Article
Parasitology
Paul R. Bessell, Johan Esterhuizen, Michael J. Lehane, Joshua Longbottom, Albert Mugenyi, Richard Selby, Inaki Tirados, Steve J. Torr, Charles Waiswa, Charles Wamboga, Andrew Hope
Summary: The deployment of 'Tiny Targets' in Uganda has led to a significant reduction in cases of HAT, indicating a 25% decrease in the incidence of gHAT in north-western Uganda. This intervention strategy has been effective in controlling riverine species of tsetse and reducing the transmission of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandro Patroca da Silva, Daniele Barbosa de Almeida Medeiros, Ana Cecilia Ribeiro Cruz, Ana Flavia Marques Franca, Bruno Tardelli Diniz Nunes, Daniela Sueli Guerreiro Rodrigues, Eliana Vieira Pinto da Silva, Gilton Luiz Almada, Livia Medeiros Neves Casseb, Marcos Antonio Correia Rodrigues da Cunha, Maria Guadalupe Dias Pestana Santos, Meik Dilcher, Savio Guimaraes Britto, Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano, Jannifer Oliveira Chiang, Livia Caricio Martins
Summary: During surveillance for West Nile virus (WNV) in horses with neurological clinical signs in Brazil, researchers discovered the first case of Peruvian horse sickness virus (PHSV) in the country, as well as the first reported co-infection of PHSV and WNV in a horse with neurological signs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barasa Bernard, Mwiru Aron, Turyabanawe Loy, Nabalegwa W. Muhamud, Ssentongo Benard
Summary: Uganda is facing a high influx of refugees, leading to significant changes in land use and vegetation degradation. The study found an increase in areas used for farming, construction, and refugee settlements, while savannah grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands experienced losses. In the future, there will be further increases in built-up areas, settlements, and commercial farming. The most degraded vegetation types are savannah grasslands, woodlands, and tree plantations, due to deforestation, bush-burning, high refugee population, land conflicts, and wetland reclamation. Sustainable farming and energy-saving practices are crucial for preserving green cover in the region.
GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Matteo Ricco, Simona Peruzzi, Federica Balzarini
Summary: The study found that the majority of residents had low awareness of WNV, with less than one-third expressing concern about the virus. Preventive practices were irregular, with some participants' knowledge and attitudes affecting their prevention behaviors.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Katsuki Sakaue, James Wokadala
Summary: The paper analyzes the impact of government school attendance on refugee students' academic performance and the influence of refugee concentration in schools on the academic achievement of local students in government schools. The study utilizes learning assessment data from refugee settlements and host communities in West Nile, Uganda. The findings indicate that refugee students attending government schools perform similarly in English, but score lower in math compared to those in non-government schools. Additionally, native students attending government schools with higher refugee concentrations exhibit lower scores in both English and math in the context of ongoing massive refugee influx.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Simon Muhumuza, Xavier Nsabagasani, Cinderella Ngonzi Muhangi, Grace Latigi, Patricia Pirio, Chimwemwe Msukwa, Fabian Mwanyumba, Fatima Gohar, Tedbabe Degefie Hailegebriel, Atnafu Getachew Asfaw, Anne-Marie Bergh
Summary: This study aims to improve the delivery and utilization of maternal and neonatal health services in the West Nile region of Uganda. Stakeholder perspectives were gathered, and the findings highlighted several interventions that were valued by participants, including data use, infrastructure improvements, and community referral systems. These interventions have the potential to enhance the quality of care and health outcomes for mothers and newborns.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rebecca J. Eisen, Linda A. Atiku, Russell E. Enscore, Joseph T. Mpanga, Sarah Acayo, Paul S. Mead, Titus Apangu, Brook M. Yockey, Jeff N. Borchert, Charles B. Beard, Kenneth L. Gage
Summary: Due to the low incidence and sporadic occurrence of plague, most knowledge about the disease comes from investigations of human cases. Long-term studies are crucial for generating data to support plague surveillance, prevention, and control recommendations.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sadiya Maxamhud, Johanna F. Lindahl, Albert Mugenyi, Richard Echodu, Charles Waiswa, Kristina Roesel
Summary: This study investigated the potential impact of a government tsetse fly control program and the role of pigs in Trypanosoma epidemiology in the West Nile region of Uganda. The findings showed a significant difference in captured tsetse flies between government intervention sites and control sites, as well as a high prevalence of Trypanosoma vivax in pig blood samples.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Henry Komakech, Christopher Garimoi Orach
Summary: This study analyzed the process of repatriation of South Sudanese refugees in the West Nile districts of Uganda. The findings revealed the involvement of various stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and refugee communities. The key steps taken during repatriation included information campaigns, confidence-building visits, and the provision of healthcare and reintegration support services.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joan Nankya Mutyoba, Claude Wandera, David Ejalu, Emmanuel Seremba, Rachel Beyagira, Jacinto Amandua, Kaggwa Mugagga, Andrew Kambugu, Alex Muganzi, Philippa Easterbrook, Ponsiano Ocama
Summary: This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of integrated HIV/HBV care in Africa. Interviews with healthcare providers and focus group discussions with patients revealed that integrating HBV into HIV care is feasible and beneficial, but also raised concerns about potential stigma and lack of community awareness.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Henry Komakech, Christopher Garimoi Orach, Lynn M. M. Atuyambe
Summary: This study explores the sustainability of health services following the repatriation of refugees from the west Nile districts of Arua, Adjumani, and Moyo. The study found that despite some challenges, health services continued in these areas and were integrated into public service delivery structures.
