Control Program Research Articles

Associations of linear growth with body composition of perinatally HIV-infected African adolescents

Abstract The prevalence of poor linear growth among African children with perinatally acquired HIV remains high. There is concern that poor linear growth may to lead to later total and central fat deposition and associated non-communicable disease risks. We investigated associations between height-for-age Z score (HAZ) and total and regional fat and lean mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, expressed as internal population Z scores, among 839 Zimbabwean and Zambian perinatally HIV-infected male and female adolescents aged 11–19 years. Stunting (HAZ < –2) was present in 37 % of males and 23 % of females. HAZ was strongly positively associated with total, trunk, arm and leg fat mass and lean mass Z scores, in analyses controlling for pubertal stage, socio-economic status and HIV viral load. Associations of linear growth with lean mass were stronger than those with fat outcomes; associations with total and regional fat were similar, indicating no preferential central fat deposition. There was no evidence that age of starting antiretroviral therapy was associated with HAZ or body composition. Non-suppressed HIV viral load was associated with lower lean but not fat mass. The results do not support the hypothesis that poor linear growth or stunting are risk factors for later total or central fat deposition. Rather, increased linear growth primarily benefits lean mass but also promotes fat mass, both consistent with larger body size. Nutritional and/or HIV infection control programmes need to address the high prevalence of stunting among perinatally HIV-infected children in order to mitigate constraints on the accretion of lean and fat mass.

Design of optimum spacecraft reorientation control with a combined criteria of quality based on the quaternions

Specifical original problem of attitude controlling for spacecraft was proposed in this paper. Problem of optimal rotation from a known initial state in a prescribed spatial orientation was studied in detail (turnaround time is not fixed). Design of optimal program of reorientation is based on new indicator of quality that combines energy costs including the contribution of controlling torques and integral of rotary energy (in a known proportion) and reorientation time; presence of duration factor bounds time of rotation finish. To construct an optimal control of angular momentum changing, quaternionic method and the maximum principle were applied. Differential equation that relates spacecraft angular momentum and quaternion of spacecraft orientation is a base to obtain analytic solution to a problem. We reveal the properties of optimum control program analytically, and study key features of optimum motion in details. Also, we write the formalized equations, mathematical formulas to design optimal law for change of spacecraft’s angular momentum. Analytic relations and equations are given for finding the optimal solution. Control law (in as explicit dependence between phase variables and con-trolling variables has been formulated. Main relations determining optimum values of parameters for rotation control algorithm were given. The closed-form law for rotation was obtained for dynamically symmetric solids. Numerical example as well as results of mathematical modeling of spacecraft motion that formed using optimum control are presented. This data as addition to the made theoretic descriptions shows reorientation process (in virtual form) and demonstrates practical feasibility of the developed control method. A designed algorithm for optimal control of rotation improves an efficiency of attitude system, and originates more economical performing of space vehicle during its flight along orbit.

Addressing Hypertension and Diabetes through Community-Engaged Systems (ANDES) in Puno, Peru: rationale and study protocol for a hybrid type 2 effectiveness and implementation randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease in Peru despite the availability of cost-effective, evidence-based treatment. Here we describe the rationale and study design for a hybrid type 2 randomized controlled trial to test the implementation and effectiveness of a community health worker (CHW)-led hypertension control program within the national primary care system in Puno, Peru.MethodsWe will recruit 1068 adult participants with hypertension aged ≥ 18 years in Puno, Peru, via facility-based enrollment and community health fairs. Participants will be individually randomized (1:1) to either continue with usual care or participate in a 12-month CHW-led home-based hypertension control program consisting of blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence support, and healthy lifestyle counseling. Outcome development and reporting are guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, and the Proctor et al. framework. Clinical effectiveness outcomes include mean change in systolic blood pressure (primary outcome), diastolic blood pressure, and HbA1C. Implementation outcomes include fidelity (i.e., CHW protocol adherence and dose), reach, adoption, sustainability, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness.DiscussionThe ANDES trial is testing the first CHW-led multicomponent strategy for hypertension and type 2 diabetes management in Peru. This type 2 hybrid trial will provide critical insights into the individual, community, and system-level factors necessary for successful implementation and effectiveness. These data can inform the future adaptation and scaling of the ANDES strategy in Peru and other LMICs, as well as influence policies at the system level to support this transition. Furthermore, by addressing both hypertension and diabetes, the ANDES strategy supports integrated care approaches advocated by the WHO HEARTS technical package, ultimately enhancing health outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality in the region.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05524987, Addressing Hypertension and Diabetes through Community-Engaged Systems in Puno, Peru (ANDES study), prospectively registered on September 1, 2021.

