Factor analysis to investigate genotype and genotype × environment interaction effects on pro-vitamin A content and yield in maize synthetics

Abstract Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa affecting 33 million preschool-age children. Enrichment of maize varieties with provitamin A could provide sustainable and affordable solution to VAD. This study was conducted to understand the extent of GEI effects on both grain yield and provitamin A content in 21 maize synthetics and identify synthetics combining stable performance with high level provitamin A content across diverse environments in West Africa. Combined analysis of variance found significant (p < 0.01) GEI effects that prompted further investigation of the GEI magnitude using mixed model with factor analysis. Factors 1 and 2 explained 71% of the total variability. G5, G4, G12, G18, G2 and G14 were broadly adapted to a range of environments and considered the most stable and high yielding. G8, G1, and G10 were specifically adapted to a group of environments. Whereas, G21, G19 and G17 were found to be the worst and unstable genotypes. G4 combined stable performance with high provitamin A content, whereas G20 and G18 were stable but had low provitamin A contents. Three genotypes, G4, G12 and G14 were found to combine stability with high provitamin A contents. These genotypes can be recommended for production in the low-land tropics of West and Central Africa with similar environments.

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SEANUTS: the nutritional status and dietary intakes of 0.5–12-year-old Thai children

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114513002110 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 110 (S3) ◽

pp. S36-S44 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Nipa Rojroongwasinkul ◽

Kallaya Kijboonchoo ◽

Wanphen Wimonpeerapattana ◽

Sasiumphai Purttiponthanee ◽

Uruwan Yamborisut ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Rural Children ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Serum Retinol

In the present study, we investigated nutritional status and health-related factors in a multistage cluster sample of 3119 Thai urban and rural children aged 0·5–12·9 years. In a subsample, blood samples were collected for the measurement of Hb, transferrin receptor, vitamin A and vitamin D concentrations. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural children than in urban children, whereas the wasting rate was similar in both rural and urban areas. Among children aged 3·0–5·9 years, the prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas and so was the obesity rate in children aged 6·0–12·9 years. Protein intakes of all age groups were relatively high in both the areas. Intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and vitamin C were significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The prevalence of anaemia in rural areas was twice as high as that in urban areas, particularly in infants and young children. However, the prevalence of Fe-deficiency anaemia was similar in both urban and rural areas. While the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 0·7 μmol/l) seemed to be very low, vitamin A insufficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 1·05 μmol/l) was more prevalent (29·4–31·7 %) in both the areas. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency ranged between 27·7 and 45·6 % among the children. The present study indicates that the double burden of malnutrition is still a major public health problem in Thailand. Further studies need to explore the associated risk factors for these nutrient deficiencies. Effective strategies and actions are needed to tackle the nutritional problems in Thai children.

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A multi-state spatio-temporal Markov model for categorized incidence of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268812001926 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 141 (8) ◽

pp. 1764-1771 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

L. AGIER ◽

M. STANTON ◽

G. SOGA ◽

P. J. DIGGLE

Keyword(s):

Positive Predictive Value ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Temporal Dependence ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Annual Scale

SUMMARYMeningococcal meningitis is a major public health problem in the African Belt. Despite the obvious seasonality of epidemics, the factors driving them are still poorly understood. Here, we provide a first attempt to predict epidemics at the spatio-temporal scale required for in-year response, using a purely empirical approach. District-level weekly incidence rates for Niger (1986–2007) were discretized into latent, alert and epidemic states according to pre-specified epidemiological thresholds. We modelled the probabilities of transition between states, accounting for seasonality and spatio-temporal dependence. One-week-ahead predictions for entering the epidemic state were generated with specificity and negative predictive value >99%, sensitivity and positive predictive value >72%. On the annual scale, we predict the first entry of a district into the epidemic state with sensitivity 65·0%, positive predictive value 49·0%, and an average time gained of 4·6 weeks. These results could inform decisions on preparatory actions.

