South West Research Articles

Introduction of point-of-care blood testing in early intervention in psychosis services: effects on physical health screening.

There is a significant mortality gap between the general population and people with psychosis. Completion rates of regular physical health assessments for cardiovascular risk in this group are suboptimal. Point-of-care testing (POCT) for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia - providing an immediate result from a finger-prick - could improve these rates. To evaluate the impact on patient-clinician encounters and on physical health check completion rates of implementing POCT for cardiovascular risk markers in early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services in South East England. A mixed-methods, real-world evaluation study was performed, with 40 POCT machines introduced across EIP teams in all eight mental health trusts in South East England from March to May 2021. Clinician training and support was provided. Numbers of completed physical health checks, HbA1c and lipid panel blood tests completed 6 and 12 months before and 6 months after introduction of POCT were collected for individual patients. Data were compared with those from the South West region, which acted as a control. Clinician questionnaires were administered at 2 and 8 months, capturing device usability and impacts on patient interactions. Post-POCT, South East England saw significant increases in HbA1c testing (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.17-3.49), lipid testing (odds ratio 2.38, 95% CI 1.43-3.97) and total completed health checks (odds ratio 3.61, 95% CI 1.94-7.94). These increases were not seen in the South West. Questionnaires revealed improved patient engagement, clinician empowerment and patients' preference for POCT over traditional blood tests. POCT is associated with improvements in the completion and quality of physical health checks, and thus could be a tool to enhance holistic care for individuals with psychosis.

Namdeutsch und Namslang.

Namdeutsch and Namslang are two German-based non-standard varieties that contain loanwords from Afrikaans, English and indigenous languages. Their development began during German colonial rule in German South West Africa, now Namibia. Namdeutsch is a linguistic variant that has become established among German-speakers in Namibia in recent decades, while Namslang or NAM Släng has recently become widely used online by Namibian German-speaking youth communities. My paper focuses on differently marked multimodal online communication to identify and describe typical features of German diversity in Namibia. It will also identify the role of digital multimodality, based on the interaction of visual and linguistic material, in the constitution of meaning in this context. The aim is to examine how this comes to light through the online press and bilingual/trilingual conversations in social networks, and how speaker identities in social media are (co-)constructed through the varieties of Namdeutsch and Namslang. The research is based on the Facebook page and the NAM Släng dictionary of the musician EES (Eric Sell), the glosses of the online edition of the Allgemeine Zeitung and the Deutsch in Namibia (DNAM) corpus.

Determinant factors of prolonged hospitalization in acute heart failure patients at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Millions of people worldwide suffer from heart failure, which is a serious public health concern that results in high medical costs from prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to assess the determinant factors associated with prolonged hospitalization among admitted acute heart failure at Jimma Medical Center, south west Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia from December 2023 to April 2024, employing a prospective observational design. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi-data V.4.6 and STATA V.17 and multiple linear regression was employed. T test and ANOVA were conducted and a p-value is deemed significant if it is less than 0.05, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. A total of 294 individuals were enlisted, with a mean age of 56. Over half of the patients (53.4%) stayed eight days or more throughout their average 11.4-day hospital stay. The following were significant risk factors for extended hospital stays: living in a rural; being admitted to a cardiac unit having neck vein distension, having a third heart sound, having ankle edema; having hepatomegaly, and having pleural effusion were predictor’s of length of hospital stay. Based on this finding, the length of hospital stay in heart failure patients is influenced by various factors. Addressing these factors can help reduce the duration of hospitalization. Implementing targeted interventions, such as improving physical activity, managing comorbidities, and enhancing discharge planning, may lead to better patient outcomes and decrease the prolongation of hospital stays for those with heart failure.

Development of Rockfall Early Warning System (REWS) for Prediction of Rockfall Hazard in Manikaran, NW Himalaya, India

