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Item Effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) among subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Uganda: A Comparative study of treatment groups(CARI Journals, 2024-09-26) Kyazze, Richard; Natuhamya, Charles; Mwebesa, Edson; Kiyingi, Frank; Musoke, Miph; Tumwesigye, Nazarius MbonaBackground: Regardless of diverse interventions aimed at achieving recovery and maintaining sobriety, alcohol use disorder, a leading global risk factor for mortality and morbidity, remains prevalent in Uganda. It’s worth noting that even after long stays in treatment facilities, recovering individuals are still prone to relapse. Of importance, however, is the knowledge of the effect of treatment interventions on recovery during and after rehabilitation. Hence, this study seeks to determine the impact of CBT as an intervention among alcohol-dependent individuals and assess its relevancy after rehabilitation. Methodology: This study enrolled 196 individuals with alcohol dependence from 5 treatment centers in the treated and control groups on a 1:1 enrollment basis. Individuals in the treated group were those in the rehabilitation centres receiving CBT while the control group included individuals in the community who were off CBT treatment. A linear regression model was fit to the data to determine the effect of CBT on the recovery status. Interaction terms between the participants’ treatment group and CBT were included to assess the difference between the two groups. Findings: CBT enhanced character development (β = 1.37, p < 0.001), healthy living (β = 0.88, p < 0.001), productive engagements (β = 1.12, p < 0.001), and overall recovery status (β = 3.38, p < 0.001). The overall effect of CBT was higher among individuals receiving treatment as compared to their counterparts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Incorporating aftercare CBT treatment may enhance the recovery status of individuals grappling with alcohol dependence and prevent immediate relapse. Policymakers and licensing agencies of treatment centres should incorporate aftercare treatment for CBT and similar interventions.Item 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, BangshunThe 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.Item 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, BangshunObjective: 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.Item 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, BangshunBackground: 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.Item 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, MorganGlobally, 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.Item Genomic epidemiology of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan(CDC, 2024-11-11) Byarugaba, Denis K.; Osman, Tamer S.; Sayyouh, Omar M.; Wokorach, Godfrey; Kigen, Collins K.; Muturi, James W.; Onyonyi, Vanessa N.; Said, Mayar M.; Nasrat, Salwa A.; Gazo, Mahmoud; Erima, Bernard; Alafi, Stephen; Kabatesi, Hope O.; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Kibuuka, Hannah; Sapre, Anjali P.; Bartlett, Katelyn V.; Lebreton, Francois; Martin, Melissa J.; Mahugu, Evelyn W.; Smith, Hunter J.; Musila, Lillian A.Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Kenya, Uganda, and Jordan identified multidrug-resistant high-risk bacterial clones: Escherichia coli sequence types 131, 1193, 69, 167, 10, 648, 410, 405 and Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence types 14, 147, 307, 258. Clones emerging in those countries exhibited high resistance mechanism diversity, highlighting a serious threat for multidrug resistance.Item Atomistic simulation of primary radiation damage profiles in fluorine-doped tin oxide thin film target using SRIM code(University of South Africa (Unisa), 2024-11-12) Oryema, Bosco; Mtshali, Christopher B.; Madiba, Itani G.In this study, we investigated the discrepancy between the numbers of atomic displacements obtained from the Vac.txt method and those obtained from the Vac.dam method using SRIM-2013 operated in full cascade mode. The SRIM simulations also calculated energy partitioning, damage dose and distribution profiles of the implanted He, C and O ions at three different ion energies of 10 keV, 100 keV and 1 MeV. In all the simulations and at each ion energy value, the target thickness was increased until the entire ion beam was absorbed within the target. The simulated fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin film target stoichiometrically comprised 78.6% Sn, 16.4% O and 5.0% F, and a 6.013 g/cm3 bulk density. To achieve relatively good statistics with compromised computational time, each run followed 10 000 ion histories. The results indicated that, with increasing ion energies, the peaks of vacancy concentrations moved deeper into the material. For He ions, the vacancy profiles have peaks at ∼0.04, ~0.45 and ~2.9 µm at 10 keV, 100 keV and 1 MeV, respectively. Meanwhile, for C and O ions, the peaks were at ∼0.012, ~0.15 and ~1.23 µm for C ions and ∼0.01, 0.12 and 1.2 µm for O ions at 10 keV, 100 keV and 1 MeV, respectively. We also observed that for all the ions and at all ion energies considered, the Vac.txt method predicted more vacancies than the Vac.dam method, and the discrepancies generally increased with increasing Z by an average value of ∼1.21, ∼1.45 and 1.48 for He, C and O ions respectively. In addition, the electronic and nuclear partitioning profiles revealed that most of