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Molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of Schistosoma mansoni around Lake Victoria

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182010000788 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 137 (13) ◽

pp. 1937-1949 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

C. J. STANDLEY ◽

N. B. KABATEREINE ◽

C. N. LANGE ◽

N. J. S. LWAMBO ◽

J. R. STOTHARD

Keyword(s):

Population Genetics ◽

Schistosoma Mansoni ◽

Molecular Epidemiology ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Human Migration ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Coi Sequences

SUMMARYIntestinal schistosomiasis continues to be a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, and is endemic in communities around Lake Victoria. Interest is growing in the molecular evolution and population genetic structure of Schistosoma mansoni and we describe a detailed analysis of the molecular epidemiology and phylogeography of S. mansoni from Lake Victoria. In total, 388 cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) sequences were obtained from 25 sites along the Ugandan, Tanzanian and Kenyan shorelines of Lake Victoria, and 122 unique barcodes were identified; 9 corresponded to previously discovered barcodes from Lakes Victoria and Albert. A subset of the data, composed of COI sequences from miracidia from 10 individual children, was used for population genetics analyses; these results were corroborated by microsatellite analysis of 4 isolates of lab-passaged adult worms. Overall, 12 barcodes were found to be shared across all 3 countries, whereas the majority occurred singly and were locally restricted. The population genetics analyses were in agreement in revealing high diversity at the level of the human host and negligible population structuring by location. The lack of correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance in these data may be attributed to the confounding influence of high intra-individual diversity as well as human migration between communities.

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Nutritional Properties of Ogi Powder and Sensory Perception of Ogi Porridge Made From Synthetic Provitamin: A Maize Genotype

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.685004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Omololami Tolulope Akinsola ◽

Emmanuel Oladeji Alamu ◽

Bolanle Omolara Otegbayo ◽

Abebe Menkir ◽

Busie Maziya-Dixon

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Sensory Perception ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Carotenoid Content ◽

Adult Males ◽

Phytic Acid Content ◽

Need To Evaluate ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Phytate Content

Provitamin-A maize (PVA) with increased carotenoid content obtained through conventional breeding techniques has been largely successful in sub-Saharan Africa. This resulted in a need to evaluate their susceptibility, retention, and nutritional content during processing into local foods. This study evaluated the chemical, carotenoid composition, and retention of PVA, the phytic acid content in ogi powder, and the sensory perception of ogi porridge produced traditionally from the three novel PVA maize genotypes (PVA SYN HGAC0 Maize 1; PVA SYN HGBC0 Maize 2; and PVA SYN HGBC1 Maize 3) and one yellow maize variety (control). Chemical composition analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all parameters. The PVA ranged from 5.96 to 8.43 μg/g in Maize 2 and 3 before processing while the true percentage retention after processing into ogi powder ranged from 20.25 to 37.54% in Maize 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, there was a reduction in the phytate content of ogi powder, and Maize 2 contained the lowest (2.78 mg/g from 4.09 mg/g). Maize 2 genotype had the highest vitamin A contribution; it can meet 18.3% of the vitamin A requirements in children while in adult males and females (>19 years), 6.2 and 7.7%, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that the ogi 3 porridge (Maize 3) was the most acceptable, followed by Maize 2. In conclusion, Maize 2 had the highest PVA, true retention of carotenoid, vitamin A contributions, and the second most acceptable ogi porridge with the lowest phytate content.

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Performance, Variance Components, and Acceptability of Pro-vitamin A-Biofortified Sweetpotato in Southern Africa and Implications in Future Breeding

Frontiers in Plant Science ◽

10.3389/fpls.2021.696738 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Edmore Gasura ◽

Francisca Matsaure ◽

Peter Sekwena Setimela ◽

Joyful Tatenda Rugare ◽

Cacious Stanford Nyakurwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Tuber Yield ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Matter Content ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Dry Matter Content ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Lattice Design

