Biting Rates and Onchocerca Infectivity Status of Black Flies from the Simulium damnosum Complex (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Osun State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 901-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda C Oforka ◽  
Monsuru A Adeleke ◽  
Joseph C Anikwe ◽  
Nate B Hardy ◽  
Derrick K Mathias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
World Health ◽  
First Year ◽  
Black Flies ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Simulium Damnosum ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Parasite Populations

Abstract The Simulium damnosum Theobald complex transmits Onchocerca volvulus Leuckart (Spirurida: Onchocercidae), the causative agent of onchocerciasis. Recent evidence suggests that control efforts have strongly suppressed parasite populations, but vector surveillance is needed in parts of Africa where the disease remains endemic. Here, studies on biting rates and infectivity status of suspected vector species were conducted in three onchocerciasis-endemic areas, namely Iwo, Ede, and Obokun, in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 3,035 black flies were collected between October 2014 and September 2016, and examined for parity and parasites using standard methods. A separate collection of 2,000 black flies was pool-screened for infectivity using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the O-150 marker. Results showed that parous flies were significantly less common than nulliparous flies with overall parous rates of 8.02% in Iwo and 35.38% in Ede at the end of the study period. Obokun had a parous rate of 22.22% obtained in the first year only. None of the dissected parous flies were infected with O. volvulus and PCR assays showed no amplification of O-150 O. volvulus-specific repeats in head and body pools. However, annual biting rates exceeded the World Health Organization threshold of 1,000 bites/person/yr. Thus it appears that, with such high rates of biting, even low levels of vector infection can sustain onchocerciasis in African communities.

scholarly journals Persistent Detection and Infectious Potential of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Clinical Specimens from COVID-19 Patients

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1384
Author(s):  
Michael Zapor
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Clinical Specimens ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Infectious Potential ◽  
Infective Potential

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in December 2019 as the causative agent of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 has several distinctive features, including extensive multiorgan involvement with a robust systemic inflammatory response, significant associated morbidity and mortality, and prolonged persistence of viral RNA in the clinical specimens of infected individuals as detected by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. This review begins with an overview of SARS-CoV-2 morphology and replication and summarizes what is known to date about the detection of the virus in nasal, oropharyngeal, and fecal specimens of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, with a focus on the factors thought to contribute to prolonged detection. This review also provides a discussion on the infective potential of this material from asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and convalescing individuals, to include a discussion of the relative persistence and infectious potential of virus in clinical specimens recovered from pediatric COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Avaliação das Variantes Genéticas dos Genes AMELX e ENAM na Cárie Dentária em Adolescentes

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5-esp.) ◽  
pp. 650-654
Author(s):  
Gabriela Paschoalini Romagni ◽  
Paula Marino Costa ◽  
Sandra Mara Maciel ◽  
Maria Paula Jacobucci ◽  
Regina Célia Poli-Frederico
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Component ◽  
World Health ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

A doença cárie é considerada, atualmente, como biofilme sacarose dependente, entretanto, estudos recentes apontam que fatores genéticos também podem influenciar seu desenvolvimento. Variantes nos gene amelogenina (AMELX) e enamelina (ENAM), responsáveis pela formação do esmalte, têm sido propostas como potencialmente envolvidos na doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se a ocorrência de cárie dentária em adolescentes está relacionado às variantes nos genes AMELX e ENAM. Para a avaliação da prevalência de cárie foi utilizado o índice de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPO-D), segundo critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. As amostras de DNA foram extraídas das células da mucosa oral. Para a análise dos polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs) dos genes AMELX (rs17878486) e ENAM (rs7671281) foi utilizada  a técnica de amplificação de fragmentos de DNA pela reação em cadeia da polimerase foi realizada (PCR) em tempo real pelo sistema TaqMan (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, EUA). Para a análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste exato de Fisher e qui-quadrado com nível de significância de 5%. Apenas os fatores socioeconômicos influenciaram a experiência de cárie. Concluiu-se que o componente genético, na população deste estudo, não influenciou o desenvolvimento da cárie.   Palavras-chave: Polimorfismo genético. Adolescentes. Esmalte.   Abstract Caries disease is currently considered a sucrose-dependent biofilm, however recent studies indicate that a genetic component can also influence its development. Variants in the amelogenin (AMELX) and enamelin (ENAM) genes, responsible for the enamel formation, have been proposed as potentially involved in the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the occurrence of dental caries in adolescents is related to variants in the AMELX and ENAM genes. To assess the caries prevalence, the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were used, according to World Health Organization criteria. DNA samples were extracted from oral mucosa cells. For the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the AMELX (rs17878486) and ENAM (rs7671281) genes, the amplifying DNA fragments technique  by the polymerase chain reaction was performed (PCR) in real time by the TaqMan system (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, USA). For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and chi-square were used with a 5% significance level. Only socioeconomic factors influenced the caries experience. It was concluded that the genetic component in the population of this study, did not influence the development of caries.   Keywords: Genetic polymorphism. Adolescents. Enamel.

