Cellular binding partners of the human papillomavirus E6 protein

The high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) are known to be causative agents of cervical cancer and have recently also been implicated in cancers of the oropharynx. E6 is a potent oncogene of HR-HPVs, and its role in the progression to malignancy has been and continues to be explored. E6 is known to interact with and subsequently inactivate numerous cellular proteins pivotal in the mediation of apoptosis, transcription of tumor suppressor genes, maintenance of epithelial organization, and control of cell proliferation. Binding of E6 to these proteins cumulatively contributes to the oncogenic potential of HPV. This paper provides an overview of these cellular protein partners of HR-E6, the motifs known to mediate oncoprotein binding, and the agents that have the potential to interfere with E6 expression and activity and thus prevent the subsequent progression to oncogenesis

Trends in Pretreatment HIV-1 Drug Resistance in Antiretroviral Therapy-naive Adults in South Africa, 2000–2016: A Pooled Sequence Analysis

Background: South Africa has the largest public antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in the world. We assessed temporal trends in pretreatment HIV-1 drug resistance (PDR) in ART-naïve adults from South Africa. Methods: We included datasets from studies conducted between 2000 and 2016, with HIV-1 pol sequences from more than ten ART-naïve adults. We analysed sequences for the presence of 101 drug resistance mutations. We pooled sequences by sampling year and performed a sequence-level analysis using a generalized linear mixed model, including the dataset as a random effect. Findings: We identified 38 datasets, and retrieved 6880 HIV-1 pol sequences for analysis. The pooled annual prevalence of PDR remained below 5% until 2009, then increased to a peak of 11·9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9·2-15·0) in 2015. The pooled annual prevalence of non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) PDR remained below 5% until 2011, then increased to 10.0% (95% CI 8.4–11.8) by 2014. Between 2000 and 2016, there was a 1.18-fold (95% CI 1.13–1.23) annual increase in NNRTI PDR (p < 0.001), and a 1.10-fold (95% CI 1.05–1.16) annual increase in nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor PDR (p = 0.001). Interpretation: Increasing PDR in South Africa presents a threat to the efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These findings support the recent decision to modify the standard first-line ART regimen, but also highlights the need for broader public health action to prevent the further emergence and transmission of drug-resistant HIV. Source of Funding: This research project was funded by the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) with funds from National Treasury under its Economic Competitiveness and Support Package. Disclaimer: The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC

Household food security and coping strategies: a case study of Tembisa Township of Ekurhuleni Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa

This study was designed to analyse factors determining household food security and coping strategies in Tembisa township of Ekurhuleni municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The systematic random sampling technique was to collect primary data using well-structured questionnaire and oral interview. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression model, coping strategy index and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Results from descriptive statistics showed that male headed household were more than female headed household, and the maximum household size were nine (9), minimum were one (1). Results from HFIAS revealed that 38% of the households are food secured, while 28% being mildly food insecure, 26% being severely food insecure, and 8% were moderately food insecure. The results further revealed that household size, source of income, own house, total monthly income and age of the household head influence household food security negatively and positively. Coping strategy index results showed that �Rely on less expensive and preferred food has been used by 86% of the population, followed by reduce number of meals eaten in a day (60%). Since the source of income found influencing household food security, the study recommends the creation of employment through development programmes such as Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The study further recommends that household should practice back yard farming. KEYWORDS: Food security, Household food insecurity access scale, socio-economic characteristics

Household food security and coping strategies: a case study of Tembisa Township of Ekurhuleni Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa

This study was designed to analyse factors determining household food security and coping strategies in Tembisa township of Ekurhuleni municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The systematic random sampling technique was to collect primary data using well-structured questionnaire and oral interview. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression model, coping strategy index and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Results from descriptive statistics showed that male headed household were more than female headed household, and the maximum household size were nine (9), minimum were one (1). Results from HFIAS revealed that 38% of the households are food secured, while 28% being mildly food insecure, 26% being severely food insecure, and 8% were moderately food insecure. The results further revealed that household size, source of income, own house, total monthly income and age of the household head influence household food security negatively and positively. Coping strategy index results showed that �Rely on less expensive and preferred food has been used by 86% of the population, followed by reduce number of meals eaten in a day (60%). Since the source of income found influencing household food security, the study recommends the creation of employment through development programmes such as Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The study further recommends that household should practice back yard farming. KEYWORDS: Food security, Household food insecurity access scale, socio-economic characteristics

