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Microbial Biofilms in the African Plastisphere Implications for Freshwater Ecosystems and Contaminant Degradation
(2024-10-26) Xu, Lei; Hong, Ziming
Microbial biofilms on plastic debris, collectively known as the plastisphere, play a dual role in Africa’s freshwater ecosystems. These biofilms contribute to nutrient cycling and contaminant degradation, yet they also serve as potential vectors for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. Plastic waste in aquatic systems disrupts microbial communities, raising concerns over water quality and ecosystem health. Biofilm adaptability enhances pollutant breakdown, particularly for heavy metals and organic contaminants, while simultaneously increasing environmental contamination risks. This study emphasizes the need for further research to manage biofilm interactions with plastic pollution, addressing critical ecological challenges in Africa's freshwater environments.
Petition for the dissolution of the United Nations and the prosecution of certain personalities and their associates for the crime of genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(2024-10-21) Rutazibwa, Privat
The main message of this unusually long 124-page petition is found in the nine "Recommended actions to world leaders" in section two of the document. They include, among others, that 'Congolese President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo be apprehended and tried for the crime of genocide', and 'to disband the United Nations for its military support of a genocidal regime and militias in DRC'. This is a petition from a single individual. Its strength does not lie in a multitude of signatures, but in in-depth research, precise references and deliberately long quotations. Indeed, we believe that the world leaders it is addressing do not have the time to read the archives or conduct in-depth research on the conflict in eastern DRC. Moreover, the two reports of the ”Group of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of Congo” created by the UN in 2000; the “Report of the Mapping Exercise documenting the most serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo between March 1993 and June 2003” released in August 2010; as well as the 41 reports produced between July 2004 and June 2024 by the “UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo” established by resolution 1533 (2004) of 12 March 2004 have not provided world leaders with credible information on the subject. Instead, they clearly embraced and promoted the conspiracy theories of racist anti-Tutsi ideology, as this petition shows. The activism linked to this racist ideology even pushed at least two of the former coordinators of this UN Group of Experts (GoE) to take part in the conspiracy which aimed to 'weaken the CNDP role and influence in the army', pushing for the creation of the rebellion of the M23. A report from this UN GoE had already complained about ‘the expanding and disproportionate power that ex-CNDP commanders and units held within the FARDC-led Amani Leo operations for the Kivus’. One of the actions recommended by this petition aims to prosecute these UN experts and their accomplices 'who sparked the conflict in eastern DRC in 2012 and who continue to fuel it with their false and racist narrative'. The author of this petition is a researcher; not an activist. In 1990, he was ordained as a Catholic priest of the diocese of Goma in North Kivu in the DRC by Pope John Paul II in Kabgayi in Rwanda. In 1992, he renounced the priesthood and joined the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in the maquis of Byumba, in northern Rwanda, where the movement had launched its liberation struggle two years earlier. He obtained his laicization from Pope Francis in 2017. Since 1993, he has researched, published and spoken in the media about Rwanda and the African Great Lakes region, mainly to denounce and combat the racist and genocidal ideology responsible for violence and instability. Thanks to a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), he has been conducting research at Humboldt University since 2022 on colonial racialism and its consequences in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region of Africa. The images of extreme violence in the first subsection of this petition are not clashes between rival African tribes as presented by Western media and so-called researchers. They are the consequence of this ideology coming from the West and implemented in a radical way in Rwanda - before spreading to the entire region - by the Belgian colonial administration and the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), during the first genocide against the Tutsi from 1959 as this is shown by unpublished documents cited in this petition. Denouncing this genocidal ideology and showing support for the political organizations that fight it like the RPF in Rwanda in the 1990s and the M23 today in the DRC is not showing partiality. It is a service of truth and righteousness consistent with faith in Jesus Christ. Claiming neutrality or defending the status quo, whether out of conviction, fear, interest, intellectual laziness or indifference, amounts to condoning the crime. The author applies a decolonial and interpretivist approach which allows him to carry out rigorous research, with his positionality.
