Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zemichael Gizaw, Alemayehu Worku Yalew, Bikes Destaw Bitew, Jiyoung Lee, Michael Bisesi
Summary: Stunting is a global public health issue, and one-third of children in rural areas of Ethiopia are affected. The prevalence of stunting is associated with poor dietary intake, poor hygiene and sanitation conditions, enteric infections, and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Keeley J. Pratt, Andrew S. Hanks, Harvey J. Miller, LeeAnn C. Swager, Sabrena Noria, Stacy Brethauer, Bradley Needleman, Brian C. Focht
Summary: This study aims to determine the correlation between the diversity of food selection at nearby food retail stores within 5- and 10-minute walks and postoperative weight loss over 24 months for obese patients who undergo bariatric surgery. The results suggest that proximity to low diversity selection stores is a better predictor of weight loss than proximity to moderate/high diversity selection stores.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dagmawi Chilot, Daniel Gashaneh Belay, Kegnie Shitu, Yibeltal Yismaw Gela, Mihret Getnet, Bezawit Mulat, Atalay Goshu Muluneh, Mehari Woldemariam Merid, Desalegn Anmut Bitew, Adugnaw Zeleke Alem
Summary: The utilization rate of measles-containing vaccine dose 2 (MCV2) is relatively low in Sub-Saharan Africa. Individual-level and community-level factors are significantly associated with low MCV2 utilization. Public health interventions targeting rural residents, children of uneducated mothers, economically poor women, and other significant factors identified in this study could improve MCV2 utilization.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Zemichael Gizaw, Alemayehu Worku Yalew, Bikes Destaw Bitew, Jiyoung Lee, Michael Bisesi
Summary: In rural northwest Ethiopia, children had elevated levels of Alpha-1-antitrypsin, myeloperoxidase, and neopterin compared to populations in high-income countries. A significant proportion of children had high EED disease activity score, indicating widespread intestinal inflammation and increased permeability. Factors associated with elevated concentration of fecal biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction included open defecation, mouthing of soil contaminated materials, E. coli contamination of water, food, and soil, as well as intestinal parasites.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Niels Teich, Harald Gruemmer, Eric Joergensen, Thomas Liceni, Frank Holtkamp-Endemann, Tim Fischer, Susanne Hohenberger
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the changes in work productivity, capacity for daily activities, and HRQoL in UC patients treated with golimumab in Germany. The results showed that golimumab led to significant improvements in work productivity, daily activity, HRQoL, and disease-related hospitalization rates in moderate to severe UC patients.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Respiratory System
Ivan Oterino-Moreira, Maria-Jesus Linares-Asensio, Sira Sanz-Marquez, Montserrat Perez-Encinas
Summary: Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) is caused by IgG antibodies against granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Whole lung lavage (WLL) is a complex technique to remove the lipid-proteinaceous material accumulated in the lungs. In some refractory cases, multiple WLLs are required.
CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nuria Torre Monmany, Joaquin Americo Astete, Dasarath Ramaiah, Jyothi Suchitra, Xavier Krauel, Manolo Fillol, Yadamala Balasubbaiah, Ana Alarcon, Quique Bassat
Summary: This study describes the status of perinatal mortality in an Indian rural hospital. The results show that antepartum complications are the main cause of perinatal deaths, while infections, congenital malformations, and prematurity are the main causes of neonatal deaths. The stillbirth rate is 11.8/1,000 births, neonatal mortality rate is 4.4/1,000 livebirths, and perinatal mortality rate is 15.8/1,000 births.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Ermengol Coma, Marti Catala, Leonardo Mendez-Boo, Sergio Alonso, Eduardo Hermosilla, Enric Alvarez-Lacalle, David Pino, Manuel Medina, Laia Asso, Anna Gatell, Quique Bassat, Ariadna Mas, Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Francesc Fina Aviles, Clara Prats
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of mandating face covering masks in schools in reducing COVID-19 transmission. Results show that there were no significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 incidence or transmission between children who were mandated to wear masks and those who were not. Age was found to be the most important factor in explaining transmission risk among school children.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yvette N. N. Lowensteyn, Joukje E. E. Willemsen, Natalie I. I. Mazur, Nienke M. M. Scheltema, Nynke C. J. van Haastregt, Amber A. A. ten Buuren, Ichelle van Roessel, Dunja Scheepmaker, Harish Nair, Peter M. M. van de Ven, Louis J. J. Bont