the energies of the ions were lost in collision with atomic electrons due to ionisation and excitations, and little to nuclear events. The simulations also revealed that nuclear stopping powers increase at low ion energies. This study also indicated that damage dose profiles strongly depend on the type of incident particle and its energy. A comparison of SRIM and iradina calculated vacancies and incident ion distribution profiles generally indicated perfect agreements between the two codes. FTO thin film remains a promising material for thermal control applications in future spacecraft. However, further analyses are still necessary to comprehensively understand its evolution under intense radiation environments comprising various ions and at different energies.Item In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda(Springer Nature, 2024-11-13) Akwongo, Betty; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Nsubuga, Anthony M.; Andama, Morgan; Namaganda, Mary; Tugume, Patience; Asiimwe, Savina; Anywar, Godwin; Katuura, EstherBackground: The emergence of multidrug resistant Candida species to available drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of herbal medicines globally. This study scientifically verified antifungal effectiveness of five commonly used plant species in Pader district, against selected pathogenic candida strains. Methods: Powdered roots of Momordica foetida, Sansevieria dawei and Distimake dissectus; and stem barks of Khaya anthotheca and Mitragyna rubrostipulata were extracted sequentially using petroleum ether and methanol, respectively; and total water extraction at 24.4 °C (maceration), 60 °C (decoction) and boiling water at 87 °C (hot water infusion). Extracts and their combinations, positive controls (amphotericin B, and fluconazole) and negative control (80% dimethyl sulfoxide, verified to be tolerable concentration to the tested Candida species) were screened and verified for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC: American Type Culture Collection reference strain 10231, ATCC 90028, 0770a and 0796), C. glabrata (VVc 004, ATCC 2950) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750 and 0210) using agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution, respectively. Results: Aqueous extract (24.4 °C) of M. rubrostipulata (ZOI: 18.00 ± 1.00 to 38.33 ± 0.17; MIC: 3.13 ± 0.00 to 20.83 ± 4.17; MFC: 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00), methanol extract of K. anthotheca (10.11 ± 0.31 to 15.11 ± 0.65; 1.04 ± 0.26 to 12.50 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 100.00 ± 0.00), and combination of aqueous extract (60 °C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca (7.89 ± 0.26 to 19.67 ± 0.37; 0.78 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00) exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activities and were fungistatic against all tested Candida species, which comprised 8 clinical/control and susceptible/resistant strains. None of the conventional drugs used demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity across all tested Candida species/strains. Conclusion: Methanol extract of K. anthotheca, aqueous extract (24.4 °C) of M. rubrostipulata, and combination of aqueous extract (60 °C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca could be effective in the treatment of candidiasis. They demonstrated potential broad spectrum antifungal activity against different species and strains of tested Candida than the fluconazole and amphotericin B drugs. Their fungistatic nature showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth. Hence, these extracts/extract combination can offer better treatment option for candidiasis if they are standardized and also their active curative compounds isolated and made into antifungal drugs.Item Next generation sequencing and genetic analyses reveal factors driving evolution of sweetpotato viruses in Uganda(MDPI, 2024-09-26) Adero, Joanne; Wokorach, Godfrey; Stomeo, Francesca; Yao, Nasser; Machuk, Eunice; Njuguna, Joyce; Byarugaba, Denis K.; Kreuze, Jan; Yencho, G. Craig; Otema, Milton A.; Yad, Benard; Kitavi, MercySweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an essential food crop globally, especially for farmers facing resource limitations. Like other crops, sweetpotato cultivation faces significant production challenges due to viral infections. This study aimed to identify and characterize viruses affecting sweetpotato crops in Uganda, mostly those associated with sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD). Infected leaf samples were collected from farmers’ fields in multiple districts spanning three regions in Uganda. MiSeq, a next-generation sequencing platform, was used to generate reads from the viral nucleic acid. The results revealed nine viruses infecting sweetpotato crops in Uganda, with most plants infected by multiple viral species. Sweet potato pakakuy and sweet potato symptomless virus_1 are reported in Uganda for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that some viruses have evolved to form new phylogroups, likely due to high mutations and recombination, particularly in the coat protein, P1 protein, cylindrical inclusion, and helper component proteinase regions of the potyvirus. The sweet potato virus C carried more codons under positive diversifying selection than the closely related sweet potato feathery mottle virus, particularly in the P1 gene. This study provides valuable insights into the viral species infecting sweetpotato crops, infection severity, and the evolution of sweet potato viruses in Uganda.Item Structural equation model for a relationship between family support systems and alcohol addiction recovery: mediation effect of continuing care services.