Effect of coastal and island geographic environments on patients with acute ischemic stroke in southeastern China.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the geographic variation in characteristics and treatment processes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in coastal, island, and inland regions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of data from patients with AIS in southeastern China. We collected demographic and clinical information, including the time from stroke onset to treatment for those receiving reperfusion therapy, using a time-tracking table. RESULTS: Among 8069 patients with AIS, 26.6% received reperfusion therapy, with a higher proportion undergoing endovascular therapy in maritime hospitals than in inland hospitals (14.2% vs. 6.7%). Maritime hospitals had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (15.1% vs. 11.9%) and cardioembolism (17.2% vs. 13.6%) than inland hospitals. Patients in maritime hospitals had shorter in-hospital processing times than those in inland hospitals (39 vs. 46 minutes). Island hospitals showed different patterns, with a shorter time from stroke onset to emergency room arrival (80 vs. 120 minutes) but a longer in-hospital process time (51 vs. 36 minutes), than coastline hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests geographic variation in AIS characteristics and treatment processes across southeastern China, emphasizing the need for region-specific strategies. These findings are essential for tailoring public health policies and guidelines to improve stroke outcomes in various regions.

Integrated Eco-Health approach significantly reduces helminth infections in endemic Khong islands with emphasis on Schistosoma mekongi.

BACKGROUND: Helminth infections, including Opisthorchis viverrini, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura, are prevalent in Khong district, Champasack province, southern Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mekongi is of public health concern on the islands of the Khong district. This study aimed to assess the impact of an Eco-Health/One-Health approach in combination with mass drug administration (MDA) to reduce these helminth infections. METHODS: We conducted a community intervention using a stepped-wedge trial approach on two endemic islands (Donsom and Donkhone) of the Khong district, Champasack province, Lao PDR, between April 2012 and March 2013. In each study village, 30-40 households were randomly selected. All members of selected households, who were at home during the study period were invited to participate in the study. A baseline study was conducted to assess helminth infections, knowledge attitudes and practices toward Schistosoma mekongi infection, behavior of open defecation and availability of latrine at home. After the baseline (T0), the Eco-Health/One-Health approach was implemented on Donsom (intervention) and Donkhone island (control). An assessment was conducted in 2014 (T1), one year after the completion of intervention implementation, to assess the short-term impact of the Eco-Health/One-Health approach on helminth infections and compare intervention and control islands. Later in 2015, the Eco-Health/One-Health approach was implemented on control island (Donkhone). After the implementation of intervention, the parasitological assessments were conducted annually in humans in 2015 (T2), in 2016 (T3) and in 2017 (T4), and in dogs in 2017 (T4) to evaluate the long-term impact of the intervention on helminth infections. Frequency was used to describe the prevalence of helminth infections. Logistic regression was applied to associate the KAP (knowledge, attitudes, and practices and open defecation behavior) and the reduction of helminth infections between intervention and control islands. The reduction in prevalence pre- and post-intervention was associated using a McNemar test. A two-independent sample t-test was applied to compare the mean eggs per gram (EPG) of helminth infections between control and intervention islands. A paired t-test test was used to compare the mean EPG of stool samples before (baseline) and after (follow-up) interventions for the two islands separately. A P-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Eco-Health/One-Health approach appears to be associated with reduction in prevalence of S. mekongi by 9.0% [odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, P = 0.003] compared to the use of mass drug administration alone (control island). Additionally, this intervention package significantly reduced O. viverrini infection by 20.3% (OR = 1.92, P < 0.001) and hookworm by 17.9% (OR = 0.71, P = 0.045), respectively. Annual parasitological assessments between 2012 and 2017 showed that the Eco-Health/One-Health approach, coupled with MDA, steadily reduced the prevalence of S. mekongi on the intervention island from 29.1% to 1.8% and on the control island from 28.4% to 3.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that the Eco-Health/One-Health approach appears to be associated with a significant reduction in prevalence of S. mekongi and helminth co-infections, particularly hookworm and T. trichiura. Therefore, implementing the Eco-Health/One-Health approach in schistosomiasis-endemic areas could accelerate the achievement of national goals for transmission interruption by 2025 and elimination by 2030.

