Search

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, with approximately 10 million cases annually. Focus has been on pulmonary TB, while extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has received little attention. Diagnosis of EPTB remains challenging due to the invasive procedures required for sample collection. Spinal TB (STB) accounts for 10% of EPTB and often leads to lifelong debilitating disease due to devastating spinal deformation and compression of neural structures. Little is known about the extent of disease, although both isolated STB and a disseminated form of STB have been described. In our Spinal TB X cohort study, we aim to describe the clinical phenotype of STB using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT, identify a specific gene expression profile for different stages of dissemination and compare findings to previously described gene expression signatures for latent and active pulmonary TB. Methods: A single-centre, prospective cohort study will be established to describe the distributional pattern of STB detected by whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT and gene expression profile of patients with suspected STB on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at point of diagnosis, six months, and 12 months. Blood biobanking will be performed at these time points. Specimens for microbiology will be obtained from sputum/urine, from easily accessible sites of disease (e.g., lymph nodes, abscess) identified in the first 18FDG-PET/CT, from CT-guided biopsy and/or surgery. Clinical parameters and functional scores will be collected at every physical visit. Data will be entered into RedCap® database; data cleaning, validation and analysis will be performed by the study team. The University of Cape Town Ethics Committee approved the protocol (243/2022). Discussion: The Spinal TB X cohort study is the first prospective cohort study using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT scans in patients with microbiologically confirmed spinal tuberculosis. Dual imaging techniques of the spine using 18FDG-PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging as well as tissue diagnosis (microbiology and histopathology) will allow us to develop a virtual biopsy model. If successful, a distinct gene-expression profile will aid in blood-based diagnosis (point of care testing) as well as treatment monitoring and would lead to earlier diagnosis of this devastating disease. Trial registration: The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05610098). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Metabolic dysfunction is a risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We investigated the impact of the recently proposed metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its subtypes on ESCC recurrence after endoscopic treatment. Methods: This multicenter observational cohort study enrolled consecutive patients newly diagnosed with ESCC after endoscopic treatment. Patients were classified into MAFLD or non‐MAFLD groups. The MAFLD group was further classified into non‐obese and obese MAFLD groups with a body mass index cutoff value of 25 kg/m2. The impact of MAFLD on the recurrence of ESCC was evaluated using a decision tree algorithm and random forest analysis. Results: A total of 147 patients (average age 69 years; male : female, 127:20; observational period, 2.4 years) were enrolled. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year recurrence rates were 2.0%, 21.1%, and 33.7%, respectively. Independent risk factors for the recurrence of ESCC were MAFLD (HR 2.2812; 95% confidence interval 1.0497–4.9571; p = 0.0373), drinking status, and smoking status. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease was identified as the second most important classifier for recurrence, followed by drinking status. The cumulative incidence of ESCC recurrence was higher in the MAFLD group than in the non‐MAFLD group. In a subanalysis, the cumulative incidence of recurrence was significantly higher in the non‐obese than in the obese MAFLD group among abstainers/non‐drinkers. Directed acyclic graphs revealed that MAFLD directly contributes to ESCC recurrence. Conclusions: MAFLD was independently and directly associated with ESCC recurrence after endoscopic treatment; a high recurrence rate was observed in patients with non‐obese MAFLD. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease may identify patients at high risk for ESCC recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an epidemiologic assessment of disease distribution by race/ethnicity to identify subpopulationspecific drivers of tuberculosis (TB). We used detailed racial/ethnic categorizations for the 932 TB cases diagnosed in Arkansas, USA, during 2010-2021. After adjusting for age and sex, racial/ethnic disparities persisted; the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) group had the highest risk for TB (risk ratio 173.6, 95% CI 140.6-214.2) compared with the non-Hispanic White group, followed by Asian, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Black. Notable racial/ethnic disparities existed across all age groups; NHPI persons 0-14 years of age were at a particularly increased risk for TB (risk ratio 888, 95% CI 403-1,962). The risks for sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB were both significantly higher for racial/ethnic minority groups. Our findings suggest that TB control in Arkansas can benefit from a targeted focus on subpopulations at increased risk for TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nursery School Absenteeism Surveillance System (NSASSy), which includes 40% of all nursery schools in Japan, has a degree of effectiveness that is difficult to prove: nursery schools and areas without NSASSy cannot be evaluated for their incidence of infectious diseases as precisely as those with NSASSy. Instead, we examine nursery school countermeasures against infectious diseases by considering the endogeneity bias of NSASSy. After sending questionnaires to 500 Tokyo metropolitan and nearby nursery schools in November 2022, we received their responses through the end of 2022. Questionnaires asked about infection control measures of nursery schools: (1) cooperation with public health centers; (2) cooperation with staff; (3) cooperation with children's parents; (4) precautions among children; (5) countermeasure systems; (6) precaution systems; (7) recording of health conditions of children; (8) usefulness of studying while students; and (9) usefulness of training at nursery schools. Ordered probit with inverse probability weighted adjustment was used as the estimation procedure. The explanatory variable was a dummy variable for using NSASSy. Probability in weight was estimated using the first-step probit for NSASSy. Explanatory variables were a dummy variable for publicly funded nursery schools and a dummy variable for local governments that had adopted NSASSy. We analyzed 193 nursery schools. NSASSy was negative and associated significantly with (3) cooperation with children's parents and (7) recording of health conditions of children. These countermeasures were more likely to have been taken by NSASSy nursery schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A guideline published in 2018 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare stipulated confirmation of the vaccine history of nursery staff members. This study was conducted to elucidate nursery teachers' vaccine and infection histories for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella through survey responses. After sending questionnaires through the mail to 5000 nursery teachers in November 2022, we received responses through December 2022. We measured the proportion of susceptibility in three ways. Additionally, we compared the proportions of susceptibility by disease by age class. After receiving 1620 responses in all, the data of 1229 respondents under 50 years old were analyzed. Under the broad definition by which "no answer" was also regarded as unvaccinated or uinfected as well as "unknown," the proportions of susceptibility for measles, rubella, and varicella were higher: 22–23%. For mumps, the proportion was 42%. For varicella, they were 31% for respondents in their 30 s, and 14% for respondents in their 40 s. For mumps, the respective values were 58% and 26%. Respondents assessed for this study were less susceptible and unknown in comparison with earlier studies investigating health care workers, school teachers, university students, and pregnant women. The survey revealed that measles and rubella susceptibility was higher among respondents in their 30 s. However, it was higher for varicella and mumps among respondents in their 20 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is staple food and major source of calories for over 500 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is also a source of income for smallholder farmers, and has increasing potential for industrial utilization. However, breeding efforts to match the increasing demand of cassava are impeded by its inability to flower, delayed or unsynchronized flowering, low proportion of female flowers and high fruit abortions. To overcome these sexual reproductive bottlenecks, this study investigated the effectiveness of using red lights to extend the photoperiod (RLE), as a gateway to enhancing flowering and fruit set under field conditions. Materials and methods: Panels of cassava genotypes, with non- or late and early flowering response, 10 in each case, were subjected to RLE from dusk to dawn. RLE was further evaluated at low (LL), medium (ML) and high (HL) red light intensities, at ~ ≤ 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5PFD (Photon Flux Density) in µmol m−2 s−1 respectively. Additionally, the effect of a cytokinin and anti-ethylene as plant growth regulators (PGR) and pruning under RLE treatment were examined. Results: RLE stimulated earlier flower initiation in all genotypes, by up to 2 months in the late-flowering genotypes. Height and number of nodes at first branching, particularly in the late-flowering genotypes were also reduced, by over 50%. Number and proportion of pistillate flowers more than doubled, while number of fruits and seeds also increased. Number of branching levels during the crop season also increased by about three. Earlier flowering in many genotypes was most elicited at LL to ML intensities. Additive effects on flower numbers were detected between RLE, PGR and pruning applications. PGR and pruning treatments further increased number and proportion of pistillate flowers and fruits. Plants subjected to PGR and pruning, developed bisexual flowers and exhibited feminization of staminate flowers. Pruning at first branching resulted in higher pistillate flower induction than at second branching. Conclusions: These results indicate that RLE improves flowering in cassava, and its effectiveness is enhanced when PGR and pruning are applied. Thus, deployment of these technologies in breeding programs could significantly enhance cassava hybridizations and thus cassava