bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HARNESSING THE DIGITAL SHARING REVOLUTION TO DRIVE GLOBAL HEALTH RESEARCH: SHOWING SIGNIFICANT IMPACT THAT SHOULD SUPPORT EDCTP CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Loggerenberg François Van , Furtado Tamzin , Boggs Liam , Segrt Alexis , Lang Trudie 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe Global Health Network is a platform for research capacity development and improving evidence generation and quality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This is achieved by delivering training and career development (through an on-line professional membership and training scheme as well as face-to-face workshops). The platform is also a mechanism for sharing research skills knowledge, experience and tools.MethodsThe Network has been consistently monitored using web analytics data and targeted surveys which combine quantitative and qualitative data, including 600 user interviews to evaluate impact. The data have been compiled by four researchers working in collaboration; each researcher was responsible for analysing specific datasets, which were later combined for the overall evaluation to ensure a fully comprehensive and in-depth assessment.ResultsThe Global Health Network is made up of over 30 interconnected research communities, with over 770,000 visits, over 73,000 individual site memberships and more than 30,000 tools or document downloads. It is clear that this is a much needed, trusted and well-used resource. In all, 89.5% of users indicated the quality of information provided on the Network is of high quality. Importantly, over 130,000 online eLearning modules have been taken. Ninety-six percent of users indicated they would recommend the training courses to others, and 82% had greater course-specific skills confidence after taking a course.ConclusionsThe Network has a broad user base, from individual frontline research staff through to large collaborative groups who make use of the platform to disseminate their activities, and is viewed as a high-quality, cost-effective and trustworthy community. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the capacity development initiatives of key groups, like EDCTP, make greater and more effective use of this free and impactful resource.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIMED PROSPECTS OF INCREASING CAPABILITIES FOR MULTISITE CLINICAL TRIALS IN THE EASTERN AFRICA NETWORK OF EXCELLENCE
Authors: Miiro George , Mbidde Edward , Peshu Norbert , Kivaya Esther , Mfinanga Godfrey , Ngowi Bernard , Kavishe Reginald , Maowia Mukhtar , Lang Trudie , Sandstrom Eric , Ayuo Elizabeth , Nanvubya Annet , Mmbaga Blandina , Kaleebu Pontiano 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundIn May 2009, EDCTP supported the establishment of the East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR) involving 35 regional institutions and 6 northern partners to promote capacity development for collaborative multi-site clinical trials and research. EACCR aims to contribute to overcoming a situation of: under-funded, fragmented and uncoordinated regional health research; too few African scientists; inadequate infrastructure; insufficient networking and knowledge-sharing. We present updates on achievements and lessons learnt on increased preparedness to conduct globally-competitive research and clinical trials on poverty-related, neglected and emerging infectious diseases.MethodsRetrospectively, we conducted a quasi-purposive summative evaluation through document review, participatory appraisal, direct observation and case studies of the EACCR work packages for governance, research, training and mentoring, infrastructure, and networking between November 2015 and February 2016.ResultsIn the past five years, the Eastern Africa-led consensus-driven consortium has contributed to the following results (at least): 15 new research and capacity-strengthening grants; 150 peer-reviewed publications; 15 trials monitored; 531 scientists and associates mentored; 12 electronic training modules on research and bio-ethics; 2 newly ISO-accredited laboratories; 24 research sites upgraded; 20 partnerships harnessed; 2 knowledge-sharing platforms of the East African Health Research Commission; an interactive website (www. eaccr.org); and an additional 2 million euros leveraged.ConclusionsEACCR has increased its capacity and partnerships for on-going and planned multisite clinical trials; we can sustain coordinated collaborative GCP-compliant multisite trials and health research. We can intensify high-level advocacy and resource mobilisation in Eastern Africa in partnership with policy makers, other consortia and development partners. We stand firm on the shoulders of current and promising giants of EACCR, other consortia, EDCTP and other like-minded partners and are thus prepared to conduct and disseminate more African-led health research and capacity-strengthening initiatives on poverty-related, neglected and emerging infectious diseases in Africa during the second programme of EDCTP.
