%). Their mothers received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy in 45.3% of the cases. The first PCR was performed at the sixth week of life in 52.3% of cases. The prevalence of HIV infection in exposed children was 7.5% (95% CI = 4.5% - 11.8%). In multivariate analysis, the absence of antiretroviral prophylaxis in children [aOR = 4.3, 95% (1.2 to 15.6), p = 0.03], the mixed feed [aOR = 3.8, 95% (1.1 - 13.1), p < 0.03], the failure to take antiretroviral regimen during pregnancy [aOR = 8.0, 95% CI (1.9 - 32.4), p < 0.003], were associated with mother-child HIV transmission. Conclusion: The mother-to-child HIV transmission rate remains high in our practice. Strategies to reduce situations that do not comply with current recommendations should be considered to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Missed Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) Visits and Associated Programmatic Predictors: A Pilot Study

Missed Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) visits have contributed to the delayed achievement of elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Missed visits promote attrition from prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV program and antiretroviral drug resistance. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of missed PMTCT visits and its associated predictors. A descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out at a District Hospital in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe. Fifty-three women completed closed-ended questionnaires pertaining to PMTCT visits and exposure to PMTCT activities. A total of 24.5% missed at least one scheduled PMTCT visit. Statistically significant predictors of not missing a PMTCT visit were satisfaction with family support (β = &minus;0.73, p = 0.029) and level of satisfaction with PMTCT services (β = &minus;0.00076;p = 0.04). The number of days by which scheduled visits were missed were inversely correlated with visit number (β = &minus;2.99, p = 0.04). Enhanced family support and quality improvement to improve patient satisfaction may reduce missed visits. Availing women with a more active role in PMTCT may also reduce the prevalence of missed visits.

Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: Experience of a Level 2 Health Center in Senegal

The elimination of vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child is a major global goal. In Senegal, the transmission rate was estimated at 3.2% in 2017. To reduce or even eliminate this transmission, Senegal has implemented various strategies and programs adopted and applied nationally. Thus access to services for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV has been extended to the level of the health post (the lowest level of the country’s health pyramid) with a delegation of tasks to paramedical staff (nurse, midwife) in the diagnosis and therapeutic management. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological profile of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-positive mothers, to assess the care of children born to HIV-positive mothers, to determine the rate of HIV transmission from mother to child. Patients and Method: We carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study of all live newborns of HIV-positive mothers who gave birth at the Gaspard Kamara Health Center (a level 2 health center in Dakar, Senegal) between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. The data were collected from prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) prenatal follow-up registers and files, delivery files and registers, and neonatology and pediatric follow-up files, and exploited using the Epi info 7 software. Results: There were 98 children of seropositive mothers. The epidemiological profile of the HIV-positive woman was that of a young woman aged between 16 and 43 with an average of 31.31 years, pauciparous (>65% of cases) from Dakar center (>75% of cases), housewife with a low socio-economic level (63.1% of cases), married in almost all cases, with HIV profile (in almost all cases) and diagnosed before pregnancy (51.02%). The analysis of the children’s data revealed a predominance of girls (52.04%) with a good birth weight (2964g on average) and a pregnancy carried to term in more than 95% of cases. ARV prophylaxis was almost entirely respected with triple therapy (AZT + 3TC + NVP) in a fixed combination as protocol. Protected breastfeeding (80.21%), including 6 months of exclusive protected breastfeeding, was the rule for the mode of feeding. Three children were diagnosed positive with PCR1 as with serology (3.06%). Discussion and Conclusion: the initiatives and strategies put in place in Senegal have enabled a significant reduction in mother-to-child transmission of HIV and deserve to be supported by insisting on primary prevention, programming and good follow-up of pregnancies, and a good support for HIV-positive women.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS during Pregnancy and Delivery and Associated Factors in the Region of Couffo in Benin

