Search

Abstract Blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) is a challenging disease because of the significant impact of delayed diagnosis on patients. In this study, excised heart valves and blood serum samples were collected from 50 BCNE patients in two central hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Sera were tested by IFA for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Bartonella quintana and B. henselae. Genomic DNA extracted from the heart valves was examined for Bartonella-specific ssrA gene in a probe-based method real-time PCR assay. Any positive sample was Sanger sequenced. IgG titer higher than 1024 was observed in only one patient and all 50 patients tested negative for Bartonella IgM. By real-time PCR, the ssrA gene was detected in the valve of one patient which was further confirmed to be B. quintana. Bartonella-like structures were observed in transmission electron microscopy images of that patient. We present for the first time the involvement of Bartonella in BCNE in Iran. Future research on at-risk populations, as well as domestic and wild mammals as potential reservoirs, is recommended.

Blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) is a challenging disease because of the significant impact of delayed diagnosis on patients. In this study, excised heart valves and blood serum samples were collected from 50 BCNE patients in two central hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Sera were tested by IFA for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Bartonella quintana and B. henselae. Genomic DNA extracted from the heart valves was examined for Bartonella-specific ssrA gene in a probe-based method real-time PCR assay. Any positive sample was Sanger sequenced. IgG titer higher than 1024 was observed in only one patient and all 50 patients tested negative for Bartonella IgM. By real-time PCR, the ssrA gene was detected in the valve of one patient which was further confirmed to be B. quintana. Bartonella-like structures were observed in transmission electron microscopy images of that patient. We present for the first time the involvement of Bartonella in BCNE in Iran. Future research on at-risk populations, as well as domestic and wild mammals as potential reservoirs, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is a critical causative agent behind Kaposi sarcoma (KS), an oncogenic disease with profound consequences in immunocompromised individuals. Studies suggested HHV-8 seroprevalence in healthy populations is uncommon, but comprehensive investigations within the Middle East region remain scarce. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by meticulously assessing HHV-8 seroprevalence among healthy blood donors in Qatar, leveraging serological methodologies and PCR. Methods: We used sera samples collected from 621 healthy blood donors (median age = 36 years, IQR 30–43) from different nationalities residing in Qatar, mainly from the MENA region and Southeast Asia. All sera samples were tested for total anti-HHV-8 IgG antibodies using ELISA. The presence of lytic HHV-8 antibodies was confirmed by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Further, HHV-8 DNA was tested and quantitated by qRT-PCR. Results: ELISA detected anti-HHV-8 IgG total antibodies in 6.9 % [43/621, 95 %CI 5.2–9.2] of the tested samples. Subsequent testing by IFA revealed that 14 % [6/43, 95 %CI 3.6–24.3] of these anti-HHV-8 IgG were classified as HHV-8 lytic antibodies. This suggests that 0.97 % [6/621, 95 %CI 0.2–1.7] of these donors had a recent or ongoing active infection and viral replication. Only one seronegative Qatari blood donor had detectable HHV-8 DNA in his blood. No significant difference was observed between HHV-8 seropositivity and the demographic characteristics of the donors. Conclusion: Our study showed that HHV-8 prevalence in Qatar aligns closely with global reports. Moreover, our findings raise considerations regarding HHV-8’s potential transmission via transfusion, which suggests the value of routine HHV-8 screening, particularly for immunocompromised patients vulnerable to KS.

Background & objectives Q fever is an important zoonotic disease affecting humans as well as animals. The objective of this study was to assess the burden of Q fever in individuals with acute febrile illness, particularly those in close contact with animals. Various diagnostic methods were also evaluated in addition to clinical examination analysis and associated risk factors. Methods Individuals presenting with acute febrile illness who had animal exposure were enrolled (n=92) in this study. Serum samples were tested using IgG and IgM phase 2 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The PCR targeting the com1 and IS1111 genes was performed on blood samples. PCR amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Demographic data, symptoms, and risk factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Results Among individuals with acute febrile illness, 34.7 per cent (32 out of 92) were found to be infected with Coxiella burnetii. PCR exhibited the highest sensitivity among the diagnostic methods employed. The most common clinical manifestations included headache, chills, arthralgia, and fatigue. Individuals engaged in daily livestock-rearing activities were found to be at an increased risk of infection. Interpretation & conclusions Q fever is underdiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentations, diagnostic complexities, and lack of awareness. This study underscores the importance of regular screening for Q fever in individuals with acute febrile illness, particularly those with animal exposure. Early diagnosis and increased awareness among healthcare professionals are essential for the timely management and prevention of chronic complications associated with Q fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic virus involved in several diseases. The gold standard for KSHV sero diagnosis remains the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), which is time-consuming and operator-dependent. We compared this method with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) targeting solubilized KSHV whole-genome extract among positive (n = 49, including 76% of HIV-infected patients) and negative (n = 14) control groups. We also included 14 sera with equivocal IFA results. ELISA showed better performance in detecting KSHV antibodies (McNemar’s test, P = 0.0455). The sensitivity and specificity of both methods were 79% (64–89) and 100% (66–100) for the IFA, respectively, and 94% (83–99) and 100% (66–100) for ELISA, respectively. All IFA equivocal results were either negative or positive with ELISA. ELISA is more reliable and could be a good alternative for determining KSHV serological status, particularly in the context of immunocompromised patients and equivocal serology with the IFA.IMPORTANCEKaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) sero status remains challenging because no perfect reference is available for the detection of KSHV antibodies. The current gold-standard method, the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), has a very good specificity of close to 100%, but a lower sensitivity of around 80–85%, which decreases to 64–67% in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, this method is time-consuming and operator-dependent compared with new serological assays such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus, further research is still needed to improve KSHV sero diagnosis. Here, we compare the KSHV IgG ELISA kit assay (Advanced Biotechnologies Inc) with the gold-standard IFA, targeting the LANA-1 protein from latent BC-3 cell lines.