Understanding the Impacts of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) over the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) (2013-2023)
(Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 2024-05-30) Muhammad Amjad Raza; Dr. Abdul Basit Khan
To fulfil her ever-growing commercial and economic needs, the 21st century China is undertaking multiple assignments and involved in several mega developmental projects across the globe nevertheless the South Asia, Central Asia and African Union (AU) have been enjoying primary importance in this regard and have attracted billions of dollars during the term of current Chinese President Xi Jinping. Keeping the preceding fact in view, the instant study focuses on the engagements of China with the member states of AU to understand the nature and scope of various projects being undertaken to increase the regional and intercontinental connectivity aligned with Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) during 2013-2023 across five African geographical regions. By qualitatively evaluating relevant academic literature, project reports, and financial documents, it finds that China and the AU are mutually engaged in infrastructure development, establishing trade routes along with economic zones to promote industrialization and ensure economic growth. It establishes that substantial Chinese investment in the length and breadth of AU has contributed to regional integration and social prosperity whereas China, in return, has secured a deep-rooted as well as long-lasting penetration into the region which, for centuries, had commonly been dubbed as the dark continent.
Role of China in Improving the Regional Connectivity and Economic Development in African Union through Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa-Priority Action Plan 1 (PIDA-PAP 1) (2012-2020)
(Remittances Review, 2024-07-22) Muhammad Amjad Raza; Dr. Abdul Basit Khan
The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is an initiative of the African Union (AU) Commission taken in collaboration with other AU institutions. The NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA), the United Nations Economic Commission (UNEC) for Africa, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) partnered with the program. PIDA aims to expedite infrastructure development in Africa and overcome the challenges of regional connectivity. It is divided into two Priority Action Plans (PAP) i.e. 'PIDA-PAP1' and 'PIDA-PAP2'. The PIDA-PAP1 (2012-2020) is a strategic framework which ensures fast-track implementation of various projects to address developmental and integrative issues faced by the AU member states which are chiefly related to energy, transboundary water, transportation, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors. The current study reviews the nature and quantum of Chinese engagements with AU under the PIDA initiative for continental integration by particularly focussing on PAP 1 Program. It qualitatively analyses the relevant literature including official reports and financial documents to critically understand the extensive nature of Chinese involvement in these projects and finds that China is quite keenly involved within the member states of AU to develop inter- and intra-regional connectivity which is apparently intended and would ultimately be helpful to fulfil her own growing economic needs. The study would be helpful for the scholars, researchers from academia as well as policy-makers and think-tanks working on the China-AU economic relations.
A Glimpse of China-African Union Economic Relations during 21st Century
(Journal of Development and Social Sciences, 2024-07-23) Muhammad Amjad Raza; Dr. Abdul Basit Khan
The ever-prospering China-African Union (AU) economic relations are the outcome of their long-term interaction. The dawn of 21st century marked a significant boost in this relationship with the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Chinese Presidents Hu Jin Tao (2003-2013) and President Xi Jinping (2013- ) preferred to follow a multilateral approach towards African continent and interacted with AU through inter-regional organizations which policy radically transformed the level of Chinese penetration into the continent. The Agenda 2063 of AU has also been designed to maximize the benefits from China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) of 2013. As a consequence of integrated efforts from China and the AU for the economic development of the continent, the collective economy of Africa had reached at a magnificent amount of $3 trillion in 2023. In this scenario, the current study, while reviewing policy documents and available literature, explores the nature of China's enhanced cooperation with Africa through regional and multilateral organizations such as the AU, FOCAC and NEPAD. It elucidates how China and AU had committed and cooperated in pursuit of the mantra 'build an even stronger community with a shared future'. Applying an explanatory and descriptive approach, the study concludes that China's extensive engagement with the AU to promote infrastructure development and connectivity has profoundly impacted African economic growth. Finally, it goes without saying that the analytics, assessments and outcomes of the study would help future researchers, academia and experts working on China’s economic engagements with the AU to rationally understand the impact of these relations.
Socio-Economic Development through Regional Organizations: A Study of the Implementation of Agenda 2063 by the African Union (AU) in Collaboration with China
(Annals of Human and Social Sciences, 2024-08-04) Muhammad Amjad Raza; Dr. Abdul Basit Khan
The African Union (AU) unveiled Agenda 2063 in 2013 which is a strategic framework that sets sights on wide-ranging growth, international collaborations and sustainable development, with a special focus on infrastructure development. While aligning the objectives of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) with those of Agenda 2063, China has also emerged as a key stakeholder in the economic wellbeing of the African continent. The instant study explores the evolving role and status of the AU with special reference to its collaboration with China in terms of socio-economic development of the continent by examining key areas of this partnership with respect to the implementation of Agenda 2063, the impact of these interactions on Africa's development, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the parties involved. By analysing the AU's strategies and initiatives in engaging with China, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play in this crucial partnership and the potential pathways for enhancing Africa's global standing through effective regional diplomacy and cooperation. It qualitatively analyses the official reports, statements, literature and public records and finds that the AU has proved quite influential and successful forum for the transformation of this “hopeless continent” into a hopeful region for its inhabitants, nevertheless, this vigilance and activism shuld be kept alive until the attainment of all the desired goals.
