Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine chemoprevention and malaria incidence after severe flooding: evaluation of a pragmatic intervention in rural Uganda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross M Boyce ◽  
Brandon D Hollingsworth ◽  
Emma Baguma ◽  
Erin Xu ◽  
Varun Goel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test Result ◽  
Western Uganda ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Severe Flooding

Abstract Background Malaria epidemics are a well-described phenomenon after extreme precipitation and flooding, which account for nearly half of global disasters over the past two decades. Yet few studies have examined mitigation measures to prevent post-flood malaria epidemics. Methods We conducted an evaluation of a malaria chemoprevention program implemented in response to severe flooding in western Uganda. Children ≤12 years of age from one village were eligible to receive 3 monthly rounds of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). Two neighboring villages served as controls. Malaria cases were defined as individuals with a positive rapid diagnostic test result as recorded in health center registers. We performed a difference-in-differences analysis to estimate changes in the incidence and test positivity of malaria between intervention and control villages. Results A total of 554 children received at least one round of chemoprevention with 75% participating in at least two rounds. Compared to control villages, we estimated a 53.4% reduction (aRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.34 – 0.62, p<.01) in malaria incidence and a 30% decrease in the test positivity rate (aRR=0.70, CI 0.50 - 0.97, p=0.03) in the intervention village in the six months post-intervention. The impact was greatest among children receiving the intervention, but decreased incidence was also observed in older children and adults (aRR=0.57, CI 0.38-0.84, p<.01). Conclusions Three rounds of chemoprevention with DP delivered under pragmatic conditions reduced the incidence of malaria after severe flooding in western Uganda. These findings provide a proof-of-concept for the use of malaria chemoprevention to reduce excess disease burden associated with severe flooding.

scholarly journals Metagenomic Analysis of the Fecal Archaeome in Suckling Piglets Following Perinatal Tulathromycin Metaphylaxis

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1825
Author(s):  
Mohamed Zeineldin ◽  
Ameer Megahed ◽  
Benjamin Blair ◽  
Brian Aldridge ◽  
James Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Metagenomic Sequencing ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Gastrointestinal Microbiome ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Suckling Piglets ◽  
And Function ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The gastrointestinal microbiome plays an important role in swine health and wellbeing, but the gut archaeome structure and function in swine remain largely unexplored. To date, no metagenomics-based analysis has been done to assess the impact of an early life antimicrobials intervention on the gut archaeome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perinatal tulathromycin (TUL) administration on the fecal archaeome composition and diversity in suckling piglets using metagenomic sequencing analysis. Sixteen litters were administered one of two treatments (TUL; 2.5 mg/kg IM and control (CONT); saline 1cc IM) soon after birth. Deep fecal swabs were collected from all piglets on days 0 (prior to treatment), 5, and 20 post intervention. Each piglet’s fecal archaeome was composed of rich and diverse communities that showed significant changes over time during the suckling period. At the phylum level, 98.24% of the fecal archaeome across all samples belonged to Euryarchaeota. At the genus level, the predominant archaeal genera across all samples were Methanobrevibacter (43.31%), Methanosarcina (10.84%), Methanococcus (6.51%), and Methanocorpusculum (6.01%). The composition and diversity of the fecal archaeome between the TUL and CONT groups at the same time points were statistically insignificant. Our findings indicate that perinatal TUL metaphylaxis seems to have a minimal effect on the gut archaeome composition and diversity in sucking piglets. This study improves our current understanding of the fecal archaeome structure in sucking piglets and provides a rationale for future studies to decipher its role in and impact on host robustness during this critical phase of production.