Afektinės būsenos iškilimas savižudybės procese laikomas rimtu savižudybės grėsmės ženklu. Šiame tyrime siekiama aprašyti afektinių būsenų, būdingų savižudybės procesui, patyrimą ir įvertinti jų formavimosi prielaidas gyvenimo laikotarpiu. Tyrime taikyta kokybinė perspektyva, jos tikslas buvo pasiekti gyvenimiškas žmonių patirtis retrospektyviai, atliekant giluminius pusiau struktūruotus interviu. Tyrimo imtį sudaro 12 tyrimo dalyvių (4 vyrai, 1 nedvinarės lytinės tapatybės asmuo ir 7 moterys), bandžiusių nusižudyti ne daugiau kaip prieš vienerius metus, vykdant tyrimą besigydžiusių Vilniaus miesto psichikos sveikatos centre. Duomenys sisteminti taikant fenomenologinę interpretacinę analizę, siekiant atskleisti pasikartojančius išgyvenimus. Atlikus duomenų analizę išryškėjo 9 pagrindinės grupės patirtinės temos: kai kurie gyvenimo sunkumai, užgulę savižudybės proceso metu, nebuvo patiriami kaip susiję su suicidiškumu; pasikartojantys trauminiai įvykiai suteikė pagrindą formuotis didelio trūkumo jausmams; kompensacinis mechanizmas užpildė didelio trūkumo jausmų išgyvenimą; prasidėjo išsekimas nuo pastangos palaikyti kompensacinį mechanizmą; pagrindinis trigeris tiesiogiai konfrontavo su kompensaciniu mechanizmu; po pagrindinio trigerio išgyvenimo ėjo afekto būsena; afekto būsenos metu disociacija gali padėti izoliuoti psichologinį skausmą; esant afekto būsenos, mintys apie savižudybę patirtos kaip kylančios automatiškai; savižudybė suvokta kaip priemonė sustabdyti kančią. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, jog žmonių pasakojimuose galima įžvelgti afektinių būsenų, būdingų savižudybės procesui, formavimosi modelį. Žmonės geba, pasitelkę refleksiją, intuityviai atskirti reikšmingus sunkius gyvenimo įvykius nuo savižudybės procesui nereikšmingų ir permąstyti savo patirtis. Šis gebėjimas yra vertingas intervencijų ir postvencijų išteklius.

Introduction: The iron requirement of the body increases during this period and resulting into anemia. National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-20), about 65% women (15-49 y) and about 62% of pregnant women were suffering from various degrees of anemia in Gujarat. Current study is the part of the innovation pilot project in which counselling was very important component. It motivated the beneficiaries to increase uptake of project services. Thus, the current paper is designed with the aim and objective to analyse the effect of counselling done for all the beneficiaries (Pregnant women and adolescent girls) in context for their improvement in anaemia status. Materials and Methods: The current study, conducted between June 2020 to March 2021 in Bhanvad Taluka of DevBhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat, is part of the innovation pilot Anaemia Project under ICDS. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study focused on 60 pregnant women and 304 adolescent girls, selected through simple random sampling. Verbal Informed Consent was obtained from each participant, and a semi-structured, pilot-tested questionnaire was administered in the local language by the evaluation team. The active involvement of counsellors, including FHW/ MS/ FHS/ ASHA, added a crucial dimension to the project, enhancing its effectiveness and outreach. Results: it was found that overall anemia burden among beneficiaries was reduced (9.34%) considering baseline and endline data taken during the study. This reduction was more seen among PWs (18.33%) as compared to AGs (7.56%). Conclusion: The results showed that nutrition education and counselling positively influenced the intake of dietary iron and vitamin C-rich foods.

Abstract Background Women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries are often at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to inadequate intakes and excessive losses. Objective The purpose of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation-Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (UNIMMAP-MMS) versus iron-folic acid (IFA) among WRA in reducing anemia. Methods Three parallel groups of WRA will participate in a community-based, individually randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial. After consent, the sample of 375 mildly or moderately anemic women based on hemoglobin by Hemocue will be randomly assigned across two interventions and one control arm. Trial participants in intervention arms will receive UNIMMAP-MMS or IFA while those in the control arm will receive placebos twice a week for 17 weeks. The primary outcome will be a change in mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Outcome assessors and study participants will be blinded to the type of supplements and study arm. Discussion The World Health Organization (WHO) added UNIMMAP-MMS to its essential medicine lists in 2021 but recommended rigorous study. Several factors in addition to inadequate intakes of iron and folic acid contribute to the high prevalence of anemia among WRA in the Somali region. The findings of this study will provide evidence on the effect of UNIMMAP-MMS and IFA on Hb concentrations and anemia prevalence among anemic WRA. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05682261. Registered on January 12, 2023.

Copyright of Psychology / Psichologija is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries are often at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to inadequate intakes and excessive losses. Objective: The purpose of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation-Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (UNIMMAP-MMS) versus iron-folic acid (IFA) among WRA in reducing anemia. Methods: Three parallel groups of WRA will participate in a community-based, individually randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial. After consent, the sample of 375 mildly or moderately anemic women based on hemoglobin by Hemocue will be randomly assigned across two interventions and one control arm. Trial participants in intervention arms will receive UNIMMAP-MMS or IFA while those in the control arm will receive placebos twice a week for 17 weeks. The primary outcome will be a change in mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Outcome assessors and study participants will be blinded to the type of supplements and study arm. Discussion: The World Health Organization (WHO) added UNIMMAP-MMS to its essential medicine lists in 2021 but recommended rigorous study. Several factors in addition to inadequate intakes of iron and folic acid contribute to the high prevalence of anemia among WRA in the Somali region. The findings of this study will provide evidence on the effect of UNIMMAP-MMS and IFA on Hb concentrations and anemia prevalence among anemic WRA. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05682261. Registered on January 12, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The level of adherence is an indicator of the successful implementation of a program to provide both multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) and iron folic acid (IFA). Moreover, factors that may have an impact on the level of adherence are knowledge level, consumption acceptability, characteristic acceptability, and family support. Objectives: To analyze the relationship and differences in the level of adherence of pregnant women to consuming MMS and IFA in the work area of Mulyorejo Public Health Center, Surabaya. Methods: This study is an observational study (prospective cohort design). A total of 244 samples from each of the two sample groups, which are the MMS group and the IFA group, were observed for 30 days. This study was expected to discover the adherence level of pregnant women to consuming MMS or IFA. In addition, the Mann-Whitney test was used in the comparative analysis, and the chi-square test was used in the relationship analysis. Results: According to the findings, it was discovered that pregnant women who consumed MMS had a higher average adherence rate (79.9%) compared to those who consumed IFA (71.2%). However, the results showed that there was no significant difference between the two (p-value = 0.400), and identical results applied for knowledge level, consumption acceptability, and characteristic acceptability. Moreover, in comparison to the IFA group (32.2), the MMS group had a higher average family support (34.9). Additionally, there was a relationship between the adherence level and both knowledge level and consumption acceptability (p-value<0,05), but there was no relationship between the adherence level and family support (p-value>0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant difference among the variables. In addition, there was a relationship between the adherence level and both knowledge level and consumption acceptability, but not between the adherence level and family support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) continues to cause enormous economic loss to the global pig industry. Since there is no safe and effective vaccine, accurate and timely diagnosis of ASF is essential to implement control measures. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a gold standard serological method recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). In this study, we used primary fetal kidney cells to establish a wild boar cell line (BK2258) that supported the efficient replication of ASF virus (ASFV) SD/DY-I/21 and showed visible cytopathic effect (CPE). Moreover, using BK2258, we established a sensitive and specific IFA for ASFV antibody detection. To standardize and evaluate the performance of this assay, we used serum samples from pigs infected with the low virulent genotype I SD/DY-I/21 and genotype II HLJ/HRB1/20, and immunized with the vaccine candidate HLJ/18-7GD, field samples, and negative serum samples. The IFA reacted with the ASFV-positive sera and displayed bright fluorescence foci. There was no non-specific green fluorescence due to cellular senescence or other cell damage-causing factors. Compared to a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), ASFV antibodies were detected 1–4 days earlier using our IFA. The detection limits of the IFA and iELISA for the same ASFV-antibody positive serum samples were 1:25,600 and 1:6,400, respectively, indicating that the IFA is more sensitive than iELISA. The newly established IFA was highly specific and did not cross-react with sera positive for six other important porcine pathogens (i.e., Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Porcme circovirus type 2 (PCV2), Pseudorabies virus (PRV), Foot-and-Mouth disease virus type O (FMDV/O), and Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV)). This study thus provides a sensitive, specific, and reliable detection method that is suitable for the serological diagnosis of ASF.

