scholarly journals Case Report: Evidence of Tungiasis in the Amazon Rain Forest of Ecuador

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Calvopiña ◽  
Jacob Bezemer
Keyword(s):  
Rain Forest ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Amazon Rainforest ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Amazon Rain Forest ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
First Time ◽  
Dutch Family

Tungiasis occurs in tropical and subtropical areas in Central and South America and sub-Saharan Africa and is a Neglected Tropical Disease. We diagnosed three cases of tungiasis in a Dutch family visiting indigenous communities in the Amazon basin of Ecuador. Eight days after returning, they presented papular, pruritic, and painful lesions on the feet, with a whitish halo and a blackish central point with abundant whitish eggs upon extraction. For the first time, we demonstrate that Tunga spp. transmission is present in remote indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. It will be important to investigate the occurrence of tungiasis and associated morbidity among local inhabitants and consider prevention measures among locals and travelers to these areas.

Chemical Constituents and Antibacterial Activity of Cissus Aralioides.

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Balogun Olaoye Solomon ◽  
Ajayi Olukayode Solomon ◽  
Owolabi Temitayo Abidemi ◽  
Oladimeji Abdulkarbir Oladele ◽  
Liu Zhiqiang
Keyword(s):  
Plant Extract ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Ethyl Acetate Fraction ◽  
Antibacterial Activities ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Chromatographic Purification ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
First Time

: Cissus aralioides is a medicinal plant used in sub-Saharan Africa for treatment of infectious diseases; however the chemical constituents of the plant have not been investigated. Thus, in this study, attempt was made at identifying predominant phytochemical constituents of the plant through chromatographic purification and silylation of the plant extract, and subsequent characterization using spectroscopic and GC-MS techniques. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) for the antibacterial activities of the plant extract, chromatographic fractions and isolated compounds were also examined. Chromatographic purification of the ethyl acetate fraction from the whole plant afforded three compounds: β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2) and friedelin (3). The phytosterols (1 and 2) were obtained together as a mixture. The GC-MS analysis of silylated extract indicated alcohols, fatty acids and sugars as predominant classes, with composition of 24.62, 36.90 and 26.52% respectively. Results of MICs indicated that friedelin and other chromatographic fractions had values (0.0626-1.0 mg/mL) comparable with the standard antibiotics used. Characterization of natural products from C. aralioides is being reported for the first time in this study.

scholarly journals Labellum and gynostemium micromorphology in Polystachya (Orchidaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 307 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mytnik Joanna ◽  
Davies L. Kevin ◽  
Narajczyk Magdalena ◽  
Łuszczek Dorota ◽  
Kubiak Joanna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Capitate Trichomes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
First Time ◽  
Scanning Electron

AbstractPolystachya is a large, pantropical orchid genus of 200 species, most of which occur as epiphytes in sub-saharan Africa. The three-lobed labellum of most Polystachya species possesses a fleshy callus and various types of trichomes and papillae. In this paper, we present the results of micromorphological studies on the labellum of 20 species, representing eight of the 13 sections in the genus, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results show the scale of infrageneric diversity of trichomes and papillae relative to the sampled sections. They also demonstrate the taxonomic value of labellar micromorphology at the sectional level. The study revealed seven types of papillae and five types of trichomes (uni- and multi-cellular) in Polystachya, some of which, are described here for the first time. Clavate trichomes are the most common and are present in 60% of the species studied. Moniliform trichomes mainly occur in sect. Polystachya and are strongly characteristic of the section. Pseudopollen is formed by fragmentation of moniliform trichomes or the detachment of other trichomes as bicellular units. We provide, for the first time, evidence for the detachment of the terminal cells of capitate trichomes.

scholarly journals Schistosoma mansoni eggs induce Wnt/β-catenin signaling and activate the protooncogene c-Jun in human and hamster colon

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakob Weglage ◽  
Friederike Wolters ◽  
Laura Hehr ◽  
Jakob Lichtenberger ◽  
Celina Wulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Colorectal Carcinogenesis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Interleukin 4 ◽  
Health Burden ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Considerable Morbidity ◽  
First Time

AbstractSchistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, with considerable morbidity in parts of the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, in sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly also in Europe. The WHO describes an increasing global health burden with more than 290 million people threatened by the disease and a potential to spread into regions with temperate climates like Corsica, France. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of S. mansoni infection on colorectal carcinogenic signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. S. mansoni infection, soluble egg antigens (SEA) and the Interleukin-4-inducing principle from S. mansoni eggs induce Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the protooncogene c-Jun as well as downstream factor Cyclin D1 and markers for DNA-damage, such as Parp1 and γH2a.x in enterocytes. The presence of these characteristic hallmarks of colorectal carcinogenesis was confirmed in colon biopsies from S. mansoni-infected patients demonstrating the clinical relevance of our findings. For the first time it was shown that S. mansoni SEA may be involved in the induction of colorectal carcinoma-associated signaling pathways.

