Muni Repository (MR)

This repository contains open access publications of Muni University Library.


Objectives:

  • To digitally collect, preserve and provide electronic access to scholarly works and research output of Muni University.
  • Increase the visibility and impact of our research, making it easy for researchers, students, policymakers and journalists to reference, replicate, and re-use the work.
  • Issue permanent, unique and trustworthy identifiers when creating URLs to access the resource without concern that the location of the resource may change.

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Recent Submissions

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Phenotypic and genotypic perspectives on detection methods for bacterial antimicrobial resistance in a One Health context: research progress and prospects
(Springer Nature, 2024-09-20) Yang, Bingbing; Xin, Xiaoqi; Cao, Xiaoqing; Lubanga, Nasifu; Nie, Zhenlin; He, Bangshun
The widespread spread of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to global public health. Traditional methods for detecting bacterial AMR are simple, reproducible, and intuitive, requiring long time incubation and high labor intensity. To quickly identify and detect bacterial AMR is urgent for clinical treatment to reduce mortality rate, and many new methods and technologies were required to be developed. This review summarizes the current phenotypic and genotypic detection methods for bacterial AMR. Phenotypic detection methods mainly include antimicrobial susceptibility tests, while genotypic detection methods have higher sensitivity and specificity and can detect known or even unknown drug resistance genes. However, most of the current tests are either genotypic or phenotypic and rarely combined. Combining the advantages of phenotypic and genotypic methods, combined with the joint application of multiple rapid detection methods may be the trend for future AMR testing. Driven by rapid diagnostic technology, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence, detection methods of bacterial AMR are expected to constantly develop and innovate. Adopting rational detection methods and scientific data analysis can better address the challenges of bacterial AMR and ensure human health and social well-being.
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EGR3 polymorphism is a potential susceptibility factor of schizophrenia risk in a Chinese population.
(Mary Ann Liebert, 2024-04-24) Bi, Wen; Li, Jingjing; Xiong, Mengqiu; Lubanga, Nasifu; Tan, Mingjuan; Tai, Ping; Jin, Qing; Zhang, Lingyun; Zhu, Chengbin; He, Bangshun
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (EGR3 rs1996147; EGR4 rs3813226, rs6747506; ERBB3 rs2292238; and ERBB4 rs707284, rs7560730) and the risk of schizophrenia (SZ) in a Chinese population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case–control study, including 248 patients with SZ and 236 healthy controls matched for age and sex. The Mass-array platform was used to detect all the genotypes of the SNPs. Results: The results revealed that the EGR3 rs1996147 AA genotype was associated with borderline decreased SZ risk (AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.18–1.02, p = 0.06). However, no significant correlation was found between the other SNPs and overall SZ risk. Subgroup analysis also failed to show any significant association between all SNPs and the risk of SZ. Conclusion: In summary, this study revealed that the EGR3 rs1996147 AA genotype was associated with a borderline risk for SZ.
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The diagnostic and prognostic value of exosomal microRNAs in lung cancer: a systematic review
(Springer Nature, 2024-03-15) Yang, Bingbing; Xin, Xiaoqi; Cao, Xiaoqing; Lubanga, Nasifu; Nie, Zhenlin; He, Bangshun
Background: Studies have shown that many exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as non-invasive biomarkers of lung cancer, but their diagnostic and prognostic values need to be further clarified. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases, obtained relevant articles and extracted data, and used statistical methods and statistical software to comprehensively evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of exosomal miRNAs in lung cancer. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023447398. Results: In terms of diagnosis, two exosomal miRNAs (miR-486-5p and miR-451a) were reported with the highest frequency in lung cancer patients, both of which had good diagnostic value. Compared with the control group, the pooled sensitivities of miR-486-5p and miR-451a were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73–0.86) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.60–0.87), specificities: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.63–0.99) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.72–0.92), and AUCs: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81–0.88) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.90), for the respective miRNAs. For prognosis, in lung cancer patients with abnormally expressed exosomal miRNAs, miR-1290 was associated with PFS outcome; miR-382, miR-1246, miR-23b-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-10b-5p were associated with OS outcome; miR-21 and miR-4257 were associated with DFS outcome; miR-125a-3p and miR-625-5p were associated with PFS and OS outcomes; miR-216b and miR-451a were associated with OS and DFS outcomes. Conclusions: Exosomal miRNAs are valuable biomarkers in lung cancer patients. Exosomal miR-486-5p and miR-451a can be used as new diagnostic biomarkers for lung cancer. Dysregulated exosomal miRNAs could serve as indicators of survival outcomes in lung cancer patients.