Integrative Synergies between BRI of China and Agenda 2063 of African Union: Reviewing the Policy Documents and Analyzing the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa-Priority Action Plan 2 (PIDA-PAP 2) (2021-2030)
(Journal of Development and Social Sciences, 2024-06-27) Muhmmad Amjad Raza; Dr. Abdul Basit Khan
This study analyzes the diverse and burgeoning relationship between China and the African Union (AU) which has significant global implications. The primary focus of the study is to explore Chinese policy commitments, competitive dynamics, capacity-building plug-ins as well as measures taken for the development of infrastructure under Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP 2) which is a landmark initiative of Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) to develop hydroelectric power, railways, roads, ports and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors. Furthermore, the study reviews the interconnection between the AU’s African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network (AIHSRN) Project as a case-study of China’s endeavors for the development of railways within the AU member countries. This assessment propounds an understanding of the importance of infrastructure and logistics to form collaborations, boost connectivity, and promote African economic development. The study uses a qualitative method of reasoning to investigate the basis and impact of Chinese interest and involvement within the AU. It provides the relevant researchers, experts from academia and policy makers a deep insight into the true nature of Chinese engagement within the AU which makes this study a significant addition to the currently existing literature about China-AU economic relations.
Integrated diagnosis at the primary care level in Africa's low- and middle-income countries: What is it, what works, and for whom? A Realist Synthesis
(Ubiquity Press, 2024-09-12) Gwaza, Gamuchirai; Pluddemann, Annette; McCall, Marcy; Heneghan, Carl
Introduction Integrated diagnosis can improve health outcomes and patient experiences through early diagnosis and identification of cases that could otherwise be overlooked. While existing studies showcase the feasibility of integrated diagnosis across diverse conditions, a critical research gap exists regarding the conclusive link between integrated diagnosis at the primary care level and improvements in patient experiences and health outcomes. This review examines the conceptualizations of integrated diagnosis by various actors along the healthcare pathway in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and explores the necessary contexts and mechanisms crucial for its effectiveness. Methods This study adopts a realist methodology to comprehensively investigate integrated diagnosis. Employing a systematic approach, the research aims to collect, review, and synthesize existing evidence on integrated diagnosis, leveraging a program theory developed through literature review and expert discussions. Primary studies and reviews on integrated diagnosis, multi-disease testing, or integrated healthcare with a diagnostic component were sourced from key databases and global health organization websites. The collected evidence was used to build, refute, and test the evolving theoretical framework. Results This study identifies three models of integrated diagnosis interventions: individual/human resource integration, facility or mobile-based integration, and technology integration. The successful implementation of these models relies on an understanding of the values and perceptions of both healthcare workers and patients. This research emphasizes a holistic approach, considering all elements within the health system. Emphasizing a holistic methodology, the research underscores the interdependence of various elements within the health system. By framing contextual factors using the WHO health systems framework, the study positions diagnosis as an integral component of a broader health ecosystem. A key result of the research is the imperative to comprehensively address issues affecting integrated diagnosis interventions. This encompasses considerations such as policy frameworks, diagnostic tools, funding mechanisms, treatment pathways, and human resource management. To improve patient experiences, there is need to cultivate positive relationships with healthcare workers. This involves ensuring elements like respect, confidentiality, accessibility, and timeliness of services are considered. Despite integrated structures, there are potential challenges like increased waiting times that may impact patient uptake of integrated services. Discussion and Conclusion The diverse conceptualisations of integrated diagnosis highlight the necessity for clear definitions of each intervention, which is pivotal for the transfer of lessons, program comparisons, and effective measurement of results across different contexts. The success of integrated diagnosis is not a one-size-fits-all scenario; local contexts must guide decisions regarding the approach, conditions, and timing of integration to ensure sustainable outcomes. The review findings indicate that integrated diagnosis may be suitable at the primary care level in LMICs under specific circumstances. Successful implementation hinges on addressing both HCWs and patient perspectives, necessitating adequate time, resources, and a well-defined intervention model.
