scholarly journals Estimating the number of cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia using geostatistical methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Emanuele Giorgi ◽  
David M. Pigott ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Geostatistical Methods ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In 2011, the World Health Organization recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Nonetheless, the number of people with podoconiosis and the geographical distribution of the disease is poorly understood. Based on a nationwide mapping survey and geostatistical modelling, we predict the prevalence of podoconiosis and estimate the number of cases across Ethiopia. Methods: We used nationwide data collected in Ethiopia between 2008 and 2013. Data were available for 141,238 individuals from 1,442 villages in 775 districts from all nine regional states and two city administrations. We developed a geostatistical model of podoconiosis prevalence among adults (individuals aged 15 years or above), by combining environmental factors. The number of people with podoconiosis was then estimated using a gridded map of adult population density for 2015. Results: Podoconiosis is endemic in 345 districts in Ethiopia: 144 in Oromia, 128 in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s [SNNP], 64 in Amhara, 4 in Benishangul Gumuz, 4 in Tigray and 1 in Somali Regional State. Nationally, our estimates suggest that 1,537,963 adults (95% confidence intervals, 290,923-4,577,031 adults) were living with podoconiosis in 2015. Three regions (SNNP, Oromia and Amhara) contributed 99% of the cases. The highest proportion of individuals with podoconiosis resided in the SNNP (39%), while 32% and 29% of people with podoconiosis resided in Oromia and Amhara Regional States, respectively. Tigray and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States bore lower burdens, and in the remaining regions, podoconiosis was almost non-existent.  Discussion: The estimates of podoconiosis cases presented here based upon the combination of currently available epidemiological data and a robust modelling approach clearly show that podoconiosis is highly endemic in Ethiopia. Given the presence of low cost prevention, and morbidity management and disability prevention services, it is our collective responsibility to scale-up interventions rapidly.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia using geostatistical methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Emanuele Giorgi ◽  
David M. Pigott ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Geostatistical Methods ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In 2011, the World Health Organization recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Nonetheless, the  magnitude of podoconiosis and the geographical distribution of the disease is poorly understood. Based on a nationwide mapping survey and geostatistical modelling, we predict the prevalence of podoconiosis and estimate the number of cases across Ethiopia. Methods: We used nationwide data collected in Ethiopia between 2008 and 2013. Data were available for 141,238 individuals from 1,442 communities in 775 districts from all nine regional states and two city administrations. We developed a geostatistical model of podoconiosis prevalence among adults (individuals aged 15 years or above), by combining environmental factors. The number of people with podoconiosis was then estimated using a gridded map of adult population density for 2015. Results: Podoconiosis is endemic in 345 districts in Ethiopia: 144 in Oromia, 128 in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s [SNNP], 64 in Amhara, 4 in Benishangul Gumuz, 4 in Tigray and 1 in Somali Regional State. Nationally, our estimates suggest that 1,537,963 adults (95% confidence intervals, 290,923-4,577,031 adults) were living with podoconiosis in 2015. Three regions (SNNP, Oromia and Amhara) contributed 99% of the cases. The highest proportion of individuals with podoconiosis resided in the SNNP (39%), while 32% and 29% of people with podoconiosis resided in Oromia and Amhara Regional States, respectively. Tigray and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States bore lower burdens, and in the remaining regions, podoconiosis was almost non-existent.  Conclusions: The estimates of podoconiosis cases presented here based upon the combination of currently available epidemiological data and a robust modelling approach clearly show that podoconiosis is highly endemic in Ethiopia. Given the presence of low cost prevention, and morbidity management and disability prevention services, it is our collective responsibility to scale-up interventions rapidly.

