scholarly journals Cross-Sectional Analysis of Selected Genital Tract Immunological Markers and Molecular Vaginal Microbiota in Sub-Saharan African Women, with Relevance to HIV Risk and Prevention

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 526-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan K. Kyongo ◽  
Tania Crucitti ◽  
Joris Menten ◽  
Liselotte Hardy ◽  
Piet Cools ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
African Women ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Immune Mediators ◽  
Sub Saharan

ABSTRACTData on immune mediators in the genital tract and the factors that modulate them in sub-Saharan women are limited. Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples from 430 sexually active women from Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda were analyzed for 12 soluble immune mediators using Bio-Plex and Meso Scale Discovery multiplex platforms, as well as single enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Ten bacterial species were quantified in vaginal swab samples. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was defined by Nugent scoring. CVL samples from HIV-infected women showed a clear-cut proinflammatory profile. Pregnant women, adolescents, and women engaging in traditional vaginal practices differed in specific soluble markers compared to reference groups of adult HIV-negative women. Cervical mucus, cervical ectopy, abnormal vaginal discharge, and having multiple sex partners were each associated with an increase in inflammatory mediators. The levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12(p70), and IL-8 were elevated, whereas the IL-1RA/IL-1(α+β) ratio decreased in women with BV. The level of gamma interferon-induced protein 10 was lower in BV-positive than in BV-negative women, suggesting its suppression as a potential immune evasion mechanism by BV-associated bacteria.Lactobacillus crispatusandLactobacillus vaginaliswere associated with decreased proinflammatory cytokines and each BV-associated species with increased proinflammatory cytokines. Remarkably, thein vitroanti-HIV activity of CVL samples from BV-positive women was stronger than that of BV-negative women. In conclusion, we found significant associations of factors, including vaginal microbiota, which can influence immune mediators in the vaginal environment in sexually active women. These factors need to be considered when establishing normative levels or pathogenic cutoffs of biomarkers of inflammation and associated risks in African women.

Poverty prevalence and negative spillovers in Sub-Saharan Africa: a focus on extreme and multidimensional poverty in the region

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olumide Olaoye ◽  
Cleopatra Oluseye Ibukun ◽  
Mustafa Razzak ◽  
Naftaly Mose
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Spillover Effect ◽  
Multidimensional Poverty ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spatial Error ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
High Level

PurposeThe paper analyses the prevalence of extreme and multidimensional poverty in line with the sustainable development agenda. In addition, the paper examines the drivers of extreme poverty while accounting for the potential spillover effect of poverty in the region.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the pooled OLS with Discroll-Kraay robust standard errors to control for cross-sectional dependence. In addition, given the strong potential for endogeneity of poverty index, the authors also employ the generalized method of moments (GMM), which accounts for simultaneity and endogeneity problems, and the spatial error and lag models to control for all forms of spatial and temporal dependence since the factors that affect poverty disperse across borders.FindingsThe study finds that in addition to the traditional drivers of poverty (unemployment, low per capita GDP growth and public debt), poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa is a symptom of a deeper structural problem (lack of access to water and sanitation, high level of corruption and low level of financial development, and frequent economic busts). Likewise, the results from the spatial econometric specification show, consistently across all the specifications, that there is a substantial spillover effect of poverty across the region.Originality/valueThe main novelty of the paper is that the authors investigate the “economic shrinkage hypothesis,” and examined the potential negative spillover effect of poverty in the region.

