Review
Immunology
Awnish Kumar, Vishal Kumar Singh, Rahul Tiwari, Prasoon Madhukar, Shashi Kumar, Vibhav Gautam, Christian Engwerda, Shyam Sundar, Rajiv Kumar
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and often fatal form of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian sub-continent. Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a late cutaneous manifestation of VL, serving as a significant yet neglected reservoir of infection and posing a serious threat to the VL elimination program in India. Eradicating PKDL should be a priority within the current VL elimination program by understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective strategies for disease management.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Anurag Kumar Kushwaha, Breanna M. Scorza, Om Prakash Singh, Edgar Rowton, Phillip Lawyer, Shyam Sundar, Christine A. Petersen
Summary: Leishmania donovani is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis on the Indian subcontinent, transmitted by sand flies which have been shown to feed on domestic animals in addition to humans. Understanding the role of non-human reservoirs in transmission is critical for sustainable elimination goals. Efforts towards VL elimination in the region may be hindered by the presence of animal reservoirs.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Madhurima Roy, Arianna Ceruti, Rea Maja Kobialka, Sutopa Roy, Deblina Sarkar, Ahmed Abd El Wahed, Mitali Chatterjee
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is a fatal form of leishmaniasis caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani. Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a dermal sequela of VL, and asymptomatic and relapsed VL cases serve as mobile disease reservoirs, contributing to disease transmission. The development of field-applicable molecular tests, such as the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay, is crucial for accurate diagnosis, monitoring of parasite load, and achieving the goal of leishmaniasis elimination.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shivam Rawat, Abinesh Ganapathy, Ankit Agarwal
Summary: This study conducts a spatiotemporal assessment of drought characteristics in sub-basins in India based on terrestrial water storage anomalies and precipitation data. The results show that most drought events are due to the depletion of terrestrial water storage, leading to a significant decrease in sub-basins across India. The Indo-Gangetic plains experience multiple drought events, making it the most affected region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hamdan AlMohammed, Amal Khudair Khalaf, Aishah E. Albalawi, Abdullah D. Alanazi, Parastoo Baharvand, Ali Moghaddam, Hossein Mahmoudvand
Summary: This study reviewed the preclinical studies on the anti-leishmanial activity of chitosan and chitosan-based particles against various Leishmania species. The findings suggest that chitosan and its derivatives show promising in vitro and in vivo anti-leishmanial activity, indicating their potential as alternatives for treating leishmaniasis. Further research, especially in clinical settings, is necessary to confirm these results.
Article
Geography, Physical
Rajiv Sinha
Summary: Recent contributions on Indian geomorphology published in ESPL cover a wide range of topics including erosion rates, miliolites, flood risk, connectivity concept, socio-hydrology, and paleoclimatic reconstruction, utilizing various methodologies and tools.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yasmine Zakari, Adrien Michel, Michael Lehning
Summary: This study evaluates wind resources in South Asia and investigates the impact of climate change on future wind speeds. The findings indicate an increase in annual wind speeds in the Indian sub-continent, with more significant changes expected during the last 30 years of the century. Additionally, the study finds that wind perturbations occur mainly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Barrack O. Owino, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Steve Kiplagat, Hannah Njiriku Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Alphine Chebet, Philip M. Ngumbi, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Damaris Matoke-Muhia
Summary: The study investigated transmission, vector abundance, distribution, and reservoir hosts of Leishmania in Merti sub-County, Kenya. Findings suggest potential involvement of Sergentomyia sand flies in Leishmania transmission, questioning the exclusively Phlebotomus sand flies' role in human leishmaniases. The presence of Trypanosoma DNA indicates possible mechanical transmission and the preference for different blood meal hosts was observed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Astrid Christine Erber, Peter Julian Sandler, Daniel Moreira de Avelar, Ines Swoboda, Glaucia Cota, Julia Walochnik