An eco-epidemiological analysis of dengue outbreak in Port Blair, South Andaman Island, India.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: In Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, India, there was a sudden increase in fever cases resembling the symptoms of dengue in the monsoon period of 2022. Hence, an investigation was carried out to find out epidemiological and entomological reasons behind the outbreak. METHODS: An entomological survey was carried out in 24 wards of Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) area, epidemiological data of last six years (January-December 2017-2021 and January-October 2022) and patient details of the year 2022 were collected. Both the epidemiological and entomological data were analyzed concerning time and place. RESULTS: During this outbreak period tyres (22.4%) came out as a major breeding habitat followed by small discarded materials (17.5%), metal drums (15.3%), and plastic drums (11.7%). In rainy season, peri-domestic breeding (55%) was more than the domestic breeding (45%) habitat. Ae. aegypti had a high preference for indoor large containers (100-1000 L) like plastic tank, metal drum and cement tank whereasAe. albopictus prefers to breed in medium sized plastic container (20-100 L) and outdoor water receptacles like tyres, flower pots, and domestic discarded materials. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: By source reduction, indoor space spray and outdoor fogging, vector density was controlled which curtailed the transmission and within eight weeks a decreasing trend of dengue cases was noticed. A regular entomological survey is crucial to know the seasonality and key breeding habitats of the vector for proper planning of vector control.

Global health security and islands as seen through COVID-19 and vaccination.

Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020, significant research and attention has focused on countries' abilities and interests in enacting response measures to the spread of the coronavirus including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and vaccination programmes to contain infections, hospitalisations, and deaths. As the pandemic has continued, much discussion has also centred on the ability of islands to control borders, enact public health measures, and keep the virus out or controlled, owing in part to presumed islandness characteristics of isolation and remoteness. Drawing from ongoing empirical examples of island experiences in the context of COVID-19, this article examines to what extent islandness impacts health concerns and health responses within aspects of global health security and health systems. In considering how islands around the world have been implementing health security measures regarding COVID-19, linkages or suggested linkages among islands, global health security, and pandemics indicate the lack of exceptionality of islands and archipelagos. That is, how islandness or lack thereof is managed ends up being far more important for global health security outcomes than islandness itself.

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France.

BACKGROUND: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the main causative agents of heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, respectively. Both pathogens have zoonotic potential and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The present study aimed to determine the transmission period, prevalence and diversity of Dirofilaria spp. vectors from endemic areas of Corsica (France). METHODS: A monthly point data model based on average temperature recorded by four meteorological stations during 2017 was used to calculate the Dirofilaria transmission period. From June to September 2017, female mosquitoes (n = 1802) were captured using Biogents® Sentinel 2 traps lured with carbon dioxide and BG-Lure™ or octanol. Mosquitoes were identified to species level, pooled accordingly, and screened using multiplex real-time qPCR to detect D. immitis and D. repens. RESULTS: The monthly point data model showed the possible transmission of Dirofilaria spp. from the third week in May to the last week in October in the studied area. Mosquitoes were identified as Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 1432), Aedes albopictus (n = 199), Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 165) and Aedes vexans (n = 6) and were grouped into 109 pools (from 1 to 27 specimens, mean 11.4 ± 0.7), of which 16 scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. (i.e., n = 13; estimated infection rate [EIR] = 1.1% for D. immitis and n = 3; EIR = 0.2% for D. repens). Specifically, 6 (i.e., EIR = 3.8%) of 15 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive for D. immitis, 2 of 14 of Cx. pipiens s.l. were positive for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and 8 of 77 pools of Oc. caspius were positive for D. immitis (i.e., n = 6; EIR = 0.4%) and D. repens (i.e., 2; EIR = 0.1%). The highest mosquito infection rate was recorded in July (EIR = 2.5%), then in June (EIR = 1.3%) and September (EIR = 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that both Dirofilaria species are endemic and occur possibly in sympatry in the studied area in Corsica, highlighting the need to implement preventive chemoprophylaxis and vector control strategies to reduce the risk of these filarioids in dog and human populations.