(Journal of Advanced Psychology, 2024-08-09) Kyazze, Richard; Natuhamya, Charles; Mwebesa, Edson; Kiyingi, Frank; Musoke, Miph; Tumwesigye, Nazarius MbonaPurpose: Alcohol use disorder continues to be a public health concern, and even after treatment, the relapse rate is still high. The family support systems are closely related to alcohol addiction recovery. However, studies on psychological mechanisms between the two are rare. Therefore, we aimed to explore the mediating role of continuing care services in the pathway between family support systems and alcohol addiction recovery among individuals with alcohol use disorder. Methods: A total of 196 participants from 5 treatment centers (Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Serenity Centre, Recovery Solutions, National Care Centre, and Hope and Beyond) were selected from a target population of 400 individuals. The structural equation modeling approach was used to assess the study objective. Results: The average alcohol addiction recovery status score was 3.03 (SD = 0.95). The mediation analysis indicated that continuing care services mediated the pathway between family support systems and alcohol addiction recovery. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Motivational enhancement therapy, mutual health support, and cognitive behavioral therapy are key factors in the relationship between family support systems and alcohol addiction recovery.Item A Comparative study of photon radiation-shielding properties of different glass types for use in health facilities(University of Warwick and Monash University, 2024-09-11) Nyangoma, Judith; Oryema, BoscoThe usage of X-ray generating devices and gamma-ray sources such as 60Co and 137Cs for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications has increased globally. However, exposure to radiation from these sources can cause detrimental effects on biological tissues. Thus, to optimise radiation safety, effective radiation shields are required. This study used the photon shielding and dosimetry (PSD) software to simulate and compare the photon shielding properties of phosphate, bismuthate, tellurite, silicate and borate glass for use in medical facilities. The parameters investigated included mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean-free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff). The results showed that bismuthate glass had the highest MAC and LAC values followed by tellurite, silicate, phosphate and borate glass respectively. It was also found that bismuthate glass had the lowest HVL and MFP values followed by tellurite, silicate, phosphate and borate glass. Since materials with high MAC and LAC and low HVL and MFP are associated with higher photon stoppage powers, bismuthate glass are better photon shielding materials compared to the rest of the glass examined in this study. Conversely, borate glass presented the least shielding potential compared to phosphate, silicate and tellurite glass.Item Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards tuberculosis: results of a community-based survey in the Karamoja subregion, North Eastern Uganda(Springer Nature, 2024-09-12) Kasozi, William; Mwebesa, Edson; Zawedde-Muyanja, Stella; Nsubuga, Tadeo; Musaazi, Joseph; Etwom, Alfred; Lemukol, James; Sagaki, Patrick; Tino, Salome; Achar, Cerino; Stavia, Turyahabwe; Murungi, Miriam; Rutta, Edmund; Nabukenya-Mudiope, Mary G.Background: The Karamoja subregion in north-eastern Uganda has very high Tuberculosis (TB)case notification rates and, until recently, had suboptimal treatment completion rates among patients diagnosed with TB. We evaluated community knowledge, attitudes and practices towards Tuberculosis in order to identify barriers to TB control in this region. Methods: From September to October 2022, we conducted a community-based survey in four districts in the Karamoja subregion. We collected data on TB knowledge, attitudes, and practices using a structured electronic questionnaire. We generated knowledge, attitude and practice scores. We used a survey-weighted zero-truncated modified Poisson model to assess the association between knowledge/attitude scores and respondents’ characteristics and a complementary log-log model to assess the association between practice scores and respondents’ characteristics. Data analysis was carried out using STATA version 14. Results: A total of 1927 respondents were interviewed. Of these, 55.5% were female, and 1320 (68.6%) had no formal education. Overall, 68.5% 95% CI (59.6–76.7%) had knowledge scores of ≥ 60%. Higher TB knowledge scores were associated with being employed (adjusted prevalence ratio, aPR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.04–1.42, p = 0.01) while being a wife in a household was associated with lower TB knowledge (aPR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.99, p = 0.03). Being 25–34 years old was associated with a positive attitude towards TB (PR = 1.06, 1.01–1.11, p = 0.01). Over 85% of respondents would go to the health facility immediately if they had TB signs and symptoms. Almost all respondents (98.6%) would start TB treatment immediately if diagnosed with the disease. Conclusion: More than two thirds of patients had