Prevalence and predictors of coronary heart disease among individuals with and without obesity in North Dakota

Introduction Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cardiovascular disease in the United States and heart disease is the leading cause of death in North Dakota. Although obesity is a major risk factor for CHD, some studies have reported an inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and CHD outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of CHD among individuals with and without obesity is essential to guide health planning. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and identify predictors of CHD among North Dakota adults with and without obesity. Methods Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2017 to 2021 were provided by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. Weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for CHD and potential risk factors among respondents with and without obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of CHD in both groups. Results A total of 17,092 respondents were included in the study. Respondents with obesity had a higher prevalence of CHD (4.7%, 95% CI: 4.2–5.4) than those without obesity (3.0%, 95% CI: 2.7–3.4). Predictors of CHD among both groups included age, sex, self-reported general health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. Having a personal doctor (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.13–3.23) and arthritis (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.34–2.22) were significant predictors of CHD among respondents without obesity, but not among those without obesity. Conclusion While the prevalence of CHD was significantly higher among adults with obesity compared to those without obesity, the findings of the stratified analysis indicated that predictors of the condition tended to be similar for the two groups. This study provides useful information to guide health planning and control programs that aim to reduce the burden of CHD in North Dakota.

Integrating an industrial hygienist into the infection prevention and control program.

Integrating an industrial hygienist into the infection prevention and control program.

Overview of CHIC symposia series: Summary of Africa and South Asia symposia

This article presents an overview of the main challenges and lessons learned that were presented during the symposia organized by the Coalition to Strengthen the HPV Immunization Community (CHIC) in Africa and South Asia in 2022. Discussions at these meetings revolved around introduction, planning, implementation, and sustainability of HPV prevention and control programmes, with a particular focus in HPV immunisation, as well as cervical cancer screening in South Asian countries. This article also discusses the recently endorsed off-label single-dose HPV vaccination schedule and its potential impact on programme delivery and access. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of intersectional collaboration, effective communication and advocacy strategies, and the need for robust health information systems. Some of the critical factors identified for reducing the burden of cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) included strategies for increasing access and coverage, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and building capacity among health care providers. The symposia emphasized the importance of face-to-face interactions for collaboration and decision making, with live translation services enabling full participation by stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. The paper concludes with a call for continued collaboration to make progress in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in LMICs.

Metabolomics reveals altered biochemical phenotype of an invasive plant with potential to impair its biocontrol agent’s establishment and effectiveness

A plausible, but largely unexplored reason for many weed biocontrol agents failing to establish or being ineffective, could involve abiotically induced changes to an invasive plants’ biochemical phenotype and consequent enhanced herbivore resistance. Considerable literature demonstrates that chemically altered plant phenotypes can impair insect life history performance. Heather beetle, (Lochmaea suturalis), introduced to control invasive heather (Calluna vulgaris) in New Zealand (NZ) was difficult to establish and displays variable effectiveness. Using UHPLC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, we analysed primary and secondary metabolites of C. vulgaris from its native range (Scotland) and it’s introduced range (NZ), between which, differences in soil nutrients and ultraviolet light exist. We also explored secondary metabolite variation between sites within each range. New Zealand samples had the highest number of amplified metabolites, most notably defensive phenylpropanoids, supporting the concept of abiotically induced upregulation of key biosynthetic pathways. Analysis of secondary metabolite variation within each range revealed differences between sites but found little correlation of phenylpropanoid levels being influenced by variable soil nutrients. These results validate questions about the possibility of abiotically altered biochemical phenotypes in invasive plants, influencing weed biocontrol agent establishment and effectiveness, and show the potential for metabolomics in assisting future, or retrospectively analysing biological control programmes.

