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Dominguez-Villegas E. Wildlife Pediatrics. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2024; 27:411-430. [PMID: 38040565 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife neonates arrive by the thousands to wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary hospitals, and wildlife hospitals in North America. With the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild, veterinarians need to know the ecology, biology, and specific problems encountered by the various species of wildlife.
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Abdelhamed W, El-Kassas M. Rare liver diseases in Egypt: Clinical and epidemiological characterization. Arab J Gastroenterol 2024:S1687-1979(23)00112-0. [PMID: 38228442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Illnesses that afflict a tiny number of individuals are referred to as rare diseases (RDs), sometimes called orphan diseases. The local healthcare systems are constantly under financial, psychological, and medical strain due to low incidence rates, unusual presentations, flawed diagnostic standards, and a lack of treatment alternatives for these RDs. The effective management of the once widely spread viral hepatitis B and C has altered the spectrum of liver diseases in Egypt during the last several years. The detection of uncommon disorders such as autoimmune, cholestatic, and hereditary liver diseases has also been made easier by the increasing knowledge and greater accessibility of specific laboratory testing. Finally, despite Egypt's large population, there are more uncommon liver disorders than previously thought. This review article discusses the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a few uncommon liver disorders and the information currently accessible concerning these illnesses in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa Abdelhamed
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Kassas
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Shawar YR, Shiffman J. Global priority for the care of orphans and other vulnerable children: transcending problem definition challenges. Global Health 2023; 19:75. [PMID: 37817245 PMCID: PMC10566118 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00975-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tens of millions of children lack adequate care, many having been separated from or lost one or both parents. Despite the problem's severity and its impact on a child's lifelong health and wellbeing, the care of vulnerable children-which includes strengthening the care of children within families, preventing unnecessary family separation, and ensuring quality care alternatives when reunification with the biological parents is not possible or appropriate-is a low global priority. This analysis investigates factors shaping the inadequate global prioritization of the care of vulnerable children. Specifically, the analysis focuses on factors internal to the global policy community addressing children's care, including how they understand, govern, and communicate the problem. METHODS Drawing on agenda setting scholarship, we triangulated among several sources of data, including 32 interviews with experts, as well as documents including peer-reviewed literature and organizational reports. We undertook a thematic analysis of the data, using these to create a historical narrative on efforts to address children's care, and specifically childcare reform. RESULTS Divisive disagreements on the definition and legitimacy of deinstitutionalization-a care reform strategy that replaces institution-based care with family-based care-may be hindering priority for children's care. Multiple factors have shaped these disagreements: a contradictory evidence base on the scope of the problem and solutions, divergent experiences between former Soviet bloc and other countries, socio-cultural and legal challenges in introducing formal alternative care arrangements, commercial interests that perpetuate support for residential facilities, as well as the sometimes conflicting views of impacted children, families, and the disability community. These disagreements have led to considerable governance and positioning difficulties, which have complicated efforts to coordinate initiatives, precluded the emergence of leadership that proponents universally trust, hampered the engagement of potential allies, and challenged efforts to secure funding and convince policymakers to act. CONCLUSION In order to potentially become a more potent force for advancing global priority, children's care proponents within international organizations, donor agencies, and non-governmental agencies working across countries will need to better manage their disagreements around deinstitutionalization as a care reform strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Ribhi Shawar
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, D.C, USA.
| | - Jeremy Shiffman
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, D.C, USA
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Munongi L, Mawila D. Risk factors of orphan and vulnerable children in a children's home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Youth Serv Rev 2023; 145:106801. [PMID: 36618565 PMCID: PMC9803368 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Orphans and vulnerable children in children's homes are exposed to multiple psychosocial risks. This study aimed to explore the risks facing orphans and vulnerable children in a children's home in a township setting during COVID-19. Qualitative data was thematically analysed for this study. Fifty-eight female Black African children (n = 58) in a children's home were individually interviewed to ascertain the psychosocial risks that they experienced during COVID-19. The participants were orphans and vulnerable children residing in a children's home located in Johannesburg in South Africa. All children were enrolled in either primary or secondary schools located nearby the children's home. Boys were not included because the children's home only caters for females. The study found that unhealthy coping mechanisms, non-compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, disruptive behaviour, fear of being infected and abuse by caregivers emerged as risks. We recommend that children be offered life skills such as coping mechanisms when faced with adversity, be constantly monitored to ensure adherence to safety rules and be given therapeutic interventions to deal with their fears. Furthermore, caregivers need to be psycho-educated on the giving of care to orphans and vulnerable children. The physical environment of the children's homes should be made conducive to allow healthy interactions with factors that impact on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Munongi
- Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus), GNA 224, Robert Sobukwe Building, 326 Chris Hani Road, Pimville 1809, South Africa
| | - Daphney Mawila
- Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus), GNA 226, Robert Sobukwe Building, 326 Chris Hani Road, Pimville 1809, South Africa
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Michaeli DT, Yagmur HB, Achmadeev T, Michaeli T. Value drivers of development stage biopharma companies. Eur J Health Econ 2022; 23:1287-1296. [PMID: 35038054 PMCID: PMC9550717 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-021-01427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scholars previously estimated research and development (R&D) costs of the internal drug development process. However, little is known about the costs and value arising from externally acquired therapeutics. This study identifies and estimates the magnitude of factors associated with Biopharma acquisition value. METHODS SDC Thomson Reuter and S&P Capital IQ were screened for majority acquisitions of US and EU Biopharma companies developing new molecular entities for prescription use (SIC code: 2834) from 2005 to 2020. Financial acquisition data were complemented with variables characterizing the target's product portfolio extracted from clinicaltrials.gov, Drugs@FDA database, US SEC filings, and transaction announcements. A multivariate regression assesses the association of firm value with extracted variables. RESULTS 311 acquisitions of companies developing prescription drugs were identified over the study period. Acquirers paid 37% (p < 0.05) more for companies with biologics and gene therapeutics than small-molecule lead drugs. Multi-indication products were acquired for a 12% premium per additional indication (p < 0.01). No significant valuation difference between companies developing orphan and non-orphan designated lead products was observed (18%, p = 0.223). Acquisition value positively correlated with the total number of further products, headquarter location in the US, underlying market conditions, and acquirer market capitalization (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Internal and external drug development consumes many financial and human resources, yet it is important for entrepreneurs, regulators, and payers to understand their precise magnitude and value drivers. This information permits the design of targeted pricing and industrial policies that incentivize the development of novel drugs in areas with high unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tobias Michaeli
- Fifth Department of Medicine, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Division of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Hasan Basri Yagmur
- TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Timur Achmadeev
- TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Michaeli
