Aim: To establish the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension, diabetes and obesity among teaching and non-teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara-Uganda. Background: None communicable diseases (NCDs)...Aim: To establish the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension, diabetes and obesity among teaching and non-teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara-Uganda. Background: None communicable diseases (NCDs) are projected to exceed communicable diseases as the most common causes of death by 2030 in Africa. Most sub-Saharan African countries however lack detailed countrywide data on hypertension and other NCDs risk factors. Cognizant of Uganda’s recent inclusion of Hypertension and diabetes in the health policy agenda, this study was conducted among the university staff in a rural setting to provide benchmark information for design of appropriate interventions. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, institutional based survey design. Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted among the teaching and none teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Uganda from 18th April-6th June 2017. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to gather social demographic and risk factors data from the university workers at their work stations. Blood pressure of each participant was measured and Hypertension was defined as systolic BP > 140 and/or diastolic (BP) > 90 mmHg. Anthropometric measurements: Body Mass index (BMI) was done by weight in (Kg) and Height in (M2) to establish weight levels. Obesity was considered at BMI > 40. A random Blood Sugar (RBS) > 200 mg/dl was considered as diabetic. Epi-info version 7 was used to enter data, analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: A total of 156 University staff aged 25 - 75 years of both sexes, mean age 42 ± 8 were interviewed of whom 51% were males. About 15% were administrative staff, 55% teaching staff, 3% senior lecturers and professors and 25% non-teaching staff. The prevalences of Hypertension, Diabetes, and obesity were 7.7%, 16%, and 28% respectively. But also majority (60.2%) were found at risk of developing both hypertension and diabetes. Less than 20% of the participants were knowledgeable on causes, signs and symptoms and preventive measures for Hypertension but had moderate knowledgeable of the risk factors, the most frequently mentioned risk by 71% was lack of exercise. Despite the awareness of risk factors, majority (61.3%) had not done any form of exercise and 64.1% had not had regular Blood pressure check ups. The study also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between those aged more than 40 years and having hypertension (X2 = 5.82, P = 0.015, OR = 4.2). Likewise the risk of Diabetes increased with increasing age. Lecturers aged 40 years and above were 5.6 times likely to have diabetes compared to those aged less than 40 years (OR = 5.6, X2 = 16 , P = 0.0005). A significant number of respondents 57/156 (36.5%) reported history of HPT among their family members. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed higher in senior administrative staff and lecturers than in lower cadre staff 49% and 34% (p 0.01). Conclusion: Hypertension, Diabetes and obesity are conditions prevalent among the teaching and none teaching staff of BSU, but knowledge on risk factors, clinical presentation and preventive strategies is limited. Routine physical exercises...展开更多
Since their introduction in the 1960s, cochlear implants （CIS） have undergone several transformations, ulti- mately positioning themselves as the best-performing neural prosthesis available today. They have also bee...Since their introduction in the 1960s, cochlear implants （CIS） have undergone several transformations, ulti- mately positioning themselves as the best-performing neural prosthesis available today. They have also been recognized as a unique tool for studying the potential protective effects of patterned electrical stimulation on the developing auditory system, with results from animal models often changing the manner in which CIs are used clinically to deliver auditory information to the brain （Moore and Shannon, 2009）. From the development of the first successful commercial single-channel device, they have evolved into multi-channel devices that are part of the national health programmes of several coun- tries. From the limited speech information provided by the early, rudimentary cochlear implants, these devices are now in a position to deliver intelligible speech infor- mation to the auditory system, largely due to advances in signal processing. Concerted efforts from several dis- ciplines, including engineering, acoustics, neurobiology and otolaryngology have ensured that the continued development of CI technology has resulted in signifi- cant benefits to individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss.展开更多
Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are a heterogenous group of nanosized,membranebound particles which are released by most cell types.They are known to play an essential role in cellular communication by way of their varied ...Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are a heterogenous group of nanosized,membranebound particles which are released by most cell types.They are known to play an essential role in cellular communication by way of their varied cargo which includes selectively enriched proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids.In the last two decades,wide-ranging evidence has established the involvement of EVs in the regulation of immunity,with EVs released by immune and non-immune cells shown to be capable of mediating immune stimulation or suppression and to drive inflammatory,autoimmune,and infectious disease pathology.More recently,studies have demonstrated the involvement of allograft-derived EVs in alloimmune responses following transplantation,with EVs shown to be capable of eliciting allograft rejection as well as promoting tolerance.These insights are necessitating the reassessment of standard paradigms of T cell alloimmunity.In this article,we explore the latest understanding of the impact of EVs on alloresponses following transplantation and we highlight the recent technological advances which have enabled the study of EVs in clinical transplantation.Furthermore,we discuss the rapid progress afoot in the development of EVs as novel therapeutic vehicles in clinical transplantation with particular focus on liver transplantation.展开更多
Aim: To investigate the effects of exposure of a macrolide-resistant [erm (B)-expressing] strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae (strain 2507) to clarithromycin (0.5 and 5 mg/L) added at the outset and 6 hours after initi...Aim: To investigate the effects of exposure of a macrolide-resistant [erm (B)-expressing] strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae (strain 2507) to clarithromycin (0.5 and 5 mg/L) added at the outset and 6 hours after initiation of culture on early gene expression, energy metabolism, and growth. Methods: Bacterial growth was determined by turbidometric and colony counting procedures, energy metabolism by measurement of ATP, while analysis of gene expression was performed using reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing. Results: Addition of clarithromycin, at either concentration, at the outset of culture, caused transient suppression of growth of 10 - 12 hours duration, while delayed addition of antibiotic (during the logarithmic phase) resulted in an abrupt halt in growth followed by recovery. These inhibitory effects of clarithromycin on bacterial growth were associated with up-regulation of expression of erm(B), decreased ATP and protein synthesis, and were unaffected by inclusion of either catalase (500 and 1000 kunits/L), or competence-stimulating peptide (CSP-1, 0.5 mg/L). The inhibitory effects could, however, be overcome by pre-exposure of the bacteria to the antibiotic. Moreover, clarithromycin appeared to potentiate the antimicrobial actions of ceftriaxone, at sub-MIC concentrations, for strain 2507. Conclusions: Unlike several other common bacterial pathogens, the full expression of erm(B)-mediated macrolide resistance by the pneumococcus has a slow onset, which is associated with transient susceptibility to macrolides and inhibition of growth.展开更多
Background:Pathogenic water dwelling protozoa such as Acanthamoeba spp.,Hartmannella spp.,Naegleria spp.,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.are often responsible for devastating illnesses especially in children and i...Background:Pathogenic water dwelling protozoa such as Acanthamoeba spp.,Hartmannella spp.,Naegleria spp.,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.are often responsible for devastating illnesses especially in children and immunocompromised individuals,yet their presence and prevalence in certain environment in sub-Saharan Africa is still unknown to most researchers,public health officials and medical practitioners.The objective of this study was to establish the presence and prevalence of pathogenic free-living amoeba(FLA),Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area(QEPA).Methods:Samples were collected from communal taps and natural water sites in QEPA.Physical water parameters were measured in situ.The samples were processed to detect the presence of FLA trophozoites by xenic cultivation,Cryptosporidium oocysts by Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Giardia cysts by Zinc Sulphate floatation technique.Parasites were observed microscopically,identified,counted and recorded.For FLA,genomic DNA was extracted for amplification and sequencing.Results:Both natural and tap water sources were contaminated with FLA,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.All protozoan parasites were more abundant in the colder rainy season except for Harmannella spp.and Naegleria spp.which occurred more in the warmer months.The prevalence of all parasites was higher in tap water than in natural water samples.There was a strong negative correlation between the presence of Acanthamoeba spp.,Hartmannella spp.,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.with Dissolved Oxygen(DO)(P<0.05).The presence of Cryptosporidium spp.showed a significant positive correlation(P<0.05)with conductivity,pH and Total Dissolved Solids(TDS);whereas the presence of Giardia spp.had only a strong positive correlation with TDS.Molecular genotyping of FLA produced 7 Acanthamoeba,5 Echinamoeba,2 Hartmannella,1 Bodomorpha,1 Nuclearia and 1 Cercomonas partial sequences.Conclusions:All water collection sites were found to be contaminated with pathogenic protozoa that could possibly be the cause of a number of silent morbidities and mortalities among rural households in QEPA.This implies that water used by communities in QEPA is of poor quality and predisposes them to a variety of protozoan infections including the FLA whose public health importance was never reported,thus necessitating adoption of proper water safety measures.展开更多