breeding efficiency and impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease (PH-LHD). We used multivariate logistic and cox-hazard proportional regression models to examine factors associated with increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the effect of real-world HIV status scenarios on 6-month survival rate in the Pan African Pulmonary Hypertension Cohort (PAPUCO) study, a prospective cohort from four African countries. Exposure to biomass fuel smoke (aOR, 95%CI 3.07, 1.02–9.28), moderate to severe NYHA/FC III/IV (aOR, 95%CI 4.18, 1.01–17.38), and unknown HIV status (aOR, 95%CI 2.73, 0.96–7.73) predicted moderate to severe RVSP at the time of presentation. Six months later, HIV infection, moderate-to-severe NYHA/FC, and alcohol consumption were associated with decreased survival probabilities. Upon adjusting for HIV infection, it was observed that an incremental rise in RVSP (1 mmHg) and inter-ventricular septal thickness (1 mm) resulted in an 8% (aHR, 95%CI 1.08, 1.02–1.13) and 20% (aHR, 95%CI 1.2, 1.00–1.43) increase in the probability of mortality due to PH-LHD. In contrast, the risk of death from PH-LHD was reduced by 23% for each additional unit of BMI. (aHR, 95%CI 0.77, 0.59–1.00). In conclusion, the present study offers insights into the determinants that are notably linked to unfavorable survival outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Certain factors identified in this study are readily evaluable and amenable to modification, even in settings with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has ten genotypes (A–J) and over 40 sub-genotypes based on the divergence of ≥ 8% and 4 to < 8% in the complete genome respectively. These genotypes and sub-genotypes influence the disease prognosis, response to therapy and route of viral transmission. Besides, infection with mixed genotypes and recombinant genotypes has also been reported. This study aimed at mapping the de novo genotypes and correlate them with the immigration trends in order to inform future research on the underlying reasons for the relative distribution of HBV genotypes from a large sample size pooled from many primary studies. Data was extracted from 59 full research articles obtained from Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Willy library, African Journal Online (AJOL) and Google Scholar. Studies that investigated the genotypes, sub-genotypes, mixed genotypes and recombinant were included. The Z-test and regression were used for the analysis. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42022300220. Overall, genotype E had the highest pooled prevalence significantly higher than all the other genotypes (P < 0.001). By region, genotype A posted the highest pooled prevalence in eastern and southern Africa, E in west Africa and D in north Africa (P < 0.0001). Regarding the emerging genotypes B and C on the African continent, genotype B was significantly higher in south Africa than C (P < 0.001). In contrast, genotype C was significantly higher in east Africa than west Africa (P < 0.0001). The A1 and D/E were the most diverse sub-genotypes and genotype mixtures respectively. Finally, we observed a general progressive decrease in the prevalence of predominant genotypes but a progressive increase in the less dominant by region. Historical and recent continental and intercontinental migrations can provide a plausible explanation for the HBV genotype distribution pattern on the African continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Real-time Gravity-feed seed sorting-system via deep-learning and synced ejection. • Among YOLOv5-variants, YOLOv5n discriminated seed-ploidy with higher mAP at 0.5. • YOLOv5n outperformed 4x seed identification, yielding high ploidy-confidence scores. • Efficient threaded online system setup enabled 5.4 ms high frame-rates computation. • Gravity-feed sorter optimized for 14.8 kg/hr seed-sorting, enabling high-speed acumen. Seed standardization is crucial for all seed breeders as it enables differentiation of performance among specific seed varieties. Standardized seed lots outperform impure seed lots in terms of yield and plant population uniformity. Watermelon growers frequently encounter the challenge of uncertain ploidy seed naming, stemming from the mixture of seedless (triploid) and seeded (tetraploid and diploid) seeds. This uncertainty adversely affects farmers' incomes and hinders the development of specialized watermelon seed enterprises. Watermelon seed purity has been traditionally determined by human expertise methods based on seed thickness, weight, and specific gravity. In this study, we used machine vision and deep learning technology to distinguish triploid (3×) watermelon seeds from diploid (2×) and tetraploid (4×) seeds in real-time. A YOLOv5n deep learning model with over 95 % discrimination of seeded seeds from seedless seeds, was developed and applied to an industrial gravity-feed online sorting system. The deep learning model took 5.4 ms to predict and eject every frame containing seeds in the online system, allowing the system to operate at up to 166 frames per second. With the seed vibration hopper frequency set at a constant magnitude of 35 %, the gravity-feed online system can classify and sort seeds according to their ploidy class, achieving an impressive rate of 14.8 kg/hr. These findings demonstrate the potential of deep learning in automation for real-time seed discrimination and sorting in online systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The death of God is recognized philosophically as less about the existential status of God and more about the metaphysical foundations of the modern world. This essay addresses the death of God declaration made most famous by Nietzsche and an engagement with it by Michel Foucault to highlight how an afropessimist intervention is needed to get a sharper picture of the modern metaphysical landscape. In as much as the death of God marks the possible challenging of metaphysical restraints through transgression, it also, upon further investigation, obscures a political theology of antiblackness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a highly infectious virus and is endemic in Uganda. It is one of the major etiological agents for liver diseases including liver cancer. In this work, we evaluated the prevalence of the HBV serological markers and the associated socio-demographic factors among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative persons screened during routine immunization against the virus in eastern Uganda. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire, while that on the serological markers were obtained from serum samples and evaluated by using the 5-panel HBV One Step Hepatitis B Virus Combo Test Device (FastepR, HBV-P43M). The following markers were evaluated by the panel: HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, and HBeAb. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26), and multinomial logistic regression was used to elicit the adjusted odds ratio. All the analysis were performed at a 95% confidence limit, and a P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The 424 participants included in this study were mainly female (62.3%), married (55.4%) and aged 30 years and above (54.2%). The seropositivity of the HBsAb, HBeAb, HBcAb marker prevalence rates was 48(11.3%), 73(17.2%) and 45(10.6%) respectively. The majority of the participants (327, 77.1%) did not present with any marker. Married paricipants were significantly associated with reduced HBsAb seropositvity rate, whereas young people aged 18–29 years were associated the with increased odds of HBsAb seropositivity (p < 0.05). Male participants were significantly associated with the HBeAb and HBcAb seropositivity (p < 0.05). Similarly, contact with an HBV infected person was significantly associated with HBeAb and HBcAb seropositivity (p < 0.05). Further still, blood transfusion was significantly associated with the increased risk of HBcAb seropositivity (P < 0.05). This study has revealed a prevalence of HBV serological markers among the HBsAg seronegative persons in this community and an increased risk of transmission of the virus in the community. Our findings have key consequences pertaining the interventions that are pertinent in the control and prevention of the spread of the virus among apparently health persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cassava brown streak virus' CP evolves at a similar rate to other potyvirid CPs. • CBSV originated between 1923 and 1963, consistent with CBSD's description in the 1930s. • Members of Potyviridae evolve faster than those in five other plant virus families. The ipomoviruses (family Potyviridae) that cause cassava brown streak disease (cassava brown streak virus [CBSV] and Uganda cassava brown streak virus [UCBSV]) are damaging plant pathogens that affect the sustainability of cassava production in East and Central Africa. However, little is known about the rate at which the viruses evolve and when they emerged in Africa – which inform how easily these viruses can host shift and resist RNAi approaches for control. We present here the rates of evolution determined from the coat protein gene (CP) of CBSV (Temporal signal in a UCBSV dataset was not sufficient for comparable analysis). Our BEAST analysis estimated the CBSV CP evolves at a mean rate of 1.43 × 10−3 nucleotide substitutions per site per year, with the most recent common ancestor of sampled CBSV isolates existing in 1944 (95% HPD, between years 1922 – 1963). We compared the published measured and estimated rates of evolution of CPs from ten families of plant viruses and showed that CBSV is an average-evolving potyvirid, but that members of Potyviridae evolve more quickly than members of Virgaviridae and the single representatives of Betaflexiviridae, Bunyaviridae, Caulimoviridae and Closteroviridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of liver-related diseases. In Uganda, there is a regional disparity in the HBV burden. Our study was aimed at establishing the circulating genotypes in a low and a high endemic region to give plausible explanations for the differences in regional burden and guide the future management of the disease. Methods. A total of 200 HBsAg-seropositive subjects were recruited into the study by convenience sampling. The HBsAg Rapid Test Strip (Healgen Scientific Limited Liability Company, Houston, TX77047- USA) was used to screen for HBsAg while the Roche machine (Roche, Basel Switzerland/Abbot Technologies (USA)) was used to determine the viral load. The Chemistry Analyzer B120 (Mindray, China) was used for chemistry analysis. For HBV genotyping, total DNA was extracted from whole blood using the QIAamp® DNA extraction kit. Nested PCR amplification was performed using Platinum Taq DNA Polymerase (Invitrogen Corporation, USA) to amplify the 400 bp HBV polymerase gene. Purification of nested PCR products was performed using Purelink PCR product purification kit (Life Technologies, USA). Automated DNA sequencing was performed using BigDye Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit on 3130 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA). The NCBI HBV genotyping tool (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/genotyping/formpage.cgi) was used for determination of genotype for each HBV sequence. Pearson's chi-square, multinomial logistic regression, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for the analysis. All the analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and MedCalc software version 19.1.3 at 95% CI. