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Background: In Ethiopia, 79 million people live in soil transmitted helminths endemic areas. The Ethiopia established a National goal to eradicate STH transmission by 2025. To meet that goal, it is imperative that data is acquired on community helminth infection risk. This study examined the prevalence of STH and risk factors for infection in vegetable farmers working on Akaki River Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 7, 2022, and June 2023. A stratified random sampling was used to select farming households. Two hundred and sixteen farmers were enrolled in the study. Data on socio-demographic, WASH, wastewater irrigation related factors were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was utilized to detect STH. The data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed with Stata 14.0, using p-values less than 0.05 to identify significant factors. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for infection. Results: The prevalence of STH was 22.2% (95% CI = 13.6-27.9%), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common (11.1%), followed by hookworm (7.4%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.7%). Low income levels (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.25–5.99), lack of handwashing before eating (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.58 − 11.3), absence of fingernails cleanliness (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.74–39.5), not wearing shoes at work (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.98–82.2), touching the face with dirty hands (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 0.68–28.2), washing vegetables with irrigation wastewater (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.95–45.2), and not wearing protective clothing during farming activities (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.58 − 22.4) were the significant risk factors for infection with STH. Conclusion: Of the farming communities examined in this study, one of the five was found to be infected with soil transmitted helminth. This research has shown clear risk factors for STH infection including: lack of personal hygiene practices, insufficient sanitation access, and limited use of protective equipment. To achieve the national goal, there is a need for farming communities to understand preventative risks of infection, improve WASH (Water access, sanitation and hygine) practices, WASH access, protective equipment, and health education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic water splitting is a cheap, clean and attractive hydrogen production method. In this study, using first-principles calculations, we design and demonstrate two-dimensional (2D) transition metal-doped MoSi 2 N 4 (TM-MoSi 2 N 4 , TM = Ge, Sn, W) materials as high-performance photocatalyst, which has high carrier mobility, optical absorption properties and solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. MoSi 2 N 4 was successfully synthesized experimentally [Hong et al., Science, 2020] and our results affirms the good stability of TM-MoSi 2 N 4 materials. Furthermore, we aim to demonstrate appropriate band alignment that facilitates the redox potential required for water splitting, enables efficient charge separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, promotes effective optical absorption, and supports high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency. Last but not least, we reveal that the TM heteroatom doping can enhance the photocatalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Especially, the Sn–MoSi 2 N 4 material provides an optimal hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy (ΔG H*) value of −0.02eV. Our work suggests that TM-MoSi 2 N 4 materials are superior photocatalysts for water splitting, which can be employed with low cost and high performance. [Display omitted] • First-principles calculations of the photocatalytic water decomposition. • It has high STH conversion efficiency and charge carrier mobility. • Metal doping can alter its photocatalytic activity. • Sn–MoSi 2 N 4 provides an optimal hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy (ΔG H*) value of −0.02eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHs) in pregnancy have been linked to maternal anemia, low birth weight, and adverse perinatal outcomes. STH includes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding these effects. Hence, we aimed to assess the association of STH infections with perinatal outcomes. Methods and Materials: A community-based cohort study was conducted among pregnant women in primary care settings in Puducherry, South India, during December 2019 to April 2021. Stool samples were collected for STH screening and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Information on perinatal outcomes and hemoglobin levels were extracted from case records. The association of pre-term birth, low birth weight, anemia, and miscarriages with STH infection was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Among the 650 women enrolled, 58 (8.9%) had one of the STH infections. At the time of recruitment, 336 (52.0%) women had anemia. Twenty-four women (3.7%) had miscarriages, 14 (2.2%) had pre-term birth, and 65 (10.4%) had low-birth-weight (LBW) babies. All 14 pre-term babies had LBW, and out of 65 LBW, 40 were in mothers with anemia. Incidence of LBW, pre-term deliveries, and anemia were higher in women with STH than in those without STH (LBW: 12.3% vs 10.2%, P = 0.62; pre-term: 3.5% vs 2.1%, P = 0.5; and anemia: 54.4% vs 51.85, P = 0.7). Conclusion: Though the incidence of anemia, LBW, and pre-term delivery was higher in women with STH infections compared to those without STH, we did not find any significant association between the presence of STH infections and perinatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, 79 million people live in soil transmitted helminths endemic areas. The Ethiopia established a National goal to eradicate STH transmission by 2025. To meet that goal, it is imperative that data is acquired on community helminth infection risk. This study examined the prevalence of STH and risk factors for infection in vegetable farmers working on Akaki River Bank, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 7, 2022, and June 2023. A stratified random sampling was used to select farming households. Two hundred and sixteen farmers were enrolled in the study. Data on socio-demographic, WASH, wastewater irrigation related factors were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was utilized to detect STH. The data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed with Stata 14.0, using p-values less than 0.05 to identify significant factors. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for infection. Results The prevalence of STH was 22.2% (95% CI = 13.6-27.9%), with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common (11.1%), followed by hookworm (7.4%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.7%). Low income levels (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.25–5.99), lack of handwashing before eating (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.58 − 11.3), absence of fingernails cleanliness (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.74–39.5), not wearing shoes at work (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.98–82.2), touching the face with dirty hands (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 0.68–28.2), washing vegetables with irrigation wastewater (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.95–45.2), and not wearing protective clothing during farming activities (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.58 − 22.4) were the significant risk factors for infection with STH. Conclusion Of the farming communities examined in this study, one of the five was found to be infected with soil transmitted helminth. This research has shown clear risk factors for STH infection including: lack of personal hygiene practices, insufficient sanitation access, and limited use of protective equipment. To achieve the national goal, there is a need for farming communities to understand preventative risks of infection, improve WASH (Water access, sanitation and hygine) practices, WASH access, protective equipment, and health education.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHs) in pregnancy have been linked to maternal anemia, low birth weight, and adverse perinatal outcomes. STH includes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding these effects. Hence, we aimed to assess the association of STH infections with perinatal outcomes. Methods and Materials: A community-based cohort study was conducted among pregnant women in primary care settings in Puducherry, South India, during December 2019 to April 2021. Stool samples were collected for STH screening and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Information on perinatal outcomes and hemoglobin levels were extracted from case records. The association of pre-term birth, low birth weight, anemia, and miscarriages with STH infection was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Among the 650 women enrolled, 58 (8.9%) had one of the STH infections. At the time of recruitment, 336 (52.0%) women had anemia. Twenty-four women (3.7%) had miscarriages, 14 (2.2%) had pre-term birth, and 65 (10.4%) had low-birth-weight (LBW) babies. All 14 pre-term babies had LBW, and out of 65 LBW, 40 were in mothers with anemia. Incidence of LBW, pre-term deliveries, and anemia were higher in women with STH than in those without STH (LBW: 12.3% vs 10.2%, P = 0.62; pre-term: 3.5% vs 2.1%, P = 0.5; and anemia: 54.4% vs 51.85, P = 0.7). Conclusion: Though the incidence of anemia, LBW, and pre-term delivery was higher in women with STH infections compared to those without STH, we did not find any significant association between the presence of STH infections and perinatal outcomes.

