The Algerian Chapter of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Evolutionary,Genetic, and Epidemiological Prospect

To explore the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Algeria, a dataset comprising ninety-five genomes originating from SARS-CoV-2 sampled from Algeria and other countries worldwide, from 24 December 2019, through 4 March 2021, was thoroughly examined. While performing a multi-component analysis regarding the Algerian outbreak, the toolkit of phylogenetic, phylogeographic, haplotype, and genomic analysis were effectively implemented. We estimated the Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) in reference to the Algerian pandemic and highlighted the multiple introductions of the disease and the missing data depicted in the transmission loop. In addition, we emphasized the significant role played by local and international travels in disease dissemination. Most importantly, we unveiled mutational patterns, the effect of unique mutations on corresponding proteins, and the relatedness regarding the Algerian sequences to other sequences worldwide. Our results revealed individual amino-acid replacements such as the deleterious replacement A23T in the orf3a gene in Algeria_EPI_ISL_418241. Additionally, a connection between Algeria_EPI_ISL_420037 and sequences originating from the USA was observed through a USA characteristic amino-acid replacement T1004I in the nsp3 gene, found in the aforementioned Algerian sequence. Similarly, successful tracing could be established, such as Algeria/G37318-8849/2020|EPI_ISL_766863, which was imported from Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage. Lastly, we assessed the Algerian mitigation measures regarding disease containment using statistical analyses.     

A new paradigm for high‐sensitivity 19F magnetic resonance imaging of perfluorooctylbromide

In the present work, the NMR properties of perfluorooctylbromide are revisited to derive a high‐sensitivity fluorine MRI strategy. It is shown that the harmful effects of J‐coupling can be eliminated by carefully choosing the bandwidth of the 180° pulses in a spin‐echo sequence. The T₂ of the CF₃ resonance of the molecule is measured using a multispin‐echo sequence and shown to dramatically depend on the interpulse delay. Following these observations, an optimized multispin‐echo imaging sequence is derived and compared with short TE/pulse repetition time gradient echo and chemical shift imaging sequences. The unparalleled sensitivity yielded by the multispin‐echo sequence is promising for future applications, in particular for targeted contrast agents such as perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles. Magn Reson Med 63:1119–1124, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Maternal hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania

Objective

To evaluate maternal glucose levels during pregnancy as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

Random blood glucose measurements were analyzed from 3383 pregnant women enrolled in a randomized trial to assess the impact of multivitamins on pregnancy outcomes in Dar es Salaam between August 2001 and July 2004. Information on maternal and neonatal morbidity was recorded at monthly study visits, delivery, and 6 weeks postpartum. Binomial regression and generalized estimating equations were used to determine the relationship between elevated glucose (> 7.8 mmol/L) and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

In total, 25 women had elevated glucose (0.7%). Hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of delivery before 37 weeks [relative risk (RR), 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–4.13; P = 0.03), delivery before 34 weeks (RR, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.43–12.03, P = 0.009), incident gestational hypertension (RR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.24–6.76; P = 0.01), low birth weight (RR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.18–6.99; P = 0.02), reduced newborn head circumference (mean difference, –1.57; 95% CI, –2.51 to − 0.62; P = 0.001), and fetal loss (RR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.13–10.08; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Maternal hyperglycemia is uncommon among pregnant Tanzanian women, but nonetheless seems to increase the risk of several adverse perinatal outcomes.     

Visualization of Photoreceptors in Birdshot Chorioretinopathy Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) allows en face visualization of specific layers of the retina. This pilot study evaluated the ability of AOSLO to visualize photoreceptor integrity in patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR).

Method: A total of 16 consecutive patients with HLA-A29+ BCR were imaged using the prototype Apaeros retinal imaging system. Images of high quality were aligned with infrared reflectance photos and correlated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results: Images of four eyes of three patients were of sufficient quality to allow posterior pole montage and point-to-point correlation with SD-OCT. Areas of photoreceptor disruption on SD-OCT were seen as patchy areas of loss on AOSLO, whereas areas of intact interdigitation zone and inner segment/outer segment junction correlated with normal appearing photoreceptors on AOSLO.

Conclusions: Using AOSLO, we found one instance of subclinical photoreceptor disruption not seen on SD-OCT. Ultimately, there are unique challenges associated with imaging BCR patients using AOSLO.     

Association between HIV and blood pressure in adults and role of body weight as a mediator: Cross‐sectional study in Uganda

The authors sought to describe the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and blood pressure (BP) levels, and determined the extent to which this relationship is mediated by body weight in a cross‐sectional study of HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected controls matched by age, sex, and neighborhood. Mixed‐effects models were fit to determine the association between HIV and BP and amount of effect of HIV on BP mediated through body mass index. Data were analyzed from 577 HIV‐infected and 538 matched HIV‐uninfected participants. HIV infection was associated with 3.3 mm Hg lower systolic BP (1.2‐5.3 mm Hg), 1.5 mm Hg lower diastolic BP (0.2‐2.9 mm Hg), 0.3 m/s lower pulse wave velocity (0.1‐0.4 mm Hg), and 30% lower odds of hypertension (10%‐50%). Body mass index mediated 25% of the association between HIV and systolic BP. HIV infection was inversely associated with systolic BP, diastolic BP, and pulse wave velocity. Comprehensive community‐based programs to routinely screen for cardiovascular risk factors irrespective of HIV status should be operationalized in HIV‐endemic countries.