Comprehensive Control Program Research Articles

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged pupils in three selected Community Primary Schools in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Soil-transmitted helminths pose significant public health concerns, particularly among school-aged children in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged pupils in three selected Community Public Primary Schools, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 150 school-aged pupils (1-14 years old) from three Community Primary Schools which included State School 1, State School 2, and Community Primary School, all in Etche. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on socio-demographic factors. Stool samples collected from each pupil were examined using the Kato-Katz technique and the STH parasites identified with keys. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection in the three selected schools in this study was 46%. Results obtained from this study according to sex showed that more males (52%) were infected than females (40%). Children between 5-7 years were the most infected in State School 2 and Community Primary School; while children between 12-14 years were the most infected in State School 1. Also, this study revealed that children in State School 2 had the highest soil-transmitted helminths infection (56%); while State School 1 recorded the least infection rate (34%). In this present study, Strongyloides stercoralis was the least prevalent soil-transmitted helminths while Ascaris lumbricoides (36) was the most occurring parasite in this study. There was no association (p>0.05) between age and gender and the prevalence of the parasite infection. A comprehensive control programme should be implemented in the area to curb the spread of infection.

Abstract 2832: Mouse models advancing cancer research - The Jackson Laboratory

Abstract Genetically defined mice are a cornerstone of cancer research. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) offers more than 13,500 unique mouse lines to the scientific community, many useful in advancing cancer research. Available are mouse models for specific cancers, xenograft recipients, immunodeficient platforms for PDX studies and multi-purpose tool strains having CRISPR/Cas9 utility, conditional/inducible expression (Cre-lox, FLP-frt, Tet-On/-Off), optogenetic function and calcium-sensing technologies. This poster will highlight some recently added models, more than 100 of which have cancer research applications. The portfolio of strains useful for transplantation/engraftment and “humanized” mouse research continues to expand and complement the NSG (NOD scid IL2rγc-/-) model as ideal tools for engraftment with a wide range of malignant or non-malignant human or mouse tissues. Fluorescent protein-expressing strains include Traffic Light Reporters for tracking of DNA repair pathways, Gene Editing Reporters for detection of homology directed repair (HDR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair events, as well as several CRISPR Editing, Bxb1 Integrase Editing, Base Editor and Prime Editor tools. For example, the Rosa26PE2 mouse has Cre-inducible expression of a prime editor enzyme and a fluorescent reporter, allowing viral delivery of prime editing guide RNAs to introduce cancer mutations into the genome. Recently added CRISPR Array Repair Lineage Tracing (CARLIN and DARLIN) component strains allow researchers to achieve high barcode diversity in targeted cell populations. In addition to safeguarding each strain by cryopreservation, JAX has a comprehensive genetic quality control program that confirms mutation identity and genetic background, and screens for unwanted alleles (such as stray GFP, Cre, neo, etc.). Search the comprehensive collection of innovative mouse models using our improved JAX Mouse Search site (mice.jax.org). This resource includes models created by many generous donating institutions. Researchers are encouraged to donate their mouse lines via a very short Strain Submission form (jax.org/donate-a-mouse). Please also visit the JAX Oncology webpage for cancer research related strains and resources (jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/solutions-by-therapeutic-area/oncology). JAX is supported by the NIH, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute and other private charitable foundations. Citation Format: Jason Beckwith, Jennifer Merriam, Alicia Valenzuela, Darcy Pomerleau, Jennifer Kelmenson. Mouse models advancing cancer research - The Jackson Laboratory [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2832.

Establishing quality control action limits for CT number accuracy in spectral images using an American College of Radiology phantom.