scholarly journals The Expression of miR-155-5p and Local Matrix Gla Protein in Meningiomas

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-306
Author(s):  
Simona Roxana Gheorghe ◽  
Cătălin Marian ◽  
Ligia Gabriela Tătăranu ◽  
Anica Dricu ◽  
Cees Vermeer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Molecular Classification ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Matrix Gla Protein ◽  
World Health ◽  
Ectopic Calcification ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
The World ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Meningiomas are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in three grades, based on morphological features. Independent of this grading, the presence of calcification in meningiomas influences their growth rate. The messenger RNA of matrix Gla protein (MGP), an extra-hepatic protein with different conformations involved in the homeostasis of ectopic calcification has been found in meningiomas and was shown to be regulated in breast cancer by miR-155-5p, a specific micro RNA. Therefore, we investigated the expression of miR-155-5p and its relationship with local MGP conformations in different grade meningiomas. According to the WHO classification, our 41 samples of meningiomas were stratified in groups WHO I and WHO II. Using real time polymerase chain reaction, we observed a higher miR-155-5p expression in group WHO I versus group WHO II [with a fold change (FC) of 3.83, p=0.027)]. Moreover, the expression of miR-155-5p was higher in calcified tumors compared to non-calcified tumors in all samples (FC=3.01, p=0.047) and in group WHO I (FC=3.65, p=0.048). Utilizing immunohistochemistry, we determined the concurrent presence of all MGP conformations in calcified meningiomas. This study was the first to establish higher miR-155-5p expression in grade WHO I and calcified meningiomas, which could improve molecular classification and targeted therapy and also the presence of all MGP conformations in calcified meningiomas, confirming the existence of an anti-calcification mechanism in meningiomas..

scholarly journals Global Governance and the WHO’s Mandate Post-COVID-19 Crisis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Vilbert
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
World Health ◽  
First Year ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Nation States ◽  
Democratic Principle ◽  
The World ◽  
Distribution Of Power ◽  
Health Organization

The COVID-19 has renovated the debate about global health governance. A number of scholars have proposed that the World Health Organization should assume the position of a central coordinator with hierarchical powers, demanding nation-states to “share their sovereignty”. This article presents four main objections to this project. First, when international institutions receive leverage, they use to impose “one-size-fits-all” policies, which conflicts with the characteristic heterogeny across countries. Second, geopolitical questions and the distribution of power in multilateral institutions put developing countries in a position of vulnerability within a hierarchical order. Third, the risk of crowding out parallel initiatives, especially from non-state actors. Fourth, decisions about health can have a major impact on countries, which may thwart the internal democratic principle. A Pareto improvement would be possible by strengthening the WHO’s operational capacity and its ability to issue technical guidance and coordinate with countries. To test this hypothesis, this study analyses the possible influence of the WHO’s guidance in the first year of the coronavirus health crisis, from January 2020 to January 2021, in 37 countries reported in the World Values Survey Wave 7 (2017-2020). The OLS regression performed shows a statistically significant negative relationship between the trust in the WHO, assumed as a proxy for the level of the organization's penetration, and the number of cases of COVID-19 (per million people) in the countries of the sample. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that there is a valid case for the countries to strengthen the WHO’s mandate post-COVID-19, but they should enhance the operations of provision of reliable information and support. Nation-states, in particular the developing ones, should eschew the temptation to create a hierarchical global health structure, which may not only fail due to countries’ asymmetries but is likely to create losers in the process.