A borrowing cost model for effective performance of SMEs in Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulait Tumwine ◽  
Richard Akisimire ◽  
Nixon Kamukama ◽  
Gad Mutaremwa
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective cost borrowing model of qualitative factors that are relevant to micro and small enterprises (SMEs) better performance. Design/methodology/approach – A valid research instrument was utilized to conduct a survey on 359 SMEs (131 retail businesses, 125 service businesses, 48 farming businesses and 55 other businesses) and 897 respondents that are representative of 397 SMEs and 1,087 respondents. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to ascertain the validity of the hypotheses. Findings – It was established that cost of borrowing elements (interest rate and loan processing costs) are associated with SME performance. Furthermore, cost of borrowing as a whole accounts for 31.1 percent of the variation in performance Uganda’s SMEs. Research limitations/implications – Only a single research methodological approach was employed, future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Multiple respondents in SMEs (owner, manager and cashier) were studied neglecting others. Furthermore, the study used the cross-sectional approach – a longitudinal approach should be employed to study the trend over years. Finally, cost of borrowing was studied and by the virtual of the results, there are other factors that contribute to SME performance that were not part of this study. Practical implications – There is need to intensify initiatives to encourage greater understanding and acceptance of cost of borrowing, select appropriate elements that includes interest rate and loan processing costs in order to have affordable source of financing to establish and grow SMEs, provide employment, competitive and contribute to countries GDP. Originality/value – This is the first paper in Sub-Saharan Africa to test empirically the relationship between cost of borrowing and performance of SMEs in the Ugandan context.

scholarly journals Microbiological Characteristics of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in South African Women

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 200-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Henk Dubbink ◽  
Dewi J. de Waaij ◽  
Myrte Bos ◽  
Lisette van der Eem ◽  
Cécile Bébéar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
African Women ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South African Women

We analyzed data of 263 women with at least one genital or anorectal sexually transmitted infection from a cross-sectional study conducted in rural South Africa. We provide new insights concerning the concurrence ofChlamydia trachomatis,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Mycoplasma genitalium, andTrichomonas vaginalisinfections as well as the characteristics of bacterial loads.

scholarly journals Comparison of Female Genital Tract Cytokine and Microbiota Signatures Induced by Initiation of Intramuscular DMPA and NET-EN Hormonal Contraceptives - a Prospective Cohort Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smritee Dabee ◽  
Ramla F. Tanko ◽  
Bryan P. Brown ◽  
Rubina Bunjun ◽  
Christina Balle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Female Genital Tract ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
African Women ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Female Genital

BackgroundCervicovaginal inflammation, bacterial microbiota and hormonal contraceptives all influence sexual and reproductive health. To date, the effects of intramuscular depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) versus injectable norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) on vaginal microbiota or cytokines have not been compared back-to-back, although in-vitro data suggest that DMPA-IM and NET-EN have different pharmacokinetic and biologic activities. This study aimed at comparing the effects of DMPA-IM versus NET-EN initiation on cervicovaginal cytokines and microbiota in women at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) assigned to the respective contraceptives.MethodsWe collected socio-demographic characteristics and vaginal samples from women initiating DMPA-IM (ECHO Trial; n = 53) and NET-EN (UChoose Trial; n = 44) at baseline and after two consecutive injections to assess cytokine concentrations by Luminex, vaginal microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, STIs, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis.ResultsCytokine concentrations did not change significantly after initiating DMPA-IM or NET-EN, although NET-EN versus DMPA-IM-associated profiles were distinct. While the abundance of bacterial taxa associated with optimal and non-optimal microbiota fluctuated with DMPA-IM use, overall community composition did not significantly change with either contraceptive. HSV-2 serology, chlamydial infection, gonorrhoea and candidiasis did not influence the associations between contraceptive type and cervicovaginal cytokines or microbiota.ConclusionsBoth DMPA-IM and NET-EN use did not lead to broad inflammatory or microbiota changes in the female genital tract of sub-Saharan African women. This suggests that NET-EN is likely a viable option for contraception in African women at high risk of BV and STIs.

