Article
Oncology
Pranav N. Haravu, Afaaf Shakir, Katherine Jackson, Duanny Alva, Joseph Feldman, Mark Sisco, Akhil K. Seth
Summary: This study evaluated a preventative lymphedema program performing immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) at a community health system. The results showed that successful ILR significantly reduced the occurrence of lymphedema, supporting the efficacy of ILR and highlighting the feasibility of ILR within a community health system.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Joseph Pryce, Lisa J. Reimer
Summary: The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, showing the clear potential of MX as a tool for detecting LF-infected communities and predicting human mf prevalence. The results indicated that MX had high sensitivity and a linear relationship with human mf prevalence within a certain range. Factors such as mosquito sample size and mf prevalence were found to be important in influencing MX results.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ligia Tomaz de Aquino, Ana Maria Aguiar-Santos, Abraham Rocha, Artur Vinicius de Araujo Coutinho, Mirella Silva Batista do Nascimento, Eduarda Correia Moretti, Fernando Leonel da Silva, Fabia Maria Lima, Cristine Bonfim, Zulma Medeiros
Summary: This study compared sociodemographic and clinical aspects of 28 lymphedema patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and prior to it. The findings indicate an increase in interdigital and dermal lesions, a higher frequency of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis crises and risk of falling, and worsening of quality of life in physical functioning, general health, vitality, and mental health domains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Collins S. Ahorlu, Daniel Okyere, Sellasie Pi-Bansa, Joseph Otchere, Benjamin Marfo, Kofi Asemanyi-Mensah, Joseph L. Opare, Elizabeth F. Long, Dziedzom K. de Souza
Summary: This study examined the COVID-19 related perceptions and practices among community members and frontline health workers in Ghana. The findings showed that participants were aware of the pandemic and had knowledge of its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. It was also found that COVID-19 has negatively affected the implementation of the NTD program.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sandeep Grover, Vera S. Opoku, Linda B. Debrah, Carlo Maj, Jubin Osei-Mensah, Derrick A. Mensah, Achim Hoerauf, Alexander Y. Debrah, Johannes Schumacher, Kenneth Pfarr
Summary: This study conducted the first genome-wide association study to determine the susceptibility of lymphatic filariasis (LF). The findings identified two genetic variants near the genes HLA-DQB2 and HLA-DQA1 that contribute to LF and/or lymphedema susceptibility. The study also observed suggestive evidence of LF associations at two non-HLA loci near the genes ZFHX4-AS1 and CHP2. On the polygenic level, the data explained 24-42% of LF heritability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Melina Deban, J. Gregory McKinnon, Claire Temple-Oberle
Summary: With the improvement of breast cancer survival rates, it is important to focus on improving the quality of life for survivors. Lymphedema is a significant challenge that affects physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being, but prevention strategies for lymphedema lag behind advancements in other areas of survivorship. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is an approach aimed at preventing lymphedema and this article discusses essential aspects of developing an ILR program. The Calgary experience is reviewed, particularly focusing on team building, technique, operating room logistics, and patient follow-up, with a research and education perspective.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Solomon Abotiba Atinbire, Benjamin Marfo, Bright Alomatu, Collins Ahorlu, Paul Saunderson, Stefanie Weiland
Summary: The Upper West region of Ghana has a high burden of lymphatic filariasis (LF) causing disability. An enhanced cascading training program for lymphedema management led to significant improvements in self-care practices among patients in the region. Efforts to sustain these improvements include regular training and supervision, provision of adequate resources for home care, and maintenance of district registers of lymphedema cases.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Myra Hardy, Josaia Samuela, Mike Kama, Meciusela Tuicakau, Lucia Romani, Margot J. Whitfeld, Christopher L. King, Gary J. Weil, Anneke C. Grobler, Leanne J. Robinson, John M. Kaldor, Andrew C. Steer
Summary: A study conducted in 35 villages in Fiji showed that there was no significant difference in the clearance of lymphatic filariasis between the combination of ivermectin and albendazole (IDA) and albendazole alone (DA) within 12 months, both at the individual and community levels.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Sandro Michelini, Maurizio Ricci, Roberta Serrani, Shila Barati, Sercan Kenanoglu, Dominika Veselenyiova, Danjela Kurti, Mirko Baglivo, Syed Hussain Basha, Sasi Priya, Astrit Dautaj, Munis Dundar, Juraj Krajcovic, Matteo Bertelli
Summary: Researchers developed a Next-Generation-Sequencing protocol to screen genetic variants related to lymphedema in 246 Italian patients. Seven out of 235 patients were found to carry rare missense variants in the NOTCH1 gene, suggesting its potential role as a novel candidate for genetic predisposition to lymphedema. The study highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding the causes of lymphedema.