- Fifth Department of Medicine, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Division of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Division of Personalized Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Michaeli DT, Mills M, Michaeli T, Miracolo A, Kanavos P. Initial and supplementary indication approval of new targeted cancer drugs by the FDA, EMA, Health Canada, and TGA. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:798-809. [PMID: 35389145 PMCID: PMC9288371 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01227-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background. Previous research focused on the clinical evidence supporting new cancer drugs’ initial US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. However, targeted drugs are increasingly approved for supplementary indications of unknown evidence and benefit. Objectives. To examine the clinical trial evidence supporting new targeted cancer drugs’ initial and supplementary indication approval in the US, EU, Canada, and Australia. Data and Methods. 25 cancer drugs across 100 indications were identified with FDA approval between 2009–2019. Data on regulatory approval and clinical trials were extracted from the FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada (HC), Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and clinicaltrials.gov. Regional variations were compared with χ2-tests. Multivariate logistic regressions compared characteristics of initial and supplementary indication approvals, reporting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. Out of 100 considered cancer indications, the FDA approved 96, the EMA 92, HC 86, and the TGA 83 (83%, p < 0.05). The FDA more frequently granted priority review, conditional approval, and orphan designations than other agencies. Initial approvals were more likely to receive conditional / accelerated approval (AOR: 2.69, 95%CI [1.07–6.77], p < 0.05), an orphan designation (AOR: 3.32, 95%CI [1.38–8.00], p < 0.01), be under priority review (AOR: 2.60, 95%CI [1.17–5.78], p < 0.05), and be monotherapies (AOR: 5.91, 95%CI [1.14–30.65], p < 0.05) than supplementary indications. Initial indications’ pivotal trials tended to be shorter (AOR per month: 0.96, 95%CI [0.93–0.99], p < 0.05), of lower phase design (AOR per clinical phase: 0.28, 95%CI [0.09–0.85], p < 0.05), and enroll more patients (AOR per 100 patients: 1.19, 95%CI [1.01–1.39], p < 0.05). Conclusions. Targeted cancer drugs are increasingly approved for multiple indications of varying clinical benefit. Drugs are first approved as monotherapies in rare diseases with a high unmet need. Whilst expedited regulatory review incentivizes this prioritization, indication-specific safety, efficacy, and pricing policies are necessary to reflect each indication’s differential clinical and economic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tobias Michaeli
- Fifth Department of Medicine, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Health Policy and Medical Technology Research Group – LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Mackenzie Mills
- Department of Health Policy and Medical Technology Research Group – LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Thomas Michaeli
- Fifth Department of Medicine, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Division of Personalized Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aurelio Miracolo
- Department of Health Policy and Medical Technology Research Group – LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Panos Kanavos
- Department of Health Policy and Medical Technology Research Group – LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
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Claus B, Commeyne S, Van de Casteele M, Rottey S. The use of national reimbursement reports to support formulary decisions of the hospital's Drug and Therapeutics Committee: a comparative analysis. Int J Clin Pharm 2022. [PMID: 35199288 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background New therapies that do not reach patients in need, have not achieved their goal. Drug and Therapeutics Committees in hospitals ensure access to patients by compiling a formulary on rational grounds. An evolving landscape of innovative molecules challenges timely formulary adaptation after national reimbursement. Aim To integrate national reimbursement reports in the hospital's appraisal, thereby promoting access for patients without delay. Method For 2019, the rationale for new molecules at Ghent University Hospital, Belgium, was compared with the public assessment report of the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, assessing a medicine in a specific indication following a reimbursement request by the manufacturer. Decision criteria (therapeutic value and cost) between matching medicines in both databases (national & hospital) were retrospectively compared [no (%), mean (SD)]. Results Two-hundred public reports and 30 formulary decisions were analysed (with antineoplastic & immunomodulating as most prevalent class: 41.0% resp. 36.7%). National decision often concerned hospital-only medicines (89; 44.5%) without patient co-payment (101; 50.5%). Of 13 matched medicines (same indication), time delay between national decision and formulary admission was on average 3.1 (SD 2.3) months. Comparative analysis showed that assessment in both committees was mostly based on the efficacy endpoints of Randomised Controlled Trials. Literature used in hospital appraisals was of more recent publication date: + 0.78 (SD 2.2) years. Using public reports as a horizon scan could enable quick identification of new indications. Conclusion To speed up patient access, the scientific evidence of national reimbursement reports can be used for the purpose of hospital formulary decisions.
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Lukesova G, Voslarova E, Vecerek V, Nenadovic K. Causes of admission and outcomes of brown hare (Lepus europaeus) leverets at wildlife rescue centres in the Czech Republic. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:38. [PMID: 35033062 PMCID: PMC8760806 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03136-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife rescue centres care for orphaned and injured young as an integral part of their work. However, inappropriate interventions in nature can have a negative effect on the survival of young hares, especially when the care of these young is not very successful. The aim of this study was to assess the number of brown hare leverets admitted to rescue centres in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2019, the causes of their admission to rescue centres and their outcomes. Results We evaluated the number of brown hare leverets admitted to rescue centres in the Czech Republic in the period from 2010 to 2019 and the outcomes associated with their leaving these rescue centres. We found that the number of brown hare leverets admitted increased during the monitored period (rSp = 0.6364, p < 0.05). The most frequent reasons for admission were the admission of orphaned young (49.15%), leverets brought needlessly (19.60%) and leverets that had been bitten by other animals (18.63%). More (p < 0.05) young admitted to rescue centres died (40.76%) than were reared successfully and released back into the wild (32.40%). Leverets that had been caught needlessly or orphaned and late-born leverets survived and could be released back into the wild (38.56, 34.51 and 52%, respectively), while fatalities were recorded in most leverets bitten by another animal (65.05%) or hit in a collision with a vehicle (97.06%). Most young hares (76.92%) that were exhausted or starved at the time of admission could not be saved. Conclusions Since only a small proportion of hares in a litter survive until adulthood in the wild, young animals being found and taken needlessly to rescue centres may harm the hare population. Our results show that only around one in three healthy young hares admitted to rescue centres are reared successfully. It is, in our opinion, of fundamental importance to the protection of brown hare leverets to inform the public of this issue and prevent needless interventions into natural rearing in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Lukesova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Eva Voslarova
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Vecerek
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Nenadovic
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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Michaeli DT, Yagmur HB, Achmadeev T, Michaeli T. Valuation and Returns of Drug Development Companies: Lessons for Bioentrepreneurs and Investors. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2022. [PMID: 35018622 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-021-00364-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study evaluates the association of Biopharma company valuation with the lead drug’s development stage, orphan status, number of indications, and disease area. We also estimated annual returns Bioentrepreneurs and investors can expect from founding and investing in drug development ventures. Methods SDC Thomson Reuter and S&P Capital IQ were screened for majority acquisitions of US and EU Biopharma companies developing new molecular entities for prescription use (SIC code: 2834). Acquisition data were complemented with drug characteristics extracted from clinicaltrials.gov, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and deal announcements. Thereafter, company valuations were combined with previously published clinical development periods alongside orphan-, indication-, and disease-specific success rates to estimate annual returns for investments in drug developing companies. Results Based on a sample of 311 Biopharma acquisitions from 2005 to 2020, companies developing orphan, multi-indication, and oncology drugs were valued significantly higher than their peers during later development stages (p < 0.05). We also estimated significantly higher returns for shareholders of companies with orphan relative to non-orphan-designated lead drugs from Phase 1 to FDA approval (46% vs. 12%, p < 0.001). Drugs developed across multiple indications also provided higher returns than single-indication agents from Pre-Clinic to FDA approval (21% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). Returns for oncology drugs exceeded other disease areas (26% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Clinical and economic conditions surrounding orphan-designated drugs translate to a favorable financial risk-return profile for Bioentrepreneurs and investors. Bioentrepreneurs must be aware of the upside real option value their multi-indication drug could offer when negotiating acquisition or licensing agreements. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43441-021-00364-y.