Role of Tick Commensal Bacteria in the Propagation of Emerging Infectious Diseases: Data Gaps and One Health Implications

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites notorious for their role as vectors of pathogens that affect humans and animals, particularly relative to the propagation of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Two important factors facilitating the role of ticks in the propagation of EIDs are their potential for the development of resistance to acaricides and the expansion of nonindigenous tick species into new geographic regions. The acquisition of acaricide resistance enables tick populations to be less susceptible to vector control programs. Expansion of the geographic distribution of tick populations increases the likelihood of access to new host species as well as new pathogens. Understanding of the microbiome of ticks continues to evolve, providing critical insights into tick biology. The tick microbiome largely comprises endosymbionts, pathogenic organisms, and commensal bacteria. Endosymbionts are highly preserved and vertically transmitted in ticks from mother to offspring, and their role in the survival of ticks is well recognized. Similarly, the role of ticks as vectors of pathogens is well established. However, commensal bacteria in ticks are acquired from the environment and while ingesting a blood meal. Because many tick species spend most of their lifetime off the hosts, it can be assumed that the richness and diversity of commensal bacteria are highly variable and dependent on the ecosystem in which the tick exists. This mini-review identifies some of the critical data gaps relevant to the role of and influence of commensal bacteria on the vectorial capacity of ticks. As ticks move into new habitats, are locally acquired commensal bacteria playing a role in adaptation to the new habitat? Apart from the conventionally understood mechanisms of acaricide resistance in ticks, are the commensal bacteria influencing the development of acaricide resistance at the population level?

Assessing agricultural practices and insecticides resistance for effective malaria vector control in northwestern Iran

BackgroundAfter three years with no local transmission of malaria, an outbreak occurred in Iran in 2022. Key malaria control methods in Iran are including indoor residual spraying (IRS), long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), and prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases. Anopheles sacharovi is one of the main malaria vectors in Iran. This study aimed to determine the insecticides resistance status of An. sacharovi in northwestern Iran, to inform effective vector control programs in this region.MethodsLarval stages of An. sacharovi were collected from various larval habitats located in the villages along the Aras River. Adult susceptibility tests were performed on An. sacharovi using diagnostic doses of insecticides accordance to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The study also evaluated agricultural insecticide and fertilizer usage alongside the presence of natural mosquito predators in breeding sites in the study area.ResultsAlongside various chemicals such as silica, humic acid, superphosphate, sulfur, urea, and solupotasse at different dose levels, organophosphorus and pyrethroid insecticides are commonly used in rice fields and orchards. Anopheles sacharovi displayed diverse reactions to insecticides, demonstrating resistance to DDT but sensitivity to malathion, and showing similar reactions to carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides.ConclusionsThese results provide significant insights into agricultural practices and the presence of mosquito larvae in the study area. The extensive use of a specific herbicide illustrates its popularity among farmers for weed control, while other agricultural products focus on enhancing soil fertility and productivity. The absence of mosquito larvae in habitats with predators indicates the usefulness of these predators in controlling the population of mosquitoes. The resistance of mosquitoes to certain insecticides highlights the need for careful selection and intermittent use of insecticides in vector control programs. These findings can inform the development of targeted strategies to reduce malaria transmission risks. Further research is essential for assessing the effectiveness of these interventions.

Impacts of inequalities in utilization of key maternal health service on fertility preference among high parity women in four selected regions of Ethiopia

BackgroundFertility is one of the three main components which determines the size, structure, and composition of a population, and fertility preferences are important measures for forecasting fertility levels of a population. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impacts of the inequalities in the utilization of key maternal health services on fertility preference among high parity women in four selected regions (i.e., Afar, Beninshangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Somali) of Ethiopia.MethodsThe study used data collected for the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) survey. It includes a total of 977 high parity women (104 urban and 873 rural) residing in the four regions of the study. Bivariate logistic regression was used to select the potential variables by using a cut off p-value < 0.2 and then the multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the selected explanatory variables (i.e., control and exposure variables) and the outcome variable (i.e. fertility preference). Further, the study employed a Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) to examine the population level impacts of the inequalities in maternal and child health service variables on fertility preference.ResultsThe results showed that religion, household wealth index, place of delivery and contraceptive use were significantly associated with fertility preference. The results of the PAFs analysis indicated that contraceptive use had the biggest impact (80%), meaning that non-use of contraceptive increased fertility preference among women in the four regions. Similarly, out of health facility delivery increased fertility preference by 37%.ConclusionThe study findings underscore the critical factors influencing women’s fertility preferences in the studied regions. Low utilization of maternal health services had an impact on fertility preference, accounting for more than half of the observed variations in fertility preferences. To address this issue, targeted interventions are recommended: enhancing access to maternal health services, strengthening fertility control programs, promoting the benefits of using these services, and actively addressing inequalities.