Autochthonous Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infections in native terrestrial gastropods from the Macaronesian Archipelago of Spain.

The presence of zoonotic relevant Angiostrongylus cantonensis infections has recently been reported in rat final hosts and gastropod intermediate hosts in Tenerife, Spain. However, data on A. cantonensis, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus prevalences in endemic gastropods for other islands of the Macaronesian Archipelago are still missing. In order to fill this gap, we conducted an epidemiological study on terrestrial native slug (Plutonia lamarckii) and snail (Cornu aspersum, Theba pisana, Rumina decollata) species in 27 selected locations of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Lanzarote, La Palma and Fuerteventura. Overall, 131 terrestrial gastropods were collected in winter/spring season 2018/2019 and examined for the presence of metastrongyloid lungworm larvae via artificial digestion. The current data revealed a total prevalence of 4.6% for A. vasorum, 3.8% for A. abstrusus and 0.8% for A. cantonensis. In Tenerife, three lungworm species were detected, thereby re-confirming A. cantonensis endemicity for this island. Prevalences of snails (C. aspersum) originating from El Hierro were 5% for A. abstrusus and 15% for A. vasorum, respectively, with larval burdens up to 290 larvae per specimen. This epidemiological study indicates the presence of human, canine and feline lungworm species in Macaronesia, Spain. The current data-particularly those on anthropozoonotic A. cantonensis-call for a regular large-scale monitoring on intermediate hosts, paratenic hosts and definitive hosts to prevent further spread of lungworm-related diseases in humans and animals.

Assessing the risk of recurrence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in affected farms on Jeju Island, South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a swine enteropathogenic coronavirus that has devastated the swine industry in South Korea over the last 30 years. The lack of an effective method to control the endemics has led to a surge in PEDV recurrences in affected farms throughout the country. OBJECTIVES: In the first step toward establishing systematic monitoring of and active control measures over the swine populations, we constructed an assessment model that evaluates the status of (1) biosecurity, (2) herd immunity, and (3) virus circulation in each of the PEDV-infected farms. METHODS: A total of 13 farrow-to-finish pig farms with a history of acute PEDV infection on Jeju Island were chosen for this study. The potential risk of the recurrence in these farms was estimated through on-site data collection and laboratory examination. RESULTS: Overall, the data indicated that a considerable number of the PEDV-infected farms had lax biosecurity, achieved incomplete protective immunity in the sows despite multi-dose vaccination, and served as incubators of the circulating virus; thus, they face an increased risk of recurrent outbreaks. Intriguingly, our results suggest that after an outbreak, a farm requires proactive tasks, including reinforcing biosecurity, conducting serological and virus monitoring to check the sows' immunity and to identify the animals exposed to PEDV, and improving the vaccination scheme and disinfection practices if needed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the significance of coordinated PEDV management in infected farms to reduce the risk of recurrence and further contribute towards the national eradication of PEDV.

The origin of island populations of the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii.

Anopheles coluzzii is a major malaria vector throughout its distribution in west-central Africa. Here we present a whole-genome study of 142 specimens from nine countries in continental Africa and three islands in the Gulf of Guinea. This sample set covers a large part of this species' geographic range. Our population genomic analyses included a description of the structure of mainland populations, island populations, and connectivity between them. Three genetic clusters are identified among mainland populations and genetic distances (FST) fits an isolation-by-distance model. Genomic analyses are applied to estimate the demographic history and ancestry for each island. Taken together with the unique biogeography and history of human occupation for each island, they present a coherent explanation underlying levels of genetic isolation between mainland and island populations. We discuss the relationship of our findings to the suitability of São Tomé and Príncipe islands as candidate sites for potential field trials of genetic-based malaria control strategies.