MOLECULAR GENETICS & GENOMIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Sandro Michelini, Maurizio Ricci, Roberta Serrani, Shila Barati, Sercan Kenanoglu, Dominika Veselenyiova, Danjela Kurti, Mirko Baglivo, Syed Hussain Basha, Sasi Priya, Astrit Dautaj, Munis Dundar, Juraj Krajcovic, Matteo Bertelli
Summary: A Next-Generation-Sequencing protocol was developed to screen genetic variants related to lymphedema, with results suggesting NOTCH1 as a novel candidate gene for lymphedema predisposition.
MOLECULAR GENETICS & GENOMIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Patricia Maritim, Adam Silumbwe, Joseph Mumba Zulu, George Sichone, Charles Michelo
Summary: Untreated LF infection results in painful fluid accumulation in the limbs or genitalia; limited information on health beliefs and seeking behavior towards MMDP services for LF in endemic regions of Zambia; negative beliefs about disease causes and lack of awareness of available MMDP services drive health seeking behavior for LF in the district.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sudha Nagavarapu, Richa Singh, Surbala Vaish, Shashi Bhushan Gogia
Summary: An extensive survey in Pisawan block of Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh revealed a high prevalence rate of 4.95% for lymphatic filariasis (LF) complications, much higher than official projections. Improved compliance with Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and strengthened Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) programs are needed to help patients lead a better quality of life.
LYMPHATIC RESEARCH AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Chuchu Churko, Tsegaye Yohanes, Alemayehu Bekele Kassahun, Nathan Desalegn, Gesila Endashaw, Mekuria Asnakew Asfaw
Summary: The study revealed poor foot care practice among lymphedema patients in Boreda district. Factors such as daily water collection, age of first footwear use, number of shoes owned, attendance of LMMDP service, and frequency of adenolymphangitis were significantly associated with foot care practice.
JOURNAL OF FOOT AND ANKLE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Chin Jung Wong, Matthew Rong Jie Tay, Hui Zhen Aw
Summary: In this study, the prevalence and risk factors for adhesive capsulitis in postoperative breast cancer patients attending a cancer rehabilitation program were investigated. The study found that adhesive capsulitis and lymphedema were common in breast cancer survivors, with a significant association between mastectomy history, mastectomy with reconstruction, and lymphedema with adhesive capsulitis.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Diana A. Ngunyali, Stella S. Mpomele, Manase Kilonzi, Ritah F. Mutagonda, Wigilya P. Mikomangwa, Hamu J. Mlyuka, Wema Kibanga, Alphonce Ignace Marealle
Summary: This study found that the community in Tanzania has average knowledge and poor participation in mass drug administration (MDA) against lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHIs). Community sensitization is recommended to increase the participation of the community.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caitlin M. Worrell, Ryan E. Wiegand, Stephanie M. Davis, Kennedy O. Odero, Anna Blackstock, Victoria M. Cuellar, Sammy M. Njenga, Joel M. Montgomery, Sharon L. Roy, LeAnne M. Fox
Review
Immunology
Leila H. Abdullahi, Benjamin M. Kagina, Tali Cassidy, Esther F. Adebayo, Charles S. Wiysonge, Gregory D. Hussey
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Damian Hacking, Hanne J. Haricharan, Kirsty Brittain, Yan Kwan Lau, Tali Cassidy, Marion Heap
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2016)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Seth R. Irish, Hasan Mohammad Al-Amin, Heather N. Paulin, A. S. M. Sultan Mahmood, Rajaul K. Khan, A. K. M. Muraduzzaman, Caitlin M. Worrell, Meerjady S. Flora, Mohammed J. Karim, Tahmina Shirin, A. K. M. Shamsuzzaman, Sanya Tahmina, Audrey Lenhart, Christine Dubray