CONFLICT AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Robin E. Klabbers, Timothy R. Muwonge, Emmanuel Ayikobua, Diego Izizinga, Ingrid V. Bassett, Andrew Kambugu, Alexander C. Tsai, Miranda Ravicz, Gonnie Klabbers, Kelli N. O'Laughlin
Summary: The study examined the barriers and facilitators of APN services in Uganda and refugee settlements. Results showed that fear of stigma and violence among partners limited the effectiveness of APN. Prospective research involving index clients and sexual partners is needed to optimize safe APN utilization in refugee settlements.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Emmanuel Seremba, Claude Wandera, Richard Ssekitoleko, Joan Nankya-Mutyoba, Filbert Nyeko, Jacinto Amandua, David Ejalu, William Omale, Ponsiano Ocama
Summary: Failure to access antiviral medications is a major cause of HBV-related morbidity and mortality in SSA. We studied factors associated with medication use and challenges in chronic care in Uganda. Out of 2,209 individuals, 2,175 (98.5%) had HBV infection. Many eligible patients did not access antiviral medications, and over half of those in care had not been fully evaluated. Age, APRI score, and HBV viral load were associated with medication use. Bridging these gaps is crucial for SSA to achieve its HBV elimination goals.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public Administration
Stella Kyohairwe, Christopher Yikii Agatre
Summary: This study investigated the funding of primary health care service delivery in three local government districts in Uganda's West Nile sub-region and identified deficiencies in allocation, disbursement, and timeliness of health funding that negatively impact service delivery.
COMMONWEALTH JOURNAL OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dan Acema, Patrick Byakagaba, Abwoli Y. Banana, Nelson Turyahabwe
Summary: This study assessed the institutions governing the conservation and management of Shea tree in the West-Nile region of Uganda, identifying seven different rules categorized as management, conservation, and harvesting rules. Compliance to rules was higher in Nebbi compared to Arua, influenced by factors such as involvement in rule crafting, clarity of resource boundary, age, education level, and ethnicity of respondents. Traditional institutions were found to be relevant in the conservation of Shea trees, highlighting the importance of incorporating them into statutory laws for sustainable management.
CONSERVATION & SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eric R. Lucas, Alistair C. Darby, Stephen J. Torr, Martin J. Donnelly
Summary: Many vector-borne diseases are controlled by killing the insect vectors responsible for disease transmission. Estimating the age structure of disease-transmitting insect populations is important for monitoring mortality rates and disease transmission capacity. Using markers of gene expression shows potential for predicting age in disease vectors.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Azoukalne Moukenet, Beackgoube Honore, Helen Smith, Kebfene Moundine, Wang-Mbe Djonkamla, Sol Richardson, Makido Dormbaye, Ngarkodje Ngarasta, Ibrahima Seck
Summary: Nomadic populations in Chad have some awareness of malaria and its symptoms, but their knowledge and use of preventive interventions are low. Local interpretations and cultural practices influence their perception of malaria and its prevention. Improving access to healthcare services and reducing financial barriers can increase uptake of malaria prevention and treatment among nomadic groups.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fabrice Courtin, Dramane Kaba, Jean-Baptiste Rayaisse, Philippe Solano, Steve J. Torr, Alexandra P. M. Shaw
Summary: This study investigates the cost of controlling human African trypanosomiasis in the Bonon area of Cote d'Ivoire. The results show that the cost per square kilometer is higher compared to Chad and Uganda, but the cost per person protected is lower compared to Chad. This highlights the impact of differences in gHAT foci on the cost-effectiveness of tsetse control.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kat S. Rock, Ching- Huang, Ronald E. Crump, Paul R. Bessell, Paul E. Brown, Inaki Tirados, Philippe Solano, Marina Antillon, Albert Picado, Severin Mbainda, Justin Darnas, Emily H. Crowley, Steve J. Torr, Mallaye Peka
Summary: This study examines the transmission and control measures of gHAT in the Mandoul focus of Chad through model refinements. The results indicate that transmission has been interrupted since 2015, but further confirmatory testing and monitoring are recommended.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Catiane Vander Kelen, Alain Mpanya, Epco Hasker, Erick Miaka, Ruth Nzuzi, Steve Torr, Dennis Perez, Justin Pulford
Summary: This study explores the perception and acceptability of Tiny Targets in two different village clusters in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The findings show that involvement of local communities in the deployment of Tiny Targets improves acceptability and awareness. Lack of information, communication, and respect for local customs by external teams negatively influence acceptability.
