The first study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in owned and sheltered cats in Yangon, Myanmar.

Background and Aim: People who used to rear companion animals are healthier than others who do not. Gastrointestinal (GI) helminths are common in cats and serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. However, the prevalence of GI parasites in cats in Myanmar has never been reported. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GI parasites in cats in Myanmar and to identify the potential risk factors associated with GI parasites. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 fecal samples were collected from seven veterinary clinics and two shelters within the Yangon region from January to May 2022. Sampled cats were classified according to age, gender, and the deworming and rearing practices. Fecal samples were analyzed by fecal wet mount, ethyl acetate centrifugal sedimentation, and zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation techniques. Descriptive data were described, and Pearson's χ2 test was used to identify associated risk factors, such as age, gender, and the deworming and rearing practices. Results: The overall prevalence of GI parasites was 79.56%, and 57.82% of cats were infected with a diagnostic stage of more than one parasite species. Seven GI parasites were detected, including Ancylostoma spp. (55.65%), Toxocara spp. (46.08%), Trichuris spp. (20.86%), Platynosomum spp. (11.73%), Dipylidium caninum (7.39%), Taenia spp. (4.34%), and Cystoisospora spp. (32.17%). Based on statistical analysis, the deworming and rearing practices were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with GI parasitic infections. Conclusion: This study is the first to reveal the prevalence of GI parasites that could assist the need for effective control measures for zoonotic hookworm and roundworm infections in cats. Even with simple microscopic examination, the remarkably high prevalence of GI parasitic infections warrants regular deworming practice. Further molecular studies should also be performed to understand their genetic diversity.

Motivational factors, attitudes, and knowledge about the cadaveric body donation program among body donors in Myanmar.

To achieve the simple goal of cadaveric body donation (CBD) program-gaining deceased donors-numerous scientific studies have been conducted, including the current study. This cross-sectional descriptive study used questionnaires to assess the motivational factors, attitudes, and knowledge of registered body donor participants toward CBD. Among 372 respondents, most (80.6%) were motivated by specific reasons such as "to save lives through medical education," "to contribute to medical research," and "to help medical students." Most respondents had good attitudes (61.7%) but poor knowledge (55.9%) about the CBD program, and there was no association among them (p = 0.08). However, the good knowledge and good attitude level were found 1.7 times (p = 0.02) and 2.4 times (p = 0.005) more, respectively, in basic-educated respondents than in highly educated respondents, implying the influence of peer conversation and message diffusion instead of knowledge or attitudes acquired through education. Additionally, 75% of respondents had co-registration within their family, peers were chosen by 66.7% of respondents as a source of information, and married respondents had 1.8 times better knowledge than unmarried respondents (p = 0.01), indicating the possibility of peer influence and growing peer communication. This study explored the poor knowledge status of registered donors, who are the cornerstone of knowledge propagation in the general population. Hence, after implementing this study, a knowledge-raising campaign for registered donors was conducted by distributing pamphlets about the CBD program, explaining keystone information, and supplementing a follow-up study. Moreover, this study will help us plan further strategies for program enhancement.

The Predictors Influencing the Rational Use of Antibiotics Among Public Sector: A Community-Based Survey in Thailand.

Background: The spread and emergence of antimicrobial resistance is the significant public health concerns over past decades. The major leading cause comes from irrational use of antibiotics. Aim: To explore the characteristics of rational use of antibiotics and identify its predictive factors among public sector living in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. Methods: This project was conducted by using the data-source from Rational Use of Antibiotics (RUA) Survey Project at Nakhon Nayok Province. A cross-sectional community-based study method and face to face interviews were conducted. Two hundred fifty-four participants were selected by using Quota sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic and antibiotics use characteristics. Chi-square test were utilized to determine the association between explanatory variables and major outcome while multiple logistic regression was analysed to identify the predictors of antibiotics use behavior. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42 years, those with aged between 35 and 56 had more rational use of antibiotics behavior than those with 13-34 years while older adults (57-78 years) were significantly associated with irrational use of antibiotics [AOR = 0.38; 95% CI (0.17-0.85)] than those with less than 34 years of age. Less than half (45.7%) and about one third of them (31.1%) showed adequate knowledge and appropriate attitude towards antibiotics use. An adequate knowledge [AOR = 3.37; 95% CI (1.92-5.90)], appropriate attitude [AOR = 2.90; 95% CI (1.54-5.43)], not using antibiotics within last 3 months [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI (1.04-3.43)], and not visiting drugstore when having three main diseases [AOR = 2.04; 95% CI (1.06-3.92)] were the significant predictors of rational antibiotics use (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Strategies development in terms of knowledge and attitude enhancement about antibiotics use particularly at the different ages together with RDU pharmacy encouragement and policy restriction of community drugstores antibiotics sales are the most effective method to promote rational antibiotics use behavior in the public sector.

A stop-gain mutation in sigma factor SigH (MAB_3543c) may be associated with tigecycline resistance in Mycobacteroides abscessus.