“It’s better I’m dead”: oppression and suicidal ideation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Reber
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Temporary Migrant ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
First Time

Purpose Anecdotal accounts of suicide among temporary low-wage migrant workers in the UAE are numerous, but unofficial and qualitative accounts remain unexplored. This study aims to examine how the socio-environmental context can lead some low-wage migrants, irrespective of their nationality or culture, to contemplate suicide for the first time after arriving in the host country. Design/methodology/approach The findings draw from ten months of qualitative fieldwork (2015–2016) and in-depth interviews conducted with 44 temporary migrant workers from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, earning in the lowest wage bracket in Dubai. The study used a non-probabilistic, purposive sampling approach to select participants. Three criteria drove eligibility: participants had to reside in the UAE, be non-national and earn Dh1500 (US$408) or less a month. Otherwise, diversity was sought in regard to nationality, occupation and employer. Findings Eight (18%) of the 44 study participants interviewed admitted to engaging in suicidal thoughts for the first time after arriving in the UAE. The findings suggest that for low-wage migrants working in certain socio-environmental contexts, the religious, gendered or other cultural or group characteristics or patterns that may be predictors of suicide in migrants’ country of origin may become secondary or possibly even irrelevant when one is forced to survive under conditions that by most objective standards would be deemed not only oppressive but extremely exploitative and abusive. Originality/value This study contributes to understandings of how the emotional and psychological well-being of temporary foreign low-wage migrant workers can be impacted by the socio-environmental context of the host country. It is a first step in understanding the intimate thoughts of low-wage migrant workers on the topic of suicidality, furthering our understanding of suicidal ideation and the factors that can contribute to it.

The big three versus NTDs - finding common purpose.

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-102
Author(s):  
Alan Fenwick ◽  
Wendie Norris ◽  
Becky McCall
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Humanitarian Response ◽  
Common Purpose ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
First Time ◽  
National Control ◽  
Leprosy Control ◽  
Onchocerciasis Control

Abstract Even so, no country in sub-Saharan Africa before 2000 had national control programs for any of the seven programs, with the exception of cervical cancer. Onchocerciasis is the target of the Africa Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) with the help of many NGOs organisation using the drug mectizan (ivermectin). The use of drug financing at APOC is revolutionary. They had, for the first time, established as a viable concept with leprosy control programs, and now, with APOC, demonstrated that pharmaceutical companies can and will reuse a drug and treat it as part of a humanitarian response. This book chapter focused on repurposing drugs against schistosomiasis.

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN'S FOREIGN POLICY AND CONSTRUCTION JIHAD'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Lob
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
Political Elite ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Islamic Republic ◽  
Development Organization ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
One Year ◽  
Organization Construction ◽  
First Time

AbstractThis article adopts the theoretical framework of complex realism to trace the evolution of the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy and developmental activities in Africa between the 1980s and the 2000s. Contrary to common assumptions, the deradicalization of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy in Africa began not under the moderates in the early 1990s, but under the conservatives in the mid-1980s. This period marked the first time that the Islamic Republic instrumentalized development to advance its strategic interests in Africa—a policy that has continued despite the factionalization of Iran's political elite. Based on one year of archival research and interviews in Iran, this article is the first to investigate the history and activities of the Islamic Republic's rural development organization, Construction Jihad, in Africa. It posits that development, instead of arms or ideology, has enabled Iran to make the farthest inroads into the continent due to Africa's sizeable agrarian economies, widespread rural poverty, and formidable developmental challenges.

The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of a forest remnant in northeastern Brazil, with new geographic records and an identification key to the known species of the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2656 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANDRÉ NEMÉSIO
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
The State ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Atlantic Rain Forest ◽  
Orchid Bee ◽  
Forest Remnant ◽  
First Time

The orchid bee fauna of Estação Ecológica de Murici (ESEC Murici), in the state of Alagoas, one of the largest remnants of the Atlantic Rain Forest in northeastern Brazil, was surveyed for the first time. Seven hundred and twenty-one orchid-bee males belonging to 17 species were collected from the 3rd to the 10th of September, 2009. Besides the recently described Eulaema (Apeulaema) felipei Nemésio, 2010, three other species recorded at ESEC Murici deserve further attention: Euglossa amazonica Dressler, 1982b, recorded for the first time outside the Amazon Basin; Euglossa milenae Bembé, 2007 and Euglossa analis Westwood, 1840, both recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil north to São Francisco river. These results together with previous samplings in the state of Alagoas reveal that at least 22 orchid-bee species are now known to occur there. Three other species not recorded for Alagoas yet are known from the neighbor states of Sergipe, Pernambuco, and Paraíba. An identification key to all 25 species of Euglossina known to occur in the states of Alagoas, Sergipe, Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte is provided.

