Phenylpropanoid conjugated iridoids with anti-malarial activity from the leaves of Morinda morindoides

Two phenylpropanoid-conjugated iridoids, deglucosyl gaertneroside (1) and morindoidin (2), were isolated from the leaves of Morinda morindoides (Rubiaceae) by activity-guided fractionation using an anti-malarial activity assay. The known related iridoids molucidin (3) and prismatomerin (4), two lignans, abscisic acid, two megastigmanes, and two flavonol glycosides were also identified. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-malarial activity against the chloroquine/mefloquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum together with cytotoxicity against adult mouse brain cells. Potent anti-malarial activity of 3 and 4 (IC₅₀ of 0.96 and 0.80 μM, CC₅₀ of 1.02 and 0.88 μM, and SI of 1.06 and 1.10, respectively) was shown, while new iridoids 1 and 2 and pinoresinol (5) displayed moderate activity (IC₅₀ of 40.9, 20.6, and 24.2 μM) without cytotoxicity (CC₅₀ > 50 μM). These results indicate that 1-5 may be promising lead compounds for anti-malarial drugs. In addition, our results imply the necessity of the quality control of the extract of M. morindoides leaves based on the contents of 1-5 in terms of the safety and efficacy.

2D-quantitative structure-activity relationships model using PLS method for anti-malarial activities of anti-haemozoin compounds

Background

Emergence of cross-resistance to current anti-malarial drugs has led to an urgent need for identification of potential compounds with novel modes of action and anti-malarial activity against the resistant strains. One of the most promising therapeutic targets of anti-malarial agents related to food vacuole of malaria parasite is haemozoin, a product formed by the parasite through haemoglobin degradation.

Methods

With this in mind, this study developed two-dimensional-quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) models of a series of 21 haemozoin inhibitors to explore the useful physicochemical parameters of the active compounds for estimation of anti-malarial activities. The 2D-QSAR model with good statistical quality using partial least square method was generated after removing the outliers.

Results

Five two-dimensional descriptors of the training set were selected: atom count (a_ICM); adjacency and distance matrix descriptor (GCUT_SLOGP_2: the third GCUT descriptor using atomic contribution to logP); average total charge sum (h_pavgQ) in pKa prediction (pH = 7); a very low negative partial charge, including aromatic carbons which have a heteroatom-substitution in “ortho” position (PEOE_VSA-0) and molecular descriptor (rsynth: estimating the synthesizability of molecules as the fraction of heavy atoms that can be traced back to starting material fragments resulting from retrosynthetic rules), respectively. The model suggests that the anti-malarial activity of haemozoin inhibitors increases with molecules that have higher average total charge sum in pKa prediction (pH = 7). QSAR model also highlights that the descriptor using atomic contribution to logP or the distance matrix descriptor (GCUT_SLOGP_2), and structural component of the molecules, including topological descriptors does make for better anti-malarial activity.

Conclusions

The model is capable of predicting the anti-malarial activities of anti-haemozoin compounds. In addition, the selected molecular descriptors in this QSAR model are helpful in designing more efficient compounds against the P. falciparum 3D7A strain.

Barriers to the Digitization of Health Information: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study in Kenya and Lao PDR Using a Cloud-Based Maternal and Child Registration System

Digitalization of health information can assist patient information management and improve health services even in low middle-income countries. We have implemented a mother and child health registration system in the study areas of Kenya and Lao PDR to evaluate barriers to digitalization. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 healthcare workers (HCWs) who used the system and analyzed it qualitatively with thematic framework analysis. Quantitatively, we analyzed the quality of recorded data according to missing information by the logistic regression analysis. The qualitative analysis identified six themes related to digitalization: satisfaction with the system, mothers’ resistance, need for training, double work, working environment, and other resources. The quantitative analysis showed that data entry errors improved around 10% to 80% based on odds ratios in subsequent quarters compared to first quarter periods. The number of registration numbers was not significantly related to the data quality, but the motivation, including financial incentives among HCWs, was related to the registration behavior. Considering both analysis results, workload and motivation to maintain high performance were significant obstacles to implementing a digital health system. We recommend enhancing the scope and focus on human needs and satisfaction as a significant factor for digital system durability and sustainability.