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Quantification of fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide from households cooking with fixed mud charcoal stoves in Awindiri ward, Arua municipality, Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-14) Muhwezi, Godfrey; Ruhangariyo, D.; Kyayesimira, J.; Andama, Morgan
Globally, there is an increasing awareness of indoor air pollution and its resultant impacts. Indoor air pollution is a risk factor for multiple conditions that increases human mortality rates. There are limited studies on indoor air pollution in Arua, Uganda. This study quantified carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM2.5) from households cooking with fixed mud charcoal stoves in Awindiri suburb, Arua Municipality. Fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide concentrations were measured for 24 h in kitchens. The results indicate that the average 24-h carbon monoxide (157.2 ± 86.2) ppm and fine particulate matter (473.3 ± 406.4) µgm−3 values obtained from households were both significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the recommended World Health Organisation levels. High fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide levels may be attributed to the inefficient fixed mud charcoal stove, poor ventilation, kitchen congestion, and long hours of cooking. High levels of fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the households could lead to serious long-term health effects on the occupants.
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Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection among asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria-infected individuals in Uganda
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-14) Mwesigwa, Alex; Ocan, Moses; Cummings, Bryan; Musinguzi, Benson; Kiyaga, Shahid; Kiwuwa, Steven M.; Okoboi, Stephen; Castelnuovo, Barbara; Bikaitwoha, Everd Maniple; Kalyango, Joan N.; Karamagi, Charles; Nankabirwa, Joaniter I.; Nsobya, Samuel L.; Byakika-Kibwika, Pauline
Background: Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) remains a significant public health challenge globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it accounts for 99% of all malaria infections. The outcomes of P. falciparum infection vary, ranging from asymptomatic to severe, and are associated with factors such as host immunity, parasite genetic diversity, and multiplicity of infection (MOI). Using seven neutral microsatellite markers, the current study investigated P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI in both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria individuals in Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 225 P. falciparum isolates from both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria patients, ranging in age from 6 months to ≥ 18 years. P. falciparum genetic diversity, MOI, and multi-locus linkage disequilibrium (LD) were assessed through genotyping of seven neutral microsatellite markers: Poly-α, TA1, TA109, PfPK2, 2490, C2M34–313, and C3M69–383. Genetic data analysis was performed using appropriate genetic analysis software. Results: P. falciparum infections exhibited high genetic diversity in both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. The mean expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.79 in symptomatic uncomplicated malaria cases to 0.81 in asymptomatic individuals. There was no significant difference (p = 0.33) in MOI between individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, with the mean MOI ranging from 1.92 in symptomatic complicated cases to 2.10 in asymptomatic individuals. Polyclonal infections were prevalent, varying from 58.5% in symptomatic complicated malaria to 63% in symptomatic uncomplicated malaria cases. A significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed between asymptomatic and symptomatic uncomplicated/complicated infections (p < 0.01). Genetic differentiation was low, with FST values ranging from 0.0034 to 0.0105 among P. falciparum parasite populations in asymptomatic and symptomatic uncomplicated/complicated infections. Conclusion: There is a high level of P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI among both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in Uganda. Asymptomatic carriers harbor a diverse range of parasites, which poses challenges for malaria control and necessitates targeted interventions to develop effective strategies.