AAS Open Research最新文献

{"title":"Synthesis of bismuth oxyhalide (BiOBr _zI _(1- _z)) solid solutions for photodegradation of methylene blue dye.","authors":"Robert O Gembo,&nbsp;Ochieng Aoyi,&nbsp;Stephen Majoni,&nbsp;Anita Etale,&nbsp;Sebusi Odisitse,&nbsp;Cecil K King'ondu","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13249.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13249.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The removal of textile wastes is a priority due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.  In this study, bismuth oxyhalide was used in the removal of methylene blue (MB) which is a textile waste. The main objective of this study was to develop and investigate the applicability of a bismuth oxyhalide (BiOBr _zI _(1-z)) solid solutions in the photodegradation of MB under solar and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. <b>Methods:</b> Bismuth oxyhalide <b>(</b>BiOBr _zI _(1-z)) (0 ≤ z ≤ 1) materials were successfully prepared through the hydrothermal method. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to determine the surface area, microstructure, crystal structure, and morphology of the resultant products. The photocatalytic performance of BiOBr _zI _(1-z) materials was examined through methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light and solar irradiation. <b>Results:</b> The XRD showed that BiOBr _zI _(1-z) materials crystallized into a tetragonal crystal structure with (102) peak slightly shifting to lower diffraction angle with an increase in the amount of iodide (I ^-). BiOBr _0.6I _0.4 materials showed a point of zero charge of 5.29 and presented the highest photocatalytic activity in the removal of MB with 99% and 88% efficiency under solar and UV irradiation, respectively. The kinetics studies of MB removal by BiOBr _zI _(1-z) materials showed that the degradation process followed nonlinear pseudo-first-order model indicating that the removal of MB depends on the population of the adsorption sites. Trapping experiments confirmed that photogenerated holes (h ⁺) and superoxide radicals ( ^•O ₂ ^-) are the key species responsible for the degradation of MB. <b>Conclusions</b> <b>:</b> This study shows that bismuth oxyhalide materials are very active in the degradation of methylene blue dye using sunlight and thus they have great potential in safeguarding public health and the environment from the dye's degradation standpoint. Moreover, the experimental results agree with nonlinear fitting.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8442118.2/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39924385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with research productivity in higher education institutions in Africa: a systematic review.","authors":"Dieudonne Uwizeye,&nbsp;Florah Karimi,&nbsp;Caroline Thiong'o,&nbsp;Jackline Syonguvi,&nbsp;Vollan Ochieng,&nbsp;Francis Kiroro,&nbsp;Alex Gateri,&nbsp;Anne M Khisa,&nbsp;Hesborn Wao","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13211.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.13211.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: There are low levels of research productivity among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Africa, a situation that is likely to compromise the development agenda of the continent if not addressed. We conducted a systematic literature review to synthesize evidence of the factors associated with research productivity in HEIs in Africa and the researchers' motives for research. <b>Methods</b>: We identified 838 publications related to research productivity in HEIs in Africa from various databases, from which we included 28 papers for review. The inclusion criteria were that (i) the paper's primary focus was on factors associated with research productivity, and motivations of doing research among faculty members in Africa; (ii) the setting was the HEIs in Africa; (iii) the type of publication was peer-reviewed papers and book chapters based on primary or secondary data analysis; and (iv) the language was English or French. Essays, opinions, blogs, editorials, reviews, and commentaries were excluded. <b>Results</b>: Most of the studies operationalized research productivity as either journal publications or conference proceedings. Both institutional and individual factors are associated with the level of research productivity in HEIs in Africa. Institutional factors include the availability of research funding, level of institutional networking, and the degree of research collaborations, while individual factors include personal motivation, academic qualifications, and research self-efficacy. <b>Conclusions:</b> Deliberate efforts in HEIs in Africa that addressed both individual and institutional barriers to research productivity are promising. This study recommends that the leadership of HEIs in Africa prioritizes the funding of research to enable researchers to contribute to the development agenda of the continent. Moreover, HEIs should build institutional support to research through the provision of research enabling environment, policies and incentives; strengthening of researchers' capabilities through relevant training courses, mentorship and coaching; and embracing networking and collaboration opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8311799.2/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39760582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Competency-based Training Needs Assessment for Research Managers and Administrators in Africa and the United Kingdom to Strengthen Equitable Partnerships.","authors":"Victoria Nembaware,&nbsp;Simon Glasser,&nbsp;Anne Priest,&nbsp;Ailsa Davies,&nbsp;Michelle Skelton,&nbsp;Paidamoyo Bodzo,&nbsp;Olivia Lelong,&nbsp;Alecia Naidu,&nbsp;Colleen Masimirembwa,&nbsp;Alice Mutambiranwa,&nbsp;Annette Hay,&nbsp;Ambroise Wonkam,&nbsp;Collet Dandara","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13272.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13272.