Coronaviruses: HCoV, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Ison
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The Common ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viral pathogens that infect mammals and birds. The presentation in humans is typically that of a mild upper respiratory tract infection, similar to the common cold. However, in recent years, dramatic attention has arisen for more lethal members of this viral family (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS-CoV], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS-CoV], and coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these viruses are discussed in this review. Importantly, new guideline tables from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization are provided at the conclusion of the review. This review contains 12 tables, 3 figure and 48 references. Keywords: Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19, respiratory infection, antiviral, real-time polymerase chain reaction

Coronaviruses: HCoV, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Ison
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The Common ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viral pathogens that infect mammals and birds. The presentation in humans is typically that of a mild upper respiratory tract infection, similar to the common cold. However, in recent years, dramatic attention has arisen for more lethal members of this viral family (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS-CoV], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS-CoV], and coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these viruses are discussed in this review. Importantly, new guideline tables from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization are provided at the conclusion of the review. This review contains 12 tables, 3 figure and 48 references. Keywords: Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19, respiratory infection, antiviral, real-time polymerase chain reaction

Coronaviruses: HCoV, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Ison
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The Common ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viral pathogens that infect mammals and birds. The presentation in humans is typically that of a mild upper respiratory tract infection, similar to the common cold. However, in recent years, dramatic attention has arisen for more lethal members of this viral family (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS-CoV], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS-CoV], and coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these viruses are discussed in this review. Importantly, new guideline tables from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization are provided at the conclusion of the review. This review contains 12 tables, 3 figure and 48 references. Keywords: Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19, respiratory infection, antiviral, real-time polymerase chain reaction

Coronaviruses: HCoV, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Ison
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The Common ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viral pathogens that infect mammals and birds. The presentation in humans is typically that of a mild upper respiratory tract infection, similar to the common cold. However, in recent years, dramatic attention has arisen for more lethal members of this viral family (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS-CoV], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS-CoV], and coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these viruses are discussed in this review. Importantly, new guideline tables from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization are provided at the conclusion of the review. This review contains 12 tables, 3 figure and 48 references. Keywords: Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19, respiratory infection, antiviral, real-time polymerase chain reaction

Coronaviruses: HCoV, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Ison
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The Common ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of viral pathogens that infect mammals and birds. The presentation in humans is typically that of a mild upper respiratory tract infection, similar to the common cold. However, in recent years, dramatic attention has arisen for more lethal members of this viral family (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS-CoV], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS-CoV], and coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these viruses are discussed in this review. Importantly, new guideline tables from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization are provided at the conclusion of the review. This review contains 12 tables, 3 figure and 48 references. Keywords: Coronavirus, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), COVID-19, respiratory infection, antiviral, real-time polymerase chain reaction

scholarly journals Vulvar Tuberculosis—A Rare Manifestation of the Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (09) ◽  
pp. 575-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Bragança ◽  
Inês Gonçalves ◽  
Luísa Guerreiro ◽  
Maria Janeiro
Keyword(s):  
Rare Case ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
World Health ◽  
Histological Findings ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Rare Manifestation ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractTuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to data from the World Health Organization, this disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although it most commonly affects the lungs, tuberculosis can compromise any organ. The present study reports a rare case of vulvar tuberculosis in a postmenopausal woman with a history of asymptomatic pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis, with no prior documented contact with the bacillus. Diagnosis was based on vulvar lesion biopsies, with histological findings suggestive of infection and isolation of M. tuberculosis by microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) essays. The lesions reverted to normal after tuberculostatic therapy.

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