scholarly journals Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Impact in the European Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) Population: Are Hereditability and Zoo-Associated Factors Linked with Mortality?

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2816
Author(s):  
Sónia A. Jesus ◽  
Marcus G. Doherr ◽  
Thomas B. Hildebrandt
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Statistical Study ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Maternal Influence ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Model Combining ◽  
Elephant Population ◽  
Environmental Element ◽  
The Impact

EEHV is a ubiquitous virus, which most likely has co-evolved with elephants and is shed by healthy individuals and maintained in the herds. Yet, the factors determining calf susceptibility to the virus remain unknown. Here, we explored the impact of EEHV-HD in the European captive Asian elephant population in a retrospective statistical study spanning the last 35 years. We show that EEHV-HD was implicated in more than half of all deaths recorded in calves older than one months old. Moreover, the median age across EEHV-HD fatalities was significantly lower compared to other death causes. Finally, we investigated if heredity and zoo-associated factors could be linked to a higher susceptibility of calves to this disease. We used a univariable logistic regression model to evaluate if either fathers, mothers, or zoos could, separately, be considered as risk factors to the development of the disease. Afterwards, we used a two multivariable model, combining: (1) fathers and zoos, and (2) mothers and zoos. Overall, we found that two fathers, one mother, and four zoos had three or more times higher risk of their calves becoming sick when compared to all others, pointing us to the presence of a management or environmental element, which can have paternal and maternal influence and leads to calf susceptibility or resistance to EEHV-HD.

Impact of cardiovascular health status on the association between changes in physical activity and major cardiovascular events and mortality among 88,320 adults: outcomes of the Lifelines Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
EA Bakker ◽  
DC Lee ◽  
MTE Hopman ◽  
DHJ Thijssen ◽  
TMH Eijsvogels
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Large Reduction ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Moderate Improvement ◽  
Moderate Reduction ◽  
Lower Baseline ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Large Improvement

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Lifelines Biobank initiative received funding from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, the University Medical Center Groningen [UMCG], University Groningen and the Northern Provinces of the Netherlands. The work of T.M.H.E is supported by the Netherlands Heart Foundation [Senior E-Dekker grant #2017T051]. Background. Regular physical activity (PA) improves health. Many observational studies investigated the association between PA and health at a single time-point, but PA might change over time. Purpose. To examine the association between change in PA and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality, and to investigate the impact of cardiovascular health status at baseline on these outcomes. Methods. This study used data from the Lifelines Cohort Study (N = 88,320). Self-reported PA volumes were presented as Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) min/week. Change in PA was calculated by subtracting MET-min/week at the first assessment from the second assessment (median interval: 4 yrs), and 5 groups were created; large reduction (< -1500), moderate reduction (-1500 to -250), no change (-250 to 250), moderate improvement (-250 to 250) and large improvement (>1500). The outcome was a combination of MACE and all-cause mortality. Results. During a median follow-up of 7 years, 667 events occurred among healthy individuals (43 ± 12 yrs, 1% of 69,818) and 599 in individuals with CVRF (55 ± 11 yrs, 3% of 18,502). Adjusted for confounders and baseline PA, healthy individuals with a large reduction in PA had a greater risk of incident MACE and mortality (Table). In CVRF, moderate to large improvements in PA were associated with reductions in adverse outcomes. Risk estimates became stronger in individuals with lower baseline PA (<2000 MET-min/week), Table). Conclusions. Maintaining PA in healthy individuals and increasing PA in individuals with CVRF over time is important to prevent MACE and mortality. The impact of changes in PA was stronger for individuals with lower baseline PA. Table. Change of PA, MACE and mortality. Changes in PA Healthy CVRF Large reduction 1.40 [1.02;1.93] 1.27 [0.95;1.70] Moderate reduction 1.22 [0.89;1.68] 0.97 [0.72;1.30] No changes Ref Ref Moderate improvement 1.04 [0.74;1.44] 0.65 [0.47;0.91] Large improvement 0.96 [0.71;1.31] 0.69 [0.51; 0.94] Individuals with lower baseline PA Large reduction 2.24 [0.96;5.21] 2.85 [1.44;5.63] Moderate reduction 1.77 [1.10;2.84] 1.33 [0.89;1.98] No changes Ref Ref Moderate improvement 1.16 [0.73;1.83] 0.49 [0.31;0.76] Large improvement 0.77 [0.48;1.23] 0.58 [0.39;0.86]

scholarly journals HIV testing and its associated factors among street-based female sex workers in Iran: results of a national rapid assessment and response survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Ahmadi ◽  
Mehrdad Khezri ◽  
Payam Roshanfekr ◽  
Salah Eddin Karimi ◽  
Meroe Vameghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Female Sex Workers ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Self Testing

