Bitis arietans Snake Venom and Kn-Ba, a Snake Venom Serine Protease, Induce the Production of Inflammatory Mediators in THP-1 Macrophages

Bitis arietans is a snake of medical importance found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and in savannas and pastures of Morocco and western Arabia. The effects of its venom are characterized by local and systemic alterations, such as inflammation and cardiovascular and hemostatic disturbances, which can lead to victims’ death or permanent disability. To better characterize the inflammatory process induced by this snake’s venom, the participation of eicosanoids and PAF (platelet- activating factor) in this response were demonstrated in a previous study. In addition, edema and early increased vascular permeability followed by an accumulation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in the peritoneal cavity were accompanied by the production of the eicosanoids LTB4, LTC4, TXB2, and PGE2, and local and systemic production of IL-6 and MCP-1. In this context, the present study focused on the identification of inflammatory mediators produced by human macrophages derived from THP-1 cells in response to Bitis arietans venom (BaV), and Kn-Ba, a serine protease purified from this venom. Here, we show that Kn-Ba, and even the less intensive BaV, induced the production of the cytokine TNF and the chemokines RANTES and IL-8. Only Kn-Ba was able to induce the production of IL-6, MCP-1, and IP-10, whereas PGE2 was produced only in response to BaV. Finally, the release of IL-1β in culture supernatants suggests the activation of the inflammasomes by the venom of Bitis arietans and by Kn-Ba, which will be investigated in more detail in future studies.

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WASH and Gender: a critical review of the literature and implications for gender-transformative WASH research

Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development ◽

10.2166/washdev.2020.232 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 818-827

Author(s):

Jess MacArthur ◽

Naomi Carrard ◽

Juliet Willetts

Keyword(s):

Critical Review ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Future Studies ◽

Development Interventions ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

Gender In Development ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

And Gender

Abstract The connections between gender and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are profound, and the sector is beginning to explore the integration of gender-transformative principles into WASH programming and research. Gender-transformative approaches challenge inequalities and move beyond an instrumentalist approach to gender in development interventions. Through a critical review of academic empirical studies, this paper explores the last decade of WASH-gender literature (2008–2018). Trends were visualised using an alluvial diagram. The reviewed literature was underpinned by a diversity of disciplines, yet was dominated by women-focused, water-focused studies. Although the studies addressed many important gender considerations, few studies engaged with transformational aspects of gender equality. The majority of the studies were based in rural sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, indicating opportunity to explore contextual dynamics in other areas of the global south. Lastly, the studies primarily focus on women of productive age; only a few studies touched on gender dynamics relevant for a diversity of women, and men and boys were mostly absent. Insights from this analysis can inform future studies at the intersection of WASH and gender. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to include a diversity of voices, reflect on the strengths and limitations of research disciplines, and incorporate gender-transformative concepts.

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Is Anopheles gambiae a natural host of Wolbachia?

10.1101/491449 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ewa Chrostek ◽

Michael Gerth

Keyword(s):

Anopheles Gambiae ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Phenotypic Data ◽

Independent Evidence ◽

Future Studies ◽

Terrestrial Arthropods ◽

Promising Tool ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

16S Sequence

AbstractWolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales) is an intraovarially-transmitted symbiont of insects able to exert striking phenotypes, including reproductive manipulations and pathogen blocking. These phenotypes make Wolbachia a promising tool to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Although Wolbachia is present in the majority of terrestrial arthropods, including many disease vectors, it was considered absent from Anopheles gambiae mosquitos, the main vectors of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2014, Wolbachia sequences were detected in A. gambiae samples collected in Burkina Faso. Subsequently, similar evidence came from collections all over Africa, revealing a high Wolbachia 16S sequence diversity, low abundance, and a lack of congruence between host and symbiont phylogenies. Here, we reanalyze and discuss recent evidence on the presence of Wolbachia sequences in A. gambiae. We find that although detected at increasing frequencies, the unusual properties of these Wolbachia sequences render them insufficient to diagnose natural infections in A. gambiae. Future studies should focus on uncovering the origin of Wolbachia sequence variants in Anopheles and seeking sequence-independent evidence for this new symbiosis. Understanding the ecology of Anopheles mosquitos and their interactions with Wolbachia will be key in designing successful, integrative approaches to limit malaria spread. Although the prospect of using Wolbachia to fight malaria is intriguing, the newly discovered strains do not bring it closer to realization.SignificanceAnopheles gambiae mosquitos are the main vectors of malaria, threatening around half of the world’s population. The bacterial symbiont Wolbachia can interfere with disease transmission by other important insect vectors, but until recently it was thought to be absent from natural A. gambiae populations. Here, we critically analyze the genomic, metagenomic, PCR, imaging and phenotypic data presented in support of the presence of natural Wolbachia infections in A. gambiae. We find that they are insufficient to diagnose Wolbachia infections and argue for the need of obtaining robust data confirming basic Wolbachia characteristics in this system. Determining Wolbachia infection status of Anopheles is critical due to its potential to influence Anopheles population structure and Plasmodium transmission.