Heterocycles in the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kush K. Maheshwari ◽  
Debasish Bandyopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect a huge population of the world and majority of the victims belong to the poor community of the developing countries. Until now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 20 tropical diseases as NTDs that must be addressed with high priority. However, many heterocyclic scaffolds have demonstrated potent therapeutic activity against several NTDs. Objective: There are three major objectives: (1) To discuss the causes, symptoms, and current status of all the 20 NTDs; (2) To explore the available heterocyclic drugs, and their mechanism of actions (if known) that are being used to treat NTDs; (3) To develop general awareness on NTDs among the medicinal/health research community and beyond. Methods: The 20 NTDs have been discussed according to their alphabetic orders along with the possible heterocyclic remedies. Current status of treatment with an emphasis on the heterocyclic drugs (commercially available and investigational) has been outlined. In addition, brief discussion of the impacts of NTDs on socio-economic condition is included. Results: NTDs are often difficult to diagnose and the problem is worsened by the unhealthy hygiene, improper awareness, and inadequate healthcare in the developing countries where these diseases primarily affect poor people. The statistics include duration of suffering, numbers affected, and access to healthcare and medication. The mechanism of actions of various heterocyclic drugs, if reported, have been briefly summarized. Conclusion: Scientists and pharmaceutical corporations should allocate more resources to reveal the in-depth mechanism of actions of many heterocyclic drugs that are currently being used for the treatment of NTDs. Analysis of current heterocyclic compounds and development of new medications can help in the fight to reduce/remove the devastating effects of NTDs. An opinion-based concise review has been presented. Based on available literature, this is the first effect to present all the 20 NTDs and related heterocyclic compounds under the same umbrella.

Detoxifying Action of Aqueous Extracts of Mucuna pruriens Seed and Mimosa pudica Root Against Venoms of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew P. Ameh ◽  
Mamman Mohammed ◽  
Yusuf P. Ofemile ◽  
Magaji G. Mohammed ◽  
Ada Gabriel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phospholipase A2 ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Fibrinolytic Activity ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mucuna Pruriens ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Mimosa Pudica ◽  
Health Organization

Background: The World Health Organization included snakebite envenomation among Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2017. The importance of natural products from plants is enormous, given that most prescribed drugs originate from plants. Among this is Mucuna pruriens and Mimosa pudica, with many registered patents asserting their health benefits. Objective: This study investigated the in vitro neutralizing effects of Mucuna pruriens seed and Mimosa pudica root extracts on venoms of Naja nigricollis and Bitis arietans. Methods: In mice, the LD50 and phytochemical analysis of M. pruriens and M. pudica plant extracts were carried out prior to the evaluation of their haemolytic and fibrinolytic effect. Their effects on the activities of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were also assessed. Results: At a concentration of 50 mg/ml, both plant extracts were found to neutralize the fibrinolytic activity of N. nigricollis, but 400 mg/ml was required to neutralize the fibrinolytic activity of B. arietans. In haemolytic studies, 50 mg/ml concentration of M. pruriens extract suppressed haemolysis caused by N. nigricollis venom by 70% but at the same concentration, M. pudica extract reduced haemolysis by 49.4%. M. pruriens, at 50 mg/ml concentration, only inhibited phospholipase A2 activity by 7.7% but higher concentrations up to 400mg/ml had no effect against the venom of N. nigricollis; at 200 mg/ml. M. pudica extract inhibited PLA2 activity by 23%. Conclusion: The results suggest that M. pruriens and M. pudica may be considered as promising antivenom agents for people living in a snake-bite prone environment.

Triage Management, Survival, and the Law in the Age of Ebola

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick M Burkle ◽  
Christopher M Burkle
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
International Health ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
Budget Cuts ◽  
The Public ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractLiberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea lack the public health infrastructure, economic stability, and overall governance to stem the spread of Ebola. Even with robust outside assistance, the epidemiological data have not improved. Vital resource management is haphazard and left to the discretion of individual Ebola treatment units. Only recently has the International Health Regulations (IHR) and World Health Organization (WHO) declared Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, making this crisis their fifth ongoing level 3 emergency. In particular, the WHO has been severely compromised by post-2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) staffing, budget cuts, a weakened IHR treaty, and no unambiguous legal mandate. Population-based triage management under a central authority is indicated to control the transmission and ensure fair and decisive resource allocation across all triage categories. The shared responsibilities critical to global health solutions must be realized and the rightful attention, sustained resources, and properly placed legal authority be assured within the WHO, the IHR, and the vulnerable nations. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-6)