Evaluating the Elklan Talking Matters Programme: Exploring the impact of a training programme for early years professionals on pre-school children’s language development

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-125
Author(s):  
Judy Clegg ◽  
Carla Rohde ◽  
Henrietta McLachlan ◽  
Liz Elks ◽  
Alex Hall
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Tentative Evidence ◽  
Effectiveness Of Training ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Training early years practitioners to facilitate the language development of young children is a widely used intervention. Evidence to support the effectiveness of training in terms of the impact of children’s language development is limited. The Elklan Talking Matters programme is an accredited training programme for early years practitioners. Practitioners train to be Lead Communication Practitioners (LCPs) who cascade training across early years settings or Key Communication Practitioners (KCPs) who are embedded into these settings. The aim of this study was to identify if the Talking Matters Programme is effective in facilitating the language development of pre-school children. One hundred and twenty-six children from 13 early years settings were recruited (mean age 27.81 months; SD 4.90). Thirteen settings participated in the Talking Matters Programme (five LCP+KCP settings, four LCP settings and four control settings). At time 1, prior to practitioners participating in the programme, children completed the Pre-School Language Scales 5th Edition (PLS-5), a standardized assessment of receptive and expressive language. At time 1, 126 children completed the baseline assessment ( n = 43 in the LCP+KCP settings, n = 43 in the LCP settings and n = 40 in the control settings). Children then completed the post intervention (time 2) assessment approximately six months later. Children in the intervention groups (LCP+KCP settings and LCP settings) made more progress in their language development from time 1 to time 2 compared to the control. The children in the LCP+KCP settings made more gains than the children in the LCP settings. A significant main effect of groups and time was found but not an interaction of group scores with time, meaning the increases in scores were not statistically significant between the intervention and control groups. The study provides tentative evidence that the Talking Matters programme has a positive impact on pre-school children’s language development.

scholarly journals Lutzomyia longipalpis behavior and control at an urban visceral leishmaniasis focus in Argentina

2010 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Soledad Santini ◽  
Oscar Daniel Salomón ◽  
Soraya Alejandra Acardi ◽  
Enrique Adolfo Sandoval ◽  
Lilian Tartaglino
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Lutzomyia Longipalpis ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Local Officials ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

During the earlier stages of visceral leishmaniasis transmission in Posadas City, Misiones, both the night activity and attraction to humans of Lutzomyia longipalpis were assessed, in order to provide preliminary recommendations. The impact of peridomestic deltamethrin spraying performed by local officials was also evaluated. Although Lu. longipalpis were found in traps located over a dog the entire night, 90% of the females were captured from 20.30h to 1.30h, and only landed on a human when he was at a distance of 1.5 m from the dog. Peridomestic spraying of deltamethrin (25 mg/m²) reduced the sand fly capture up to seven days post-intervention without dispersion in the border of the sprayed areas. These results support the recommendations about time-space focus of the protection measures: first half of the night, in the backyard, with pets and domestic animals kept at least 5 m from humans. The deltamethrin as it was used did not seem very effective in this scenario; neither did the eventual use of bed nets, at least in adults, due to the place/hour of sand fly higher activity. This study strengthens the need for a multidisciplinary approach to develop prevention strategies based both on biological and anthropological studies.

Grey relational evaluation of impact and control of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tawiah Kwatekwei Quartey-Papafio ◽  
Sifeng Liu ◽  
Sara Javed
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Independent States ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Control ◽  
Grey Relational ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The rise in malaria deaths discloses a decline of global malaria eradication that shows that control measures and fund distribution have missed its right of way. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study and evaluate the impact and control of malaria on the independent states of the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region over the time period of 2010–2017 using Deng’s Grey incidence analysis, absolute degree GIA and second synthetic degree GIA model. Design/methodology/approach The purposive data sampling is a secondary data from World Developmental Indicators indicating the incidence of new malaria cases (per 1,000 population at risk) for 45 independent states in SSA. GIA models were applied on array sequences into a single relational grade for ranking to be obtained and analyzed to evaluate trend over a predicted period. Findings Grey relational analysis classifies West Africa as the highly infectious region of malaria incidence having Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Liberia and Gambia suffering severely. Also, results indicate Southern Africa to be the least of all affected in the African belt that includes Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique. But, predictions revealed that the infection rate is expected to fall in West Africa, whereas the least vulnerable countries will experience a rise in malaria incidence through to the next ten years. Therefore, this study draws the attention of all stakeholders and interest groups to adopt effective policies to fight malaria. Originality/value The study is a pioneer to unravel the most vulnerable countries in the SSA region as far as the incidence of new malaria cases is a concern through the use of second synthetic GIA model. The outcome of the study is substantial to direct research funds to control and eliminate malaria.

