Association mapping by pooled sequencing identifies TOLL 11 as a protective factor against Plasmodium falciparum in Anopheles gambiae
Background: The genome-wide association study (GWAS) techniques that have been used for genetic mapping in other organisms have not been successfully applied to mosquitoes, which have genetic characteristics of high nucleotide diversity, low linkage disequilibrium, and complex population stratification that render population-based GWAS essentially unfeasible at realistic sample size and marker density. Methods: We designed […]
A behavior change communication intervention, but not livelihood interventions, improves diet diversity and animal-source food consumption among Ghanaian women
Background: Women of reproductive age (WRA), especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are vulnerable to micro-nutrient deficiencies driven largely by poor quality diets. Intervening into food value chains, on which many households in low-and middle-income countries depend for their livelihood, may be a promising approach to improving diets in these contexts. Objective: In this pilot-scale randomized trial, […]
Does pre-COVID impulsive behaviour predict adherence to hygiene and social distancing measures in youths following the COVID-19 pandemic onset? Evidence from a South African longitudinal study.
Background: Engagement in protective behaviours relating to the COVID-19 pandemic has been proposed to be key to infection control. This is particularly the case for youths as key drivers of infections. A range of factors influencing adherence have been identified, including impulsivity and risk taking. We assessed the association between pre-COVID impulsivity levels and engagement […]
Assessing the effect of marine reserves on household food security in Kenyan coral reef fishing communities
Measuring the success or failure of natural resource management is a key challenge to evaluate the impact of conservation for ecological, economic and social outcomes. Marine reserves are a popular tool for managing coastal ecosystems and resources yet surprisingly few studies have quantified the social-economic impacts of marine reserves on food security despite the critical […]
Improving child nutrition and development through community-based childcare centres in Malawi – The NEEP-IE study: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Background: The Nutrition Embedded Evaluation Programme Impact Evaluation (NEEP-IE) study is a cluster randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the impact of a childcare centre-based integrated nutritional and agricultural intervention on the diets, nutrition and development of young children in Malawi. The intervention includes activities to improve nutritious food production and training/behaviour-change communication to improve […]
Home gardening improves dietary diversity, a cluster-randomized controlled trial among Tanzanian women
Homestead food production (HFP) programmes improve the availability of vegetables by providing training in growing nutrient-dense crops. In rural Tanzania, most foods consumed are carbohydrate-rich staples with low micronutrient concentrations. This cluster-randomized controlled trial investigated whether women growing home gardens have higher dietary diversity, household food security or probability of consuming nutrient-rich food groups than […]
Estimated hepatitis C prevalence and key population sizes in San Francisco: A foundation for elimination
Background Initiated in 2016, End Hep C SF is a comprehensive initiative to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) infection in San Francisco. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals to treat and cure HCV provides an opportunity for elimination. To properly measure progress, an estimate of baseline HCV prevalence, and of the number of people in various subpopulations […]
Impacts of Ebola disease outbreak in West Africa: Implications for government and public health preparedness and lessons from COVID-19
There has been an increase in the outbreak of communicable diseases in recent times; the most recent ones are Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and COVID-19. These diseases have had different impacts on society and the ecosystem. However, underlying these impacts are the levels of preparedness of governments and public health institutions to mitigate and control […]
Undernutrition and associated factors among urban children aged 24-59 months in Northwest Ethiopia: A community based cross sectional study
Background: Globally, in every three preschool children one is affected by malnutrition. In Ethiopia, child undernutrition continues to be a serious public health problem. Data are scarce, especially in 24-59 months age children. We aimed at estimating under nutrition and its associated factors among children 24-59 months age in Aykel Town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A […]
Gestational diabetes mellitus per different diagnostic criteria, risk factors, obstetric outcomes and postpartum glycemia: A prospective study in Ghana
The surge in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) globally requires a health system tailored approach towards prevention, detection and management. We estimated the prevalence of GDM using diverse recommended tests and diagnostic thresholds, and also assessed the risk factors and obstetric outcomes, including postpartum glycemia. Using a prospective cohort design, 446 singleton pregnant women without pre-existing […]