Association between radiotherapy and obstructive sleep apnea in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to investigate association between OSA and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS

On 9th of September 2018, we have searched 12 electronic databases to retrieve relevant studies. All eligible studies that assessed association between OSA and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients were included in our meta-analysis. Quality assessment of included studies was done using the NIH tools for cohort, cross-sectional and case series studies.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met our study selection criteria, and six studies were eligible for our meta-analysis. There was no significant association between occurrence of OSA and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients (Odds ratio 1.54, 95% CI [0.66-3.60]; P  =  0.322).

CONCLUSION

These findings point to no significant association between OSA risk and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. We suggest more studies to be conducted to investigate any confounders that may influence the effect of radiotherapy on development of OSA in head and neck cancer patients.

Perceived Stress of Quarantine and Isolation During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey

Aims: Understanding of the perceived stress and coping strategies adopted by people is important for contemplating the consequences of a pandemic on mental health of people globally. In this study, we intended to assess the perceived stress status under quarantine/isolation globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a multicentre, multinational cross-sectional study that recruited isolated/quarantined individuals suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 to assess the psychological impact of the quarantine/isolation experience by answering a survey distributed online. Results: The study was conducted across 63 participating countries, gaining 1,871 valid responses. There was a higher proportion of female participants in the Moderate to High Perceived Stress Scores (MH-PSS) group compared to the Low Perceived Stress Score group (66.0 vs. 52.0%) and a higher proportion of individuals whose marital status was single had MH-PSS (57.1%). Also, individual's religion (Christian, Hindu, and Muslim), no formal education level, being exposed to a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient, being forced to be quarantined/isolated, uncomfortable feeling during quarantine period may significantly increase the risk of MH-PSS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Many factors can predict stress in COVID-19 pandemic including female sex, being single, religion, no formal education, involuntary quarantine, location and reason of quarantine/isolation, and place of exposure.

Trends in primary gallbladder cancer incidence and incidence-based mortality in the United States, 1973 to 2015

e16133

Background: Primary gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common biliary tract cancer with poor survival despite aggressive treatment. The purpose of our study was to investigate the trends of GBC incidence and incidence-based mortality (IBM), as well as to identify the factors responsible for any observed changes. Methods: GBC cases diagnosed between 1973 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) database. Incidence and IBM rates age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population were calculated and were stratified according to population and tumor-associated characteristics. Joinpoint Regression Analysis program was used to calculate the annual percent changes (APCs) for trend analysis. Results: Among the 10,792 patients with GBC, there was a predominance of white (81%) and female (71%) patients. The overall incidence rate was 1.086 (95% CI: 1.065 to 1.106) and the overall IBM rate was 0.995 (95% CI: 0.976 to 1.015). GBC incidence decreased by 1.645% (95% CI: 1.448 to 1.842, p < 0.001) per year, but the decreasing trend was only statistically significant from 1973 to 2002, after which the incidence rates stabilized. Conversely, IBM decreased by 1.689% (95% CI: 1.217 to 2.159, p < 0.001) per year from 1980 to 2015; the degree of decline in IBM rates during 1997-2015 (-1.194, 95% CI: -1.680 to -0.705, p < 0.001) was lower compared to that during 1980-1997 (-3.132, 95% CI: -3.682 to -2.578, p < 0.001). Mortality rates of GBC decreased in all age groups and in all races except for African American. There was a significant decrease in IBM in all SEER stages of GBC, except for distant stage GBC. Conclusions: GBC incidence and IBM rates have been decreasing over the last 40 years. However, the decrease in incidence and IBM appeared to have plateaued in the last two decades. The roles of increasing widespread use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and use of newer treatment modalities, such as adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation, need to be investigated further.[Table: see text]

Exchange transfusion in the management of critical pertussis in young infants: a case series

