Analysis of regional heterogeneity and determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia: review.

The rate of mortality during the perinatal period is higher than at any other time in a person's life, making it the most vulnerable. This study aimed to examine regional heterogeneity and the determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The data for this study was obtained from the 2019 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) data. Logistic regression modeling and multilevel logistic modeling were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 5753 live birth children were included in this study. Of the total live births, 220 (3.8%) died in the first 7 days of life. Urban residence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.621; 95% CI: 0.453-0.850], residence in Addis Ababa (AOR=0.141; 95% CI: 0.090-0.220), family size of four or less (AOR=0.761; 95% CI: 0.608-0.952), age of mother at first birth of less than 20 years (AOR=0.728; 95% CI: 0.548-0.966), and using contraceptives (AOR=0.597; 95% CI: 0.438-0.814) were associated with lower risk of perinatal mortality compared to the respective reference categories whereas residence in Afar (AOR=2.259; 95% CI: 1.235-4.132), residence in Gambela (AOR=2.352; 95% CI: 1.328-4.167), no education (AOR=1.232; 95% CI: 1.065-1.572), poor wealth index (AOR=1.670; 95% CI: 1.172-2.380), and wealth index (AOR=1.648; 95% CI: 1.174-2.314) were associated with higher risk of perinatal mortality compared to the respective reference categories. Conclusion: In this study, the overall prenatal mortality rate was 38 (95% CI: 33-44) deaths per 1000 live births, which is high in magnitude. The study identified place of residence, region, wealth index, age of the mother at first birth, educational level of the mother, family size, and use of contraceptive methods as significant determinants of perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Thus, mothers with no education should be given health education. Women should also be given awareness regarding the use of contraceptives. In addition, further research needs to be conducted in each region separately and information made available at the disaggregate level.

Cathelicidin LL-37 in bronchoalveolar lavage and epithelial lining fluids from healthy individuals and sarcoidosis patients.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology most often characterized by pulmonary manifestations. Changes in an innate immune system, involving antimicrobial peptides, have been noted during the course of pulmonary sarcoidosis. This study focuses on the level of LL-37 peptide, the only human cathelicidin, additionally characterized by a wide range of pleiotropic activities, in pulmonary sarcoidosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in groups of 32 patients with sarcoidosis and 12 healthy individuals. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sampling, followed by LL-37 measurements by mass spectrometry combined with previous immunoaffinity purification, was performed. Based on urea levels, concentrations of LL-37 in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were calculated. The levels of LL-37 peptide in BALF samples derived from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (median: 17.45 pg/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 8.05-28.33 pg/ml) were significantly higher compared to the healthy group (median: 6.38 pg/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 4.90-11.55 pg/ml) (U Mann-Whitney test, p=0.04). Assessment of LL-37 in ELF confirmed the differences across the groups that were observed in BALF. The level of LL-37 in patients with sarcoidosis (median: 2.25 ng/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 1.03-5.06 ng/ml) was again higher compared to healthy individuals (median: 0.62 ng/ml, 25th-75th percentile: 0.43-2.17 ng/ml) (p=0.06, Mann-Whitney U test). The results of this study demonstrate that the level of LL-37 peptide is elevated in pulmonary compartment affected by sarcoidosis. This might have a meaning in the pathomechanism of the disease, especially taking into consideration versatile activity of human cathelicidin revealed in numerous experimental studies during the last years.

Relationship between COPD and lower socioeconomic status in farmers from South-Eastern Poland (Lublin region).

INTRODUCTION: Lower socioeconomic status is considered to be an independent risk factor of chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD, one of the major public health problems worldwide, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease of a multifactorial background. COPD morbidity in rural areas has been higher than in urban settings, as apart from the major causative factor, tobacco smoking, the burden of this disease in rural environments is also connected to additional occupational factors (organic dusts). The management of chronic diseases seems to be particularly difficult in rural areas. The aim of the study was to analyze the socioeconomic status of farmers suffering from COPD in comparison to healthy farmers. METHODS: Thirty farmers with COPD and 34 healthy farmers from the Lublin region (Poland) were investigated based on the area of land they possessed (an indicator used in the health insurance system in Poland to classify farmers). The farmers from five rural communes were selected by general practitioners. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test for the differences between area of farms. The p < 0.05 level was considered as significant. RESULTS: Area of land (median: 1.5 ha, 25th-75th percentile: 1.0-4.0) owned by farmers with COPD was significantly lower than area of farms belonging to healthy farmers (median: 7.0 ha, 25th-75th percentile: 3.0-10.0) (p < 0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). CONCLUSIONS: In rural areas individuals with COPD are characterized by significantly lower socioeconomic status than healthy persons. COPD is a major health problem, especially in rural areas, which may indicate that policy-makers should consider addressing equity in COPD management in rural areas.

