结球甘蓝CBF家族特征分析及低温诱导基因BoCBF1、BoCBF2a和BoCBF3表达分析

转录因子CBF在植物对低温胁迫的响应和增强植物的抗寒性方面发挥着重要作用。为分析结球甘蓝CBF家族成员的氨基酸序列特征,探究其是否受低温诱导表达,本研究利用结球甘蓝923全基因组数据库对其进行蛋白质理化特征、系统发育关系、编码基因结构以及2℃低温胁迫下编码基因表达水平分析。结果表明,共鉴定到7个BoCBF基因,系统发育分析后分成2个亚组(Ⅰ和Ⅱ)。BoCBF蛋白的氨基酸长度为203~283 aa,全部是亲水性蛋白质。在结球甘蓝02-12中,BoCBF1、BoCBF2a和BoCBF3基因在叶、花、芽和角果中基本不表达,在愈伤组织、根和茎中表达量较低。转录组测序和实时荧光定量PCR分析发现,在耐寒结球甘蓝923和不耐寒结球甘蓝D9中,BoCBF2b、BoCBF2c基因不受低温诱导表达,BoCBF2a基因低温诱导表达最为迅速,其次是BoCBF1和BoCBF3基因。BoCBF1、BoCBF2a和BoCBF3基因的相对表达量在低温胁迫3~6 h达到最大值,相对表达量达到最大值后急剧下降,在24 h降至最低。本研究结果为后续开展BoCBF1、BoCBF2a和BoCBF3基因调控结球甘蓝响应低温胁迫机理研究奠定了基础。

野生稻CBF/DREB1转录因子的鉴定与生物信息学分析

低温冷害是限制栽培稻地域分布和产量的重要因素之一,严重影响我国的粮食安全。以CBF/DREB1为核心的C-重复结合因子-冷调节基因(CBF-COR)途径是水稻适应低温的重要信号传导途径。基于稻属9种植物的全基因测序结果和隐马尔可夫模型(HMM)搜索,共鉴定出71个CBF/DREB1基因序列。所有基因均无内含子,由单个外显子组成。大部分DREB1s呈弱酸性,所有DREB1s亲水性平均值<0。进化树分析进一步将其分为3个组:DREB1A/1B/1H、DREB1C/1E/1F/1G和DREB1D/1I/1J,各组成员除AP2保守结构域和侧翼序列外,其他保守基序组成差别较大。适应性进化分析粳亚种和其他水稻的直系同源基因对,发现OsDREB1A/ObDREB1A、OsDREB1D/OnDREB1D、OsDREB1I/OsIDREB1I和OsDREB1J/OsIDREB1J四对基因非同义替换/同义替换(Ka/Ks)值均>1,受到正选择压力。旁系同源基因之间启动子顺式元件种类和数量差异较大,直系同源基因的启动子顺式元件种类和数量很相似。对日本晴、93-11和东乡野生稻7 d幼苗4℃冷处理2 h的实时荧光定量PCR分析发现早期冷响应基因可分为激活型(DREB1A/1B/1C/1E/1F/1G/1H)和抑制型(DREB1D/1I/1J)。在日本晴、93-11和东乡野生稻冷激活型基因中,DREB1B/1G/1H均是冷处理后响应最快的一级冷响应因子,且启动子均含有至少一个拷贝的CAMTA转录因子结合元件CM2(CCGCGT)。OrDREB1B/1C/1E/1F/1G/1H在东乡野生稻4℃冷处理4 h后的表达量均高于栽培稻同源基因的表达量。9种稻属植物的CBF/DREB1基因亚家族的分子进化分析结果为低温抗性基因的挖掘和利用提供了前期基础。