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

It is proposed that severe leucocytosis mainly contributes to pulmonary hypertension by blocking pulmonary capillaries and restricting blood flow. Exchange transfusion (ET) in pertussis has been demonstrated as a safe and useful technique for depleting the leucocyte mass. We aim to discuss four cases of pertussis-induced respiratory distress and the effectiveness of ET in such a setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case series at the Infectious Disease Department of Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and included four pertussis patients that were confirmed by PCR tests on respiratory secretions, presented with severe leucocytosis and respiratory distress and required mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

Among the included patients, three underwent a double volume ET for leucodepletion, two of whom were discharged after the procedure with proper vitals and laboratory test results. On the other hand, one patient died despite ET, performed late in the course of the disease. Exchange transfusion was not performed in the last patient who died as well.

CONCLUSION

Early ET may be a useful and rapid life-saving treatment in children with critical pertussis and severe leucocytosis before cardiopulmonary complications appear.

Quality assessment tools used in systematic reviews of in vitro studies: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) are commonly conducted to evaluate and summarize medical literature. This is especially useful in assessing in vitro studies for consistency. Our study aims to systematically review all available quality assessment (QA) tools employed on in vitro SRs/MAs.

METHOD

A search on four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library and Web of Science, was conducted from 2006 to 2020. The available SRs/MAs of in vitro studies were evaluated. DARE tool was applied to assess the risk of bias of included articles. Our protocol was developed and uploaded to ResearchGate in June 2016.

RESULTS

Our findings reported an increasing trend in publication of in vitro SRs/MAs from 2007 to 2020. Among the 244 included SRs/MAs, 126 articles (51.6%) had conducted the QA procedure. Overall, 51 QA tools were identified; 26 of them (51%) were developed by the authors specifically, whereas 25 (49%) were pre-constructed tools. SRs/MAs in dentistry frequently had their own QA tool developed by the authors, while SRs/MAs in other topics applied various QA tools. Many pre-structured tools in these in vitro SRs/MAs were modified from QA tools of in vivo or clinical trials, therefore, they had various criteria.

CONCLUSION

Many different QA tools currently exist in the literature; however, none cover all critical aspects of in vitro SRs/MAs. There is a need for a comprehensive guideline to ensure the quality of SR/MA due to their precise nature.

Predicting atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery using a simplified risk index

BACKGROUND

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and can lead to increased risk of postoperative adverse events. However, atrial fibrillation and postoperative adverse events are preventable. In this study, a risk index was developed to predict atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 405 patients who had undergone adult cardiac surgery from 2015 September to 2016 August at Heart Institute of HCMC and Cho Ray Hospital were obtained. In order to predict POAF, a logistic regression model was developed, and a risk score was derived and validated by bootstrap.

RESULTS

In our study, 98 patients developed POAF (24.2%). The risk score included three significant risk factors (age ≥ 60, left atrial diameter > 41 mm, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft with concomitant mitral valve replacement or repair) that were consistent with other reports. Each of these risk factors was assigned one point. The total risk score ranges from 0 to 3 (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63-0.75) with the best cutoff point at 1. According to this scoring system, the incidences of POAF in patients associated with each score of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 8.6%, 30.1%, 40.8%, and 58.3% respectively. Bootstrapping with 5000 samples confirmed the final model provided was consistent with predictions.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a simple risk score based on clinical variables that can be obtained before surgery in order to accurately predict the risk of POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Amlodipine as adjuvant therapy to current chelating agents for reducing iron overload in thalassaemia major: a systematic review, meta-analysis and simulation of future studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Iron overload in thalassaemia is a crucial prognostic factor and a major cause of death due to heart failure or arrhythmia. Therefore, previous research has recommended amlodipine as an auxiliary treatment to current chelating agents for reducing iron overload in thalassaemia patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the results of three randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of amlodipine in thalassaemia patients through 12 databases were carried out.

