teroj mohamed - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by teroj mohamed

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Sheep and Goats in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pathogens

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, results in congenital disorders a... more Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, results in congenital disorders and miscarriages among livestock and humans worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Pakistan from 2000 to 2020. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases and selected 17 publications that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Eight studies were conducted in Southern Punjab, six in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two in Northern Punjab, and one in Central Punjab. The diagnostic tests used in the included articles to confirm toxoplasmosis were the latex agglutination test in 56% of the studies, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 38%, and the indirect hemagglutination assay in 6%. The infection rates were substantially higher among sheep > 1 year of age (37%) than among sheep ≤ 1 year old (19%). Statistically significant differences in infection rates were found between mal...

Research paper thumbnail of Sequencing and mutations analysis of the first recorded SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant during the fourth wave of pandemic in Iraq

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases

Research paper thumbnail of Insights into the silent cause of death in dogs, the carcinogenic nematode

The carcinogenic dog nematode, Spirocerca lupi, is a canine causative agent of the oesophagal nod... more The carcinogenic dog nematode, Spirocerca lupi, is a canine causative agent of the oesophagal nodular granuloma. Worldwide availability of the biological host (beetle) and the presence of some environmental factors help in the comprehensive epidemiology of this nodular forming nematode. Coprologically, it depends on the presence and characteristics of the rhabdiform larvae in most nematodes due to the similarity in egg shape. In contrast, in the case of the presence of carcinogenic nematodes, the morphological appearance of the eggs is definitive for diagnosis, which can be detected by flotation and sedimentation techniques in the faecal examination to detect the gastrointestinal parasites. The morphological identification of the parasite's eggs in the dog's faecal samples requires more confirmation by molecular and specific gene amplification. They should be aware of the possibility of a spirurid worm infection, which needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of Algerian fungi – Part 5: Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota)

Microbial Biosystems, 2021

Our fifth contribution to the checklist of Algerian fungi is dedicated to Dothideomycetes which c... more Our fifth contribution to the checklist of Algerian fungi is dedicated to Dothideomycetes which comprise a highly diverse range of fungi characterized mainly by asci with double two wall layers (bitunicate asci) and often with fissitunicate dehiscence. By screening all available bibliographic sources and herbaria (fungaria) catalogues it was possible to delineate 562 species belonging to 59 families and 176 genera that occurs in Algeria. Additionally, a list of 10 doubtful records unsupported by literature and/or herbarium (fungarium) material is provided. This checklist is the first comprehensive species list fully dedicated to Algerian Dothideomycetes. Therefore, it should be mentioned here that, although the present study will add some new data to our information concerning Fungi in Algeria, this checklist must be considered as a provisional one always waiting for continuous supplementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Survey on Sarcocystis infection in imported male cattle carcasses slaughtered at Duhok abattoir, Kurdistan region of Iraq

Sarcocystis is considered as a common zoonotic coccidian parasite that infects intermediate hosts... more Sarcocystis is considered as a common zoonotic coccidian parasite that infects intermediate hosts orally through ingestion of contaminated graze or water with protozoa oocyte. The purpose of study is to demonstrate the incidence of Sarcocystis infection in imported cattle in Duhok abattoir and achieve the gold conventional method for muscular tissue cyst and bradyzoites detection. Muscular tissue samples have been collected from esophagus, heart and diaphragm of 150 cattle. From a total of 1350 inspected samples (diaphragm, esophagus and heart) from three different imported origin have been 94%, 92% and 41.3% samples infected respectively as well as significant differences (p <0.01) in the distribution of Sarcocystis infection among organs included and microscopic method used while no significant been found in terms of the animal origin source. Moreover, acid pepsin digestion method has shown high sensitivity in detection of Sarcocystis infection. The infection with Sarcocystis i...

