TReND in Africa: Toward a Truly Global (Neuro)science Community.

TReND is a volunteer-scientist run charity dedicated to promoting research and education on the African continent. Focusing on neuroscience, we discuss approaches to address some of the factors that currently stifle Africa's scientific development and our experience in implementing them

From preliminary audit to sustainable retrofit strategies for historic settlements. A case study

The paper presents the results of two studies that Architettura>Energia Research Centre accomplished for Public Administrations as instrument for orienting a sustainable retrofit of historic settlements hit by earthquakes. The study has focused on Caporciano, a small town within the area around L’Aquila struck by the earthquake in 2009, and Apice Vecchia, near Benevento, damaged by two earthquakes in 1962 and 1980, which forced the population to leave the whole settlement. The research consists in a preliminary on-site survey aimed at simplifying the acquisition of a large amount of data, which will facilitate a subsequent in-depth survey focused on the energy and environmental characteristics of the towns. Those data are analysed to establish dimensional parameters useful for energy simulation and for setting-up a database of building technologies and materials. Then, a framework of intervention strategies is developed for improving energy and environmental conditions of the urban system as a whole, considering different levels of impacts due to the different historical values. To complete the procedure, a case study has been analysed in depth in order to evaluate technical feasibility as well as the energy consumption reduction of the suggested strategy. The case study, the Perriello Palace, is located in the historic centre of Apice Vecchia and it is considered as one of the town’s most important buildings because of its architectural features

National Immunization programme in rural area of Mozambique; evaluation of immunization coverage rates in child population accessed to a health service

Vaccine preventable diseases still weigh on mortality in the world and especially in children population. Vaccine protection is not uniformly guaranteed being rural areas and low- income population the most disadvantaged. Aim of the study was to verify the children coverage in a rural district in Mozambique where government fixed and mobile health facilities are supported by an Italian ONG (Medicus Mundi Italia). On a sample of 787 accessing children born from 2015 to 2017, the proportion of fully vaccinated (for BCG, Polio 1-3, DTP/HepB/Hib 1-3, PCV 1-3, measles first dose) by one year of age was 80.4% (95% CI 76.6-83.7), by 23 months it was 91% (95% CI 88-93%). However, in a contest where health care can be not easily accessible, the rate of missed opportunities of vaccination (children accessing to the health service at an age proper for administration of a certain vaccine dose but not vaccinated by the evaluating health operator) (MOV) was high for the intramuscular measles second dose (54%). Such a risk was higher in fixed health centre, lower during activity of mobile equipe (79% vs 46%; p value 0.01). Therefore, despite good immunization coverage, there are still margins to intensify strategies for not missing children vaccine opportunities

Retention in care of newly diagnosed HIV patients. Similarities and differences among Italian health system and mobile-TARV strategy in Morrumbene, Mozambique

Despite the progress in HIV care, adherence remains critical. The aim of this study was to assess similarities and differences in LTFU (loss to follow up) rates among new HIV diagnosis in the Italian and Mozambican settings in order to identify possible risk factors and promote targeted interventions. A retrospective study was conducted on new HIV diagnosis in the HIV Clinic of Brescia (2015-2018) and in rural communities in Mozambique (2017-2018). A lack of contact of >12 months in Brescia and of >2 months in Morrumbene defined LTFU patients. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, pregnancy status, WHO clinical stage and immuno-virological parameters were recorded. 7.4% of new diagnosis in HIV clinic in Brescia were LTFU. Young people, females and Africans are more likely to be lost (p<.05). In Morrumbene the LTFU rate was 25.6% and being young and pregnant was significantly associated with HIV care attrition (p 200/μl were significantly associated with failed retention in care. Retention in care of HIV patients represents a difficult step of HIV care. Educational projects focusing on fragile populations, counselling after HIV diagnosis and rapid cART initiation seem to be essential to guarantee a long-lasting adherence to HIV care