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Majority of our study subjects were female (64.5%), youth (51.0%), and married (62.0%). Overall, genotype A was the most prevalent (46%). Genotype D and the recombinant genotype D/E were proportionately more distributed in the high endemic (38.2%) and low endemic (36.5%) regions, respectively. Genotype D was significantly more prevalent in the high endemic region and among the elderly (p < 0.05). Genotype D was significantly associated with elevated viral load and direct bilirubin (p < 0.05). The recombinant genotype D/E was significantly associated with elevated viral load (p < 0.05). Similarly, genotype A was significantly associated with elevated AST and GGT, lowered viral load, and normal direct bilirubin levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion. There is disproportionate distribution of genotypes A and D and the recombinant genotype D/E in the low and high endemic regions of Uganda. This probably could explain the differences in endemicity of HBV in our country signifying the need for regional specific HBV management and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the shortcomings of Georges Bataille's writings in terms of his failure to address white supremacy and blackness by critically engaging and expanding his cosmological metaphor through the figure of the black hole. The sun is a timeless figure in the history of western thought as an epistemological and ontological metaphor. Bataille offers alternative cosmological interpretations whereby luxurious excess and waste aim to transfigure the traditions of metaphysics, ethics, and political economy. This paper confronts Bataille's cosmologies and heliotropes through an afropessimistic lens whereby blackness proves to be an ontological positionality that is not simply marginal to whiteness, but antagonistic, thus allowing for an expanded critical cosmology that incorporates the figure of the black hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction: Recent studies project thousands of additional AIDS-related deaths because of COVID-19–related disruptions in HIV care. However, the extent to which disruptions in care have materialized since the start of the pandemic is not well understood. Methods: We use electronic health records to investigate how the pandemic has affected clinic visits, patients' antiretroviral therapy (ART) supply, and viral suppression for a cohort of 14,632 HIV clients from a large HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda. We complement this with an analysis of electronically measured longitudinal ART adherence data from a subcohort of 324 clients. Results: Clinic visits decreased by more than 50% after a national lockdown started. The risk of patients running out of ART on a given day increased from 5% before the lockdown to 25% 3 months later (Relative Risk Ratio of 5.11, 95% confidence interval: 4.99 to 5.24) and remained higher than prelockdown 6 months later at 13% (Relative Risk Ratio of 2.60; 95% confidence interval: 2.52 to 2.70). There was no statistically significant change in electronically measured adherence or viral suppression. Conclusion: We document substantial gaps in HIV care after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. This suggests that measures to improve access should be explored as the pandemic persists. However, ART adherence was unaffected for the subcohort for whom we measured electronic adherence. This suggests that some clients may have stockpiles of ART tablets from previous prescriptions that allowed them to keep taking their medication even when they could not visit the clinic for ART refills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender differences among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) and HIV co-infection could affect treatment outcomes. We compared characteristics and treatment outcomes of DRTB/HIV co-infected men and women in Uganda.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with DRTB from 16 treatment sites in Uganda. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 years, had confirmed DRTB, HIV co-infection and a treatment outcome registered between 2013 and 2019. We compared socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and tuberculosis treatment outcomes between men and women. Potential predictors of mortality were determined by cox proportional hazard regression analysis that controlled for gender. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: Of 666 DRTB/HIV co-infected patients, 401 (60.2%) were men. The median (IQR) age of men and women was 37.0 (13.0) and 34.0 (13.0) years respectively (p < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely to be on tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), high-dose isoniazid-containing DRTB regimen and to have history of cigarette or alcohol use. They were also more likely to have multi-drug resistant TB, isoniazid and streptomycin resistance and had higher creatinine, aspartate and gamma-glutamyl aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels. Conversely, women were more likely to be unemployed, unmarried, receive treatment from the national referral hospital and to have anemia, a capreomycin-containing DRTB regimen and zidovudine-based ART. Treatment success was observed among 437 (65.6%) and did not differ between the genders. However, mortality was higher among men than women (25.7% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.030) and men had a shorter mean (standard error) survival time (16.8 (0.42) vs. 19.0 (0.46) months), Log Rank test (p = 0.046). Predictors of mortality, after adjusting for gender, were cigarette smoking (aHR = 4.87, 95% CI 1.28-18.58, p = 0.020), an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels (aHR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.07, p < 0.001), and history of ART default (aHR = 3.86, 95% CI 1.31-11.37, p = 0.014) while a higher baseline CD4 count was associated with lower mortality (aHR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, p = 0.013 for every 10 cells/mm3 increment).Conclusion: Mortality was higher among men than women with DRTB/HIV co-infection which could be explained by several sociodemographic and clinical differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender differences among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) and HIV co-infection could affect treatment outcomes. We compared characteristics and treatment outcomes of DRTB/HIV co-infected men and women in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with DRTB from 16 treatment sites in Uganda. Eligible patients were aged ≥ 18 years, had confirmed DRTB, HIV co-infection and a treatment outcome registered between 2013 and 2019. We compared socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and tuberculosis treatment outcomes between men and women. Potential predictors of mortality were determined by cox proportional hazard regression analysis that controlled for gender. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of 666 DRTB/HIV co-infected patients, 401 (60.2%) were men. The median (IQR) age of men and women was 37.0 (13.0) and 34.0 (13.0) years respectively (p < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely to be on tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), high-dose isoniazid-containing DRTB regimen and to have history of cigarette or alcohol use. They were also more likely to have multi-drug resistant TB, isoniazid and streptomycin resistance and had higher creatinine, aspartate and gamma-glutamyl aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels. Conversely, women were more likely to be unemployed, unmarried, receive treatment from the national referral hospital and to have anemia, a capreomycin-containing DRTB regimen and zidovudine-based ART. Treatment success was observed among 437 (65.6%) and did not differ between the genders. However, mortality was higher among men than women (25.7% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.030) and men had a shorter mean (standard error) survival time (16.8 (0.42) vs. 19.0 (0.46) months), Log Rank test (p = 0.046). Predictors of mortality, after adjusting for gender, were cigarette smoking (aHR = 4.87, 95% CI 1.28–18.58, p = 0.020), an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels (aHR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p < 0.001), and history of ART default (aHR = 3.86, 95% CI 1.31–11.37, p = 0.014) while a higher baseline CD4 count was associated with lower mortality (aHR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.99, p = 0.013 for every 10 cells/mm3 increment). Conclusion: Mortality was higher among men than women with DRTB/HIV co-infection which could be explained by several sociodemographic and clinical differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This descriptive study illustrates the multitude of intertwining factors contributing to suicidal ideation and attempts, and deaths by suicide among South Sudanese refugees in Moyo/Obongi Palorinya settlements in northern Uganda. It was conducted from 2019 to 2020 due to escalating rates of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide noted in a rapid assessment by Lutheran World Federation mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) workers. This study aimed to better understand factors contributing to suicidal ideation and attempts among refugees, to tailor MHPSS interventions and prevent potential escalation of suicidality across the region, including nearby refugee hosting districts in Adjumani/Lamwo. Data collection techniques included key informant interviews, focus group discussions, case studies and review of the lead author's therapy recovery notes. The findings highlighted the following factors contributing to escalating suicidality among the refugees: war stressors (experiencing and witnessing violent acts), daily stressors, social fragmentation, normalised violence, social isolation, lack of economic opportunities, loss of assets and loss of confidence and hope, among others. The assessment found that the spiking trend of increased suicidal behaviour is apparently unique to Moyo/Obongi, compared to neighbouring settlements, but emphasises the need for monitoring and preventive interventions in neighbouring districts. The psychosocial as well as economic impact of a reduction in funding for MHPSS programming is underlined, emphasising the need for long-term funding to consolidate programme effects and respond to realities on the ground. Community-based psychosocial support interventions provided by Lutheran World Federation are described that