Research paper thumbnail of Tracking development assistance for health and for COVID-19: a review of development assistance, government, out-of-pocket, and other private spending on health for 204 countries and territories, 1990–2050

The Lancet, 2021

Background The rapid spread of COVID-19 renewed the focus on how health systems across the globe ... more Background The rapid spread of COVID-19 renewed the focus on how health systems across the globe are financed, especially during public health emergencies. Development assistance is an important source of health financing in many low-income countries, yet little is known about how much of this funding was disbursed for COVID-19. We aimed to put development assistance for health for COVID-19 in the context of broader trends in global health financing, and to estimate total health spending from 1995 to 2050 and development assistance for COVID-19 in 2020. Methods We estimated domestic health spending and development assistance for health to generate total health-sector spending estimates for 204 countries and territories. We leveraged data from the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database to produce estimates of domestic health spending. To generate estimates for development assistance for health, we relied on project-level disbursement data from the major international development agencies' online databases and annual financial statements and reports for information on income sources. To adjust our estimates for 2020 to include disbursements related to COVID-19, we extracted project data on commitments and disbursements from a broader set of databases (because not all of the data sources used to estimate the historical series extend to 2020), including the UN Office of Humanitarian Assistance Financial Tracking Service and the International Aid Transparency Initiative. We reported all the historic and future spending estimates in inflation-adjusted 2020 US$, 2020 US$ per capita, purchasing-power parity-adjusted US$ per capita, and as a proportion of gross domestic product. We used various models to generate future health spending to 2050. Findings In 2019, health spending globally reached 8•8trillion(958•8 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 8•7-8•8) or 8•8trillion(951132 (1119-1143) per person. Spending on health varied within and across income groups and geographical regions. Of this total, 40•4billion(0•540•4 billion (0•5%, 95% UI 0•5-0•5) was development assistance for health provided to low-income and middle-income countries, which made up 24•6% (UI 24•0-25•1) of total spending in low-income countries. We estimate that 40•4billion(0•554•8 billion in development assistance for health was disbursed in 2020. Of this, 13•7billionwastargetedtowardtheCOVID−19healthresponse.13•7 billion was targeted toward the COVID-19 health response. 13•7billionwastargetedtowardtheCOVID−19healthresponse.12•3 billion was newly committed and 1•4billionwasrepurposedfromexistinghealthprojects.1•4 billion was repurposed from existing health projects. 1•4billionwasrepurposedfromexistinghealthprojects.3•1 billion (22•4%) of the funds focused on country-level coordination and 2•4billion(17•92•4 billion (17•9%) was for supply chain and logistics. Only 2•4billion(17•9714•4 million (7•7%) of COVID-19 development assistance for health went to Latin America, despite this region reporting 34•3% of total recorded COVID-19 deaths in low-income or middle-income countries in 2020. Spending on health is expected to rise to $1519 (1448-1591) per person in 2050, although spending across countries is expected to remain varied. Interpretation Global health spending is expected to continue to grow, but remain unequally distributed between countries. We estimate that development organisations substantially increased the amount of development assistance for health provided in 2020. Continued efforts are needed to raise sufficient resources to mitigate the pandemic for the most vulnerable, and to help curtail the pandemic for all. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Research paper thumbnail of An annotated bibliography of medical mycology in Iraq: 1962 -2021

Microbial Biosystems, 2021

One of the gaps in knowledge concerning diversity of fungi in Iraq is checklists and documentatio... more One of the gaps in knowledge concerning diversity of fungi in Iraq is checklists and documentation of fungal data. For a country like Iraq no updated checklists of fungi at all or any mycological bibliographic studies up till now. We decided in our newly born Iraqi Mycologists' Network to start a long road for documentation of fungi in Iraq by all available means. By screening of available sources of information (websites, dissertations, theses, journals), it was possible to figure out a range of four hundred and fifty-five articles published since 1962 in Iraq collected from various sources all dealing with some phase of medical mycology. The value of this bibliography to students, researchers and medical mycologists in Iraq and worldwide in this field is self-evident. It should be mentioned here that, although the present study will add some new data to our information concerning medical mycology in Iraq; it must be considered as a provisional one always waiting for continuous supplementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Fake COVID-19 vaccines: scams hampering the vaccination drive in India and possibly other countries

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2021

India is executing a mass vaccination program to restrict the predicted third wave of COVID-19. H... more India is executing a mass vaccination program to restrict the predicted third wave of COVID-19. However, fake COVID-19 vaccines have emerged as a major challenge amid the vaccination drive in India. This article highlights the loopholes and measures to restrict the fake COVID-19 vaccination scams. Such activities have put the genuinity of vaccination certificates under scanner besides putting public health at risk and instigating vaccine hesitancy. Hence, the Government of India needs to take stringent actions such as complete take-over of COVID-19 vaccine procurement and free immunization. Furthermore, the public needs to remain vigilant and check vaccination certificates immediately after being vaccinated. Such efforts on the part of the government and public can completely restrict fake vaccinations.