RESULTS

Our final cohort included 130 patients. Insignificant difference in decreasing liver iron concentrations was found between amlodipine and control groups {weighted mean difference = -0·2, [95% confidence interval = (-0·55-0·15), P = 0·26]}. As regards serum ferritin, our analysis also showed no significant difference in serum ferritin between amlodipine and control groups {weighted mean difference [95% confidence interval = -0·16 (-0·51-0·19), P = 0·36]}. Similarly, there was insignificant difference in cardiac T2* between amlodipine and control groups {weighted mean difference [95% confidence interval = 0·34 (-0·01-0·69), P = 0·06]}.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the growing evidence supporting the role of amlodipine in reducing iron overload in thalassaemia patients, our meta-analysis did not find that evidence collectively significant. The results of our simulation suggest that when more data are available, a meta-analysis with more randomized clinical trials could provide more conclusive insights.

Effectiveness of community and school-based sanitation interventions in improving latrine coverage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled interventions

Introduction

Approximately 1000 children die each year due to preventable water and sanitation-related diarrheal diseases. Six in 10 people lacked access to safely managed sanitation facilities in 2015. Numerous community- and school-based approaches have been implemented to eradicate open defecation practices, promote latrine ownership, improve situation sanitation, and reduce waterborne disease.

Objective

Given that current evidence for sanitation interventions seem promising, the aim of this study was to systematically summarize existing research on the effectiveness of community- and school-based randomized controlled sanitation intervention in improving (1) free open defecation (safe feces disposal), (2) latrine usage, (3) latrine coverage or access, and (4) improved latrine coverage or access.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, WHO Global Health Library (GHL), Virtual Health Library (VHL), POPLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to 26 April 2019. Original randomized clinical trials addressing community-based or school-based intervention that reported feces disposal and latrine coverage were deemed eligible. More than two researchers independently contributed to screening of papers, data extraction, and bias assessment. We conducted a meta-analysis by random-effects model. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Eighteen papers that matched all criteria and 16 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Compared to the control, the sanitation intervention significantly increased safe feces disposal (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.51–3.19, p < 0.05, I² = 97.28), latrine usage (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.71–8.11, p < 0.05, I² = 91.52), latrine coverage or access (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.08–7.50, p < 0.05, I² = 99.07), and improved latrine coverage or access (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.52–8.91, p < 0.05, I² = 99.11). A combination of education and latrine construction was more effective compared to educational intervention alone.

Conclusion

Our study showed strong evidence for both community- and school-based sanitation interventions as effective for the safe disposal of human excreta. The finding suggests major implications for health policy and design of future intervention in developing countries.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12199-021-00934-4.

Outcomes of combined use of topical and intravenous tranexamic acid on surgical field quality during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative bleeding during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) poses a challenge to both surgeon and anesthetist. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of local, intravenous and combined use of tranexamic acid (TA) in improving the surgical field quality during FESS.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled double-blinded prospective trial on 120 patients scheduled for elective FESS. After induction of general anesthesia, patients were randomly and evenly assigned to one of four groups; IV TA, local TA, both IV and local TA, and placebo. Surgical field was assessed using five-point Boezaart scale. Total fentanyl and esmolol consumption, operative time, recovery time, and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Surgical field quality score was the best in IV and local TA group compared to others (p < 0.001). Mean operative time was found significantly shorter in IV and local TA group than placebo one. Total fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in IV and local TA group comparing to others (p = 0.025). Mean recovery time was significantly shorter for IV and local TA group compared to others. Total fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in IV and local TA group comparing to others. No significant differences were found of mean arterial pressure and heart rate decline in four groups. None of the patients in four groups required esmolol administration. No statistically significant differences were found in change of hemoglobin, hematocrit, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time over time in all groups.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of topical and intravenous TA provided the best surgical field in FESS, less fentanyl consumption, and less recovery time without causing significant side effects.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Comprehensive Review of Clinical Presentation