Antimicrobial resistance: One health approach in Rwanda
(2024-08) Sindayigaya, Patience; Dine, Roseline Dzekem; Ntakirutimana, Augustin; Nkurikiyimfura, Jean de Dieu; Uyisaba, Pascaline
This commentary provides the authors' views related to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) profile in Rwanda in terms of prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and existing interventions at the one health interface. AMR is a critical and global health concern posing a significant threat to the effective treatment of infections and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Among few studies that have been conducted on AMR in Rwanda, the issue was found to be widespread in both human and animals. A high resistance has been found among the commonly used antibiotics seconded by the lack of knowledge and appropriate practices among different groups of people. Some interventions, including “one health” approach are in place aiming to address these issues, but challenges are still around due to developing surveillance system, limited studies, and low public awareness. Extensive studies and enhance surveillance are recommended to better understand AMR to inform the public and policy makers for effectively tackling of the AMR issue, particularly in rural areas. Data availability statement: Data sharing does not apply to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Primary Healthcare System Strengthening in Nigeria: A means to achieve Universal Health Coverage
(2024-08) Sokolabe, Yisa Sarah; Ogunniyi, Tolulope
According to the WHO, more than 1 billion individuals globally risk becoming impoverished because their household's out-of-pocket medical expenses account for 10% or more of their income. A shift in health systems towards primary health care (PHC) as a means to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in low- and middle-income nations is important in preventing 60 million deaths and adding 3.7 years to the average life expectancy. Nigeria, ranked 187th among 191 countries in the WHO health system performance ranking, faces challenges with PHC owing to inadequate health infrastructure, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and weak health systems, impeding its progress toward achieving UHC. In achieving UHC, the country started prioritizing the revitalization of PHC through collaboration, making great strides in improving PHC, with hundreds of facilities being renovated and more healthcare professionals being hired and trained. Recently, almost 10 million children have received diphtheria and tetanus vaccines in Nigeria, and 4.95 million girls aged 9 to 14 in 15 states have received HPV vaccinations to protect them from cervical cancer. To better achieve UHC, Nigeria need to seek for more collaboration from the private sector and also, the brain drain of healthcare workers should be addressed by providing a sustainable working environment. Data availability statement: Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Exploring the Potential of Aquaponics Systems in Advancing Food Security in Kenya: A Scoping Review
(Science and Education Publishing, 2024-08) Nicholas Outa; Ogello, Erick Ochieng; Wambui, Caroline
The pressing issue of global food insecurity demands immediate attention, particularly in developing nations like Kenya. Traditional agricultural methods in these regions often involve high resource consumption, limited nutrient recycling, and substantial negative environmental impacts. In light of the escalating demand for food production and the imperative for sustainable food systems, it is crucial to explore innovative and efficient technologies capable of concurrently addressing nutrient management, water utilization, and food production challenges. The prevalent reliance on chemical fertilizers within Kenya's food production sector adversely affects both soil and environmental health, leading to a gradual decline in agricultural productivity. Additionally, many regions in Kenya grapple with water scarcity, posing a significant obstacle to food production. The heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture further exposes food production to fluctuations in climatic conditions. Monoculture-based food systems demonstrate inefficiencies in land, water, and nutrient usage. Despite its current limited adaptability, aquaponics emerges as a promising solution to confront these challenges by optimizing water, nutrient, and land utilization in food production. Case studies in Kenya have demonstrated the potential of aquaponics in enhancing food production. This scoping review provide information on the status of aquaponics adoption in Kenya, challenges and barriers to adoption and the possible solutions to enhance adoption of aquaponics in the Kenyan food production sector.
An exploratory study of early letter-sound knowledge in a low socio-economic context in South Africa
(Aosis publishing, 2011) O'Carroll, Shelley
This paper explores one aspect of early literacy development in a low socio-economic context in South Africa. Assessments conducted with a sample of children from two disadvantaged communities in Cape Town indicated that in this context, almost half of the learners entering Grade One were unable to recognise any letters. A Grade R intervention conducted by volunteers showed that children from this context were able to learn letter-sounds in Grade R through a programme that focused on teaching letter-sounds in the context of building language skills, emergent writing and concepts about print. In order to strengthen the effectiveness of the intervention, the volunteer programme was supplemented by support for the Grade R teacher and teaching assistant. Follow-up assessments of one of the intervention groups at the end of Grade One revealed significant correlations between early Grade One letter knowledge and end of Grade One word reading and spelling skills. The findings of this exploratory study are in line with research that shows the importance of letter-sound knowledge in the earliest stages of learning to read. This raises concerns about the historical lack of emphasis in the Grade R curriculum on this aspect of early literacy development. Although the study has a narrow focus and conclusions cannot be drawn about other aspects of early literacy learning in this context, the results suggest an urgent need for quality Grade R teacher training programmes with a specific focus on emergent literacy.