Abstract Background Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater carrying human feces can host helminth eggs and larvae, contaminating the soil and plants that are irrigated with it. In Addis Ababa, farmers use untreated wastewater to grow vegetables; however, there are little data currently available published on vegetables' contribution to the prevalence of helminth among female farmers along the Akaki River, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa City in February 2022. A stratified random sampling method was used to sample farming households. The sample size for each district was determined by a proportional allocation to the total number of households in the area. Two hundred and fifty-two composite vegetable samples and 101 farmers’ stool samples were collected and analyzed for helminth prevalence. Data on socio-demographics were collected by trained data collators using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was used to detect STH from a stool sample. Stata version 14.0 was used to process the data. Poisson regression was used to identify the association between STH prevalence in the vegetable and the farm's stool. Results Helminths were found in 67.5% of vegetables sampled and 20.8% of female farmers' stools. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (vegetable 48.4% and stool 9.9%) were identified in all analyzed samples. Hookworm eggs (vegetable 13.1% and stool 8.9%) and Trichuris trichiura eggs (vegetable 5.9% and stool 2%) were also isolated. The total number of helminth eggs present in wastewater-irrigated vegetables and female farmers’ stool had a positive association (p

AbstractThe system thermal-hydraulic (STH) code SAM has been coupled to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code Simcenter STARCCM+ utilizing a hybrid domain overlapping coupling method in space and an explicit coupling in time. The coupling aims to extend the STH code’s applicability to scenarios where local momentum and energy transfers are important yet difficult for STH standalone models to capture, such as three-dimensional (3D) mixing and thermal stratification. The coupling method’s numerical stability was previously verified against multiple test cases including two closed-loop configurations, and it was validated against a double T-junction experiment with 3D scalar mixing.In the present work, the method is validated against the TALL-3D STH/CFD coupling benchmark facility. TALL-3D is a liquid-metal facility with a large, pool-type enclosure (test section) that exhibits 3D flow effects to be modeled by a CFD code. The rest of the system exhibits approximately one-dimensional behavior that is well predicted by a STH code. First, a STAR-CCM+ CFD model of the 3D test section is validated against experimental temperature data. Then a SAM-STARCCM+ coupled model is validated against six different TALL-3D steady states and includes SAM standalone results for comparison. Last, the coupled model is validated against two TALL-3D transients: one exhibiting flow reversal in the test section and one exhibiting nonlinear, limit cycle oscillations (LCOs).For the first transient, the SAM-STARCCM+ coupled model properly predicts an increase in the test section’s inlet temperature during flow reversal, and this increase is not predicted by the SAM standalone model. The coupled model also better predicts initial flow recovery and subsequent oscillations as the system approaches a final natural circulation state. For the second transient, no true final steady state is observed due to LCOs. Neither the SAM-STARCCM+ coupled model nor the SAM standalone model can perfectly capture the experiment’s changing oscillation frequency during the transient. Nevertheless, the coupled model does reproduce the general oscillatory feedback observed.This is a significant achievement because the present coupling only uses an explicit coupling in time, as opposed to a tighter, semi-implicit coupling. In comparison, STH/CFD coupling efforts previously performed by other authors required a semi-implicit coupling to obtain similar results to this work. The strengths of the novel coupling scheme validated in the present paper lie in the superior convergence characteristics and the much simpler, nonintrusive implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Untreated or inadequately treated wastewater carrying human feces can host helminth eggs and larvae, contaminating the soil and plants that are irrigated with it. In Addis Ababa, farmers use untreated wastewater to grow vegetables; however, there are little data currently available published on vegetables' contribution to the prevalence of helminth among female farmers along the Akaki River, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa City in February 2022. A stratified random sampling method was used to sample farming households. The sample size for each district was determined by a proportional allocation to the total number of households in the area. Two hundred and fifty-two composite vegetable samples and 101 farmers' stool samples were collected and analyzed for helminth prevalence. Data on socio-demographics were collected by trained data collators using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was used to detect STH from a stool sample. Stata version 14.0 was used to process the data. Poisson regression was used to identify the association between STH prevalence in the vegetable and the farm's stool. Results: Helminths were found in 67.5% of vegetables sampled and 20.8% of female farmers' stools. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (vegetable 48.4% and stool 9.9%) were identified in all analyzed samples. Hookworm eggs (vegetable 13.1% and stool 8.9%) and Trichuris trichiura eggs (vegetable 5.9% and stool 2%) were also isolated. The total number of helminth eggs present in wastewater-irrigated vegetables and female farmers' stool had a positive association (p < 0.05) with a regression coefficient of 1.92 (95% CI = 1.56–2.28). Conclusions: The study found a significant prevalence of helminth infections, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides, in stool and vegetable samples irrigated with wastewater. A clear association was found between vegetable production and a higher prevalence of helminth infections among female farmers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that farmers are educated in the importance of food washing and sanitation/hygiene practices when using wastewater irrigation for vegetable crops. Highlights: A cross-sectional research design was carried to investigate the prevalence of helminths in vegetable and stool samples of female wastewater-irrigated vegetable growers. STH was found in 67.5% of the vegetables and 20.8% of the stools of the female farmers. Ascaris lumbricoides. most prevalent in vegetable and stool samples. Positive correlation identified between the presence of helminths in vegetables and the level of infection female farmers. Risk reduction measures implemented to enforce local authority to enhance adaptive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are estimated to impact 24% of the world’s population and are responsible for chronic and debilitating morbidity. Disadvantaged communities are among the worst affected and are further marginalized as infection prevalence fuels the poverty cycle. Ambitious targets have been set to eliminate STH infections, but accurate epidemiological data will be required to inform appropriate interventions. This paper details the protocol for an analysis that aims to produce spatial prediction mapping of STH prevalence in the Western Pacific Region (WPR). Methods The protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The study design will combine the principles of systematic review, meta-analysis, and geospatial analysis. Systematic searches will be undertaken in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Embase, and Web of Science for studies undertaken post 2000, to identify surveys that enable the prevalence of human STH infection within the WPR to be calculated. Covariate data for multivariable analysis will be obtained from publicly accessible sources. Survey data will be geolocated, and STH prevalence and covariates will be linked to produce a spatially referenced dataset for analysis. Bayesian model-based geostatistics will be used to generate spatially continuous estimates of STH prevalence mapped to a resolution of 1 km2. A separate geospatial model will be constructed for each STH species. Predictions of prevalence will be made for unsampled locations and maps will be overlaid for each STH species to obtain co-endemicity maps. Discussion This protocol facilitates study replication and may be applied to other infectious diseases or alternate geographies. Results of the subsequent analysis will identify geographies with high STH prevalence’s and can be used to inform resource allocation in combating this neglected tropical disease. Trial registration Open Science Framework: osf.io/qmxcj.

Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are estimated to impact 24% of the world's population and are responsible for chronic and debilitating morbidity. Disadvantaged communities are among the worst affected and are further marginalized as infection prevalence fuels the poverty cycle. Ambitious targets have been set to eliminate STH infections, but accurate epidemiological data will be required to inform appropriate interventions. This paper details the protocol for an analysis that aims to produce spatial prediction mapping of STH prevalence in the Western Pacific Region (WPR). Methods: The protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The study design will combine the principles of systematic review, meta-analysis, and geospatial analysis. Systematic searches will be undertaken in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Embase, and Web of Science for studies undertaken post 2000, to identify surveys that enable the prevalence of human STH infection within the WPR to be calculated. Covariate data for multivariable analysis will be obtained from publicly accessible sources. Survey data will be geolocated, and STH prevalence and covariates will be linked to produce a spatially referenced dataset for analysis. Bayesian model-based geostatistics will be used to generate spatially continuous estimates of STH prevalence mapped to a resolution of 1 km2. A separate geospatial model will be constructed for each STH species. Predictions of prevalence will be made for unsampled locations and maps will be overlaid for each STH species to obtain co-endemicity maps. Discussion: This protocol facilitates study replication and may be applied to other infectious diseases or alternate geographies. Results of the subsequent analysis will identify geographies with high STH prevalence's and can be used to inform resource allocation in combating this neglected tropical disease. Trial registration: Open Science Framework: osf.io/qmxcj. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Fill up empty drug development pipelines and expand treatment tool kits. • Actors across all fields require more collaborations. • Break disease silos since issues are often similar and linked. • Enable sustainable access to treatment. • Countries should foster patient and community autonomy. Helminthiases are considered among the most persistent public health problems. Control and/or elimination remains a global health challenge and the World Health Organization Road Map highlights critical gaps and actions required to reach the 2030 targets, among them the need for new and more effective treatment options. Stronger collaborations across different fields are required to reach these goals. The helminth elimination platform is one example of how knowledge of two different disease areas can be aligned to fuse expertise and break disease silos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The aim of this study was to develop an age-appropriate tablet of mebendazole 500 mg to be used in large donation programs by the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventive chemotherapy of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in pre-school and school-age children living in tropical and subtropical endemic areas. To that end, a new oral tablet formulation was developed that can be either chewed or given to young (≥1 year old) children by spoon after rapid disintegration to a soft mass with the addition of a small amount of water directly on the spoon. Although the tablet was manufactured using conventional fluid bed granulation, screening, blending, and compression processes, one of the main challenges was to combine properties of a chewable, dispersible, and regular (solid) immediate release tablet to meet the predefined requirements. The tablet disintegration time was below 120 s, allowing for administration by the "spoon method". The tablet hardness was higher (160–220 N) than normally applicable for chewable tablets, permitting shipment along a lengthy supply chain in a primary 200-tablet count bottle packaging. In addition, the resulting tablets are stable for 48 months in all climatic zones (I–IV). In this article, several aspects of the development of this unique tablet are described, including formulation, process development, stability, clinical acceptability testing, and regulatory filing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ivermectin, used to control several neglected tropical diseases, may also reduce malaria transmission. Mass drug administration (MDA) for malaria control therefore might have off-target impacts on neglected tropical diseases. Methods: In The Gambia, nested in a trial of ivermectin MDA, cross-sectional surveys measuring ectoparasites and soil-transmitted helminths in children aged 3 to 14 years took place in June and November 2019 and in November 2021. Results: After MDA, scabies prevalence was 41.2% (237/576) in the control and 38.2% (182/476) in the intervention arm (odds ratio [OR] 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0 67-1.2), P-value = 0.471) but by 2021, had rebounded to 38.8% (180/464) in the control and 53.2% (245/458) in the intervention arm. After MDA, prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis was 16.8% (87/518) in the control and 9.1% (40/440) in the intervention arm (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.16-0.94), P-value = 0.039). In 2021, it was 9.2% (38/413) in the control and 11.3% (45/399) in the intervention arm (OR 1.31 (95% CI 0.74-2.28), P-value = 0.35). Conclusion: Scabies prevalence was similar between the two study arms. S. stercoralis prevalence was reduced. However, this effect did not last long: the prevalence 2 years after MDA was similar between study arms.