COVID-19 is a rapidly growing pandemic with its first case identified during December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Due to the rampant rise in the number of cases in China and globally, WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on 11th March 2020. The disease is transmitted via respiratory droplets of infected patients during coughing or sneezing and affects primarily the lung parenchyma. The spectrum of clinical manifestations can be seen in COVID-19 patients ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe disease resulting in mortality. Although respiratory involvement is most common in COVID-19 patients, the virus can affect other organ systems as well. The systemic inflammation induced by the disease along with multisystem expression of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor which allows viral entry into cells, explains the manifestation of extra-pulmonary symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, renal, musculoskeletal, and endocrine system. Here, we have reviewed the extensive literature available on COVID-19 about various clinical presentations based on the organ system involved as well as clinical presentation in specific population including children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients. We have also briefly discussed about the Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome occurring in children and adults with COVID-19. Understanding the various clinical presentations can help clinicians diagnose COVID-19 in an early stage and ensure appropriate measures to be undertaken in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

Effects of Mulberry on The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review

Background

Mulberry, including several species belonging to genus Morus, has been widely used as a traditional medicine for a long time. Extracts and active components of mulberry have many positive neurological and biological effects and can become potential candidates in the search for new drugs for neurological disorders.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically review the medical literature for evidence of mulberry effects on the central nervous system.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in nine databases. We included all in vivo studies investigating the effect of mulberry on the central nervous system with no restrictions.

Results

We finally included 47 articles for quality synthesis. Our findings showed that mulberry and its components possessed an antioxidant effect, showed a reduction in the cerebral infarct volume after stroke. They also improved the cognitive function, learning process, and reduced memory impairment in many animal models. M. alba and its extracts ameliorated Parkinson's disease-like behaviors, limited the complications of diabetes mellitus on the central nervous system, possessed anti-convulsant, anti-depressive, and anxiolytic effects.

Conclusion

Mulberry species proved beneficial to many neurological functions in animal models. The active ingredients of each species, especially M. alba, should be deeper studied for screening potential candidates for future treatments.

Follicular Fluid Meiosis-Activating Sterol in Assisted Reproductive Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Follicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol (FFMAS) is one of several molecular compounds that has been added into in vitro maturation (IVM) technique with contradictory results. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of FFMAS in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods: We searched systematically in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Registry of clinical trials, WHO registry of clinical trials, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar until July 2017. Meta-analysis was used to investigate the efficacy and safety outcomes of FFMAS. Following the retrieval of potential articles, two independent reviewers screened and extracted included papers rigorously. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for the individual outcome when data was available. Quality of included studies was assessed using Cochrane collaboration tool.

Results: A total of seven randomized controlled trials involving 1198 participants with 3105 oocytes were explored in this study. Most of the studies were at low risk of bias. Our random effects model meta-analyses in maturation and abnormal embryo rate between FFMAS-exposed oocytes compared with controls revealed no significant differences (summary OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.46–2.16, [Formula: see text] value = 0.99 and summary OR was 1.31, 95% CI 0.84–2.04, [Formula: see text] value = 0.23, respectively). Beside, our study showed a significant increase in uniformly abnormal embryo rate in FFMAS group compared with vehicle control group (summary OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.09–3.61, [Formula: see text] value = 0.03). No significances were noted on meta-analyses of normal embryo rate, uniformly abnormal embryo rate, uniformly normal embryo rate, mosaic embryo rate, abnormal blastomere rate, normal blastomere rate, aneuploidy mosaic embryo rate, and chaotic mosaic embryo rate.

Conclusions: FFMAS showed no efficacy in maturation process in human oocytes and there was some evidence for detrimental effects in comparison to vehicle controls. We discouraged any further trials due to safety concern.