Computed tomography (CT) number accuracy is important for quality assurance in CT imaging. However, in dual-energy CT imaging, there are no widely used action limits for CT number accuracy in spectral images, information that is urgently needed. To establish action limits for spectral CT images using longitudinal spectral data and an American College of Radiology (ACR) phantom. An ACR accreditation phantom was scanned routinely as part of a quality control program in our institution. We selected and analyzed 57 continuous weekly scans. The CT numbers or the density values of conventional and spectral images, including virtual monoenergetic images (40, 50, 70, 120, and 200keV), iodine maps, calcium suppressed, and virtual non-contrast images, were measured in the four inserts (solid water, bone, polyethylene, and acrylic) of the phantom. Longitudinal data were analyzed for correlation using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and standard deviation (SD). The SD ratios between spectral images and conventional images were calculated and the action limits for spectral images were established based on the action limits from the ACR. Strong to very strong correlations (r>0.70 or r<-0.70) were found among most spectral image types except the 200keV images using solid water, polyethylene, and acrylic inserts (r=[-0.45, 0.64]). The SD ratio was highest for the 40keV images, ranging from 2.8 to 6.5. The action limits of the bone insert were baseline±5.3mg/mL for the iodine map and ranged from baseline±23.0 HU to baseline±391.9 HU for the other image types. The action limits for solid water ranged from baseline±4.1 HU to baseline±25.3 HU. The results for the polyethylene and the acrylic insert were close to those for solid water. Baselines can be established using the average of the initial 5∼10 measurements. Using longitudinal data, we estimated the action limits for CT number accuracy in the spectral images. This paves the way for establishing a comprehensive quality control program for spectral CT imaging.

Implementing a digital comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategy for children and adolescents in China: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Children and adolescents' myopia is a major public problem. Although the clinical effect of various interventions has been extensively studied, there is a lack of national-level and integral assessments to simultaneously quantify the economics and effectiveness of comprehensive myopia prevention and control programs. We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness between traditional myopia prevention and control strategy, digital comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategy and school-based myopia screening program in China. A Markov model was used to compare the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness among school-based myopia screening, traditional myopia prevention and control strategy, and digital comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategy among 6 to 18-year-old rural and urban schoolchildren. Parameters were collected from published sources. The primary outcomes were quality-adjusted life-year, disability-adjusted life-year, incremental cost-utility ratio, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness and sensitivity of base-case analysis. Compared with school-based myopia screening strategy, after implementing digital comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategy, the prevalence of myopia among 18-year-old students in rural and urban areas was reduced by 3.79% and 3.48%, respectively. The incremental cost-utility ratio per quality-adjusted life-year gained with the digital myopia management plan ($11,301 for rural setting, and $10,707 for urban setting) was less than 3 times the per capita gross domestic product in rural settings ($30,501) and less than 1 time the per capita gross domestic product in urban settings ($13,856). In cost-effectiveness analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio produced by digital comprehensive myopia management strategy ($37,446 and $41,814 per disability-adjusted life-year averted in rural and urban settings) slightly exceeded the cost-effectiveness threshold. When assuming perfect compliance, full coverage of outdoor activities and spectacles satisfied the cost-effectiveness threshold, and full coverage of outdoor activities produced the lowest cost ($321 for rural settings and $808 for urban settings). Health economic evidence confirmed the cost-effectiveness of promoting digital comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategies for schoolchildren at the national level. Sufficient evidence provides an economic and public health reference for further action by governments, policy-makers and other myopia-endemic countries. National Natural Science Foundation of China,NSFC(82171051),Beijing Natural Science Foundation(JQ20029),Capital Health Research and Development of Special(2020-2-1081),National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC(82071000),National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC (8197030562).

Morphological, serological, molecular detection, and phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma evansi in horses of different regions in Iran.

Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of "surra" is enzootic in Iran. The current study aimed to detect T. evansi in horses from different regions of Iran using morphological, serological, and molecular methods. In 2021, 400 blood samples were collected from horses in eight regions. Eighty horses showed clinical signs such as cachexia (n = 64), fever (n = 36), foot edema (n = 40), and abdominal edema (n = 32), and 320 horses appeared healthy. All samples from the studied regions were evaluated for the presence of trypanosomes using direct analysis of blood smears, mercuric chloride, and PCR-based tests. In total, 12% (95% CI: ± 3.1%), 21% (95% CI: ± 3.9%), and 21% (84) of animals were positive for Trypanosoma in microscopic, serologic, and molecular analyses, respectively. All animals positive for SSU rDNA PCR were from Qom, Semnan, and Golestan regions. Further molecular analyses on 84 PCR-positive horses revealed that 29 horses scored positive in PCR using primers of trypanozoon species and 5 scored positive in PCR using primers of Trypanosoma evansi type A. All samples (n = 5) were from Qom region. The 205-bp fragments of T. evansi RoTat 1.2VSG (accession numbers: ON017789-93) analyzed and compared to other isolates sequence from GenBank BLAST search. It has close similarities with isolates from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Kenya, and India. Data herein demonstrated that horses from Iran were at high risk of T. evansi infection. Comprehensive control programs, such as those based on the application of repellants and traps, and also, compliance with quarantine standards are recommended for minimizing the risk of the infection.