文摘Aim: To establish the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension, diabetes and obesity among teaching and non-teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara-Uganda. Background: None communicable diseases (NCDs) are projected to exceed communicable diseases as the most common causes of death by 2030 in Africa. Most sub-Saharan African countries however lack detailed countrywide data on hypertension and other NCDs risk factors. Cognizant of Uganda’s recent inclusion of Hypertension and diabetes in the health policy agenda, this study was conducted among the university staff in a rural setting to provide benchmark information for design of appropriate interventions. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, institutional based survey design. Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted among the teaching and none teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Uganda from 18th April-6th June 2017. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to gather social demographic and risk factors data from the university workers at their work stations. Blood pressure of each participant was measured and Hypertension was defined as systolic BP > 140 and/or diastolic (BP) > 90 mmHg. Anthropometric measurements: Body Mass index (BMI) was done by weight in (Kg) and Height in (M2) to establish weight levels. Obesity was considered at BMI > 40. A random Blood Sugar (RBS) > 200 mg/dl was considered as diabetic. Epi-info version 7 was used to enter data, analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: A total of 156 University staff aged 25 - 75 years of both sexes, mean age 42 ± 8 were interviewed of whom 51% were males. About 15% were administrative staff, 55% teaching staff, 3% senior lecturers and professors and 25% non-teaching staff. The prevalences of Hypertension, Diabetes, and obesity were 7.7%, 16%, and 28% respectively. But also majority (60.2%) were found at risk of developing both hypertension and diabetes. Less than 20% of the participants were knowledgeable on causes, signs and symptoms and preventive measures for Hypertension but had moderate knowledgeable of the risk factors, the most frequently mentioned risk by 71% was lack of exercise. Despite the awareness of risk factors, majority (61.3%) had not done any form of exercise and 64.1% had not had regular Blood pressure check ups. The study also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between those aged more than 40 years and having hypertension (X2 = 5.82, P = 0.015, OR = 4.2). Likewise the risk of Diabetes increased with increasing age. Lecturers aged 40 years and above were 5.6 times likely to have diabetes compared to those aged less than 40 years (OR = 5.6, X2 = 16 , P = 0.0005). A significant number of respondents 57/156 (36.5%) reported history of HPT among their family members. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed higher in senior administrative staff and lecturers than in lower cadre staff 49% and 34% (p 0.01). Conclusion: Hypertension, Diabetes and obesity are conditions prevalent among the teaching and none teaching staff of BSU, but knowledge on risk factors, clinical presentation and preventive strategies is limited. Routine physical exercises...
基金funded in part by the Rhodes Trust,United Kingdom(AI)and the Wellcome Trust,United Kingdom(DEHH)
文摘Since their introduction in the 1960s, cochlear implants （CIS） have undergone several transformations, ulti- mately positioning themselves as the best-performing neural prosthesis available today. They have also been recognized as a unique tool for studying the potential protective effects of patterned electrical stimulation on the developing auditory system, with results from animal models often changing the manner in which CIs are used clinically to deliver auditory information to the brain （Moore and Shannon, 2009）. From the development of the first successful commercial single-channel device, they have evolved into multi-channel devices that are part of the national health programmes of several coun- tries. From the limited speech information provided by the early, rudimentary cochlear implants, these devices are now in a position to deliver intelligible speech infor- mation to the auditory system, largely due to advances in signal processing. Concerted efforts from several dis- ciplines, including engineering, acoustics, neurobiology and otolaryngology have ensured that the continued development of CI technology has resulted in signifi- cant benefits to individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss.