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Babwah AV. The wonderful and masterful G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR): A focus on signaling mechanisms and the neuroendocrine control of fertility. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110886. [PMID: 32574585 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human GnRH deficiency, both clinically and genetically, is a heterogeneous disorder comprising of congenital GnRH deficiency with anosmia (Kallmann syndrome), or with normal olfaction [normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH)], and adult-onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying GnRH secretion and GnRH signaling continues to increase at a rapid rate and strikingly, the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs) continue to emerge as essential players in these processes. GPCRs were once viewed as binary on-off switches, where in the "on" state they are bound to their Gα protein, but now we understand that view is overly simplistic and does not adequately characterize GPCRs. Instead, GPCRs have emerged as masterful signaling molecules exploiting different physical conformational states of itself to elicit an array of downstream signaling events via their G proteins and the β-arrestins. The "one receptor-multiple signaling conformations" model is likely an evolved strategy that can be used to our advantage as researchers have shown that targeting specific receptor conformations via biased ligands is proving to be a powerful tool in the effective treatment of human diseases. Can biased ligands be used to selectively modulate signaling by GPCR regulators of the neuroendocrine axis in the treatment of IHH? As discussed in this review, the grand possibility exists. However, while we are still very far from developing these treatments, this exciting likelihood can happen through a much greater mechanistic understanding of how GPCRs signal within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy V Babwah
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Human Growth and Reproductive Development, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States; Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.
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Charles J, Exavery A, Barankena A, Kuhlik E, Mubyazi GM, Abdul R, Koler A, Kikoyo L, Jere E. Determinants of undisclosed HIV status to a community-based HIV program: findings from caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania. AIDS Res Ther 2020; 17:42. [PMID: 32678036 PMCID: PMC7364533 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-020-00299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV status disclosure facilitates receipt of HIV prevention and treatment services. Although disclosure to sexual partners, family members or friends has been extensively studied, disclosure to community-based HIV programs is missing. This study assesses the magnitude of, and factors associated with undisclosed HIV status to a community-based HIV prevention program among caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Tanzania. Methods Data are from the USAID-funded Kizazi Kipya project that seeks to increase uptake of HIV, health, and social services by OVC and their caregivers in Tanzania. Data on OVC caregivers who were enrolled in the project during January–March 2017 in 18 regions of Tanzania were analyzed. Caregivers included were those who had complete information on their HIV status disclosure, household socioeconomic status, and sociodemographic characteristics. HIV status was self-reported, with undisclosed status representing all those who knew their HIV status but did not disclose it. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, with caregivers’ HIV status disclosure being the outcome variable was conducted. Results The analysis was based on 59,683 OVC caregivers (mean age = 50.4 years), 71.2% of whom were female. Of these, 37.2% did not disclose their HIV status to the USAID Kizazi Kipya program at the time of enrollment. Multivariate analysis showed that the likelihood of HIV status non-disclosure was significantly higher among: male caregivers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.28); unmarried (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.23); widowed (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.18); those without health insurance (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.28–1.45); age 61 + years (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.59–1.88); those with physical or mental disability (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25); and rural residents (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.34–1.86). HIV status non-disclosure was less likely with higher education (p < 0.001); and with better economic status (p < 0.001). Conclusion While improved education, economic strengthening support and expanding health insurance coverage appear to improve HIV status disclosure, greater attention may be required for men, unmarried, widowed, rural residents, and the elderly populations for their higher likelihood to conceal HIV status. This is a clear missed opportunity for timely care and treatment services for those that may be HIV positive. Further support is needed to support disclosure in this population.
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Samuni L, Tkaczynski P, Deschner T, Löhrrich T, Wittig RM, Crockford C. Maternal effects on offspring growth indicate post-weaning juvenile dependence in chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus). Front Zool 2020; 17:1. [PMID: 31911809 PMCID: PMC6945487 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0343-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animals with altricial offspring, most growth occurs after birth and may be optimized by post-natal maternal care. Maternal effects on growth may be influenced by individual characteristics of the mothers, such as social status, individual investment strategies and the length of association with offspring. The prolonged juvenile dependence seen in humans is a distinctive life history adaptation, which may have evolved to facilitate sustained somatic and brain growth.In chimpanzees, offspring are typically weaned at approximately 4 years old, yet immature individuals continue to associate with their mothers for up to 10 years beyond weaning. Whether this lengthy association or the individual characteristics of mothers influences growth patterns in this species is not clear.The relationship between urinary creatinine and specific gravity is an established non-invasive measure of muscle mass in humans and chimpanzees. We analysed the urinary creatinine and specific gravity of 1318 urine samples from 70 wild chimpanzees from the Taï Forest, Ivory Coast aged 4 to 15 years. RESULTS We showed a clear increase in urinary creatinine levels with age in both males and females, replicating established growth curves in this species and reaffirming this measure as a reliable proxy for lean body mass. Comparing those who experience maternal loss (orphans) with non-orphan chimpanzees, maternal presence beyond weaning age and into late juvenility positively influenced offspring muscle mass throughout ontogeny such that orphans had significantly less muscle mass than age-matched non-orphans. In age-matched offspring with mothers, those with high-ranking mothers had greater muscle mass. Accounting for variation in muscle mass attributable to maternal presence, we found no effect of maternal investment (length of inter birth interval, from own birth to birth of following sibling) on offspring muscle mass. CONCLUSION Chimpanzee mothers have an extended and multi-faceted influence on offspring phenotypes. Our results suggest that maternal investment extends beyond lactation and into early adulthood and has clear benefits to offspring physical development. Therefore, prolonged juvenile dependence, although unique in its form in human societies, may be a trait with deeper evolutionary origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liran Samuni
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Patrick Tkaczynski
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Therese Löhrrich
- World Wide Fund for Nature, Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas, Bangui, Central African Republic
- Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman M. Wittig
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
| | - Catherine Crockford
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
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Ahmad R, Lahuna O, Sidibe A, Daulat A, Zhang Q, Luka M, Guillaume JL, Gallet S, Guillonneau F, Hamroune J, Polo S, Prévot V, Delagrange P, Dam J, Jockers R. GPR50-Ctail cleavage and nuclear translocation: a new signal transduction mode for G protein-coupled receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:5189-5205. [PMID: 31900622 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03440-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of extracellular signals by G protein-coupled receptors typically relies on a cascade of intracellular events initiated by the activation of heterotrimeric G proteins or β-arrestins followed by effector activation/inhibition. Here, we report an alternative signal transduction mode used by the orphan GPR50 that relies on the nuclear translocation of its carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). Activation of the calcium-dependent calpain protease cleaves off the CTD from the transmembrane-bound GPR50 core domain between Phe-408 and Ser-409 as determined by MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry. The cytosolic CTD then translocates into the nucleus assisted by its 'DPD' motif, where it interacts with the general transcription factor TFII-I to regulate c-fos gene transcription. RNA-Seq analysis indicates a broad role of the CTD in modulating gene transcription with ~ 8000 differentially expressed genes. Our study describes a non-canonical, direct signaling mode of GPCRs to the nucleus with similarities to other receptor families such as the NOTCH receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raise Ahmad
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lahuna
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Anissa Sidibe
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Avais Daulat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Marine Luka
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Guillaume
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Gallet
- Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center, U837, Lille, France
| | - François Guillonneau
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Hamroune
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Polo
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate Centre, UMR7216, CNRS, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | | | - Philippe Delagrange
- Pôle D'Innovation Thérapeutique Neuropsychiatrie, Institut de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290, Croissy, France
| | - Julie Dam
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, 22 rue Méchain, 75014, Paris, France.