Abstract Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are at a disproportionate risk of sexually transmitted infections and they may face significant barriers to HIV testing. This study aimed to examine HIV testing prevalence and its associated factors among street-based FSWs in Iran. Method A total of 898 FSWs were recruited from 414 venues across 19 major cities in Iran between October 2016 and March 2017. Eligible FSWs were women aged 18 years of age who had at least one commercial sexual intercourse in the previous year. HIV testing was defined as having tested for HIV in the lifetime. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the correlates of HIV testing. We report adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Result Overall, 57.8% (95%CI: 20.0, 88.0) of participants reported having tested for HIV, and HIV prevalence among FSWs who tested for HIV was 10.3% (95%CI: 7.5, 13.0). The multivariable model showed that unstable housing (aOR: 8.86, 95%CI: 2.68, 29.32) and drug use (aOR: 3.47, 95%CI: 1.33, 9.06) were associated with increased likelihood of HIV testing. However, FSWs with a higher level of income were less likely to be tested for HIV (aOR: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.43). Conclusion Almost one in ten street-based FSWs had never tested for HIV. These findings suggest the need for evidence-based strategies such as outreach support and HIV self-testing to improve HIV testing in this marginalized population.

scholarly journals Social structure and demography of a remnant Asian elephant Elephas maximus population and the implications for survival

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Hale ◽  
Kun Shi ◽  
Tania C. Gilbert ◽  
Kelvin S.-H. Peh ◽  
Philip Riordan
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Effective Density ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Sex Ratio Bias ◽  
Elephant Population

Abstract The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is at risk of extinction as a result of anthropogenic pressures, and remaining populations are often small and fragmented remnants, occupying a fraction of the species' former range. Once widely distributed across China, only a maximum of 245 elephants are estimated to survive across seven small populations. We assessed the Asian elephant population in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve in Lincang Prefecture, China, using camera traps during May–July 2017, to estimate the population size and structure of this genetically important population. Although detection probability was low (0.31), we estimated a total population size of c. 20 individuals, and an effective density of 0.39 elephants per km2. Social structure indicated a strong sex ratio bias towards females, with only one adult male detected within the population. Most of the elephants associated as one herd but three adult females remained separate from the herd throughout the trapping period. These results highlight the fragility of remnant elephant populations such as Nangunhe and we suggest options such as a managed metapopulation approach for their continued survival in China and more widely.

Accelerated telomere shortening in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)–negative compared with GPI-positive granulocytes from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) detected by proaerolysin flow-FISH

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 531-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Beier ◽  
Stefan Balabanov ◽  
Tom Buckley ◽  
Klaus Dietz ◽  
Ulrike Hartmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Telomere Length ◽  
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Replicative Stress ◽  
Selective Growth Advantage ◽  
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Telomere length has been linked to disease stage and degree of (pan-)cytopenia in patients with bone marrow failure syndromes. The aim of the current study was to analyze the impact of replicative stress on telomere length in residual glycosylphosphatidylinositol-positive (GPI+) versus GPI– hematopoiesis in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Peripheral blood granulocytes from 16 patients and 22 healthy individuals were analyzed. For this purpose, we developed proaerolysin flow-FISH, a novel methodology that combines proaerolysin staining (for GPI expression) with flow-FISH (for telomere length measurement). We found significantly shortened telomeres in GPI– granulocytes (mean ± SE: 6.26 ± 0.27 telomere fluorescence units [TFU]), both compared with their GPI+ counterparts (6.88 ± 0.38 TFU; P = .03) as well as with age-matched healthy individuals (7.73 ± 0.23 TFU; P < .001). Our findings are in support of a selective growth advantage model of PNH assuming that damage to the GPI+ hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) compartment leads to compensatory hyperproliferation of residual GPI–HSCs.

Cardiac Health Indicators in Critical COVID-19 Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sultan Alasmari ◽  
Mohammed Makkawi ◽  
Mutaib M Mashraqi ◽  
Saleh Alqahtani ◽  
Mustafa Alqahtani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Creatine Phosphokinase ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Cardiac Health ◽  
Serum Creatine Phosphokinase ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Asir Region ◽  
The Impact

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has spread worldwide and led to ongoing global concern. The pandemic prompted researchers to examine the impact of COVID-19 on human organs. The heart is one such organ. This study investigates the possible prediction of heart condition using some biochemical markers of particularly critically ill patients referred to an intensive care unit (ICU). Results of various serum biomarkers of patients infected with COVID-19 receiving treatment in the ICU, Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, were extracted and compared with healthy individuals using the Mann-Whitney U test. The study showed a distinguished increase in total Serum creatine phosphokinase-Total (CPK-Total), Serum creatine phosphokinase-MP (CPK-MP) levels among COVID-19/ICU patients. But, this increase was not statistically significant. Besides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels revealed a statistically significant increase in the infected group compared with controls. Examination of electrolytes showed a reduction in calcium median value in COVID-19/ICU patients. Data revealed a possible influence of COVID-19 on the heart. Herein, we observe significant parameters that may reflect cardiovascular injury elicited by the virus. These biomarkers possibly used to monitor the severity of disease on the cardiovascular system.