IntroductionViral infections have been implicated in the initiation of the autoimmune diseases. Recent reports suggest that a proportion of patients with COVID-19 develop severe disease with multiple organ injuries. We evaluated the relationship between COVID-19 severity, prevalence and persistence of antinuclear and other systemic and organ specific autoantibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection specific anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgG antibodies and protective neutralizing antibody (Nab) levels.MethodsSamples from 119 COVID-19 patients categorized based on their level of care and 284 healthy subjects were tested for the presence and persistence of antinuclear and other systemic and organ specific autoantibodies as well as SARS-CoV-2 and neutralizing antibody levels.ResultsThe data shows significantly increased levels of anti RNP-A, anti-nucleocapsid and neutralizing antibody among patients receiving ICU care compared to non-ICU care. Furthermore, subjects receiving ICU care demonstrated significantly higher nucleocapsid IgG levels among the RNP-A positive cohort compared to RNP-A negative cohort. Notably, the expression of anti RNP-A antibodies is transient that reverts to non-reactive status between 20 and 60 days post symptom onset.ConclusionsCOVID-19 patients in ICU care exhibit significantly higher levels of transient RNP-A autoantibodies, anti-nucleocapsid, and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies compared to patients in non-ICU care.

Access to and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) is important for optimising health and nutrition during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess adherence to and factors associated with ANC and antenatal supplement use among Laotian women, and consider culturally appropriate strategies to increase micronutrient intakes. Mother-child (aged 21 d to

The tradition of the origin of the Yorùbá people of Western Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo, and the Diaspora indicate one source, Ilé-Ifè, where the varieties of their indigenous political system originated. However, since the colonial period, a debate remains about the place of the Oòni, the King of Ilé-Ifè, in the political and religious systems of the Yorùbá nation, which has led to a perennial discourse across Yorùbáland. Using literature, primary sources such as oral interviews, and participant observations of rituals and festivals spanning several years, this study critically analyses the position of the Oòni in the religious system of Ilé-Ifè. The findings of this study reveal that the festivals in Ilé-Ifè are within the purview of certain family compounds headed by the Ìsòrò (king-priests). It also discovered that the mandatory performance of the Oòni in Ifè festivals is limited the Ìdìó, Olójó, Edì, Ìtàpá, Pokùlere and Ifá festivals only. The participatory role of the Oòni is reflective of the commemoration of the important culture heroes of Ile-Ife who have reigned before Lajamisan, the originator of the current dynasty in the Ìtàpá festival of Obàtálá, Ìdìó festival of Odùduwà, Olójó festival of Ògún, and Pokùlere festival of Obalùfòn. The study further reveals that in the Edì and Ifá festivals, the Oòni re-enacts the performance of the previous Ifè kings in the epochal events in the history of Ilé-Ifè considered important enough to be re-enacted. In line with existing debate about the nature of the religious or political status of the King of Ifè, this study concludes that the structure of the Ifè religious system does not underscore the Johnsonian theory ascribing the role of a chief priest to the Oòni.

Our study aimed at assessing the role of Coxiella burnetii in nonspecific febrile illness at the National Center of Infectious Diseases in Algeria, EL-HADI FLICI Hospital. Seventy patients were included and compared to seventy controls without any ongoing infection. Coxiella burnetii infection was investigated using IFA serology and qPCR. Serology was positive in 3 of 70 patients (4.30%), including 1 in whom PCR was also positive (1.42%). All three patients reported frequent contact with ruminants. These results suggest that C. burnetii is an agent of nonspecific febrile illness in Algeria.