Detection and molecular characterization of lumpy skin disease and bovine papular stomatitis viruses in lumpy skin disease-suspected outbreaks in Tanzania.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is endemic in sub-Saharan countries and is currently a global threat to the cattle industry. Information on the circulating Capripoxvirus lumpyskinpox, formerly known as Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), and other poxviruses infecting cattle is very scant in Tanzania. The current study aimed to confirm and characterize LSDV and other poxviruses infecting cattle, from LSD suspected outbreaks in Tanzania. A total of 24 samples were collected from four LSD suspected outbreaks reported in Tanzania between February and May 2023. Samples were screened for LSDV genome by real-time PCR and then subjected to a high-resolution multiplex melting (HRM) assay where 10 samples were positive for Capripoxvirus (CaPV) and one sample was Parapoxvirus (PPV) positive. Four LSDV genes; RPO30, GPCR, EEV glycoprotein and B22R and the partial B2L gene of PPVs were analyzed. All targeted LSDV genes from the Tanzanian isolates showed 100% similarity and isolates clustered with commonly circulating LSDV field isolates. Furthermore, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 240 (A-> G) of the EEV gene differentiates the Tanzanian LSDVs from the group of ancient Kenyan LSDV isolates while the B22R sequences of the Tanzanian LSDV isolates differed from the LSDV Neethling and LSDV KSGP-0240 derived vaccines. Sequence analysis of the partial B2L gene of the Tanzanian parapoxvirus bovinestomatitis, formerly known as Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) showed a different BPSV strain circulating compared to publicly available sequences. These findings confirm the presence of LSDV in Tanzania, which suggesting the need for establishing an effective control program and continuous monitoring. The presence of a typical profile for Tanzania BPSV is an indication that, although never reported before, BPSV is established in the country therefore this virus should be included in the differential diagnosis of LSDV.

What can building information modeling do for you? A perspective on integration into infection prevention and control programs for patient safety.

What can building information modeling do for you? A perspective on integration into infection prevention and control programs for patient safety.

First detection of Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae) in southwestern France

We report the first detection of Trissolcus japonicus in southwestern France. A total of almost 3000 sentinel and 700 field-laid egg masses of Halyomorpha halys were exposed or collected in the administrative region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in 2022 and 2023. A total of 12 and 44 specimens of T. japonicus emerged from one and two egg masses in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Morphologic analysis confirmed the identification of this egg parasitoid, while molecular analysis of COI matched the haplotype of the French population to the population of T. japonicus released in Italy. Trissolcus japonicus may have arrived in Nouvelle-Aquitaine from introduction pathways similary to T. mitsukurii, detected in 2020, although these pathways cannot be clearly defined. The co-occurrence of these two major parasitoids of BMSB should now be surveyed as possible competition can arise. In the frame of the biological control program currently running in France against BMSB, the use of one or two parasitoid species is also considered.

Contextual barriers to infection prevention and control program implementation in hospitals in Latin America: a mixed methods evaluation

BackgroundInfection prevention and control (IPC) programs are essential to prevent and control the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare facilities (HCFs). The current implementation of these programs in Latin America remains largely unknown.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of IPC program implementation in HCFs from Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, and Argentina, March-July 2022. We used the World Health Organization (WHO) IPC Assessment Framework (IPCAF) survey, a previously validated structured questionnaire with an associated scoring system that evaluates the eight core components of IPC (IPC program; IPC guidelines; IPC education and training; healthcare-associated infection [HAI] surveillance; multimodal strategies; monitoring and audit of IPC practices and feedback; workload, staffing, and bed occupancy; and the built environment and materials and equipment for IPC). Each section generates a score 0–100. According to the final score, the HCF IPC program implementation is categorized into four levels: inadequate (0–200), basic (201–400), intermediate (401–600), or advanced (601–800). Additionally, we conducted semi-structured interviews among IPC personnel and microbiologists using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model to evaluate barriers and facilitators for IPC program implementation. We performed directed content analysis of interview transcripts to identify themes that focused on barriers and facilitators of IPC program implementation which are summarized descriptively.ResultsThirty-seven HCFs (15 for-profit and 22 non-profit) completed the IPCAF survey. The overall median score was 614 (IQR 569, 693) which corresponded to an “advanced” level of IPC implementation (32% [7/22] non-profit vs. 93% [14/15] for-profit HCFs in this category). The lowest scores were in workload, staffing and bed occupancy followed by IPC training and multimodal strategies. Forty individuals from 16 HCFs were interviewed. They perceived inadequate staffing and technical resources, limited leadership support, and cultural determinants as major barriers to effective IPC guideline implementation, while external accreditation and technical support from public health authorities were perceived as facilitators.ConclusionsEfforts to strengthen IPC activities in Latin American HCFs should focus on improving support from hospital leadership and public health authorities to ensure better resource allocation, promoting safety culture, and improving training in quality improvement.