Research paper thumbnail of Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990–2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

The Lancet, 2021

Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and develop... more Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and development, and can negatively affect social wellbeing. We present updated estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study on the prevalence of hearing loss in 2019, as well as the condition's associated disability. Methods We did systematic reviews of population-representative surveys on hearing loss prevalence from 1990 to 2019. We fitted nested meta-regression models for severity-specific prevalence, accounting for hearing aid coverage, cause, and the presence of tinnitus. We also forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss until 2050. Findings An estimated 1•57 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1•51-1•64) people globally had hearing loss in 2019, accounting for one in five people (20•3% [19•5-21•1]). Of these, 403•3 million (357•3-449•5) people had hearing loss that was moderate or higher in severity after adjusting for hearing aid use, and 430•4 million (381•7-479•6) without adjustment. The largest number of people with moderate-to-complete hearing loss resided in the Western Pacific region (127•1 million people [112•3-142•6]). Of all people with a hearing impairment, 62•1% (60•2-63•9) were older than 50 years. The Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index explained 65•8% of the variation in national agestandardised rates of years lived with disability, because countries with a low HAQ Index had higher rates of years lived with disability. By 2050, a projected 2•45 billion (2•35-2•56) people will have hearing loss, a 56•1% (47•3-65•2) increase from 2019, despite stable age-standardised prevalence. Interpretation As populations age, the number of people with hearing loss will increase. Interventions such as childhood screening, hearing aids, effective management of otitis media and meningitis, and cochlear implants have the potential to ameliorate this burden. Because the burden of moderate-to-complete hearing loss is concentrated in countries with low health-care quality and access, stronger health-care provision mechanisms are needed to reduce the burden of unaddressed hearing loss in these settings. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO.

Research paper thumbnail of SARS‑CoV‑2 mutation hotspots incidence in different geographic regions

Microbial Biosystems, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is RNA virus with a positive-sense s... more SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is RNA virus with a positive-sense single-strand that belongs to the beta-coronavirus group that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) which originally emerged in China. Viruses with RNA genomes are known by a high mutation rate potential. The mutation rate determines genome variability and evolution of the virus; therefore, allowing viruses to evade the immune system, gain more infectivity potentials, virulence modifications, and probably resistance development to antivirals. A total of 311 SARS-CoV-2 virus whole genome sequences have been retrieved from the GISAID database from 1 st of January 2020 to 31 th of August 2020. The sequences were analyzed for sequence purity and multiple sequence alignment together with reference sequence was conducted through using Clustal Omega that is imbedded in Jalview software and Blast tools. We recorded the occurrence of 4 newly incident high frequently occurring mutations in all six geographic regions, namely at positions 2416, 18877, 23401, and 27964. The majority of all recorded hotspots were detected in Asia, Europe, and North America. The findings of our study suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 is in continuous evolution. For the impact of these mutations, further investigations are required and to understand whether these mutations would lead to the appearance of Drug-resistance viral strains, strains with increased infectivity and pathogenicity, and also their effect on the vaccine development and immunogenesis.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in the Intestine of Dogs (Sheep-Keeper, Owned, Pet and Stray) in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region

Journal of Veterinary Science & Technology, 2016

This survey was done to investigate the prevalence of internal parasites in the intestine of dogs... more This survey was done to investigate the prevalence of internal parasites in the intestine of dogs in Duhok province from February to October 2015. A total of 270 sheep-keepers, owned, pet and stray dogs' fecal samples from most areas in Duhok province were collected and examined by flotation technique, sedimentation technique and direct smear. During this study Spirocerca lupi (0.7%) and Uncernia stenocephala (2%) were recorded for the first time in Kurdistan region; while Diplydium caninum (16.7%), Strongyloides spp. (1.9%), Ancylostoma caninum (2.2%), Isosporaspp (9.3%), cyst of Giardia (5.2%), Hymenolepis nana (1.9%), Eimeria oocyst (3.7%), Taenia spp. (13.7%) and trematode eggs (1.9%) were recorded for the first time in dogs of Duhok province. The overall percentage of intestinal parasites in dogs was 65.9%.