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the knowledge as well as the rate of adherence to supplement medications. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at a teaching hospital for obstetrics and gynecology in Karbala with 100 pregnant women at the second trimester, data were collected using two questionnaires, one about knowledge and other about adherence to micronutrient supplementation, laboratory tests were used to determine the levels of Hemoglobin and plasma level of calcium, and vitamin D. Results: The overall adherence rate to supplement medication among pregnant women was low in spite of good knowledge score. Biochemical laboratory results showed more than half of participants were found to have haemoglobin Less than normal level. Most of participant confirmed to have deficiency of plasma 25-Hydroxy-vitaminD, and more than two third of them have normal calcium level. Conclusion: The present study revealed that most pregnant women have a poor adherence to micronutrient supplementation, therefore there is a need for interventional strategies to optimize adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lexikos is the property of Bureau of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Our study aimed at assessing the role of Coxiella burnetii in nonspecific febrile illness at the National Center of Infectious Diseases in Algeria, EL-HADI FLICI Hospital. Seventy patients were included and compared to seventy controls without any ongoing infection. Coxiella burnetii infection was investigated using IFA serology and qPCR. Serology was positive in 3 of 70 patients (4.30%), including 1 in whom PCR was also positive (1.42%). All three patients reported frequent contact with ruminants. These results suggest that C. burnetii is an agent of nonspecific febrile illness in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a manifestation of under-nutrition and poor dietary intake of iron and is a public health problem in India. Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia among women in India with a prevalence reported in National Family Health Survey-4 as 54.4% among pregnant women and 52.2% among women of age 15-49 years in rural area. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in selected health blocks of Himachal Pradesh. Methodology: It was a community based cross-sectional study where 09 health blocks from 07 districts were selected randomly using probability proportionate to size criteria for selection of blocks. Considering 50% prevalence, 5% error and 80% Confidence level, a sample size 164 was obtained and taking 10% dropout a total sample size of 180 was obtained. 20 pregnant women from each block were enrolled after written informed consent and screened for anemia. Results: A total of 180 women were enrolled for the study. The mean age of the study subjects was 26.3±4.13 years with mean age of marriage as 22.44±2.97 years. 102 (56.6%) subjects were primigravida. The prevalence of anemia observed was 29.4% and mean hemoglobin levels observed were 11.7±1.47 gm/dL. Conclusion: We estimated prevalence of anemia among pregnant women as 29.4% which is lower than that reported in India but still there are lacunas which are to be filled so as to further reduce its prevalence.

Background: In India, anaemia is the most widespread nutritional deficiency disorder occurring primarily due to iron deficiency. Despite implementation of the Weekly Iron & Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme under NRHM since 2013, the prevalence of anaemia is high among adolescents and pregnant women (PW) Objectives: To assess consumption of IFA in adolescent school going girls and pregnant women in selected health blocks of Himachal Pradesh. Methodology: It was a community-based study which was a part of project under WCD department of H.P. PW and school going adolescent girls of age 10-19 years from 9 Community development blocks were selected randomly using PPS. IFA consumption in last one year among adolescent girls and last 1 month among pregnant women was assessed by interviewing them. Results: Total participants among PW were 180 with mean age of 26.3±4.13, whereas 720 adolescents with mean age of 15.82±1.19 were enrolled in the study. Out of 180 PWs, 160(88.8%) received IFA where majority (156;97%) of them consumed IFA distributed by ASHA worker. On the other hand, majority of adolescent girls (484/720;67%) did not receive IFA, 196/236 (83%) who received IFA was distributed by ASHAs. Mean Hb level of PW was 11.7±1.47 whereas for adolescents was 12.73±4.85. Conclusion: It was observed that most of the pregnant women are utilizing government services, however the services are not being utilized by the school going adolescent girls as WIFS are not provided regularly.

Background: Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia among school going adolescent girls in India Objective: To find the prevalence of anemia among school going adolescent girls in selected health blocks of Himachal Pradesh Methodology: It was a community based cross-sectional study where 09 health blocks from 07 districts were selected randomly using probability proportionate to size criteria for selection of blocks. A total of 720 adolescent girls were enrolled for the study. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 15.82±1.19 years. The prevalence of anemia observed was 31.6% and mean hemoglobin levels observed were 12.73±4.85 gm/dL Conclusion: We observed prevalence of anemia among school going adolescent girls as 31.6% which is lower than that reported in India. A way to reduce this burden of anemia among adolescent girls is WIFS which has reduced anemia prevalence among adolescent girls but still there is a long way to go

