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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Distribution of Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus with oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis in Africa in the era of universal test and treat policy: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-27) Musinguzi, Benson; Obuku, Ekwaro A.; Mwesigwa, Alex; Migisha, Richard; Kinengyere, Alison Annet; Ndagire, Regina; Baguma, Andrew; Okek, Erick Jacob; Olum, Ronald; Itabangi, Herbert; Mboowa, Gerald; Sande, Obondo James; Achan, Beatrice
Background: The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the implementation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) universal test and treat (UTT) policy have led to a decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections. However, oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis remain prevalent and continue to pose challenges among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in Africa, indicating the need for a better understanding of the distribution of Candida species responsible for these infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the distribution of Candida species isolated from PLHIV with oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis in Africa in the era of UTT policy. Methods: The review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify eligible studies to be included in the meta-analysis and analysed using a random effects model in STATA version 17. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool. Results: Fourteen studies with 4281 participants were included in the review. Overall, 2095 Candida isolates were reported, 78.7% (1650/2095) of which were C. albicans, 19.6% (410/2095), non-albicans Candida (NAC), and 1.7% (35/2095) could not be identified to the Candida specific species level. The most prevalent NAC species were C. glabrata (26.3%), followed by C. tropicalis (24.9%), C. krusei (15.6%), C. parapsilosis (11%), and C. dubliniensis (6.3%). The pooled prevalence of oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis was 48% (95% CI 34–62%). The prevalence of oropharyngeal candidiasis was higher in the pre-UTT era, at 56% (95% CI 40–72%, p < 0.001), than in the post-UTT era, at 34% (95% CI 10–67%, p < 0.001). The risk of bias assessment revealed that 71.4% (10/14) of the included studies had a low risk of bias and that 28.6% (4/14) had a moderate risk of bias. Conclusions: While C. albicans remain, the predominant species causing oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis among PLHIV in Africa, NAC species also contribute significantly to the infection burden. Despite ART and UTT policies, oropharyngeal candidiasis remains prevalent, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
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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 Mbona
Background: 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.
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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.