Research paper thumbnail of Insights into the two single cases of the silent cause of death in dogs, the carcinogenic nematode

Microbial Biosystems

The factor that contributes to the development of oesophagal nodular granuloma in canin is the ca... more The factor that contributes to the development of oesophagal nodular granuloma in canin is the carcinogenic dog nematode known as Spirocerca lupi. This nodular forming nematode can have broader epidemiology because of the widespread availability of its biological host (the beetle) as well as certain environmental factors. Because of the similarities in the morphology of the eggs, the study coprology of depends on the presence of rhabditiform larvae in most nematodes and the features of those larvae. In contrast, the physical appearance of the eggs in the presence of carcinogenic nematodes is conclusive for diagnosis. Flotation and sedimentation techniques may detect this in a faecal examination in order to detect gastrointestinal parasites. These two single cases in the Amedi, Kurdistan Region were the first reports of confirmed cases of the silent killer cause of death in dogs. The parasite's eggs in the samples of the dog's faeces need to be confirmed through molecular and specific gene amplification.

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring routine childhood vaccination coverage in 204 countries and territories, 1980–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020, Release 1

The Lancet, 2021

Background Measuring routine childhood vaccination is crucial to inform global vaccine policies a... more Background Measuring routine childhood vaccination is crucial to inform global vaccine policies and programme implementation, and to track progress towards targets set by the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and Immunization Agenda 2030. Robust estimates of routine vaccine coverage are needed to identify past successes and persistent vulnerabilities. Drawing from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2020, Release 1, we did a systematic analysis of global, regional, and national vaccine coverage trends using a statistical framework, by vaccine and over time. Methods For this analysis we collated 55 326 country-specific, cohort-specific, year-specific, vaccine-specific, and dose-specific observations of routine childhood vaccination coverage between 1980 and 2019. Using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, we produced location-specific and year-specific estimates of 11 routine childhood vaccine coverage indicators for 204 countries and territories from 1980 to 2019, adjusting for biases in country-reported data and reflecting reported stockouts and supply disruptions. We analysed global and regional trends in coverage and numbers of zero-dose children (defined as those who never received a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis [DTP] vaccine dose), progress towards GVAP targets, and the relationship between vaccine coverage and sociodemographic development. Findings By 2019, global coverage of third-dose DTP (DTP3; 81·6% [95% uncertainty interval 80·4–82·7]) more than doubled from levels estimated in 1980 (39·9% [37·5–42·1]), as did global coverage of the first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1; from 38·5% [35·4–41·3] in 1980 to 83·6% [82·3–84·8] in 2019). Third-dose polio vaccine (Pol3) coverage also increased, from 42·6% (41·4–44·1) in 1980 to 79·8% (78·4–81·1) in 2019, and global coverage of newer vaccines increased rapidly between 2000 and 2019. The global number of zero-dose children fell by nearly 75% between 1980 and 2019, from 56·8 million (52·6–60·9) to 14·5 million (13·4–15·9). However, over the past decade, global vaccine coverage broadly plateaued; 94 countries and territories recorded decreasing DTP3 coverage since 2010. Only 11 countries and territories were estimated to have reached the national GVAP target of at least 90% coverage for all assessed vaccines in 2019. Interpretation After achieving large gains in childhood vaccine coverage worldwide, in much of the world this progress was stalled or reversed from 2010 to 2019. These findings underscore the importance of revisiting routine immunisation strategies and programmatic approaches, recentring service delivery around equity and underserved populations. Strengthening vaccine data and monitoring systems is crucial to these pursuits, now and through to 2030, to ensure that all children have access to, and can benefit from, lifesaving vaccines. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Research paper thumbnail of Fungal conservation in Arab countries

Microbial Biosystems, 2021

At the end of 2010 a group of Egyptian scientists and volunteers launched a series of activities ... more At the end of 2010 a group of Egyptian scientists and volunteers launched a series of activities to shed the light on fungi and fungal conservation. They organized more than 15 workshops organized by Botany and Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Sheep and Goats in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pathogens