The prevalence and risk factors for tuberculosis among healthcare workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting TB, particularly when in high tuberculosis (TB) burden settings. Routine surveillance data and evidence are limited on the burden of TB amongst HCWs in Indonesia. We aimed to measure the prevalence of TB infection (TBI) and disease among HCWs in four healthcare facilities in Yogyakarta province in Indonesia, and explore risk factors for TBI. A cross-sectional TB screening study targeted all HCWs from four pre-selected facilities (1 hospital, 3 primary care) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Voluntary screening included symptom assessment, Chest X-ray (CXR), Xpert MTB/RIF (if indicated) and tuberculin skin test (TST). Analyses were descriptive and included multivariable logistic regression. Of 792 HCWs, 681 consented (86%) to the screening; 59% (n = 401) were female, 62% were medical staff (n = 421), 77% worked in the one participating hospital (n = 524), and the median time working in the health sector was 13 years (IQR: 6-25 years). Nearly half had provided services for people with TB (46%, n = 316) and 9% reported ever having TB (n = 60). Among participants with presumptive TB (15%, n = 99/662), none were diagnosed microbiologically or clinically with active TB disease. TBI was detected in 25% (95% CI: 22-30; n = 112/441) of eligible HCWs with a TST result. A significant association was found between TB infection and being male (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.02 (95%CI: 1.29-3.17)), currently working in the participating hospital compared to primary care (aOR 3.15 (95%CI: 1.75-5.66)), and older age (1.05 OR increase per year of life between 19-73 years (95%CI: 1.02-1.06)). This study supports prioritisation of HCWs as a high-risk group for TB infection and disease, and the need for comprehensive prevention and control programs in Indonesia. Further, it identifies characteristics of HCWs in Yogyakarta at higher risk of TBI, who could be prioritised in screening programs if universal coverage of prevention and control measures cannot be achieved.

Abstract 1: Mouse models of cancer available from The Jackson Laboratory

Abstract Genetically defined mice are a cornerstone of cancer research. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) offers more than 13,500 unique mouse lines to the scientific community, many useful in advancing cancer research. Available are mouse models for specific cancers, xenograft recipients, immunodeficient platforms for PDX studies and multi-purpose tool strains having CRISPR/Cas9 expression, conditional/inducible expression (Cre-lox, FLP-frt, Tet-On/-Off), optogenetic function and calcium-sensing technologies. This poster will highlight some recently added models, more than 150 of which have cancer research applications. The portfolio of strains useful for transplantation/engraftment and “humanized” mouse research continues to expand and complement the NSG (NOD scid IL2rγc-/-) model as ideal tools for engraftment with a wide range of malignant or non-malignant human or mouse tissues. Fluorescent protein-expressing strains include the Traffic Light Reporter models for tracking of DNA repair pathways and the Gene Editing Reporter models for detection of homology directed repair (HDR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair events. As a tool for gene targeting, the RosaBxb-GT/GA mice are designed to allow insertion of ~40kb of desired DNA sequence into the Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus. In addition to safeguarding each strain by cryopreservation, JAX has a comprehensive genetic quality control program that confirms mutation identity and genetic background, and screens for unwanted alleles (such as stray GFP, Cre, neo, etc.). Search the comprehensive collection of innovative mouse models using our improved JAX Mouse Search site (mice.jax.org). This resource includes models created by many generous donating institutions. Researchers are encouraged to donate their mouse lines via a very short Strain Submission form (jax.org/donate-a-mouse). Please also visit the JAX Oncology webpage for cancer research related strains and resources (jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/solutions-by-therapeutic-area/oncology). JAX is supported by the NIH, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute and other private charitable foundations. Citation Format: Jason Beckwith, Jen Merriam, Alicia Valenzuela, Darcy Pomerleau, Crystal Davis. Mouse models of cancer available from The Jackson Laboratory [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1.