• Ivermectin-specific mass drug administration for malaria control and its off-target effects on neglected tropical diseases. • The potential of combining malaria and neglected tropical disease control efforts with ivermectin. • High population mobility as a detriment for large-scale mass drug administration success. Ivermectin, used to control several neglected tropical diseases, may also reduce malaria transmission. Mass drug administration (MDA) for malaria control therefore might have off-target impacts on neglected tropical diseases. In The Gambia, nested in a trial of ivermectin MDA, cross-sectional surveys measuring ectoparasites and soil-transmitted helminths in children aged 3 to 14 years took place in June and November 2019 and in November 2021. After MDA, scabies prevalence was 41.2% (237/576) in the control and 38.2% (182/476) in the intervention arm (odds ratio [OR] 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0 67-1.2), P -value = 0.471) but by 2021, had rebounded to 38.8% (180/464) in the control and 53.2% (245/458) in the intervention arm. After MDA, prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis was 16.8% (87/518) in the control and 9.1% (40/440) in the intervention arm (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.16-0.94), P -value = 0.039). In 2021, it was 9.2% (38/413) in the control and 11.3% (45/399) in the intervention arm (OR 1.31 (95% CI 0.74-2.28), P -value = 0.35). Scabies prevalence was similar between the two study arms. S. stercoralis prevalence was reduced. However, this effect did not last long: the prevalence 2 years after MDA was similar between study arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Schistosoma haematobium, soil transmitted helminthes (STH), and malaria lead to a double burden in pregnancy that eventually leads to poor immunity, increased susceptibility to other infections, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Many studies have been carried out on pre-school and school aged children but very little has been done among the at risk adult population including women of reproductive age (WRA). Our current study sought to establish the risk factors and burden of co-infection with S. haematobium, STH, and Plasmodium sp. among WRA in Kwale County, Coastal Kenya. Methods A total of 534 WRA between the ages of 15–50 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from four villages; Bilashaka and Mwaluphamba in Matuga sub-County, and Mwachinga and Dumbule in Kinango sub-County. Socio-demographic information was collected using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire. Parasitological examination was done using urine filtration method for Schistosoma haematobium, Kato Katz for STH (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura), and standard slide microscopy for Plasmodium sp. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA version 15.1. Results The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.6–5.4) while that for malaria was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.0–11.7). The prevalence of STH was 5.6% (95% CI: 2.8–11.3) with overall prevalence of 5.3% (95% CI: 2.5–10.9) for hookworm and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2–1.9) for T. trichiura. The occurrence of co-infection was low and was recorded between S. haematobium and P. falciparum (0.6%), followed by S. haematobium and STH (0.4%). Among pregnant women, 2.6% had co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum. Only 1.3% had co-infection with S. haematobium and hookworm or T. trichiura. Among non-pregnant women, co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum was 0.2%. Similarly, co-infection with S. haematobium and hookworm or T. trichiura was 0.2%. Bed net ownership and usage among pregnant women was 87.8 and 96.6%, respectively. 66.3% of the women reported using improved water sources for drinking while 78.1% reported using improved sanitation facilities. Conclusion The use of improved WASH activities might have contributed to the low prevalence of STHs and S. haematobium infections. Further, bed net ownership and usage might have resulted in the low prevalence of Plasmodium sp. infections observed.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal diseases affecting people, most of whom live below the poverty threshold. Several control strategies are defined against these diseases, including chemotherapy and Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH). This study assesses the effect of promoting hygiene and sanitation on soil-transmitted helminthiasis s and NTDs of the skin. It took place in the communes of Ze, Lalo, and Zangnanado, three municipalities located in the south of Benin. This is a formative research that took place in three phases. The first phase entailed a baseline informations and situational analysis of the state of hygiene and health, using soil-transmitted helminthiasis and wound hygiene practices as cases studies. In the second phase, interventions to promote improved hygiene and sanitation were implemented. The third phase was devoted to post-intervention evaluation. The situation analysis showed that the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was 6.43 and 7.10% in the municipalities of Ze and Lalo, respectively. In the communes of Zangnanado, the most common wound management practices identified were: putting sand or ashes in the wounds to keep flies away, the use of medicinal plants and the application of powder from antibiotic capsules for wound dressing. The post-intervention evaluation showed a decrease in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis from 6.43 to 1.19% in the municipality of Lalo and from 7.10 to 1.75% in the municipality of Ze. In the commune of Zangnanado, a significant shift in wound management practices was noted, which led to the healing of several chronic wounds. This research supports the evidence that WASH-based interventions are very important to tackle neglected tropical diseases NTDs in addition to specific diseases based interventions.

Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) is one of the most widespread Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and almost 1.5 billion of the global population is affected, mostly in the indigent, countryside sectors of tropics/subtropics. STH, commonly caused by various nematodes, adversely affects the hosts’ growth, cognatic development, and immunity. Albendazole is most commonly used against STH (Soil-Transmitted Helminths) but resistance has already been reported in different countries. To date, no effective vaccine is present against STH. miRNAs are a unique class of small non-coding RNA, regulating various biological activities indulging host immune responses in host-pathogen interaction of STH. Dysregulation of miRNAs are being considered as one of the most important aspect of host-parasite interactions. Thus, it is the prime importance to identify and characterize parasite-specific as well as host-derived miRNAs to understand the STH infection at the molecular level. Systematic bibliometric analysis reveals a huge knowledge gap in understanding the disease by using both host and parasitic miRNAs as a potential biomarker. In this study, we addressed the present status of the STH prevalence, and therapy under the light of miRNAs. This would further help in designing new inhibitors and therapeutic strategies to control STH.