ABSTRACT This study addresses the first rockfall early warning system (REWS) and the urgent need for monitoring and predicting rockfall hazards in the Parvati Valley, following a major landslide near the historic Manikaran Gurudwara in August 2015. The incident resulted in significant casualties and injuries, emphasizing the criticality of implementing preventive measures. The Gargi village, located approximately 1.5 km uphill from the Parvati River base, experiences recurring rockfalls, particularly during the monsoon season. Compounding the issue, the Manikaran-Bhuntar link road, a vital route to the Parbati Hydro Electric Project Stage-II by NHPC Limited, is situated within the runout zone of rockfall events. This research involves a comprehensive approach, including geological investigation, geomorphological zonation mapping, and a drone survey of the rockfall site upslope of Manikaran. Structural data from the rockfall site of the August, 2015 event was collected, and the active source area was identified on the southwest (SW) facing scarp. Anticipating future rockfall events, we have implemented an on-site wireless sensor network comprising tilt meters, crack meters, wireless nodes, piezometer, rain gauge, accelerometer, and gateway. The gateway wirelessly transmits real-time data to the Geotechnical Lab at the Department of Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, enabling early prediction of potential rockfall incidents. This integrated approach aims to predict the landscape evolution of the SW-facing scarp over the next 50 to 100 years, providing valuable insights into the potential rockfall hazard in Manikaran and the surrounding areas of Parvati Valley. The findings will contribute to proactive measures for safeguarding lives and infrastructure in the region.

Integrated bio-straw resources and chemical fertilizer management for food and environmental security in Chinese wheat-based production.

Integrated bio-straw resources and chemical fertilizer management for food and environmental security in Chinese wheat-based production.

Molecular Epidemiology and Genotypic Diversity of Theileria annulata among Bovines Based Upon Tams1 Gene in India.

Bovine theileriosis, caused by Theileria annulata, presents a significant economic challenge to India's livestock industry. This study investigates the molecular epidemiology of T. annulata in bovine populations from Haryana, India, focusing on the genetic diversity of the Tams1 gene (785bp). The prevalence of T. annulata was evaluated in 800 blood samples using microscopy and PCR techniques, specifically targeting SSU rRNA and Tams1 genes. Genetic diversity among T. annulata isolates was analyzed through DNA sequencing and phylogenetic studies. Additionally, the impact of various risk factors on T. annulata infection was assessed. Microscopy revealed that 29.25% (117/400) of cattle and 2.75% (11/400) of buffalo were detected positive for Theileria spp. in Giemsa-stained blood smears. The Theileria genus-specific primers amplified a 1098bp fragment of the SSU rRNA gene in 39.5% (158/400) cattle and 6% (24/400) buffalo. The T. annulata-specific PCR targeting the partial Tams1 gene revealed a prevalence rate of 37% (148/400) in cattle and 3.5% (14/400) in buffalo. A genetic analysis of the Tams1 gene in 389 sequences, including 14 T. annulata isolates from Haryana (8 from cattle, 6 from buffaloes), revealed significant variation within Indian T. annulata parasites. Analysis of Tams1 gene sequences (389 from 16 countries) revealed 35 haplotypes globally, with four identified from the 14 isolates sequenced in this study. Nucleotide homology among 14 northern Indian isolates ranged from 89.46-100%, compared to a broader range of 78.42-100% when global sequences were included. Among 35 haplotypes, Hap_1 is the most dominant and shows geographic clustering. Globally, low genetic distance (Fst < 0.15) and high gene flow (Nm > 1) were observed among the five populations (South Asia, East Asia, West Asia, Europe, and Africa), suggesting minimal genetic differentiation among T. annulata populations. Negative values in Tajima' s D (-1.21941) and Li's F (-2.97801) tests suggest recent population expansion. Risk factors such as age, sex, and host species are significantly associated with T. annulata infection. This study offers comprehensive insights into T. annulata genetic diversity, population structure, and haplotype networks using the Tams1 gene.

Gambierdiscus polynesiensis from New Caledonia (South West Pacific Ocean): Morpho-molecular characterization, toxin profile and response to light intensity

Gambierdiscus polynesiensis from New Caledonia (South West Pacific Ocean): Morpho-molecular characterization, toxin profile and response to light intensity

Treatment Noncompletion and Shorter Radiation Regimens Among US Patients With Prostate Cancer: A Focus on Asian American and Pacific Islander Patients.