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major cause of blindness in children under 5 years. Sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas L.) is widely grown in this region, and pro-vitamin A varieties could help to combat such problems. Fourteen newly introduced orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties from the International Potato Centre (CIP) and two local checks were evaluated at four environments using a 4 × 4 triple-lattice design for total tuber yield, marketable yield, unmarketable yield, total tuber numbers, marketable tuber numbers, unmarketable tuber numbers, dry matter content, and sensory characteristics on boiled sweetpotato. Since varieties were previously tested intensively by CIP under diverse conditions, the focus of the current study was to determine their acceptability by farmers. Across-environment ANOVA showed highly significant differences (P < 0.001) for environments, genotypes, and genotype × environment interaction (GE) for all traits studied. Variety Cecelia outperformed the rest in three environments. Cecelia, Erica, Ininda, and Lourdes were found to be the top four most stable and high-yielding varieties. Genetic gains of the top four varieties over the preferred local check Mai Chenje ranged from 135 to 184%, and across-environment broad-sense heritability was 60% for tuber yield. Furthermore, farmers accepted the dry matter content (which was >25%) and taste of all the introduced OFSP varieties. Since there was a high acceptability by farmers, introductions from CIP could help improve human nutrition. Despite the appropriate design, the error variance component was the highest for all traits, and proper field plot techniques were proposed in future breeding and testing activities.

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The Changing Epidemiology of HIV-Associated Adult Meningitis, Uganda 2015–2017

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz419 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jayne Ellis ◽

Ananta S Bangdiwala ◽

Fiona V Cresswell ◽

Joshua Rhein ◽

Edwin Nuwagira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health Problem ◽

Diagnostic Algorithm ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Primary Diagnosis ◽

Viral Meningitis ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

First Episode ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Diagnostic Threshold ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Central nervous system (CNS) infections remain a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa, causing 15%–25% of AIDS-related deaths. With widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the introduction of improved diagnostics, the epidemiology of infectious meningitis is evolving. Methods We prospectively enrolled adults presenting with HIV-associated meningitis in Kampala and Mbarara, Uganda, from March 2015 to September 2017. Participants had a structured, stepwise diagnostic algorithm performed of blood cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), CSF CrAg, Xpert MTB/RIF for tuberculous (TB) meningitis (TBM), Biofire multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and traditional microscopy and cultures. Results We screened 842 consecutive adults with HIV presenting with suspected meningitis: 57% men, median age 35 years, median CD4 26 cells/mcL, and 55% presented on ART. Overall, 60.5% (509/842) were diagnosed with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis and 7.4% (62/842) with second episode. Definite/probable TB meningitis was the primary diagnosis in 6.9% (58/842); 5.3% (n = 45) had microbiologically confirmed (definite) TB meningitis. An additional 7.8% (66/842) did not meet the diagnostic threshold for definite/probable TBM but received empiric TBM therapy. Bacterial and viral meningitis were diagnosed in 1.3% (11/842) and 0.7% (6/842), respectively. The adoption of a cost-effective stepwise diagnostic algorithm allowed 79% (661/842) to have a confirmed microbiological diagnosis at an average cost of $44 per person. Conclusions Despite widespread ART availability, Cryptococcus remains the leading cause of HIV-associated meningitis. The second most common etiology was TB meningitis, treated in 14.7% overall. The increased proportion of microbiologically confirmed TBM cases reflects the impact of new improved molecular diagnostics.

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Plasmodium ovale: Parasite and Disease

Clinical Microbiology Reviews ◽

10.1128/cmr.18.3.570-581.2005 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 570-581 ◽

Cited By ~ 125

Author(s):

William E. Collins ◽

Geoffrey M. Jeffery

Keyword(s):

Public Health Problem ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Developmental Cycle ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Plasmodium Ovale ◽