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14
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Arendsee Z, Li J, Singh U, Bhandary P, Seetharam A, Wurtele ES. fagin: synteny-based phylostratigraphy and finer classification of young genes. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:440. [PMID: 31455236 PMCID: PMC6712868 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-3023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With every new genome that is sequenced, thousands of species-specific genes (orphans) are found, some originating from ultra-rapid mutations of existing genes, many others originating de novo from non-genic regions of the genome. If some of these genes survive across speciations, then extant organisms will contain a patchwork of genes whose ancestors first appeared at different times. Standard phylostratigraphy, the technique of partitioning genes by their age, is based solely on protein similarity algorithms. However, this approach relies on negative evidence ─ a failure to detect a homolog of a query gene. An alternative approach is to limit the search for homologs to syntenic regions. Then, genes can be positively identified as de novo orphans by tracing them to non-coding sequences in related species. Results We have developed a synteny-based pipeline in the R framework. Fagin determines the genomic context of each query gene in a focal species compared to homologous sequence in target species. We tested the fagin pipeline on two focal species, Arabidopsis thaliana (plus four target species in Brassicaseae) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (plus six target species in Saccharomyces). Using microsynteny maps, fagin classified the homology relationship of each query gene against each target genome into three main classes, and further subclasses: AAic (has a coding syntenic homolog), NTic (has a non-coding syntenic homolog), and Unknown (has no detected syntenic homolog). fagin inferred over half the “Unknown” A. thaliana query genes, and about 20% for S. cerevisiae, as lacking a syntenic homolog because of local indels or scrambled synteny. Conclusions fagin augments standard phylostratigraphy, and extends synteny-based phylostratigraphy with an automated, customizable, and detailed contextual analysis. By comparing synteny-based phylostrata to standard phylostrata, fagin systematically identifies those orphans and lineage-specific genes that are well-supported to have originated de novo. Analyzing within-species genomes should distinguish orphan genes that may have originated through rapid divergence from de novo orphans. Fagin also delineates whether a gene has no syntenic homolog because of technical or biological reasons. These analyses indicate that some orphans may be associated with regions of high genomic perturbation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12859-019-3023-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebulun Arendsee
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.,Center for Metabolic Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.,Center for Metabolic Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Urminder Singh
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.,Center for Metabolic Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Priyanka Bhandary
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50010, USA.,Center for Metabolic Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Arun Seetharam
- Genome Informatics Facility, Office of Biotechnology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Eve Syrkin Wurtele
- Department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50010, USA. .,Center for Metabolic Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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Jiang J, Xing F, Wang C, Zeng X, Zou Q. Investigation and development of maize fused network analysis with multi-omics. Plant Physiol Biochem 2019; 141:380-387. [PMID: 31220804 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Maize is a critically important staple crop in the whole world, which has contributed to both economic security and food in planting areas. The main target for researchers and breeding is the improvement of maize quality and yield. The use of computational biology methods combined with multi-omics for selecting biomolecules of interest for maize breeding has been receiving more attention. Moreover, the rapid growth of high-throughput sequencing data provides the opportunity to explore biomolecules of interest at the molecular level in maize. Furthermore, we constructed weighted networks for each of the omics and then integrated them into a final fused weighted network based on a nonlinear combination method. We also analyzed the final fused network and mined the orphan nodes, some of which were shown to be transcription factors that played a key role in maize development. This study could help to improve maize production via insights at the multi-omics level and provide a new perspective for maize researchers. All related data have been released at http://lab.malab.cn/∼jj/maize.htm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jiang
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China
| | - Fei Xing
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zeng
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, China.
| | - Quan Zou
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610000, China.
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16
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Bello TK, Pillay J. An evidence-based nutrition education programme for orphans and vulnerable children: protocol on the development of nutrition education intervention for orphans in Soweto, South Africa using mixed methods research. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:306. [PMID: 30866875 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6596-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Focus on interventions for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in South Africa on education, quality of life (QoL) and nutrition-related matters have been reported diminutive. The risk of dropping out of school for an OVC with poor QoL and without varied food intake is very high. The problem with poor; QoL, nutritional care and academic performance (AP) of the OVC is that it sets the foundation for their adults’ life. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to develop, implement and to test the efficacy of an evidence-based nutrition education programme (NEP) for OVC that will integrate their families/caregivers, schools and communities. Methods A longitudinal study, and a mixed-methods approach steered by action research will be used. This study will be in three phases. Phase 1 will be the needs assessment; Phase 2 will be the development of nutritional education materials, and Phase 3 is the intervention. QoL, dietary intakes, body composition, and anthropometric status, physical activities, and AP of 520 OVC in Soweto will be assessed using standard techniques. Nutrition knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the caregivers will be assessed using previously validated questionnaires. Focus group discussion (FGD) will be conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of what OVC eat and factors affecting their food intakes. Data will be collected at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Generalised Least Squares (GLS) regression model will be used to test the study hypotheses. Atlas-ti and Thematic Framework Analysis (TFA) will be used for qualitative data analysis. Discussion This study will provide detailed information on the QoL, food intakes concerning academic performance and general well-being of OVC in an Africa setting. The participatory mixed methods nature of the study will provide valuable insights into the drivers and challenges to QoL, AP, and nutritional status of this group. This approach will assist the policymakers’ and other stakeholders in decision making regarding the general well-being of the OVC. Trial registration ISRCTN12835783. Date registered 14.01.2019.