Application of Interrupted Time Series Modelling to Prime Motor Spirit Distribution in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Ette Harrison Etuk ◽  
Imo Udo Moffat ◽  
Azubuike Samuel Agbam
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Intervention Model ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Abrupt Jump ◽  
Time Series Modelling ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Time Plot

An inspection of the time-plot of monthly Prime Motor Spirit (PMS) distribution in Nigeria from 2009 to 2015 reveals an abrupt jump in January 2013 with the series continuing at that level till 2015. Clearly the trend of the series was interrupted in January 2013 and it is believed that this perturbation was due to the deregulation of the downstream sector of the crude oil industry.  A t-test comparison of the pre- and the post-intervention means is highly significant (p < 0.0001) indicating the impact of the intervention. A model of the ARIMA family was to be fitted to the pre-intervention data which were observed to have a downward trend and be non-stationary. Differencing once rendered it stationary. An adequate ARIMA(2,1,0) model was fitted to the original pre-intervention series. Post-intervention forecasts were obtained on the basis of this model. These forecasts were subtracted from their respective post-intervention counterpart observations. These differences were modelled to obtain the transfer function of the intervention. The resultant intervention model closely fits the post-intervention data and may be used to explain and control the situation.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on Mosquito-Borne Diseases in 2020 in Queensland, Australia

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1150
Author(s):  
Cassie C. Jansen ◽  
Jonathan M. Darbro ◽  
Frances A. Birrell ◽  
Martin A. Shivas ◽  
Andrew F. van den Hurk
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Precipitous Decline ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

We describe the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on mosquito-borne diseases in Queensland, Australia, during the first half of 2020. Implementation of restrictions coincided with an atypical late season outbreak of Ross River virus (RRV) characterized by a peak in notifications in April (1173) and May (955) which were greater than 3-fold the mean observed for the previous four years. We propose that limitations on human movement likely resulted in the majority of RRV infections being acquired at or near the place of residence, and that an increase in outdoor activities, such as gardening and bushwalking in the local household vicinity, increased risk of exposure to RRV-infected mosquitoes. In contrast, the precipitous decline in international passenger flights led to a reduction in the number of imported dengue and malaria cases of over 70% and 60%, respectively, compared with the previous five years. This substantial reduction in flights also reduced a risk pathway for importation of exotic mosquitoes, but the risk posed by importation via sea cargo was not affected. Overall, the emergence of COVID-19 has had a varied impact on mosquito-borne disease epidemiology in Queensland, but the need for mosquito surveillance and control, together with encouragement of personal protective measures, remains unchanged.

scholarly journals AN IMPACT OF LAND AEROBICS AND WATER EXERCISE ON CARDIO VASCULAR ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE AMONG COLLEGE MEN STUDENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 53-55
Author(s):  
Dr. V. A. Manickam
Keyword(s):  
College Men ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Men Students ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Water Exercise ◽  
Cardiovascular Endurance ◽  
Cardio Vascular ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of the study was to find out the Impact of Land Aerobics and Water Exercise on Cardio Respiratory Endurance Performance among college men Students. To attain the purpose Sixty (N=60) College men students were selected. The subjects were selected equally into three groups of 20 each namely; land aerobics group, water aerobics group and control group. Cardiovascular endurance was selected as dependent variable for this study and it was assessed by Cooper’s 12 minutes run/walk test. The training was resisted to 12 weeks and the number of sessions was limited to 3 days per week. The data for pre and post intervention was taken. Independent ‘t’ test showed significant differences (0.05 Level) in Cardiovascular endurance among the groups. Land Aerobics are superior than Water Aerobics in Cardiovascular endurance. The present study demonstrated that differences in Cardiovascular endurance among Land and Water Aerobic and Control group. Land Aerobic Exercise may have potential role of increasing Cardiovascular endurance. KEYWORDS: Land Aerobics, water Aerobics Cardiovascular endurance.