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BIM and M&E Systems for the Performance of Slum Upgrading Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

International Journal of Digital Innovation in the Built Environment ◽

10.4018/ijdibe.2021010101 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

F. H. Abanda ◽

C. Weda ◽

M. B. Manjia ◽

C. Pettang

Keyword(s):

Living Conditions ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Future Studies ◽

Slum Upgrading ◽

Sub Saharan

Recent research reveals a surge in the number of slums in Sub-Saharan Africa with no sign of abating. Thus, the upgrading of slums to improve the living conditions of those who live in such environments is imperative. However, the performance of past slum upgrading projects has been quite contentious with many failing to meet their pre-defined objectives. This study investigates the influence of integrated BIM and M&E on the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. A questionnaire was used to gather data from 88 M&E and BIM experts. It emerged that on average 68.6% “Agreed and Strongly Agreed” that integrating both M&E and BIM can significantly improve the performance of slum upgrading projects compared to each when applied in isolation. Consequently, future studies should focus on developing an integrated BIM and M&E framework for monitoring slum upgrading projects.

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Patella sleeve fracture injury: a case report

Ghana Medical Journal ◽

10.4314/gmj.v55i1.15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 93-95

Author(s):

Reuben K. S. Ngissah ◽

Nana K. Gyeke- Boafo ◽

Lawrence K. B. Awere-Kyere

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Medical Community ◽

Rare Injury ◽

Permanent Disability ◽

Inferior Pole ◽

Affected Child ◽

Sleeve Fracture ◽

Sub Saharan

Patella sleeve fracture is a rare injury that occurs in children and is characterized by an avulsion of extensive sleeve of cartilage and periosteum with small bony fragments, usually from the inferior pole of the patella. It is important to make this diagnosis promptly and act accordingly, because a delay or misdiagnosis will result in severe permanent disability to the affected child. A case of this injury is presented to create awareness among physicians, especially front-liners within the medical community in Sub-Saharan Africa, where such an injury has been rarely reported in the literature. The presentation, evaluation, management and outcome over a six months period is being presented.

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Peptides derived of kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor as potential vaccine against experimental schistosomiasis

10.1101/634360 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Juan Hernández-Goenaga ◽

Julio López-Abán ◽

Anna V. Protasio ◽

Belén Vicente Santiago ◽

Esther del Olmo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protease Inhibitor ◽

B Cell ◽

Serine Protease ◽

Protective Efficacy ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Peptide Epitopes ◽

Significant Public Health ◽

Kunitz Type ◽

Sub Saharan

AbstractSchistosomiasis is a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, China, South-East Asia and regions of South and central America affecting about 189 million people. Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors have been identified as important players in the interaction of other flatworm parasites with their mammalian hosts. Here, we evaluate the protective efficacy of chemically synthesized of T- and B-cell peptide epitopes derived from a kunitz protein from Schistosoma mansoni. Putative kunitz-type protease inhibitor proteins were identified in the S. mansoni genome and their expression analyzed by RNA-seq. Gene expression analyses showed that the kunitz protein Smp_147730 (Syn. Smp_311670) was dramatically and significantly up-regulated in schistosomula and adult worms when compared to the invading cercariae. T- and B-cell epitopes were predicted using bioinformatics tools, chemically synthesized and formulated in the Adjuvant Adaptation (ADAD) vaccination system. BALB/c mice were vaccinated and challenged with S. mansoni cercariae. Kunitz peptides were highly protective in vaccinated BALB/c mice showing significant reductions in recovery of adult females (89-91%), and in the numbers of eggs trapped in the livers (77-81%) and guts (57-77%) of mice. Moreover, liver lesions were significantly reduced in vaccinated mice (64-65%) compared to infected control mice. The vaccination regime was well tolerated with both peptides. We propose the use of these peptides, alone or in combination, as reliable candidates for vaccination against schistosomiasis.