Review
Health Policy & Services
Helen Smith, Luke Budworth, Chloe Grindey, Isabel Hague, Natalie Hamer, Roman Kislov, Peter van der Graaf, Joe Langley
Summary: This study systematically mapped recent literature on co-production in applied health research in the UK and provided suggestions for co-production practice and future research.
HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Tito Tresor Melachio Tanekou, Calmes Ursain Bouaka Tsakeng, Inaki Tirados, Steve J. Torr, Flobert Njiokou, Alphonse Acho, Charles Sinclair Wondji
Summary: Despite efforts by the World Health Organization and the National Control Programme, sleeping sickness remains prevalent in Campo, southern Cameroon. This study provides updated entomological and parasitological parameters to guide the control of tsetse vectors in the area. The dominant vector species, Glossina palpalis palpalis, showed high densities and trypanosome infection rates. The mapping of tsetse densities will help inform vector control strategies.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrew Hope, Albert Mugenyi, Johan Esterhuizen, Inaki Tirados, Lucas Cunningham, Gala Garrod, Mike J. Lehane, Joshua Longbottom, T. N. Clement Mangwiro, Mercy Opiyo, Michelle Stanton, Steve J. Torrid, Glyn A. Vale, Charles Waiswa, Richard Selby
Summary: The deployment of Tiny Targets, insecticide-treated panels that attract and kill tsetse flies, has been effective in reducing the population and transmission of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the parasite causing gHAT. Increasing the intervention area resulted in a significant reduction in tsetse abundance, but the impact was limited to the deployed rivers. Invasion of tsetse from untreated areas sustained the population at low levels. The effective life of Tiny Targets was around 60 days. Improved control can be achieved by increasing target coverage and extending their effective life.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helen Smith, Chloe Grindey, Isabel Hague, Louise Newbould, Lesley Brown, Andrew Clegg, Carl Thompson, Rebecca Lawton
Summary: Increasing numbers of older patients are occupying hospital beds even when they are considered medically fit for discharge, leading to Delayed Transfers of Care that can cause harm. Research on patient and family perspectives regarding barriers to shorter hospital stays is limited, highlighting the importance of effective communication and quality of information in supporting discharge of older people from hospital.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mislav Radic, Dusanka Martinovic Kaliterna, Damir Bonacin, Jadranka Morovic Vergles, Josipa Radic, Damir Fabijanic, Vedran Kovacic
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication on symptoms and inflammatory indices in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The results showed that HP eradication significantly decreased disease activity and severity, as well as improved clinical symptoms. These findings suggest that HP detection and subsequent eradication could be beneficial in the management of SSc patients.
WIENER KLINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ivan Jerkovic, Vedran Kovacic, Tina Ticinovic Kurir, Josko Bozic, Leida Tandara
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate serum CST levels and their correlation with clinical outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients. The study found a significant correlation between serum CST levels and inflammatory markers, cardiac injury markers, and hospitalization days. The findings suggest that plasma CST levels may serve as a tool for early risk assessment in non-critical COVID-19 patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Glyn Vale, John Hargrove, Steve Torr
Summary: Sampling with traps is a common method for studying tsetse populations, but little is known about the size of the sampled area. In this study, a model was used to assess how the size of the sampled area changed based on variations in trap deployment. The results showed that the daily step length of the flies and the duration of trapping had the greatest impact on the size of the sampled area.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Veridijana Sunjic Roguljic, Luka Roguljic, Vedran Kovacic, Ivana Jukic
Summary: This study compares the clinical outcomes of two techniques for wound closure after carpal tunnel surgery. The results show that patients with glue-based wound closure had better cosmetic outcomes and less postoperative pain at 2-week and 6-week intervals. However, there was no significant difference in outcomes at the 12-week interval.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Vedran Kovacic, Lukas Kvartuc, Marijana Mikacic, Ivan Jerkovic, Tanja Ilic Begovic, Marina Maras, Jurica Nazlic
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics, clinical parameters, and outcomes of acute intoxications in adult patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit in southern Croatia. The results showed that 81 subjects were admitted due to poisoning, with a higher percentage of females and a mean age of 43.16 years. Psychiatric disorders were prevalent, and pharmaceutical psychoactive drugs were the most common cause of acute intoxications.
TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Ivo Jelicic, Vedran Kovacic, Mirko Luketin, Marijana Mikacic, Dijana Boric Skaro
Summary: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare disorder caused by the overactivation of the complement system. It can be triggered by various factors, and some cases are of unknown origin. We present a case of a patient with C3-complement system mutations and aHUS triggered by the use of a new synthetic psychoactive drug.
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)