腰果CBF基因家族的鉴定及响应冷胁迫的表达模式

腰果(Anacardium occidentalie Linn)属于典型的热带果树,主要在我国的云南省、海南省等地种植。腰果具有重要的经济价值、社会价值、生态价值,为农民增产创收,实现共同富裕和乡村振兴战略具有重要价值。腰果对于低温十分敏感,在8℃时就会受到严重伤害,生长停止。所以低温胁迫是制约腰果生长的重要非生物胁迫。CBF转录因子是植物在应对低温、干旱、盐等非生物胁迫下中发挥重要作用的转录因子。然而CBF基因家族在腰果中的作用尚未阐明,该家族在低温胁迫下的表达模式尚不清楚。本研究对腰果AoCBF基因家族的基本特性进行探究,通过生物信息学方法,在腰果转录组中鉴定并获得6个AoCBF基因家族成员,分别对其系统发育、理化性质、蛋白结构、低温诱导下表达模式和启动子作用元件进行分析。理化性质分析结果表明:6个AoCBF蛋白长度为189~334 aa,蛋白分子量为21.31~37.89 kDa,等电点均小于7,表明该蛋白呈酸性,且均包含AP2/ERF结构域。基序分析表明:AoCBF基因存在5个基序,不同AoCBF基因Motif的缺失暗示着相关功能的缺失性。系统发育树分析表明:6个AoCBFs可分为A、B两个亚组,其中A组包含1个基因,B组仅包含5个基因。启动子顺势作用元件分析得出,AoCBF可能参与激素响应及非生物胁迫响应过程。荧光定量表达分析显示,AoCBFs对低温冷胁迫均有不同程度的响应,表明AoCBF在响应低温胁迫生物学过程中发挥着一定的作用。本研究分析了AoCBF基因家族的基本特性,为后续AoCBF的深入研究和应用积累基础数据。

Significant risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness:A processing strategy based on repeated machine learning

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a common complication that significantly impacts the patient's recovery process,even leading to adverse outcomes.Currently,there is a lack of effective preventive measures.AIM To identify significant risk factors for ICU-AW through iterative machine learning techniques and offer recommendations for its prevention and treatment.METHODS Patients were categorized into ICU-AW and non-ICU-AW groups on the 14th day post-ICU admission.Relevant data from the initial 14 d of ICU stay,such as age,comorbidities,sedative dosage,vasopressor dosage,duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,and rehabilitation therapy,were gathered.The relationships between these variables and ICU-AW were examined.Utilizing iterative machine learning techniques,a multilayer perceptron neural network model was developed,and its predictive performance for ICU-AW was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Within the ICU-AW group,age,duration of mechanical ventilation,lorazepam dosage,adrenaline dosage,and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than in the non-ICU-AW group.Additionally,sepsis,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,hypoalbuminemia,acute heart failure,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,anemia,stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding,shock,hypertension,coronary artery disease,malignant tumors,and rehabilitation therapy ratios were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group,demonstrating statistical significance.The most influential factors contributing to ICU-AW were identified as the length of ICU stay(100.0%)and the duration of mechanical ventilation(54.9%).The neural network model predicted ICU-AW with an area under the curve of 0.941,sensitivity of 92.2%,and specificity of 82.7%.CONCLUSION The main factors influencing ICU-AW are the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation.A primary preventive strategy,when feasible,involves minimizing both ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Sorl1 knockout inhibits expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor:involvement in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Sortilin-related receptor 1(SORL1)is a critical gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.SORL1 contributes to the development and progression of this neurodegenerative condition by affecting the transport and metabolism of intracellularβ-amyloid precursor protein.To better understand the underlying mechanisms of SORL1 in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease,in this study,we established a mouse model of SorI1 gene knockout using cluste red regularly inters paced short palindro mic repeats-associated protein 9 technology.We found that Sorl1-knocko ut mice displayed deficits in learning and memory.Furthermore,the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus and co rtex,and amyloidβ-protein deposits were observed in the brains of 5orl1-knockout mice.In vitro,hippocampal neuronal cell synapses from homozygous Sorl1-knockout mice were impaired.The expression of synaptic proteins,including Drebrin and NR2B,was significantly reduced,and also their colocalization.Additionally,by knocking out the Sorl1 gene in N2a cells,we found that expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor,NR2B,and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein was also inhibited.These findings suggest that SORL1 participates in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease by regulating the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein signaling axis.