Simple Summary: Human cases of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), diagnosed serologically by immunofluorescence assay, have recently been reported in the Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. Because serological cross-reactions among different rickettsial species that belong to the spotted fever group (SFG) are common, the agent responsible for the BSF cases in Goiás remains unknown. We evaluated the presence of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in dogs, horses and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), as well as rickettsial DNA in ticks collected from these animals and from the environment, in an area where BSF cases have been reported and two areas under surveillance in Goiás. The DNA of Rickettsia that did not belong to the SFG was detected in Amblyomma dubitatum, which was identified by DNA sequencing as Rickettsia bellii. Seroreactivity to SFG and R. bellii antigens was detected in dogs, horses and capybaras, with higher titers for R. bellii in dogs and capybaras. These data demonstrate the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in the region and the need for further research to definitively determine the agent responsible for rickettsiosis cases in this area. Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is the most important tick-borne diseases affecting humans in Brazil. Cases of BSF have recently been reported in the Goiás state, midwestern Brazil. All cases have been confirmed by reference laboratories by seroconversion to Rickettsia rickettsii antigens. Because serological cross-reactions among different rickettsial species that belong to the spotted fever group (SFG) are common, the agent responsible for BSF cases in Goiás remains unknown. From March 2020 to April 2022, ticks and plasma were collected from dogs, horses and capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), and from the vegetation in an area where BSF cases have been reported and two areas under epidemiological surveillance in Goiás. Horses were infested by Amblyomma sculptum, Dermacentor nitens and Rhipicephalus microplus; dogs by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), Amblyomma ovale and A. sculptum, and capybaras by A. sculptum and Amblyomma dubitatum. Adults of A. sculptum, A. dubitatum, Amblyomma rotundatum and immature stages of A. sculptum and A. dubitatum, and Amblyomma spp. were collected from the vegetation. DNA of Rickettsia that did not belong to the SFG was detected in A. dubitatum, which was identified by DNA sequencing as Rickettsia bellii. Seroreactivity to SFG and Rickettsia bellii antigens was detected in 25.4% (42/165) of dogs, 22.7% (10/44) of horses and 41.2% (7/17) of capybaras, with higher titers for R. bellii in dogs and capybaras. The seropositivity of animals to SFG Rickettsia spp. antigens demonstrates the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in the region. Further research is needed to fully determine the agent responsible for rickettsiosis cases in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is a critical causative agent behind Kaposi sarcoma (KS), an oncogenic disease with profound consequences in immunocompromised individuals. Studies suggested HHV-8 seroprevalence in healthy populations is uncommon, but comprehensive investigations within the Middle East region remain scarce. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by meticulously assessing HHV-8 seroprevalence among healthy blood donors in Qatar, leveraging serological methodologies and PCR. We used sera samples collected from 621 healthy blood donors (median age = 36 years, IQR 30–43) from different nationalities residing in Qatar, mainly from the MENA region and Southeast Asia. All sera samples were tested for total anti-HHV-8 IgG antibodies using ELISA. The presence of lytic HHV-8 antibodies was confirmed by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Further, HHV-8 DNA was tested and quantitated by qRT-PCR. ELISA detected anti-HHV-8 IgG total antibodies in 6.9 % [43/621, 95 %CI 5.2–9.2] of the tested samples. Subsequent testing by IFA revealed that 14 % [6/43, 95 %CI 3.6–24.3] of these anti-HHV-8 IgG were classified as HHV-8 lytic antibodies. This suggests that 0.97 % [6/621, 95 %CI 0.2–1.7] of these donors had a recent or ongoing active infection and viral replication. Only one seronegative Qatari blood donor had detectable HHV-8 DNA in his blood. No significant difference was observed between HHV-8 seropositivity and the demographic characteristics of the donors. Our study showed that HHV-8 prevalence in Qatar aligns closely with global reports. Moreover, our findings raise considerations regarding HHV-8's potential transmission via transfusion, which suggests the value of routine HHV-8 screening, particularly for immunocompromised patients vulnerable to KS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Anemia in pregnancy is an important global public health problem. It is estimated that 38% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. In Africa, literature from observational studies show 20% of maternal deaths are attributed to anemia. In Uganda, 50% of pregnant women have iron deficiency anaemia. The proportion of pregnant women receiving Iron-Folic acid (IFA) supplementation has improved. However, the number of IFA pills consumed is still low. We carried out a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of dispensing blister and loose packaged IFA pills on adherence measured by count on next return visit and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women at two National Referral Hospitals in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This trial was conducted between April and October 2016. Nine hundred fifty pregnant women at ≤28 weeks were randomized to either the blister (intervention arm) or loose (control arm) packaged IFA. The participants completed the baseline measurements and received 30 pills of IFA at enrolment to swallow one pill per day. We assessed adherence by pill count and measured hemoglobin at four and 8 weeks. The results were presented using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Results There were 474 participants in the control and 478 in the intervention arms. Adherence to IFA intake was similar in the two groups at 4th week (40.6 and 39.0%, p = 0.624) and 8th week (51.9 and 46.8%, p = 0.119). The mean hemoglobin level at 4 weeks was higher in the blister than in the loose packaging arms (11.9 + 1.1 g/dl and 11.8 + 1.3 g/dl, respectively; p = 0.02), however, similar at week 8 (12.1 + 1.2 and 12.0 + 1.3, respectively; p = 0.23). However, over the 8-week period blister packaging arm had a higher change in hemoglobin level compared to loose package (blister package 0.6 ± 1.0; loose packaging 0.2 ± 1.1; difference: 0.4 g/dL (95% CI: 0.24–0.51 g/dL); p = 0.001. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusions Our results showed no effect of blister packaging on IFA adherence among pregnant women. However, our findings showed that blister packaged group had a higher hemoglobin increase compared to loose iron group. Trial registration No. PACTR201707002436264 (20 /07/ 2017).

The monospecific dense fine speckled (DFS) immunofluorescence assay (IFA) pattern is considered a potential marker to aid in exclusion of antinuclear antibody (ANA)-associated rheumatic diseases (AARD). This pattern is typically produced by autoantibodies against transcription co-activator DFS70/LEDGFp75, which are frequently found in healthy individuals and patients with miscellaneous inflammatory conditions. In AARD patients, these antibodies usually co-exist with disease-associated ANAs. Previous studies reported the occurrence of monospecific autoantibodies that generate a DFS-like or pseudo-DFS IFA pattern but do not react with DFS70/LEDGFp75. We characterized this pattern using confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The target antigen associated with this pattern partially co-localized with DFS70/LEDGFp75 and its interacting partners H3K36me2, an active chromatin marker, and MLL, a transcription factor, in HEp-2 cells, suggesting a role in transcription. Immunoblotting did not reveal a common protein band immunoreactive with antibodies producing the pseudo-DFS pattern, suggesting they may recognize diverse proteins or conformational epitopes. Given the subjectivity of the HEp-2 IFA test, the awareness of pseudo-DFS autoantibodies reinforces recommendations for confirmatory testing when reporting patient antibodies producing a putative DFS pattern in a clinical setting. Future studies should focus on defining the potential diagnostic utility of the pseudo-DFS pattern and its associated antigen(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iluminuras is the property of Revista Iluminuras and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cancer treatment has come a long way in increasing overall survival; however, evasion of the immune system continues to be a challenge in treating individuals with established disease burdens. Due to the difficulty in stimulating an immune response against cancer, approaches utilizing combination adjuvants with different mechanisms may be beneficial. A combination of these adjuvants with other adjuvants or other treatments has demonstrated synergistic effects in the form of a robust and sustained immune response, demonstrating the importance of further development. This review discusses the intricacies of immune evasion, applications of adjuvants with different mechanisms of action, and adjuvants used for cancer immunotherapy in clinical trials.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an important oncogenic α-herpesvirus that induces Marek's disease (MD), characterized by severe immunosuppression and rapid-onset T-cell lymphomas in its natural chicken hosts. Historically, MD is regarded as an ideal biomedical model for studying virally induced cancers. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against viral or host antigenic epitopes are crucial for virology research, especially in the exploration of gene functions, clinical therapy, and the development of diagnostic reagents. Utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology, we produced a pp38-deleted MDV-1 mutant—GX0101Δpp38—and used it for the rapid screening and identification of pp38-specific mAbs from a pool of MDV-specific antibodies from 34 hybridomas. The cross-staining of parental and mutated MDV plaques with hybridoma supernatants was first performed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Four monoclonal hybridomas—namely, 4F9, 31G7, 34F2, and 35G9—were demonstrated to secrete specific antibodies against MDV-1's pp38 protein, which was further confirmed by IFA staining and confocal analysis. Further experiments using Western blotting, immunoprecipitation (IP), liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis demonstrated that the pp38-specific mAb 31G7 has high specificity and wide application potential for further research in MD biology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the use of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology for efficient screening and identification of mAbs against a specific viral protein, and provides a meaningful reference for the future production of antibodies against other viruses—especially for large DNA viruses such as herpesviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the outbreak of the infection of Duck adenovirus 3 (DAdV-3) characterized by swelling and hemorrhagic liver and kidney has caused huge economic losses to duck industry since 2014 in China. To date, the B cell epitopes in the Fiber-1 protein and the underlying infection mechanism of DAdV-3 have not been investigated. In this study, the recombinant Fiber-1 protein was first expressed in E. coli and six novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Fiber-1 were generated, designated as 1D8, 1E6, 3G6, 4G1, 4G2, and 6F10, respectively. Moreover, mAbs 3G6 and 6F10 could efficiently immunoprecipitate the Fiber-1 in LMH cells infected with DAdV-3 or transfected with pcDNA3.1-Fiber-1. Notably, mAbs 3G6 and 4G2 also showed certain neutralizing activity against DAdV-3 infection in vitro. Epitopes mapping revealed that the B cell epitope recognized by 6F10, 3G6, 4G1, 1D8, 4G2, and 1E6 was located in 34-66aa, 67-99aa, 64-296aa, 297-329aa, 330-362aa, and 363-395aa, respectively. Sequence alignments further found that the six epitopes recognized by these mAbs were highly conserved among different DAdV-3 isolates. The generated mAbs specific to Fiber-1 and their defined epitopes provide powerful tools for establishing rapid and efficient diagnostics for the detection of DAdV-3 and pave the way for further studying on the critical role of Fiber-1 in mediating the infection of DAdV-3.