Higher rates of radiation therapy (RT) noncompletion may be associated with certain demographic groups in patients with prostate cancer (PC). We examined disparities in noncompletion and receipt of shorter RT regimens among disaggregated Asian American and Pacific Islander groups in the US. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients diagnosed with localized PC (2004-2017) in the National Cancer Database who identified as White, East Asian, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, or South Asian who were treated with definitive RT. The two primary outcomes were 1) treatment noncompletion and 2) receiving shorter RT regimens. Regression models were adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and clinical factors. The analytic cohort was comprised of 143,379 patients [White, n = 140,656 (98.10%); East Asian, n = 1,150 (0.80%); Southeast Asian, n = 925 (0.65%); Pacific Islander, n = 195 (0.14%); South Asian, n = 453 (0.32%)]. On multivariable analysis, Southeast Asian patients were associated with increased rate of noncompletion compared to White patients (Southeast Asian vs. White; OR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.29-1.86], p < 0.001). Geographic region of the treatment facility within the United States also was significant, as patients from the South Atlantic (OR: 1.32 [95% CI: 1.24-1.41], p < 0.001), East North Central (OR: 1.09 [95% CI: 1.03-1.17], p = 0.007), East South Central (OR: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.41-1.68], p < 0.001), and West South Central (OR: 1.14 [95% CI: 1.04-1.24], p = 0.005) regions all had higher rates of noncompletion in comparison to patients from New England. Distance from treatment facility, presence of comorbidities, and education attainment rates significantly impacted treatment noncompletion as well. Additionally, our study reports disparities in receipt of short course RT. Pacific Islander patients had substantially higher rates of SBRT (OR: 2.60 [95% CI: 1.10-6.16], p = 0.030) compared to White patients, while Hispanic patients had lower rates of SBRT (OR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.40-0.57], p < 0.001). Furthermore, receiving treatment in urban (OR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.61-0.76], p < 0.001) and metro (OR: 0.50 [95% CI: 0.39-0.65], p < 0.001) facilities was associated with reduced access to SBRT than facilities in rural areas. Patients who received treatment in the Middle Atlantic (OR: 3.28 [95% CI: 2.91-3.68], p < 0.001), South Atlantic (OR: 2.72 [95% CI: 2.40-3.09], p < 0.001), East North Central (OR: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.34-1.75], p < 0.001), East South Central (OR: 3.07 [95% CI: 2.61-3.63], p < 0.001), West North Central (OR: 2.35 [95% CI: 2.02-2.75], p < 0.001), and Mountain (OR: 2.45 [95% CI: 2.01-2.97], p < 0.001) regions of the United States had significantly higher rates of SBRT compared to patients from New England. This analysis found that Southeast Asian patients had higher rates of RT noncompletion in comparison to White patients. Additionally, disparities in SBRT access-a shorter course of RT as compared to traditional therapies-were found based on race/ethnicity and geographical factors. Our findings emphasize heterogeneous differences amongst diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander groups and support the need for further disaggregated cancer disparities research to inform targeted interventions.

Model-Based Geostatistical Mapping of the Prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus in Cameroon between 1971 and 2020.

After the closure of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) in 2015, the Ministry of Public Health of Cameroon has continued implementing annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) in endemic areas. The World Health Organization has proposed that 12 countries be verified for elimination (interruption) of transmission by 2030. Using Rapid Epidemiological Mapping of Onchocerciasis, a baseline geostatistical map of nodule (onchocercoma) prevalence had been generated for APOC countries, indicating high initial endemicity in most regions of Cameroon. After more than two decades of CDTI, infection prevalence remains high in some areas. This study aimed at mapping the spatio-temporal evolution of Onchocerca volvulus prevalence from 1971 to 2020 to: i) identify such areas; ii) indicate where alternative and complementary interventions are most needed to accelerate elimination, and iii) improve the projections of transmission models. A total of 1,404 georeferenced (village-level) prevalence surveys were obtained from published articles; the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases portal for Cameroon; independent researchers and grey literature. These data were used together with bioclimatic layers to generate model-based geostatistical (MBG) maps of microfilarial prevalence for 1971-2000; 2001-2010 and 2011-2020. Time-period was negatively and statistically significantly associated with prevalence. In 1971-2000 and 2001-2010, prevalence levels were high in most regions and ≥60% in some areas. Mean predicted prevalence declined in 2011-2020, reaching <20% in most areas, but data for this period were sparse, leading to substantial uncertainty. Hotspots were identified in South West, Littoral and Centre regions. Our results are broadly consistent with recent MBG studies and can be used to intensify onchocerciasis control and elimination efforts in areas with persisting transmission, providing spatio-temporal prevalence trends to which transmission models can be fitted to improve projections of onchocerciasis elimination by 2030 and beyond.

Qualitative study exploring the barriers and facilitators to low-dose aspirin adherence in pregnant women with placental dysfunction risk in the UK

IntroductionPlacental dysfunction is estimated to affect 10% of pregnancies and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) reduces placental dysfunction risk. However, adherence to LDA is suboptimal in...

Interim findings from a mixed methods evaluation of a social and emotional wellbeing model of service pilot in Western Australian Aboriginal community-controlled health services

ObjectivesTo evaluate the establishment and early implementation phases of a pilot of the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) social and emotional well-being (SEWB)...