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the mother-to-child HIV Prevention Program, in Benin in 2016 reported a national rate of 6.7%. The Region of Couffo, within 12 Regions (departments) in the country, had the highest rate of transmission, which was 16.1%. The study aimed to determine transmission rate during pregnancy and delivery as well as the factors associated with it. This is a retrospective and analytical study based on a sample of seventy (70) babies born to HIV-infected mothers in 2016 in Couffo. Key findings showed, there is a perinatal transmission of five percent (5%) and the factors associated with this transmission are: delay in carrying out first antenatal visits at the health facility, low frequency of visits performed versus number requested and appropriate time, poor health condition of mothers during pregnancy, absence or late start of antiretroviral care and treatment during pregnancy, irregular intake of intermittent presumptive treatment at sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to prevent malaria, a short antiretroviral therapy (less than three months) for mothers before delivery and the default in cleaning mother’s genital tract with betadine after the woman’s water broke.

Influence of RMB exchange rate fluctuation on urban-rural income from the perspective of transmission asymmetry

Based on time series data of RMB exchange rate and urban-rural income, this paper makes an empirical study for the influence of RMB exchange rate fluctuation on urban-rural income by utilizing rolling regression model through direct and indirect transmission mechanisms. According to the results, the transmission effect of RMB exchange rate fluctuation on urban-rural income has features of incompleteness and asymmetry. Moreover, RMB appreciation will help to reduce the urban-rural income gap. Therefore, this paper suggests that the Chinese economy should accelerate the course of transforming mode, adjusting structure and promoting development under the new normal. Meanwhile, reform of RMB exchange rate mechanism should be promoted, living standard of residents must be improved, and the urban-rural income gap should be reduced.

Status Report on the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMCT) of HIV at the Pikine National Hospital Center (CHNP), Dakar/Senegal

Introduction: For several years, the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a major public health issue in Africa. Since 2012, Senegal has adopted WHO option B+, consisting of systematic triple therapy for HIV-positive pregnant women, combined with breastfeeding and antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis for exposed newborns. It is in this dynamic that we set ourselves the objectives of evaluating the rate of transmission of HIV from mother to child and taking stock of the monitoring of children born to HIV-positive mothers at the Pediatric Department of the CHN of Pikine located in the Dakar suburbs. Methodology: Thus, we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional cohort follow-up study from 11/25/2014 to 03/09/2022 including all children born to HIV-positive mothers followed at the Pikine CHN since the start of care. Results: We had collected 51 children exposed to HIV and followed in our structure. They were exposed to HIV1 in 92% of cases. The HIV status of the mothers was known before pregnancy in more than half of the cases. The couples were serodiscordant in 56% of cases. The mothers were in clinical stage 1 of the disease in 69.6% of cases and were already under treatment in 47% of cases. The most used treatment regimen was ATRIPLA with Tenofovir (TDF) + Emtracitabine (FTC) + Efavirenz (EFV) in 59% of cases. Compliance was good in the majority of cases. The CD4 count during pregnancy was low in 10.6% of cases. The pregnancy was well followed in only 36.2% of cases. The mothers had given birth in our structure in 91.4% of cases. The vaginal route was found in 72.5% of cases and delivery was carried out by a midwife in 69.4% of cases. The average birth weight was 2733 ± 564. The majority of newborns had received antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis after birth, half of them between 12 and 24 hours. The most used therapeutic protocol was Zidovudine (AZT) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Lopinavir/Ritonavir (LPV/r). Protected breastfeeding was the option chosen in 76.8% of cases. The PCR performed at 6 weeks was negative in more than half of the cases. Retroviral serology was carried out after 14 months in 43% of cases. We noted a single positive case with a negative initial PCR, representing an overall transmission rate of 1.96%. Conclusion: Senegal’s current policy targeting EMTCT of HIV is on good momentum with a fairly low transmission rate thanks to screening of pregnant women and prophylaxis with antiretrovirals (ARV) for HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy and for life. And children exposed from birth and during breastfeeding up to 6 weeks with regular monitoring.