The influence of fatty acids on theophylline binding to human serum albumin. Comparative fluorescence study.

Theophylline, popular diuretic, is used to treat asthma and bronchospasm. In blood it forms complexes with albumin, which is also the main transporter of fatty acids. The aim of the present study was to describe the influence of fatty acids (FA) on binding of theophylline (Th) to human serum albumin (HSA) in the high affinity binding sites. Binding parameters have been obtained on the basis of the fluorescence analysis. The data obtained for the complex of Th and natural human serum albumin (nHSA) obtained from blood of obese patients qualified for surgical removal of stomach was compared with our previous studies on the influence of FA on the complex of Th and commercially available defatted human serum albumin (dHSA).

Quantum chemical modeling of electrochromism of tungsten oxide films.

A cluster model is proposed to describe the excitations in solid tungsten oxide. The density-functional theory approach is used to calculate the ground-state electronic structure of the model cluster and its optimum geometry; subsequently, time-dependent density-functional theory calculations are performed to obtain the oscillator strengths and energies of the excited states. The results are reported both for the electrically neutral cluster and for the cluster with an extra electron (mimicking the effect of electron injection from the cathode). They correctly locate the electrochemically active transition. The corresponding wave functions are delocalized, suggesting that electron localization at one tungsten center is rather unlikely, thereby shedding doubt as to the validity of the polaron model. Local lattice distortions presumably created at the stage of sample preparation are found to affect the excitation energies to a considerable extent, which explains the experimentally observable large width of optical absorption responsible for electrochromism.

Young farmers with cellular reactivity to airborne microbes suffer more frequently from work-related skin symptoms and allergic dermatitis.

UNLABELLED: 75 farming students (49 males and 26 females aged 16-23 years) underwent dermatological, laryngological and pulmonary examination, skin prick tests with common and farm allergens, Phadiatop and total IgE measurement. After that, the migration inhibition tests with antigens of airborne microbes typical for farm environment (Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, Pantoea agglomerans, and Aspergillus fumigatus) were carried out. Possible differences between students with positive results and those non-reactive were sought. RESULTS: 10 students reacted to at least one microbial antigen in the migration inhibition test. There were no significant differences in distribution of atopy, prick test results, total IgE, and Phadiatop between the reactive students and their classmates. Only one case of asthma was found, hence a further statistical analysis was not feasible. Allergic rhinitis has been found in 30% of the reactive and in 9.2% of non-reactive students; the difference, however, was not statistically significant (p=0.06). Significant differences were found with respect to the frequency of allergic skin diseases (40% reactive versus 9.2% non-reactive, p = 0.009); no other triggering factors than microbial antigens could be identified in 2 out of 4 reactive students with dermatitis. Work-related symptoms were present in all reactive students (100% versus 27.7%, p=0.001); 8 out of 10 reactive students did not show any other specific sensitisation. Antigens of airborne microbes are commonly associated with lung diseases. Our results, however, suggest that the skin may be affected as well. Relatively strong association between cellular reactivity to airborne microbes and skin diseases deserves further studies.

Atopy, allergic diseases and work-related symptoms among students of agricultural schools: first results of the Lublin study.

136 eastern-Polish farming students (51 females and 85 males, aged 16-23 years) underwent clinical examination, skin prick tests with common and farm-specific allergens, total IgE measurement and Phadiatop test. Atopy was found in 35.3% (95% CI: 27.3-43.3%) of students. For allergic skin diseases, the point prevalence was 5.9%, the lifetime prevalence 28.7%; for allergic rhinitis 12.7% and 16.4%; for asthma 2.2% and 8.8% respectively. 56 students (41.2%) complained of work-related symptoms; most often of pruritus (30.9%), erythema of the skin (16.9%), sneezing (16.2%), rhinorrhea (15.4%), cough (9.6%) and dyspnea (8.1%). The students reported as causative factors of work-related symptoms: grain dust (71.4% of the 56 symptomatic students), hay dust (57.1%), straw dust (17.9%), green parts of plants (5.4%), fertilisers, diesel fuel and farm animals (3.6% each). Prick tests were positive in 30.9% of students, most frequently to Lepidoglyphus destructor (18.4% of all students), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (15.4%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (14.0%), Acarus siro (13.2%) and weed pollens (5.1%). The only statistically significant difference between males and females found in the study was that in the lifetime prevalence of allergic skin diseases (males 17.6% versus females 47.1%, p<0.001). Students reporting work-related symptoms had significantly more present and past allergic skin diseases and allergic rhinitis (for each feature p<0.01), and past obstructive lung disease (p=0.001). In 12 farming students (8.8%, 95% CI: 4.1-13.6%), employment as a farmer was strongly contraindicated due to health status.