BLENDED-LEARNING USING THE GLOBAL HEALTH NETWORK ONLINE RESOURCES: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Allen Elizabeth , Leisegang Cordelia , Furtado Tamzin , Loggerenberg François Van , Lang Trudie 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundEnhancing The Global Health Network's online offerings (TGHN eLearning, www.theglobalhealthnetwork. org) through local facilitation of its outputs may enable its uptake by clinical research staff. To explore this issue, we aimed to design and pilot a blended-learning programme in collaboration with South African research team members.MethodsA participatory research design was used, with purposively-selected support staff and their line managers. Formative semi-structured interviews with the former and focus group discussions with the latter sought reflection on current learning opportunities and career development experiences and needs. Staff then helped design and pilot a practical, feasible blended-learning programme over an approximately 6-month period. The pilot was assessed on reflections of its value that were elicited in follow-up discussions with participants.ResultsForty-five clinical research field workers, nurses, co-ordinators, data managers and laboratory personnel (and their respective line managers) took part. Formative discussions suggested staff generally had the necessary skills for their jobs, however they often lacked time and finances to develop a career path. The blended-learning menu of options for staff that they then co-designed and piloted included: facilitated one-to-one or group TGHN eLearning sessions followed by a discussion forum hosted by a volunteer content-expert; job shadows; guidance in accessing training opportunities/ resources; twinning with other research groups or staff; and a skills-sharing workshop. Feedback on their experience of the programme was very positive from those who got ‘hooked’, particularly as regards the non-threatening learning environment, building of IT competence and networking opportunities. However, staff's personal time constraints, and our challenges in supporting remote teams, were evident for some despite the pragmatic design.ConclusionsThis flexible, practical and feasible blended-learning program catalysed the self-development of many research staff in the pilot, and supported their busy line managers. As some challenges remain, the programme may require further modification when implemented in different contexts.
THE EFFICACY OF ALBENDAZOLE AGAINST SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS AND THE IMPACT OF MASS DRUG ADMINISTRATION OF ALBENDAZOLE AND IVERMECTIN ON HEALTH STATUS
Authors: Hamidu Buhari Adamu , Jenner Tettevi Edward , Asiedu Larbi John , Osei-Atweneboana Mike 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe lymphatic filariasis (LF) control programme has been on-going in Ghana since 2000 with mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin (IVM) and albendazole (ALB). Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections control is augmented within this programme. Therefore this study aimed to determine the efficacy of ALB against STH infections and impact of MDA on study participants.MethodsThis was a twelve months longitudinal study. A total of 412 subjects including school children (between the ages of 2–17 years) and pregnant women were randomly selected from four endemic communities in Kpandai district of the Northern region. Coprological assessment for parasites was based on the Kato–Katz technique in both dry and rainy seasons at baseline, 21 days and 3 months post treatment. Single dose albendazole treatment was administered to all patients at baseline.ResultsOf all the parasites found (hookworm,Trichuris trichiura,Hymenolepis nana, andTaenia sp.), hookworm was the most prevalent. In the dry season, the overall STHs prevalence at pre-treatment was 29%, while 9% and 13% prevalence was recorded at 21 days, and three months after treatment, respectively. However, in the rainy season, the overall STHs prevalence was 8%, while 4% and 12% was recorded at 21 days and three months respectively after ALB treatment. In general, ALB treatment resulted in an overall hookworm egg count reduction rate of 89% in the dry season and 93% in the rainy season, while theT. trichiuraegg count reduction rate was 100% in both seasons.ConclusionsSTH infections still remain a significant public health burden in Ghana. Hookworm infection seems to respond poorly or suboptimally to ALB, raising concerns of possible emergence of resistance which may lead to a major setback for the control and elimination of STH infections, especially hookworm infections.