A Pilot Classroom-Based Study of Attention and Working Memory Strategies for Primary-Aged Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Colmar ◽  
Nash Davis ◽  
Linda Sheldon
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Memory Strategies ◽  
Applied Study ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Ongoing Development ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

An exploratory applied study, using a set of attention and working memory strategies specifically developed for students and named Memory Mates, was completed with normally developing students attending a primary school. Students in one classroom received the intervention, while the other classroom functioned as a control group. The study was experimental, with quantitative measures. Additional qualitative data was collected to facilitate the ongoing development of Memory Mates. A working memory instrument was used to rank students initially, and as a post-intervention measure for children with low working memory, with some gains in working memory observed in the experimental classroom students. Data were collected on academic achievement in reading, spelling, and maths. Post-intervention data analysis of the impact of the Memory Mates intervention showed no differences between the experimental and control groups for standardised academic measures. Several reasons are postulated for the lack of significant quantifiable change, chiefly the short period of intervention.

scholarly journals The impact of long-term azithromycin on antibiotic resistance in HIV-associated chronic lung disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 00491-2021
Author(s):  
Regina E. Abotsi ◽  
Mark P. Nicol ◽  
Grace McHugh ◽  
Victoria Simms ◽  
Andrea M. Rehman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The Impact ◽  
To Receive

Selection for resistance to azithromycin (AZM) and other antibiotics such as tetracyclines and lincosamides remains a concern with long-term AZM use for treatment of chronic lung diseases (CLD). We investigated the impact of 48 weeks of AZM on the carriage and antibiotic resistance of common respiratory bacteria among children with HIV-associated CLD.Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and sputa were collected at baseline, 48 and 72 weeks from participants with HIV-associated CLD randomised to receive weekly AZM or placebo for 48 weeks and followed post-intervention until 72 weeks. The primary outcomes were prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Haemophilus influenzae (HI), and Moraxella catarrhalis (MC) at these timepoints. Mixed-effects logistic regression and Fisher's exact test were used to compare carriage and resistance respectively.Of 347 (174 AZM, 173 placebo) participants (median age 15 years [IQR=13–18], females 49%),NP carriage was significantly lower in the AZM (n=159) compared to placebo (n=153) arm for SP (18% versus 41%, p<0.001), HI (7% versus 16%, p=0.01), and MC (4% versus 11%, p=0.02); SP resistance to AZM (62% [18/29] versus 13%[8/63], p<0.0001) or tetracycline (60%[18/29] versus 21%[13/63], p<0.0001) were higher in the AZM arm. Carriage of SA resistant to AZM (91% [31/34] versus 3% [1/31], p<0.0001), tetracycline (35% [12/34] versus 13% [4/31], p=0.05) and clindamycin (79% [27/34] versus 3% [1/31], p<0.0001) was also significantly higher in the AZM arm and persisted at 72 weeks. Similar findings were observed for sputa.The persistence of antibiotic resistance and its clinical relevance for future infectious episodes requiring treatment needs further investigation.

scholarly journals Lifting mobility restrictions and the induced short-term dynamics of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Santana-Cibrian ◽  
Manuel A. Acuna-Zegarra ◽  
Jorge X. Velasco-Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Epidemic Curve ◽  
Effective Contact ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

SARS-CoV-2 has now infected 15 million people and produced more than six hundred thousand deaths around the world. Due to high transmission levels, many governments implemented social-distancing measures and confinement with different levels of required compliance to mitigate the COVID-19 epidemic. In several countries, these measures were effective, and it was possible to flatten the epidemic curve and control it. In others, this objective was not or has not been achieved. In far to many cities around the world rebounds of the epidemic are occurring or, in others, plateau-like states have appeared where high incidence rates remain constant for relatively long periods of time. Nonetheless, faced with the challenge of urgent social need to reactivate their economies, many countries have decided to lift mitigation measures at times of high incidence. In this paper, we use a mathematical model to characterize the impact of short duration transmission events within the confinement period previous but close to the epidemic peak. The model describes too, the possible consequences on the disease dynamics after mitigation measures are lifted. We use Mexico City as a case study. The results show that events of high mobility may produce either a later higher peak, a long plateau with relatively constant but high incidence or the same peak as in the original baseline epidemic curve, but with a post-peak interval of slower decay. Finally, we also show the importance of carefully timing the lifting of mitigation measures. If this occurs during a period of high incidence, then the disease transmission will rapidly increase, unless the effective contact rate keeps decreasing, which will be very difficult to achieve once the population is released.

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