Work-related skin symptoms and type I allergy among eastern-Polish farmers growing hops and other crops.

UNLABELLED: 73 eastern-Polish farmers growing hops and other crops were examined. They were questioned by a dermatologist and subsequently skin prick-tested with allergens of hops, grain dust, straw dust, hay dust, storage mites, and antigens of microorganisms typical for farm environment. RESULTS: 14 farmers (19.2%) complained of work-related skin symptoms, caused most often by hops (11%), followed by grain (5.6%), hay (5.5%) and straw (4.1%). Five farmers (6.8%) complained of hand dermatitis, four (5.5%) of airborne dermatitis, and eight (11.0%) of pruritus. In two farmers, two skin diseases co-existed. The skin symptoms were mostly mild, however, one case of severe invalidating airborne dermatitis to hops was found. On skin prick tests, 14 farmers (19.2%) showed positive skin reaction to at least one allergen; 5.5% of farmers reacted to grain dust, 5.5% to straw dust, 11% to hay dust, and 8.2% to hops. Tests with storage mites showed positive reactions to Acarus siro in 9.6%, Lepidoglyphus destructor in 17.8%, and to Tyrophagus putrescentiae in 13.7%. Tests with microbial allergens elicited positive reactions to Pantoea agglomerans in 4.1%, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula in 4.1%, Aspergillus fumigatus in 4.1% and to Streptomyces albus in 1.4% of farmers. Although results of skin prick tests in general did not correlate well with the work- related skin symptoms, in three of 14 farmers with skin symptoms the tests results played a crucial role in identifying the cause of their work-related skin disease.

Quantum chemical modeling (DFT) of active species on the V-W-O catalyst surface in various redox conditions

This study concerns quantum chemical modeling of water behaviour on V-W-O systems. It was undertaken in order to validate the hypothesis that the presence of W atoms on (001) surface of the crystalline vanadia-like species, facilitates low temperature water dissociation. Quantum chemical calculations were done with the use of modern electronic structure methodology, based on the density functional theory (DFT). The program package DMol of Molecular Simulations, was applied for the calculations. The calculations were performed for small clusters representing two adjacent metal sites, in pentacoordinated oxygen environment, analogous to bipiramidal clusters, introduced in description of the (001) layers of vanadium pentoxide.

Use of intramolecular chimeras to map molecular determinants of symptom severity of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd).

Nucleotide sequence comparison shows that sequence variations are mostly clustered in the P (pathogenicity) and V (variable) domains of the potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) molecule. Although these comparisons suggest the P domain as the primary determinant of PSTVd symptom severity, the potential contribution of the V domain has never been analysed in detail. To investigate the relationship between the structure of these domains and pathogenicity, six intraspecific chimeric PSTVd variants were constructed by exchanging P and V domains between a mild and two different severe PSTVd isolates. Infectivity studies showed that the P domain is directly responsible for the severity of symptoms induced in tomato. The four recombinants containing a P domain from a severe isolate caused severe symptoms including severe epinasty, stunting and veinal necrosis, while the two chimeras containing the mild isolate P domain induced only mild symptoms. Quantitation of viroid accumulation in plants infected with the various recombinants suggests that, with the constructions used, symptom severity did not correlate with viroid accumulation, indicating that the P domain did not influence symptom production through this simple mechanism.

Analysis of the population structure of three phenotypically different PSTVd isolates.

Phenotypically dissimilar greenhouse isolates from a Polish collection of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) were analysed. Partially purified PSTVd genomic RNAs from severe, intermediate and mild isolates was reverse transcribed and the resulting cDNAs enzymatically amplified. Abutting-primer PCR (Ab-P PCR) technology was used to obtain, in a single step, infectious full-length PSTVd cDNA monomers and these were sequenced. The mild isolate was found to be composed of a unique molecular variant (M), closely related to previously described PSTVd mild isolates. In the intermediate isolate, three variants, i2, i3 and i4, were detected. The severe isolate was found to be a mixture containing at least four molecular variants: s23, s27, i4 and i2. Infection of test plants with plasmids carrying monomeric cDNAs corresponding to each of the cloned variants confirmed that they are infectious. In addition, variant M produced mild symptoms, variants i2, i3, i4 intermediate symptoms and variants s23 and s27 severe symptoms. Therefore, the disease symptoms produced by a mixture are determined by the severe variants, masking the presence of milder ones. All the variants detected (except i2 which is identical to previously described PSTVd-DI) represent novel PSTVd sequences with point mutations located in the V and/or P domains. In particular, variants s23 and i4 represent shorter (358 nucleotides) versions of the PSTVd genome.