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, results in congenital disorders a... more Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, results in congenital disorders and miscarriages among livestock and humans worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Pakistan from 2000 to 2020. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases and selected 17 publications that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Eight studies were conducted in Southern Punjab, six in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two in Northern Punjab, and one in Central Punjab. The diagnostic tests used in the included articles to confirm toxoplasmosis were the latex agglutination test in 56% of the studies, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 38%, and the indirect hemagglutination assay in 6%. The infection rates were substantially higher among sheep > 1 year of age (37%) than among sheep ≤ 1 year old (19%). Statistically significant differences in infection rates were found between mal...

Research paper thumbnail of Sequencing and mutations analysis of the first recorded SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant during the fourth wave of pandemic in Iraq

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases

Research paper thumbnail of Insights into the silent cause of death in dogs, the carcinogenic nematode

The carcinogenic dog nematode, Spirocerca lupi, is a canine causative agent of the oesophagal nod... more The carcinogenic dog nematode, Spirocerca lupi, is a canine causative agent of the oesophagal nodular granuloma. Worldwide availability of the biological host (beetle) and the presence of some environmental factors help in the comprehensive epidemiology of this nodular forming nematode. Coprologically, it depends on the presence and characteristics of the rhabdiform larvae in most nematodes due to the similarity in egg shape. In contrast, in the case of the presence of carcinogenic nematodes, the morphological appearance of the eggs is definitive for diagnosis, which can be detected by flotation and sedimentation techniques in the faecal examination to detect the gastrointestinal parasites. The morphological identification of the parasite's eggs in the dog's faecal samples requires more confirmation by molecular and specific gene amplification. They should be aware of the possibility of a spirurid worm infection, which needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Research paper thumbnail of Checklist of Algerian fungi – Part 5: Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota)

Microbial Biosystems, 2021

Our fifth contribution to the checklist of Algerian fungi is dedicated to Dothideomycetes which c... more Our fifth contribution to the checklist of Algerian fungi is dedicated to Dothideomycetes which comprise a highly diverse range of fungi characterized mainly by asci with double two wall layers (bitunicate asci) and often with fissitunicate dehiscence. By screening all available bibliographic sources and herbaria (fungaria) catalogues it was possible to delineate 562 species belonging to 59 families and 176 genera that occurs in Algeria. Additionally, a list of 10 doubtful records unsupported by literature and/or herbarium (fungarium) material is provided. This checklist is the first comprehensive species list fully dedicated to Algerian Dothideomycetes. Therefore, it should be mentioned here that, although the present study will add some new data to our information concerning Fungi in Algeria, this checklist must be considered as a provisional one always waiting for continuous supplementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Survey on Sarcocystis infection in imported male cattle carcasses slaughtered at Duhok abattoir, Kurdistan region of Iraq

Sarcocystis is considered as a common zoonotic coccidian parasite that infects intermediate hosts... more Sarcocystis is considered as a common zoonotic coccidian parasite that infects intermediate hosts orally through ingestion of contaminated graze or water with protozoa oocyte. The purpose of study is to demonstrate the incidence of Sarcocystis infection in imported cattle in Duhok abattoir and achieve the gold conventional method for muscular tissue cyst and bradyzoites detection. Muscular tissue samples have been collected from esophagus, heart and diaphragm of 150 cattle. From a total of 1350 inspected samples (diaphragm, esophagus and heart) from three different imported origin have been 94%, 92% and 41.3% samples infected respectively as well as significant differences (p <0.01) in the distribution of Sarcocystis infection among organs included and microscopic method used while no significant been found in terms of the animal origin source. Moreover, acid pepsin digestion method has shown high sensitivity in detection of Sarcocystis infection. The infection with Sarcocystis i...

