Individual-level and community-level factors for 10-year cardiovascular disease risk in Ethiopia: a retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional, observational study.

Background: No study has quantified the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in individuals without previous CVD in Ethiopia using the latest 2019 WHO CVD risk equation. Our study aimed to quantify the proportion of the Ethiopian population with at least a 10% risk of developing primary CVD in the following 10 years, and to identify variations in risk associated with individual-level and community-level factors.

Methods: This retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional, observational study used data on Ethiopians aged 40-69 years from across enumeration areas sampled in the WHO STEPwise Approach to Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) national survey.

Prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis infections among community participants in Thailand: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis infections among community participants in Thailand is essential to inform targeted public health interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of Blastocystis infections and to determine the distribution of subtypes among community participants in Thailand. Relevant studies on Blastocystis infections in community participants in Thailand were searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, ProQuest, and the Thai-Journal Citation Index.

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and key influencing factors in coastal households, Bangladesh.

This study assessed the accessibility and determinants of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in Bangladesh's climate-sensitive coastal region, which is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, salinity intrusion and extreme weather events. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to July 2023, involving 471 households across nine subdistricts within three coastal zones using a three-stage cluster sampling technique. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the associated factors, considering WASH indicators (as defined by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program) as outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics as exposure variables.

Evidence of pathogens associated with travelers' diarrhea in Thailand: a systematic review.

Background: Thailand, a major tourist destination, exhibits variations in sanitation and food safety practices that can lead to cases of travelers' diarrhea (TD) caused by a plethora of pathogens. This systematic review synthesizes data on the pathogens associated with TD in Thailand, providing valuable insights into pathogen diversity and distribution, traveler profiles, and geographical regions of concern.

Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022346014).

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MIP-1α and MIP-1β Chemokines in Malaria in Relation to Disease Severity.

: Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β act as signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on blood levels of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in -infected individuals and to determine whether these levels differ between severe and uncomplicated malaria cases. : The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024595818).

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and risk of syphilis among blood donors in Thailand.

Despite rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Thailand, including syphilis, data on its prevalence and associated risk factors among blood donors remain scarce. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and identify the key risk factors among blood donors in Thailand to inform targeted interventions for enhanced blood safety.The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024560215) and conducted following PRISMA guidelines.

Traditional practices versus modern healthcare: Determinants of traditional medicine use after potential dog bites among dog-owning households in Nigeria.

Canine rabies is endemic in Nigeria, with a low dog vaccination rate. Often, dog bite victims resort to traditional remedies, which can lead to fatalities. Our study investigated factors influencing decisions to seek traditional remedies in Nigeria.

Mapping malaria in Thailand: A Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of national surveillance data.

Objectives: Malaria, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, remains prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. This study employed Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis to assess malaria incidence patterns and identify environmental and climatic correlates across Thailand at the district level.

Methods: We analysed national malaria surveillance data using Bayesian hierarchical models to examine spatio-temporal patterns in malaria incidence.

The Epidemiological Profile of Tuberculosis Patients and Risk Factors for Poor Treatment Outcomes in Sarpang District, Bhutan: A 17 Years Retrospective Study.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health issues in Bhutan. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiology of TB and predictors of poor treatment outcomes in Sarpang District, Bhutan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TB case-based surveillance data of Sarpang District from 2005 to 2021.

Discrimination and calibration performances of non-laboratory-based and laboratory-based cardiovascular risk predictions: a systematic review.

Background And Objective: This review compares non-laboratory-based and laboratory-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction equations in populations targeted for primary prevention.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: We searched five databases until 12 March 2024 and used prediction study risk of bias assessment tool to assess bias.

Elevations in D-dimer levels in patients with Plasmodium infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

D-dimer, a byproduct of cross-linked fibrin degradation, arises during the fibrinolysis process, breaking down blood clots in circulation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence of D-dimer alteration in people with malaria, including variations in disease severity. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42024528245.

A study protocol for a multi-country cluster randomized controlled trial of the impact of a multi-component One Health strategy to eliminate Opisthorchis viverrini and soil transmitted helminths in the Lower Mekong Basin.