Intensified pulmonary tuberculosis case finding among HIV-infected new entrants of a prison in Malaysia: implications for a holistic approach to control tuberculosis in prisons

PurposeThis intensified case finding study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) disease among people with HIV entering the largest prison in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in Kajang prison, starting in July 2013 in the men’s prison and June 2015 in the women’s prison. Individuals tested positive for HIV infection, during the mandatory HIV testing at the prison entry, were consecutively recruited over five months at each prison. Consented participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and asked to submit two sputum samples that were assessed using GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and culture, irrespective of clinical presentation. Factors associated with active TB (defined as a positive result on either Xpert or culture) were assessed using regression analyses.FindingsOverall, 214 incarcerated people with HIV were recruited. Most were men (84.6%), Malaysians (84.1%) and people who inject drugs (67.8%). The mean age was 37.5 (SD 8.2) years, and median CD4 lymphocyte count was 376 cells/mL (IQR 232–526). Overall, 27 (12.6%) TB cases were identified, which was independently associated with scores of five or more on the World Health Organization clinical scoring system for prisons (ARR 2.90 [95% CI 1.48–5.68]).Originality/valueLimited data exists about the prevalence of TB disease at prison entry, globally and none from Malaysia. The reported high prevalence of TB disease in the study adds an important and highly needed information to design comprehensive TB control programmes in prisons.

Economic Evaluation of the Comprehensive AIDS Prevention and Control Program - Tianjin Municipality, China, 2011-2022.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents a significant public health challenge globally, not only inflicting harm on the health of individuals but also placing a considerable economic strain on society. This study represents the inaugural report on the potential reduction in economic burden attributable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies in Tianjin. Between 2011 and 2022, it is estimated that effective measures could prevent 2,965 new HIV infections and avert 658 deaths, resulting in an economic benefit of approximately 14.437 billion Chinese Yuan. The findings of this study offer valuable evidence to inform the development of localized HIV prevention and control strategies, as well as to guide public health policymaking.

Epidemiology and Control of Opisthorchis viverrini Infection: Implications for Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention.

It is known that Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is the most significant risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); hence, it is also known as carcinogenic parasite. Effective control and elimination of OV infection should significantly reduce O. viverrini-related CCA. This chapter includes details of the three recently developed innovative tools, namely the Isan cohort database software, an OV-RDT for screening of O. viverrini, and an ultrasound telecommunication system. Past and current control programs, i.e., education, medication, and sanitation were discussed and stressed the need for a comprehensive control program which encompasses primary, secondary, and tertiary patient care programs for confirmation and management of suspected CCA cases. The approach of mathematical modeling for control of OV and CCA was also briefly described. Additionally, we highlighted the current progress toward control of OV and CCA in Thailand and potential for expansion into nearby countries in Southeast Asia.

Management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge and Perceptions Among Healthcare Workers.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a serious threat to public health despite great efforts. For many years, management and screening for active TB cases have been the main focus of TB control programs. Latent TB is a stage where TB can be prevented and controlled. Therefore, designing a comprehensive TB control program that includes latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) management diseases is needed to be implemented among the healthcare workers (HCWs) who have been found to be at a higher risk for active TB compared to the general population.The objective of the studyThe objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and perceptions of LTBI among HCWs. In addition to estimating the prevalence of LTBI among HCWs using closed-end questions in a self-administered questionnaire.Subjects and methodsThrough a cross-sectional study and non-random sampling technique, 324 (84%) healthcare workers who met the inclusion criteria completed and submitted the electronic questionnaire.ResultsAmong all participants, the study reported a good knowledge about LTBI; however, a third of HCWs had poor knowledge about the difference between LTBI and active TB. Eighteen percent of participants were diagnosed with LTBI, and two-thirds accepted the treatment. Of all participants who started the treatment, 55% completed the treatment course. The compliance rate was high among young HCWs and physicians who had a short course of LTB treatment regimen. ConclusionThe study reported a low acceptance and completion rate of LTBI therapy among HCWs. Low knowledge about some clinical facts of LTBI, the long duration of treatment, and being the treatment optional in Saudi health institutes were all barriers to accepting and completing the treatment of LTBI. All of these factors need to be addressed to increase the compliance rate to LTBI treatment.