Abstract The seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii was researched in swine raised in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Serum samples from 84 pigs from 31 farms were tested using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for both agents. Additionally, 53 samples of pork sausages and tissues destined for human consumption, including: salami, sausage, black pudding, heart, tongue, brain, and rib muscle, were submitted to PCR to detect DNA for each agent. The frequency of anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies was 36.9% (31/84), with titers ranging from 32 to 1024, and 25% (21/84) for anti-T. gondii antibodies, with titers ranging from 64 to 2048. Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii DNA were detected in 67.9% (36/53) and 13.2% (7/53) of samples, respectively. The presence of antibodies and the detection of DNA from Sarcocystis spp., and T. gondii suggests that the pigs were infected and may serve as an important reservoir for both parasites. The infection by these protozoa in the swine population is relevant to public health due to their zoonotic potential.

A partir do contexto vivenciado entre os anos de 2009 e 2012 na Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), objetiva-se neste artigo compreender de que formas os cursos de língua francesa ministrados no Projeto Formação em Línguas para Fins Acadêmicos (IFA) contemplavam as expectativas de outros cursos identificados como Francês com Objetivos Universitários (FOU). Inicialmente identificam-se duas grandes tendências nesse movimento, que orientam o ensino de línguas a partir das necessidades de interações socioverbais dos aprendizes, por meio do ensino de LE que privilegia determinadas habilidades comunicativas e/ou determinados contextos de interação. Em seguida, analisam-se os programas de duas propostas de curso, nessa modalidade, oferecidos em duas universidades brasileiras entre os anos de 2011 e 2012: Formação em Francês para fins acadêmicos, na UFPR, e Francês para Objetivo Universitário, na USP. Em considerações finais relata-se a importância de cursos voltados especificamente ao público universitário e a singularidade dos cursos de FOU no âmbito do IFA, que já era evidente naquele período.

Abstract Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a novel porcine circovirus associated with porcine dermatitis and nephritis syndrome (PDNS), reproductive failure, and multisystemic inflammation. Capsid protein (Cap) encoded by PCV3 ORF2 gene has been identified as an immunogenic protein. Currently, there is no immunofluorescence assay (IFA) available for serological diagnosis. Here, the N-terminal 33 amino acids of Cap protein were predicted to serve as a PCV3 nuclear localization signal (NLS). Two types of recombinant plasmids were constructed for recombinant protein expression in Sf9 cells by using a baculovirus expression system: plasmid rvBac-Pc for full-length Cap protein expression and rvBac-Sc for Cap protein expression with a honeybee melittin signal peptide in place of the predicted NLS sequence. Expression of the nuclear localization sequences was further analyzed by IFA. Strong and specific fluorescence signals were observed in the nucleus of rvBac-Pc-transfected cells and in the cytoplasm of rvBac-Sc-transfected cells. No cross-reactivity was observed with porcine circovirus type 2, porcine pseudorabies virus, classical swine fever virus, or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. In summary, we developed two fluorescence detection modes for Cap protein that can be used to detect PCV3 antibodies. This method is suitable for the diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of PCV3. This study provides a reliable detection method for monitoring PCV3 antibody level in pigs in the future.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we have planned to evaluate the frequency of Influenza virüs in our region and identified Influenza virüs prevelance using Immune Fluorescent Antibody(IFA) technique. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal swab samples were included in our study. Simultaneously, the patients giving samples were asked if they had been vaccinated against flu in that year. The samples identified as Influenza in our study were included in subtyping research using Real Time PCR. And Influenza virus prevelance using Immune Fluorescent Antibody (IFA) technique is identified. RESULTS: 4 (2.4%) of all patients were detected with RSV, 16 (9.8%) with Influenza A, and 1(1.1%) with H5N1. 2(2.7%) of the adults were RSV-positive and 7(9.4%) of them were Influenza-A-positive. In this study Influenza B was not identified in any of the patients. There was not any significant difference between the test results of those vaccinated and not vaccinated; between children and adults, or between males and females DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Influenza is an acute infection characterised with rapid onset of fever, fatigue, headache and myalgia. It is a disease that limits itself and the signs and symptoms fade, unless there are any complications. Epidemic influenza that arises at specific periods is mostly caused by Influenza A and B subtypes. Subtype C, causing epidemies rarely, is seen as a masked infection where no signs or symptoms are present, or as a mild disease in children. In the light of above introduction, Influenzae A,B Infection rates should be investigated periodically.

Introduction: Anemia is a common public health problem among children, adolescent girls, women in reproductive age groups, pregnant and lactating women, with an estimated prevalence of 50.3% among pregnant women according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4. Iron deficiency is regarded as the most common cause of anemia among pregnant women globally and in India. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of compliance to iron folic acid (IFA) tablets among pregnant mothers attending ante-natal care (ANC) clinic in a Sub-district hospital (SDH) situated in north India and the various factors associated with non-compliance to IFA tablets. Methodology: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted among pregnant women attending the ANC clinic at SDH, Ballabgarh. A pretested, semi-structured interview schedule was used to obtain socio-demographic data, information related to IFA therapy that they receive, their compliance and the factors that are related to missing of the doses. Data were entered using Epicollect 5 software and Stata version 13.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 484 pregnant women were enrolled in our study. More than 3/4th (77.1%) of the pregnant women were compliant to IFA tablet supplement given to them. The compliance was more in the study participants belonging to older age groups, lower socio-economic status and those with hemoglobin levels >11 gm/dl. The most common reason for non-compliance was found to be “forgetfulness” (63.0%) followed by “side effects” (49.5%). Conclusion: Compliance with IFA tablets was better among pregnant women who were non anemic and those with good compliance to IFA tablets had better hemoglobin levels.