Research paper thumbnail of Tracking development assistance for health and for COVID-19: a review of development assistance, government, out-of-pocket, and other private spending on health for 204 countries and territories, 1990–2050

The Lancet, 2021

Background The rapid spread of COVID-19 renewed the focus on how health systems across the globe ... more Background The rapid spread of COVID-19 renewed the focus on how health systems across the globe are financed, especially during public health emergencies. Development assistance is an important source of health financing in many low-income countries, yet little is known about how much of this funding was disbursed for COVID-19. We aimed to put development assistance for health for COVID-19 in the context of broader trends in global health financing, and to estimate total health spending from 1995 to 2050 and development assistance for COVID-19 in 2020. Methods We estimated domestic health spending and development assistance for health to generate total health-sector spending estimates for 204 countries and territories. We leveraged data from the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database to produce estimates of domestic health spending. To generate estimates for development assistance for health, we relied on project-level disbursement data from the major international development agencies' online databases and annual financial statements and reports for information on income sources. To adjust our estimates for 2020 to include disbursements related to COVID-19, we extracted project data on commitments and disbursements from a broader set of databases (because not all of the data sources used to estimate the historical series extend to 2020), including the UN Office of Humanitarian Assistance Financial Tracking Service and the International Aid Transparency Initiative. We reported all the historic and future spending estimates in inflation-adjusted 2020 US$, 2020 US$ per capita, purchasing-power parity-adjusted US$ per capita, and as a proportion of gross domestic product. We used various models to generate future health spending to 2050. Findings In 2019, health spending globally reached 8•8trillion(958•8 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 8•7-8•8) or 8•8trillion(951132 (1119-1143) per person. Spending on health varied within and across income groups and geographical regions. Of this total, 40•4billion(0•540•4 billion (0•5%, 95% UI 0•5-0•5) was development assistance for health provided to low-income and middle-income countries, which made up 24•6% (UI 24•0-25•1) of total spending in low-income countries. We estimate that 40•4billion(0•554•8 billion in development assistance for health was disbursed in 2020. Of this, 13•7billionwastargetedtowardtheCOVID−19healthresponse.13•7 billion was targeted toward the COVID-19 health response. 13•7billionwastargetedtowardtheCOVID−19healthresponse.12•3 billion was newly committed and 1•4billionwasrepurposedfromexistinghealthprojects.1•4 billion was repurposed from existing health projects. 1•4billionwasrepurposedfromexistinghealthprojects.3•1 billion (22•4%) of the funds focused on country-level coordination and 2•4billion(17•92•4 billion (17•9%) was for supply chain and logistics. Only 2•4billion(17•9714•4 million (7•7%) of COVID-19 development assistance for health went to Latin America, despite this region reporting 34•3% of total recorded COVID-19 deaths in low-income or middle-income countries in 2020. Spending on health is expected to rise to $1519 (1448-1591) per person in 2050, although spending across countries is expected to remain varied. Interpretation Global health spending is expected to continue to grow, but remain unequally distributed between countries. We estimate that development organisations substantially increased the amount of development assistance for health provided in 2020. Continued efforts are needed to raise sufficient resources to mitigate the pandemic for the most vulnerable, and to help curtail the pandemic for all. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Research paper thumbnail of An annotated bibliography of medical mycology in Iraq: 1962 -2021

Microbial Biosystems, 2021

One of the gaps in knowledge concerning diversity of fungi in Iraq is checklists and documentatio... more One of the gaps in knowledge concerning diversity of fungi in Iraq is checklists and documentation of fungal data. For a country like Iraq no updated checklists of fungi at all or any mycological bibliographic studies up till now. We decided in our newly born Iraqi Mycologists' Network to start a long road for documentation of fungi in Iraq by all available means. By screening of available sources of information (websites, dissertations, theses, journals), it was possible to figure out a range of four hundred and fifty-five articles published since 1962 in Iraq collected from various sources all dealing with some phase of medical mycology. The value of this bibliography to students, researchers and medical mycologists in Iraq and worldwide in this field is self-evident. It should be mentioned here that, although the present study will add some new data to our information concerning medical mycology in Iraq; it must be considered as a provisional one always waiting for continuous supplementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Fake COVID-19 vaccines: scams hampering the vaccination drive in India and possibly other countries

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2021

India is executing a mass vaccination program to restrict the predicted third wave of COVID-19. H... more India is executing a mass vaccination program to restrict the predicted third wave of COVID-19. However, fake COVID-19 vaccines have emerged as a major challenge amid the vaccination drive in India. This article highlights the loopholes and measures to restrict the fake COVID-19 vaccination scams. Such activities have put the genuinity of vaccination certificates under scanner besides putting public health at risk and instigating vaccine hesitancy. Hence, the Government of India needs to take stringent actions such as complete take-over of COVID-19 vaccine procurement and free immunization. Furthermore, the public needs to remain vigilant and check vaccination certificates immediately after being vaccinated. Such efforts on the part of the government and public can completely restrict fake vaccinations.