have subsequently helped to mitigate and respond to the escalating trend in suicidality and reflections given to strengthen the ongoing response with lessons learned for other contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza spp; 2n=24.) production in Uganda and Africa in general, is seriously threatened by the Rice yellow mottle virus disease (RYMVD), a disease caused by Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) within the genus Sobemovirus; family Sobemoviridae. This study investigated the existence and distribution of resistance-breaking RYMV pathotype in the three major lowland rice catchment areas in Uganda. Four known rice accessions resistant to Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) namely; Gigante, Tog5672, Tog5674 and Tog5681, carrying resistant allele's rymv1-2, rymv1-4 & RYMV3, rymv1-5 and rymv1-3, respectively, were tested for their response to different RYMV isolates. The isolates were collected from three major lowland rice catchment areas of Doho, Kibimba, and Olweny in Uganda. Out of 100 leaf samples collected from the field and assayed for RYMV and confirmed to be positive using RT-PCR, 83 isolates induced symptoms on IR64- the RYMV susceptible line. Seventy- seven (92.8%) isolates were able to overcome resistance in at least one of the four differential rice accessions, as confirmed by the presence of RYMV symptoms; while 6 (7.2%) isolates were asymptomatic. Variation in time (days) for symptom development post-inoculation (dpi) and AUDPC were observed. Symptoms appeared within 5-7 days on IR64; while it took on average 11, 18, 36, and 18 days to appear on Gigante, Tog5672, Tog5674 and Tog5681, respectively. The highest AUDPC was observed on IR64 (254.7); while the lowest was observed on Tog5681 (74.1). Two major patho-groups were observed; those that broke down resistance in Gigante only (25.3%) and Gigante & Tog5672 (33.7%). Five isolates from Doho (Budaka & Bugiri districts) and Kibimba (Butaleja district) catchment areas broke down RYMV resistance in three accessions i.e. (Tog5681, Gigante & Tog5672) and (Tog5674, Gigante & Tog5672), respectively. Resistance breaking isolates were confirmed in all the three sampled catchment zones, however, Doho and Kibimba had some unique isolates that broke down resistance in accessions carrying resistance allele rymv 1-3 and rymv1-5 in addition to rymv1-2. Results from this study showed that RYMV isolates in Uganda can break down resistance conferred by the rymv1-2 resistance gene allele. However, accessions Tog5681 and Tog5674 seem to hold stable RYMV resistance and, thus are recommended for RYMV breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important potato viruses in Uganda are Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus A (PVA) and Potato virus M (PVM). Utilization of R genes in breeding for resistance to viruses has not been explored in Uganda due to limited information on the prevalence of R genes in the available genotypes. This study aimed at identifying potato genotypes with R genes for resistance to potato viruses important in Uganda. The study screened 71 potato accessions from the National Potato Breeding Programme at Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute for the presence of resistance genes to viruses using diagnostic molecular markers. The results indicated that 21 out of 71 genotypes had resistance markers, of which nine genotypes, NKRN59.58, Derby, Markies, Sifra, 395017.229, Nakpot 5, 20108.5, Royal and 393220.54, had Ryadg gene for PVY resistance and two genotypes, Kimuri and 319919.3, had Rysto gene for resistance to PVY and PVA. Nine genotypes, 395011.2, Markies, Nakpot 5, 20108.5, Sifra, 20157.6, Royal, 2015.8 and Ambition, had the Nbtbr gene for resistance to PVX. In addition, 14 genotypes, 395011.2, Markies, Nakpot 5, Sarpouna, 393220.54, 391046.14, Sarpomira, 395077.12, Sifra, 20157.6, Royal, Ambition, Kimuri and Caruso, had the Nsadg gene conferring resistance to PVS. Four genotypes, Markies, Sifra, Nakpot 5 and Royal, had the Ryadg, Nbtbr and Nsadg genes for combined resistance to PVY, PVX and PVS. The resistant genotypes could be used as parents to introgress resistance genes into susceptible cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To illustrate the public health potential of linking individual bedside data with community-based household data in a poor rural setting, we estimated excess pediatric mortality risk after discharge from St Francis Designated District Hospital in Ifakara, Tanzania. Methods: Linked data from demographic and clinical surveillance were used to describe post-discharge mortality and survival probability in children aged < 5 years, by age group and cause of admission. Cox regression models were developed to identify risk factors. Results: Between March 2003 and March 2007, demographic surveillance included 28,910 children aged 0 to 5 years and among them 831 (3%) were admitted at least once to the district hospital. From all the children under the demographic surveillance 57,880 person years and 1381 deaths were observed in 24 months of follow up. Survivors of hospital discharge aged 0–5 years were almost two times more likely to die than children of the same age in the community who had not been admitted (RR = 1.9, P < 0.01, 95% CI 1.6, 2.4). Amongst children who had been admitted, mortality rate within a year was highest in infants (93 per 1000 person years) and amongst those admitted due to pneumonia and diarrhoea (97 and 85 per 1000 person years respectively). Those who lived 75 km or further from the district hospital, amongst children who were admitted and survived discharge from hospital, had a three times greater chance of dying within one year compared to those living within 25 km (adjusted HR 3.23, 95% CI 1.54,6.75). The probability of surviving the first 30 days post hospitalization was 94.4% [95% CI 94.4, 94.9], compared to 98.8% [95% CI 97.199.5] in non-hospitalized children of the same age in the commuity. Conclusion: This study illustrates the potential of linking health related data from facility and household levels. Our results suggest that families may need additional support post hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral diseases are among the major factors affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Uganda. Knowledge of the types of viruses and their distribution levels in the country is vital for targeting sound management strategies. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of potato viruses in different potato growing areas in Uganda. Virus diagnostic surveys were conducted across the main potato producing regions and virus detection was done using DASELISA and RT-PCR techniques. The study showed that the most widely distributed and economically important potato viruses were: PVS (31-90.9%), PLRV (2.6-81.3%), PVY (7.1-54.5%) and PVX (8.3 - 53.3%); while the least detected viruses were PVM (18.2%) and PVA (9%). The viruses were prevalent either singly or in mixtures. Up to 42.8% of the samples were infected with one virus, 20.9% with two viruses and 4.2% with three viruses; while no virus was detected in 31.3% of the samples. Of the double infections, the PVY+PVS combination was the most common and widely distributed (2.1-18.2%) in 12 districts; followed by PVY+PLRV (1.8-21.3%) occurring in six districts, PVM+PVS (7.9-16.7%), PLRV+PVX (2.4-14.3%) in 5 districts and PVY+PVX (2.4-4.4%) in 3 districts. Triple infections involving PVY+PLRV+PVS were recorded at prevalence levels of 2.2-18.6% in six district. Altitude, temperature, varieties and seed sources showed relationships with the variation in the prevalence of the viruses. There were high virus prevalence and disease severity levels in low altitude areas (1088-1334 m.a.s.l) of mid-western sub-region (Mbarara and Lwengo), Central (Kibaale, Mubende) and Mid Northern (Pader) sub region compared to high altitude areas (>1600 m.a.s.l). The Virus risk Area Modeling results showed the largest area (48.6%; 1,308,160 ha) at moderate risk of virus infection; while 27.3% (732,305 ha) was at high risk of virus infection. Based on the distribution level of the viruses, potato production could be intensified in areas with less virus pressure mainly, in parts of West Nile and Rwenzori regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is plenitude of information on HIV infection among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care (ANC) in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the epidemiology of HBV–HIV co-infections in the same cohort is not clear despite the common route of transmission of both viruses. The aim of our study was to synthesize data on the prevalence of HBV–HIV co-infection among pregnant women attending ANC in Sub-Saharan Africa to assist in the design of public health interventions to mitigate the challenge. Methods: The study was done in tandem with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards and the Cochran's Q test, I2 statistics for heterogeneity and the prevalence were calculated using commercially available software called MedCalcs (https://www.medcalc.org). A random effect model was used to pool the prevalence since all the heterogeneities were high (≥ 78%) and Phet < 0.05 indicated significant heterogeneities. The risk factors and risk differences for HBV–HIV co-infection were analyzed. Any likely sources of heterogeneity were analyzed through sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and sub-group analysis. All analyses were done at 95% level of significance and a P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of HBV–HIV co-infection among pregnant mothers in sub-Saharan Africa was low 3.302% (95%CI = 2.285 to 4.4498%) with heterogeneities (I2) of 97.59% (P > 0.0001). Within regional sub group meta-analyses, West Africa had significantly higher prevalence of 5.155% (95% = 2.671 to 8.392%) with heterogeneity (I2) of 92.25% (P < 0.0001) than any other region (P < 0.001). Articles published from 2004–2010 had significantly higher prevalence of 6.356% (95% = 3.611 to 9.811%) with heterogeneity (I2) 91.15% (P < 0.0001) compared to those published from 2011 to 2019 (P < 0.001). The HIV positive cohort had significantly higher prevalence of HBV–HIV co-infection of 8.312% (95% CI = 5.806 to 11.22%) with heterogeneity (I2)94.90% (P < 0.0001) than the mothers sampled from the general population with a prevalence of 2.152% (95% CI = 1.358 to 3.125%) (P < 0.001). The overall and sub group analyses had high heterogeneities (I2 > 89%, P < 0.0001) but was reduced for South Africa (I2) = 78.4% (P = 0.0314). Age, marital status and employment were independent factors significantly associated with risk of HBV–HIV co-infection (P < 0.001) but not extent of gravidity and education level (P > 0.05). After meta-regression for year of publication and sample size for HBsAg positivity, the results were not significantly associated with HBV pooled prevalence for sample size (P = 0.146) and year of publication (P = 0.560). Following sensitivity analysis, the HBsAg pooled prevalence slightly increased to 3.429% (95% CI = 2.459 to 4.554%) with