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Review on Ethnoveterinary Practices in Sub-Saharan Africa

Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.3390/vetsci8060099 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 99

Author(s):

Ndahambelela Eiki ◽

Nthabiseng Amenda Sebola ◽

Bellonah Motshene Sakong ◽

Monnye Mabelebele

Keyword(s):

Management Practices ◽

Health Management ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

African Countries ◽

Ethnoveterinary Medicine ◽

Future Studies ◽

Livestock Disease ◽

Animal Diseases ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The Impact

Background: Livestock represents an important sector for the livelihood of sub-Saharan African countries’ inhabitants. In these countries, farmers raise livestock to meet household food demands and as additional sources of incomes, but its production is hampered by rampant animal diseases. The impact of animal diseases is particularly severe for poor communities that, although relying heavily on livestock, have limited access to modern veterinary services and therefore rely on indigenous medicines for the treatment of livestock ailments. Methods: The current review focuses on the ethnoveterinary health management practices found amongst livestock producers in sub-Saharan Africa. Documents were sourced from Google databases. Results: A total of 56 documents were reviewed, most of which were published recently (after 2000). The documents revealed the wide use of ethnoveterinary medicines among livestock producers in sub-Saharan African countries because of their cost and accessibility, threats to ethnomedicinal plant species through improper harvesting methods, overexploitation, the existence of inappropriate ethnoveterinary practices, and methods of conserving ethnomedicinal species. Conclusions: Given the persistent threats posed to ethnoveterinary medicine and/or practices in developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa, the findings of this review highlight the importance of integrating and promoting the use of ethnoveterinary medicine that is likely to be lost if it is not given enough importance. It is also important to obtain an overview of recent publications on ethnoveterinary medicines to identify the gaps and scope required to be filled by future studies. It is envisaged that the review will stimulate further ethnoveterinary research among livestock disease management practices, which could lead to new pharmaceuticals in the region.

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RTS,S/AS01, a vaccine targeting pre-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences ◽

10.1042/etls20170101 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (6) ◽

pp. 533-537

Author(s):

Lorenz von Seidlein ◽

Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn ◽

Podjanee Jittmala ◽

Sasithon Pukrittayakamee

Keyword(s):

Protective Efficacy ◽

Age Groups ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Phase Iii ◽

European Medicines Agency ◽

Older Children ◽

Pivotal Phase ◽

Malaria Epidemiology ◽

Maximum Benefit ◽

Sub Saharan

RTS,S/AS01 is the most advanced vaccine to prevent malaria. It is safe and moderately effective. A large pivotal phase III trial in over 15 000 young children in sub-Saharan Africa completed in 2014 showed that the vaccine could protect around one-third of children (aged 5–17 months) and one-fourth of infants (aged 6–12 weeks) from uncomplicated falciparum malaria. The European Medicines Agency approved licensing and programmatic roll-out of the RTSS vaccine in malaria endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO is planning further studies in a large Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme, in more than 400 000 young African children. With the changing malaria epidemiology in Africa resulting in older children at risk, alternative modes of employment are under evaluation, for example the use of RTS,S/AS01 in older children as part of seasonal malaria prophylaxis. Another strategy is combining mass drug administrations with mass vaccine campaigns for all age groups in regional malaria elimination campaigns. A phase II trial is ongoing to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the RTSS in combination with antimalarial drugs in Thailand. Such novel approaches aim to extract the maximum benefit from the well-documented, short-lasting protective efficacy of RTS,S/AS01.

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Mortality and Society in Sub-Saharan Africa

Population Studies ◽

10.1080/0032472031000147416 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 555-556

Author(s):

Lado Ruzicka

Keyword(s):

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Sub Saharan

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Sub-Saharan Africa

The Military Balance ◽

10.1080/04597228708459635 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 87 (1) ◽

pp. 118-142

Keyword(s):

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Sub Saharan

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Adolescent Suicidality as Seen in Rural Northeastern Uganda

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000059 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 43-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Eugene Kinyanda ◽

Ruth Kizza ◽

Jonathan Levin ◽

Sheila Ndyanabangi ◽

Catherine Abbo

Keyword(s):

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Psychosocial Risk ◽

Psychiatric Nurses ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Childhood Experiences ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Dsm Iv ◽

Sub Saharan

Background: Suicidal behavior in adolescence is a public health concern and has serious consequences for adolescents and their families. There is, however, a paucity of data on this subject from sub-Saharan Africa, hence the need for this study. Aims: A cross-sectional multistage survey to investigate adolescent suicidality among other things was undertaken in rural northeastern Uganda. Methods: A structured protocol administered by trained psychiatric nurses collected information on sociodemographics, mental disorders (DSM-IV criteria), and psychological and psychosocial risk factors for children aged 3–19 years (N = 1492). For the purposes of this paper, an analysis of a subsample of adolescents (aged 10–19 years; n = 897) was undertaken. Results: Lifetime suicidality in this study was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.6%–7.9%). Conclusions: Factors significantly associated with suicidality included mental disorder, the ecological factor district of residence, factors suggestive of low socioeconomic status, and disadvantaged childhood experiences.

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