Role of PD-1 and its ligand, B7-H1, in early fate decisions of CD8 T cells

Expression of the PD-1 receptor on T cells has been shown to provide an important inhibitory signal that down-modulates peripheral effector responses in normal tissues and tumors. Furthermore, PD-1 up-regulation on chronically activated T cells can maintain them in a partially reversible inactive state. The function of PD-1 in the very early stages of T-cell response to antigen in vivo has not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluate the role of PD-1 and its 2 B7 family ligands, B7-H1 (PD-L1) and B7-DC (PD-L2), in early fate decisions of CD8 T cells. We show that CD8 T cells specific for influenza hemagglutinin (HA) expressed as a self-antigen become functionally tolerized and express high levels of surface PD-1 by the time of their first cell division. Blockade of PD-1 or B7-H1, but not B7-DC, at the time of self-antigen encounter mitigates tolerance induction and results in CD8 T-cell differentiation into functional cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These findings demonstrate that, in addition to modulating effector functions in the periphery, B7-H1:PD-1 interactions regulate early T-cell-fate decisions.     

Determinants of fertility in Ethiopia

Background

The most important elements to determine the rate of population growth is fertility. Fertility is the main element to affect the welfare of mother. The survival of a child can be affected by high fertility and shorter birth intervals.

Methods

For this study, the linear mixed model was used to determine factors affecting fertility status of women in Ethiopia. The 2011 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data was used for this study.

Results

From the result, materials used for roof, wall and floor were found to have a significant relation to fertility level of women in the last five years. Moreover, family size and births in the last five years were found to have a significant relationship.

Conclusion

Significant variation in fertility level was observed among rural and urban residents of Ethiopia. To reduce the gap of fertility between rural and urban population, it is important to modernize different factors. These factors could be access to education, media, and providing employment opportunities in the modern economic sector. Besides this, it is important to develop and maintain the access of family planning services.     

Patterns of knowledge and condom use among population groups: results from the 2005 Ethiopian behavioral surveillance surveys on HIV

Background  

Behavioral surveys help interpret the magnitude of HIV/AIDS. We analyzed indicators of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and condom use among sub populations selected for behavioral surveillance in Ethiopia.     

Hydrometrocolpos Presenting as a Huge Abdominal Swelling and Obstructive Uropathy in a 4 Day Old Newborn: A Diagnostic Challenge

Background

Abdominal swelling is an uncommon presentation in newborn babies. A combination of huge abdominal swelling, obstructive uropathy and imperforate hymen in newborns has not been reported in the medical literature.

Case Details

We report a 4 days old newborn with a rare presentation of hydrometrocolpos which posed a diagnostic challenge and consequently resulted in delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Hydrometrocolpos should be considered as a differential diagnosis in neonates who present with huge abdominal swelling.     

Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with T2DM and hypertension attending public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 1^st through 30^th August 2020 at the selected institutions. Health facilities were chosen purposively based on patient load. Participants were drawn after proportional to size allocation. A translated EQ-5D-3L, and EQ-VAS instrument was used to collect the data. Analysis was done using SPSS v.26.0. Both parametric and non-parametric models were applied in the analysis.ResultsOf the 409 participants included, the majority were in the age group of 46–60 (36.0%), females (56.0%), from hospitals (54.8%), jobless (25.4%), and married (63.3%). Over two-thirds of the patients reported no problems with self-care, usual activity, and depression/anxiety. All dimensions showed an increasing proportion of moderate to severe problems in the age group beyond 45. Facility type, comorbid condition and age showed a statistically significant score difference for QoL. The overall prevalence of any problem was 59.0%. Education level, visit to a health center, and marriage showed lower odds of affected HRQoL whereas, lower monthly income and presence of comorbidities were opposite.ConclusionHRQoL of patients in the study settings was suboptimal and below the general population. Attributes, such as education, facility type, marital status, income level, and comorbid status have a statistically significant association with HRQoL. Arrangement of a safe and quality health services is paramount, especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Identification and Characterization of vB_PreP_EPr2, a Lytic Bacteriophage of Pan-Drug Resistant Providencia rettgeri

Providencia rettgeri is an emerging opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen with reports of increasing antibiotic resistance. Pan-drug resistant (PDR) P. rettgeri infections are a growing concern, demonstrating a need for the development of alternative treatment options which is fueling a renewed interest in bacteriophage (phage) therapy. Here, we identify and characterize phage vB_PreP_EPr2 (EPr2) with lytic activity against PDR P. rettgeri MRSN 845308, a clinical isolate that carries multiple antibiotic resistance genes. EPr2 was isolated from an environmental water sample and belongs to the family Autographiviridae, subfamily Studiervirinae and genus Kayfunavirus, with a genome size of 41,261 base pairs. Additional phenotypic characterization showed an optimal MOI of 1 and a burst size of 12.3 ± 3.4 PFU per bacterium. EPr2 was determined to have a narrow host range against a panel of clinical P. rettgeri strains. Despite this fact, EPr2 is a promising lytic phage with potential for use as an alternative therapeutic for treatment of PDR P. rettgeri infections.     

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nutrition interventions at primary health care units of Ethiopia: A consolidated framework for implementation research

Accumulating evidence clearly shows poor implementation of nutrition interventions, in Ethiopia and other African countries, with many missed opportunities in the first 1000 days of life. Even though there are high‐impact interventions in this critical period, little is known about the barriers and facilitators influencing their implementation. This paper aims to explore barriers and facilitators for the implementation of nutrition services for small children with a focus on growth monitoring and promotion, iron‐folic acid supplementation and nutrition counselling. We conducted a qualitative study in four districts of Ethiopia. The data collection and analysis were guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). A total of 42 key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and service providers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using CIFR constructs. We found that from 39 constructs of CFIR, 14 constructs influenced the implementation of nutrition interventions. Major barriers included lack of functional anthropometric equipment and high caseload (complexity), poor staff commitment and motivation (organisational incentive and reward), closed health posts (patient need and resource), false reporting (culture), lack of priority for nutrition service (relative priority), poor knowledge among service providers (knowledge and belief about the intervention) and lack of active involvement and support from leaders (leadership engagement). Adaptability and tension for change were the facilitators for the implementation of nutrition interventions. Effective implementation of nutrition interventions at primary health care units requires several actions such as improving the healthcare providers'' motivation, improving leadership engagement, and creating a strong system for monitoring, supportive supervision and accountability.