Are TrkB receptor agonists the right tool to fulfill the promises for a therapeutic value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor tro pomyosin receptor kinase B regulates several crucial physiological processes.It has been shown to act in the brain,promoting neuronal survival,growth,and plasticity as well as in the rest of the body where it is involved in regulating for instance aspects of the metabolism.Due to its crucial and very pleiotro pic activity,reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling have been found to be associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases.Howeve r,because of its poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties,brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself has a very low therapeutic value.Moreover,the concomitant binding of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the p75 neurotrophin receptor has the potential to elicit several unwanted and deleterious side effects.Therefo re,developing tools and approaches to specifically promote tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling has become an important goal of translational research.Among the newly developed tools are different categories of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist molecules.In this review,we give a comprehensive description of the diffe rent tro pomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs developed so far and of the res ults of their application in animal models of several neurological diseases.Moreover,we discuss the main benefits of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists,concentrating especially on the new tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies.The benefits observed both in vitro and in vivo upon application of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs seem to predominantly depend on their general neuroprotective activity and their ability to promote neuronal plasticity.Moreover,tro pomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies have been shown to specifically bind the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and not p75 neurotrophin receptor.Therefore,while,based on the current knowledge,the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists do not seem to have the potential to reve rse the disease pathology per se,promoting brainderived neurotrophic factor/tro pomyosin receptor kinase B signaling still has a very high therapeutic relevance.

Biological factors driving colorectal cancer metastasis

Approximately 20%of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients present with metastasis at diagnosis.Among Stage I-III CRC patients who undergo surgical resection,18%typically suffer from distal metastasis within the first three years following initial treatment.The median survival duration after the diagnosis of metastatic CRC(mCRC)is only 9 mo.mCRC is traditionally considered to be an advanced stage malignancy or is thought to be caused by incomplete resection of tumor tissue,allowing cancer cells to spread from primary to distant organs;however,increa-sing evidence suggests that the mCRC process can begin early in tumor development.CRC patients present with high heterogeneity and diverse cancer phenotypes that are classified on the basis of molecular and morphological alterations.Different genomic and nongenomic events can induce subclone diversity,which leads to cancer and metastasis.Throughout the course of mCRC,metastatic cascades are associated with invasive cancer cell migration through the circulatory system,extravasation,distal seeding,dormancy,and reactivation,with each step requiring specific molecular functions.However,cancer cells presenting neoantigens can be recognized and eliminated by the immune system.In this review,we explain the biological factors that drive CRC metastasis,namely,genomic instability,epigenetic instability,the metastatic cascade,the cancer-immunity cycle,and external lifestyle factors.Despite remarkable progress in CRC research,the role of molecular classification in therapeutic intervention remains unclear.This review shows the driving factors of mCRC which may help in identifying potential candidate biomarkers that can improve the diagnosis and early detection of mCRC cases.

马铃薯CBFs基因家族的鉴定及其节律性表达分析

马铃薯对光照和温度等信号的敏感性是制约品种区域化种植的重要因素,CBF转录因子在维持植物生长发育和非生物胁迫响应之间的平衡过程中发挥重要作用,但马铃薯CBF基因家族缺少系统性分析.研究通过对马铃薯栽培种CBF基因家族的分析,发现8个StCBF蛋白的结构域较为保守,但基因启动子区存在较大差异.基因节律性表达分析结果显示,生物钟能调控StCBF1a、StCBF3a和StCBF4b的近日节律性表达,且在昼夜交替条件下,StCBF1a、StCBF3a和StCBF4b转录本积累的峰值在傍晚时段.为解析StCBF在环境适应性调控中的生物学功能和探索其在马铃薯遗传改良中的应用提供基础理论支持.