scholarly journals IoT and Deep Learning Based Approach for Rapid Screening and Face Mask Detection for Infection Spread Control of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3495
Author(s):  
Shabir Hussain ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Muhammad Ayoub ◽  
Akmal Khan ◽  
Rukhshanda Rehman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Screening System ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
The Face ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Vaccine Distribution

The spread of COVID-19 has been taken on pandemic magnitudes and has already spread over 200 countries in a few months. In this time of emergency of COVID-19, especially when there is still a need to follow the precautions and developed vaccines are not available to all the developing countries in the first phase of vaccine distribution, the virus is spreading rapidly through direct and indirect contacts. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the standard recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the importance of face masks for protection from the virus. The excessive use of manual disinfection systems has also become a source of infection. That is why this research aims to design and develop a low-cost, rapid, scalable, and effective virus spread control and screening system to minimize the chances and risk of spread of COVID-19. We proposed an IoT-based Smart Screening and Disinfection Walkthrough Gate (SSDWG) for all public places entrance. The SSDWG is designed to do rapid screening, including temperature measuring using a contact-free sensor and storing the record of the suspected individual for further control and monitoring. Our proposed IoT-based screening system also implemented real-time deep learning models for face mask detection and classification. This module classified individuals who wear the face mask properly, improperly, and without a face mask using VGG-16, MobileNetV2, Inception v3, ResNet-50, and CNN using a transfer learning approach. We achieved the highest accuracy of 99.81% while using VGG-16 and the second highest accuracy of 99.6% using MobileNetV2 in the mask detection and classification module. We also implemented classification to classify the types of face masks worn by the individuals, either N-95 or surgical masks. We also compared the results of our proposed system with state-of-the-art methods, and we highly suggested that our system could be used to prevent the spread of local transmission and reduce the chances of human carriers of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Risk Factors among adult Population in Bisha Province, Southwest of Saudi Arabia

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. Al-Shahrani ◽  
Mohammed A. Al-Saleem ◽  
Mohamed O’haj ◽  
Faleh Th. Mohammed ◽  
Mutasim E. Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Married Individuals ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes mellitus (DM) among the adult population in Bisha province, Saudi Arabia.METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted during December, 2015 using the World Health Organization STEPS wise approach for data collection. Blood glucose level and anthropometric measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference were performed per standard methods.  Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the prevalence and risk of diabetes.RESULTS: Of 542 adult individuals included in the study, 13.3% (72) had diabetes, of which 8.1% were previously diagnosed and 5.2% represented new cases. The proportions of DM were 14.7% for men and 10.8% for women. Diabetes was significantly higher among married compared to unmarried individuals (19.3% vs 5.5 %; p<0.001) and among individuals aged ≥40 years old compared to those <40 years (31.3% vs 9.3%; p<0.001). The risk of diabetes was significantly increased with older age (Odds Ratio=4.470; 95% CI 2.264-7.614), married individuals (OR=4.097; 95% CI 2.188-7.672), weight/obesity (OR=2.827; 95% CI 1.567-5.072), hypertension (OR=4.383; 95% CI 2.085-9.214) and having a job (OR=2.327; 95% CI 1.347-4.02). The independent risk factors predicted diabetes were hypertension (Adjusted OR=2.897; 95% CI 1.269-66.13) and job patterns (Adjusted OR=2.793; 95% CI 1.064-7.329).CONCLUSION: Different risk factors alarming diabetes among adult population in Bisha province were detected.  Strategies aimed to improving a healthy lifestyle are necessary to reduce the burden of the disease. 