Preventive chemotherapy (PC) with praziquantel and albendazole co-administration to all at-risk populations is the global intervention strategy to eliminate schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) from being public health problems. Due to weak pharmacovigilance systems, safety monitoring during a mass drug administration (MDA) is lacking, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted large-scale active safety surveillance to identify the incidence, types, severity, and associated risk factors of adverse events (AEs) following praziquantel and albendazole MDA in 5848 school children (5–15 years old). Before MDA, 1484 (25.4%) children were prescreened for S. mansoni and STH infections, of whom 71.8% were infected with at least one parasite; 34.5% (512/1484) had S. mansoni and 853 (57.5%) had an STH infection. After collecting the baseline socio-demographic, clinical, and medical data, including any pre-existing clinical symptoms, participants received single dose praziquantel and albendazole MDA. Treatment-associated AEs were actively monitored on days 1 and 7 of the MDA. The events reported before and after the MDA were cross-checked and verified to identify MDA-associated AEs. The cumulative incidence of experiencing at least one type of MDA-associated AE was 13.3% (95% CI = 12.5–14.2%); 85.5%, 12.4%, and 1.8% of reported AEs were mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. The proportion of experiencing one, two, or ≥ three types of AEs was 57.7%, 34.1%, and 8.2%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of AEs in S. mansoni- and (17.0%) and STH (14.1%)-infected children was significantly higher (p < 0.001, χ2 = 15.0) than in non-infected children (8.4%). Headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea were the most common AEs. Being female, older age, having S. mansoni or STH infection were significant predictors of MDA-associated AEs. In summary, praziquantel and albendazole co-administration is generally safe and tolerable. MDA-associated AEs are mostly mild-to-moderately severe and transient. The finding of few severe AEs and significantly high rates of AEs in helminth-infected children underscores the need to integrate pharmacovigilance in MDA programs, especially in high schistosomiasis and STH endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schistosoma haematobium, soil transmitted helminthes (STH), and malaria lead to a double burden in pregnancy that eventually leads to poor immunity, increased susceptibility to other infections, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Many studies have been carried out on pre-school and school aged children but very little has been done among the at risk adult population including women of reproductive age (WRA). Our current study sought to establish the risk factors and burden of co-infection with S. haematobium, STH, and Plasmodium sp. among WRA in Kwale County, Coastal Kenya. Methods: A total of 534 WRA between the ages of 15–50 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from four villages; Bilashaka and Mwaluphamba in Matuga sub-County, and Mwachinga and Dumbule in Kinango sub-County. Socio-demographic information was collected using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire. Parasitological examination was done using urine filtration method for Schistosoma haematobium, Kato Katz for STH (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura), and standard slide microscopy for Plasmodium sp. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA version 15.1. Results: The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.6–5.4) while that for malaria was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.0–11.7). The prevalence of STH was 5.6% (95% CI: 2.8–11.3) with overall prevalence of 5.3% (95% CI: 2.5–10.9) for hookworm and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2–1.9) for T. trichiura. The occurrence of co-infection was low and was recorded between S. haematobium and P. falciparum (0.6%), followed by S. haematobium and STH (0.4%). Among pregnant women, 2.6% had co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum. Only 1.3% had co-infection with S. haematobium and hookworm or T. trichiura. Among non-pregnant women, co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum was 0.2%. Similarly, co-infection with S. haematobium and hookworm or T. trichiura was 0.2%. Bed net ownership and usage among pregnant women was 87.8 and 96.6%, respectively. 66.3% of the women reported using improved water sources for drinking while 78.1% reported using improved sanitation facilities. Conclusion: The use of improved WASH activities might have contributed to the low prevalence of STHs and S. haematobium infections. Further, bed net ownership and usage might have resulted in the low prevalence of Plasmodium sp. infections observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is 1 of the 20 notable neglected tropical diseases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. In 2010, it is estimated that 1.73 billion people are infected with STH globally, of which 70% of cases occur in Asia. To date, there is a dearth of published literature on the prevalence of STH infection throughout Malaysia. Objective: The objectives of this study are to review research activity on STH infection in Malaysia, to estimate the prevalence of STH infection among Malaysians, and to identify significant risk factors associated with the infection. This review aims to provide the current state of evidence pertaining to STH infections, focusing on the main areas, limitations, and biases of research and mapping out the morbidity distribution of the diseases and their causative agents, and to identify significant risk factors for preventive measures. Methods: We will conduct a scoping review based on the 6-stage structured framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. A comprehensive search strategy focusing on STH infection will be executed using electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase). A systematic approach for searching, screening, reviewing, and data extraction will be applied based on the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Mendeley software and Microsoft Excel will be used to manage the references and to remove duplicates. Relevant data from selected articles will be extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Results: A total of 164 potential manuscripts were retrieved. Data extraction is currently in progress and completion is expected by the end of 2022. Conclusions: Our scoping review will summarize the current state of research in this field and provide comprehensive information regarding STH infections in Malaysia for future reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present parallel randomized clinical trial aimed to assess, after a 3-year follow-up period, whether the choice of surgical technique-either manual or guided-and of the operator - non-expert operator or skilled - can affect the stability of peri‑implant marginal bone levels in implants placed 1 mm sub-crestal., Materials and Methods: Patients received platform-switched implants (Anyridge, MegaGen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea) featuring a 5-degree internal conical connection and supporting single screw-retained fixed crowns. The implants were randomly assigned to be placed through a digitally static guided surgery procedure (Test group - GS) or a freehand surgical technique (Control Group - FH). A non-expert operator (fewer than 20 implants placed in his professional activity) was selected to perform procedures for the GS Group, while a skilled operator (with over 1000 implants placed in his professional activity) was chosen for the FH Group. Marginal bone level (MBL) was measured at prosthesis installation (t0) and at 1 (t1), 2 (t2) and 3 years (t3) of follow-up. Changes in MBL from t0 to t3 were analyzed through periapical radiographs. Moreover, MBL changes at all time points were correlated to different supra-crestal soft tissue heights (STH): less than 3 and ≥ 3 mm, respectively., Results: 60 implants in 18 patients were examined, with 30 implants allocated to the GS group and 30 to the FH group. The difference in MBL change between the two groups was 0.11 ± 0.22 mm, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.61). At the time of prosthetic loading, the mean MBL for implants with STH less than 3 mm was 0.33 mm higher than implants with STH ≥ 3 mm, though this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.065)., Conclusions: Digitally static guided implant placement, performed by a non-expert operator, does not limit marginal bone remodeling, when compared to a freehand procedure performed by an experienced operator., Clinical Significance: After correct and careful planning, early marginal bone levels (MBL) around conical connection, platform-switched implants placed sub-crestally may be stable in time. Digital planning and surgery have the potential to assist non-expert clinicians in achieving implant placements with comparable outcomes to those performed by experts., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Fabrication of cost-effective and robust metal-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) across the entire pH range has garnered significant attention in harvesting renewable energy. Herein, the fabrication of 3D high-surface Ni Foam-Graphene-Carbon Nanotubes (NGC) decorated with phosphorous-inserted tin selenide (SnSe-P) showcases unprecedented HER activity with minimal overpotentials across all pH ranges (52 mV in acidic, 93 mV in basic, and 198 mV in neutral conditions@10 mA cm -2 ) and stability at 1 A cm -2 for 72 h. The as-designed catalyst shows a low overpotential of 122 mV@10 mA cm -2 in alkaline seawater, achieved through controlled electronic distribution on Sn site after incorporation of P in NGC-SnSe-P. A stable cell voltage of 1.56 V@10 mA cm⁻ 2 is achieved for prolonged time in 1 m KOH toward overall water electrolysis. Experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the insertion of P in layered SnSe enables s orbitals of H * and p orbitals of Sn to interact, favoring the adsorption of the H * intermediate. A renewable approach is adopted by using silicon solar cells (η = 10.66%) to power up the electrolyzer, yielding a solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 7.70% in 1 m KOH and 5.65% in alkaline seawater, aiming toward green hydrogen production., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Abstract Background Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria and soil-transmitted helminthiasis continue to impose a significant global health burden and socio-economic impact. Globally, minority indigenous people are disproportionately affected by poverty and are shown to experience a disparate burden of disease and poorer health outcomes than the comparative majority population. Despite these inequalities, countries rarely systematically compile epidemiological data disaggregated by ethnicity to enable the extent of the differential to be quantified. Methods The systematic review will be reported in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches will be conducted in EMBASE, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science for studies reporting data which enable the prevalence of TB, malaria, and/or soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections amongst minority indigenous populations within the Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR) to be calculated. Where studies provide data on disease prevalence for both minority indigenous and other populations within the same study, a comparative analysis will be undertaken. In addition to a narrative synthesis, where sufficient data are available, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted to obtain a pooled estimate value for each disease/infection by country and mortality stratum. Heterogeneity between studies will be examined using the Cochran’s Q test and quantitatively measured by the index of heterogeneity squared (I2) statistics. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Discussion This systematic review aims to analyse the available data on the prevalence of TB, malaria and STH infections within minority indigenous populations of the SEAR and WPR. Registration Open Science Framework registration: osf.io/m6sqc