Incidence and mortality of lung cancer in 2018 and the temporal trends from 2010 to 2018 in Henan province, China: a population-based registry study

BackgroundThe disease burden of lung cancer is high in Henan province, China, it is out of the utmost significance to figure the current epidemic status and temporal trend of lung cancer for effective prevention and control.MethodsThe qualified data was obtained from the Henan Provincial Central Cancer Registry of China, covering 30.51% of the whole population. Incidence, mortality, proportions, and cumulative rates (among patients aged 0–74 years old) of lung cancer by areas, sex and age groups were estimated. The world Segi’s standard population was applied to calculate the age-standardized rate. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) to evaluate temporal trends from 2010 to 2018.ResultsIn 2018, there were about 55,344 new cases of lung cancer in Henan province, with the crude incidence of 50.75/100,000, the age-standardized incidence rate by world standard (Segi’s) population (ASIRW) of 37.14/100,000, and the cumulative rate of 4.57%. About 41,782 people died from lung cancer in 2018, with the crude mortality rate of 38.31/100,000, the age-standardized mortality rate by world standard (Segi’s) population (ASMRW) of 27.09/100,000, and the cumulative rate of 3.22%. The age-specific incidence and mortality of lung cancer increased gradually as age increased and reached the peak at the age of 85+ years. The overall ASIRW (AAPC =0.3, P=0.531) and ASMRW (AAPC =−0.2, P=0.687) remained stable from 2010 to 2018, but decreased in urban areas from 2014 to 2018 (APC for ASIRW =−4.7, P=0.023; APC for ASMRW =−5.3, P=0.012). From 2010 to 2018, the incidence rate increased in the rural population aged 75+ years old (AAPC =4.2, P=0.023).ConclusionsThe incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer significantly decreased in urban areas partly due to the Cancer Screening Program in Urban China. Nonetheless, the disease burden remains high, especially in males and elderly population. Comprehensive prevention and control programs, such as smoking cessation intervention, screening, early diagnosis and early treatment programs, need to be implemented to reduce the burden of lung cancer.

A Proactive, Systematic Approach to Building the Capacity of Technical Assistance Providers.

Technical assistance (TA) is a major capacity building strategy used by the government sector to promote health outcomes in the United States. However, there is minimal literature about how to develop TA provider capacities. This article describes a systematic and proactive approach for developing TA provider capacity, referred to as Technical Assistance for Technical Assistance Providers (TAFTAP), which draws on three implementation science frameworks (Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, Getting To Outcomes, and R = MC2). We present an application of TAFTAP within a federal agency providing a readiness-informed TA approach to health departments of states, territories, and tribal areas implementing comprehensive tobacco prevention control programs. Pilot data suggest that TAFTAP is a promising approach for improving the quality of TA delivery. At the end of the 2-year project period, TAFTAP recipients provided generally positive qualitative feedback about the support they received. They chose to sustain the readiness-informed TA by incorporating it into a future funding announcement. Downstream state-level TA grantee recipients reported positive outcomes (e.g., accelerated progress, enjoying more one-on-one time with TA providers) from receiving the TA innovation from TAFTAP recipients. We suggest that funding agencies and training and TA centers consider this approach to bolster the capacity and motivation of TA providers for downstream benefit to health and human services staff and their clients. Practical steps for employing TAFTAP to advance health outcomes are included in this article.

The Results of the Families Improving Together (FIT) for Weight Loss Randomized Trial in Overweight African American Adolescents.

Few intervention studies have integrated cultural tailoring, parenting, behavioral, and motivational strategies to address African American adolescent weight loss. The Families Improving Together (FIT) for Weight Loss trial was a randomized group cohort study testing the efficacy of a cultural tailoring, positive parenting, and motivational intervention for weight loss in overweight African American adolescents (N = 241 adolescent/caregiver dyads). The trial tested an 8-week face-to-face group motivational plus family weight loss program (M + FWL) compared with a comprehensive health education control program. Participants were then rerandomized to an 8-week tailored or control online program to test the added effects of the online intervention on reducing body mass index and improving physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA], light physical activity [LPA]), and diet. There were no significant intervention effects for body mass index or diet. There was a significant effect of the group M + FWL intervention on parent LPA at 16 weeks (B = 33.017, SE = 13.115, p = .012). Parents in the group M + FWL intervention showed an increase in LPA, whereas parents in the comprehensive health education group showed a decrease in LPA. Secondary analyses using complier average causal effects showed a significant intervention effect at 16 weeks for parents on MVPA and a similar trend for adolescents. While the intervention showed some impact on physical activity, additional strategies are needed to impact weight loss among overweight African American adolescents.