heterogeneity I2 = 96.59% (95% CI = 95.93 to 97.14%), P < 0.0001 Conclusion: There is an urgent need for routine HBV screening among HIV positive pregnant mothers attending antenatal care in sub-Saharan Africa to establish the extent of HBV–HIV co-infection in this cohort. Future studies need to investigate the putative risk factors for HBV–HIV co-infection and prioritize plausible control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tremendous growth of choral music in Kenya over the last 50 years has largely been realised in three major establishments, namely: the Church, institutions of learning, and political arenas. Whereas choral music presents a field that can draw from diverse inquiries, the article focuses on music education as a component of choral music. It is motivated by the concern that the majority of choral trainers/directors/educators in Kenya are not products of formal choral training programmes. For the few who have obtained formal musicology, ethnomusicology and music education qualifications, observation shows that choral training or directing either forms a minimal part of, or is not included in, the various certificate, diploma or degree courses offered. Although conducting and/or art music as course units are offered in selected universities no institution of learning in Kenya offers a full course that focuses clearly on training choral trainers/directors/educators. Thus, choral directors may be the product of music training programmes other than formal school curricula. Whether in institutions of learning or the Church, the article views a choir situation as an alternative classroom, where the choral conductor/trainer/director/educator not only artistically imparts knowledge to the singers (learners), but also to prospective choral directors, hence acting as a role model. Therefore, the article demonstrates the alternative methodologies employed in Kenyan choral music. To address these concerns, the study relied on an ethnographic research approach that involved interviewing choral artistes, as well as observing how they practise their music, besides group interactive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fostering jobs, entrepreneurship and capacity development for African youths is an important development agenda. L'ACCÈS DES JEUNES AU MARCHÉ DU TRAVAIL AU TOGO ET AU BÉNIN: UNE ÉVIDENCE PARAMÉTRIQUE ET SEM... Similar to other African countries, youth unemployment in Togo and Benin is higher than adults'. EFFICACITÉ DU DISPOSITIF D'ACCOMPAGNEMENT À L'INSERTION PROFESSIONNELLE DES JEUNES AU SÉNÉGAL In many African countries, high youth unemployment has pushed policymakers to establish different support programs to help young graduates transition smoothly from the education system to the labor market. [Extracted from the article]

This paper examines the incidence, drivers, and persistence of skill and educational mismatches among employed youths from 10 African countries surveyed between 2012 and 2015. Results indicate that, unlike most findings from developed countries, underskilling and undereducation are more prevalent among the youth than overskilling and overeducation. The levels of education of the youth and their parents, the field of study, the quality of job and the firm size are found to be key predictors of job mismatches. Our results also show that the perspective of unemployment has a scarring effect for underskilled youths but a stepping‐stone effect for overskilled and overeducated. Using a pseudo‐panel approach, skill and educational mismatches of youths are found to be persistent over time and the likelihood of transitioning into education matching jobs is significantly increasing with the levels of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine volcanism in the western Arctic Ocean, known as Amerasia Basin, is attributed to a mantle plume based on geophysics and meager geochemical evidence. Basaltic samples dredged from Chukchi Borderland within the basin have produced minimum 40Ar/39Ar ages for eruption at circa 118–112, circa 105–100, and circa 90–70 Ma, which we use to constrain tectonic models for basin opening. Major oxide and trace element concentrations and Sr, Nd, and Hf isotopic ratios of the lavas show that the circa 118–112 Ma samples from Northwind Ridge are tholeiites (low‐Ti tholeiite I) with low degrees of rare‐earth element (REE) fractionation, high overall heavy rare‐earth element (HREE), and Mg# (Mg‐number), which suggests magma derivation from a garnet‐free source followed by minor crystal fractionation. Strontium, Nd, and Hf isotope systematics for these lavas and ratios of highly incompatible trace elements point toward a lithospheric source. Eruptions at circa 105–100 and circa 90–70 Ma, both at Healy Spur, produced two types of lavas: low‐Ti tholeiite II—which are generally older than high‐Ti tholeiite—both common in continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces and both with trace element abundance patterns typifying a garnet‐free source and significant crystal fractionation for the high‐Ti tholeiite. The isotope characteristics for both groups are common features of asthenospheric sources. Composition‐time relationships for the lavas suggest inception of melting in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM)—probably due to introduction of a heat source by a plume—followed later (at ca. 105–100 and ca. 90–70 Ma) by asthenospheric melting possibly triggered by plume rise. Plain Language Summary: Using U.S. Coast Guard research icebreaker Healy, we dredged basaltic lava flows from the bathymetrically high Chukchi Borderland on the floor of the western Arctic Ocean—an area known as Amerasia Basin—to determine eruption history using radioactivity thereby providing time constraints on the plate tectonic evolution of the region. We also measured the major oxide and trace element compositions as well as the lead, strontium, neodymium, and hafnium isotopic ratios of the lavas to decipher the geochemical character of the source materials deep inside the Earth. This work is part of the push for data collection in the last decade for Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) purposes under the U.N. Convention for Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Article 76. Submarine eruptions along Chukchi Borderland occurred at circa 118–112, circa 105–100, and circa 90–70 Ma, producing three geochemically distinct rock types akin to lavas in continental flood basalt (CFB) in other magmatic provinces on Earth. These lava compositions are in stark contrast to the compositions of submarine lavas in the eastern Arctic where oceanic crust of significant width developed and separated previously joined continental landmasses and their continental shelves. Key Points: Submarine volcanism in Amerasia Basin of the western Arctic Ocean produced flows dated by 40Ar/39Ar geochronology at circa 118–112 Ma (low‐Ti tholeiite I of the Northwind Ridge) and circa 105–100 Ma (low‐Ti tholeiite II) and circa 90–70 Ma (high‐Ti tholeiite)—both from Healy SpurThe low‐Ti tholeiites I at Northwind Ridge that erupted at circa 118–112 Ma resulted from melting of a subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) source within the spinel stability field and were precursory to melting and eruption of magmas from isotopically more depleted sources, including the asthenosphereMelting events that produced the circa 105–100 Ma low‐Ti tholeiites II and circa 90–70 Ma high‐Ti tholeiites may be related to ascent of a plume head and the concomitant melting that yielded bimodal distribution of basaltic compositions, typical of plume‐related continental flood basalts (CFB) provinces elsewhere on Earth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Well-validated risk prediction models help to identify individuals at high risk of diseases and suggest preventive measures. A recent systematic review reported lack of validated prediction models for low back pain (LBP). We aimed to develop prediction models to estimate the 8-year risk of developing LBP and its recurrence. Methods: A population based prospective cohort study using data from 435,968 participants in the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort enrolled from 2002 to 2010. We used Cox proportional hazards models. Results: During median follow-up period of 8.4 years, there were 143,396 (32.9%) first onset LBP cases. The prediction model of first onset consisted of age, sex, income grade, alcohol consumption, physical exercise, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, blood pressure, and medical history of diseases. The model of 5-year recurrence risk was comprised of age, sex, income grade, BMI, length of prescription, and medical history of diseases. The Harrell's C-statistic was 0.812 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.804-0.820) and 0.916 (95% CI, 0.907-0.924) in validation cohorts of LBP onset and recurrence models, respectively. Age, disc degeneration, and sex conferred the highest risk points for onset, whereas age, spondylolisthesis, and disc degeneration conferred the highest risk for recurrence. Conclusions: LBP risk prediction models and simplified risk scores have been developed and validated using data from general medical practice. This study also offers an opportunity for external validation and updating of the models by incorporating other risk predictors in other settings, especially in this era of precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires in pine and eucalyptus plantations are common in Uganda especially in the dry periods. In an event of fire gutting a nearly mature plantation, tree farmers usually try to reduce losses by extracting and lumbering the residual trees for use in agricultural buildings. However, there is no empirical data to guide material selection based on strength and structural integrity of the timbers from burnt plantations. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of fires on selected physical and strength properties of timber extracted from a 10-year old stand of Pinus caribaea that had been burnt. Test specimens were prepared and tested for Modulus of elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and compression parallel to the grain using a Testometric AX M500 - 25KN Universal Testing Machine in accordance with ASTM D 198 and BS 373. For comparison purposes, structural size specimens from the same age stands that were unaffected by fire were concurrently tested. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance test. The results indicated that burnt trees had significantly lower density, MOE and MOR than that of the unburnt trees. It is recommended that timber extracted from burnt trees should not be used for high strength structural purposes but could rather be used in low strength construction works such as shuttering and ceiling works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Well-validated risk prediction models help to stratify individuals on the basis of their disease risks and to guide health care professionals in decision-making. The incidence of nephrolithiasis has been increasing in Korea. Racial differences in the distribution of and risk for nephrolithiasis have been reported in Asia but no population-specific nephrolithiasis models have been developed. We aimed to develop a simplified nephrolithiasis prediction model for the Korean population by using data from general medical practice. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, population-based cohort study in Korea. A total of 497,701 participants from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) were enrolled from 2002 to 2010. A Cox proportional hazards model was used. Results: During a median follow-up time of 8.5 years (range, 2.0-8.9 years) and among 497,701 participants, there were 15,783 cases (3.2%) of nephrolithiasis. The parsimonious model included age, sex, income grade, alcohol consumption, body mass index, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and medical history of diseases. The Harrell's C-statistic was 0.806 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.790-0.821) and 0.805 (95% CI, 0.782-0.827) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the present study imply that nephrolithiasis risk can be predicted by use of data from general medical practice and based on predictors that clinicians and individuals from the general population are likely to know. This model comprises modifiable risk factors and can be used to identify those at higher risk who can modify their lifestyle to lower their risk for nephrolithiasis. This study also offers an opportunity for external validation or updating of the model through the incorporation of other risk predictors in other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bony mallet is a common sport injury, but bony mallet thumb is rarely encountered. We performed open reduction and fixation of bony mallet thumb using a hook plate procedure on a 27-year-old man under general anesthesia. The patient began working one day after surgery. Six months postoperatively, the patient had excellent dexterity according to Crawford's evaluation criteria and no difficulties at work or playing softball. Tension band fixation, compression pins, and the extension block technique are commonly used to manage bony mallet. Despite the anatomical reduction, rigid fixation, and early resumption of motion skills offered by the hook plate technique, to our knowledge, no previous reports of its application to bony mallet thumb were found. In this case, the hook plate technique was chosen and made an early return to work possible and brought about a successful result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study isolated and evaluated virulence of fungal entomopathogens of Xylosandrus compactus– an important pest of Robusta coffee in Sub‐Saharan Africa. A survey was conducted in five farming systems in Uganda to isolate entomopathogens associated with X. compactus. Four fungal isolates were screened for virulence against X. compactus in the laboratory at 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 where an atoxigenic L‐strain of A. flavus killed 70%–100% of all stages of X. compactus compared with other unidentified isolates which caused 20%–70% mortalities. The time taken by A. flavus to kill 50% of X. compactus eggs, larvae, pupae and adults in the laboratory was 2–3 days; whereas the other unidentified fungal isolates took 4–7 days. The concentrations of A. flavus that killed 50% of different stages of X. compactus were 5 × 105, 12 × 105, 17 × 105 and 30 × 105 conidia ml−1 for larvae, eggs, pupae and adults respectively. A formulation of A. flavus in oil caused higher mortalities of X. compactus larvae, pupae and adults in the field (71%–79%) than its formulation in water (33%–47%). The atoxigenic strain of A. flavus could therefore be developed into a safe biopesticide against X. compactus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the shape of the electrode to generate 2.45 GHz microwave plasma in pure water is examined. Three variations of a common coaxial electrode are proposed, and compared according to the power required for plasma ignition and the position of plasma ignition in pure water at 6 kPa using a high-speed camera. These coaxial electrodes are calculated using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method calculations. The superior shape of coaxial electrode is found to be one with a flat plane on the tip of the inner electrode and dielectric substance located below the tip of the outer electrode. The position of the plasma ignition is related to the shape of the coaxial electrode. By solving the heat-conduction equation of water around the coaxial electrode taking into account the absorption of the microwave energy, the position of the plasma ignition is found to be not where electric field is the largest, but rather where temperature is maximized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributions of emission intensity from radicals, electron temperature, and rotational temperature at a radio frequency of 27.12 MHz plasma in water are clarified by detailed spectroscopy measurement. Through this investigation, the following were observed. The points of maximum emission intensity of Hα, Hβ, O (777 nm), and O (845 nm) are almost the same, while that of OH shifts upward. The electron temperature decreases, while the rotational temperature increases with pressure. The distribution of the electron temperature changes at a threshold pressure, which is concerned with a change in the electron discharge mechanism. The self-bias of the electrode changes from a negative to positive at a threshold pressure. The point of the maximum rotational temperature of OH radicals shifts to approximately 1 mm above that for the maximum intensity of OH emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• About 40% of two-dose vaccinated nursery school children became ill with varicella. • Outbreaks at nursery schools might be transmitted from older students, perhaps siblings. • Vaccine effectiveness in the nursery school for more than one dose was not confirmed. • Vaccination using one dose or more can reduce severity significantly. In Japan, routine administration to one-year-old children of two-dose immunization for varicella was introduced in October 2014. Object The object of this study was to report outbreaks of varicella under routine immunization at a nursery school and in its surrounding area using data of surrounding areas from the (Nursery) School Absenteeism Surveillance System. Then, we measured the effectiveness of routine two-dose immunization for varicella to onset. We tentatively assessed its severity in a nursery school. The study period extended from April 2017 through March 2018. The study area comprised Nursery school B and other nursery schools, and elementary and junior high schools in City A. Subjects in Nursery school B were 120 children. We analyzed vaccine effectiveness (VE) as an observational study and assessed severity using Fisher's exact test. We also assessed VE for severity using linear regression. Severity was defined as the length of nursery school absence attributable to varicella infection. During the one month preceding a period of two weeks before the initial case at Nursery school B, there were 16 cases of varicella infection in nursery schools, 45 cases in elementary schools, and one case in junior high schools in City A. For children who had received one vaccine dose or more, VE was 48.1% for all ages and 49.2% among children three years old and older. No significant VE against infection was found. Vaccination using one dose or more can reduce severity significantly. Discussion and conclusion: Because many nursery school children who had received two doses of vaccine were infected, VE was estimated as low in the nursery school and not significant. Although VE for severity with more than one dose was confirmed, a second dose might not reduce severity compared to one dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Photonic Bandgap Hollow Core Fibers (PBG-HCFs) have been investigated. • High-performance HCFs with practical single mode (SM) properties has been realized.. • Furthermore, we have successfully developed HCF mechanical-splice and HCF cables. Hollow core fibers (HCF) are innovative optical fibers having the potential to break the limits of conventional optical fibers. Examples of innovation are ultra-low loss potential, ultra-low nonlinearity, resistance against harsh conditions, and long interaction lengths with gases confined to the core. In addition, ultra-low latency characteristics have attracted much attention in recent years, particularly amongst financial trading communication systems. For the first time in the world, we have succeeded in developing a high-performance HCF with practical single mode (SM) properties realized by a resonant couple phenomenon, to apply the HCF in the low latency transmission. Furthermore, we have successfully developed HCF connectors and HCF cables to realize the actual low latency transmissions. These development results will be reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies in sub-Saharan Africa have linked social support to better ART (antiretroviral therapy) adherence among adults living with HIV. Less is known about the role of social support and family cohesion in ART adherence among children below 18 years. This paper focuses on HIV-infected adolescents as they transition through the vulnerable developmental stage of adolescence to examine the association between family cohesion and social support, and ART adherence in southern Uganda. We utilized baseline data from Suubi+Adherence study, a five-year randomized longitudinal clinical trial with the overall goal of examining the impact and cost associated with an innovative asset-based social intervention to increase adherence to HIV treatment for HIV-infected adolescents in Uganda. This study employed self-reports to measure social support, family cohesion and ART adherence to treatment from 702 participants in 39 clinics situated in southern Uganda. Regression results indicated that after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics that family cohesion and social support from caregivers/family were associated with self-reported adherence to ART among HIV-infected adolescents. Social support from classmates, teachers, and friends were not associated with ART adherence. Study results suggest that strengthening family relationships and promoting social support within families caring for adolescents living with HIV can be crucial in addressing ART adherence challenges among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellowstone hotspot track in the northwestern US has a 17-myr history that began with eruption of the voluminous Columbia River basalts (CRB), and produced an eastward track with the bimodal rhyolite and basaltic eruptive centers of the Snake River Plain (SRP) as the North American Plate drifted westwards. We have generated the first Hf isotopic data on basalts in this large igneous province along with bulk-rock trace-element abundance patterns and Sr-Nd isotopic ratios to assess the hypothesized kinship