Predictive factors and model validation of post-colon polyp surgery Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND Recently,research has linked Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)stomach infection to colonic inflammation,mediated by toxin production,potentially impacting colorectal cancer occurrence.AIM To investigate the risk factors for post-colon polyp surgery,H.pylori infection,and its correlation with pathologic type.METHODS Eighty patients who underwent colon polypectomy in our hospital between January 2019 and January 2023 were retrospectively chosen.They were then randomly split into modeling(n=56)and model validation(n=24)sets using R.The modeling cohort was divided into an H.pylori-infected group(n=37)and an H.pylori-uninfected group(n=19).Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of H.pylori infection after colon polyp surgery.A roadmap prediction model was established and validated.Finally,the correlation between the different pathological types of colon polyps and the occurrence of H.pylori infection was analyzed after colon polyp surgery.RESULTS Univariate results showed that age,body mass index(BMI),literacy,alcohol consumption,polyp pathology type,high-risk adenomas,and heavy diet were all influential factors in the development of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.Binary multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age,BMI,and type of polyp pathology were independent predictors of the occurrence of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.969[95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.928–1.000]and 0.898(95%CI:0.773–1.000)in the modeling and validation sets,respectively.The slope of the calibration curve of the graph was close to 1,and the goodness-of-fit test was P>0.05 in the two sets.The decision analysis curve showed a high rate of return in both sets.The results of the correlation analysis between different pathological types and the occurrence of H.pylori infection after colon polyp surgery showed that hyperplastic polyps,inflammatory polyps,and the occurrence of H.pylori infection were not significantly correlated.In contrast,adenomatous polyps showed a significant positive correlation with the occurrence of H.pylori infection.CONCLUSION Age,BMI,and polyps of the adenomatous type were independent predictors of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.Moreover,the further constructed column-line graph prediction model of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy showed good predictive ability.

A growth-regulating factor 7(GRF7)-mediated gene regulatory network promotes leaf growth and expansion in sugarcane

Knowledge of the function of growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum and S.spontaneum)growth and development could assist breeders in selecting desirable plant architectures.However,limited information about GRFs is available in Saccharum due to their polyploidy.In this study,22 GRFs were identified in the two species and their conserved domains,gene structures,chromosome location,and synteny were characterized.GRF7 expression varied among tissues and responded to diurnal rhythm.SsGRF7-YFP was localized preferentially in the nucleus and appears to act as a transcriptional cofactor.SsGRF7 positively regulated the size and length of rice leaves,possibly by regulating cell size and plant hormones.Of seven potential transcription factors binding to the SsGRF7 promoter in S.spontaneum,four showed positive expression patterns,and two showed negative expression patterns relative to SsGRF7.

CBFβ-MYH11与BCR-ABL融合基因同时阳性的急性髓系白血病1例报道

费城染色体是由t(9;22)(q34;q11)易位形成的,是慢性髓系细胞白血病的特征性标志;伴有费城染色体阳性的急性髓系白血病发病率低,且诱导缓解率低,复发风险高,总生存时间较短[1-2]。而BCR-ABL和CBFβ-MYH112种融合基因同时表达的急性髓系白血病患者罕见,大都以个案形式被报道。本文就赣州市人民医院诊治的1例CBFβ-MYH11与BCR-ABL融合基因同时阳性的急性髓系白血病病例临床特征及诊疗过程报告如下。

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

Risk factors,prognostic factors,and nomograms for distant metastasis in patients with diagnosed duodenal cancer:A population-based study

BACKGROUND Duodenal cancer is one of the most common subtypes of small intestinal cancer,and distant metastasis(DM)in this type of cancer still leads to poor prognosis.Although nomograms have recently been used in tumor areas,no studies have focused on the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of DM in patients with primary duodenal cancer.AIM To develop and evaluate nomograms for predicting the risk of DM and person-alized prognosis in patients with duodenal cancer.METHODS Data on duodenal cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for DM in patients with duodenal cancer,and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors in duodenal cancer patients with DM.Two novel nomograms were established,and the results were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS A total of 2603 patients with duodenal cancer were included,of whom 457 cases(17.56%)had DM at the time of diagnosis.Logistic analysis revealed independent risk factors for DM in duodenal cancer patients,including gender,grade,tumor size,T stage,and N stage(P<0.05).Univariate and multivariate COX analyses further identified independent prognostic factors for duodenal cancer patients with DM,including age,histological type,T stage,tumor grade,tumor size,bone metastasis,chemotherapy,and surgery(P<0.05).The accuracy of the nomograms was validated in the training set,validation set,and expanded testing set using ROC curves,calibration curves,and DCA curves.The results of Kaplan-Meier survival curves(P<0.001)indicated that both nomograms accurately predicted the occurrence and prognosis of DM in patients with duodenal cancer.CONCLUSION The two nomograms are expected as effective tools for predicting DM risk in duodenal cancer patients and offering personalized prognosis predictions for those with DM,potentially enhancing clinical decision-making.