Associations between management factors and seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dromedary camels

Johne’s disease is a chronic infectious granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and mainly infect wild and domestic animals. Although MAP infection has been reported worldwide, observational studies on MAP in camels are very scarce. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the herd- and camel-level seroprevalences and management factors associated with MAP seroprevalence in dromedary camels in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study with two-stage random sampling was conducted. Serum samples from 391 camels in 67 herds were collected and tested for the presence of MAP antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA test. The average MAP herd- and camel-level seroprevalences were 40.3% (95% CI: 29.10 – 52.60%) and 16.1% (95% CI: 12.78 – 20.11%), respectively. The herd-level factors showed a greater risk of MAP seropositivity in medium (36 − 75) and larger (>75) size herds compared with small (<36) herds. Furthermore, the risk of MAP seropositivity decreased in herds with calving pens compared to herds without calving pens. The camel-level factors indicated a decrease in seroprevalence of MAP with the age of camels. The present study revealed a high prevalence of MAP in dromedary camels in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. The herd-level risk factors for MAP seroprevalence identified in this study will provide the baseline data for developing and implementing a comprehensive control program for MAP in Saudi Arabia.

An Appraisal of Bacteriological Profile and Antibiogram Patterns among Elderly with Urinary–Tract-Infection: A Retrospective Study

Background: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect any portion of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). It's worth noting that the majority of UTIs affect the lower urinary tract. This infection has been identified as the most frequent bacterial illnesses, accounting for a significant portion of the workload in microbiological diagnostic laboratories.&#x0D; UTIs account for 15.5 percent of hospitalizations in individuals over the age of 65, and it has been reported as one of the most common types of infection among the elderly, particularly those in institutionalized care.&#x0D; Objectives: Our aim was to retrospectively appraise and evaluate the bacteriological profile and antibiogram patterns in elderly adults visiting our private healthcare center.&#x0D; Methods: The retrospective survey was conducted on elderly patients who visited the hospital within the period of three years (October 2018- October 2021). Questionnaire designed was used to collect data from the Health Information Management unit of the hospital and these information were analyzed using SPSS 20 package with a level of significant set at p-value of &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Females made up over 70% of the study participants, while men made up 30.2 percent. A substantial percentage of the elderly (53.8%) between the ages of 60 and 65 had E. coli growth as the cause of their UTI. More than a third (33.3 percent) of the elderly between the ages of 60 and 80 had Staphylococcus and Proteus as the cause of their UTI. The majority of the elderly patients' samples showed Staphylococcus Aureus and E Coli growth, with E coli growth reported in 33.3 percent and 66.7 percent of male and female participants, respectively, and Staph. aureus growth reported in 22.2 percent and 77.8% of male and female participants' urine cultures, accordingly. The majority of the bacteria grown were susceptible to Quinolones and Ceftriazone combination medicine (Ceftriazone + Tazobactan for E. coli and Ceftriazone + Tazobactam/ Sulbactam for Staphylococcus aureus), however common hospital antibiotics such as Ceftriazone, Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Cefixime, and cefuroxime were not sensitive to the urine cultured germs.&#x0D; Conclusion: The rate of UTI in the elderly was relatively high, and antibiotic resistance to routinely administered medicines was surprising. The findings of this study have bolstered the need for comprehensive national control programs to combat antibiotic resistance, as well as the establishment of Geriatric clinics and geriatric public care programs across Nigeria's private and public health institutions, whose responsibility it is to raise awareness about the dangers of UTI and to develop robust treatment plans for the elderly.

Use of Psychoactive Substance and its Associated Factors among School Adolescents in Rupandehi District of Nepal.

Psychoactive substance use among adolescents has been identified as an important health issue in Nepal. Therefore, this study examined the psychoactive substance use and factors associated with its use among adolescent students in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2018 with 460 school students aged between 15 to 19 years across sampled public and private schools in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Structured interview schedule was used to collect information on psychoactive substance use. The generalized estimating equation was used to identify the factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances. Over a quarter (27.4%) of school-going adolescents used at least one type of psychoactive substance. Commonly used psychoactive substance included tobacco products (59.3%) followed by cannabis (55.6%), marijuana (35.8%), hashish (23.5%), alcohol (22.2%), heroin (18.5%), nitrogen tablets (14.8%), sulfa (13.6%) and opium (13.6%), respectively. Being male (AOR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.19-3.36), having peers (AOR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.13-3.03) or family members (AOR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.40-3.54) that used psychoactive substances and father's education level (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.05-5.78) were significantly associated with the psychoactive substance use. This study identified that over a quarter of school-going adolescents reported the use of at least one illegal psychoactive substance. This study provided details on the extent of behaviours, and can be used to develop a comprehensive prevention and control program. Such programs should address the socio-cultural factors that enable substance use and address gaps in knowledge to prevent and control of psychoactive substance use.