Malaria Parasites ◽

Sub Saharan

SUMMARY Humans are infected by four recognized species of malaria parasites. The last of these to be recognized and described is Plasmodium ovale. Like the other malaria parasites of primates, this parasite is only transmitted via the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The prepatent period in the human ranges from 12 to 20 days. Some forms in the liver have delayed development, and relapse may occur after periods of up to 4 years after infection. The developmental cycle in the blood lasts approximately 49 h. An examination of records from induced infections indicated that there were an average of 10.3 fever episodes of ≥101°F and 4.5 fever episodes of ≥104°F. Mean maximum parasite levels were 6,944/μl for sporozoite-induced infections and 7,310/μl for trophozoite-induced infections. Exoerythrocytic stages have been demonstrated in the liver of humans, chimpanzees, and Saimiri monkeys following injection of sporozoites. Many different Anopheles species have been shown to be susceptible to infection with P. ovale, including A. gambiae, A. atroparvus, A. dirus, A. freeborni, A. albimanus, A. quadrimaculatus, A. stephensi, A. maculatus, A. subpictus, and A. farauti. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed to detect mosquitoes infected with P. ovale using a monoclonal antibody directed against the circumsporozoite protein. Plasmodium ovale is primarily distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been reported from numerous islands in the western Pacific. In more recent years, there have been reports of its distribution on the Asian mainland. Whether or not it will become a major public health problem there remains to be seen. The diagnosis of P. ovale is based primarily on the characteristics of the blood stages and its differentiation from P. vivax. The sometimes elliptical shape of the infected erythrocyte is often diagnostic when combined with other, subtler differences in morphology. The advent of molecular techniques, primarily PCR, has made diagnostic confirmation possible. The development of techniques for the long-term frozen preservation of malaria parasites has allowed the development diagnostic reference standards for P. ovale. Infections in chimpanzees are used to provide reference and diagnostic material for serologic and molecular studies because this parasite has not been shown to develop in other nonhuman primates, nor has it adapted to in vitro culture. There is no evidence to suggest that P. ovale is closely related phylogenetically to any other of the primate malaria parasites that have been examined.

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Anthocyanin and Lycopene Content Do Not Affect Beta-Carotene Bioefficacy from Multicolored Carrots in Male Mongolian Gerbils

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa041_014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 110-110

Author(s):

Mikayla Kaeppler ◽

Jordan Smith ◽

Christopher Davis ◽

Philipp Simon ◽

Sherry Tanumihardjo

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Negative Control Group ◽

Negative Control ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Control Group ◽

Anthocyanin Content ◽

Mongolian Gerbils ◽

Serum Retinol ◽

Freeze Dried

Abstract Objectives Increasing provitamin A carotenoid consumption is one way to combat vitamin A (VA) deficiency, which is a public health problem in various countries. Multicolored carrots contain provitamin A carotenoids as well as other bioactive phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and lycopene. Two studies in male Mongolian gerbils were conducted to assess the bioefficacy of β-carotene (BC) with simultaneous consumption of anthocyanins and lycopene from multicolored carrots. Methods In Study 1 (n = 65), BC bioefficacy was compared in gerbils fed diets with a range of lycopene concentrations, sourced from freeze-dried red carrots. Study 2 (n = 66) utilized purple red carrots to create diets with varying anthocyanin content. Each study included positive and negative control groups (n = 10/group) fed white carrot VA-free feeds. Each study included 3-wk VA-depletion, baseline evaluation in 5 or 6 gerbils, and 4-wk treatment periods with 10 gerbils/treatment. HPLC analysis of liver VA stores and serum VA were performed. Results In Study 1, there were no differences among groups. These results may have been influenced by an unanticipated high variation in gerbil starting weight, which was correlated to their final hepatic VA stores. In Study 2, vitamin A liver stores (0.21 ± 0.08 μmol/g) of the treatment groups did not differ from baseline (0.23 ± 0.06 μmol/g) or the positive control group (0.22 ± 0.08 μmol/g), but all groups significantly differed from the negative control group (0.11 ± 0.07μmol/g). Serum retinol concentrations did not correlate with the hepatic VA stores in either study. Conclusions These results confirm previous studies that BC is bioavailable from purple red carrots. The results from Study 2, suggest that simultaneous consumption of carotenoids and anthocyanins do not impact the relative bioavailability of BC. These results add more evidence that serum VA concentrations do not accurately represent hepatic VA stores at deficient to normal concentrations. Funding Sources California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2016–51,181-25,400 (PWS).