Evaluation of a urogenital schistosomiasis behavioural intervention among students from rural schools in Unguja and Pemba islands, Zanzibar.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a common experience among children in Zanzibar. There is a paucity of behavioural science-based, health education and behaviour change (HEBC) interventions for school-aged children, those at greatest risk for urogenital schistosomiasis. We assessed the influence of a HEBC intervention, guided by the Health Belief model, among rural schoolchildren on Pemba and Unguja islands in Zanzibar, Tanzania. From 2012 to 2016, a cluster-randomized trial to assess three different interventions against urogenital schistosomiasis was conducted in 90 schools and shehias across Zanzibar. The HEBC intervention was implemented in 15 schools per island. In 2017, at the trial conclusion, we administered written questionnaires to schoolchildren from 4 HEBC intervention schools and 4 not HEBC exposed schools on each island, respectively. Responses were compared between students that were exposed or not exposed to the HEBC intervention using a Fisher's exact test. A total of 1451 students, 708 from intervention and 743 from non-intervention schools completed the questionnaire. Noting some between island differences, students who had received the HEBC interventions reported significant improvements in knowledge about Schistosoma haematobium transmission and personal risk, strategies for schistosomiasis prevention, and self-reported changes in risk behaviours: stopped washing laundry/dishes 49.4% (350/708) versus 5.8% (43/743), stopped bathing in streams/ponds 49.4% (350/708) versus 4.2% (31/743), and stopped playing in streams/ponds 40.8% (289/708) versus 10.8% (80/743). HEBC exposed children also reported a significant increase in swallowing tablets during mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns (when they had not before) 30.2% (214/708) versus 4.6% (34/743). The school based HEBC interventions were associated with desirable positive behaviour change among students. Data suggest that scaling up HEBC interventions to all schools in high-risk areas, augmented with bi-annual MDA, can help to reduce prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in Zanzibar, strengthening the possibility for future disease elimination.

High Egg Reduction Rate but poor clearance of Circulating Cathodic Antigen three weeks after Praziquantel treatment among school children on Ijinga Island, north-western Tanzania.

Traditionally, efficacy of Praziquantel (PZQ) is monitored using Parasitological Cure Rates and Egg Reduction Rates applying Kato Katz (KK) technique. This parasitological technique has a number of limitations. Recently, the Point-of-Care Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) rapid test which is a highly sensitive technique, has emerged as a promising candidate to be used for evaluating the efficacy of PZQ. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 399 school children aged 7-17 years on Ijinga Island, north-western Tanzania. At baseline and three weeks after treatment, stool and urine samples were collected from participating school children and screened for S. mansoni infection using the KK technique as well as POC-CCA test. All S. mansoni infected children at baseline were treated with 40mg/kg of PZQ and followed up after three weeks. At baseline, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 56.6% (95%CI: 51.7-61.4) and 99.7% (95%CI: 98.2-99.9) (considering trace as positive) using KK technique and POC-CCA test, respectively. Three weeks after treatment, the prevalence of S. mansoni was 0.92% using the KK technique and 97.7% when applying the POC-CCA test. The parasitological cure rates based on KK technique and POC-CCA were 99.1% (95%CI: 97.5-99.8) and 2.3% (95%CI: 1.2-4.5). Egg Reduction Rate was 99.1%. Based on WHO guidelines using the KK technique, at three weeks point, the efficacy of PZQ is satisfactory. However, the assessment of the efficacy of PZQ using POC-CCA tests needs further evaluation.

Studying the heterogeneous pathogenesis of canine diabetes: Observational characterization of an island population.

BACKGROUND: Canine diabetes mellitus has mostly been studied in northern European, Australian and American populations, whereas other regions have received less attention. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features of diabetic dogs in Gran Canaria, Spain. METHODS: Prevalence and incidence were estimated. Clinical features were analysed, and serum and genomic DNA were obtained. Dogs with presumed idiopathic or immune-mediated diabetes, were DLA-typed and antibodies against GAD65 and IA-2 were assessed. Pancreases from ten diabetic dogs were examined and compared with pancreases from non-diabetic dogs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-nine diabetic dogs were identified in a population of 5,213 (prevalence: 0.56%; incidence: 0.37%). Most were female (79%) and sexually intact (87% of females, 83% of males). Diabetes secondary to dioestrus (55.2%) and insulin-deficient diabetes (20.7%) were the most frequent types. Antibodies against GAD65 and IA-2 were identified in two out of five cases and DLA-genotyping revealed novel haplotypes. Breed distribution differed between diabetic and non-diabetic dogs. Reduced number of pancreatic islets and ß-cell mass were observed, with vacuolation of islet cells and ductal epithelium. In this population, where neutering is not standard practice, diabetes secondary to dioestrus is the most frequent diabetes subtype. Genetic susceptibility also differed from previous studies. These results support the heterogeneous pathogenesis of canine diabetes.

Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 2 on Jeju Island, South Korea, 2019-2020: evidence of a novel intergenotypic recombinant.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the most ubiquitous viral pathogen of pigs and has persistently affected the global swine industry. Since first being identified in South Korea in 1999, the virus has undergone considerable genetic change and genotype shifts during the past two decades. These events have contributed to the coexistence of genotypes PCV2a, PCV2b, and PCV2d in Korean pig populations, which may promote viral recombination. The genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of PCV2 strains circulating in pig herds on Jeju Island from 2019 to 2020 were the focus of this study. Genotype-specific PCR indicated that PCV2d is the dominant viral genotype and that coinfections with PCV2d and PCV2a (75%) or PCV2a and PCV2b (25%) are common in provincial pig herds. The complete genome sequences of 11 PCV2 strains, including three PCV2a, two PCV2b, and six PCV2d strains, were determined. A genomic comparison showed that all of the viruses had the highest nucleotide sequence identity to their corresponding genotypic reference strain. Notably, genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that one PCV2d strain, KNU-1931, exhibited nucleotide sequence variation in the ORF1 gene when compared to other PCV2d strains but showed a high degree of similarity to the PCV2b strains. Comprehensive recombination analysis suggested that KNU-1931 originated from natural recombination within ORF1 between PCV2b (the minor parent) and PCV2d (the major parent) strains. Our findings provide information about the frequency of genetic recombination between two different PCV2 genotypes circulating in the field domestically, illustrating the importance of continual intergenotypic recombination for viral fitness when multiple genotypes are present.

Dissection of the gut microbiota in mothers and children with chronic Trichuris trichiura infection in Pemba Island, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminthiases are important neglected tropical diseases that result in a notably high number of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Characterizing the interactions between the human intestinal microbiome and helminths is of interest in the development of alternative treatments that do not rely on chemotherapeutics and do not lead to drug resistance. METHODS: We recruited and obtained fecal samples from 32 pairs of mothers and children on Pemba Island and monitored their intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: We observed that microbial changes occur in the gut microbiota of infected mothers and children. Some short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and carbohydrate-degrading bacteria exhibited lower abundance in the infected individuals. Potentially pathogenic Campylobacter and proinflammatory Methanobrevibacter in infected mothers and opportunistic Enterococcus in infected children exhibited greater abundance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could reveal the microbiota profiling in T. trichiura-infected individuals, indicate the potential roles of key microbiota in the host and aid to the development of novel strategies to control T. trichiura infection.

Review of metazoan parasites of the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) and the analysis of the gastrointestinal helminth community of the population on St. Paul Island, Alaska.

The northern fur seal (NFS), Callorhinus ursinus (Mammalia: Otariidae), is a marine mammal species included into the IUCN Red List as the vulnerable species which population is dramatically declining. A significant amount of parasitological data collected previously and our recent data allowed us to clarify the list of NFS metazoan parasites and to perform a comprehensive analysis of the gastrointestinal helminth community. Gastrointestinal tracts from 756 NFSs (3- to 4-year-old males) were collected during the annual Aleut subsistence harvests in July-August of 2011-2014 from five separate rookeries on St. Paul Island, Alaska. Totally, 27,625 specimens of helminths and approximately 1000 nasal mites were collected and identified. Detailed analysis of the previously published and newly obtained data revealed 32 species of metazoan parasites, including trematodes (6 species), cestodes (4), nematodes (9), acanthocephalans (9) and arthropods (4). The gastrointestinal helminth community of newly studied NFSs comprised 19 species including trematodes (4), cestodes (3), nematodes (5) and acanthocephalans (7). Temporal changes in the helminth community structure were small but statistically significant. Gastrointestinal helminth infracommunities comprised from 1 to 10 species (average of 4). Small but significant correlation was found between the abundances of acanthocephalans (Corynosoma similis and C. strumosum), nematodes (Contracaecum osculatum, Pseudoterranova spp.) and cestode Diphyllobothrium tetrapterum.