Background: Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are two of the most common helminths contributing to the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTDs) burden in the Lower Mekong Basin. Although mass drug administration is the cornerstone of control programs to reduce morbidity caused by these infections, this approach has limitations in preventing re-infections. Elimination requires additional measures such as reservoir host treatment, improved hygiene and health education to reinforce MDA's impact.

Nationwide Geospatial Analysis to Identify Variations in Primary Cardiovascular Risk in Ethiopia.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) varies across regions due to socioeconomic, cultural, lifestyle, healthcare access, and environmental factors.

Objective: To find geographical variations in 10-year primary CVD risk and assess the impact of contextual factors on CVD risk.

Method: Data from 2658 Ethiopians aged 40 to 69 years with no previous CVD who participated in a nationally representative World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS survey in 2015 were included in the analysis.

Estimating the impact of imported malaria on local transmission in a near elimination setting: a case study from Bhutan.

Background: Bhutan has achieved a substantial reduction in both malaria morbidity and mortality over the last two decades and is aiming for malaria elimination certification in 2025. However, a significant percentage of malaria cases in Bhutan are imported (acquired in another country). The aim of the study was to understand how importation drives local malaria transmission in Bhutan.

Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of dengue transmission in Lao PDR.

Dengue, a zoonotic viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant public health concern throughout the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aimed to describe spatial-temporal patterns and quantify the effects of environmental and climate variables on dengue transmission at the district level. The dengue data from 2015 to 2020 across 148 districts of Lao PDR were obtained from the Lao PDR National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE).

Bayesian spatio-temporal modelling of environmental, climatic, and socio-economic influences on malaria in Central Vietnam.

Background: Despite the successful efforts in controlling malaria in Vietnam, the disease remains a significant health concern, particularly in Central Vietnam. This study aimed to assess correlations between environmental, climatic, and socio-economic factors in the district with malaria cases.

Methods: The study was conducted in 15 provinces in Central Vietnam from January 2018 to December 2022.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of cortisol levels in Plasmodium infections.

Malaria has complex interactions with host physiology, including alterations in cortisol levels. Cortisol, a key hormone in the stress response, is known to be dysregulated in various infectious diseases. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the relationship between Plasmodium infection and cortisol levels, shedding light on the intricate interplay between the parasite and the host's endocrine system.

Albumin levels in malaria patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of their association with disease severity.

Albumin, a key protein in human blood plasma, has been linked to various health conditions. However, its association with malaria, particularly in assessing disease severity, remains inadequately understood. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the relationship between albumin levels and malaria severity.

Methemoglobin levels in malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its association with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections and disease severity.

Reports indicate that Plasmodium infections influence methemoglobin levels. However, findings have been inconclusive or have varied across different geographic and demographic contexts. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate existing data regarding the association between Plasmodium infections and alterations in methemoglobin levels related to the severity of the infection.

Comparison of Laboratory and Non-Laboratory-Based 2019 World Health Organization Cardiovascular Risk Charts in the Bhutanese Population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of color-coded cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk charts for CVD management. This study evaluated the agreement between the laboratory and non-laboratory 10-year CVD risks based on 2019 WHO CVD risk-prediction charts. The agreement of CVD risk scores among 40- to 69-year-old Bhutanese population stratified by gender and age groups (<60 and ≥60 years) was determined via weighted kappa statistics.

Risk mapping and socio-ecological drivers of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Philippines: a spatial modelling study.

Background: The Philippines reports a high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections despite the implementation of nationwide mass drug administration since 2006. The spatial variation of STH infections in the Philippines was last described using the 2005-2007 national STH and schistosomiasis survey. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and environmental factors that drive STH transmission and predict high-risk areas in the Philippines.

Effects of Daily Zinc Alone or in Combination with Other Nutrient Supplements on the Risk of Malaria Parasitaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Zinc supplementation has been explored as a potential intervention to reduce the risk of malaria parasitaemia in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). However, inconsistent evidence has been obtained regarding the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the context of malaria prevention. This systematic review was implemented to survey the existing literature to determine the effects of the daily oral administration of zinc, either alone or in combination with other nutrient supplements, on the risk of malaria parasitaemia.