A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in children (IPTc)

Background: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in children less than five years of age (IPTc) has been investigated as a measure to control the burden of malaria in the Sahel and sub-Sahelian areas of Africa where malaria transmission is markedly seasonal. Methods and Findings: IPTc studies were identified using a systematic literature search. Meta-analysis was used to assess the protective efficacy of IPTc against clinical episodes of falciparum malaria. The impact of IPTc on all-cause mortality, hospital admissions, severe malaria and the prevalence of parasitaemia and anaemia was investigated. Three aspects of safety were also assessed: adverse reactions to study drugs, development of drug resistance and loss of immunity to malaria. Twelve IPTc studies were identified: seven controlled and five non-controlled trials. Controlled studies demonstrated protective efficacies against clinical malaria of between 31% and 93% and meta-analysis gave an overall protective efficacy of monthly administered IPTc of 82% (95%CI 75%–87%) during the malaria transmission season. Pooling results from twelve studies demonstrated a protective effect of IPTc against all-cause mortality of 57% (95%CI 24%–76%) during the malaria transmission season. No serious adverse events attributable to the drugs used for IPTc were observed in any of the studies. Data from three studies that followed children during the malaria transmission season in the year following IPTc administration showed evidence of a slight increase in the incidence of clinical malaria compared to children who had not received IPTc. Conclusions: IPTc is a safe method of malaria control that has the potential to avert a significant proportion of clinical malaria episodes in areas with markedly seasonal malaria transmission and also appears to have a substantial protective effect against all-cause mortality. These findings indicate that IPTc is a potentially valuable tool that can contribute to the control of malaria in areas with markedly seasonal transmission

CRC25: Australian child rights progress report

This report has been prepared by the Australian Child Rights Taskforce (the Taskforce), Australia’s peak child rights network, made up of more than 100 organisations advocating for the protection, promotion and fulfilment of the rights of children in Australia. The Taskforce is co-convened by UNICEF Australia and the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre (NCYLC). Australia is required to report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child every five years. At the end of each reporting cycle the UN Committee releases Concluding Observations, which identify both positive progress and areas in which child rights are not adequately protected in Australia. The most recent Concluding Observations were released in 2012. Australia’s next reporting cycle is due to take place in 2018

Greek Life: A Framework For Renewal

The President’s Taskforce on Greek Life was created in October 2010, and it includes appointed representatives from across all key constituencies including active student members of Greek letter organizations, staff, faculty, Greek alumni, administration, and the Board of Trustees. The committee was charged by President Bradley to submit recommendations, based in part on an October 20-21, 2010, external assessment performed by the Fraternity & Sorority Coalition Assessment Project, for revitalizing and enhancing the Greek student population, chapters, and councils. As part of the“Greek Life” initiative, the President’s Taskforce will emphasize the importance of encouraging the development of a Greek community that reflects the mission of the university—in particular, student success and community engagement

A European multicentre photopatch test study

BACKGROUND: The two most common agent groups currently responsible for photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) are organic ultraviolet (UV) absorbers in sunscreens and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, availability of information on the photoallergenic potential of these agents is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To obtain current information on the frequency of PACD to 19 organic UV absorbers and five topical NSAIDs, including newer agents, in common usage in Europe. METHODS: A prospective, multicentre photopatch test study was conducted with 1031 patients attending for investigation of suspected PACD in 30 centres across 12 European countries. RESULTS: A total of 346 PACD reactions in 200 (19·4%) subjects occurred. PACD was most commonly caused by the topical NSAIDs, ketoprofen (128 subjects) and etofenamate (59 subjects). Of the organic UV absorbers, octocrylene, benzophenone-3 and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane most frequently elicited PACD. The 'newer' organic sunscreen absorbers rarely led to PACD. There appeared to be an association between the agents ketoprofen, octocrylene and benzophenone-3, with several subjects developing PACD to two or all three agents concomitantly. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was less commonly observed than PACD, comprising 55 reactions in 47 (5%) subjects. Irritant reactions and photoaugmentation and photoinhibition of ACD occurred infrequently. CONCLUSIONS: The European multicentre photopatch test study has provided current information on the relative frequency of PACD to common photoallergens. Such data will be of value when deciding on which agents to include in a future European 'baseline' photopatch test series

Diversity Speaker Series - Believing the Unseen: Invisible Disabilities - Flyer

Flyer advertising the Academic Affairs Diversity Speaker Series presented Believing the Unseen: Invisible Disabilities with Jax Rogero on July 27, 2022

Academic Affairs Diversity Taskforce eNewsletter #007

“Committed to a globalized, competitive and innovative workforce through diversity and inclusiveness” Academic Affairs Diversity Taskforce Newsletter Information on professional development and Diversity & Inclusion related news and events delivered directly to your inbox every semester. Summer 2023 edition of the UCF Academic Affairs Diversity Taskforce Newsletter introduces LaVerne Parchman (the HRBC leader for Academic Affairs), calls for participation in the taskforce, promotes LinkedIn Learning, and provides reading recommendations

Academic Affairs Business Center Diversity Taskforce eNewsletter #003

September 2020 edition. “Committed to a globalized, competitive and innovative workforce through diversity and inclusiveness” IT&R Diversity Taskforce Newsletter Information on professional development and Diversity & Inclusion related news and events delivered directly to your inbox every semester