In the domain of photocatalysis, type I heterojunctions have received limited attention, and the quest for effective type I photocatalysts persists. This study introduces a novel type I heterostructure, ZnS/Ga 2 SSe, and gives a systematic investigation of its electronic properties, optical properties, and photocatalytic performance by DFT calculations. Electronic properties show that ZnS/Ga 2 SSe system has a type I band alignment with a 2.26 eV band gap. Different from traditional type I heterostructure, ZnS/Ga 2 SSe has an obvious interfacial electric field and a potential barrier, which promotes spatial charge separation and addresses the drawback of easy recombination of photo-generated carriers in traditional type I heterojunctions. The calculated results of Gibbs free energy show that under the 3.3 eV external potential and pH = 14, water splitting reaction can be achieved spontaneously. Moreover, the heterojunction shows good optical absorption in visible regions and 22.28 % STH efficiency which is higher than the reported type I photocatalysts. The biaxial strain can modulate the electronic structure and maintain type I alignment. Tensile can reduce the bandgap and enhance optical absorption, while compression is the opposite. Under 4 % tensile, STH efficiency can reach 40.3 %, while −4 % compression it will decrease to 10.3 %. These conclusions underline the potential of the ZnS/Ga 2 SSe heterojunction as a promising photocatalytic material candidate for water splitting and type I heterojunctions is worth exploring as photocatalysis. • ZnS/Ga 2 SSe has an unique photocatalytic mechanism can addresses the easy recombination of photo-generated carriers in traditional type I heterojunctions. • ZnS/Ga 2 SSe can make overall water splitting and redox reactions occur spontaneously. • ZnS/Ga 2 SSe has much higher STH than previous reported values in type I photocatalysts and the STH can be further significantly increased by tensile stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A CFX-RELAP5/Mod3.3 has been developed in ENEA for HLM applications. • The semi-implicit scheme and the decomposition domain approach have been adopted. • Transition from forced to natural circulation in NACIE-UP has been simulated. • RELAP5 model has been realized for the system-level thermal-hydraulic analysis. • CFD analysis for the Fuel Pin Bundle Simulator has been performed. • The coupled tool well predicts the loop and the FPBS behavior during the transient. The design and safety assessment of Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFRs), being one of the Generation IV technologies, must be supported by extensive experimental campaigns. Such activities are necessary to completely understand the physical phenomena involved in such reactors, as well as to properly develop new numerical tools or validate the pre-existent ones. From the experimental point of view, ENEA Research Center of Brasimone is one of the most active institutions, thanks to its experimental platforms and know-how maturated since the early 2000s. From the numerical point of view, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes are the most suitable ones to analyze some phenomena expected in a Heavy Liquid Metal (HLM)-cooled reactor, such as the complex 3D phenomena occurring within the pools or the core fuel assemblies. In addition, the fluid thermal conduction, usually neglected in a System Thermal-Hydraulic (STH) code, can assume a significant importance in some transient scenarios, e.g., loss of flow accidents with transition from forced to natural circulation. However, the safety analysis of the LFRs should still rely on the use of STH codes because of their lower computational cost compared to the CFD codes, also considering the high number of transient evolutions to be analyzed for the purpose of the reactor licensing. At ENEA Brasimone, a novel coupling approach has been developed to couple the CFD code Ansys CFX with the STH code RELAP5/Mod3.3. The coupled tool aims at exploiting the advantages of the two families of codes. It adopts a multi-scale approach to simulate in detail some circuit components while performing system-level analysis, so as to keep an acceptable computational time. The coupling technique is based on ad-hoc user routines written in FORTRAN and implemented in Ansys CFX, which acts as the master code. The user routines take care of time step management, data exchange, RELAP5 execution, and error checking. The goal of this paper is to assess the simulation capabilities of the coupled tool by reproducing a forced-to-natural-circulation transition test, carried out at the NACIE-UP facility, with LBE as working fluid. The work has been realized in the framework of the IAEA Coordinate Research Project-I31038, named "Benchmark of Transition from Forced to Natural Circulation Experiment with Heavy Liquid Metal Loop". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cases of intestinal worms or often referred to as neglected tropical diseases are a global problem that occurs in society. Groups of school-age children are more susceptible to being infected by parasitic worms transmitted through the soil (Soil-Transmitted Helminth). The dangers of STH infection in children are impaired nutrient absorption, malnutrition, weight loss, and cognitive decline. The problem at SDN Karangkembang is that student activities are closely related to the risk factors of STH transmission, namely, playing sand without footwear, not washing hands, hawker vendors around the school who are less hygienic. Also, there are no adequate handwashing facilities in schools. Based on these problems, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UB initiated a community service program namely worm socialization and prevention efforts through the application of personal hygiene. The results obtained during this community service activity are that 83% of students have carried out the practice of cleanliness very well, then 9% of students have carried out well, 4% of students carry out adequately and 4% of students are still lacking. This community service activity can coordinate all students, teachers, and parents to commit to always apply personal hygiene to improve the quality of life both at school and at home.

Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke,1 Adane Derso,1 Abebe Genetu Bayih,1,2 John S Gilleard,3 Tegegne Eshetu1 1Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CanadaCorrespondence: Tegegne Eshetu Tel +251921738483Email tegegneeshetu5@gmail.comBackground: Globally, soil-transmitted helminths affect beyond a billion people and cause 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years worldwide. It affects children disproportionately due to their unaware activities like walking barefoot, playing with dirty objects that might be contaminated with feces. The control of soil-transmitted helminths principally relies on periodic deworming using either a single dose of albendazole/mebendazole. To assure the effectiveness of this measure, performing continuous parasitological survey is necessary. Herein, the prevalence, intensity and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections were assessed among school-aged children in northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among school-aged children (6– 14 years old) from January 21st to February 21st/2019. Multistage sampling technique was employed. A Kato-Katz concentration technique was utilized to detect STHs in stool samples. Moreover, risk factors for STH infections were assessed using well-structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between explanatory and the outcome variables. The magnitude of the association was measured using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The overall STHs prevalence in this study was 32.3% (95% CI: 29– 35.6%) with Ascaris lumbricoides being the predominant species (24.3%) followed by hookworm (8.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (1%). Most (80.3%) of the infected school-aged children had light-intensity infections. Age of 11 years and above (AOR, 12.9, 95% CI, 1.6– 103.6, P=0.004), being residing in Chuahit district (AOR, 3.9, 95% CI, 2.3– 6.5, P< 0.001), and untreated water supply (AOR, 1.7, 95% CI, 1.1– 2.7, P=0.018) were identified as predictors for the overall STH prevalence.Conclusion: Our findings revealed STH infections are considerable health problems in the study areas. Thus, public health interventions such as provision of safe water supply, health education, and de-worming programs should be regularly implemented in the study areas.Keywords: STH, helminths, prevalence, northwest Ethiopia

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are targeted for control through mass drug-administration campaigns to prevent morbidity affecting at-risk groups in endemic regions. Although broadly successful, the use of albendazole and mebendazole achieved variable progress, with deficiencies against Trichuris trichiura and a predictable low efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis. Novel drug combinations offer a potential solution, providing they can be delivered safely and maintain efficacy against all STH species. Here we present the protocol of a clinical trial to evaluate a fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet containing albendazole and ivermectin that will be compared against albendazole against STH. Methods: An adaptive phase II/III randomized controlled trial will be undertaken in STH endemic sites in Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique to evaluate an oral FDC of 400 mg albendazole and either 9- or 18 mg ivermectin. FDC will be administered as a single dose or single doses over three-consecutive days and assessed against a single dose of 400 mg albendazole. In the phase II trial, 126 T. trichiura-infected children weighting 15 to 45 kg will be treated in a dose-escalation manner to determine safety objectives. In the phase III trial, 1097 participants aged 5 to 18 years old infected with T. trichiura, hookworm and S. stercoralis will be recruited to determine safety and efficacy. The trial will be open-label with blinded outcome assessors. Cure rate measured 21-days after-treatment in duplicate Kato-Katz is the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary objectives include efficacy evaluation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as an outcome measurement, description of pharmacokinetic parameters, palatability and acceptability evaluations, and monitoring of anthelmintic resistance. Conclusions: This trial with registrational goals seeks to evaluate an innovative fixed-dose combination of albendazole and ivermectin co-formulated tablets, with the goal of providing an anthelmintic regimen with improved efficacy and spectrum of coverage against STH. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05124691 (18/11/2021).