Introduction. Tigecycline is currently acknowledged to be one of the most effective antibiotics against infections caused by Mycobacteroides abscessus.Gap statement. The genetic determinants of tigecycline resistance in M. abscessus are not well understood.Aim. In this study, we characterized a tigecycline-resistant M. abscessus mutant, designated CL7, to identify the potential resistance mechanism.Methodology. CL7 was characterized using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, PCR and RT-qPCR. For biological verification, gene overexpression assays were carried out.Results. Whole-genome sequencing and the subsequent gene overexpression assays showed that CL7 harboured a stop-gain mutation in MAB_3543 c, which may be responsible for the tigecycline resistance phenotype. This gene encodes an orthologue of SigH, which is involved in the positive regulation of physiological stress response and is negatively regulated by the RshA anti-sigma factor in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We hypothesized that the MAB_3543 c mutation may disrupt the interaction between SigH and RshA (MAB_3542 c). RT-qPCR analyses revealed the upregulation of MAB_3543 c and other key stress response genes, which has previously been shown to be a hallmark of SigH-RshA bond disruption and tigecycline resistance.Conclusion. The MAB_3543c mutation may represent a novel determinant of tigecycline resistance in M. abscessus. The findings of this study will hopefully contribute to our knowledge of potential tigecycline resistance mechanisms in M. abscessus, which may lead to better diagnostics and treatment modalities in the future.

Wnt Signaling Through Nitric Oxide Synthase Promotes the Formation of Multi-Innervated Spines.

Structural plasticity of synapses correlates with changes in synaptic strength. Dynamic modifications in dendritic spine number and size are crucial for long-term potentiation (LTP), the cellular correlate of learning and memory. Recent studies have suggested the generation of multi-innervated spines (MIS), in the form of several excitatory presynaptic inputs onto one spine, are crucial for hippocampal memory storage. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying MIS formation and their contribution to LTP. Using 3D enhanced resolution confocal images, we examined the contribution of Wnt synaptic modulators in MIS formation in the context of LTP. We show that blockage of endogenous Wnts with specific Wnt antagonists supresses the formation of MIS upon chemical LTP induction in cultured hippocampal neurons. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrate that Wnt7a signaling promotes MIS formation through the postsynaptic Wnt scaffold protein Disheveled 1 (Dvl1) by stimulating neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS). Subsequently, NO activates soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) to increase MIS formation. Consistently, we observed an enhanced frequency and amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents. Collectively, our findings identify a unique role for Wnt secreted proteins through nNOS/NO/sGC signaling to modulate MIS formation during LTP.

Risk Factors Associated with Sarcopenia Among Independently Mobile, Institutionalised Older People in the Klang Valley of Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on sarcopenia among Malaysian older people (OP ≥ 60 years of age) living in the community but not in long-term care (LTC) homes have been reported previously. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its risk factors in OP in Malaysian LTC homes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 202 independently mobile OP (males 32%) in seven LTC homes in the Klang Valley of Malaysia. Trained personnel measured their anthropometrics, body composition, gait speed, hand grip strength and timed up-and-go (TUG) duration. Criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia were used to identify the presence of sarcopenia. The mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) was used to determine their nutritional status. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors associated with pre-sarcopenia/sarcopenia. RESULTS: Pre-sarcopenia/sarcopenia was detected in 103 (51%) OP. The significant risk factors were body mass index (BMI, weight/height2; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.44, P < 0.001), percentage of body fat (PBF; AOR = 1.26, P < 0.001), age group (≥ 80 years; AOR = 3.63, P = 0.025) and 'at risk of malnutrition' status (AOR = 2.63, P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is common among OP in LCT homes. The risk increases with decreasing BMI, increasing PBF, age ≥ 80 years and suboptimal nutrition status.

Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor associated with most chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity, and its associated risk factors, among apparently healthy Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the Chinese residents in Seri Kembangan New Village, Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Convenience sampling was used for the selection of participants. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were measured. Fasting venous plasma was drawn for the measurement of fasting glucose level and lipid profile. Data on sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, physical activity, perceived stress level and sleep duration were collected using interviewer-administered, pretested and validated questionnaires.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 258 Chinese residents (mean age 41.4 ± 10.0 years) recruited, the prevalence of obesity was 40%. The obese participants had significantly higher mean blood pressure, and triglyceride and fasting plasma glucose levels than the non-obese participants (p < 0.05). The obese participants also had a significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than the non-obese participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that drinking soy milk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.447; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.253-0.787; p < 0.05) and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables (adjusted OR 0.440; 95% CI 0.215-0.900; p < 0.05) were associated with a reduced risk of obesity. The risk of obesity was higher in younger participants (adjusted OR 2.714; 95% CI 1.225-6.011; p < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of obesity was high among the apparently healthy suburban Chinese. Our findings suggest that soy milk consumption and the perception that a balanced diet consists mainly of vegetables are associated with a lower risk of developing obesity in this population.</p>