with co-located rhyolites throughout the hotspot track. The isotopic compositions for all three elements span much of the compositional range observed in mantle-derived basalts worldwide. Varying between a high of +11.3 in parts of the CRB and a low of −8.3 in some of the late SRP basalts, the new ε Hf values are geographically controlled, similar to the shift first documented with Sr and Nd isotopes across the "0.706 Sr line," which marks the boundary between thin- accreted young ocean lithosphere and arc terranes in the west to thick, old cratonized crust in the east. This observation shows that there is significant lithospheric control on the isotopic compositions of both basalts and rhyolites associated with the Yellowstone hotspot track. Modeling of assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) processes in seven basaltic lava flows filling the 2-Ma Big Bend Ridge Caldera at Mesa Falls, Idaho, near the eastern end of the hotspot track suggests that the crustal contribution to the Nd and Hf concentration budgets increases systematically with time and was significant. A comparison of new and previously published bulk-rock major-oxide concentrations (e.g., the alkalis Na 2 O and K 2 O) with our previously published data for H 2 O, Cl, F and S in olivine-hosted melt inclusions suggests that the volatiles are sub-crustal, possibly from the lithospheric mantle, and degas extensively during magma ascent and crystallization. • New trace element and Nd-, Hf- and Sr-isotope data for Yellowstone hotspot and Columbia River basalts. • First Hf isotopic ratios on basalts in region agree with new and previous Nd and Sr isotopic results that crustal thickness influences composition. • Seven basaltic lava flows in Big Bend Ridge Caldera show crustal contamination grew in significance through time. • Isotopic data compared with olivine-hosted melt inclusion volatile compositions indicate a sub-crustal source for H 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) causes atherosclerosis. Detection of oxidation of LDL-mimetic liposomes using an electrode might serve as a convenient tool in the search of antioxidants for the prevention of atherosclerosis. This report proposes a reaction mechanism between LDL-mimetic liposomes and an acid-treated carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode. Oxidation of the liposomes, mediated by Cu2+, was monitored by the change in electrode potential, and the fluorescence intensity generated by diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine (DPPP) as control. The electrode potential and fluorescence intensity increased concomitantly during oxidation, followed by a gradual decrease. Although the electrical potential peaked faster than the fluorescence intensity, addition of CNT to the DPPP reaction accelerated the latter, suggesting the role of CNT as an accelerator of liposome oxidation. Atomic force microscopy showed increased binding of liposomes to CNT along with liposomal deformation. Further, binding of Cu2+ to the liposome-bound CNT surface was observed by quartz crystal microbalance. In conclusion, the interaction of liposomes with Cu2+ and CNT surface explains the rapid response of the electrode in liposome oxidation. Highlights • Acid treated carbon nanotubes (CNT) enhance liposome oxidation. • Structure of liposomes gets altered or deformed on the acid-treated CNT surface. • Binding of Cu2+ to the liposome-bound CNT surface was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FTNIR and chemometrics to detect natural viability of Hinoki seeds was investigated. • A model with minimum variables for viability detection was constructed with PLSDA and VIP. • This work showed over 95% model accuracy achieved for determination of viable Hinoki seeds. The use of Hinoki cypress for the formation of healing forest is gradually increased in South Korea, but the germination rate of these seeds is low, and viability determination by conventional methods is destructive and time-consuming. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Fourier transform infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy in determining the viable seeds of Hinoki cypress nondestructively. FT-NIR reflectance spectra for single seeds were collected in the range of 4000–10,000 cm−1 (1000–2500 nm), and a germination test was carried out to determine viability. To differentiate between viable and nonviable seeds, a multivariate classification with partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was developed. The best PLS-DA model assigned the seeds to their respective classes, with 97.7–99.2% and 94.4–95.4% accuracy in the calibration and validation sets, respectively. The PLS-DA Beta coefficient revealed the important wavelength to differentiate viable from nonviable seeds, which was attributed to changes in the chemical composition of the seeds, such as lipids and proteins, which might be responsible for the germination ability of the seeds. Variable importance of projection (VIP) was applied on the spectral data which reduced original variables from 1557 to 27. The developed VIP-PLS-DA model resulted into classification accuracy of 97.7% in calibration and 91.7% in the validation set, with maximum normalization data preprocessing method. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the potential of FT-NIR spectroscopy as a powerful nondestructive method for determination of viable Hinoki cypress seeds, which could be applied in the development of an online sorting technique for seed companies and nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores older people's understandings of poverty and analyses their experience of government policies for fighting poverty. It employed qualitative methods, including focus group discussions and key informant interviews. A total of 120 older people in two districts in Uganda participated in the study. Based on thematic analysis and observation of non-verbal communication, older people's perspectives on poverty included a wide range of deprivations in their household. Findings reveal that there is a lack of legislation support and effective information for old people to demand accountability or influence policy strategies to address poverty. Despite the difficult living conditions of older people in poverty, the majority live independent lives, are self-reliant and use a variety of strategies to address poverty. Therefore, there is a need for scrutiny to ensure that poverty alleviation support reaches those who need it most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mantle plumes provide an attractive mechanism for generating short-duration, voluminous magmas in large igneous provinces (LIPs) while at the same time providing an explanation for the frequently associated break-up of supercontinents. This model has also been invoked for the Ferrar large igneous province (FLIP) in Antarctica, which zircon and baddeleyite U–Pb dating shows was emplaced over a short duration at 182.7 ± 0.5 Ma, contemporaneously with fragmentation of the supercontinent Gondwanaland. Here, we present platinum-group-element (PGE) and Os-isotopic data for the Basement Sill in the McMurdo Dry Valleys – a part of the FLIP – that challenge the plume interpretation. The Basement Sill samples studied are cumulate-textured gabbro to norite, and pyroxenite with minor ferro- or leuco-lithofacies with MgO ranging from 2 to 19 wt%. The 187Os/188Os values range from 0.1609 ± 0.003 (2 σ) to 8.100 ± 1.600 (2 σ); the minimum value overlaps with a previously published estimated initial 187Os/188Os ratio for Ferrar magmas of 0.145 ± 0.049 (2 σ). The PGE abundance patterns for the Basement Sill define positive, convex-shaped slopes between the IPGE (Os, Ir and Ru) and PPGE (Pt, Pd and Rh). The most significant feature of the entire data set is the extreme sub-chondritic Os/Ir ratios (<0.33), values which are atypical of plume-derived magmas. These low Os/Ir ratios are more consistent with the alternative view that FLIP resulted from the decompression melting of mantle with a fossil subduction zone signature along the proto-Pacific margin of Gondwanaland, disaggregated by rifting related to plate rearrangements during supercontinent break-up. We propose that hydrated fossil subduction zones elsewhere on Earth might account for other short-lived voluminous magmatic events that form LIPs. The remarkably short duration of these events may be due to rapid decompression of hydrated mantle allowing instantaneous large-volume melting which then peters out quickly (<1 Myr) as H 2 O is expelled from the source rocks and into the melt. Highlights • Ferrar LIP in Antarctica has extreme sub-chondritic Os/Ir ratios atypical of plumes. • Mantle plume model is inconsistent with elemental abundance patterns for Ferrar LIP. • PGE data support Ferrar magmas originating in arc-like mantle sources. • Far field Karoo plume-induced geodetic instabilities triggered Ferrar LIP magmatism. • Ferrar LIP formed from the decompression melting of a fossil subduction zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) for food and non-food uses in the tropics necessitates that its breeding for increased root productivity be made faster. The characteristic long breeding cycle and heterozygous nature of this crop, pose a major obstacle to its rapid genetic improvement. This study aimed at inter-pollinating cassava with castor bean (Ricinus communis), with a purpose of inducing and regenerating cassava doubled haploids (DHs). A total of 3,349 flowers from twelve elite cassava varieties were inter-pollinated with caster bean. A total of 803 fruits were harvested for early embryo rescue and/or ovule culture. Of these, three were dissected to obtain seven unique embryos, while 800 were dissected to obtain 1312 young ovules, all of which were cultured in vitro. Overall, 82 (6.25%) of the cultured ovules formed callus that originated from the embryosac region, which is haploid. Four out of seven rescued embryos (57.1%) regenerated into plantlets. Ploidy analyses of 24 samples using flow cytometry revealed that 23 of the analysed samples were diploid. However, one callus sample was anueploid. Only one sample had an exceptionally high level of homozygosity (84.2%). These findings lay a foundation for future research aimed at induction of haploids in cassava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Though many models of continental crustal growth rely on the assumption that juvenile crust is derived from depleted mantle of fairly uniform composition, mafic magmas derived from the mantle – potential candidates for newly formed continental crust – often bear heterogeneous radiogenic isotope compositions. Mafic granulite and some pyroxenite xenoliths from Cenozoic basalts at Hannuoba, in the northern margin of the North China Craton, have younger crystallization ages than the exposed basement rocks, and are generally interpreted to represent juvenile additions to the crust. Here we report mineralogical and geochemical data for the websterite xenoliths from the basalts with the aim of constraining the chemical and isotopic compositions of juvenile