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Frontiers in Public Health 2024Baseline mapping showed that schistosomiasis was highly/moderately endemic in nine districts in Sierra Leone. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel started in...
BACKGROUND
Baseline mapping showed that schistosomiasis was highly/moderately endemic in nine districts in Sierra Leone. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel started in 2009, and after multiple rounds of treatment, an impact assessment was conducted in 2016 followed by a second re-assessment in 2022 using cluster sampling to provide more granular data for refining chiefdom (sub-district) treatment strategies.
METHODS
On average, 20 rural villages were systematically selected per district by probability proportional to population size across the nine districts. Surveys were conducted in schools, and 24 school children aged between 5 and 14 years were randomly selected, with an equal number of boys and girls. One stool sample and one urine sample were collected per child. Two Kato-Katz slides were examined per stool for infection. Hemastix strips were used as a proxy for infection with urine filtration used for egg counts on hematuria-positive samples.
RESULTS
In total, 4,736 stool samples and 4,618 urine samples were examined across 200 schools in 125 chiefdoms. Overall, the prevalence of was 16.3% (95% CI: 15.3-17.4%), while the overall prevalence of was 2.0% (95% CI: 1.6-2.4%) by hematuria. The prevalence of heavy infections for and was 1.5% (95% CI: 1.1-1.9%) and 0.02% (95% CI: 0.0-0.14%), respectively. Among 125 chiefdoms surveyed, the overall schistosomiasis prevalence was <10% in 65 chiefdoms, 10-49.9% in 47 chiefdoms, and ≥ 50% in 13 chiefdoms. There was a mixed relationship between schistosomiasis in school children and WASH access in schools.
CONCLUSION
Sierra Leone has made significant progress in reducing schistosomiasis prevalence across the country after a decade of MDA intervention. However, high prevalence remains in some hotspot chiefdoms. The next steps are for the national program to investigate and address any potential issues such as low coverage or poor knowledge of schistosomiasis risk behaviors and, where appropriate, consider broadening to community-wide treatment in hotspot chiefdoms or communities.
Topics: Humans; Sierra Leone; Child; Female; Male; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Praziquantel; Feces; Animals; Mass Drug Administration; Prevalence; Anthelmintics; Schistosomiasis; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Rural Population; Endemic Diseases; Cluster Analysis; Schistosoma haematobium
PubMed: 38932788
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1415486 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024The end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization on May 5, 2023. Several vaccines were developed, and new...
The impact of comorbidity status in COVID-19 vaccines effectiveness before and after SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant in northeastern Mexico: a retrospective multi-hospital study.
INTRODUCTION
The end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization on May 5, 2023. Several vaccines were developed, and new data is being published about their effectiveness. However, the clinical trials for the vaccines were performed before the Omicron variant appeared and there are population groups where vaccine effectiveness still needs to be tested. The overarching goal of the present study was to analyze the effects of COVID-19 vaccination before and after the Omicron variant in patients considering comorbidities in a population from Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
METHODS
Epidemiological COVID-19 data from the Mexican Social Security Institute were collected from 67 hospitals located in northeastern Mexico, from July 2020 to May 2023, and a total of 669,393 cases were compiled, 255,819 reported a SARS-CoV-2 positive reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test or a positive COVID-19 antigen rapid test.
RESULTS
Before Omicron (BO, 2020-2021), after 14 days of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 vaccines were effective against infection in non-comorbid and all comorbid subgroups, whereas after Omicron (AO, 2022- 2023) there was no significant effectiveness against infection with none of the vaccines. Regarding hospitalization BO, BNT162b2, ChAdOx1, CoronaVac and mRNA-1273 significantly protected non-comorbid patients whereas BNT162b2, ChAdOx1, and mRNA-1273, protected all comorbid subgroups against hospitalization. AO, BNT162b2, ChAdOx1, CoronaVac and mRNA-1273 were effective against hospitalization in non-comorbid patients whereas for most comorbid subgroups BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 and CoronaVac were effective against hospitalization. Non-comorbid patients were protected against death as an outcome of COVID-19 during the BO period with most vaccines whereas a reduction in effectiveness was observed AO with mRNA-1273 vaccines in patients with hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
DISCUSSION
BO, COVID-19 vaccines were effective against infection, hospitalization, and death whereas AO, COVID-19 vaccines failed to protect the population from COVID-19 infection. A varying effectiveness against hospitalization and death is observed AO.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Mexico; COVID-19 Vaccines; Comorbidity; Middle Aged; Female; Male; Vaccine Efficacy; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Adult; Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult
PubMed: 38932780
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1402527 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Injecting methamphetamine poses significant health risks, but little is known about how methamphetamine injectors filter their injection preparations and experience...