good knowledge and practices towards TB which can be leveraged to improve uptake of TB control interventions in the region. Additional interventions to improve TB knowledge and practice should focus on specific segments within the communities e.g., older women in the households.Item An ethnobotanical survey of plant species used for medicinal purposes in Amuru district, northern Uganda(Ilia State University, 2024-09-12) Gum, Bornfree; Opoke, Robert; Akwongo, Betty; Oloya, Benson; Omony, John Bosco; Opiro, Robert; Andama, Morgan; Anywar, Godwin; Malinga, Geoffrey MaxwellBackground: Medicinal plants provide health care to rural communities that have limited access to modern medicine in Uganda. Thus, documenting medicinal plants is important for their sustainable utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in August 2021 to assess the knowledge and use of medicinal plants in Lamogi Sub-County, Amuru district. We randomly sampled and interviewed 334 household heads using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, familiarity index (FI), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: Most of the respondents (90%) had knowledge of medicinal plants used for treating ailments in their community (high ICF values above 0.9). Plant with the highest FI value was Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip. indicating its wide use in the community. Chi-square tests showed significant associations between the knowledge of medicinal plants and education level, occupation, age, marital status and monthly income of respondents (p < 0.05). Forty-nine medicinal plants from 30 families were documented, with Fabaceae and Asteraceae having the most species. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (65.4%), followed by roots (13.6%). Herbal remedies were mostly prepared by crushing and smearing on the body, infusion, decoction and administered orally. Conclusion: The people of Amuru district have rich indigenous knowledge of diverse medicinal plants used for treating ailments. Most medicinal plants are harvested from the wild, threatening their survival and this requires putting in place practical conservation measures.Item Draft genome sequence of Acinetobacter haemolyticus strain MUWRP1017 isolated from the pus of a female inpatient at Bwera General Hospital in Uganda(American Society for Microbiology, 2024-08-20) Wokorach, Godfrey; Erima, Bernard; Alafi, Stephen; Kabatesi, Hope O.; Muhindo, Julius T.; Najjuka, Florence; Kiyengo, James; Kibuuka, Hannah; Musinguzi, Ambrose K.; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Byarugaba, Denis K.The bacterium Acinetobacter haemolyticus, with a genome size of 3.4 Mb, was isolated from a pus swab of a wound on the left lower limb above the ankle joint of a female patient. This strain carries the antimicrobial resistance genes cephalosporinase blaADC-25, oxallinase blaOXA-264, floR, and sul2 and other resistance and virulence genes.Item Impact of mass media campaigns on knowledge of malaria prevention measures among pregnant mothers in Uganda: a propensity score‑matched analysis(Springer Nature, 2024-08-24) Mwebesa, Edson; Awor, Susan; Natuhamya, Charles; Dricile, Ratib; Legason, Ismail D.; Okimait, David; Mangwi, Richard Ayiasi; Tumwesigye, Nazarius M.Background: Uganda grapples with a considerable malaria burden, reporting prevalence rates of over 33% in some regions. To address this, the Uganda Ministry of Health employs audiovisual platforms for disseminating malaria prevention messages. However, the impact of these messages on pregnant women’s knowledge of malaria prevention remains insufficiently explored. This paper therefore emphasizes the influence of audiovisual messages on the knowledge of malaria prevention measures among pregnant women in Uganda. Methods: Secondary data obtained from the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) 2018–2019 was used for this analysis. Women aged 15–49 were included in the study. A total of 8868 women were selected using a two-stage sample design. The two stages of selection included clusters and households. Women who were currently pregnant were included in the study, resulting in a weighted sample of 721 women. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to evaluate the impact of access to malaria messages on knowledge of prevention measures. Results: The study revealed that 39% [95% CI 34.0–44.2] of pregnant women were exposed to malaria messages before the survey. Those exposed had a 17.2% higher knowledge [ATT = 0.172; 95% CI 0.035–0.310] of using mosquito nets for prevention compared to those unexposed. Among women exposed, radios accounted for most form of access to mass media campaigns [64.8, 95% CI 57.0–71.8] followed by interpersonal communication [45.0, 95% CI 37.6–52.6], community health workers [38.8, 95% CI 29.6–48.8], community events [21.4, 95% CI 15.8–28.3], and social mobilization [18.3, 95% CI 12.7–25.8]. Conclusion: Results highlight the importance of radios in spreading important malaria prevention messages to pregnant women. Being exposed to these messages is linked to increased awareness and knowledge about the proper use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) for preventing malaria. This finding underscores the importance of evaluating different channels for mass media campaigns to ensure the effective delivery of information about malaria prevention to the intended audiences.Item Noteworthy bird records from south-west South Sudan game reserves(British