Mitochondria and intermediate filament (IF) accumulations often occur during imbalanced axonal transport leading to various types of neurological diseases. It is still poorly understood whether a link between neuronal IFs and mitochondrial mobility exist. In Caenorhabditis elegans, among the 11 cytoplasmic IF family proteins, IFB‐1 is of particular interest as it is expressed in a subset of sensory neurons. Depletion of IFB‐1 leads to mild dye‐filling and significant chemotaxis defects as well as reduced life span. Sensory neuron development is affected and mitochondrial transport is slowed down leading to reduced densities of these organelles. Mitochondria tend to cluster in neurons of IFB‐1 mutants likely independent of the fission and fusion machinery. Oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential is measurably reduced in worms carrying mutations in the ifb‐1 gene. Membrane potential also seems to play a role in transport such as carbonyl cyanide p‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone treatment led to increased directional switching of mitochondria. Mitochondria co‐localize with IFB‐1 in worm neurons and appear in a complex with IFB‐1 in pull‐down assays. In summary, we propose a model in which neuronal IFs may serve as critical (transient) anchor points for mitochondria during their long‐range transport in neurons for steady and balanced transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of LASV-reactive IgG antibodies in Mastomys rodents. The assay was used for laboratory-bred Mastomys rodents, as well as for animals caught in the wild in various regions of West Africa. The ELISA reached an accuracy of 97.1% in samples of known exposure, and a comparison to an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed a very strong agreement between the ELISA and IFA results (Cohen's kappa of 0.81). The agreement is valid in Nigeria, and in Guinea and Sierra Leone where the lineages II and IV are circulating, respectively. Altogether, these results indicate that this capture ELISA is suitable for LASV IgG serostatus determination in Mastomys rodents as an alternative to IFA. This assay will be a strong, accurate, and semi-quantitative alternative for rodent seroprevalence studies that does not depend on biosafety level 4 infrastructures, providing great benefits for ecology and epidemiology studies of Lassa fever, a disease listed on the Research and Development Blueprint of the WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is an important global public health problem. It is estimated that 38% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. In Africa, literature from observational studies show 20% of maternal deaths are attributed to anemia. In Uganda, 50% of pregnant women have iron deficiency anaemia. The proportion of pregnant women receiving Iron-Folic acid (IFA) supplementation has improved. However, the number of IFA pills consumed is still low. We carried out a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of dispensing blister and loose packaged IFA pills on adherence measured by count on next return visit and hemoglobin levels among pregnant women at two National Referral Hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.Methods: This trial was conducted between April and October 2016. Nine hundred fifty pregnant women at ≤28 weeks were randomized to either the blister (intervention arm) or loose (control arm) packaged IFA. The participants completed the baseline measurements and received 30 pills of IFA at enrolment to swallow one pill per day. We assessed adherence by pill count and measured hemoglobin at four and 8 weeks. The results were presented using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis.Results: There were 474 participants in the control and 478 in the intervention arms. Adherence to IFA intake was similar in the two groups at 4th week (40.6 and 39.0%, p = 0.624) and 8th week (51.9 and 46.8%, p = 0.119). The mean hemoglobin level at 4 weeks was higher in the blister than in the loose packaging arms (11.9 + 1.1 g/dl and 11.8 + 1.3 g/dl, respectively; p = 0.02), however, similar at week 8 (12.1 + 1.2 and 12.0 + 1.3, respectively; p = 0.23). However, over the 8-week period blister packaging arm had a higher change in hemoglobin level compared to loose package (blister package 0.6 ± 1.0; loose packaging 0.2 ± 1.1; difference: 0.4 g/dL (95% CI: 0.24-0.51 g/dL); p = 0.001. There were no serious adverse events.Conclusions: Our results showed no effect of blister packaging on IFA adherence among pregnant women. However, our findings showed that blister packaged group had a higher hemoglobin increase compared to loose iron group.Trial Registration: No. PACTR201707002436264 (20 /07/ 2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birhanie Muluken Walle,1,2 Adeyemi O Adekunle,3 Ayodele O Arowojolu,3 Tesfaye Tolessa Dugul,2 Akiloge Lake Mebiratie4 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institutes, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; 2Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Birhanie Muluken Walle Email muluken.walle@aau.edu.etAbstract: Micronutrients are vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are used in minute doses as cofactors, antioxidants and modulators of gene transcription homeostasis. MMNs may have a role in averting or treating adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal complications. In 2016, WHO suggested the use of iron-folic acid (IFA) rather than multiple micronutrients (MMNs) during pregnancy owing to some feared adverse outcomes like perinatal mortalities. However, this effect is debatable as such complications could be also due to genetic or environmental factors. Therefore, this appraisal should provide appropriate information and guidance to health workers, scholars and policymakers. This review includes large sample-sized studies with a special focus on developing countries like Ethiopia. The articles were selected using systematic searching with Boolean operators, advanced search techniques, snowballing and search limits. Mendeley was used as a reference management tool where the source of databases and references were PubMed, AJOL, Google Scholar, IRIS, Summon, DOAJ, Cochrane Library, Oxford Medicine Online, WHO reproductive health libraries majorly from the Hinari program. Articles from BMC, American Society for Nutrition, Lancet, Elsevier, John Wiley and Sons LTD, PLoS One, Springer and Nature Publishing Groups were also used. The results showed that there are no variations in adverse effects between MMNs and IFA. Moreover, MMNs are valuable in anemic pregnant women with lower preconception weight as it increases maternal weight and reduces low birth weight and anemia more than IFA. Therefore, MMNs may have greater health benefits than IFA for the offspring by minimizing fetal complications and the cost of their treatment, resulting from the MMN deficiency state.Keywords: multiple micronutrients, IFA, adverse birth outcomes, pregnancy, mortalities

The review presents a description of the specific laboratory testing of SARS-CoV-2. The effectiveness of certain types of tests depending on the set medical and epidemiological tasks is shown. The importance of using certain diagnostic methods for mass and rapid testing of patients for a new coronavirus infection, which will speed up their detection, was also noted. The effectiveness of using test systems that can be used in outpatient settings without the presence of a stationary laboratory in a medical facility is shown, which will simplify and increase the throughput of medical institutions that perform SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. This review will be useful for both medical professionals of laboratory specialties and all clinical doctors who are currently working with a new coronavirus infection.