Spatiotemporal Variabilty of Aerosol Optical Depth Over Nigeria Based on Modis Satellite Observations (2004–2023)

Aerosol optical depth is a key parameter and important factor for understanding climatic change and environmental pollution. This study presents long term (2004-2023) investigation of spatial and temporal variation and trends in AOD over Nigeria retrieved from Moderate Resolution Imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua [dark target (DT) and deep blue (DB)]. Monthly mean data was utilized. The spatial variability of AOD in the North West (NW) and South West (SW) regions is large then followed by South East (SE) and North Central (NC) and the least is North East (NE) and South South (SS). The mean AOD values ranged from 0.252 to 0.851. Three out of six major political zones had the highest AOD values in winter, while the remaining three had the highest AOD in spring. Such differences might be attributed to different driving forces, the South and some part of the North West had high level of AOD in winter. In addition, the AOD values show that there are obvious regional differences in the study area, with decreasing value from winter to autumn. Among them, the level of mean AOD in South-South reduces from 1.2 in winter to 0.2 in autumn. The spatial distribution of AOD also varies slightly among seasons, which may be related to meteorological factors, elevation and population.

One size does not fit all: healthcare worker perspectives on hepatitis B models of care in a low-prevalence region in Australia.

One size does not fit all: healthcare worker perspectives on hepatitis B models of care in a low-prevalence region in Australia.

Localized West-Dipping Seismic Structure Defines the Elgin–Lugoff Swarm Sequence in South Carolina

Abstract An unusual earthquake swarm began in December 2021 between the towns of Elgin and Lugoff in South Carolina, United States. This area is characterized by historically low seismicity, but by April 2024 it has experienced 97 small earthquakes listed in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) catalog, presenting a unique opportunity to investigate the dynamics of earthquake swarms in stable continental regions. These events are located in a north–south diffuse trend, cross cutting the East Piedmont fault system, a Late Paleozoic dextral strike-slip fault; however, the location uncertainties were too large to reveal any obvious structure. Starting from October 2022, we deployed 86 Smartsolo 5-Hz three-component seismic nodes for four months in the direct vicinity of the Elgin swarm. Using a combination of deep learning and match filter techniques for event detection, and double-difference relocation method for precise earthquake locations, we obtain up to 100 high-resolution microearthquake locations, as compared with four events listed in the USGS catalog for the deployment period. In our improved catalog, we report significantly smaller magnitudes in comparison to those listed in the USGS catalog, with a local magnitude ranging from −2.17 to 2.54 and achieving a magnitude of completeness at −0.20. The relocated catalog outlined a single-fault plane of nearly north–south strike and west dipping, inconsistent with either known fault strikes or the magnetic anomalies in this region. We also determine focal mechanism solutions for selected events in this swarm sequence, which shows mainly strike-slip faulting with nodal planes aligning with the north–south-striking seismic cluster. Our relocated catalog can be used to constrain the location of other swarm events outside the nodal recording period and provide a robust benchmark data set for further analysis of the swarm sequence.

Regulatory Framework for Land Banking by Private Estate Developers in South West Nigeria

The purpose of this paper was to analyse the legal framework governing land banking by private property developers in South West Nigeria, pointing out any inefficiencies or gaps that impede the development of sustainable urban areas. The study aimed to provide useful suggestions for improving land banking strategies in the area. Using a qualitative research design, the methodology entails a thorough analysis of academic databases, literatures, industry reports, legal papers, and government laws. The study uses thematic content analysis to compare best practices from different regions and find common themes and patterns in the regulatory environment. The results show that there are no special provisions for land banking in the current regulatory framework. This results in corruption, inefficient administration, and inadequate alignment with urban planning. A price hike prices, speculative land holding, and obstacles to real development initiatives are all caused by these problems. The study concludes by highlighting the pressing need for changes to bolster the laws governing land banking. Among the suggestions are modifying current legislation, promoting public-private partnerships, and increasing transparency through digital land registers. By tackling these issues, the region can encourage sustainable urban growth, increase private estate developers' operational effectiveness, and eventually help South West Nigeria reach its larger objectives for social and economic development.