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17
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Green EP, Cho H, Gallis J, Puffer ES. The impact of school support on depression among adolescent orphans: a cluster-randomized trial in Kenya. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2019; 60:54-62. [PMID: 30055002 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine if a school support intervention for adolescent orphans in Kenya had effects on mental health, a secondary outcome. METHODS In this paper, we analyzed data from a 4-year cluster-randomized trial of a school support intervention (school uniforms, school fees, and nurse visits) conducted with orphaned adolescents in Siaya County, western Kenya, who were about to transition to secondary school. 26 primary schools were randomized (1:1) to intervention (410 students) or control (425 students) arms. The study was longitudinal with annual repeated measures collected over 4 years from 2011 to 2014. We administered five items from the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised, a self-reported depression screening instrument. RESULTS The intervention prevented depression severity scores from increasing over time among adolescents recruited from intervention schools. There was no evidence of treatment heterogeneity by gender or baseline depression status. The intervention effect on depression was partially mediated by higher levels of continuous school enrollment among the intervention group, but this mediated effect was small. CONCLUSIONS School support for orphans may help to buffer against the onset or worsening of depression symptoms over time, promoting resilience among an important at-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Green
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hyunsan Cho
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - John Gallis
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eve S Puffer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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18
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Mitroiu M, Rengerink KO, Pontes C, Sancho A, Vives R, Pesiou S, Fontanet JM, Torres F, Nikolakopoulos S, Pateras K, Rosenkranz G, Posch M, Urach S, Ristl R, Koch A, Loukia S, van der Lee JH, Roes KCB. Applicability and added value of novel methods to improve drug development in rare diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:200. [PMID: 30419965 PMCID: PMC6233569 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ASTERIX project developed a number of novel methods suited to study small populations. The objective of this exercise was to evaluate the applicability and added value of novel methods to improve drug development in small populations, using real world drug development programmes as reported in European Public Assessment Reports. METHODS The applicability and added value of thirteen novel methods developed within ASTERIX were evaluated using data from 26 European Public Assessment Reports (EPARs) for orphan medicinal products, representative of rare medical conditions as predefined through six clusters. The novel methods included were 'innovative trial designs' (six methods), 'level of evidence' (one method), 'study endpoints and statistical analysis' (four methods), and 'meta-analysis' (two methods) and they were selected from the methods developed within ASTERIX based on their novelty; methods that discussed already available and applied strategies were not included for the purpose of this validation exercise. Pre-requisites for application in a study were systematized for each method, and for each main study in the selected EPARs it was assessed if all pre-requisites were met. This direct applicability using the actual study design was firstly assessed. Secondary, applicability and added value were explored allowing changes to study objectives and design, but without deviating from the context of the drug development plan. We evaluated whether differences in applicability and added value could be observed between the six predefined condition clusters. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Direct applicability of novel methods appeared to be limited to specific selected cases. The applicability and added value of novel methods increased substantially when changes to the study setting within the context of drug development were allowed. In this setting, novel methods for extrapolation, sample size re-assessment, multi-armed trials, optimal sequential design for small sample sizes, Bayesian sample size re-estimation, dynamic borrowing through power priors and fall-back tests for co-primary endpoints showed most promise - applicable in more than 40% of evaluated EPARs in all clusters. Most of the novel methods were applicable to conditions in the cluster of chronic and progressive conditions, involving multiple systems/organs. Relatively fewer methods were applicable to acute conditions with single episodes. For the chronic clusters, Goal Attainment Scaling was found to be particularly applicable as opposed to other (non-chronic) clusters. CONCLUSION Novel methods as developed in ASTERIX can improve drug development programs. Achieving optimal added value of these novel methods often requires consideration of the entire drug development program, rather than reconsideration of methods for a specific trial. The novel methods tested were mostly applicable in chronic conditions, and acute conditions with recurrent episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Mitroiu
- Clinical Trial Methodology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Biostatistics and Research Support, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien Oude Rengerink
- Clinical Trial Methodology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Biostatistics and Research Support, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caridad Pontes
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Unitat Docent Parc Taulí, c/ Parc Taulí 1, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Unitat de Farmacologia Clínica, Hospital de Sabadell, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, c/ Parc Taulí 1, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Aranzazu Sancho
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Unitat Docent Parc Taulí, c/ Parc Taulí 1, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Research Institute Puerta de Hierro, C/Manuel de Falla, 1, 28222 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roser Vives
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Unitat Docent Parc Taulí, c/ Parc Taulí 1, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Unitat de Farmacologia Clínica, Hospital de Sabadell, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, c/ Parc Taulí 1, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Stella Pesiou
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Unitat Docent Parc Taulí, c/ Parc Taulí 1, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Fontanet
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Hospital de Sant Pau, C/St Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Torres
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, IDIBAPS - Hospital Clinic Barcelona, C/Mallorca 183, Floor -1, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stavros Nikolakopoulos
- Clinical Trial Methodology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Biostatistics and Research Support, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Konstantinos Pateras
- Clinical Trial Methodology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Biostatistics and Research Support, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerd Rosenkranz
- Section for Medical Statistics, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Posch
- Section for Medical Statistics, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Urach
- Section for Medical Statistics, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Robin Ristl
- Section for Medical Statistics, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Armin Koch
- Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Spineli Loukia
- Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna H. van der Lee
- Paediatric Clinical Research Office, Woman-Child Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kit C. B. Roes
- Clinical Trial Methodology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Biostatistics and Research Support, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Background: Orphan children globally and in India are increasing. Magnitude of their health problems is unknown. The present study was carried out to assess the morbidity pattern of orphan children aged 10–16 years, assess their knowledge about signs and symptoms of common childhood morbidities and treatment-seeking practices. Methods: One hundred institutionalized orphan children aged 10–16 years were studied for 6 months. Data was collected by trained investigators regarding sociodemographic background, awareness about common morbidities and treatment seeking practices. Thorough clinical examination and anthropometric measurements were done. Distribution of morbidities was shown. Results: 80% of the boys and 68% of the girls had low BMI. 78% suffered from multiple morbidities of which 76% had infections of skin and appendages while 74% had ear problems. 26% had diarrhea and 21% had B-complex deficiency. The mean duration of all diseases was 7±1.1 days. Awareness about diseases and their complications was low; and self-care was highly prevalent for most health problems. Conclusions: Orphan children in South India suffer from many morbidities about which their awareness and treatment seeking is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Toutem
- Department of Community Medicine, Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Medchal Mandal, Telangana, India
| | - Vanya Singh
- Department of Community Medicine, Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Medchal Mandal, Telangana, India
| | - Enakshi Ganguly
- Department of Community Medicine, Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Medchal Mandal, Telangana, India
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Gambetta GA, Matthews MA, Syvanen M. The Xylella fastidosa RTX operons: evidence for the evolution of protein mosaics through novel genetic exchanges. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:329. [PMID: 29728072 PMCID: PMC5935956 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4731-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a gram negative bacterium inhabiting the plant vascular system. In most species this bacterium lives as a benign symbiote, but in several agriculturally important plants (e.g. coffee, citrus, grapevine) Xf is pathogenic. Xf has four loci encoding homologues to hemolysin RTX proteins, virulence factors involved in a wide range of plant pathogen interactions. RESULTS We show that all four genes are expressed during pathogenesis in grapevine. The sequences from these four genes have a complex repetitive structure. At the C-termini, sequence diversity between strains is what would be expected from orthologous genes. However, within strains there is no N-terminal homology, indicating these loci encode RTXs of different functions and/or specificities. More striking is that many of the orthologous loci between strains share this extreme variation at the N-termini. Thus these RTX orthologues are most easily visualized as fusions between the orthologous C-termini and different N-termini. Further, the four genes are found in operons having a peculiar structure with an extensively duplicated module encoding a small protein with homology to the N-terminal region of the full length RTX. Surprisingly, some of these small peptides are most similar not to their corresponding full length RTX, but to the N-termini of RTXs from other Xf strains, and even other remotely related species. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that these genes are expressed in planta during pathogenesis. Their structure suggests extensive evolutionary restructuring through horizontal gene transfers and heterologous recombination mechanisms. The sum of the evidence suggests these repetitive modules are a novel kind of mobile genetic element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Gambetta
- Bordeaux Science Agro, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin, Ecophysiologie et Génomique Fonctionnelle de la Vigne, UMR 1287, F- 33140, Villenave d'Ornon, France.