continental crust. Two-pyroxene geothermometry suggests that the studied websterite xenoliths originated in the lower crust and last equilibrated at temperatures in the range of 830 to 930 °C. The cumulate texture, together with the geochemical and geochronologic data, indicate that they formed as high-pressure cumulates through crystal fractionation from Phanerozoic mafic magmas. These xenoliths can be subdivided into two groups. Group 1 websterites have low Mg# of 66.1–79.2 and high REE concentrations, and are characterized by extremely evolved radiogenic Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions and high radiogenic Pb ratios. Group 2 websterites have high Mg# of 89.4–89.5, very low REE concentrations, and MORB-like depleted Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic compositions. We interpret these websterites as additions to the crust formed via magma underplating. The parental magmas for these two websterite groups formed by partial melting of mantle materials with both isotopically enriched (Group 1) and depleted (Group 2) components. The data provide evidence that components from both mantle sources contributed to the underplating magmas and to lower crustal growth beneath the craton. Highlights • New geochemical and isotopic data for the Hannuoba pyroxenites are reported. • These rocks were interpreted as cumulates in the lowermost lower crust in Phanerozoic. • The crustal growth by basaltic underplating derived from heterogeneous mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetpotato is usually propagated in Uganda by vine cuttings from mature crops, but sometimes sprouts from storage roots are used, especially in drought-prone areas. No information is available on whether the storage of roots of Ugandan cultivars are infected with the viruses and whether the sprouts on them express symptoms so that farmers can eliminate diseased ones. Information on root sprout reversion from virus infection is also lacking. The storage roots of five sweetpotato cultivars was sourced either by random selection of roots from already harvested roots or obtained from symptomless plants selected before harvest at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK), and the National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI). Roots were also generated in a screenhouse after being inoculated with Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and/or Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). More than 70% of sprouts from roots of all the cultivars selected after harvest at MUARIK and NaSARRI were infected with the viruses. For roots obtained from symptomless plants, 64% and 21% of the sprouted roots from MUARIK and NaSARRI were infected with the viruses, respectively. Most of the root samples from MUARIK had visible virus symptoms on sprouts and tested positive for both SPFMV and SPCSV, whereas those from NaSARRI did not show symptoms and were infected primarily with SPFMV. Plants graft-inoculated with either SPCSV or SPFMV alone produced both infected and noninfected roots, whereas all the root sprouts from dually infected plants showed virus symptoms. Reversion from virus infection was observed on root sprouts infected singly with SPFMV, whereas those infected with SPCSV showed recovery only, and none of the root sprouts infected by both viruses showed recovery. This study proves that roots are good reservoirs for viruses, and reversion occurs only when singly infected with SPFMV. Therefore, there is a need to establish seed channels in which seedstock is cleaned continuously and made available to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enset (Ensete ventricosum) is commonly known as the "false banana" because of its close resemblance to the domesticated banana (Musa spp.) plant. It is Ethiopia's most important traditional staple crop in the densely populated south and south-western parts of the country; where it is grown and exploited for its starch to make various food and industrial products. In Uganda, little is known about enset regarding its ethno-botany and distribution, yet it occurs in the country. The objective of this study was to map out the distribution and document the ethno-botany and uses of enset in Uganda. A survey was carried out throughout the country to identify its natural habitats in different regions. Local people were interviewed on the uses of enset, etymology, and identification of different morphotypes. Morphological descriptors and sex of enset accessions were used in classification or identification of morphotypes. Enset was generally widely, but sparsely distributed in the different regions in Uganda; growing at elevations ranging between 988 (Moyo district) to 2,150 (Kapchorwa district) metres above sea level (masl) and in a variety of habitats. Out of the 80 districts of Uganda (as of 2009), enset was reported and observed in 30 districts. Thirteen local names of enset and their meanings were documented; but it was widely referred to as Kitembe. Different plant parts were used for medicinal purposes; while the leaves were used in local beer brewing. There were five enset morphotypes distinguished by morphological traits, such as plant height (short vs tall), mid-rib colour (light green vs pink), pseudostem background appearance (light green vs brown), leaf margin colour, male bud colour, and leaf length-breadth ratio. A detailed molecular level genetic diversity assessment is recommended for further validation of the morphotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first indication of evolution in Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) was obtained when sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) plants of cv Kampala white from Busia district, eastern Uganda were shown to be infected with only SPCSV that induced mild symptoms in Ipomoea setosa. The objective of the study was to understand why the SPCSV isolate in Busia was not co-infected with SPFMV. 'Mild' SPCSV-infected plants were used to plant a field trial. The quantity of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) was measured, using quantitative PCR (qPCR), in plants of I. setosa and cv Kampala white infected with SPFMV, 'mild' SPCSV + SPFMV or wild type SPCSV + SPFMV. The RNase3 and p22 genes of 'mild' SPCSV were sequenced and compared with those in the gene bank. qPCR assays were done to determine the titres of RNA1 (on to which RNase3 and p22 are found) and RNA2. 'Mild' SPCSV reduced yield by up to 50%. SPFMV titre was greatest in co-infections of SPFMV and wild type SPCSV; followed by co-infections of SPFMV and 'mild' SPCSV; and least in single SPFMV infections. The RNase3 of 'mild' SPCSV showed amino acid changes at position 34 (G to D) and 159 (H to Y), but p22 seemed normal. RNA1 was less expressed (though RNA2 continued to be 'normally' expressed) in the 'mild' SPCSV infection, than in the wild type SPCSV infection. This is the first example of a virus downgrading part of its genome to ensure that it alone benefits from RNA silencing suppression. The resulting improvement in its competiveness makes this strain likely to spread and become more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the empirical linkages between production risks and the adoption of modern inputs among smallholder farmers in Tanzania and Uganda using household panel LSMS-ISA datasets. Applying a moment-based approach and a Mundlak-Chamberlain IV fixed effects model to control for unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity, the paper uses a translog production function to estimate the mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis of production. These estimated moments of production are then included in a multivariate adoption model to assess their effects on input adoption decisions. Results reveal that the first four moments of production significantly explain changes in the probability of adopting chemical fertilizer, improved seeds, and pesticides. While the use of these modern inputs is found to be risk decreasing, estimates suggest that the higher their purchasing costs, the greater the cost of farmers’ private risk bearing. Under the assumption of a moderate risk aversion, the risk premium amounts to 8.7% and 13.7% of the expected production revenues in Tanzania and Uganda, respectively. This willingness-to-pay is largely explained by production volatility and downside risk aversion and to a small extent by kurtosis aversion. The findings underscore the need to account for farmers’ preferences towards higher order moments when designing and implementing modern inputs’ adoption policies in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of high-Mg melts remains one of the most highly debated questions in igneous petrology. There are two contrasting points of view, namely, (1) melt initiation in a rising high-temperature plume, and (2) mantle melting due to fluxing by water. To address this question we determined H 2 O, CO 2 , F, Cl and S concentrations in olivine-hosted melt inclusions of high-Mg volcanic rocks of the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province that bracket the main pulse of volcanism at about 252–250 Ma, and can be classified as melanephelinites and meimechites. Both rock types belong to the high-Ti rock series. Correcting measured H 2 O, CO 2 , F, Cl and S concentrations in homogenized primary meimechite melt inclusions to primary meimechite melt composition using experimental melt compositions resulted in corrected melt-inclusion, volatile compositions of ~3.88 wt% H 2 O, ~1477 ppm CO 2 , ~4214 ppm F, ~2.08 wt% Cl and ~2490 ppm S. These values are viewed as minimum estimates for the original volatile concentrations in the melt because of the high probability for degassing during melt crystallization and/or during experiment homogenization. Olivine-hosted homogenized melt inclusions from melanephelinites yielded lower corrected concentrations of ~1.06 wt% H 2 O, ~998 ppm CO 2 , ~3242 ppm F, ~607 ppm Cl and ~2131 ppm S. We also measured water concentrations in clinopyroxenes of melanephelinites by FTIR, obtaining values as high as 133 ppm H 2 O, which corresponds to 0.91 wt% in the melt, in general agreement with data obtained by SIMS on the olivine-hosted melt inclusions. Olivine grains from melanephelinites are characterized by evolved compositions (Fo 0.80–0.86). Extrapolation to a primitive melanephelinite melt by simple fractional crystallization suggests that it could also contain high H 2 O concentrations (up to ~ 3 wt%). Analyzed meimechite and melanephelinite whole-rock samples are characterized by trace-element patterns that are typical of mantle-derived melts and by Sr-Nd isotope ratios that exclude crustal contamination or derivation from ancient lithospheric mantle. Thus, high volatile concentrations can be attributed to sublithospheric mantle source regions. This supports the notion that high-Mg melts form by volatile fluxing of the asthenospheric mantle rather than by decompression melting under relatively dry conditions of a rising abnormally high-temperature mantle plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]