Corrigendum to “Prevalence, drug susceptibility pattern and associated factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among prisoners in western Arsi zonal prisons, Oromia, South West Ethiopia”

Corrigendum to “Prevalence, drug susceptibility pattern and associated factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among prisoners in western Arsi zonal prisons, Oromia, South West Ethiopia”

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Health Application Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Fako Division, South West, Cameroon: Guidance for Development

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Health Application Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Fako Division, South West, Cameroon: Guidance for Development

Application of Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) for Subsurface Structural Characterization of Wadi Rum, Southwest Jordan

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre announced in 2011 that the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) is a global landmark for natural and cultural attraction, which represents an emerging industrial suburban and a critical socio-economic significance to the country of Jordan. The study area in Wadi Rum is located northeast of the Gulf of Aqaba between the African and Arabian plates. The region is historically characterized by significant tectonic activity and seismic events. This study focuses on characterizing the subsurface structural features of Wadi Rum through the application of the geophysical method of controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT). CSAMT data were collected from 16 sounding stations, processed, and qualitatively interpreted. The qualitative interpretation involved two main approaches: constructing sounding curves for each station and generating apparent resistivity maps at fixed depths (frequencies). The results revealed the presence of at least four distinct subsurface layers. The surface layer exhibited relatively low resistivity values (&lt;200 Ω·m), corresponding to alluvial and wadi sediments, as well as mud flats. Two intermediate layers were identified: the first showed very low resistivity values (80–100 Ω·m), likely due to medium-grained bedded sandstone, while the second displayed intermediate resistivity values (100–800 Ω·m), representing coarse basal conglomerates and coarse sandstone formations. The deepest layer demonstrated very high resistivity values (&gt;1000 Ω·m), which were likely attributed to basement rocks. Analysis of resistivity maps, combined with prior geological information, indicates that the subsurface in the study area features a graben-like structure, characterized by two detected faults trending in the northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) directions. The findings of this study, by providing critical insights into the subsurface structure, make a considerable contribution to the urban sustainability of the region, which is necessary for the careful assessment of potential hazards and the strategic planning of future infrastructure development within the protected area.

Impacts of faulty grey infrastructures on the bathymetry and salinity of Vembanad Lake, a tropical estuary along the south west coast of India.

The fast degradation in bathymetry, floodwater retention capacity, and changes in salinity regimes of Vembanad-the largest wetland system in South India-and its impacts on the ecosystem services are assessed using high-resolution data sets on bathymetry and hydrography. Strengthening the outer banks of Kuttanad polders to promote paddy cultivation led to a sharp decline in its sediment (suspended) filtration potential, promoting heavy siltation and depth shrinkage of Vembanad Lake. With an area of 315 sq.km and an average depth of 8.5m (south sector)/7.87m (central sector), the lake had a retention capacity of 2617.5 MCM floodwaters in 1930 which was reduced to 384.7 MCM by 2020 (85.3% loss in retention capacity) due to area (162.5 sq.km) and depth (average 1.8m in the south sector and 2.87m in the centralsector) shrinkages. This resulted in the prolonged inundation of low-lying areas and increased incidences of flash floods. Both sectors of the lake maintain limnetic and well-mixed conditions during the monsoon whereas during non-monsoon season, the central sector turns to polyhaline/mesohaline and oligohaline conditions with stratified, partially mixed, and well-mixed salinity stratifications unlike the south sector which perennially remain limnetic and well mixed. The observed shift in salinity regimes appears to promote hypertrophic conditions, biodiversity loss, and a sharp reduction in the black clam abundance of the south sector, which before the commissioning of Thannermukkom Barrage (TMB) was a major clam ground.

Pattern of Gynaecological Cancer Presentations at a Tertiary Hospital in Ondo State, South-Western, Nigeria

Gynaecological cancers remain the second most common cancers in women after breast cancer. They contribute significantly to cancer burden and have a higher rate of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to determine the pattern of gynaecological cancers among patients seen at gynaecology and oncology clinics, the socio-demographic factors, and pattern of presentation at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital, Akure. This was a retrospective observational study of 430 women that were managed for cancers at the Oncology clinic of the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Akure, from 2013 to 2023. Data was collected with respect to demographic status, histopathological type, tumour stage, treatment and outcome at the above-named tertiary hospital facility in Akure, Ondo State, South West, Nigeria. During the 10-year period under study (2013 – 2023), 430 persons with a diagnosis of gynaecological cancers were attended to. Cervical cancer was the most commonly seen (51.4%), followed by ovarian cancer (22.6%). The mean age was 51.17 years with the largest proportion of the women (36.3%) being in the age group 40 to 49 years, with the modal age being 46 years. Majority of the women (81%) were married while about forty percent (40%) of the women had a parity of 3. Cervical cancer remains the commonest gynaecological cancer. There is therefore, a need for more public enlightenment regarding the disease and the need for government to ensure availability of adequate and proper screening programs