Ethanol stability from nine years of a blind quality control program in blood alcohol analysis.

A blind quality control (BQC) program in blood alcohol analysis was implemented at the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) in September 2015. By mimicking authentic toxicology blood evidence, the laboratory can perform a concurrent evaluation of their technical and administrative casework procedures and test the accuracy and reliability of their volatile analysis method in a format that is blinded to the analyst. From September 2015 to November 2023, HFSC's Quality Division submitted 1228 antemortem whole blood samples: 292 ethanol-negative samples and 936 ethanol-positive samples at sixteen target concentrations (0.051, 0.080, 0.100, 0.110, 0.120, 0.130, 0.150, 0.160, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190, 0.200, 0.230, 0.240, 0.250, and 0.260 g/dL). A second, unopened blood tube in 168 of the 1228 BQCs was also analyzed after 721-1140 days: 24 ethanol-negative samples and 144 ethanol-positive samples at five target concentrations (0.080, 0.100, 0.130, 0.180, and 0.240 g/dL). All 316 ethanol-negative samples remained negative. After 42-758 days, the average (median, range) change in ethanol concentration of the 936 positive samples was -1.4% (-1.3%, -12.0% to +8.4%) with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) observed for the gradual decline in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over time. The average BAC percentage differences per target concentration, ranged from -6.4% (-0.008 g/dL) to +5.7% (+0.011 g/dL), were within HFSC's current measurement uncertainty (9.4% at k=3), showing no apparent correlation between the change in ethanol and the theoretical target concentration. As the analysis time between the two blood specimens from the same evidence kit extended, the loss in ethanol significantly increased (P < 0.001).

Prioritizing weeds for biological control development in the western USA: Results from the adaptation of the biological control target selection system

Nonnative invasive plants (weeds) negatively impact native ecosystems, and their effects are likely to increase with continuing global trade. Biological weed control has been employed as a cost-effective and sustainable management option for weeds in the USA since 1902. Biological control programs require careful prioritization of target weeds to ensure the most appropriate targets are selected to obtain the greatest beneficial outcomes with available resources. The Biological Control Target Selection (BCTS) system was developed by researchers in South Africa as an objective, transparent approach to prioritizing new weed biological control targets. The BCTS system was recently modified and applied to 295 state-regulated weeds in the western USA for which no biological control agents have yet been released. This paper presents the results of that application, identifying the most suitable candidates for new biological control programs as well as problematic weeds for which the likelihood of successful biological control is low.Top-ranked species in the western USA are biennial or perennial weeds that occur in stable habitats, are established in more than one state, have traits deemed difficult to control with conventional methods, have large negative impacts and no conflicts of interest outside of the horticultural industry, and have substantial information available on potential biocontrol agents. Fifteen of the 20 top-ranked species are already targets of ongoing biological control programs in the USA. When species with current programs are excluded from the analysis, the next 20 top-ranked species largely differ by having less information available on potential biological control agents and having native or economically important congeners in the USA. Results from this framework provide valuable insights to the prioritization of current and future biocontrol research programs in the western USA.

An ecoregion-based approach to evaluate invasive plant species pools

Invasive alien species are an important component of global change, threatening biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, economy, and human health. The number of alien species that attain the invasive status has experienced an exponential increase in recent years, leading some government agencies and stakeholders to allocate substantial resources to early detection, control, mitigation, and eradication programs. To develop effective nature conservation strategies, it is crucial to understand the invasive status of alien species and to identify priority species for management at spatial scales with a biogeographical basis. Despite significant progress in producing lists of alien species at the country level, a standard methodology for species assessment within ecological regions (i.e., regions with similar environmental or biogeographical characteristics) is still lacking. Here, we develop a systematic approach to determine invasion status and to prioritize invasive alien plant species within an ecoregion. We apply this approach in the Cantabrian Mixed Forests ecoregion, which encompasses biogeographically related areas from N Portugal, NW Spain, and SW France, and is strongly affected by plant invasions. By combining scientific evidence with expert opinion on the ecological characteristics of alien plants, we identified 175 invasive plant species in the study ecoregion, of which 37 cause massive environmental and/or socio-economic impacts. For each species, we provide comprehensive information and recommendations for scientists, land managers, policy makers, and other stakeholders under a biogeographical basis. This information includes species characteristics, invasion status/level, population trends, geographic locations and range size, local abundance, environmental and socio-economic impacts, and invaded habitats. We also accounted for administrative divisions within the ecoregion to facilitate the use of such evaluations in local-scale management and conservation plans. Our framework may be applied to any ecoregion worldwide, enhancing the assessment and management of invasive species pools within biogeographically meaningful regions.