Schistosoma mansoni is a parasite which causes significant public-health issues, with over 240 million people infected globally. In Uganda alone, approximately 11.6 million people are affected. Despite over a decade of mass drug administration in this country, hyper-endemic hotspots persist, and individuals who are repeatedly heavily and rapidly reinfected are observed. Human blood-type antigens are known to play a role in the risk of infection for a variety of diseases, due to cross-reactivity between host antibodies and pathogenic antigens. There have been conflicting results on the effect of blood type on schistosomiasis infection and pathology. Moreover, the effect of blood type as a potential intrinsic host factor on S. mansoni prevalence, intensity, clearance, and reinfection dynamics and on co-infection risk remains unknown. Therefore, the epidemiological link between host blood type and S. mansoni infection dynamics was assessed in three hyper-endemic communities in Uganda. Longitudinal data incorporating repeated pretreatment S. mansoni infection intensities and clearance rates were used to analyse associations between blood groups in school-aged children. Soil-transmitted helminth coinfection status and biometric parameters were incorporated in a generalised linear mixed regression model including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), which have previously been established as significant factors influencing the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis. The analysis revealed no associations between blood type and S. mansoni prevalence, infection intensity, clearance, reinfection, or coinfection. Variations in infection profiles were significantly different between the villages, and egg burden significantly decreased with age. While blood type has proven to be a predictor of several diseases, the data collected in this study indicate that it does not play a significant role in S. mansoni infection burdens in these high-endemicity communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Japan is one of the few countries believed to have eliminated soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). In 1949, the national prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was 62.9%, which decreased to 0.6% in 1973 due to improvements in infrastructure, socioeconomic status, and the implementation of national STH control measures. The Parasitosis Prevention Law ended in 1994 and population-level screening ceased in Japan; therefore, current transmission status of STH in Japan is not well characterized. Sporadic cases of STH infections continue to be reported, raising the possibility of a larger-scale recrudescence of STH infections. Given that traditional microscopic detection methods are not sensitive to low-intensity STH infections, we conducted targeted prevalence surveys using sensitive PCR-based assays to evaluate the current STH-transmission status and to describe epidemiological characteristics of areas of Japan believed to have achieved historical elimination of STHs. Methods Stool samples were collected from 682 preschool- and school-aged children from six localities of Japan with previously high prevalence of STH. Caregivers of participants completed a questionnaire to ascertain access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and potential exposures to environmental contamination. For fecal testing, multi-parallel real-time PCR assays were used to detect infections of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura. Results Among the 682 children, no positive samples were identified, and participants reported high standards of WASH. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first STH-surveillance study in Japan to use sensitive molecular techniques for STH detection. The results suggest that recrudescence of STH infections has not occurred, and that declines in prevalence have been sustained in the sampled areas. These findings suggest that reductions in prevalence below the elimination thresholds, suggestive of transmission interruption, are possible. Additionally, this study provides circumstantial evidence that multi-parallel real-time PCR methods are applicable for evaluating elimination status in areas where STH prevalence is extremely low.

We performed a cross-sectional parasitological survey to assess the prevalence of protozoa and helminth infection among 275 school-age children (SAC) living in rural and peri-urban areas located in different ecological zones of the Department of La Paz, Bolivia. Public health activities for the control of STH, based on the biannual administration of mebendazole to preschool and school children are implemented at national level since 1986.We found an overall prevalence of 82.2% for intestinal parasites, including protozoa (80%) and helminths (23.3%). Blastocystis and Entamoeba coli were the most prevalent protozoa (found in 44% and 20.7% of the SAC enrolled); as for helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana were diagnosed in 14.5% and 3.3% of the children, respectively, followed by Trichuris trichiura 1.4%, Enterobius vermicularis 1.4%, Strongyloides stercoralis 0.7% and hookworms 0.7%.Molecular characterization of Blastocystis positive samples evidenced three different subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3) highlighting the risk of transmission also from animal reservoir. We found a significant difference in the distribution of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) by ecological zone (44/74. 59% in Andean highlands, 94/170, 88% in tropical lowlands and 88/94, 94% in the Yungas, p

ABSTRACT Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are important and widespread intestinal pathogens of humans and animals. It is presently unknown which inactivating procedures may be universally effective for safe transport, preservation, and disinfection of STH-contaminated specimens, and this lack of knowledge may expose laboratory staff to higher risk of laboratory-acquired infections (LAI’s). There are limited data on the efficacy of commonly used disinfectants and fecal fixatives for inactivating the eggs of STH. This work tested five disinfectants for surface cleanup, four storage temperature conditions, and six transport/storage fixatives, to inactivate eggs of three species of STH of animal origin (Ascaris suum “roundworm,” Trichuris vulpis “whipworm” and Ancylostoma caninum “hookworm”) as surrogates for human STH. Among disinfectants, exposure to 10% povidone-iodine for ≥5 min inactivated 100% of the three species tested, while 5 min exposure to 95% ethanol inactivated T. vulpis and A. caninum eggs. All of the fixatives tested had inactivation effects on A. caninum hookworm eggs within 24 h of exposure, except potassium dichromate, which required 48 h. 95% ethanol for ≥48 h inactivated eggs from all three STH species. Freezing at ≤−20°C for ≥24 h inactivated eggs of T. vulpis and A. caninum, but only freezing at −80°C for ≥24 h inactivated >99% eggs, including A. suum. This work provides an evidence base for health and safety guidelines and mitigation strategies for the handling, storage, and disposal of stool samples containing STH eggs in laboratory, health care, childcare, or veterinary settings. IMPORTANCE This study systematically evaluates common laboratory disinfectants and storage conditions for their effectiveness in inactivating the infective stages of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Animal-infecting proxy species were chosen to represent three major groups of STH that infect humans: roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms. Previously published work in this area typically focuses on a particular inactivation method, either for a single STH species, or on a subset of closely related species. Because prediagnostic fecal specimens must be regarded as potentially infectious with a mix of species, such information may be of limited utility in a working laboratory. We provide a straightforward summary of storage and disinfection methods that can achieve complete inactivation across a range of STH species, which represents a significant advance for clinical, veterinary and research laboratory biosafety.

