Abell 1430: A merging cluster with exceptional diffuse radio emission

Diffuse radio emission has been found in many galaxy clusters, predominantly in massive systems which are in the state of merging. The radio emission can usually be classified as relic or halo emission, which are believed to be related to merger shocks or volume-filling turbulence, respectively. Recent observations have revealed radio bridges for some pairs of very closeby galaxy clusters. The mechanisms that may allow to explain the high specific density of relativistic electrons, necessary to explain the radio luminosity of these bridge regions, are poorly explored. We analyse the galaxy cluster Abell 1430 with LoTSS data in detail and complement it with recent JVLA L-band observations, XMM-Newton, Chandra, and SDSS data. Moreover, we compare our results to clusters extracted from the "The Three Hundred Project" cosmological simulation. We find that Abell 1430 consists of two components, namely A1430-A and A1430-B. We speculate that the two components undergo an off-axis merger. The more massive component shows diffuse radio emission which can be classified as radio halo showing a low radio power given the mass of the cluster. Most interestingly, there is extended diffuse radio emission, dubbed as the `Pillow', which is apparently related to A1430-B and thus related to low density intracluster or intergalactic medium. To date, a only few examples for emission originating from such regions are known. These discoveries are crucial to constrain possible acceleration mechanisms, which may allow to explain the presence of relativistic electrons in these regions. Our results indicate a spectral index of $\alpha_{144\,\text{MHz}}^{1.5\,\text{GHz}}=-1.4\pm0.5$ for the Pillow. If future observations confirm a slope as flat as the central value of -1.4 or even flatter, this would pose a severe challenge for the electron acceleration scenarios.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in A&

The spectacular cluster chain Abell 781 as observed with LOFAR, GMRT, and XMM-Newton

Context: A number of merging galaxy clusters show the presence of large-scale radio emission associated with the intra-cluster medium (ICM). These synchrotron sources are generally classified as radio haloes and radio relics. Aims. Whilst it is commonly accepted that mergers play a crucial role in the formation of radio haloes and relics, not all the merging clusters show the presence of giant diffuse radio sources and this provides important information concerning current models. The Abell 781 complex is a spectacular system composed of an apparent chain of clusters on the sky. Its main component is undergoing a merger and hosts peripheral emission that is classified as a candidate radio relic and a disputed radio halo. Methods. We used new LOw Frequency ARay (LOFAR) observations at 143 MHz and archival Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations at 325 and 610 MHz to study radio emission from non-thermal components in the ICM of Abell 781. Complementary information came from XMM-Newton data, which allowed us to investigate the connection with the thermal emission and its complex morphology. Results. The origin of the peripheral emission is still uncertain. We speculate that it is related to the interaction between a head tail radio galaxy and shock. However, the current data allow us only to set an upper limit of M < 1.4 on the Mach number of this putative shock. Instead, we successfully characterise the surface brightness and temperature jumps of a shock and two cold fronts in the main cluster component of Abell 781. Their positions suggest that the merger is involving three substructures. We do not find any evidence for a radio halo either at the centre of this system or in the other clusters of the chain. We place an upper limit to the diffuse radio emission in the main cluster of Abell 781 that is a factor of 2 below the current radio power-mass relation for giant radio haloes

Intestinal parasitosis and shigellosis among diarrheal patients in Gondar teaching hospital, northwest Ethiopia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Diarrheal diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing world. Understanding the etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics of patients would help to design better preventive measures. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria in diarrheic patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study involving 384 consecutive diarrheal patients who visited Gondar teaching hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia from October 2006 to March 2007 was conducted. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria following standard parasitological and microbiological procedures.</p> <p><b><it>Results</it></b></p> <p>Intestinal parasites were diagnosed in 36.5% of the patients. The most frequently encountered protozoan parasite was <it>Entamoeba histolytica/dispar </it>(7.3%) followed by <it>Giardia lamblia </it>(5.0%), C<it>ryptosporidium parvum </it>(1.8%) and <it>Isospora belli </it>(1.3%). The dominant helminthic parasite identified was <it>Ascaris lumbricoides </it>(5.5%) followed by <it>Strongyloides stercoralis </it>and <it>Schistosoma mansoni </it>(3.1% each), hookworm infection (1.8%), and <it>Hymenolepis </it>species (1.3%). Multiple infections of intestinal parasites were also observed in 6.3% of the patients. Among the enteropathogenic bacteria <it>Shigella </it>and <it>Salmonella </it>species were isolated from 15.6% and 1.6%, respectively, of the patients. <it>Escherichia coli O57:H7 </it>was not found in any of the stool samples tested. Eighty eight percent and 83.3% of the <it>Shigella </it>and <it>Salmonella </it>isolates were resistant to one or more commonly used antibiotics, respectively.</p> <p>Intestinal parasitosis was higher in patients who live in rural area, in patients who were washing their hands after visiting toilet either irregularly with soap and without soap or not at all, in patients who used well and spring water for household consumption, and in patients who had nausea (<it>P </it>< 0.05). Statistically significant associations were also observed between Shigella infections and patients who were using well and spring water for household consumption, and patients who had dysentery and mucoid stool (<it>P </it>< 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The high prevalence of intestinal parasites and <it>Shigella </it>species in diarrheic patients calls for institution of appropriate public health intervention measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. The rational use of antibiotics should also be practiced.</p