Enteric pathogen co-infections in the paediatric population from rural communities in the Vhembe District, South Africa

Abstract: Background. Enteric pathogens co-infections are a serious health risk in children under the age of 5 years. Objective. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrhoea-causing pathogens in children suffering from diarrhoea in rural communities of the Vhembe District. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2014 to June 2015. Diarrhoeal stool specimens (N=237) were collected from children attending primary healthcare facilities in rural communities of the Vhembe District. Stools were screened for enteric viral adenovirus 40/41, rotavirus and norovirus pathogens by means of enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) and enteric bacterial Escherichia coli spp. (diarrhoeagenic pathotypes), Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. pathogens by means of multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results. A total of 59.1% (140/237) were positive for at least one or more enteric pathogens. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) (27.9%), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (26.8%) and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (17.9%) were frequently detected in children less than 2 years of age. Bacterial-bacteria co-infections were detected in 24.5% (n=58) and bacterial-viral co-infections in 14.3% (n=34) of the stool specimens. Conclusion. The findings indicated that enteric pathogen co-infections are major causes of diarrhoea in children less than 2 years of age in the Vhembe District

The effect of Ni-doping on the stability of Li

The density functional theory with Hubbard parameter (DFT+U) incorporated within the Vienna Ab Initio Simulation Package was utilized to investigate the structural, electronic, elastic, and dynamical properties of pristine and Ni-doped Li2MnO3. The cluster expansion technique was used to generate the doped phases of Li2MnO3. The binary phase diagram predicted Li2Mn0.83Ni0.17O3 as the most stable phase with the lowest heat of formation. The study shows that Li2Mn0.83Ni0.17O3 is more thermodynamically stable than Li2MnO3 with a lower heat of formation. Additionally, the density of states showed that Li2Mn0.83Ni0.17O3 has a narrower band gap of 1.54 eV compared to the undoped structure with a band gap of 1.89 eV which leads to a higher electrical conductivity of the material. The elastic constants show that both structures are mechanically stable and lastly the phonon dispersions showed that these structures are vibrationally stable with no presence of imaginary vibrations. Finally, based on the results, Li2Mn0.83Ni0.17O3 can be proposed as potential cathode materials for use in lithium-ion batteries

Detection and molecular characterization of urinary tract HIV-1 populations

Abstract Background Identification of all possible HIV reservoirs is an important aspect in HIV eradication efforts. The urinary tract has however not been well studied as a potential HIV reservoir. In this pilot study we molecularly characterized HIV-1 viruses in urine and plasma samples to investigate HIV-1 replication, compartmentalization and persistence in the urinary tract. Methods Prospectively collected urine and blood samples collected over 12–36 months from 20 HIV-1 infected individuals were analysed including sampling points from prior to and after ART initiation. HIV-1 pol gene RNA and DNA from urine supernatant and urine pellets respectively were analysed and compared to plasma RNA viruses from the same individual. Results HIV-1 nucleic acid was detected in urine samples from at least one time point in 8/20 (40%) treatment-naïve subjects compared to 1/13 (7.7%) individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) during periods of plasma viral suppression and 1/7 (14.3%) individuals with virological failure. HIV-1 RNA was undetectable in urine samples after ART initiation but HIV-1 DNA was detectable in one patient more than 6 months after treatment initiation. There was co-clustering of urine-derived pol sequences but some urine-derived sequences were interspersed among the plasma-derived sequences. Conclusions Suppressive ART reduces HIV-1 replication in the urinary tract but HIV-1 DNA may persist in these cells despite treatment. A larger number of sequences would be required to confirm HIV compartmentalization in the urinary tract. </jats:sec