scholarly journals The Incidence of Bleeding and the Factors That Influence Its Development among Patients Admitted With Dengue Fever

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Krishna Bahadur Thapa ◽  
Namrata KC ◽  
T Koirala ◽  
A Bhatttarai
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
World Health ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Dengue virus is now classified as a major global health threat by the World Health Organization. Bleeding is a common complication and is one of the most feared. There is an increase incidence in the adult population, hence, the focus of this study.Objectives: To determine the incidence of bleeding and the factors that influence its development among patients admitted with dengue fever at Fatima Medical Center, Phillipines from January 2009 to December 2011.Methods: This is a case control study using chart review. The incidence of bleeding is calculated using risk ratio. Factors affecting bleeding are determined using chi square for qualitative variables and T-test or ANOVA for quantitative variables. Simultaneous determination of factors association with bleeding will be analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Level of significance will be set at alpha = 0.05.Results: The female sex is significantly more prone to develop bleeding (p=0.044). There is no significant increase in bleeding in patients who have co-morbidities (p=0.447). In every one unit increase in WBC (1 x 109) the odds of bleeding decrease by 15%. For every one unit increase in hematocrit the odds of bleeding decreases by 6.8%. For every one unit increase in platelet count the odds of bleeding decreases by 3% that is every 10 unit increase in platelet count the odds of bleeding decrease by 22.9%.Conclusions: Female sex, a low initial WBC and platelet count will increase a patient’s propensity to develop bleeding.Journal of Gandaki Medical College Volume, 09, Number 2, July December  2016, page: 23-28

scholarly journals Small Molecule Therapeutics for the Initial and Adjunctive Treatment of Snakebite

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso C. Bulfone ◽  
Stephen P. Samuel ◽  
Philip L. Bickler ◽  
Matthew R. Lewin
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
World Health ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Secretory Phospholipase A2 ◽  
Priority List ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Small Molecule Therapeutics

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added snakebite envenoming to the priority list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). It is thought that ~75% of mortality following snakebite occurs outside the hospital setting, making the temporal gap between a bite and antivenom administration a major therapeutic challenge. Small molecule therapeutics (SMTs) have been proposed as potential pre-referral treatments for snakebite to help address this gap. Herein, we discuss the characteristics, potential uses and development of SMTs as potential treatments for snakebite envenomation. We focus on SMTs that are secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitors and metalloprotease (MP) inhibitors.

Development of a polystyrene latex-based reagent for rheumatoid factor detection

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-243
Author(s):  
Grisel Marrero ◽  
Lilian P. Delgado ◽  
Humberto Caroll ◽  
Neise Ortiz ◽  
Alexis Musacchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Factor ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Total Surface Area ◽  
Polystyrene Latex ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Sera ◽  
Reference Preparation ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Blood Fraction

Abstract A rapid, specific and sensible polystyrene latex-based reagent has been developed to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) in human sera. Detection of RF is one of the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. RF includes immunoglobulins IgG, IgM or IgA targeting human-IgG Fc region, found in sera of 70–90% of patients with RA. Spherical, clean polystyrene particles of 480±80 nm with a Z-potential of -28 mV were synthesized. Purified gamma-globulin human blood fraction, used as IgG source, was adsorbed on particles in glycine-buffered saline with a fivefold excess of the immunoglobulins needed to saturate the calculated total surface area of the particles. The reagent was calibrated against the World Health Organization international serum reference preparation and tested with commercial positive and negative RF controls. Reactivity of the developed diagnostic reagent with human sera, either positive or negative for RF, was evaluated. The sera were tested both intact and following complement inactivation. When complement-inactivated sera were used, our reagent showed 100% coincidence of results with a commercial diagnostic kit of specificity of 80% and sensibility of 93%. The in-house reagent developed in the present work is easy to prepare and at relatively low cost, making it ideal for RF detection in low-income settings.

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