Summary: This study provides the first global case series of children dying with nosocomial RSV infection. Infant-targeted immunization strategies in the future could prevent the majority of nosocomial RSV-related deaths. Although nosocomial RSV deaths are expected to occur at highest rates in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), the reported number of these deaths was low in these countries. Hospital-based surveillance is needed to capture the full burden of nosocomial RSV mortality in LMICs.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carolyne Nasimiyu, Isaac Ngere, Jeanette Dawa, Patrick Amoth, Ouma Oluga, Carol Ngunu, Harriet Mirieri, John Gachohi, Moshe Dayan, Nzisa Liku, Ruth Njoroge, Raymond Odinoh, Samuel Owaka, Samoel A. Khamadi, Samson L. Konongoi, Sudi Galo, Linet Elamenya, Marianne Mureithi, Omu Anzala, Robert Breiman, Eric Osoro, M. Kariuki Njenga
Summary: Considering the inequity in global COVID-19 vaccine distribution, a study was conducted in Kenya to compare population immunity and vaccine uptake between rural and urban areas. The study found that herd immunity had been achieved in Kenya, with a higher seroprevalence rate among rural populations. More than 45% of eligible individuals had not received the vaccine, and vaccine refusal was reported in around 20% of participants, mainly due to concerns about safety and inadequate information. The study highlights the importance of sustained vaccine campaigns and the need for repeat boosters to combat waning immunity and emerging variants.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jacob Fiksel, Brian Gilbert, Emily Wilson, Henry Kalter, Almamy Kante, Aveika Akum, Dianna Blau, Quique Bassat, Ivalda Macicame, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Robert Black, Scott Zeger, Agbessi Amouzou, Abhirup Datta
Summary: Verbal autopsies are widely used in low- and middle-income countries to determine cause of death, but they can be inaccurate. Computer coded verbal autopsy algorithms used for this task often misclassify cause of death, leading to biased estimates in health-policy making. Recent research has shown that knowing the misclassification rates can help calibrate these estimates and correct for the bias. This manuscript reviews the current practices and issues with these algorithms and provides a guide on how to use the calibratedVA software to correct for verbal autopsy misclassification bias in cause-specific mortality estimates.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amilcar Magaco, Yara Alonso, Maria Maixenchs, Contardo Ambrosio, Antonio Sitoe, Pio Vitorino, Dianna Blau, Mischka Garel, Robert Breiman, Agbessi Amouzou, Quique Bassat, Inacio Mandomando, John Blevins, Khatia Munguambe
Summary: The Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action project aims to implement a child mortality surveillance program by strengthening vital registration event reporting and investigating causes of death based on verbal autopsies. Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling procedures were added in Quelimane to improve the accuracy of cause of death determination. A socioanthropological study was conducted to understand the potential facilitators and barriers to the acceptability of the implementation. Factors such as the desire to know the cause of death, involvement of community and religious leaders, and provision of transport for bodies back to the community were identified as facilitators, while poor community mobilization and disagreements with religious practices were identified as barriers.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marcelino Garrine, Llorenc Quinto, Sofia Santos Costa, Augusto Messa, Arsenia J. Massinga, Delfino Vubil, Tacilta Nhampossa, Sergio Massora, Sozinho acacio, Anelsio Cossa, Betuel Sigauque, Quique Bassat, Isabel Couto, Inacio Mandomando
Summary: This study reports on the incidence, epidemiology, and treatment strategies of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in low-income countries, with a gradual decline in incidence among young children. Despite the decreasing incidence, bacteremia remains an important cause of death among hospitalized children, possibly due to resistance to first-line empirical treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amilcar Magaco, Maria Maixenchs, Yury Macete, Nelson Escritorio, Raquel Mucor, Antonio Calia, Antonio Sitoe, Elisio Xirinda, Pio Vitorino, Mischka Garel, Robert F. Breiman, Agbessi Amouzou, Quique Bassat, Inacio Mandomando, John Blevins, Khatia Munguambe
Summary: The Mozambique COMSA Program implemented child mortality surveillance and conducted minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) on deceased children in addition to cause of death determination. A qualitative study found that some participants did not fully understand the MITS procedure despite the informed consent process due to unclear information and their state of mind after their loss. Factors such as family disagreement, dissatisfaction with the condition of the body after tissue collection, and delays in receiving the body and organizing the funeral increased stress and compromised the acceptability of MITS.