Examining the Covid-19 Coping Strategies Employed by Residents in Selected South Africa’s Rural Areas
(SPCRD Global Publisihing, 2023-06) Okem, Andrew Emmanuel; MUBANGIZI, BETTY CLAIRE; Adekanla, N; John, SF; Ibrahima, B
Rural communities are vulnerable to shocks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The resilience of these communities depends on their ability to cope with the impacts of such shocks. This study examines the COVID-19 coping strategies of residents of Matatiele and Winnie Madikizela Mandela local municipalities in South Africa. We collected primary data through 11 FGDs and 13 individual interviews. Of the six coping strategies identified, the most cited was resorting to alternative food sources to address food insecurity. Other coping strategies include alternative sources of income; reducing remittance and expenditure; shifting to new activities; and introducing emotional support. The findings reveal that coping strategies entail changes around basic needs such as food and income. To protect these communities against future shocks, strong local institutions working in collaboration will be invaluable in empowering communities to identify and implement alternative livelihoods while building supportive infrastructure.
Kinetics of trypsin inhibition by methanolic and solvent-partitioned fractions of two medicinal plants – Momordica charantia and Xylopia aethiopica
(2023-01-15) Adewale, Isaac Olusanjo; Adebiyi, Victor Gbolahan; Famutimi, Oladoyin Grace; Dada, Omoniyi Vincent
Plant-Derived Compounds with Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Human Coronavirus Diseases
(2024-06-20) Adewale, Isaac Olusanjo; Famutimi, Oladoyin Grace; Osiebe, Oghenesivwe
Since the advent of modern civilization, few diseases have caused more worldwide socioeconomic disruptions than COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In some countries, very high proportion of the population have contracted the disease even though it is fatal in only a small percentage of those carrying the virus. In addition to physical measures (social distancing, handwashing, sterilization, etc.), two mainpharmaceutical interventions have been adopted: the development of vaccine/mass vaccination and therapeutic intervention. The recent discovery of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among vaccinated individuals and changes in the genome of the virus arising from mutation leading to new variants (delta, omicron, IHU etc.) suggest the importance of therapeutic intervention targeting different aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in its virulence. Therapeutic agents targeting essential elements required for viral propagation in the host may also nd application in the management of other viral diseases such as Ebola, Zika, and HIV/AIDS. Targets for drug design include the 16 non-structural proteins, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, esterase, membrane proteins, spike and envelope proteins, protease and nucleocapsid proteins, and helicase, all present on the virus; host proteases and receptors. Both medicinal plant-derived and synthetic compounds including monoclonal antibodies are now suggested as candidate drugs for COVID-19 and are being developed as suitable therapeutic agents. In this review, some useful information on promising plant-derived therapeutic agents are provided which may be of value in the development of drugs for COVID-19 and other viral diseases. 6/26/24, 6:14 PM Plant-Derived Compounds with Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Human Coronavirus Diseases | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biologic… https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40011-024-01658-5 2/13
THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT CHANGEOVER ON PUBLIC POLICY MAKING: LESOTHO’S E-GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE
(Journal of Social Political Sciences, 2023-05-30) Matsieli, Molefi; Radhamany Sooryamoorthy
In Lesotho in recent years, government changeover has become a topic of interest among the electorate, journalists, foreign missions, civil organizations and beyond. Similarly, election commentators, political analysts and researchers have discussed ‘who climbs to power’ and ‘how do they ascend to’ or ‘descend from power’. Significantly less efforts have been focused on the effects of a new administration. This paper attempts to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by examining the relationship between a change of government and the priorities in policy. This is achieved by examining the implications for change of the executive power on the policy making in Lesotho. Using the e-government experience of Lesotho based on the changeovers of 2012, 2015 and 2017, it was found that executive turnover has a direct, yet antagonistic effect on policies. The results show that a new administration often goes slowly with or discontinues the predecessor's policies, programs and projects. This widens the policy-implementation gap as service delivery is interrupted, leading to a lapse in solving societal problems. It also creates uncertainty, not necessarily about who comes to power, but what policy direction they will pursue.