百香果CBF基因家族鉴定与表达分析

百香果(Passiflora edulis Sims)原产热带地区,对低温十分敏感。CBF(C-repeat binding factor)基因家族是AP2转录因子家族的一类成员,在植物应对低温、干旱和盐等非生物胁迫中发挥重要作用。对百香果CBF基因家族进行鉴定和分析,并探究其在低温胁迫下的表达模式,可为进一步研究百香果CBF基因功能提供重要的参考信息。采用生物信息学方法鉴定百香果CBF基因家族成员,并对家族成员的序列组分、理化性质、系统进化关系、染色体定位、基因结构、保守基序、启动子顺式作用元件和转录因子结合位点等进行分析,通过qRT-PCR方法分析其在低温胁迫下的表达模式。结果显示,百香果基因组中共有5个CBF基因家族成员,其中3个分布在1号染色体上,2个分布在7号染色体上,被预测定位到细胞核、质膜和过氧化物酶体中;含有1~2个外显子,11~12个motif;系统进化显示5个百香果CBF基因、10个水稻CBF基因及6个拟南芥CBF基因共分成了2大亚组:亚组Ⅰ中包括拟南芥的全部6个CBF基因、百香果的全部5个CBF基因和水稻的4个CBF基因,水稻剩下的6个CBF基因分到了亚组Ⅱ中;启动子区域含有25种顺式作用元件,以光响应、激素与逆境胁迫响应元件为主;共有20个转录因子结合位点;3个百香果CBF基因在低温胁迫下表达量极显著上升,推测上述基因参与了百香果低温胁迫响应。

Survey on Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Dakar Region

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases constitute a major public health problem, due to their morbi-mortality. The aim was to study knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among residents of Dakar. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Our investigations were recruited over a six-month period (October 17, 2021 to March 21, 2022). Results: Two hundred and twenty-six (226) patients were enrolled. The mean age was 45.9 years. The under-40 age group was the most represented with 37.2%. There were 129 men (57.1%), giving a male/female sex ratio of 1.33. The highest level was represented by 159 people (70.4%). Those who responded (heart disease) were in the majority (38.1%). Hypertension was the most common CVD for 101 people (44.7%). One hundred and ninety (190) people (84%) knew the risk factors for CVD. Good knowledge of risk factors concerned 103 people (54.2%). Obesity was the best-known risk factor in 156 cases (69%). The media was the most important source of information for 121 people (53.5%). Hypertensives were the most represented with 8.4%. One hundred and thirty (130) people (57.5%) had previously paid attention to these FDRCVs. Awareness campaigns were the most effective means of communication for 170 cases (75.2%). Sixteen (16) people (35.6%) were taking antihypertensive medication. Walking was the most popular physical activity for 102 people (45%). People with a balanced diet were in the majority, with 174 respondents (77.0%). Conclusion: NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is essential to develop and implement a prevention and management program.

Prevalence of Mastitis and Associated Risk Factors in Lactating Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) on Dairy Farms in Benadir Region, Somalia

The study took a comprehensive approach to understanding mastitis in lactating camels, a disease that significantly impacts milk quantity and quality. This complex and multifactorial disease poses a significant challenge to dairy camel farming, particularly in Somalia. The studys objective was to determine the prevalence of mastitis and the risk factors associated with it among lactating camels on dairy farms in Benadir, Somalia. To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2022 in the Benadir region of Somalia. A total of 96 lactating camels underwent examination using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) to identify clinical and subclinical mastitis cases. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 20 farm employees/owners to gather information on hygiene practices, parity, lactation stage, tick infestation, and the presence of udder/teat lesions. Data regarding parity and lactation stage were obtained through owner interviews. The data collected on specifically designed forms were recorded and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis using SPSS version 20 statistical software, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable analysis of the data. The studys findings revealed a significant prevalence of camel mastitis, with 34.4% (33/96) of lactating camels affected and clinical and subclinical cases constituting 5.2% and 29.2%, respectively. Quarter-level prevalence was 46.3%, with clinical and subclinical mastitis at 4.7% and 41.6%, respectively. The study also identified significant associations (P < 0.05) among risk factors such as stage of lactation, parity, and age, indicating a higher susceptibility to mastitis in older camels during early lactation compared to those in late lactation and younger camels. These findings underscore the crucial role of inadequate hygienic conditions on camel farms and udder tick infestations in driving the elevated prevalence of mastitis, highlighting the need for improved management practices in dairy farming in Benadir, Somalia. Effective interventions, including improved management practices and extension services, are essential to reduce the burden of mastitis in dairy camels.