Research paper thumbnail of Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990–2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

The Lancet, 2021

Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and develop... more Background Hearing loss affects access to spoken language, which can affect cognition and development, and can negatively affect social wellbeing. We present updated estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study on the prevalence of hearing loss in 2019, as well as the condition's associated disability. Methods We did systematic reviews of population-representative surveys on hearing loss prevalence from 1990 to 2019. We fitted nested meta-regression models for severity-specific prevalence, accounting for hearing aid coverage, cause, and the presence of tinnitus. We also forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss until 2050. Findings An estimated 1•57 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1•51-1•64) people globally had hearing loss in 2019, accounting for one in five people (20•3% [19•5-21•1]). Of these, 403•3 million (357•3-449•5) people had hearing loss that was moderate or higher in severity after adjusting for hearing aid use, and 430•4 million (381•7-479•6) without adjustment. The largest number of people with moderate-to-complete hearing loss resided in the Western Pacific region (127•1 million people [112•3-142•6]). Of all people with a hearing impairment, 62•1% (60•2-63•9) were older than 50 years. The Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index explained 65•8% of the variation in national agestandardised rates of years lived with disability, because countries with a low HAQ Index had higher rates of years lived with disability. By 2050, a projected 2•45 billion (2•35-2•56) people will have hearing loss, a 56•1% (47•3-65•2) increase from 2019, despite stable age-standardised prevalence. Interpretation As populations age, the number of people with hearing loss will increase. Interventions such as childhood screening, hearing aids, effective management of otitis media and meningitis, and cochlear implants have the potential to ameliorate this burden. Because the burden of moderate-to-complete hearing loss is concentrated in countries with low health-care quality and access, stronger health-care provision mechanisms are needed to reduce the burden of unaddressed hearing loss in these settings. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO.

Research paper thumbnail of SARS‑CoV‑2 mutation hotspots incidence in different geographic regions

Microbial Biosystems, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is RNA virus with a positive-sense s... more SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is RNA virus with a positive-sense single-strand that belongs to the beta-coronavirus group that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) which originally emerged in China. Viruses with RNA genomes are known by a high mutation rate potential. The mutation rate determines genome variability and evolution of the virus; therefore, allowing viruses to evade the immune system, gain more infectivity potentials, virulence modifications, and probably resistance development to antivirals. A total of 311 SARS-CoV-2 virus whole genome sequences have been retrieved from the GISAID database from 1 st of January 2020 to 31 th of August 2020. The sequences were analyzed for sequence purity and multiple sequence alignment together with reference sequence was conducted through using Clustal Omega that is imbedded in Jalview software and Blast tools. We recorded the occurrence of 4 newly incident high frequently occurring mutations in all six geographic regions, namely at positions 2416, 18877, 23401, and 27964. The majority of all recorded hotspots were detected in Asia, Europe, and North America. The findings of our study suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 is in continuous evolution. For the impact of these mutations, further investigations are required and to understand whether these mutations would lead to the appearance of Drug-resistance viral strains, strains with increased infectivity and pathogenicity, and also their effect on the vaccine development and immunogenesis.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in the Intestine of Dogs (Sheep-Keeper, Owned, Pet and Stray) in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region

Journal of Veterinary Science & Technology, 2016

This survey was done to investigate the prevalence of internal parasites in the intestine of dogs... more This survey was done to investigate the prevalence of internal parasites in the intestine of dogs in Duhok province from February to October 2015. A total of 270 sheep-keepers, owned, pet and stray dogs' fecal samples from most areas in Duhok province were collected and examined by flotation technique, sedimentation technique and direct smear. During this study Spirocerca lupi (0.7%) and Uncernia stenocephala (2%) were recorded for the first time in Kurdistan region; while Diplydium caninum (16.7%), Strongyloides spp. (1.9%), Ancylostoma caninum (2.2%), Isosporaspp (9.3%), cyst of Giardia (5.2%), Hymenolepis nana (1.9%), Eimeria oocyst (3.7%), Taenia spp. (13.7%) and trematode eggs (1.9%) were recorded for the first time in dogs of Duhok province. The overall percentage of intestinal parasites in dogs was 65.9%.