Reviewing the Impact of Engineering Measures on Soil Erosion in Jammu and Kashmir Anantnag Watershed

Planners now find that stopping soil loss in India's watersheds must be their top priority. Currently, a wide range of mathematical models are used worldwide to predict soil erosion. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), which is frequently used to predict average soil loss, is one such model. Recently, there has been an increased emphasis on applying USLE/RUSLE in conjunction with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, enabling grid-based analysis for predicting soil erosion and aiding management methods. This study assesses the efficacy of flood control and erosion management programs launched in 1914. Four different maps representing the possible erosion threats were created for four different time periods, and a comparison study was carried out to assess the changes that occurred. The implementation of various strategies such as terracing, afforestation, and rehabilitation in the watershed led to a noteworthy prediction of decreased soil loss in the watershed. In the temperate region of Jammu and Kashmir and sparsely vegetated areas, the rate of anticipated soil loss decreased from 632 to 378 metric tons per hectare per year between 1990 and 2020, indicating the efficacy of soil conservation measures in mitigating potential soil loss.

Prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Wuchereria bancrofti&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium Spp.&lt;/i&gt; infection in &lt;i&gt;Anopheles&lt;/i&gt; mosquitoes and human blood sampled from Matayos in Busia County, Western Kenya

INTRODUCTION Lymphatic filariasis and malaria are mosquito-borne diseases and are co-endemic in coastal Kenya. We evaluated the occurrence of co-infections with Wuchereria bancrofti and Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agents of Lymphatic filariasis and malaria, respectively, in humans and known Anopheles vectors from Matayos constituency, Busia County, western Kenya. MATERIALS AND METHODS The samples were collected purposively based on clinical case reports. Members of the An. gambiae and An. funestus species complexes present and the presence of W. bancrofti and P. falciparum were detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Positive PCR amplicons were purified and Sanger sequenced. RESULTS In this study, 292 Anopheles mosquitoes were analyzed, and 288 of these (98.63%) were successfully identified by PCR. The majority of mosquitoes identified belonged to the An. funestus complex (85.76%) while An. gambiae complex mosquitoes comprised 14.24%. Two W. bancrofti infections were detected in the mosquitoes, one each in An. leesoni and An. funestus s.s. with an infection rate of 0.46% and 4.17% respectively. No P. falciparum was detected in the mosquito or human blood samples and only 2 blood samples (2.17%) were positive for W. bancrofti. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequenced 18S rRNA gene showed that all W. bancrofti sequences from this study shared a close relationship with W. bancrofti sequences distributed in other regions. No case of co-infection of P. falciparum and W. bancrofti was found in the mosquito or blood samples analyzed. CONCLUSION This study confirms the presence of W. bancrofti infection in the human population and mosquito vectors in Matayos. The study also indicated that the majority of Anopheles mosquitoes from the study area belong to An. funestus complex. This study recommends additional screening before Mass Drug Administration, and that mosquito control programs be strengthened in the study area.

Characterization of bla NDM in two Escherichia coli ST1193 clinical isolates in the Gulf region.

Escherichia coli ST1193 is an emerging high-risk clone associated with the production of plasmid-mediated CTX-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases. However, this clone has seldom been found to contain plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes. We report two epidemiologically unlinked multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of E. coli ST1193 with plasmids harbouring NDM-type carbapenemase genes from the Gulf region. The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK 2/Phoenix system. A conjugation experiment was performed to assess the transferability of the resistance plasmids. Genomic DNA of both isolates was subject to Illumina sequencing; one isolate was also sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to detect antimicrobial resistance genes, and to annotate the genetic context of the NDM genes. Both isolates were resistant to carbapenems using phenotypic tests. Conjugation experiment confirmed that NDM-5-encoding plasmids of both strains could be transferred to the recipient cells. The completed NDM-5-encoding plasmid of E. coli isolate FQ71 was highly similar to several plasmids from ST410 isolates in the NCBI database. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of transposase genes and transposons in the flanking regions of the NDM genes in the plasmids. Since carbapenems constitute first-line agents for the treatment of serious infections caused by ESBL producers, E. coli ST1193 isolates co-producing ESBL and NDM-type carbapenemases represent a serious challenge for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programmes.