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Gene Action, Heterotic Patterns, and Inter-Trait Relationships of Early Maturing Pro-Vitamin a Maize Inbred Lines and Performance of Testcrosses Under Contrasting Environments

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11071371 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1371

Author(s):

Baffour Badu-Apraku ◽

Oluwafemi Obisesan ◽

Oluwafemi B. Olumide ◽

Johnson Toyinbo

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Gene Action ◽

Inbred Lines ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Optimal Management ◽

Heterotic Groups ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Additive Gene

Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of night blindness, total blindness, maternal and childhood mortality in developing countries. Drought, low soil nitrogen and Striga hermonthica parasitism are major constraints to maize production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Thus, the development of multiple stress tolerant maize varieties with elevated levels of PVA is an economically feasible approach to simultaneously tackle malnutrition and food insecurity in SSA. The objectives of this study were to determine the gene action modulating the inheritance of grain yield and other traits, group the inbred lines, investigate inter-trait relationships among grain yield and other traits and assess the performance and stability of single-cross hybrids derived from a set of inbred lines under stress and non-stress environments. One hundred and ninety diallel crosses plus six hybrid checks were evaluated under managed drought at Ikenne during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 dry seasons, low soil N conditions at Mokwa and Ile-Ife, Striga infestation at Abuja and Mokwa, and optimal management conditions at Ikenne, Kadawa, Abuja, Bagauda and Mokwa during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were prominent in the inheritance of grain yield and other measured traits under stress and optimal management conditions. However, additive gene action was preponderant over the non-additive. The PVA inbreds were classified into three heterotic groups with TZEI 25 and TZEIOR 164 identified as inbred testers for heterotic groups 2 and 3, respectively. Plant and ear heights, ears per plant, plant and ear aspects were identified as reliable secondary traits for genetic enhancement of grain yield under both stress and non-stress conditions. Hybrids TZEIOR 4 x TZEIOR 158 and TZEIOR 119 × TZEIOR 158 were outstanding in performance and should be tested extensively for possible commercialization to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in SSA.

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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C among Healthcare Workers in Dutse Metropolis Jigawa State, Nigeria

10.1101/327940 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

N.M. Sani ◽

I. Bitrus ◽

A.M. Sarki ◽

N.S. Mujahid

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Chromatographic Technique ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Care Workers ◽

Sub Saharan

AbstractHepatitis is one of the neglected infectious diseases in sub Saharan Africa and most of the available data is based on blood donors. Health care workers (HCWs) often get infected as a result of their close contact with patients. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among this group of professionals with a view to improving the quality of care to their patients. Hepatitis B and C infections pose a major public health problem worldwide. While infection is highest in the developing world particularly Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare workers are at higher risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly Hepatitis B and C which are mostly asymptomatic. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and associated risk factors among health care workers in Dutse Metropolis, Jigawa State - Nigeria. A standard rapid immuno-chromatographic technique i.e. rapid ELISA was used to screen all sera for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C viral antibody (HCVAb) respectively. Strips containing coated antibodies and antigens to HBV and HCV respectively were removed from the foil. Strips were labeled according to samples. Using a separate disposable pipette, 2 drops of the sample (plasma) were added into each test strip and allowed to run across the absorbent pad. Results were read after 15 minutes. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in 100 healthcare workers was determined by testing the plasma collected from the clients during their normal checkup using HBsAg and HCVAb test strips. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square test. The prevalence of HBV among HCWs was 19 out of 100 (19.0%) and that of HCV was 5 out of 100 (5.0%) where in both cases, higher prevalence was observed among female nurses. It was also observed that all HCV positive cases were recorded among nurses only. The study revealed that nurses are at greater risk of contracting HBV and HCV due to their frequent contact with patients. It is therefore recommended that effective vaccination and other infection control measures be encouraged among healthcare workers.

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