CULTIVATION OF TWO IS2404 POSITIVEMYCOBACTERIUM SPP.FROM THE ENVIRONMENT OF ASANTE AKIM DISTRICT OF GHANA
Authors: Afeke Innocent , Addo Phyllis , Newman Mercy , Durnez Lies , Eddyani Miriam , Ammisah Nana , Abas Mona , Quartey Maxwell , Ablordey Anthony 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundBuruli ulcer (BU) is one of the neglected tropical diseases.Mycobacterium ulceransis the aetiologic agent of Buruli ulcer. Many extensive studies have failed to isolateM. ulceransin pure culture from the environment, even in highly endemic areas of BU. We investigated the role of macro-invertebrates as possible hosts or vectors forM. ulceransby attempting to cultivateM. ulceransfrom these organisms.MethodsThe study was conducted in 5 villages in the Asante Akim District of Ghana for 10 months. Primary detection ofM. ulceranswas done by real-time PCR targeting insertion sequence IS2404coupled with the detection of IS2606and Ketone reductase genes for increased sensitivity and specificity. Primary cultures were done using routine bacteriological media for culturing mycobacteria, L-J and special enrichment liquid broth, BACTEC®.ResultsThe overall rate of detection of IS2404in the general macro-invertebrate population was 12.8%. Cluster of CT-values was observed around a mean value of 35.88 and range values of 28.35–38.61. Statistically, there were no significant differences between the various CT-values obtained,p>0.05. The difference in ∆CT values (IS2606-IS2404) for homogenate sample obtained from Naucoridae which was positive for the three targets onM. ulceransgenome was estimated to be 1.77. The present study reports the cultivation of two IS2404positiveMycobacteria spp.from two aquatic macro-invertebrates of the families Belostomidae and Notonectidae both of the order Hemiptera. The isolate from Belostomidae was identified as eitherM. ulceransorM. marinumwith 98% identities that from Notonectidae was 98% identical toM. neoaurum. The organisms are yet to be passaged through mice footpad and fully characterised.ConclusionsFor the first timeM. neoaurumspecies was reported to have harboured IS2404element. Aquatic Hemiptera are highly suspected to be vectors or hosts forM. ulceransand they may transmit the pathogen to humans through biting.
EFFECT OF SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM INFECTION ONPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMMALARIA BURDEN IN LAMBARÉNÉ, GABON
Authors: Agobé Jean Claude Dejon , Zinsou Frejus Jeannot , Honkpehedji J , Ngoa Ulysse Ateba , Kremsner Peter , Adegnika Ayola 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundMalaria remains the first cause of death in Africa. In endemic area, it overlaps with other infections including helminths infections. It has been shown that there are interactions between the two parasites infection. Lambarene is the endemic area for urogenital schistosomiasis, which co-exist withP. falciparummalaria. Therefore, we decide to assess for the first time the effect of schistosomiasis infection on malaria infection burden.MethodsIn order to assess the effect ofS. haematobiumon malaria infection burden, a cross-sectional study was conducted in school children aged 6–16 years old. One blood smear was performed and 3 urine samples were obtained to assess the presence of infections. Chi-square test and generalised linear model were used to compare the risk to be infected byP. falciparumparasite and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test to compare the parasitaemia ofP. falciparum. Demographic data was also collected.ResultsA total of 741 children were included. The overall prevalence was 20% and 31% forP. falciparummicroscopic carriage andS. haematobiuminfection, respectively. Co-infection of both was found in 65 (9%) participants.S. haematobiumandP. falciparumare highly prevalent in PK compared to Bindo and Makouké areas. At univariable analysis, schistosomiasis-infected subjects have an odd of 2.11 [1.46–3.07] to be infected byP. falciparumparasite compared to non-infected subjects. Locality was found to confound the association which remains significant after adjustment for age, gender and locality (aOR=1.69, [1.13–2.59]). The effect ofS. haematobiumon theP. falciparumparasitaemia outcome was also assessed. There is no effect of Schistosoma infection on malaria parasite density (p-value=0.92).ConclusionsS. haematobiuminfection increases the risk of being infected withP. falciparumbut doesn't affect the parasitaemia density ofP. falciparummalaria in our study population.