Article
Immunology
Inacio Mandomando, Augusto Messa, Joseph Nsiari-Muzeyi Biey, Gilson Paluku, Mutale Mumba, Jason M. Mwenda
Summary: Following WHO recommendation, rotavirus vaccines have been introduced into the immunization program of 38 out of 47 countries in the WHO/AFRO. Global supply challenges have led some African countries to switch vaccine products. The recently WHO pre-qualified vaccines manufactured in India offer alternatives and reduce global supply challenges related to rotavirus vaccines.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea Alemany, Pere Millat-Martinez, Marc Corbacho-Monne, Clara Suner, Cristina Galvan-Casas, Caty Carrera, Dan Ouchi, Nuria Prat, Jordi Ara, Nuria Nadal, Ricard Riel, Blanca Funollet, Carmen Ojeda-Ciurana, Lluis Esteve Balague, Betlem Salvador-Gonzalez, Anna Forcada Arcarons, Josep Vidal-Alaball, Maria Isabel Del Cura-Gonzalez, Ricardo Rodriguez Barrientos, Rafel Ramos-Blanes, Alberto Alum Bou, Elsa Mondou, Mireia Torres, Neus Campins, Ana Sanz, Yonggiang Tang, Miquel Angel Rodriguez-Arias, Quique Bassat, Bonaventura Clotet, Oriol Mitja
Summary: This study assessed the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous anti-COVID-19 hyperimmune immunoglobulin 20% (C19-IG20%) in preventing the development of symptomatic COVID-19 in asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that C19-IG20% did not prevent asymptomatic individuals from developing symptomatic COVID-19.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Clifford Oduor, Irene Omwenga, Alice Ouma, Robert Mutinda, Samwel Kiplangat, Ondari D. Mogeni, Leonard Cosmas, Allan Audi, George S. Odongo, David Obor, Robert Breiman, Joel Montgomery, George Agogo, Patrick Munywoki, Godfrey Bigogo, Jennifer R. Verani
Summary: This study examined mortality patterns and trends in an urban informal settlement in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya. The results showed that overall mortality rate and cause-specific mortality rates declined over time, representing significant public health successes among this population.
GLOBAL HEALTH ACTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Claudia Gomes, Rosauro Varo, Miquel Duran-Frigola, Antonio Sitoe, Rubio Bila, Sonia Machevo, Alfredo Mayor, Quique Bassat, Ana Rodriguez
Summary: Malaria can progress from an uncomplicated infection to a life-threatening severe disease. Early symptoms are often nonspecific, making it difficult to identify patients at high risk. By analyzing the transcriptomic response of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, several biomarkers have been identified to distinguish uncomplicated from severe malaria, as well as to differentiate children with cerebral malaria within the severe malaria group.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hamada S. Badr, Josh M. Colston, Nhat-Lan H. Nguyen, Yen Ting Chen, Eleanor Burnett, Syed Asad Ali, Ajit Rayamajhi, Syed M. Satter, Nguyen Van Trang, Daniel Eibach, Ralf Krumkamp, Juergen May, Ayola Akim Adegnika, Gedeon Prince Manouana, Peter Gottfried Kremsner, Roma Chilengi, Luiza Hatyoka, Amanda K. Debes, Jerome Ateudjieu, Abu S. G. Faruque, M. Jahangir Hossain, Suman Kanungo, Karen L. Kotloff, Inacio Mandomando, M. Imran Nisar, Richard Omore, Samba O. Sow, Anita K. M. Zaidi, Nathalie Lambrecht, Bright Adu, Nicola Page, James A. Platts-Mills, Cesar Mavacala Freitas, Tuula Pelkonen, Per Ashorn, Kenneth Maleta, Tahmeed Ahmed, Pascal Bessong, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Carl Mason, Estomih Mduma, Maribel P. Olortegui, Pablo Penataro Yori, Aldo A. M. Lima, Gagandeep Kang, Jean Humphrey, Robert Ntozini, Andrew J. Prendergast, Kazuhisa Okada, Warawan Wongboot, Nina Langeland, Sabrina J. Moyo, James Gaensbauer, Mario Melgar, Matthew Freeman, Anna N. Chard, Vonethalom Thongpaseuth, Eric Houpt, Benjamin F. Zaitchik, Margaret N. Kosek
Summary: This study aimed to model the spatiotemporal variation in paediatric Shigella infection and predict its prevalence across low-income and middle-income countries. The findings revealed the association between Shigella and climatological factors, with sub-Saharan Africa being a high-risk region for transmission. These findings can guide prioritization of populations for future vaccine trials and campaigns.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Maria Hernandez-Garcia, Quique Bassat, Victoria Fumado, Gil Rodas, Ramon Pi, Maite Miranda-Garcia, Monica Girona-Alarcon, Marti Catala, Sergio Alonso, Enrique Alvarez-Lacalle, Daniel Lopez, Maria Mele-Casas, Gemma Pons-Tomas, Mariona F. de Sevilla, Elisenda Bonet-Carne, Claudia Fortuny, Aleix Garcia-Miquel, Cristina Jou, Cristina Adroher, Joana Claverol, Marta Cubells, Anna Codina, Daniel Cuadras, Eduard Gratacos, Pedro Brotons, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, Clara Prats, Juan Jose Garcia-Garcia, Iolanda Jordan
Summary: Studies show that engaging in physical activities in stable sports teams is not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whereas indoor sports and closed living settings can increase the risk. Fulfillment of preventive measures is essential.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Nuria Balanza, Caroline K. Francis, Valerie M. Crowley, Andrea M. Weckman, Kathleen Zhong, Barbara Baro, Rosauro Varo, Quique Bassat, Kevin C. Kain
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)