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The need for competent research managers and administrators (RMAs) has increased due to the complexity in managing research projects between disparate and international partners. To facilitate the creation of robust training and professional development programmes it is essential to first understand the status quo. A collaborative project, Sustainable Management and Administration for Research: Training across the project Lifecycle (SMARTLife), made up of RMAs from South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom (UK) developed a set of competencies to conduct an RMA competency-based training needs assessment scoping tool. <b>Method:</b> Nine areas were identified: Equitable partnership; Finance Management; Project Management; Monitoring and Evaluation; Reporting and Communications; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Training and Capacity Development; Impact a& Sustainability; and Ethical, Social, Legal a& Social Implications.  Tasks for each competency area were identified to develop an scoping tool that had 168 data collection points. The tool was advertised through press releases, mailing lists and social media. <b>Results:</b>  108 responses were obtained:  with 49% from 15 Africa countries/the remainder from the UK. The UK (71%) had more permanent RMA staff members compared to Africa (39%). There were more respondents in Africa with the title of Research Manager/Coordinator(p=0.0132) compared to the UK where most of the RMAs were employed as Finance/Contract officers. 60% of respondents from the UK had more than three years experience while only 35% from Africa had experience. While most RMAs had formal higher education qualifications, their training was not in research management and administration, which requires a diverse range of skills. Confidence in specific tasks varied between the UK and Africa whereas collaborative partnerships challenges and enablers were similar. <b>Conclusion</b> This work highlights differences in RMA training and experience RMA  between Africa and UK, this work could inform much needed competency-based training for RMAs and partnership strategies that aid mutual-learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"5 ","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9648359/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9913376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A mapping of health education institutions and programs in the WHO African Region","authors":"A. Yarmoshuk, P. Abomo, N. Fitzgerald, D. Cole, Arnaud Fontanet, H. Adeola, Christina Zarowsky, J. Pulford","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13320.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13320.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Information on health education institutions is required for planning, implementing and monitoring human resources for health strategies.  Details on the number, type and distribution of medical and health science programs offered by African higher education institutions remains scattered.  Methods: We merged and updated datasets of health professional and post-graduate programs to develop a mapping of health education institutions covering the World Health Organization African Region as of 2021. Results: Nine hundred and nine (909) institutions were identified in the 47 countries.  Together they offered 1,157 health professional programs (235 medicine, 718 nursing, 77 public health and 146 pharmacy) and 1,674 post-graduate programs (42 certificates, 1,152 Master’s and 480 PhDs). Regionally, East Africa had the most countries with multiple academic health science centres - institutions offering medical degrees and at least one other health professional program.  Among countries, South Africa had the most institutions and post-graduate programs with 182 and 596, respectfully.  A further five countries had between 53-105 institutions, 12 countries had between 10 and 37 institutions, and 28 countries had between one and eight institutions. One country had no institution. Countries with the largest populations and gross domestic products had significantly more health education institutions and produced more scientific research (ANOVA testing). Discussion: We envision an online database being made available in a visually attractive, user-friendly, open access format that nationally, registered institutions can add to and update.  This would serve the needs of trainees, administrators, planners and researchers alike and support the World Health Organization’s Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44800936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gene expression changes in mammalian hosts during schistosomiasis: a review","authors":"J. Namulondo, J. Mulindwa, O. Nyangiri, Moses Egesa, H. Noyes, E. Matovu","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13312.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13312.1","url":null,"abstract":"Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people worldwide with an estimated mortality of more than 200,000 deaths per year in sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to control schistosomiasis in the affected areas have mainly relied on mass administration of praziquantel, which kills adult but not immature worms of all Schistosoma species. Mammalian hosts respond differently to Schistosoma infection with some being more susceptible than others, which is associated with risk factors such as sociodemographic, epidemiological, immunological and/or genetic. Host genetic factors play a major role in influencing molecular processes in response to schistosomiasis as shown in gene expression studies. These studies highlight gene profiles expressed at different time points of infection using model animals. Immune function related genes; cytokines (Th1 and Th17) are upregulated earlier in infection and Th2 upregulated later indicating a mixed Th1/Th2 response. However, Th1 response has been shown to be sustained in S. japonicum infection. Immune mediators such as matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (Timps) are expressed later in the infection and these are linked to wound healing and fibrosis. Downregulation of metabolic associated genes is recorded in later stages of infection. Most mammalian host gene expression studies have been done using rodent models, with fewer in larger hosts such as bovines and humans. The majority of these studies have focused on S. japonicum infections and less on S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections (the two species that cause most global infections). The few human schistosomiasis gene expression studies so far have focused on S. japonicum and S. haematobium infections and none on S. mansoni, as far as we are aware. This highlights a paucity of gene expression data in humans, specifically with S. mansoni infection. This data is important to understand the disease pathology, identify biomarkers, diagnostics and possible drug targets.