[Management of a global health crisis: first COVID-19 disease feedback from Overseas and French-speaking countries medical biologists]. / Gestion d'une crise sanitaire mondiale : premiers retours d'expérience de biologistes médicaux d'Outre-mer et de francophonie face au COVID-19.

The French society of clinical biology "Biochemical markers of COVID-19" has set up a working group with the primary aim of reviewing, analyzing and monitoring the evolution of biological prescriptions according to the patient's care path and to look for markers of progression and severity of the disease. This study covers all public and private sectors of medical biology located in metropolitan and overseas France and also extends to the French-speaking world. This article presents the testimonies and data obtained for the "Overseas and French-speaking countries" sub-working group made up of 45 volunteer correspondents, located in 20 regions of the world. In view of the delayed spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the overseas regions and the French-speaking regions have benefited from feedback from the first territories confronted with COVID-19. Thus, the entry of the virus or its spread in epidemic form could be avoided, thanks to the rapid closure of borders. The overseas territories depend very strongly on air and/or sea links with the metropolis or with the neighboring continent. The isolation of these countries is responsible for reagent supply difficulties and has necessitated emergency orders and the establishment of stocks lasting several months, in order to avoid shortages and maintain adequate patient care. In addition, in countries located in tropical or intertropical zones, the diagnosis of COVID-19 is complicated by the presence of various zoonoses (dengue, Zika, malaria, leptospirosis, etc.).

Epidemiological changes on the Isle of Wight after the launch of the NHS Test and Trace programme: a preliminary analysis.

Background: In May 2020, the UK National Health Service (NHS) Test and Trace programme was launched in England in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme was first rolled out on the Isle of Wight and included version 1 of the NHS contact tracing app. The aim of the study was to make a preliminary assessment of the epidemiological impact of the Test and Trace programme using publicly available data. Methods: We used COVID-19 daily case data from Public Health England to infer incidence of new infections and estimate the reproduction number (R) for each of the 150 Upper-Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England and nationally, before and after the launch of the Test and Trace programme on the Isle of Wight. We used Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods to estimate R and compared the Isle of Wight with other UTLAs using a synthetic control method. Findings: We observed significant decreases in incidence and R on the Isle of Wight immediately after the launch of the Test and Trace programme. The Isle of Wight had a marked reduction in R, from 1·3 before the Test and Trace programme to 0·5 after by one of our measures, and went from having the third highest R before the Test and Trace programme, to the twelfth lowest afterwards compared with other UTLAs. Interpretation: Our results show that the epidemic on the Isle of Wight was controlled quickly and effectively after the launch of Test and Trace. Our findings highlight the need for further research to determine the causes of the reduction in the spread of the disease, as these could be translated into local and national non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies in the period before a treatment or vaccination for COVID-19 becomes available. Funding: Li Ka Shing Foundation and UK Economic and Social Research Council.

Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression patterns reflect genetic ancestry and environmental differences across the Indonesian archipelago.