INTRODUCTION
Injecting methamphetamine poses significant health risks, but little is known about how methamphetamine injectors filter their injection preparations and experience related health concerns.
METHODS
A chain-referral sample of Indigenous people who inject methamphetamine ( = 30) was recruited and semistructured interviews were conducted to collect information on filtration practices and health concerns.
RESULTS
Filtration of the injection preparation was described by 53% of injectors. Elevated levels of concern for kidney disease, cancer and heart disease were observed among those who filtered their preparations (ranging from 50 to 56.3%). Concern about liver disease was the most frequent concern among those who filtered their preparations (62.5%) and was elevated in comparison to those who did not use filters (7.1%). Grouped logistic regression revealed a positive association between filtration of the injection preparation and overall health concerns expressed by injectors, after adjusting for gender and age. The marginal posterior distribution of the adjusted odds ratio for filtration of the injection preparation had a posterior median = 35.7, and 95% HPD interval = (5.1, 512.4).
DISCUSSION
Results illustrate a positive relationship between filtration of the injection preparation and health concerns among Indigenous people who inject methamphetamine. This likely reflects the use of filtration to reduce harms, and further research is needed to understand the full scope of prevention that may be associated with filtration of methamphetamine injection preparations.
Topics: Humans; Methamphetamine; Male; Female; Adult; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Filtration; Middle Aged; Indigenous Peoples; Young Adult; Interviews as Topic
PubMed: 38932776
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390210 -
Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi... Jun 2024A major worldwide health problem, Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with a number of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric cancer and peptic... (Review)
Review
A major worldwide health problem, Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with a number of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric cancer and peptic ulcers. The shortcomings of traditional treatment plans often include adverse effects, low patient compliance, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Investigating different delivery methods is thus necessary to improve the effectiveness of treatment. Mucoadhesive microspheres show promise as a method for delivering anti H. pylori drugs in a targeted and sustained manner. With their ability to stick to the stomach mucosa, these microspheres increase the local concentration of the medication and guarantee a more thorough removal of the pathogen. The potential of Mucoadhesive microspheres in the management of H. pylori infection is examined in this review. We explore the properties and benefits of Mucoadhesive polymers, the production techniques for microspheres, and the variables affecting their functionality. To provide a thorough grasp of this delivery system, a variety of drug-loading strategies, release mechanisms, and in vitro and in vivo assessment methodologies are covered. The potential of Mucoadhesive microspheres to overcome the drawbacks of traditional therapy is shown by highlighting recent developments in their formulation and their therapeutic consequences. Mucoadhesive microspheres constitute an important advancement in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori because they guarantee a regulated release of antibiotics and improve medication absorption at the site of infection. In order to fully appreciate the advantages of this novel delivery method, further study is necessary. Future research paths and the difficulties in the clinical translation of this technology are also discussed.
Topics: Helicobacter pylori; Microspheres; Helicobacter Infections; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Gastric Mucosa; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38932601
DOI: 10.62958/j.cjap.2024.006 -
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Jul 2024To determine the incidence, presentation, frequency and management of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-related endocrinopathies in a comprehensive cancer centre in...
OBJECTIVES
To determine the incidence, presentation, frequency and management of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-related endocrinopathies in a comprehensive cancer centre in Oman, particularly with programme death 1/programme death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors.
BACKGROUND
A high number of patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for the management of solid tumours developed endocrinopathies.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study of patients admitted to Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) from August 2021 to December 2022. All adults diagnosed with solid cancers and have received at least one dose of ICIs were included. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from the analysis. Data regarding the ICI-induced endocrinopathy were collected.
