Research Articles (SANBI)

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Browsing by Subject "Africa"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue microRNA expression in response to exercise training in African women with obesity
    (Nature Research, 2022) Pheiffer, Carmen; Dias, Stephanie; Pretorius, Ashley
    The mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced adaptations in adipose tissue have not been elucidated, yet, accumulating studies suggest an important role for microRNAs (miRNAs). This study aimed to investigate miRNA expression in gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue (GSAT) in response to a 12-week exercise intervention in South African women with obesity, and to assess depot-specific differences in miRNA expression in GSAT and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT). In addition, the association between exercise-induced changes in miRNA expression and metabolic risk was evaluated. Women underwent 12-weeks of supervised aerobic and resistance training (n = 19) or maintained their regular physical activity during this period (n = 12). Exercise-induced miRNAs were identified in GSAT using Illumina sequencing, followed by analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in GSAT and ASAT using quantitative real-time PCR. Associations between the changes (pre- and postexercise training) in miRNA expression and metabolic parameters were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation tests.
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    Designing a course model for distance-based online bioinformatics training in Africa: the H3ABioNet experience
    (Public Library of Science, 2017) Gurwitz, Kim T.; Aron, Shaun; Entfellner, Jean-Baka Domelevo; Saunders, Colleen J.; Cloete, Ruben
    Africa is not unique in its need for basic bioinformatics training for individuals from a diverse range of academic backgrounds. However, particular logistical challenges in Africa, most notably access to bioinformatics expertise and internet stability, must be addressed in order to meet this need on the continent. H3ABioNet (www.h3abionet.org), the Pan African Bioinformatics Network for H3Africa, has therefore developed an innovative, free-of-charge "Introduction to Bioinformatics" course, taking these challenges into account as part of its educational efforts to provide on-site training and develop local expertise inside its network. A multiple-delivery±mode learning model was selected for this 3-month course in order to increase access to (mostly) African, expert bioinformatics trainers. The content of the course was developed to include a range of fundamental bioinformatics topics at the introductory level. For the first iteration of the course (2016), classrooms with a total of 364 enrolled participants were hosted at 20 institutions across 10 African countries. To ensure that classroom success did not depend on stable internet, trainers pre-recorded their lectures, and classrooms downloaded and watched these locally during biweekly contact sessions. The trainers were available via video conferencing to take questions during contact sessions, as well as via online "question and discussion" forums outside of contact session time. This learning model, developed for a resource-limited setting, could easily be adapted to other settings.
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    The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance
    (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2022) Tegally, Houriiyah; San, James E.; Christoffels, Alan
    Investment in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences that have been generated and used to track the pandemic on the continent, a number that now exceeds 100,000 genomes. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries that are able to sequence domestically and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround times and more-regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and illuminate the distinct dispersal dynamics of variants of concern-particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron-on the continent.
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    HIV-1 diversity and the implementation of integrase strand-transfer inhibitors as part of combination antiretroviral therapy
    (SAMA, 2020) Cloete, Ruben; Mikasi, Sello Given; Ikomey, George Mondinde
    : The integrase (IN) strand-transfer inhibitor (InSTI) dolutegravir (DTG) is now recommended by the World Health Organization as part of salvage and/or first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).[1] DTG has a high genetic barrier against developing resistance and is effective against all strains that previously exhibited resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) against other cART regimens.[2] Recommendations to use DTG were delayed owing to preliminary findings from Botswana that indicated potential safety concerns in pregnancy, with a small increased risk of neural tube defects.[3] Studies that investigated the safety and efficacy of DTG now support its use in all populations, including pregnant women and those of childbearing potential
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    Human African trypanosomiasis research gets booost: unravelling the tsetse Genome
    (PLOS, 2014) Aksoy, Serap; Attardo, Geoffrey; Berriman, Matthew; Christoffels, Alan; Lehane, Mike; Masiga, Daniel K.; Toure', Yeya
    Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, is a neglected disease that impacts 70 million people distributed over 1.55 million km2 in sub-Saharan Africa. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense accounts for almost 90% of the infections in central and western Africa, the remaining infections being from T. b. rhodesiense in eastern Africa. Furthermore, the animal diseases caused by related parasites inflict major economic losses to countries already strained. The parasites are transmitted to the mammalian hosts through the bite of an infected tsetse fly.
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    Multistage antiplasmodial activity of hydroxyethylamine compounds,in vitroandin vivoevaluations
    (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2020) Sharma, Neha R.; Gupta, Yash; Singh, Agam Prasad
    Malaria, a global threat to the human population, remains a challenge partly due to the fast-growing drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium species. New therapeutics acting against the pathogenic asexual and sexual stages, including liver-stage malarial infection, have now attained more attention in achieving malaria eradication efforts. In this paper, two previously identified potent antiplasmodial hydroxyethylamine (HEA) compounds were investigated for their activity against the malaria parasite's multiple life stages.
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    Prioritization of anti-malarial hits from nature: Chemo-informatic profiling of natural products with in vitro antiplasmodial activities and currently registered anti-malarial drugs
    (BMC, 2016) Egieyeh, Samuel Ayodele; Syce, James; Malan, Sarel F.
    A large number of natural products have shown in vitro antiplasmodial activities. Early identification and prioritization of these natural products with potential for novel mechanism of action, desirable pharmacokinetics and likelihood for development into drugs is advantageous. Chemo-informatic profiling of these natural products were conducted and compared to currently registered anti-malarial drugs (CRAD). Natural products with in vitro antiplasmodial activities (NAA) were compiled from various sources. These natural products were sub-divided into four groups based on inhibitory concentration (IC50). Key molecular descriptors and physicochemical properties were computed for these compounds and analysis of variance used to assess statistical significance amongst the sets of compounds. Molecular similarity analysis, estimation of drug-likeness, in silico pharmacokinetic profiling, and exploration of structure–activity landscape were also carried out on these sets of compounds.
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    A view on genomic medicine activities in Africa: Implications for policy
    (Frontiers Media, 2022) Jongeneel, C. Victor; Kotze, Maritha J.; Kumuthini, Judit
    Genomics policy development involves assessing a wide range of issues extending from specimen collection and data sharing to whether and howto utilize advanced technologies in clinical practice and public health initiatives. A survey was conducted among African scientists and stakeholders with an interest in genomic medicine, seeking to evaluate: 1) Their knowledge and understanding of the field. 2) The institutional environment and infrastructure available to them. 3) The state and awareness of the field in their country. 4) Their perception of potential barriers to implementation of precision medicine.