Summary: In this study, the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis was evaluated. The results showed high sensitivity and specificity for LAMP, making it a promising molecular near-point-of-care diagnostic method for visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Sophie I. Owen, Faria Hossain, Prakash Ghosh, Rajashree Chowdhury, Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Chris Jewell, Isra Cruz, Albert Picado, Dinesh Mondal, Emily R. Adams
Summary: A study conducted in Bangladesh on 720 household and neighboring contacts of 276 VL and PKDL index cases found that 9.6% of the participants had asymptomatic infection detected through various diagnostic tests. The study suggests that Leishmania antigen ELISA on urine may be useful for monitoring transmission and surveillance in an elimination setting.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Nibedeeta Rani Sarraf, Saikat Mukhopadhyay, Anindyajit Banerjee, Anjan Kumar Das, Syamal Roy, Saikat Chakrabarti, Madhumita Manna, Partha Saha
Summary: The study conducted whole genome sequencing of L. donovani strains from Indian patients, revealing unique genomic variations in 24 genes among para-KDL strains compared to other strains. These distinctive genomic changes among para-KDL strains could be significant for the parasites to become dermatotropic.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yamuna Siriwardana, Bhagya Deepachandi, Sudath Weerasinghe, Nadira Karunaweera, Chandanie Udagedara, Wipula Warnasuriya, Ranthilaka R. Ranawaka, Indira Kahawita
Summary: The study in Sri Lanka explores the clinical diversity of cutaneous leishmaniasis in two independent transmission foci, revealing significant differences in the progression and types of lesions between regions, possibly influenced by parasite strains and host adaptation.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Sachin Budakoti, Charu Singh
Summary: The planetary boundary layer plays a crucial role in the monsoon circulation studies by exchanging heat and moisture between the land surface fluxes and atmosphere. This study focuses on the spatial variability of long-term seasonal trends of planetary boundary layer height over the Indian subcontinent and its relationship with atmospheric parameters. The results show a decreasing trend in PBLH during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons in India, with a strong negative association with relative humidity and positive associations with surface temperature and zonal winds. Other findings include the dominant control factor of evaporative fraction on PBLH during the monsoon season and the in-phase relationship of PBLH with deficit and excess monsoon years, as well as the strong negative correlation between PBLH and PM2.5 during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Faria Hossain, Albert Picado, Sophie I. Owen, Prakash Ghosh, Rajashree Chowdhury, Shomik Maruf, Md. Anik Ashfaq Khan, Md. Utba Rashid, Rupen Nath, James Baker, Debashis Ghosh, Emily R. Adams, Malcolm S. Duthie, Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Ariful Basher, Proggananda Nath, Fatima Aktar, Israel Cruz, Dinesh Mondal
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic efficacies of different sampling techniques using Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay and Leishmania antigen ELISA for post-elimination visceral leishmaniasis (VL) control strategies. The Loopamp and Leishmania antigen ELISA were found to be promising tools for VL diagnostics and surveillance activities post-elimination, showing efficacy and sustainability in clinical cure at day 180.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lingdun Zhuge, Zehao Huang, Huizhu Cai, Shixu Wang, Lijuan Niu, Zhengjiang Li
Summary: This study aimed to identify the value and optimal age cutoff for predicting the progression of highly suspicious thyroid nodules <= 10 mm during active surveillance, as well as the distinct risk factors in patients of different ages. The results showed that age was an independent predictor of nodule progression, with 30 years being the optimal age cutoff. Younger patients were more likely to experience progression of nodules during active surveillance, while multifocality and thyroiditis were independent predictors in patients over 30 years old.
ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lloyd A. C. Chapman, Rosanna C. Barnard, Timothy W. Russell, Sam Abbott, Kevin van Zandvoort, Nicholas G. Davies, Adam J. Kucharski
Summary: Our study estimates the potential COVID-19 hospitalisation and death burdens in 19 European countries by considering the proportion of population with immunity through infection or vaccination. The results indicate that many European countries may still face high burdens, especially those with lower vaccination coverage, less historical transmission, or older populations. Continued non-pharmaceutical interventions and efforts to achieve high vaccination coverage are needed in these countries to mitigate severe outcomes from COVID-19.