ለካንሰር የመጋለጥ አደጋቸው ከፍተኛ የሆነ አነስተኛ የሲዲ4 ቁጥር እና ኤችአይቪ ያለበቻው የደቡብ አፍሪካ ወጣቶች
(2023-10-02) ST Communications
በደቡብ አፍሪካ የኤችአይቪ ካንሰር ማች ጥናት ከ15-24 ዓመት ያሉ ሰዎችን አካተናል፤ ከብሄራዊ የጤና ላብራቶሪ ሰርቪስ እና ከብሄራዊ ካንሰር ሬጅስትሪ ከኤችአይቪ ጋር በተያያዙ የላብራቶሪ ልኬቶች ሰፊ ስብስቦች ተገኝተዋል፡፡ በጣም ለተለመዱት የካንሰር አይነቶች የክስተት ምጥነቶችን አስልተናል፡፡ ወሲባዊ ግንኙነት፣ እድሜ፣ የቀን መቁጠሪያ አመትን እና የኮክስ ሞዴሎችን በመጠቀም የተሰላ የሲዲ4 የሴል ቁጥር እና የተስተካከሉ የአደጋ መጠኖች (የ.አ.መ) ከካንሰር ጋር ያላቸውን ግንኙነት ገምግመናል፡፡
ተመራማሪዎች የኮቪድ-19 ቫይረስ ቀስ ብሎ ሊቀየር ስለሚችል ክትባት መስራትን ቀላል ያደርገዋል::
(2023-10-02) ST Communications
የኮቪድ 19 ወረርሽኝ በኖቬምበር 2019 መጨረሻ በውሃን ቻይና ከተከሰተ ጀምሮ መስፋፋቱን ቀጥሏል፡፡ የቫይረሱን ጄኔቲካዊ ዝግመተ ለውጥ መረዳት እና መከታተል፣ ጂኦግራፊያዊ ባህሪዎቹን እና የመረጋጋት ባህሪውን ማወቅ፣ በተለይም ሁሉንም ተንሰራፍተው ያሉትን የቫይረስ አይነቶች የሚከላከል ሁለንተናዊ ክትባትን ለመስራት እና የበሽታውን መስፋፋት ለመቆጣጠር አስፈላጊ ነው፡፡ ከዚህ እይታ በመነሳት፣ በ GISAID የመረጃ ቋት መሰረት ከዲሴምበር 24፣ 2019 እስከ ሜይ 13፣ 2020 በ 6 ስድስት አህጉሮች ውስጥ ከሚገኙ 79 ሃገሮች የተሰበሰቡ 30 983 ሙሉ የሳርስ-ኮቫ-2 ጂኖሞችን ተንትነናል፡፡ ትንተናችን እንዳሳየው 3206 ተለዋዋጭ ቦታዎች ያሉ ሲሆን በተለያዩ የጂኦግራፊያዊ ቦታዎች ወጥ የቅይርታ አይነቶች ስርጭት ታይቷል፡፡ በሚደንቅ ሁኔታ፣ እየደጋገሙ በሚከሰቱ ቅይርታዎች አነስተኛ ድግግሞሽ የታየ ሲሆን፣ 169 ቅይርታዎች (5.27%) ከ1% በላይ የጂኖም ስርጭት ነበራቸው፡፡ ሆኖም ግን፣ አስራ አራት የማይመሳሰሉ ሆትስፖት ቅይርታዎች (>10%) በቫይረሱ ጂኖም ውስጥ በተለያዩ ቦታዎች ላይ የተገኙ ሲሆን፣ ስምንቱ በ ORF1ab ፖሊፕሮቲን (in nsp2, nsp3፣ ትራንስሜምበራንስ ጎራ፣ RdRp፣ ሄሊኬዝ፣ ኤክሶኒዩክሊያስ እና ኢንዶሪቦኒዩክሊያስ)፤ ሶስት በኒዩክሊዮካፕሲድ ፕሮቲን ውስጥ እና አንድ ደግሞ በእነዚህ ሶስት ፕሮቲኖች ውስጥ ተገኝቷል፣ ስፓይክ፣ ስፓይክ፣ ORF3a እና ORF8፡፡ በተጨማሪም፣ 36 የማይመሳሰሉ ቅይርታዎች በስፓይክ ፕሮቲን ውስጥ በአንሰተኛ ክስተት (<1%) በጂኖሞቹ ዙሪያ ተቀባይ-አገናኝ-ጎራ (ተ.አ.