This study aimed to describe: 1) soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity in preschool-age children (PSAC) and school-age children (SAC), 2) schistosomiasis seroprevalence in SAC, 3) undernutrition prevalence in SAC, 4) sanitary toilet coverage in households, and 5) association between STH, Schistosoma japonicum exposure, nutritional status, and sanitation. PSAC and SAC in two Haiyan-stricken provinces were examined using Kato–Katz technique and ELISA Antibody test. Anthropometric and hemoglobin measurements were also obtained. The reported sanitary toilet coverage was validated in a survey. The prevalence of any STH in PSAC and SAC was 50.2% and 41.3%, respectively. Moderate-heavy intensity (MHI) STH prevalence in PSAC and SAC was 20.8% and 5.9%, respectively. The prevalence of any STH, MHI STH, ascariasis, MHI ascariasis, and MHI trichuriasis was significantly higher in PSAC. Stunting, underweight, wasting, overweight/obesity, and anemia prevalence was 38.4%, 24.5%, 4.8%, 2.7%, and 34.7% in PSAC, while the prevalence was 34.3%, 21.6%, 8.7%, 3.0%, and 19.2% in SAC, respectively. Anemia and wasting prevalence were significantly higher in PSAC and SAC, respectively. There were five schistosomiasis cases found (0.8% prevalence), while schistosomiasis seroprevalence was 60.1%. Validated and reported sanitary toilet coverage was significantly different in eight out of 13 barangays. Stunting and anemia were associated with STH. STH and anemia prevalence were significantly higher in non-ZOD barangays. High STH burden in PSAC and SAC persists. A more coordinated response addressing STH, undernutrition, and WASH in disaster-stricken areas will require strengthening local health systems and promoting intersectoral collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria and soil-transmitted helminthiasis continue to impose a significant global health burden and socio-economic impact. Globally, minority indigenous people are disproportionately affected by poverty and are shown to experience a disparate burden of disease and poorer health outcomes than the comparative majority population. Despite these inequalities, countries rarely systematically compile epidemiological data disaggregated by ethnicity to enable the extent of the differential to be quantified. Methods: The systematic review will be reported in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches will be conducted in EMBASE, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science for studies reporting data which enable the prevalence of TB, malaria, and/or soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections amongst minority indigenous populations within the Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR) to be calculated. Where studies provide data on disease prevalence for both minority indigenous and other populations within the same study, a comparative analysis will be undertaken. In addition to a narrative synthesis, where sufficient data are available, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted to obtain a pooled estimate value for each disease/infection by country and mortality stratum. Heterogeneity between studies will be examined using the Cochran's Q test and quantitatively measured by the index of heterogeneity squared (I2) statistics. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Discussion: This systematic review aims to analyse the available data on the prevalence of TB, malaria and STH infections within minority indigenous populations of the SEAR and WPR. Registration: Open Science Framework registration: osf.io/m6sqc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Based on the USPEX screening more stable SiCP 4 allotropes was obtained. • A high carrier mobility of 106 cm2 V−1 s−1 is observed for SiCP 4 allotrope. • The maximum η S T H ′ and η S T F ′ of SiCP 4 allotrope can reach 21.89% and 23.90% • Two SiCP 4 allotropes can trigger HER spontaneously. • SiCP 4 allotropes have the potential to reduce CO 2 to CH 4 or HCOOH. Two-dimensional metal-free photocatalysts are catching the attention of researchers. Here, we present several allotrope SiCP 4 monolayers with high stability, high carrier mobility, and excellent photocatalytic performance. Using a searching method based on the universal structure predictor evolutionary xtallography, together with assessing the energy and thermodynamic stabilities, and matching the potentials of band edges with the photocatalytic conditions for achieving overall water splitting, we successfully identify 5 highly favorable configurations (including the previously reported one) from a pool of 1056 allotrope SiCP 4 monolayers. The results show that the largest solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of the considered monolayers can reach 21.89 %, while a high mobility of 2.7677 × 105 cm2 V−1 s−1 is observed, both are superior to those of the previously reported one. The Gibbs free energies for hydrogen or oxygen evolutions, and CO 2 reduction reactions indicate they are thermodynamically feasible. Moreover, the hydrogen evolution reaction can proceed spontaneously with two allotrope SiCP 4 monolayers. Therefore, the newfound allotrope SiCP 4 monolayers are expected to have potential applications in the field of photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen generation and carbon dioxide reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis are parasitic infections prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, such as the Philippines. The prevalence of these infections remain high in certain Philippine provinces, despite established mass drug administration (MDA) programs in endemic communities. This study aimed to understand community knowledge and perceptions of these infections to determine their implications on the current control and elimination strategies, including possible barriers to MDA compliance. Methods The study was conducted in Northern Samar and Sorsogon, two provinces with the highest STH and schistosomiasis prevalence in the country. Focus group discussions with separate parent and children groups were utilized to gather knowledge and perceptions on STH and schistosomiasis causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention; and on the deworming drugs and overall program implementation. Data collection in Northern Samar were done in August 2017, while the sessions in Sorsogon took place in May 2018. A cultural construction of disease framework will show how several factors affect MDA participation. Results Results showed that participants held mostly correct biomedical notions of the infections and expressed willingness to participate in MDA program. However, reservations remained due to a reported lack of information dissemination, lack of confidence in the drugs used, and widespread fear of adverse side effects. Conclusion Addressing these concerns - improving the conduct of the deworming program, incorporating suggestions from the community, and managing potential adverse events - may help raise MDA participation and encourage better personal preventive practices, reducing STH and schistosomiasis prevalence. Trial Registration N/A

p‐type tetragonal zircon BiVO4 nanocrystal photocathodes (P‐BVO) and n‐type monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 nanoporous photoanodes (N‐BVO) are prepared by a hydrothermal method and an electrochemical synthesis method, respectively. Pt nanoparticles and cobalt‐phosphate (Co‐Pi) as co‐catalysts are loaded by an electrodeposition way to improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of BiVO4 (BVO) electrodes. After modification, a monochromatic incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of P‐BVO/Pt at 360 nm is improved by 2.2 times, and the highest IPCE of N‐BVO/Co‐Pi at 440 nm is increased by 1.7 times. The calculated electron‐hole separation yield and the charge carrier injection yield of N‐BVO/Co‐Pi at 1.23 VRHE are further improved to 80% and 86%, respectively. The surface modification also results in the latest ≈0.2% half‐cell solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (HC‐STH) for a P‐BVO/Pt photocathode and a higher ≈1.16% half‐cell applied bias photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (ABPE) for an N‐BVO/Co‐Pi photoanode. Furthermore, the prepared photoelectrodes are proved to have excellent stability for water splitting. Above all, a tandem‐type PEC cell containing the newly developed P‐BVO/Pt photocathode and an N‐BVO/Co‐Pi photoanode is built for the first time, which evolves H2 and O2 at a stoichiometric ratio of 2:1 with a bias‐free STH of 0.14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The role of the gut microbiota during coinfection with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Plasmodium spp. is poorly understood. We examined peripheral blood and fecal samples from 130 individuals who were either infected with Plasmodium vivax only, coinfected with P. vivax and STH, infected with STH alone, or not infected with either P. vivax or STH. In addition to a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, transcriptional profiling of peripheral blood samples was performed by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), fecal microbial communities were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and circulating cytokine levels were measured by bead-based immunoassays. Differences in blood cell counts, including an increased percentage of neutrophils, associated with a transcriptional signature of neutrophil activation, were driven primarily by P. vivax infection. P. vivax infection was also associated with increased levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10; these cytokine levels were not affected by STH coinfection. Surprisingly, P. vivax infection was more strongly associated with differences in the microbiota than STH infection. Children infected with only P. vivax exhibited elevated Bacteroides and reduced Prevotella and Clostridiaceae levels, but these differences were not observed in individuals coinfected with STH. We also observed that P. vivax parasitemia was higher in the STH-infected population. When we used machine learning to identify the most important predictors of the P. vivax parasite burden (among P. vivax-infected individuals), bacterial taxa were the strongest predictors of parasitemia. In contrast, circulating transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) was the strongest predictor of the Trichuris trichiura egg burden. This study provides unexpected evidence that the gut microbiota may have a stronger link with P. vivax than with STH infection. IMPORTANCE Plasmodium (malaria) and helminth parasite coinfections are frequent, and both infections can be affected by the host gut microbiota. However, the relationship between coinfection and the gut microbiota is unclear. By performing comprehensive analyses on blood/stool samples from 130 individuals in Colombia, we found that the gut microbiota may have a stronger relationship with the number of P. vivax (malaria) parasites than with the number of helminth parasites infecting a host. Microbiota analysis identified more predictors of the P. vivax parasite burden, whereas analysis of blood samples identified predictors of the helminth parasite burden. These results were unexpected, because we expected each parasite to be associated with greater differences in its biological niche (blood for P. vivax and the intestine for helminths). Instead, we find that bacterial taxa were the strongest predictors of P. vivax parasitemia levels, while circulating TGF-β levels were the strongest predictor of helminth parasite burdens.

Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated factors among primary school children of Medebay Zana wereda, a northwestern zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia from March to April 2017. Result The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 12.7%. The highest prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was observed in the age group of 11–14 years old and the most prevalent helminths species were Schistosoma mansoni. Mothers’ level of education [AOR = 0.27 [0.13–0.58]], place of defecation [AOR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.14–6.02]], hand wash before meals [AOR = 9.0, 95% CI 3.72–21.74]], hand wash after defecation [AOR = 5.77 [1.78–18.63]] and eating unwashed vegetables [AOR = 5.67 [2.19–14.73]] were associated with higher risk of having intestinal helminths detected in stool. In the study area the risk of detecting intestinal helminths in their stool were more associated the improper personal hygiene of the children.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) Infection is a worm infection which is transmitted through soil. STH is still a public health problems around the world, including Indonesia. The tropical climates of Indonesia is a suitable environment for viability of STH. The prevalence of STH in Bali since 2003-2007 reached 40.94%-92.4%. The altitude of an area may affect the rate of STH infection. The rate of STH infection is higher on population in highland area compared to lowland area. This study aimed to identify risk factors of STH infection in elementary school students in highland and lowland area in Gianyar Regency. This study used cross sectional analytic design and was conducted in 2016. The total samples of this study were 104 students which were consisted of 53 students in highland area and 51 students in lowland area. The samples were collected using cluster random sampling technique. The specimens were examined using Kato-katz method. The results showed that the prevalence of STH infection in elementary school students in highland area (28.31%) was higher than in lowland area (1.96%). In lowland area, the risk factor could not be clearly identified because there was only one student with a positive STH infection. Meanwhile, the identified dominants risk factors which influence STH infection in highland area were habit of washing hands using soap (AOR=24.99), fingernails cleanliness (AOR= 13.19) and parents income (AOR=18.83).

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are intestinal worms that infect 24% of the world's population. Stopping the spread of STH is difficult, as the eggs are resilient (can withstand high pH) and persistent (can remain viable in soils for several years). To ensure that new sanitation systems can inactivate STH, a better understanding of their resilience is required. This study assessed the inactivation of Ascaris eggs under various conditions, in terms of moisture content (MC) (<20 to >90%), temperature (20-50 °C) and pH (7-12.5). The results highlight that the exposure of Ascaris eggs to elevated pH (10.5-12.5) at temperatures ≤27.5 °C for >70 days had no effect on egg viability. Compounding effects of alkaline pH (≥10.5) or decreasing MC (<20%) was observed at 35 °C, with pH having more of an effect than decreasing MC. To accelerate the inactivation of STH, an increase in the treatment temperature is more effective than pH increase. Alkaline pH alone did not inactivate the eggs but can enhance the effect of ammonia, which is likely to be present in organic wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japan is one of the few countries believed to have eliminated soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). In 1949, the national prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was 62.9%, which decreased to 0.6% in 1973 due to improvements in infrastructure, socioeconomic status, and the implementation of national STH control measures. The Parasitosis Prevention Law ended in 1994 and population-level screening ceased in Japan; therefore, current transmission status of STH in Japan is not well characterized. Sporadic cases of STH infections continue to be reported, raising the possibility of a larger-scale recrudescence of STH infections. Given that traditional microscopic detection methods are not sensitive to low-intensity STH infections, we conducted targeted prevalence surveys using sensitive PCR-based assays to evaluate the current STH-transmission status and to describe epidemiological characteristics of areas of Japan believed to have achieved historical elimination of STHs. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 682 preschool- and school-aged children from six localities of Japan with previously high prevalence of STH. Caregivers of participants completed a questionnaire to ascertain access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and potential exposures to environmental contamination. For fecal testing, multi-parallel real-time PCR assays were used to detect infections of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura. Results: Among the 682 children, no positive samples were identified, and participants reported high standards of WASH. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first STH-surveillance study in Japan to use sensitive molecular techniques for STH detection. The results suggest that recrudescence of STH infections has not occurred, and that declines in prevalence have been sustained in the sampled areas. These findings suggest that reductions in prevalence below the elimination thresholds, suggestive of transmission interruption, are possible. Additionally, this study provides circumstantial evidence that multi-parallel real-time PCR methods are applicable for evaluating elimination status in areas where STH prevalence is extremely low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosoma mansoni is a parasite which causes significant public-health issues, with over 240 million people infected globally. In Uganda alone, approximately 11.6 million people are affected. Despite over a decade of mass drug administration in this country, hyper-endemic hotspots persist, and individuals who are repeatedly heavily and rapidly reinfected are observed. Human blood-type antigens are known to play a role in the risk of infection for a variety of diseases, due to cross-reactivity between host antibodies and pathogenic antigens. There have been conflicting results on the effect of blood type on schistosomiasis infection and pathology. Moreover, the effect of blood type as a potential intrinsic host factor on S. mansoni prevalence, intensity, clearance, and reinfection dynamics and on co-infection risk remains unknown. Therefore, the epidemiological link between host blood type and S. mansoni infection dynamics was assessed in three hyper-endemic communities in Uganda. Longitudinal data incorporating repeated pretreatment S. mansoni infection intensities and clearance rates were used to analyse associations between blood groups in school-aged children. Soil-transmitted helminth coinfection status and biometric parameters were incorporated in a generalised linear mixed regression model including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), which have previously been established as significant factors influencing the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis. The analysis revealed no associations between blood type and S. mansoni prevalence, infection intensity, clearance, reinfection, or coinfection. Variations in infection profiles were significantly different between the villages, and egg burden significantly decreased with age. While blood type has proven to be a predictor of several diseases, the data collected in this study indicate that it does not play a significant role in S. mansoni infection burdens in these high-endemicity communities.

Abstract Objective Schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis are major public health problems with school-aged children considered the most at-risk group. Pre-school aged children (PSAC) are excluded from existing control programs because of limited evidence of infections burden among the group. We assessed the prevalence of infections and effect on nutritional status of preschool aged children in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Results A community-based cross-sectional study involving 241 children aged 0–71 months was conducted in 4 sub-urban communities of Abeokuta. Urine and faecal samples were collected for laboratory diagnosis for parasites ova. Nutritional status determined using age and anthropometric parameters was computed based on World Health Organization 2006 growth standards. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics analysis, Chi square, t-test and ANOVA. Of 167 children with complete data, 8 (4.8%) were infected with Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni 6 (3.6%); Taenia species 84 (50.3%); Ascaris lumbricoides 81 (48.5%) and hookworm 63 (37.7%). Overall, 46.7% of the children were malnourished, 39.5% stunted, 22.8% underweight and 11.4% exhibiting wasting/thinness. Mean values of anthropometric indices were generally lower in children with co-infection than those with single infection. We observed low level of schistosomiasis but high prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis and poor nutritional status that calls for inclusion of PSAC in control programs.

Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection can cause malnutrition and vice versa, and decrease serum zinc concentrations. No previous studies were found on the effect of STH treatment on serum zinc concentrations in elementary school children. The objective of this study was to evalaute the effect of STH treatment on serum zinc concentration in elementary school children in Jakarta. Methods A pre-experimental study (one group pre and post) was conducted on 3rd - 5th grade students in one elementary school in North Jakarta. FLOTAC examination was used to determine infection status and STH intensity, while serum zinc concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. All children were given albendazole 400 mg for three consecutive days. Stool and blood samples were collected before and three weeks after treatment with albendazole. A paired t test was used to analyze the data. Results The STH prevalence was 63.4%; these were mainly Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections. Before treatment, children infected with A.lumbricoides and T.trichiura had significantly higher serum zinc concentrations (p=0.028; p=0.014). After treatment, children with A.lumbricoides had significantly lower serum zinc concentrations (p=0.039), while children with T.trichiura had slightly lower serum zinc concentrations (p=0.659) than before treatment. Conclusions Albendazole treatment produces lower serum zinc concentration in elementary school children with A.lumbricoides infections. A profound understanding of the interaction between helminth infections and zinc may assist in guiding integrated and sustainable intervention strategies among affected children throughout the world.