Factors Contributing to Contamination of Street Foods in Bamako, Mali

The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors in the Garoua Central Prison, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Garoua city is the headquarters of the North Region of Cameroon, where the HBV prevalence is among the highest of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriage and associated factors among persons incarcerated in the Garoua Central Prison. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2023 at the Garoua Central prison. We included all prisoners willing to participate in the study and who gave their verbal consent. We collected data using a pre-established data entry form and we used rapid test for blood screening for HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) with ELISA confirmation. Data were analyzed using the R® software for Windows. After the univariate analysis, we selected associated variables to HBV infection with p-value p-value was set at 5%. Results: We included 1389 prisoners out of which 97.6% were male. The median age (IQR) of the study population was 28 (23 - 35) years. The median (IQR) duration of incarceration was 12 (6 - 26) months and the mean (±sd) number of incarcerations was 1.24 (±0.6). HBV prevalence was estimated at 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0 - 16.7). Upon uni- and multivariate analysis, no risk factor was significantly associated with viral hepatitis B infection in our study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B was high in the Garoua Central Prison, but there were no additional risk factors for HBV infection. There is a need to include the Garoua Central Prison and by the way other prisons in the country in the chronic viral hepatitis care program.

Associated Factors to Poor Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensives Followed Up at the Campus University Hospital of Lome (Togo)

Introduction: Hypertension is a real public health issue and its control is very difficult. We aim to determine the frequency of uncontrolled hypertension in hypertensive patients followed up as an outpatient at the campus university hospital of Lome (Togo) and to search for the associated factors. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical, carried out from February (2022) to August 2022 in 260 hypertensive patients aged 22 years old, followed up (on an) as an outpatient for at least 3 months at the Lome University Hospital campus. A univariate then multivariate analysis were conducted in order to highlight the most common factors significantly linked to uncontrolled. Results: The mean age of hypertensives was 56.4 ± 12.7 years, the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.59. Prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure was 42%. Associated Factors to poor blood pressure control in our study were age > 60 years (OR = 1.6 CI [1.17 - 2.50]), low socio-economic level (OR = 2.2 CI [1.96 - 4.33]), high cardiovascular risk level (OR = 3.1 CI [2.18 - 4.52]), non-adherence to regular blood pressure monitoring (OR = 3.3 CI [2.21 - 5.55]), low compliance to treatment (OR = 4.1 CI [2.33 - 6.76]) and a chronic renal failure (OR = 2.1 CI [1.21 - 3.10]). Conclusion: Nearly half of the hypertensives in our study had poorly controlled blood pressure by antihypertensive treatment medication. The factors of this poor control were age > 60 years, low socio-economic level, high or very high level of cardiovascular risk, low compliance to treatment, and renal failure.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted perinatal women’s mental health. However, protective factors associated with depression among pregnant Japanese women during the pandemic have not been reported. Purpose: The present study investigated the risk and protective factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 157 pregnant women between October 2022 and May 2023 at two general hospitals in Japan. The Japanese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women. Results: Overall, 47.1% and 35.7% of the pregnant women reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. A “history of mental illness” was a risk factor for depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, unmarried status was a risk factor for anxiety among pregnant women, whereas outdoor and indoor exercises were protective factors against depression and anxiety, respectively. Conclusions: Exercise may have protected pregnant women from depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging exercise may help maintain the mental health of pregnant women who do not have exercise restrictions.