Prevalence and associated factors of asymptomatic leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Asymptomatic leishmaniasis is believed to play important role in maintaining the transmission of Leishmania spp. within endemic communities. Therefore, the efforts to eliminate leishmaniasis are daunting if we cannot manage asymptomatic leishmaniasis well. To clarify the global prevalence and factors associated with the asymptomatic Leishmania infection, we assessed the prevalence of asymptomatic leishmaniasis by a systematic review followed by meta-analyses. In addition, factors associated with the asymptomatic leishmaniasis versus symptomatic were also analyzed. We included all of the original articles alluding to the human asymptomatic leishmaniasis that was confirmed by at least one laboratory diagnosis method regardless of age, sex, race, and ethnicity of the patients, study design, publication date or languages. In total, 111 original articles were chosen for the data extraction. Based on our meta-analyses of the original articles reporting asymptomatic leishmaniasis mostly in endemic areas, the prevalence of asymptomatic leishmaniasis was 11.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.6%-14.4%] in general population, 36.7% [95% CI 27.6%-46.8%] in inhabitants living in the same or neighboring household to the symptomatic patients, and 11.8% [95% CI 7.1%-19%] in HIV infected patients. Among individuals with leishmaniasis, 64.9% [95% CI 54.7%-73.9%] were asymptomatic and males were more susceptible to develop symptoms, with OR=1.88, 95% CI 1.19-2.99, P=0.007. Meta-regression analysis showed no significant change in the prevalence of asymptomatic leishmaniasis during the last 40 years.

Kinetics of CD4+ T Helper and CD8+ Effector T Cell Responses in Acute Dengue Patients

Background: The protective or pathogenic role of T lymphocytes during the acute phase of dengue virus (DENV) infection has not been fully understood despite its importance in immunity and vaccine development.

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the kinetics of T lymphocyte subsets during the clinical course of acute dengue patients.

Study design: In this hospital-based cohort study, 59 eligible Vietnamese dengue patients were recruited and admitted. They were investigated and monitored for T cell subsets and a panel of clinical and laboratory parameters every day until discharged and at post-discharge from the hospital.

Results: We described for the first time the kinetics of T cell response during the clinical course of DENV infection. Severe cases showed significantly lower levels of effector CD8⁺ T cells compared to mild cases at day −1 (p = 0.017) and day 0 (p = 0.033) of defervescence. After defervescence, these cell counts in severe cases increased rapidly to equalize with the levels of mild cases. Our results also showed a decline in total CD4⁺ T, Th1, Th1/17 cells during febrile phase of dengue patients compared to normal controls or convalescent phase. On the other hand, Th2 cells increased during DENV infection until convalescent phase. Cytokines such as interferon-γ, IL-12p70, IL-5, IL-23, IL-17A showed tendency to decrease on day 0 and 1 compared with convalescence and only IL-5 showed significance indicating the production during acute phase was not systemic.

Conclusion: With a rigorous study design, we uncovered the kinetics of T cells in natural DENV infection. Decreased number of effector CD8⁺ T cells in the early phase of infection and subsequent increment after defervescence day probably associated with the T cell migration in DENV infection.

Effect of nitazoxanide on diarrhea: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We aimed to systematically review evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of nitazoxanide in treating infectious diarrhea. On September 21, 2017, we identified relevant studies using 12 databases. The estimates of the included studies were pooled as a risk ratio (RR). We conducted a network and pairwise random-effects meta-analysis for both direct and indirect comparisons of different organisms that are known to cause diarrhea. The primary and secondary analysis outcomes were clinical response until cessation of illness, parasitological response and adverse events. We included 18 studies in our analysis. In cryptosporidiosis, the overall estimate favored nitazoxanide in its clinical response in comparison with placebo RR 1.46 [95% CI 1.22-1.74; P-value <0.0001]. Network meta-analysis among patients with Giardia intestinalis showed an increase in the probability of diarrheal cessation and parasitological responses in comparison with placebo, RR 1.69 [95% CI 1.08-2.64, P-score 0.27] and RR 2.91 [95% CI 1.72-4.91, P-score 0.55] respectively. In Clostridium difficile infection, the network meta-analysis revealed a non-significantly superior clinical response effect of nitazoxanide to metronidazole 31 days after treatment RR 1.21 [95% CI 0.87-1.69, P-score 0.26]. In Entamoeba histolytica, the overall estimate significantly favored nitazoxanide in parasitological response with placebo RR 1.80 [95% CI 1.35-2.40, P-value < 0.001]. We highlighted the effectiveness of nitazoxanide in the cessation of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium, Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica infection. We also found significant superiority of NTZ to metronidazole in improving the clinical response to G. intestinalis, thus it may be a suitable candidate for treating infection-induced diarrhea. To prove the superiority of NTZ during a C. difficile infection may warrant a larger-scale clinical trial since its superiority was deemed insignificant. We recommend nitazoxanide as an appropriate option for treating infectious diarrhea.