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a significant public health problem in the Caspian littoral of Iran comprising Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces. In Golestan province, serology assays indicated anti-Leptospira antibodies in animals and humans; however, no reliable record of infections in patients with signs and symptoms of the disease is available. Methods: We employed the indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA), and two PCR assays, a real-time PCR (qPCR) and a nested-PCR targeting 16S rDNA (rrs) sequence for diagnosis of leptospirosis in febrile patients in Golestan province. Results: Out of 52 febrile patients, 25 (48.07%) had antibody titers ≥1/80 by IFA, and were defined as positive. In 7, 9, and 7 individuals, the antibody titers were 1/40, 1/20, and 1/10, respectively, and 4 had no antibodies. The qPCR and nested PCR detected leptospiral DNA in 55.75% and 67.3% of the patientschr('39') sera, respectively. The two PCR assays had a Kappa agreement of 0.53 (P< 0.0001), suggesting a moderate agreement, and showed a significant reverse association with the IFA titers (P

The high rate of divorce among both young and older couples is on an increase with several unhappy families living in frustration and uncertainty. This is tied to their unpreparedness before going into marriage and their incompatibility as destiny may not permit the union of both couples in the first place. Though, physical or psychological counselling are important these have not proved effective enough to solve marital problems. The spiritual dimension of views, the unseen, as a way of guidance before going into marriage has becomes imperative in solving marital situations that have atrophied the family settings and the society at large. It is on this basis, that the essence of Ifa divination in enquiring into the fate of a couple coming together as one in holy matrimony cannot be undervalued. In other words, it is a structural foundation towards building a happy marriage. The Christian Orthodox worldview on counselling is also touched upon as a means of comparison with the oldest Christian denomination. The spiritual compatibility of the couple is important, and far more than the physical understanding of blood group genotype, temperament, sexual compatibility, communication skill etc. This paper, therefore, aims at establishing the place of Ifa divination in a couple’s pre-marital counselling, as an important requirement before going into marriage. Twenty (20) Ifa priests were interviewed across southwestern Nigeria. Collections of information were content analysed, resulting in a recommendation for spiritual enquiries into the compatibility of couples before going into marriage

The outbreak of goose gout disease caused by novel goose astrovirus type 1 (GAstV-1) has resulted in huge economic losses to the goose industry in China since 2017. However, little is known about the B cell epitopes in major antigen of GAstV-1 and the serological approach for detection of GAstV-1 is not available. In this study, three novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the ORF2 protein were first generated and designated as 3G6, 5H7, and 6C6, respectively. Epitope mapping revealed that mAb 3G6, 5H7, and 6C6 recognized 695AVRFEKGGHE704, 685EKALSAPQAG694, and 635DDDPLSDVTS644 in ORF2, respectively. Sequence alignments found that the three epitopes were highly conserved in GAstV-1 but not in other AAstV members. Moreover, a mAb-based sandwich ELISA for the detection of GAstV-1 was first developed using mAb 6C6. The sandwich ELISA only reacted with GAstV-1 but not with GAstV-2 and the other goose-associated viruses tested. The limit of the detection of the sandwich ELISA reaches 1.58 × 103 TCID50/mL of GAstV-1. Notably, mAb 6C6 could also efficiently react with the GAstV-1 in tissue frozen sections of the clinical infected goose through IFA. The mAbs generated in this study pave the way for further studying on the role of ORF2 in the infection and pathogenesis of GAstV, and the sandwich ELISA and the tissue frozen section-IFA approaches established here provide efficient and rapid serological diagnostic tools for detection of GAstV-1. Key points: • Three novel B cell epitopes were identified in ORF2 of GAstV-1. • mAb-based ELISA and IFA for detection of GAstV-1 were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the modernists in the field of African philosophy embrace writing as a precondition for philosophy and forcefully maintain the need to cast philoso­phy in the image of science, the traditionalists insist that African philosophy is essentially a philosophical reflection on African oral traditions, morals, and re­ligious practices. This essay argues that the intransigent relationship between the modernists and the traditionalists persists because the two dominant schools have failed to recognize the need to furnish a paradigm of interaction between their projects. From the standpoint of lfa, therefore, this paper rejects the written-oral dichotomy that is central to both the modernist and the tradi­tionalist orientations, occasioned by their parochial and provincial conceptions of philosophy respectively. The paper shows how lfa as a complete philosophy puts a premium on the need to bring individual views in oral and written cul­tures together to enhance a wider human vision in matters bordering on the intellectual configuration of our human society.

Durante o desenvolvimento de um medicamento no País, não há, muitas vezes, qualquer preocupação inicial no que se refere a estudos prévios sobre as origens dos insumos farmacêuticos a serem utilizados na eventual produção industrial desse bem. Dessa forma, a “conta” do impacto da dependência de importação desses insumos chega na fase final de produção industrial dos medicamentos.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important zoonosis in Brazil. Previous identification of parasitized dogs can also help prevent the disease in humans, even in non-endemic areas of the country. The Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends diagnosis in dogs using a DPP® (rapid test) as a screening test and an immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) as a confirmatory test (DPP®+ELISA), and culling infected dogs as a legal control measure. However, the accuracy of these serological tests has been questioned. METHODS: VL in dogs was investigated in a non-endemic area of the São Paulo state for three consecutive years, and the performances of different diagnostic tests were compared. RESULTS: A total of 331 dog samples were collected in 2015, 373 in 2016, and 347 in 2017. The seroprevalence by DPP®+ELISA was 3.3, 3.2, and 0.3%, respectively, and by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), it was 3.0, 5.6, and 5.5%, respectively. ELISA confirmed 18.4% of DPP® positive samples. The concordance between the IFA and DPP® was 83.9%. The concordance between IFA and DPP®+ELISA was 92.9%. A molecular diagnostic test (PCR) was performed in 63.2% of the seropositive samples, all of which were negative. CONCLUSIONS: In non-endemic areas, diagnostic tests in dogs should be carefully evaluated to avoid false results.