An Extensive Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Program Significantly Improves Inter-Laboratory Concordance Rates of Flow-Cytometric Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: An I-BFM-FLOW-Network Report.

Simple SummaryStandardization of flow-cytometric assessment of minimal residual disease in acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is necessary to allow concordant multicentric application of the methodology. This is a prerequisite for internationally collaborative trials, such as the AIEOP-BFM-ALL and the ALL IC-BFM trial. We developed and applied a comprehensive training and quality control program involving a large number of international laboratories within the I-BFM consortium to complement standardization of the methodology with an educational component as well as with persistent quality control measures to allow large ALL treatment trials which use multi-laboratory FCM-MRD assessments for risk stratification of pediatric patients with ALL.Monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry (FCM) is a powerful prognostic tool for predicting outcomes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To apply FCM-MRD in large, collaborative trials, dedicated laboratory staff must be educated to concordantly high levels of expertise and their performance quality should be continuously monitored. We sought to install a unique and comprehensive training and quality control (QC) program involving a large number of reference laboratories within the international Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (I-BFM) consortium, in order to complement the standardization of the methodology with an educational component and persistent quality control measures. Our QC and quality assurance (QA) program is based on four major cornerstones: (i) a twinning maturation program, (ii) obligatory participation in external QA programs (spiked sample send around, United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS)), (iii) regular participation in list-mode-data (LMD) file ring trials (FCM data file send arounds), and (iv) surveys of independent data derived from trial results. We demonstrate that the training of laboratories using experienced twinning partners, along with continuous educational feedback significantly improves the performance of laboratories in detecting and quantifying MRD in pediatric ALL patients. Overall, our extensive education and quality control program improved inter-laboratory concordance rates of FCM-MRD assessments and ultimately led to a very high conformity of risk estimates in independent patient cohorts.

The genotype determination and molecular characterization of bovine leukemia virus in Turkey

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection is widespread worldwide and causes significant economic losses in the livestock industry. In this study, to identify the genotypes and to investigate the molecular characterization of BLV strains, we analyzed 25 BLV strains from cattle housed in six herds located in several Turkish geographical regions. Phylogenetic analysis, based on a partial or full-length sequence of the env gp51 gene of BLVs, showed that all Turkish BLVs belonged to genotype 1. The alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences demonstrated fourteen amino acid substitutions in different regions of the env gp51. This study updates our knowledge of BLV in Turkey. Further studies are needed to understand the molecular epidemiology and implement a comprehensive BLV control program in Turkey.

Demographics of Cystic Echinococcosis Patients Treated Surgically in Lahore, Pakistan: A Single Centre Study from 2007 - 2018.

SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. These parasites have a worldwide geographic distribution and pose a serious threat to livestock industry as well as human health in the endemic areas. CE is widely distributed in Pakistan. However, very few reports are available related to the regional transmission of E. granulosus. A retrospective analysis was conducted of surgically confirmed CE patients who were treated at Shoukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan from 2007 – 2018. In total, 536 CE patients were evaluated during the study period. Cases originated from the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (n=336), Punjab (n=147), Baluchistan (n=18), Sindh (n=3), Islamabad (n=2), Gilgit Baltistan (n=1), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (n=1). An additional 28 cases were from Afghanistan. The highest number of CE cases was reported in 2013 (n=90). Females made up a larger proportion of cases (n=310; 57.8 %) than males (n=226; 42.2 %). Most patients were members of the Pashtun (n=197; 36.7 %), Hindku (n=142; 26.5 %), and Punjabi (n=118; 22.0 %) ethnic groups. The largest number of cysts was obtained from the liver (137/536; 25.6 %). This study showed that CE is likely present throughout Pakistan. In order to control the disease, a comprehensive control program and regional surveillance are needed.