RESULTS
A total of 139 patients were included in the study of which 58% were females. The median age of the cohort was 56 years. The incidence of endocrine-related adverse events was 28%. The mean time for the development of endocrine adverse events after treatment initiation was 4.1 ± 2.8 months. Of the patients who developed toxicity, 90% had hypothyroidism. Ten patients developed hyperthyroidism, two patients were diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency/hypophysitis and one patient developed Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Using univariable logistic regression weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly impacted the development of endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study from the Sultanate of Oman to assess PD-1/PDL-1 ICI-induced endocrinopathies. The most common endocrine adverse event is thyroid dysfunction, mainly hypothyroidism followed by hyperthyroidism. Hypophysitis, primary adrenal insufficiency and CIADM occur less frequently, but have a more significant effect on the patient's health. The treating physician should be aware of ICI-induced endocrinopathies, screening and treatment. Furthermore, our study showed that patients with a higher BMI have a greater risk of developing irAES. Further studies are needed to establish the predictors of endocrine irAEs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Endocrine System Diseases; Neoplasms; Oman; Adult; Aged; Incidence; Cancer Care Facilities; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 38932429
DOI: 10.1002/edm2.505 -
Vaccines Jun 2024The Bursa of Fabricius, an avian unique humoral immune organ, is instrumental to B cell development. Bursal-derived peptide BP9 fosters B-cell development and formation....
The Bursa of Fabricius, an avian unique humoral immune organ, is instrumental to B cell development. Bursal-derived peptide BP9 fosters B-cell development and formation. Yet, the exact mechanism wherein BP9 impacts B cell differentiation and antigenic presentation remains undefined. In this paper, B cell activation and differentiation in the spleen cells from mice immunized with the AIV vaccine and BP9 were detected following flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of BP9 in B cell differentiation in vivo was investigated with RNA sequencing technology. To verify the potential functional mechanism of BP9 in the antigenic presentation process, the transcriptome molecular basis of chicken macrophages stimulated by BP9 was measured via high-throughput sequencing technology. The results proved that when given in experimental dosages, BP9 notably accelerated total B cells, and enhanced B-cell differentiation and plasma cell production. The gene expression profiles of B cells from mice immunized with 0.01 mg/mL BP9 and AIV vaccine disclosed that 0.01 mg/mL BP9 initiated the enrichment of several biological functions and significantly stimulated key B-cell pathways in immunized mice. Crucially, a total of 4093 differentially expressed genes were identified in B cells with BP9 stimulation, including 943 upregulated genes and 3150 downregulated genes. Additionally, BP9 induced various cytokine productions in the chicken macrophage HD11 cells and activated 9 upregulated and 20 downregulated differential miRNAs, which were involved in various signal and biological processes. Furthermore, BP9 stimulated the activation of multiple transcription factors in HD11 cells, which was related to antigen presentation processes. In summary, these results suggested that BP9 might promote B cell differentiation and induce antigen presentation, which might provide the valuable insights into the mechanism of B cell differentiation upon bursal-derived immunomodulating peptide stimulation and provide a solid experimental groundwork for enhancing vaccine-induced immunity.
PubMed: 38932336
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060607 -
Viruses Jun 2024Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents a significant threat to the global swine industry. The development of highly effective subunit...
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents a significant threat to the global swine industry. The development of highly effective subunit nanovaccines is a promising strategy for preventing PRRSV variant infections. In this study, two different types of ferritin (Ft) nanovaccines targeting the major glycoprotein GP5, named GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)-Ft, were constructed and evaluated as vaccine candidates for PRRSV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated that both purified GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)-Ft proteins could self-assemble into nanospheres. A comparison of the immunogenicity of GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)-Ft with an inactivated PRRSV vaccine in BALB/c mice revealed that mice immunized with GP5m-Ft exhibited the highest ELISA antibody levels, neutralizing antibody titers, the lymphocyte proliferation index, and IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, vaccination with the GP5m-Ft nanoparticle effectively protected piglets against a highly pathogenic PRRSV challenge. These findings suggest that GP5m-Ft is a promising vaccine candidate for controlling PRRS.
Topics: Animals; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus; Ferritins; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Swine; Mice; Antibodies, Viral; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Nanoparticles; Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome; Viral Vaccines; Viral Envelope Proteins; Female; Interferon-gamma; Nanovaccines
PubMed: 38932282
DOI: 10.3390/v16060991 -
Viruses Jun 2024Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are widespread human pathogens that establish chronic latent infections leading to recurrent episodes. Current...
Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are widespread human pathogens that establish chronic latent infections leading to recurrent episodes. Current treatments are limited, necessitating the development of novel antiviral strategies. This study aimed to assess the antiviral efficacy of novel topical formulations containing interferon alpha-2b (IFN α-2b) against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The formulations, Oftalmoferon forte (eye drops) and Interferon Vaginal Tablets, demonstrated potent antiviral effects against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Vero cells, respectively, with concentration-dependent inhibition of viral replication. Subsequently, their efficacy was tested in animal models: HSV-1 keratitis in the rabbit eye model and HSV-2 genital herpes in mice. Oftalmoferon forte effectively treated HSV-1 keratitis, reducing clinical symptoms and ulcerations compared to virus control. Interferon Vaginal Tablets showed promising results in controlling HSV-2 genital herpes in mice, improving survival rates, reducing clinical signs, weight loss and viral replication. The novel IFN α-2b formulations exhibited significant antiviral activity against HSV infections in cell culture and animal models. These findings suggest the potential of these formulations as alternative treatments for HSV infections, particularly in cases resistant to current therapies. Further studies are warranted to optimize treatment regimens and assess clinical efficacy in humans.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Antiviral Agents; Mice; Herpes Genitalis; Disease Models, Animal; Keratitis, Herpetic; Chlorocebus aethiops; Female; Vero Cells; Interferon alpha-2; Virus Replication; Administration, Topical; Ophthalmic Solutions; Interferon-alpha; Humans
PubMed: 38932280
DOI: 10.3390/v16060989 -
Viruses Jun 2024The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of retroviruses, such as the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), is the main target of neutralizing humoral response, and therefore, a...
The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of retroviruses, such as the Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), is the main target of neutralizing humoral response, and therefore, a promising vaccine candidate, despite its reported poor immunogenicity. The incorporation of mutations that stabilize analogous proteins from other viruses in their prefusion conformation (e.g., HIV Env, SARS-CoV-2 S, or RSV F glycoproteins) has improved their capability to induce neutralizing protective immune responses. Therefore, we have stabilized the FeLV Env protein following a strategy based on the incorporation of a disulfide bond and an Ile/Pro mutation (SOSIP) previously used to generate soluble HIV Env trimers. We have characterized this SOSIP-FeLV Env in its soluble form and as a transmembrane protein present at high density on the surface of FeLV Gag-based VLPs. Furthermore, we have tested its immunogenicity in DNA-immunization assays in C57BL/6 mice. Low anti-FeLV Env responses were detected in SOSIP-FeLV soluble protein-immunized animals; however, unexpectedly no responses were detected in the animals immunized with SOSIP-FeLV Gag-based VLPs. In contrast, high humoral response against FeLV Gag was observed in the animals immunized with control Gag VLPs lacking SOSIP-FeLV Env, while this response was significantly impaired when the VLPs incorporated SOSIP-FeLV Env. Our data suggest that FeLV Env can be stabilized as a soluble protein and can be expressed in high-density VLPs. However, when formulated as a DNA vaccine, SOSIP-FeLV Env remains poorly immunogenic, a limitation that must be overcome to develop an effective FeLV vaccine.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Antibodies, Viral; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Viral Envelope Proteins; Leukemia Virus, Feline; Gene Products, gag; Female; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Humans; Cats; Viral Vaccines; Immunogenicity, Vaccine
PubMed: 38932278
DOI: 10.3390/v16060987 -
Viruses Jun 2024Cervical cancer, along with other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) conditions, poses a significant burden in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Despite...
Cervical cancer, along with other sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) conditions, poses a significant burden in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Despite the availability of effective preventive methods such as vaccinations, particularly against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), awareness about such preventive methods and HPV vaccination remains alarmingly low in the KSA, even with governmental effort and support. While many women are aware of the risks, the uptake of the HPV vaccine remains below 10% (7.6%) at the country level. This highlights the urgent need for Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) at the community level to raise awareness, dispel misconceptions, and empower women to embrace vaccinations. Additionally, there is a need to revitalize the cancer registry system to better track and monitor cervical cancer cases. This short communication aims to map these barriers while identifying opportunities for impactful research. Drawing from the scientific literature, government reports, and expert insights, we highlight the challenges surrounding the tackling of HPV. By exploring diverse sources of knowledge, this paper not only highlights current obstacles but also proposes actionable solutions for future interventions.
Topics: Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Female; Papillomavirus Infections; Saudi Arabia; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Vaccination; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38932266
DOI: 10.3390/v16060974