A taxonomy of strategic sourcing for defense forces in sub-Saharan Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Ephraim Mugume
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Sourcing ◽  
Current Resource ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Internal Integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a taxonomy of strategic sourcing using the defense forces from a developing world context as a testing ground. This study builds upon the current resource-based conceptualization of strategic sourcing as a construct to introduce the institutional orientation. Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design of cross-sectional nature to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents to examine the taxonomy of strategic sourcing for defense forces in sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected using an interviewee administered questionnaire and analysed using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The conceptualization of strategic sourcing is presented using a CFA. Findings – Findings reveal that strategic sourcing is a multidimensional construct composed of: information sharing and risk management, strategic purchasing, institutions for sourcing, internal integration and performance assessment, supplier management and sourcing professionalism and ethics. Research limitations/implications – The study used cross-sectional research design which limits monitoring behaviour over time. Cross-sectional data do not allow control in the analysis for residual heterogeneity. Additionally, all item scales adapted in this study were developed in either manufacturing or profit-oriented sector. Originality/value – A taxonomy for strategic sourcing within the defense forces is presented. This study is based on the observation that despite increased research, there remains a certain level of confusion surrounding the conceptualization of “strategic sourcing”. Researchers attach a startling diversity of definitions and measures to the strategic sourcing concept. Its conceptualization and stability remains an important task for scholars to undertake. Besides, much research in strategic sourcing, are conceptual frameworks identifying key elements and procedures or processes to implement strategic sourcing with sparse empirical studies. The results of the study will be used for further research on strategic sourcing in the defense forces in sub-Saharan Africa.

Determinants of micro and small enterprises growth in Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adan Guyo Shibia ◽  
Dulacha Galgallo Barako
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Court System ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Growth Constraints ◽  
Micro And Small Enterprises ◽  
Sub Saharan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of investment climate and firm-specific variables on the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach The paper utilized a cross-section survey data of 2,536 MSEs in Kenya. Using the sales growth as the dependent variable, the paper tests the hypotheses that investment climate variables – entrepreneur perception of fairness and affordability of the courts in dealing with commercial disputes, access to formal credit, connections to utilities, crime incidences; and firm-specific resources affect MSE growth. Findings Positive entrepreneur perception of the fairness and affordability of the courts, access to formal credit, connections to utilities, lower incidences of crime, entrepreneur education and experience positively affect MSE growth. Research limitations/implications Although the context of the study is Kenya, the study has relevance to other developing countries especially Sub-Saharan Africa due to institutional similarities. The paper, however, uses cross-sectional data, which unlike panel data, do not allow for establishing dynamic relationships. This could be a potential area for further research. Originality/value The paper is among the first to establish effects of entrepreneur perception on MSE growth with regards the court system in dealing with business disputes in terms of fairness, timeliness, affordability and enforcement. The paper also extends limited extant research on MSE growth constraints with regards to incidences of insecurity, access to bank credit, connections to utilities and internal resources.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurs’ personal values and CSR orientations: evidence from SMEs in Zambia

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Progress Choongo ◽  
Leo Jasper Paas ◽  
Enno Masurel ◽  
Elco van Burg ◽  
John Lungu
Keyword(s):  
Personal Values ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Self Transcendence ◽  
Significant Positive Influence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurs’ personal values and corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientations among small- and medium-sized enterprises in a developing country, Zambia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through questionnaires. Two linear regression models were used to test the hypotheses. Findings Self-transcendence values have a significant positive influence on socially oriented CSR but do not influence environmentally oriented CSR. Self-enhancement values do not affect social and environmental CSR orientations. Conservation values have a marginally positive influence on environmentally oriented CSR but no influence on socially oriented CSR. Finally, openness to change has a significant positive influence on environmentally orientated CSR but no influence on socially oriented CSR. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study relates to the sector from which the sample was drawn, other predictors of CSR orientations, use of cross-sectional data, and the replication of this study to validate its findings. Practical implications The findings inform policy-makers, scholars, educators, and regulators on the importance of aligning personal values with environmental and social concerns, thereby influencing entrepreneurs’ CSR orientations for the well-being of society and the natural environment. Originality/value This paper shows the influence of personal values on CSR orientations among entrepreneurs in a hardly researched Sub-Saharan Africa country.

scholarly journals Cooperative Interactions between Trichomonas vaginalis and Associated Bacteria Enhance Paracellular Permeability of the Cervicovaginal Epithelium by Dysregulating Tight Junctions