Article
Parasitology
Klodeta Kura, Diepreye Ayabina, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: This study investigates the optimal treatment strategies for schistosomiasis using two individual-based stochastic models. The results suggest that treating school-age children alone is not sufficient to eliminate transmission within a feasible time frame. Community-wide treatment is necessary to interrupt transmission in all endemic settings.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emilie Finch, Rachel Lowe, Stephanie Fischinger, Michael De St Aubin, Sameed M. Siddiqui, Diana Dayal, Michael A. Loesche, Justin Rhee, Samuel Beger, Yiyuan Hu, Matthew J. Gluck, Benjamin Mormann, Mohammad A. Hasdianda, Elon R. Musk, Galit Alter, Anil S. Menon, Eric J. Nillesid, Adam J. Kucharski
Summary: This study analysed longitudinal PCR and serological testing data from a cohort of US employees and found that primary infection with SARS-CoV-2 provides protection against reinfection in the majority of individuals for at least 6 months.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vijay Kumar, Niyamat A. Siddiqui, Timothy M. Pollington, Rakesh Mandal, Sushmita Das, Shreekant Kesari, Vidyanand R. Das, Krishna Pandey, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Lloyd A. C. Chapman, Pradeep Das
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is declining in India, and the goal of eliminating it as a public health problem by 2020, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), is nearing achievement. Intensified combined interventions may help reach this goal, although their impact has not been assessed. A pilot study in the highly-endemic Vaishali district, which implemented intensified interventions, showed a substantial decrease in VL cases. This approach should be considered in other highly-endemic districts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lloyd A. C. Chapman, Poojan Shukla, Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer, Priya B. Shete, Tomas M. Leon, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, George W. Rutherford, Robert Schechter, Nathan C. Lo
Summary: During times of limited vaccine availability, prioritizing vaccine distribution is crucial. This study compares different COVID-19 vaccine prioritization strategies based on demographics, risk factors, and location, and finds that targeting multiple risk factors can result in more significant reductions in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Amy Gimma, James Munday, Kerry L. M. Wong, Pietro Coletti, Kevin van Zandvoort, Kiesha Prem, Petra Klepac, G. James Rubin, Sebastian Funk, W. John Edmunds, Christopher Jarvis
Summary: This study conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey to measure contact patterns in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show significant changes in social contacts, with lower contact rates during periods of lockdown compared to periods with fewer restrictions. The use of face coverings remained high throughout the study. The data collected provides valuable information for statistical analyses and mathematical modeling of COVID-19 and other diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sam Moore, Edward M. Hill, Louise Dyson, Michael J. Tildesley, Matt J. Keeling
Summary: The study found that greater vaccine sharing globally could have reduced the global burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated mortality. Any increase in infections in previously vaccine-rich countries could have been mitigated by reducing the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Distributing vaccines based on wealth rather than need may be detrimental to everyone.
Article
Biology
Andrew Nugent, Emma Southall, Louise Dyson
Summary: The theory of critical slowing down states that a system displays increasing relaxation times as it approaches a critical transition. These changes can be seen in statistics generated from timeseries data, which can be used as early warning signals of a transition. However, there is frequent disagreement with the general theory of critical slowing down in applications to epidemiological models, and the alternative theory of critical speeding up predicts contradictory behaviour of early warning signals.
JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Thomas Crellen, Melissa Haswell, Paiboon Sithithaworn, Somphou Sayasone, Peter Odermatt, Poppy H. L. Lamberton, Simon E. F. Spencer, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth
Summary: A study on opisthorchiasis found that parasite fecundity varies between populations and the relationship between routine diagnostics and true prevalence is influenced by parasite aggregation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sam Moore, Edward M. Hill, Louise Dyson, Michael J. Tildesley, Matt J. Keeling
Article
Statistics & Probability
Laura M. Guzman-Rincon, Edward M. Hill, Louise Dyson, Michael J. Tildesley, Matt J. Keeling
Summary: Quantitative assessments and short-term projections of an epidemic play an essential role in public health by evaluating control measures. This study proposes a method to rapidly and robustly measure the exponential growth rate by fitting a Gaussian process to epidemiological data. It also demonstrates the improved accuracy by considering the total number of tests in the heterogeneous testing effort. Applied to SARS-CoV-2 cases and testing in England, the study reveals long-term national growth patterns, regional growth, and spatial heterogeneity.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY SERIES C-APPLIED STATISTICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biology
Kathryn Forbes, Maria-Gloria Basanez, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: Twenty neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are prioritized by the World Health Organization for eradication, elimination, or control by 2030. This issue discusses the progress made since the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs and the challenges faced in achieving these goals. It includes contributions on intensified disease management and preventive chemotherapy, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on NTD programs.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Emma L. Davis, Ron E. Crump, Graham F. Medley, Anthony W. Solomon, Venkata Ranganadha Rao Pemmaraju, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth
Summary: Many countries are close to eliminating leprosy, but cases are still being detected at low levels. The relationship between observed cases and transmission is uncertain due to the long delay from infection to detection. The World Health Organization's new guidance provides a way for countries to achieve elimination.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Molly A. Brady, Emily Toubali, Margaret Baker, Elizabeth Long, Caitlin Worrell, Kapa Ramaiah, Patricia Graves, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Louise Kelly-Hope, Diana Stukel, Bhupendra Tripathi, Arianna Rubin Means, Sultani Hadley Matendechero, Alison Krentel
Summary: This study aims to explore the impact of the never-treated population on neglected tropical disease elimination programs. The research includes the number of never-treated individuals, their characteristics, infection status, and reasons for not receiving treatment. Key issues discussed in the meetings include standardizing measurement methods, data collection, and ensuring representation of the never-treated population.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel Pan, Shirley Sze, Joshua Nazareth, Christopher A. Martin, Amani Al-Oraibi, Rebecca F. Baggaley, Laura B. Nellums, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Julian W. Tang, Manish Pareek