| | - Mark A Matthews
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616-8645, USA
| | - Michael Syvanen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616-8645, USA
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Coleman JLJ, Mouat MA, Wu J, Jancovski N, Bassi JK, Chan AY, Humphreys DT, Mrad N, Yu ZY, Ngo T, Iismaa S, Dos Remedios CG, Feneley MP, Allen AM, Graham RM, Smith NJ. Orphan receptor GPR37L1 contributes to the sexual dimorphism of central cardiovascular control. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:14. [PMID: 29625592 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over 100 mammalian G protein-coupled receptors are yet to be matched with endogenous ligands; these so-called orphans are prospective drug targets for the treatment of disease. GPR37L1 is one such orphan, abundant in the brain and detectable as mRNA in the heart and kidney. GPR37L1 ablation was reported to cause hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, and thus, we sought to further define the role of GPR37L1 in blood pressure homeostasis. Methods We investigated the cardiovascular effects of GPR37L1 using wild-type (GPR37L1wt/wt) and null (GPR37L1KO/KO) mice established on a C57BL/6J background, both under baseline conditions and during AngII infusion. We profiled GPR37L1 tissue expression, examining the endogenous receptor by immunoblotting and a β-galactosidase reporter mouse by immunohistochemistry. Results GPR37L1 protein was abundant in the brain but not detectable in the heart and kidney. We measured blood pressure in GPR37L1wt/wt and GPR37L1KO/KO mice and found that deletion of GPR37L1 causes a female-specific increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures. When challenged with short-term AngII infusion, only male GPR37L1KO/KO mice developed exacerbated left ventricular hypertrophy and evidence of heart failure, while the female GPR37L1KO/KO mice were protected from cardiac fibrosis. Conclusions Despite its absence in the heart and kidney, GPR37L1 regulates baseline blood pressure in female mice and is crucial for cardiovascular compensatory responses in males. The expression of GPR37L1 in the brain, yet absence from peripheral cardiovascular tissues, suggests this orphan receptor is a hitherto unknown contributor to central cardiovascular control. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13293-018-0173-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Vassal G, Kearns P, Blanc P, Scobie N, Heenen D, Pearson A. Orphan Drug Regulation: A missed opportunity for children and adolescents with cancer. Eur J Cancer 2017; 84:149-158. [PMID: 28818704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncology represents a major sector in the field of orphan drug development in Europe. The objective was to evaluate whether children and adolescents with cancer benefited from the Orphan Drug Regulation. METHODS Data on orphan drug designations (ODDs) and registered orphan drugs from 8th August 2000 to 10th September 2016 were collected from the Community Register of medicinal products for human use. Assessment history, product information and existence of paediatric investigation plans were searched and retrieved from the European Medicine Agency website. RESULTS Over 16 years, 272 of 657 oncology ODDs (41%) concerned a malignant condition occurring both in adults and children. The five most common were acute myeloid leukaemia, high-grade glioma, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, graft-versus-host disease and soft-tissue sarcomas. 74% of 31 marketing authorisations (MAs) for an indication both in adults and children (26 medicines) had no information for paediatric use in their Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) at the time of the first MA. Furthermore, 68% still have no paediatric information in their most recently updated SmPC, at a median of 7 years after. Only 15 ODDs (2%) pertained to a malignancy occurring specifically in children and only two drugs received an MA: Unituxin for high-risk neuroblastoma and Votubia for sub-ependymal giant-cell astrocytoma. CONCLUSION The Orphan Drug Regulation failed to promote the development of innovative therapies for malignancies occurring in children. Major delays and waivers occurred through the application of the Paediatric Medicines Regulation. The European regulatory environment needs to be improved to accelerate innovation for children and adolescents dying of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Vassal
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Paris, France; Innovative Therapy for Children with Cancer, Villejuif, France.
| | - Pam Kearns
- Innovative Therapy for Children with Cancer, Villejuif, France; Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Patricia Blanc
- Imagine for Margo, 9 Avenue Eric Tabarly, 78112 Fourqueux, France
| | | | | | - Andy Pearson
- Innovative Therapy for Children with Cancer, Villejuif, France; Paediatric Drug Development, Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, SM2 5PT, UK; Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, SM2 5NG, UK
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Morrell L, Wordsworth S, Fu H, Rees S, Barker R. Cancer drug funding decisions in Scotland: impact of new end-of-life, orphan and ultra-orphan processes. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:613. [PMID: 28854927 PMCID: PMC5577765 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Scottish Medicines Consortium evaluates new drugs for use in the National Health Service in Scotland. Reforms in 2014 to their evaluation process aimed to increase patient access to new drugs for end-of-life or rare conditions; the changes include additional steps in the process to gain further information from patients and clinicians, and for revised commercial agreements. This study examines the extent of any impact of the reforms on funding decisions. Method Data on the Scottish Medicines Consortium’s funding decisions during 24 months post-reform were extracted from published Advice, for descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Comparison data were extracted for the 24 months pre-reform. Data on decisions for England by the National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence for the same drugs were extracted from published Technology Appraisals. Results The new process was used by 90% (53/59) of cancer submissions. It is triggered if the initial advice is not to recommend, and this risk-of-rejection level is higher than in the pre-period. Thirty-eight cancer drugs obtained some level of funding through the new process, but there was no significant difference in the distribution of decision types compared to the pre-reform period. Thematic analysis of patient and clinician input showed no clear relationship between issues raised and funding decision. Differences between SMC’s and NICE’s definitions of End-of-Life did not fully explain differences in funding decisions. Conclusions The Scottish Medicines Consortium’s reforms have allowed funding of up to 38 cancer drugs that might previously have been rejected. However, the contribution of specific elements of the reforms to the final decision is unclear. The process could be improved by increased transparency in how the non-quantitative inputs influence decisions. Some disparities in funding decisions between England and Scotland are likely to remain despite recent process convergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Morrell
- Oxford-UCL Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Medical Innovation, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Room 4403, Level 4, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - Sarah Wordsworth
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Howell Fu
- Oxford-UCL Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Medical Innovation, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Room 4403, Level 4, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Sian Rees
- Health Experiences Institute, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, OX1 2ET, UK
| | - Richard Barker
- Oxford-UCL Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Medical Innovation, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Room 4403, Level 4, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