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49581066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between sexual orientation, financial security and relationships with family and peers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria","authors":"M. Foláyan, O. Ibigbami, Nourhan M. Aly, R. A. A. Zuñiga, G. Abeldaño, Eshrat Ara, Passent Ellakany, I. Idigbe, A. Ishabiyi, M. Jafer, Abeedah Tu-Allah Khan, Zumama Khalid, F. Lawal, J. Lusher, N. Nzimande, B. Popoola, Mir Furruq Ali Quadri, Mark Y. Roque, J. Okeibunor, B. Brown, A. Nguyen","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13296.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13296.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: This study aimed to determine whether factors associated with financial insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with worsening relationships with family, peers and friends of sexual minorities living in Nigeria. Methods: Data were collected using an online survey conducted from 29th June to 31st December 2020. The outcome variable was the quality of relationship with family, friends and peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The explanatory variables were the sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual), COVID-19 status, and financial security (job loss or reduced/lost wages because of the COVID-19 pandemic). Multilevel logistic regression analysis models with robust estimation were built and used to assess the association between the outcome and explanatory variables. The models were adjusted for sociodemographic profile (age, sex at birth, education status). Results: Being a sexual minority was associated with higher odds of worsened relationship with family (AOR: 1.49) and friends and peers (AOR: 2.38) during the pandemic. Having COVID-19 symptoms but not getting tested was significantly associated with higher odds of reporting worsening of the relationship with family (AOR: 1.69) and history of job loss (AOR: 1.68), while having formal education (p<0.05) was significantly associated with lower odds of reporting worsening of the relationship with family. The factors significantly associated with higher odds of reporting worsened relationship with friends and peers were testing positive for COVID-19 (AOR: 1.60), reduced wages (AOR: 1.24), and being older (AOR: 1.01). Attaining a college/university education was significantly associated with lower odds of worsened relationship with friends and peers (AOR: 0.31). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic may increase the risk of negative disruptions in the relationships with family, friends and peers, especially for sexual minorities. National COVID-19 response programs should include plans to support those who face social disruption in managing the crisis.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47634103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risky sexual behaviours among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya, Tanzania: implications for STIs and HIV preventive programs.","authors":"Ruby Doryn Mcharo, Willyhelmina Olomi, Philippe Mayaud, Sia E Msuya","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13123.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.13123.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background High-risk sexual behaviors(HRSBs) among young adults are key risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), HIV and unplanned pregnancies. WHO has identified the 15-24years age-group as high-risk for STIs. Students at Higher Learning Institutions(HLIs) may be at higher risk because they are <i>free</i> of immediate parental-supervision, are a transient migratory population, probably at peak-years of sexual activity.  In Tanzania, information is limited on sexual and preventive behaviours among young adults in HLIs. We describe risky sexual behaviours and preventive practices among young adults attending HLIs in Mbeya-Tanzania. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from March2019 to January2020 among randomly selected students aged 18-24years enrolled in HLIs within Mbeya.  Probability proportional to size was used to determine total student number from each HLI. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on sexual health education, activity, behaviour and STI knowledge. Results Total of 504students were enrolled with mean age of 21.5(SD 1.74)years. Total of 446(88.5%) students reported ever having had sex. Mean-age at first sex was 18.4years and 9.9% reported sexual debut <15years. A higher proportion of male students(57%) reported sexual debut with non-steady partners than females(37.9%). Lack of condom use at sexual debut was reported by 52% of the participants. Consistent condom use during past 4-weeks was reported at 33% and 16.5% among males and females, respectively. About 1 in 10 students reported forced sex by someone they were dating. Sex under the influence of alcohol was reported by 24% of the students.  Nearly 8 in 10 (78.7%) students have heard of STIs, but only 16% were aware STIs can be asymptomatic.  Conclusion STI prevention programs need to recognize young adults in HLIs as at-risk population; and advocate targeted messages to minimize risk to acquiring STIs, counseling and support for those experiencing sexual violence, promote condom use and safer-sex negotiation skills.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"3 ","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10080207/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9565450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization of extraction conditions for polyphenols from the stem bark of <i>Funtumia elastica</i> (Funtum) utilizing response surface methodology.","authors":"Theophilus Fadjare Frempong,&nbsp;Nathaniel Owusu Boadi,&nbsp;Mercy Badu","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13284.