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2018)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Victoria L. Walsh, LeAnne M. Fox, Molly Brady, Jonathan King, Caitlin M. Worrell
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2018)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lynne Wilkinson, Anna Grimsrud, Tali Cassidy, Catherine Orrell, Jacqueline Voget, Helen Hayes, Claire Keene, Sarah Jane Steele, Rodd Gerstenhaber
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2019)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Damian Hacking, Zodwa Mgengwana-Mbakaza, Tali Cassidy, Pumeza Runeyi, Trivino Duran, Ruth Henwood Mathys, Andrew Boulle
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Immunology
Tali Cassidy, Anna Grimsrud, Claire Keene, Keitumetse Lebelo, Helen Hayes, Catherine Orrell, Nompumelelo Zokufa, Tabitha Mutseyekwa, Jacqueline Voget, Rodd Gerstenhaber, Lynne Wilkinson
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tali Cassidy, Nelisiwe Ntuli, Charllen Kilani, Nikiwe Malabi, Bulelwa Rorwana, Tabitha Mutseyekwa, Rebecca O'Connell, Sarah Jane Steele, Zee Ndlovu, Tom Ellman, Virginia de Azevedo, Colin Pfaff, Aurelie Nelson, Laura Trivino Duran
Summary: The study found that most participants had inconsistent adherence to PrEP, with forgetfulness being the main barrier. Encouragement from friends, family, and other PrEP users initially promoted PrEP adherence, but decreased over time.
Correction
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tali Cassidy, Nelisiwe Ntuli, Charllen Kilani, Nikiwe Malabi, Bulelwa Rorwana, Tabitha Mutseyekwa, Rebecca O'Connell, Sarah Jane Steele, Zibusiso Ndlovu, Tom Ellman, Virginia de Azevedo, Colin Pfaff, Aurelie Nelson, Laura Trivino Duran
Article
Immunology
Tali Cassidy, Morna Cornell, Pumeza Runeyi, Thembie Dutyulwa, Charllen Kilani, Laura Trivino Duran, Nompumelelo Zokufa, Virginia Azevedo, Andrew Boulle, C. Robert Horsburgh, Matthew P. Fox
Summary: Youth living with HIV were more likely to be retained in ART care in two different youth-targeted clinics compared to general clinics in the same area. Multiple approaches to making clinics more youth-friendly can contribute to improving retention in this important group.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tali Cassidy, Morna Cornell, Bubele Makeleni, C. Robert Horsburgh, Laura Trivino Duran, Virginia de Azevedo, Andrew Boulle, Matthew P. Fox
Summary: Men have higher rates of attrition from antiretroviral therapy programs than women. In a high HIV prevalence area in South Africa, two public sector healthcare clinics exclusively serving men were compared with general clinics to assess attrition rates. The study found that the male-only clinics reached younger, healthier men and had lower attrition rates.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aurelie Nelson, Keitu Lebelo, Tali Cassidy, Laura Trivino Duran, Nompumelelo Mantangana, Leticia Mdani, Nikiwe Malabi, Suhair Solomon, Kate Buchanan, Damian Hacking, Vinayak Bhardwaj, Virginia de Azevedo, Shariefa Patel-Abrahams, Beth Harley, Clare Hofmeyr, Kathrin Schmitz, Landon Myer
Summary: In a peri-urban primary health care setting in Cape Town, South Africa, postnatal clubs have been implemented as an integrated model of care to improve HIV mother-to-child transmission rates and retention in care for mother-infant pairs. The results show that these clubs have achieved positive outcomes in terms of HIV testing, viral load suppression, and immunization.
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Tali Cassidy, Brett Bowman, Chloe McGrath, Richard Matzopoulos
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE
(2016)