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Collishaw S, Gardner F, Lawrence Aber J, Cluver L. Predictors of Mental Health Resilience in Children who Have Been Parentally Bereaved by AIDS in Urban South Africa. J Abnorm Child Psychol 2017; 44:719-30. [PMID: 26329481 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-015-0068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Children parentally bereaved by AIDS experience high rates of mental health problems. However, there is considerable variability in outcomes, and some show no mental health problems even when followed over time. Primary aims were to identify predictors of resilient adaptation at child, family and community levels within a group of AIDS-orphaned children, and to consider their cumulative influence. A secondary aim was to test whether predictors were of particular influence among children orphaned by AIDS relative to non-orphaned and other-orphaned children. AIDS-orphaned (n = 290), other-orphaned (n = 163) and non-orphaned (n = 202) adolescents living in informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa were assessed on two occasions 4 years apart (mean age 13.5 years at Time 1, range = 10-19 years). Self-report mental health screens were used to operationalise resilience in AIDS-orphaned children as the absence of clinical-range symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, conduct problems, and suicidality. A quarter of AIDS-orphaned children (24 %) showed no evidence of mental health problems at either wave. Child physical health, better caregiving quality, food security, better peer relationship quality, and lower exposure to community violence, bullying or stigma at baseline predicted sustained resilience. There were cumulative influences across predictors. Associations with mental health showed little variation by child age or gender, or between orphaned and non-orphaned children. Mental health resilience is associated with multiple processes across child, family and community levels of influence. Caution is needed in making causal inferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Collishaw
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - Frances Gardner
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Lawrence Aber
- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dunham NT, Opere PO. A unique case of extra-group infant adoption in free-ranging Angola black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis palliatus). Primates 2016; 57:187-94. [PMID: 26872896 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-016-0515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infant adoption has been reported in a variety of primate taxa both in captive and natural settings. Adoption by females may be adaptive by increasing inclusive fitness via shared genes between adoptive mother and adoptee or by providing valuable maternal practice which, in turn, may increase the female's future reproductive success. Others have argued that adoption may be non-adaptive and the result of a general attraction toward infants. Our study examines a unique case of adoption by an adult female Angola black and white colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis palliatus) who adopted an extra-group infant alongside her own biological infant. We compare infant behaviors and mother-infant interactions between biological infant and adoptee and then compare both biological infant and adoptee behavioral profiles to those of infants under normal circumstances. Data were collected from July 2014 to June 2015 on three habituated groups in the Diani Forest of Kenya. Scan sampling and pooled data were used to create daily and monthly behavioral profiles for the biological infant and adoptee, as well as a mean monthly profile of four infants under normal circumstances. Data include time spent (1) clinging to mother/adoptive mother, (2) clinging to another individual, (3) behaving independently, and (4) behaving in close proximity to mother/adoptive mother. Initially, the adoptee struggled to achieve behavioral profiles consistent with those of the biological infant and normal colobus infants of the same age as he spent significantly more time moving independently and significantly less time clinging to the adoptive mother. After the mysterious death of the biological infant in mid-January 2015, the adoptee assumed a behavioral profile similar to that of infants under normal conditions. This case does not support adaptive hypotheses for adoption (i.e., inclusive fitness or learning to mother). Instead, because the biological infant died, possibly due to the presence of the adoptee, we argue that this case of infant adoption was non-adaptive. Ultimately, this adoption appears to have been an outcome of the adoptee's persistent desire to be cared for and the female's strong propensity to engage in allomaternal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Thomas Dunham
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Paul Otieno Opere
- Department of Conservation Biology, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya
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Hallfors DD, Cho H, Rusakaniko S, Mapfumo J, Iritani B, Zhang L, Luseno W, Miller T. The impact of school subsidies on HIV-related outcomes among adolescent female orphans. J Adolesc Health 2015; 56:79-84. [PMID: 25530603 PMCID: PMC4274377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examine effects of school support as a structural HIV prevention intervention for adolescent female orphans in Zimbabwe after 5 years. METHODS Three hundred twenty-eight orphan adolescent girls were followed in a clustered randomized controlled trial from 2007 to 2010. The experimental group received school fees, uniforms, and school supplies and were assigned a school-based "helper." In 2011-2012, the control group received delayed partial treatment of school fees only. At the final data point in 2012, survey, HIV, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) biomarker data were collected from approximately 88% of the sample. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on end point outcomes, controlling for age, religious affiliation, and baseline socioeconomic status. RESULTS The two groups did not differ on HIV or HSV-2 biomarkers. The comprehensive 5-year intervention continued to reduce the likelihood of marriage, improve school retention, improve socioeconomic status (food security), and marginally maintain gains in quality of life, even after providing school fees to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Paying school fees and expenses resulted in significant improvements in life outcomes for orphan adolescent girls. Biological evidence of HIV infection prevention, however, was not observed. Our study adds to the growing body of research on school support as HIV prevention for girls in sub-Saharan Africa, but as yet, no clear picture of effectiveness has emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyunsan Cho
- The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - John Mapfumo
- Faculty of Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bonita Iritani
- The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Winnie Luseno
- The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ted Miller
- The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Beltsville, Maryland
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E. Aguilar-Vafaie M, Roshani M, Hassanabadi H. Protective Factors Enhancing Prosocial Behavior and Preventing Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms among Adolescents Living in Forster Care Homes. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci 2014; 8:52-62. [PMID: 25053957 PMCID: PMC4105604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on Problem Based Theory, this study investigated a broad array of putative protective factors associated with psychopathological symptoms and prosodical behaviour. METHODS Participants were 140 orphan adolescent girls and boys living in foster care homes in Tehran, chosen with convenience sampling procedures. Using a cross-sectional design this study examined the individual and interactive properties of protective factors in this high-risk population. RESULTS Findings with theoretically derived multi-item subscales indicated a high degree of association specificity based on type of psychopathology and depending on gender. RESULTS with the whole sample indicated that theoretically derived individual protective factor scales associations were obtained mainly for conduct problems and emotional symptoms, and with girls only. CONCLUSION The present study provides introductory information on the identification of protective factors that can be utilized in educational, interventional and preventive public health programs for this high-risk population. One innovative contribution of the present research is to provide an introductory validation of a theory-based model of adolescent protection and resilience, for which there is ample empirical support, in a high-risk population of Iranian adolescents living in foster homes centers in a metropolitan urban setting.