Ornithologists' Club, 2023-09-07) Brooks, Daniel M.; Sutton, Jack; Kurchez, Laura A.; Garside, Adrian; Ejotre, Imran; Rice, Matt; Moeller, Michelle L.; Harris, Robert J.; Klee, Ivan De; Reeder, DeeAnn M.Avian camera trap image data from two game reserves in southwestern South Sudan produced three new country records, four other range extensions, and one filled a distributional gap between north-west Ethiopia and eastern Central African Republic. The study took place at Bangangai (31 traps, January 2015–February 2016) and Bire Kpatuos Game Reserves (52 traps, September 2015–August 2017). A total of 40 species (18 families) was recorded, including two Near Threatened species of global conservation concern: Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus and White-naped Pigeon Columba albinucha. The occurrence of Black Goshawk Accipiter melanoleucus, Grey-throated Rail Canirallus oculeus and Nkulengu Rail Himantornis haematopus represent first records for South Sudan.Item Epauletted fruit bats display exceptionally high infections with a Hepatocystis species complex in South Sudan(Springer Nature, 2017-01-31) Schaer, Juliane; Perkins, Susan L.; Ejotre, Imran; Vodzak, Megan E.; Matuschewski, Kai; DeeAnn, M.Hepatocystis parasites are closely related to mammalian Plasmodium species, the causative agents of malaria. Despite the close phylogenetic relationship, Hepatocystis parasites lack the intermittent erythrocytic replication cycles, the signature and exclusive cause of malaria-related morbidity and mortality. Hepatocystis population expansion in the mammalian host is thought to be restricted to the pre-erythrocytic liver phase. Complete differentiation of first generation blood stages into sexual stages for subsequent vector transmission indicates alternative parasite/host co-evolution. In this study, we identified a region of exceptionally high prevalence of Hepatocystis infections in Old World fruit bats in South Sudan. Investigations over the course of five consecutive surveys revealed an average of 93 percent prevalence in four genera of African epauletted fruit bats. We observed a clear seasonal pattern and tolerance of high parasite loads in these bats. Phylogenetic analyses revealed several cryptic Hepatocystis parasite species and, in contrast to mammalian Plasmodium parasites, neither host specificity nor strong geographical patterns were evident. Together, our study provides evidence for Pan-African distribution and local high endemicity of a Hepatocystis species complex in Pteropodidae.Item Hepatocystis(Trends in Parasitology, 2020-08-21) Ejotre, Imran; Reeder, DeeAnn M.; Matuschewski, Kai; Schaer, JulianeHepatocystis parasites are the closest relatives of Plasmodium species of mammals. They infect monkeys, bats, squirrels, and ungulates in Africa, Asia, and Australia. A prevalence of up to 100% has been documented in fruit bats and monkeys. Twenty-five morphospecies have been described, and cross-species transmission, divergent Hepatocystis lineages, and species complexes are reported in primate and bat hosts. Biting midges (Culicoides) are the only known vectors. In the vertebrate, merogony occurs exclusively in the liver, resulting in formation of macroscopic merocysts. Merozoites invade erythrocytes and transform directly into sexual gametocytes, thereby omitting asexual replication and associated health conditions. Gametocytes can persist for several weeks and fertilize after a bloodmeal in the Culicoides midgut. The Hepatocystis genome features unique gene families, a low number of Plasmodium interspersed repeat (pir) genes, and an absence of the reticulocyte-binding protein family.Item Negative perception of bats, exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, may Hhinder bat conservation in Northern Uganda(MDPI, 2022-12-16) Ejotre, Imran; Reeder, DeeAnn M; Matuschewski, Kai; Kityo, Robert; Schaer, JulianeBats face diverse challenges that cause global bat population declines, including habitat loss and roost disturbance. Additionally, negative perceptions of bats and their potential role in several zoonotic diseases have led to actions against bats. We documented existing knowledge and perception of bats through interviews with 151 participants of fifteen tribes in Northern Uganda in 2020 and conducted a sensitization campaign that prevented planned actions against bats. The interviews revealed distinct firm beliefs, negative perceptions, limited knowledge on bats, and the influence of media in shaping actions against bats. In addition, modified landscapes and habitat loss increased encounters and subsequent deterioration of relations between humans and bats. Targeted threats towards bats were exacerbated by public misinformation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. No deliberate conservation efforts exist, and negative perception largely hampers the implementation of bat conservation in Northern Uganda. Importantly, the study also demonstrates that sensitization campaigns can be effective tools to protect bats in the short term. Regular sensitizations and education are recommended for sustainable changes in attitudes to and coexistence with bats.Item 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; Nasifu, Lubanga; Nie, Zhenlin; He, BangshunStudies 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. 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. 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. 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.