MOLECULAR BACTERIAL LOAD ASSAY: A FAST AND ACCURATE MEANS FOR MONITORING TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT RESPONSE
Authors: Sabiiti Wilber , Ntinginya Nyanda , Kuchaka Davis , Azam Khalide , Kampira Elizabeth , Mtafya Bariki , Bowness Ruth , Bhatt Nilesh , Davies Gerry , Kibiki Gibson , Gillespie Stephen 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundTuberculosis is a difficult disease to treat. We report a multi-centre performance evaluation of the molecular bacterial load assay (MBLA) that monitors change in patient bacterial load (BL) as they respond to TB therapy.MethodsSmear or Xpert MTB/RIF-positive patients were prospectively monitored for treatment response using MBLA and culture at four sites in Southeast Africa. Treatment response was defined as decline in BL and or rise in time to culture positivity (TTP) or conversion to negative culture status. Positive culture at 5 or 6 months confirmed treatment failure. MBLA-MGIT correlation and association with treatment outcome were determined by Spearman's ρ and logistic regression, respectively.ResultsA total of 1764 serial samples from 178 patients were assessed for treatment response of which 91% were treatment success. Of those who failed treatment (n=17), MBLA detected TB in 82% at 2 months of treatment compared to MGIT 24% and LJ 6%. Mean BL at baseline was 6±1.3log10 CFU/ml falling to zero in 59% of the patients by 3 months of treatment. A corresponding rise in MGIT TTP, 5±3 to 22±11 was observed, r=–0.5, p<0.0001. The rate of sputum clearance (SLOPE) was high among high-burden patients – 1.0log10C-FU/ml than low-burden patients, –0.7log10CFU/ml in the first 2 weeks of treatment. Despite higher rates of clearance, high-burden patients were more likely to be TB-positive at 2 months of treatment, p=0.01(OR 2.5). Response was generally slower among the MDR than susceptible TB patients. Time to result was 4h with MBLA and 5–22 days for MGIT. Contamination was 25% in MGIT and 4% on solid culture.Inter-site testing revealed that MBLA was reproducible, ANOVA p >0.05.ConclusionsMBLA is a contamination-insensitive, reproducible method capable of giving results in real-time. Direct quantification of bacterial load from uncultured sputum demonstrates considerable potential for application in resource-limited settings where TB culture facilities are scarce.
NONTYPHOIDALSALMONELLAIN THE FOODSTUFFS AND THE HUMAN DIARRHOEAL STOOLS IN OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO
Authors: Nikiema Marguerite , Ky-Ba Absatou , Comapore Kiswendsida Abdou Muller , Traore Alfred , Sangare Lassana 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe sanitary quality of food is a global concern.Salmonellainfections are a major health problem in developing countries. Each year, food poisoning is affecting thousands of consumers. The objective of this study was to isolate strains of nontyphoidalSalmonellain food and in human diarrhoeal stools in Ouagadougou.MethodsSixty-one samples of sandwiches bought in Ouagadougou and 177 diarrhoeic stools specimen collected at the University Hospital Yaldao Ouedraogo and the Medical Centre Schiphra from May to October 2015 to detectSalmonella. The antibiotic susceptibility testing ofSalmonellastrains was done by the disk diffusion method using 14 antibiotics. Statistical analysis of data was done with Epi Info 7.3.ResultsFrom the overall samples analysed, 23 strains ofSalmonellawere identified including14/177 (7.9%) clinical strains, 9/61 (14.75% ) food strains. After antigenic identification 15 isolates (6 from foods, 9 from stools) belonged to known serotypes including 9 typhoidal and 6 nontyphoidal stains. Eight strains (3 from foods, 5 from stools) could not be serotyped by the reagents available. All the serotypes identified were found in stools (2S.typhi, 1S. paratyphiB, 1S. paratyphiC, 1S. enteritidis, 3S. typhimuriumand 1S. dublin) whileS. paratyphiB (4),S. paratyphiC (1) andS. enteritidis(1) only were identified in foods. Eleven (47.83%) strains were resistant to cotrimoxazole (2/11), tetracycline (8/11), nalidixic acid (##) and ciprofloxacine (2/11).ConclusionsThe overall frequency ofSalmonellais higher in the foods than in the diarrhoeic stools. However, the serotype diversity of the clinical strains is more important than that of the food strains. The street sandwiches would not be the main sources of contamination bySalmonella. The high rate of theSalmonellaresistance to antibiotics requires a more steady surveillance of the use of these antimicrobials.
PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN SOUTHERN MOZAMBIQUE USING A NOVEL MULTIPARALLEL QUANTITATIVE REAL-TIME PCR
Authors: Cuamba Inocencia , Grau-Pujol Berta , Nhabomba Augusto , Gutiérrez Jose , Lázaro Carlota , Mejia Rojelio 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are distributed worldwide presenting high prevalence in low-income countries. Gastrointestinal parasites in children are associated to inhibition of normal growth, low intellectual development, vitamin deficiency by malabsorption, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. Available data point to global prevalence in Mozambique (2005–2007) of 65.8% for soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites relies on stool microscopy which has a lower sensitivity and specificity than molecular biology methods. Consequently, researchers have developed a novel multi-parallel quantitative real-time PCR to detect protozoa and helminths in stool. This technique was used in the current study to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the Manhiça district.MethodsStool samples (10 g) for the detection of gastrointestinal parasites were collected from 175 children, aged 2 to 10 years, recruited at the Manhiça District Hospital. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained for all participants. Helminths and protozoa were detected through microscopy, the gold standard method, and through multi-parallel quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsHigh prevalence was found forGiardia lamblia(61%). Other prevalent parasites wereAscaris lumbricoides(10.2%),Strongyloides stercoralis(8.6%),Cryptosporidium(4%) andNecator americanus(2.8%).Ancylostoma duodenaleandEntamoeba histolyticawere not detected in any samples studied. More than 60% of children withA. lumbricoidespresented high egg burden that was correlated with increasedGiardiaburden co-infection (p=0.01).ConclusionsThe preliminary results point to a high prevalence ofG. lamblia. In our sample, a highGiardiaburden was associated with higherA. lumbricoidesegg count. Further analysis will allow us to correlate findings with clinical data and to evaluate the effect of the presence of gastrointestinal parasites on the immunological response to malaria.
SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS AND RISK FACTORS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Authors: Adewale Babatunde , Adedeji Abimbola , Folorunsho Sola , Demehin Pelumi , Akinsanya Bamidele 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundA survey of prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors among pupils of primary schools carried out between June and July 2015.MethodsFour primary schools were purposely selected for the survey (2 public and 2 private). All the pupils that consented to participate were given sterile universal containers for the collection of stool samples which were processed for examination using Kato Katz technique. Structured questionnaires were administered to the pupils to obtain demographic and risk factors information.ResultsA total of 243 pupils aged 5–15 years were recruited for the study while 207 (85.2%) complied and returned stool samples suitable for examination. The overall prevalence of infection was 34.8% (males 36.8%; females 33%). There was no significant difference between the male and female infection rate (p=0.6) and there was also no significant difference among the different age groups (p=0.7). About a quarter (24.2%) of the population studied had single infection ofAscaris lumbricoidesand 1% had hookworm infection while 4.3% had multiple infections ofAscaris lumbricoidesandTrichuris trichiura. Multiple infections ofAscaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura,andTaeniaspp. occurred in 0.5%. Large proportion of pupils engaged in risk factors such as cutting of finger nails with teeth (58.5%), unhygienic eating habits (41.4%), and irregular hand washing (28.5%). Majority (71.5%) of the pupils were not aware of school deworming programme among which 35.8% of them were positive for infection. Also 39.3% of the total number of pupils (56) who engage in open defaecation and use of pit latrines were positive for infection.ConclusionsThis showed that unhygienic habits practiced by pupils predisposed them to infection and the need to combine the school deworming programme with health education to reduce the burden of infection among pupils.