scholarly journals Prevalence of pneumonia and its associated factors among under five children in East Africa. Meta-analysis and systemic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biruk Beletew Abate ◽  
Melaku Getahun Bimrew ◽  
Ayelign Mengesha Kasie ◽  
Mesfin Kassaw Wudu ◽  
Molla Azmeraw
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
The Impact ◽  
National Prevalence

Abstract Introduction Pneumonia is defined as an acute inflammation of the Lungs’ parenchymal structure. It is a major public health problem and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children especially in developing countries. In 2015, it was estimated that about 102 million cases of pneumonia occurred in under-five children, of which 0.7 million were end up with death. Different primary studies in Eastern Africa showed the burden of pneumonia. However, inconsistency among those studies was seen and no review has been conducted to report the amalgamated magnitude and associated factors. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the national prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis in Eastern Africa. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the magnitude of pneumonia and its associated factors among under-five children in East Africa. Methods Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence and associated factors of pneumonia from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the Q and the I 2 test. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by country, study design, and year of publication. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was also done to identify the impact of studies. Result A total of 34 studies with 87, 984 participants were used for analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypothermia in East Africa was 34% (95%CI; 23.80–44.21). Use of wood as fuel source (AOR= 1.53; 95%CI:1.30-1.77; I 2 = 0.0% ;P=0.465), cook food in living room (AOR= 1.47;95%CI:1.16-1.79; I 2 = 0.0% ;P=0.58), caring of a child on mother during cooking (AOR= 3.26; 95%CI:1.80-4.72; I 2 = 22.5% ;P=0.26), Being unvaccinated (AOR= 2.41; 95%CI:2.00-2.81; I 2 = 51.4% ;P=0.055), Child history of ARTI(AOR= 2.62; 95%CI:1.68-3.56; I 2 = 11.7% ;P=0.337) were identified factors of pneumonia. Conclusions The prevalence of pneumonia in Eastern Africa remains high. This review will help policy-makers and program officers to design pneumonia preventive interventions.

scholarly journals Altered diversity and composition of gut microbiota in Wilson's disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangsheng Cai ◽  
Lin Deng ◽  
Xiaogui Ma ◽  
Yusheng Guo ◽  
Zhiting Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Wilson’S Disease ◽  
Wilson's Disease ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Lower Abundance ◽  
Rrna Sequencing ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bacterial Groups

AbstractWilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of chronic copper toxicosis with high mortality and disability. Recent evidence suggests a correlation between dysbiosis in gut microbiome and multiple diseases such as genetic and metabolic disease. However, the impact of intestinal microbiota polymorphism in WD have not been fully elaborated and need to be explore for seeking some microbiota benefit for WD patients. In this study, the 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on fecal samples from 14 patients with WD and was compared to the results from 16 healthy individuals. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in the WD group were significantly lower than those in healthy individuals. The WD group presented unique richness of Gemellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Spirochaetaceae at family level, which were hardly detected in healthy controls. The WD group had a markedly lower abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia, and a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Fusobacteria than that in healthy individuals. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the WD group was significantly lower than that of healthy control. In addition, the functional profile of the gut microbiome from WD patients showed a lower abundance of bacterial groups involved in the host immune and metabolism associated systems pathways such as transcription factors and ABC-type transporters, compared to healthy individuals. These results implied dysbiosis of gut microbiota may be influenced by the host metabolic disorders of WD, which may provide a new understanding of the pathogenesis and new possible therapeutic targets for WD.

scholarly journals Periodontal Disease in Patients Receiving Dialysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 3805
Author(s):  
Yasuyoshi Miyata ◽  
Yoko Obata ◽  
Yasushi Mochizuki ◽  
Mineaki Kitamura ◽  
Kensuke Mitsunari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Progressive Loss ◽  
Medical Instruments ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage ◽  
The Impact

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by kidney damage with proteinuria, hematuria, and progressive loss of kidney function. The final stage of CKD is known as end-stage renal disease, which usually indicates that approximately 90% of normal renal function is lost, and necessitates renal replacement therapy for survival. The most widespread renal replacement therapy is dialysis, which includes peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). However, despite the development of novel medical instruments and agents, both dialysis procedures have complications and disadvantages, such as cardiovascular disease due to excessive blood fluid and infections caused by impaired immunity. Periodontal disease is chronic inflammation induced by various pathogens and its frequency and severity in patients undergoing dialysis are higher compared to those in healthy individuals. Therefore, several investigators have paid special attention to the impact of periodontal disease on inflammation-, nutrient-, and bone metabolism-related markers; the immune system; and complications in patients undergoing dialysis. Furthermore, the influence of diabetes on the prevalence and severity of manifestations of periodontal disease, and the properties of saliva in HD patients with periodontitis have been reported. Conversely, there are few reviews discussing periodontal disease in patients with dialysis. In this review, we discuss the available studies and review the pathological roles and clinical significance of periodontal disease in patients receiving PD or HD. In addition, this review underlines the importance of oral health and adequate periodontal treatment to maintain quality of life and prolong survival in these patients.

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