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Morantz G, Cole DC, Ayaya S, Ayuku D, Braitstein P. Maltreatment experiences and associated factors prior to admission to residential care: a sample of institutionalized children and youth in western Kenya. Child Abuse Negl 2013; 37:778-87. [PMID: 23290620 PMCID: PMC3633719 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the prevalence of maltreatment experienced by institutionalized children prior to their admission to Charitable Children's Institutions (orphanages) in western Kenya, and to describe their socio-demographic characteristics, reasons for admission, and the factors associated with prior experiences of maltreatment. METHODS A systematic file review was undertaken in five CCIs. Demographic, prior caregiving settings and maltreatment data were extracted. Forms of maltreatment were recorded according to WHO and ISPCAN guidelines. Logistic regression was used in bivariate and multivariable analyses of factors associated with reasons for placement and forms of maltreatment. RESULTS A total of 462 files were reviewed. The median (interquartile range) age of children was 6.8 (5.08) years at admission, 56% were male, and 71% had lost one or both parents. The reasons for admission were destitution (36%), abandonment (22%), neglect (21%), physical/sexual abuse (8%), and lack of caregiver (8%). The majority of child and youth residents had experienced at least one form of maltreatment (66%): physical abuse (8%), sexual abuse (2%), psychological abuse (28%), neglect (26%), medical neglect (18%), school deprivation (38%), abandonment (30%), and child labor (23%). The most common reason for non-orphans to be admitted was maltreatment (90%), whereas the most common reason for orphans to be admitted was destitution (49%). Girls (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: .61, 95% CI: .39-.95) and orphans (AOR: .04, 95% CI: .01-.17) were both independently less likely to have a history of maltreatment irrespective of whether it was the reason for admission. Children whose primary caregiver had not been a parent (AOR: .36, 95% CI: .15-.86) and orphans (AOR: .17, 95% CI: .06-.44) were less likely to have been admitted for maltreatment, while children who were separated from siblings were more likely to have been admitted for maltreatment (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.60). CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of maltreatment prior to admission, particularly among nonorphans, suggests the need for better child abuse and neglect prevention programs in communities, and psychosocial support services in institutions. The significant proportion of children admitted for poverty, predominantly among orphans, indicates that community-based poverty-reduction programs might reduce the need for institutionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Morantz
- Department of General Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Donald C. Cole
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Health Science Building, 6th floor, Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3M7
| | - Samuel Ayaya
- Moi University School of Medicine, P.O Box 4606, 030100, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - David Ayuku
- Moi University School of Medicine, P.O Box 4606, 030100, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Paula Braitstein
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Health Science Building, 6th floor, Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3M7
- Moi University School of Medicine, P.O Box 4606, 030100, Eldoret, Kenya
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 1120 South Drive, Fesler Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202-5114, United States
- United States Agency for International Development-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Partnership, P.O. Box 4606, 030100, Eldoret, Kenya
- Regenstrief Institute Inc., 1050 Wishard Boulevard, 6th Floor, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202-2872, United States
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Zhang L, Li X, Zhao J, Zhao G, Kaljee L, Stanton B. Disclosure of parental HIV infection to children and psychosocial impact on children in China: a qualitative study. Asia Pac J Couns Psychother 2013; 4:163-174. [PMID: 24761258 DOI: 10.1080/21507686.2013.826261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This qualitative study aims to investigate parental HIV disclosure and psychological impact from the perspectives of their children. In-depth individual interviews with 47 children who had lost one or both parents to AIDS were conducted in China. All transcripts were coded using the software ATLAS.ti 5. Results showed that few of children knew of parental HIV status before the death of their parents. The main disclosers were the children's current caregivers. Some children knew about their parent's HIV infection based on their own observations or through overheard conversation, or their interactions with villagers. Both positive and negative psychological outcomes related to parental HIV disclosure were reported. Psychological counseling is needed for both parents and children to dealing with the parental HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Zhang
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475001, China
| | - Guoxiang Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475001, China
| | - Linda Kaljee
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
| | - Bonita Stanton
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201, USA
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Musisi S, Kinyanda E, Nakasujja N, Nakigudde J. A comparison of the behavioral and emotional disorders of primary school-going orphans and non-orphans in Uganda. Afr Health Sci 2007; 7:202-13. [PMID: 21499485 PMCID: PMC3074371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the emotional and behavioral problems of orphans in Rakai District, Uganda, and to suggest interventions. Studies, elsewhere, have shown orphans to have high levels of psychological problems. However, in Uganda such studies are limited and no specific interventions have been suggested. METHODS The study employed a cross-sectional unmatched case control design to compare emotional and behavioral problems of 210 randomly selected primary school-going orphans and 210 non-orphans using quantitative and qualitative methods employing standardized questionnaires, Focus Group discussions and selected Key Informant interviews. All children were administered Rutter's Children's Teacher Administered Behavior Questionnaire to measure psychological distress and a modified version of Cooper's Self-Report Measure for Social Adjustment. Standardized psychiatric assessments were done on children scoring > 9 on the Rutter's Scale, using the WHO-ICD-10 diagnostic checklists. RESULTS Both orphans and non-orphans had high levels of psychological distress as measured using Rutter's questionnaire but with no significant statistical difference between the two groups (Rutter score > 9; 45.1% & 36.5% respectively; p= 0.10) and no major psychiatric disorders such as psychotic, major affective or organic mental syndromes. Psychological distress was associated with poor academic performance (p=0.00) in both groups. More orphans than non-orphans had more common emotional and behavioral problems, e.g., more orphans reported finding "life unfair and difficult" (p=0.03); 8.3% orphans compared to 5.1 % of the non-orphans reported having had past suicidal wishes (p=0.30) and more reported past "forced sex / abuse" (p=0.05). Lastly, the orphans' social functioning in the family rated significantly worse compared to the non-orphans (p= 0.05). Qualitatively, orphans, compared to non-orphans were described as "needy, sensitive, isolative with low confidence and self-esteem and who often lacked love, protection, identity, security, play, food and shelter." Most lived in big poor families with few resources, faced stigma and were frequently relocated. Community resources were inadequate. CONCLUSION In conclusion, more orphans compared to non-orphans exhibited common emotional and behavioral problems but no major psychiatric disorders. Orphans were more likely to be emotionally needy, insecure, poor, exploited, abused, or neglected. Most lived in poverty with elderly widowed female caretakers. They showed high resilience in coping. To comprehensively address these problems, we recommend setting up a National Policy and Support Services for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children and their families, a National Child Protection Agency for all Children, Child Guidance Counselors in those schools with many orphans and lastly social skills training for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seggane Musisi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala.
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Leyenaar JK. HIV/AIDS and Africa's orphan crisis. Paediatr Child Health 2005; 10:259-260. [PMID: 19668626 PMCID: PMC2722539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the developing world has reached crisis proportions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS has exacerbated poverty in many communities and has weakened the capacity of many countries to care for their orphaned children. The present article discusses orphanage care and its alternatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. The physical and mental health effects of parental loss are discussed and the psychosocial impacts of institutional care are reviewed. Foster care is discussed as a potential long-term strategy to help communities cope with the rising numbers of HIV/AIDS orphans. The importance of community-based care is highlighted.
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Gould L. Adoption of a Wild orphaned ringtailed lemur infant by natal group members: Adaptive explanations. Primates 2000; 41:413-419. [PMID: 30545205 DOI: 10.1007/bf02557652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/1999] [Accepted: 06/23/2000] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In December 1992 an infant ringtailed lemur, approximately 7 weeks of age, was orphaned in one of the regularly-censused social groups at the Beza-Mahafaly Reserve, southwestern Madagascar. The infant was initially adopted by a subadult (2 yr-old) male from the group. Continuous-time focal animal data were collected for a 12-hr period, from the time that the infant was retrieved by the young male, in order to document the adoption process. Ten members of the infant's social group (total group number=18) engaged in infant care behaviors over the 12-hr period. The subadult male spent the most time engaged in infant care, and he and one adult female exhibited the highest frequency of caregiving behaviors over the 12-hr period (p<0.001). Four adult males also initially cared for the infant. The orphan was one of only six infants in the reserve population to survive that year. She was censused two years later as an adolescent member of her natal group. Adaptive explanations for this adoption vary depending upon the care-giver. For the subadult male and adult female caregivers, kin selection can be suggested, as the infant was related to all females and immature animals in the group. Adult males may have exhibited caregiving behaviors as a strategy related to affiliation with adult females which could lead to potential mating and reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gould
- Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, V8W-3P5, Victoria, B.C., Canada
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