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13284.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The recovery of phenolic compounds is seen as an arduous task because phenolic compounds are available as free aglycones, as sugar or ester conjugates, or as polymers with several monomeric components. This study looks at the optimization of factors that affect the efficiency for the extraction of phenolic compounds from the stem-bark of Funtumia elastica.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Five independent variables (solvent concentration, time, the temperature, solid-liquid ratio, and pH) of the extraction process were selected. Single factor analysis as well as the response surface method was used to evaluate the impact of the selected factors on the total phenolic content. The effect of the extraction factors on the phenolic content was tested for its statistical significant (p <0.05). For the response surface method, a five/factor, five/level central composite design was used, and a fitted second-order polynomial regression model equation was used to show how the extraction parameters affected the total phenolic recovery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The predicted value (R² of 0.5917) agreed with the adjusted value (R² of 0.7707). The residuals for response predictions were less than 5%. The optimal factors for the extraction were ethanol concentration of 75.99% v/v, extraction time of 193.86 minutes, temperature of 63.66°C, pH of 5.62, and solid-liquid ratio of 1:21.12 g/mL. Actual overall content of the phenolic compounds was validated at 82.83 ± 3.335 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) /g weight of extract, which agreed with the predicted response of 89.467 mg GAE/g of the dried extract under the optimal factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The rich phenolic content of stem-bark of Funtumia elastica points to its potential as a functional medicinal product to alleviate diseases caused by oxidative stress such as asthma, breathing disorders, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. The results obtained indicate that, the studied optimal conditions support effective phenolics extraction of Funtumia elastica.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8479850.2/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39637976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A phenomenological study on experiences of cancer stigma amongst selected people living with cancer in rural and urban Zimbabwe.","authors":"Enock Mandizadza,&nbsp;Stanzia Moyo","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13282.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13282.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Cancer is a highly stigmatized illness associated with profound adverse impact on communities, families and diagnosed individuals. Notwithstanding extensive theorizing since Erving Goffman's classical contributions, health stigma is well explicated in context-specific and situated analysis. The current study explored the manifestations of self and enacted stigma among 20 selected people diagnosed with cancer from rural and urban Zimbabwe, who sought quaternary level of health care services in the capital, Harare. <b>Methods:</b> Phenomenological methodology was enlisted to capture intimate expressions of stigma as expressed about, and by people diagnosed with cancer. Data collection methods used includes semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A semi-structured in-depth interview guide, focus group discussion guide and a key informant interview guide were the tools used to collect the data. <b>Results:</b> The study identified five themes of stigma, indicating pronounced, complex and multiple catalogues of stigma embedded in the existing socio-cultural milieu. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study stands to offer invaluable conceptual schemas and empirical insights on health-related stigma, and may aid in nursing and in the design of educational programs meant to combat health stigma.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8649965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39747497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low COVID-19 impact in Africa: The multifactorial Nexus","authors":"Aniefiok Udoakang, M. Oboh, Agatha Henry-Ajala, C. Anyigba, S. Omoleke, A. Amambua-Ngwa, L. Paemka, G. Awandare, P. Quashie","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13261.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13261.1","url":null,"abstract":"Africa has defied predictions of being the worst hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which has devastated Europe, the Americas, and some Asian countries. However, with a current second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic across other continents, pertinent​ questions have arisen regarding the lower disease severity and seemingly better outcomes in most African countries. Several factors have been proposed as discussed in this review including, underreporting, quick lockdown measures, effective public health intervention, younger population structure, cross-immunity and experience from fighting previous epidemics, such as the Ebola virus outbreak, previous infections or vaccinations, genetic predisposition, and tropical climate. We have discussed the implications of these factors on the magnitude of the outbreak and the better-than-expected outcomes observed in Africa. In addition, other potential factors like vitamin-D deficiency and chronic non-communicable diseases could predispose non-African regions to severe COVID-19 outcome. Therefore, this review further advocates for research to understand the precise mechanisms responsible for the pandemic’s relatively mild impact in Africa and proposed recommendations to prevent an infection surge.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49520796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}