文摘Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are a heterogenous group of nanosized,membranebound particles which are released by most cell types.They are known to play an essential role in cellular communication by way of their varied cargo which includes selectively enriched proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids.In the last two decades,wide-ranging evidence has established the involvement of EVs in the regulation of immunity,with EVs released by immune and non-immune cells shown to be capable of mediating immune stimulation or suppression and to drive inflammatory,autoimmune,and infectious disease pathology.More recently,studies have demonstrated the involvement of allograft-derived EVs in alloimmune responses following transplantation,with EVs shown to be capable of eliciting allograft rejection as well as promoting tolerance.These insights are necessitating the reassessment of standard paradigms of T cell alloimmunity.In this article,we explore the latest understanding of the impact of EVs on alloresponses following transplantation and we highlight the recent technological advances which have enabled the study of EVs in clinical transplantation.Furthermore,we discuss the rapid progress afoot in the development of EVs as novel therapeutic vehicles in clinical transplantation with particular focus on liver transplantation.
文摘Aim: To investigate the effects of exposure of a macrolide-resistant [erm (B)-expressing] strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae (strain 2507) to clarithromycin (0.5 and 5 mg/L) added at the outset and 6 hours after initiation of culture on early gene expression, energy metabolism, and growth. Methods: Bacterial growth was determined by turbidometric and colony counting procedures, energy metabolism by measurement of ATP, while analysis of gene expression was performed using reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing. Results: Addition of clarithromycin, at either concentration, at the outset of culture, caused transient suppression of growth of 10 - 12 hours duration, while delayed addition of antibiotic (during the logarithmic phase) resulted in an abrupt halt in growth followed by recovery. These inhibitory effects of clarithromycin on bacterial growth were associated with up-regulation of expression of erm(B), decreased ATP and protein synthesis, and were unaffected by inclusion of either catalase (500 and 1000 kunits/L), or competence-stimulating peptide (CSP-1, 0.5 mg/L). The inhibitory effects could, however, be overcome by pre-exposure of the bacteria to the antibiotic. Moreover, clarithromycin appeared to potentiate the antimicrobial actions of ceftriaxone, at sub-MIC concentrations, for strain 2507. Conclusions: Unlike several other common bacterial pathogens, the full expression of erm(B)-mediated macrolide resistance by the pneumococcus has a slow onset, which is associated with transient susceptibility to macrolides and inhibition of growth.
基金The researchers would like to thank WaterNet,SIG-RISE and CARNEGIE-Next Generation of African Academics(NGAA-Carnegie),for supporting and funding this research,and Molecular Biology Laboratory,Makerere University for the equipment used in the diagnostics.
文摘Background:Pathogenic water dwelling protozoa such as Acanthamoeba spp.,Hartmannella spp.,Naegleria spp.,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.are often responsible for devastating illnesses especially in children and immunocompromised individuals,yet their presence and prevalence in certain environment in sub-Saharan Africa is still unknown to most researchers,public health officials and medical practitioners.The objective of this study was to establish the presence and prevalence of pathogenic free-living amoeba(FLA),Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area(QEPA).Methods:Samples were collected from communal taps and natural water sites in QEPA.Physical water parameters were measured in situ.The samples were processed to detect the presence of FLA trophozoites by xenic cultivation,Cryptosporidium oocysts by Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Giardia cysts by Zinc Sulphate floatation technique.Parasites were observed microscopically,identified,counted and recorded.For FLA,genomic DNA was extracted for amplification and sequencing.Results:Both natural and tap water sources were contaminated with FLA,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.All protozoan parasites were more abundant in the colder rainy season except for Harmannella spp.and Naegleria spp.which occurred more in the warmer months.The prevalence of all parasites was higher in tap water than in natural water samples.There was a strong negative correlation between the presence of Acanthamoeba spp.,Hartmannella spp.,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia spp.with Dissolved Oxygen(DO)(P<0.05).The presence of Cryptosporidium spp.showed a significant positive correlation(P<0.05)with conductivity,pH and Total Dissolved Solids(TDS);whereas the presence of Giardia spp.had only a strong positive correlation with TDS.Molecular genotyping of FLA produced 7 Acanthamoeba,5 Echinamoeba,2 Hartmannella,1 Bodomorpha,1 Nuclearia and 1 Cercomonas partial sequences.Conclusions:All water collection sites were found to be contaminated with pathogenic protozoa that could possibly be the cause of a number of silent morbidities and mortalities among rural households in QEPA.This implies that water used by communities in QEPA is of poor quality and predisposes them to a variety of protozoan infections including the FLA whose public health importance was never reported,thus necessitating adoption of proper water safety measures.