2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabel S. Hinderfeld ◽  
Niha Phukan ◽  
Ann-Katrein Bär ◽  
Anthony M. Roberton ◽  
Augusto Simoes-Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Tight Junction ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Cell Monolayer ◽  
Paracellular Permeability ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cooperative Interactions ◽  
Study Results

ABSTRACT The human protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, which is accompanied by a species-diversified vaginal microbiota named community state type IV (CST-IV). Coincidently, CST-IV includes species associated with bacterial vaginosis (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella bivia). Both diseases are linked to the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and preterm birth, which complications are likely to result from the disruption of the cervicovaginal epithelial barrier. Here, we show that paracellular permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran through a monolayer of human ectocervical cells (hECs) is increased as a consequence of the activity of T. vaginalis and the aforementioned species of CST-IV bacteria cooperatively. T. vaginalis enhances paracellular permeability of hECs two times more than the individual bacterial species, by up to ∼10% versus ∼5%, respectively. However, any two or all three bacterial species are capable of synergizing this effect. T. vaginalis and the bacteria together increase the paracellular permeability of hECs by ∼50%, which is 5 to 10 times more than the results seen with the protozoan or bacteria alone. This effect is accompanied by enhancement of phosphatase activity, while phosphatase inhibition results in preservation of the integrity of the ectocervical cell monolayer. In addition, these microorganisms induce changes in the expression of tight junction proteins, particularly occludin, and of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Together, our findings establish that cooperative interactions between CST-IV bacteria and T. vaginalis enhance the paracellular permeability of the cervicovaginal epithelium by disturbing the integrity of the tight junction complex. Our study results highlight the importance of understanding the contribution of the vaginal microbiota to trichomoniasis.

scholarly journals Age-related changes, influencing factors and crosstalk between vaginal and gut microbiota: a cross-sectional comparative study of pre- and postmenopausal women

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remi Yoshikata ◽  
Michiko Yamaguchi ◽  
Yuri Mase ◽  
Ayano Tatuzuki ◽  
Khin Zay Yar Myint ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Microbial Diversity ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaginal Ph ◽  
Age Related

Objective: The ideal vaginal environment is maintained by Lactobacillus species, which keep the vagina clean and free of infections, including sexually transmitted diseases and human papilloma virus infection. Other reported health benefits of Lactobacillus include a favorable impact on fertility and immunity, leading to a reduced risk of gynecological malignancies. Age-related decline in estrogen affects the population of Lactobacillus, leading to dominance of pathogenic flora and increased diversity in vaginal microbiota. In this study, we compared the differences between the vaginal microbiota of premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In addition, we examined the relationships between vaginal and gut microbiota, as well as their relationships to sex hormones and equol producing ability. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 35 premenopausal and 35 postmenopausal women, ranging from 27 to 76 years of age. We compared parameters such as the composition of the gut and vaginal microbiota, vaginal pH, sex hormones in the blood (estradiol and follicular stimulating hormone), and urinary equol concentration. Results: In the vaginal microbiota of premenopausal women, Lactobacillus species constituted approximately 71.98%, and pathogenic flora constituted approximately 16.87%. They were 10.08% and 26.78%, respectively, in the vaginal microbiota of postmenopausal women. Therefore, the proportion of Lactobacillus was significantly low, whereas microbial diversity and vaginal pH were significantly high (p<0.0001) in postmenopausal women. The compositions of the vaginal microbiota were significantly different in pre- and postmenopausal women. However, such differences were not noticeable in the gut microbiota. Urinary equol production had no significant correlation with vaginal microbiota, although it had significant relationships with gut microbiota in postmenopausal women. There were significant correlations among bacterial species in the gut and vaginal microbiota, especially in postmenopausal women. In both groups, the proportions of vaginal Lactobacillus were inversely correlated with vaginal microbial diversity and vaginal pH. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women had significantly low lactobacillus and high pathogenic flora in their vaginal flora, whereas such age-related differences were not identified in gut microbiota. There were significant correlations among the bacterial species inhabiting the gut and vaginal microbiota, especially in postmenopausal women, indicating potential crosstalk between each other.

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