ጎ) ውስጥ የተገኙ ሲሆን፣ ከእነዚህም ሳርስ-ኮቫ-2 ስፓይክ ፕሮቲን ከ ACE2 ተቀባይ ጋር የመያያዝ እድሉን ሊጨምሩ የሚችሉት አራቱ ብቻ ናቸው፡፡ እነዚህ ውጤቶች ከሳርስ-ኮቫ-2 ውስጠ-ጂኖሚያዊ ልዩነት ጋር አንድ ላይ በመሆን፣ ከኤችአይቪ እና ከኢንፍሉዌንዛ ቫይረስ በተለየ መልኩ፣ ሳርስ-ኮቫ-2 ዝቅ ያለ የቅይርታ ምጥነት ስላለው ውጤታማ አለም-አቀፋዊ ክትባት መስራት የመቻል እድልን በጣም ከፍተኛ ያደርገዋል፡፡
ሁለቱም ኤችአይቪ እና ከፍተኛ የደም ግፊት ያለባቸው ኡጋንዳዊያን የሚገባውን እንክብካቤ እያገኙ አይደለም፡፡
(2023-10-02) ST Communications
ጸረ-ኤችአይቪ ህክምና እያገኙ ያሉ እና ከኤችአይቪ ጋር የሚኖሩ ሰዎች (ኤ.ጋ.የ.ሰ) ስርአተ ልብ ወቧንቧ በሽታን (ስ.ል.ወ.በ) የማዳበር ከፍተኛ እድል አላቸው፡፡ በኡጋንዳ ለ ስ.ል.ወ.በ አደጋ ዋነኛ ምክንያት ለሆነው ለከፍተኛ የደም ግፊት (ከ.ደ.ግ) የሚሰጡ አገልግሎቶችን ከኤችአይቪ ክሊኒኮች ጋር ማቀናጀት ይመከራል፡፡ ከዚህ በፊት የሰራናቸው ስራዎች ከኤችአይቪ ህክምና ስኬቶች ጋር የ ከ.ደ.ግ እንክብካቤን የማቀናጀት ተግባር ላይ ብዙ ክፍተቶች እንዳሉ ያሳያሉ፡፡ በዚህ ጥናት በምስራቅ ኡጋንዳ የከ.ደ.ግ ማጣራት እና ህክምናን ከኤችአይቪ ክሊኒኮች ጋር ለማቀናጀት ያሉትን እንቅፋቶች እና ደጋፊ ምክንያቶችን ለመዳሰስ ፈልገን ነበር፡፡
ጥቃቅን የነፍሳት አካላትን ለይቶ ለማውጣት ማይክሮስኮፓዊ ኤክስ ሬይ ቴክኒክን መጠቀም ይቻላል።
(2023-10-07) ST Communications; Philipp, L .; Marion, J.; Du Plessis, A.; Tshibalanganda, M.; Terblanche, J.
የነፍሳት የመተንፈሻ አካላት መዋቅሮችን እና ልዩነቶቻቸውን መለካቱ በማይክሮስኮፓዊ መጠናቸው ምክንያት ፈታኝ ሆኖ ቆይቷል። እዚህ ላይ የነፍሳትን የመተንፈሻ ቧንቧ መጠን የምንለካው የኤክስ ሬይ ማይክሮ-ቶሞግራፊ (µCT) ቅኝትን (በ15 µm ጥራት) በህይወት ያሉ እና የደነዘዙ የተለያየ የሰውነት መጠን ያላቸው የሴራምባይሲድ ካኮሲሊስ ኒውማኒ ጥንዚዛ እጮች ላይ ተጠቅመን ነው። በተለያዩ የምስል ክፍፍል ዘዴዎች የቀረቡትን የምስል ትንታኔዎች ተደጋጋሚነት እና መዋቅራዊ የመተንፈሻ ቧንቧ ባህሪ ልዩነቶች ላይ መረጃ በማቅረብ በዚህ ጽሁፍ ውስጥ ለ12 ቅኝቶች ሙሉ ይዘታዊ መረጃ እና 3ዲ ሞዴሎችን እናቀርባለን። የይዘት መረጃዎቹ ከተከፋፈሉ የመተንፈሻ ቧንቧ ክልሎች እንደ 3ዲ ሞዴሎች እዚህ ጋር ቀርበዋል።

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