Intestinal helminths in Luweero district, Uganda

Background: Intestinal helminthiasis is a debilitating parasitic disease found in many parts of Uganda including Luweero district. In the district, the disease causes as high as 9% morbidity in children below five years. There was very scanty district information on the disease based mainly on hospital records despite this figure. The current study was carried out to provide data to plan for its effective control. Objective: To investigate risk factors that promote helminth infections among children under five years of age in Luweero district. Methods: Stool samples from 727 children were examined for presence of helminth ova using Kato-Katz technique. The subjects' parents or guardians were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to establish their demographic, social-cultural characteristics; information on water accessibility and usage; child toileting practices and knowledge about helminthiasis. Results: Risk factors strongly associated with helminth infections included methods of anal cleaning, how compounds and latrines were maintained, keeping of pigs and age of the subjects, (

Design and implementation of participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation (PHAST) as a strategy to control soil-transmitted helminth infections in Luweero, Uganda

BACKGROUND: The study is a continuation of a research carried out in Luweero district in Uganda1. It investigated whether PHAST was a suitable tool for reducing transmission of soil transmitted helminths. PHAST means Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation; a participatory approach that uses visual tools to stimulate the participation of people in promotion of improved hygiene and sanitation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of PHAST on intestinal helminth transmission in children under five years. METHODS: Three phases namely; (1) Baseline survey (2) PHAST intervention (3) Follow up were conducted. During Phase 1, the subjects' stool samples were examined for presence of helminthic ova and questionnaires administered. In Phase 2, PHAST was conducted only in experimental villages. All subjects in the experimental and control villages were treated thrice with Albendazole. During Phase 3, all steps of Phase 1 were repeated. RESULTS: There was an overall reduction in the prevalence of children infected with helminths after PHAST intervention. Also, comparison of pre-intervention and post-intervention multivariate results indicates that the likelihood of children getting infected with helminths reduced in most of the experimented variables. CONCLUSION: Health stakeholders should utilize PHAST approach to sensitize communities on the importance of hygiene to curb soil-transmitted helminth infections

Design and implementation of participatory hygiene and sanitation transformation (PHAST) as a strategy to control soil-transmitted helminth infections in Luweero, Uganda

Background: The study is a continuation of a research carried out in Luweero district in Uganda1. It investigated whether PHAST was a suitable tool for reducing transmission of soil transmitted helminths. PHAST means Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation; a participatory approach that uses visual tools to stimulate the participation of people in promotion of improved hygiene and sanitation. Objective: To assess the effect of PHAST on intestinal helminth transmission in children under five years. Methods: Three phases namely; (1) Baseline survey (2) PHAST intervention (3) Follow up were conducted. During Phase 1, the subjects’ stool samples were examined for presence of helminthic ova and questionnaires administered. In Phase 2, PHAST was conducted only in experimental villages. All subjects in the experimental and control villages were treated thrice with Albendazole. During Phase 3, all steps of Phase 1 were repeated. Results: There was an overall reduction in the prevalence of children infected with helminths after PHAST intervention.Also, comparison of pre-intervention and post-intervention multivariate results indicates that the likelihood of children getting infected with helminths reduced in most of the experimented variables. Conclusion: Health stakeholders should utilize PHAST approach to sensitize communities on the importance of hygiene to curb soil-transmitted helminth infections

Development of a Patient-Oriented Intervention to Support Patient-Provider Conversations about Unnecessary Lower Back Pain Imaging

Background: despite the efforts of multiple stakeholders to promote appropriate care throughout the healthcare system, studies show that two out of three lower back pain (LBP) patients expect to receive imaging. We used the Choosing Wisely Canada patient-oriented framework, prioritizing patient engagement, to develop an intervention that addresses lower back pain imaging overuse. Methods: to develop this intervention, we collaborated with a multidisciplinary advisory team, including two patient partners with lower back pain, researchers, clinicians, healthcare administrators, and the Choosing Wisely Canada lead for Saskatchewan. For this qualitative study, data were collected through two advisory team meetings, two individual interviews with lower back pain patient partners, and three focus groups with lower back pain patient participants. A lower back pain prescription pad was developed as an outcome of these consultations. Results: participants reported a lack of interactive and informative communication was a significant barrier to receiving appropriate care. The most cited content information for inclusion in this intervention was treatments known to work, including physical activity, useful equipment, and reliable sources of educational material. Participants also suggested it was important that benefits and risks of imaging were explained on the pad. Three key themes derived from the data were also used to guide development of the intervention: (a) the role of imaging in LBP diagnosis; (b) the impact of the patient-physician relationship on LBP diagnosis and treatment; and (c) the lack of patient awareness of Choosing Wisely Canada and their recommendations. Conclusions: the lower back pain patient-developed prescription pad may help patients and clinicians engage in informed conversations and shared decision making that could support reduce unnecessary lower back pain imaging