A qualitative assessment of influenza vaccine uptake among children in Kenya.

Background: Influenza is a significant contributor to acute respiratory infections (ARI), and children < 5 years are at increased risk of severe influenza disease. In Kenya the influenza vaccine is not included in the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunization (KEPI). To inform roll-out of a national influenza vaccination program, we implemented an influenza vaccine demonstration project in Nakuru and Mombasa counties in Kenya from 2019 to 2021 and set out to establish factors driving influenza vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months.

Mucus plugs in the airways of asthmatic subjects and smoking status.

Background: Mucus plugs have been described in the airways of asthmatic subjects, particularly those with associated with type 2 inflammation and sputum eosinophilia. In the current study we addressed the question of whether smoking, neutrophilic inflammation and airway dimensions affected the prevalence of mucus plugs.

Methods: In a cohort of moderate to severe asthmatics (n = 50), including a group of ex-smokers and current smokers, the prevalence of mucus plugs was quantified using a semi-quantitative score based on thoracic computerized tomography.

Heavy metal-induced genotoxic, physiological, and biochemical responses in Schizothorax esocinus (Heckel 1838) inhabiting the Dal Lake, India, and phytoremediation by indwelling plants.

Heavy metals have an immense impact on aquatic ecosystems, and their toxic effects are transferred to the inhabiting organisms. Experiments were conducted to investigate the health of snow trout Schizothorax esocinus inhabiting Dal Lake. Heavy metals (Cd > Ni > Cu > Cr) were found to accumulate in the major immune organs of the fish (head kidney, liver, spleen, thymus) which led to change in the overall physiology.

Contemporary cystic fibrosis incidence rates in Canada and the United States.

Background: The availability of new diagnostic algorithms for cystic fibrosis (CF), changing population demographics and programs that impact family planning decisions can influence incidence rates. Thus, previously reported incidence rates in Canada and the United States (US) may be outdated. The objectives of this study were to estimate contemporary CF incidence rates in Canada and the US and to determine if the incidence rate has changed over time.

Iron (III) doped titanium dioxide coated dimensionally stable graphite anode electrode for electro-chemical treatment of domestic wastewater.

Availability of clean water is of concern due to pollution and diminishing supply pollution. However, purification is possible depending on the incorporated contaminants. Domestic wastewater contains dissolved organic matter and its remediation can be done by oxidation.