The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Archaeology

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Islamic Art ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Islamic Archaeology ◽  
First Time

Born from the fields of Islamic art and architectural history, the archaeological study of the Islamic societies is a relatively young discipline. With its roots in the colonial periods of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its rapid development since the 1980s warrants a reevaluation of where the field stands today. This Handbook represents for the first time a survey of Islamic archaeology on a global scale, describing its disciplinary development and offering candid critiques of the state of the field today in the Central Islamic Lands, the Islamic West, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. The international contributors to the volume address such themes as the timing and process of Islamization, the problems of periodization and regionalism in material culture, cities and countryside, cultural hybridity, cultural and religious diversity, natural resource management, international trade in the later historical periods, and migration. Critical assessments of the ways in which archaeologists today engage with Islamic cultural heritage and local communities closes the volume, highlighting the ethical issues related to studying living cultures and religions.

scholarly journals Trends in knowledge of HIV status and efficiency of HIV testing services in Sub-Saharan Africa (2000-2020): a modelling study of survey and HIV testing program data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katia Giguère ◽  
Jeffrey W. Eaton ◽  
Kimberly Marsh ◽  
Leigh F. Johnson ◽  
Cheryl C. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Hiv Testing Services ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
First Time

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of HIV status (KOS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is essential for an effective national HIV response. This study estimates progress and gaps in reaching the UNAIDS 2020 target of 90% KOS, and the efficiency of HIV testing services (HTS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where two thirds of all PLHIV live.MethodsWe used data from 183 population-based surveys (N=2.7 million participants) and national HTS programs (N=315 country-years) from 40 countries as inputs into a mathematical model to examine trends in KOS among PLHIV, median time from HIV infection to diagnosis, HIV testing positivity, and proportion of new diagnoses among all positive tests, adjusting for retesting.FindingsAcross SSA, KOS steadily increased from 6% (95% credible interval [95%CrI]: 5% to 7%) in 2000 to 84% (95%CrI: 82% to 86%) in 2020. Twelve countries and one region, Southern Africa, reached the 90% target. In 2020, KOS was lower among men (79%) than women (87%) across SSA. PLHIV aged 15-24 years were the least likely to know their status (65%), but the largest gap in terms of absolute numbers was among men aged 35-49 years, with over 700,000 left undiagnosed. As KOS increased from 2000 to 2020, the median time to diagnosis decreased from 10 to 3 years, HIV testing positivity declined from 9% to 3%, and the proportion of first-time diagnoses among all positive tests dropped from 89% to 42%.InterpretationOn the path towards the next UNAIDS target of 95% diagnostic coverage by 2030, and in a context of declining positivity and yield of first-time diagnoses, we need to focus on addressing disparities in KOS. Increasing KOS and treatment coverage among older men could be critical to reduce HIV incidence among women in SSA, and by extension, reducing mother-to-child transmission.

scholarly journals African volcanic emissions influencing atmospheric aerosol particles over the Amazon rain forest

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Saturno ◽  
Florian Ditas ◽  
Marloes Penning de Vries ◽  
Bruna A. Holanda ◽  
Mira L. Pöhlker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rain Forest ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfide ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Amazon Region ◽  
Volcanic Emissions ◽  
Airborne Measurements ◽  
Amazon Rain Forest ◽  
Sulfur Emissions

Abstract. Long-range transport (LRT) plays an important role in the Amazon rain forest by bringing in different primary and secondary aerosol particles from distant sources. The atmospheric oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), emitted from marine plankton, is considered an important sulfate source over the Amazon rain forest, with a lesser contribution from terrestrial soil and vegetation sulfur emissions. Volcanic sulfur emissions from Africa could be a source of particulate sulfate to the Amazonian atmosphere upon transatlantic transport but no observations have been published. By using satellite observations, together with ground‑based and airborne aerosol particle observations, this paper provides evidence of the influence that volcanic emissions have on the aerosol properties that have been observed in central Amazonia. Under the volcanic influence, sulfate mass concentrations reached up to 3.6 µg m−3 (hourly mean) at ground level, the highest value ever reported in the Amazon region. The hygroscopicity parameter was higher than the characteristic dry-season average, reaching a maximum of 0.36 for accumulation mode aerosol particles. Airborne measurements and satellite data indicated the transport of two different volcanic plumes reaching the Amazon Basin in September 2014 with a sulfate-enhanced layer at an altitude between 4 and 5 km. These observations show that remote volcanic sources can episodically affect the aerosol cycling over the Amazon rain forest and perturb the background conditions. Further studies should address the long-term effect of volcanogenic aerosol particles over the Amazon Basin by running long-term and intensive field measurements in the Amazon region and by monitoring African emissions and their transatlantic transport.

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