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country, host to striking levels of human diversity, regional patterns of admixture, and varying degrees of introgression from both Neanderthals and Denisovans. However, it has been largely excluded from the human genomics sequencing boom of the last decade. To serve as a benchmark dataset of molecular phenotypes across the region, we generated genome-wide CpG methylation and gene expression measurements in over 100 individuals from three locations that capture the major genomic and geographical axes of diversity across the Indonesian archipelago. Investigating between- and within-island differences, we find up to 10.55% of tested genes are differentially expressed between the islands of Sumba and New Guinea. Variation in gene expression is closely associated with DNA methylation, with expression levels of 9.80% of genes correlating with nearby promoter CpG methylation, and many of these genes being differentially expressed between islands. Genes identified in our differential expression and methylation analyses are enriched in pathways involved in immunity, highlighting Indonesia's tropical role as a source of infectious disease diversity and the strong selective pressures these diseases have exerted on humans. Finally, we identify robust within-island variation in DNA methylation and gene expression, likely driven by fine-scale environmental differences across sampling sites. Together, these results strongly suggest complex relationships between DNA methylation, transcription, archaic hominin introgression and immunity, all jointly shaped by the environment. This has implications for the application of genomic medicine, both in critically understudied Indonesia and globally, and will allow a better understanding of the interacting roles of genomic and environmental factors shaping molecular and complex phenotypes.

Cystic echinococcosis in the endemic island of Sardinia (Italy): has something changed?

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a disease of livestock and humans caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) species complex and occurs especially in areas where sheep breeding is widespread. This survey evaluates, after more than a decade since the last epidemiological survey, the current situation and trend of CE in sheep of the highly endemic island of Sardinia (Italy). From 2012 to 2018, out of a total of 1416 sheep, 65.3% were found positive for CE. Cyst fertility has increased slightly from 10.3% in 2006 (Scala et al. 2006) to 11.7% in the present survey (χ2 = 1.07; P = 0.30018) with a peak of 14.0% in the province of Sassari. Overall, 6815 hydatids were found and classified as sterile (26.2%), fertile (14.4%), caseous (5.3%), or calcified (54.1%) based on their morphology. All isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (former G1/G3, strains). Results shown as the implementation of new European Council Regulations and in particular of 21/2004 that established a system for the individual identification and tracking of sheep could be a step forward towards a better control of animal movement, preventing illegal slaughtering on the island as well as in other countries experiencing similar problems. Even if at first sight the general situation of Sardinia regarding CE seems a little better compared with the past, our findings indicate that in some Provinces the epidemiological situation is not improved since 2006.

A field study on the occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep over the wet and dry seasons in two West Indian Islands.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infestations are a major constraint to sheep production in the West Indies (WI). Intensive and semi-intensive management systems are most commonly employed. These islands display tropical weather patterns with wet and dry seasons. Semi-intensive farming combined with increased rainfall during the wet season has been reported to be most favourable for development and survival of GIN. This study was conducted to determine whether there was a relationship between GIN burdens in sheep with seasonality and management practices of farmers in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Farms were visited on a monthly basis from January to December 2017. A maximum of ten sheep, three to nine months of age, were selected from each farm. A total of 3,053 faecal samples were collected and analysed using the Modified McMaster technique. Environmental data on daily precipitation and temperature were collected from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office during the period of sampling. A mixed effects negative binomial regression model was constructed to analyse the relationship between gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg counts (GINFEC) with season, management system and use of dewormers as fixed effects and farm as a random effect. Average diurnal temperatures of T&T fluctuated between 23.2°C to 32.6°C and 23.9°C to 32.3°C in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Average daily precipitation ranged between 1.6-1.8 mm and 6.1-8.5 mm during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. A decreased risk of 0.34 (95% CI 0.25-0.47, p < .0001) for GINFEC was observed in dewormed animals versus not dewormed. Semi-intensive management systems experienced an increased risk of GINFEC by 1.39 (95% CI 1.05-1.84, p = .021) compared with intensive and the risk of GINFEC was reduced by 0.40 (95% CI 0.33-0.49, p < .0001) in the wet season versus the dry. A higher prevalence of GIN was observed during the drier months of the year. Climatic conditions observed in T&T remained favourable for GIN survival, development and distribution year-round. Proper management is therefore required for reducing the occurrence of GIN in sheep of T&T throughout the year. This is the first reported study in the WI on the influence of seasonality and management on GIN infestations in sheep during the dry and wet seasons. Further investigation is needed to elucidate why GIN burdens appear to be higher in the dry season than the wet season. This study can be used as a baseline for public education in T&T as well as other developing countries.