Economic burden of the persistent morbidity of nodding syndrome on caregivers in affected households in Northern Uganda

BACKGROUND

Nodding syndrome (NS), is an unexplained form of epilepsy which leads to stunted growth, cognitive decline, and a characteristic nodding of the head. Current data about its impact on households in Uganda is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the economic burden of the persistent morbidity of NS on caregivers in affected households in Northern Uganda.

METHODS

A cross-sectional cost-of-care study was conducted from January 2019 to February 2019 in Lakwela village-Northern Uganda in 14 households, who are members of a community-based organization (CBO) established in the village with the support of a Japanese research team, (Uganda-Japan Nodding Syndrome Network). Data was collected through questionnaires. Both direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect (informal care) costs of caregiving were assessed. Indirect costs were valued using the human-capital method as loss of production.

RESULTS

Direct costs constituted a higher proportion of costs for NS households, accounting for on average 7.7% of household expenditure. The annual weighted mean cost per NS patient was estimated at 27.6 USD (26.4 USD direct costs, 96.2% and 1.2 USD indirect cost, 3.8%). Average time spent on informal caregiving was 4.4 ±1.7 (standard deviation) hours/week with an estimated annual informal caregiving cost of 24.85 USD and gross domestic product (GDP) loss of 412.40 USD.

CONCLUSION

Direct costs due to NS are still high among households in this study. More studies are needed to investigate measures that could help bring down these costs and equally reduce the day-to-day disruption of caregiver's activities; consequently, improving the lives of these affected households and communities.

Concordance of bone and non-bone specimens in microbiological diagnosis of osteomyelitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of osteomyelitis is invasive and expensive as the current standard technique is the bone biopsy. Our aim was to compare the degree of agreement and concordance between standard bone biopsy and other non-bone techniques.

METHODS

We performed an electronic search through 12 electronic databases to retrieve relevant studeis. Our criteria included any original article that reported the degree of agreement and/or the concordance between bone biopsy and other non-bone techniques in diagnosing osteomyelitis. We published our protocol in PROSPERO with a registration number, CRD42017080336.

RESULTS

There were 29 studies included in the qualitative analysis, of which 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Samples from sinus tract had the highest concordance with bone biopsy samples, while swab samples were the least concordant with bone biopsy samples. Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated and the most concordant from samples, compared to other types of causative agents. Sinus tract had a significantly very high degree of agreement with bone samples. S. aureus had the highest degree of agreement in bone smaples.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of osteomyelitis using sinus tract swab is close in results' accuracy to bone biopsy. S. aureus was the most common extracted organism found in these samples and had the highest degree of agreement.

Impact of political conflict on tuberculosis notifications in North-east Nigeria, Adamawa State: a 7-year retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the impact of political conflict (Boko Haram) on tuberculosis (TB) case notifications in Adamawa State in North-east Nigeria.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of TB case notifications from TB registers (2010-2016) to describe changes in TB notification, sex and age ratios by the degree of conflict by local government area.

SETTING

Adamawa State.

PARTICIPANTS

21 076 TB cases notified.

RESULTS

21 076 cases (62% male) were notified between 2010 and 2016, of which 19 604 (93%) were new TB cases. Areas affected by conflict in 2014 and 2015 had decreased case notification while neighbouring areas reported increased case notifications. The male to female ratio of TB cases changed in areas in conflict with more female cases being notified. The young and elderly (1-14 and >65 years old) had low notifications in all areas, with a small increase in case notifications during the years of conflict.

CONCLUSION

TB case notifications decreased in conflict areas and increased in areas without conflict. More males were notified during peace times and more female cases were reported from areas in conflict. Young and elderly populations had decreased case notifications but experienced a slight increase during the conflict years. These changes are likely to reflect population displacement and a dissimilar effect of conflict on the accessibility of services. TB services in conflict areas deserve further study to identify resilient approaches that could reach affected populations.