Research paper thumbnail of Insights into the two single cases of the silent cause of death in dogs, the carcinogenic nematode

Microbial Biosystems

The factor that contributes to the development of oesophagal nodular granuloma in canin is the ca... more The factor that contributes to the development of oesophagal nodular granuloma in canin is the carcinogenic dog nematode known as Spirocerca lupi. This nodular forming nematode can have broader epidemiology because of the widespread availability of its biological host (the beetle) as well as certain environmental factors. Because of the similarities in the morphology of the eggs, the study coprology of depends on the presence of rhabditiform larvae in most nematodes and the features of those larvae. In contrast, the physical appearance of the eggs in the presence of carcinogenic nematodes is conclusive for diagnosis. Flotation and sedimentation techniques may detect this in a faecal examination in order to detect gastrointestinal parasites. These two single cases in the Amedi, Kurdistan Region were the first reports of confirmed cases of the silent killer cause of death in dogs. The parasite's eggs in the samples of the dog's faeces need to be confirmed through molecular and specific gene amplification.

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring routine childhood vaccination coverage in 204 countries and territories, 1980–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020, Release 1

The Lancet, 2021

Background Measuring routine childhood vaccination is crucial to inform global vaccine policies a... more Background Measuring routine childhood vaccination is crucial to inform global vaccine policies and programme implementation, and to track progress towards targets set by the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and Immunization Agenda 2030. Robust estimates of routine vaccine coverage are needed to identify past successes and persistent vulnerabilities. Drawing from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2020, Release 1, we did a systematic analysis of global, regional, and national vaccine coverage trends using a statistical framework, by vaccine and over time. Methods For this analysis we collated 55 326 country-specific, cohort-specific, year-specific, vaccine-specific, and dose-specific observations of routine childhood vaccination coverage between 1980 and 2019. Using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, we produced location-specific and year-specific estimates of 11 routine childhood vaccine coverage indicators for 204 countries and territories from 1980 to 2019, adjusting for biases in country-reported data and reflecting reported stockouts and supply disruptions. We analysed global and regional trends in coverage and numbers of zero-dose children (defined as those who never received a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis [DTP] vaccine dose), progress towards GVAP targets, and the relationship between vaccine coverage and sociodemographic development. Findings By 2019, global coverage of third-dose DTP (DTP3; 81·6% [95% uncertainty interval 80·4–82·7]) more than doubled from levels estimated in 1980 (39·9% [37·5–42·1]), as did global coverage of the first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1; from 38·5% [35·4–41·3] in 1980 to 83·6% [82·3–84·8] in 2019). Third-dose polio vaccine (Pol3) coverage also increased, from 42·6% (41·4–44·1) in 1980 to 79·8% (78·4–81·1) in 2019, and global coverage of newer vaccines increased rapidly between 2000 and 2019. The global number of zero-dose children fell by nearly 75% between 1980 and 2019, from 56·8 million (52·6–60·9) to 14·5 million (13·4–15·9). However, over the past decade, global vaccine coverage broadly plateaued; 94 countries and territories recorded decreasing DTP3 coverage since 2010. Only 11 countries and territories were estimated to have reached the national GVAP target of at least 90% coverage for all assessed vaccines in 2019. Interpretation After achieving large gains in childhood vaccine coverage worldwide, in much of the world this progress was stalled or reversed from 2010 to 2019. These findings underscore the importance of revisiting routine immunisation strategies and programmatic approaches, recentring service delivery around equity and underserved populations. Strengthening vaccine data and monitoring systems is crucial to these pursuits, now and through to 2030, to ensure that all children have access to, and can benefit from, lifesaving vaccines. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Research paper thumbnail of Fungal conservation in Arab countries

Microbial Biosystems, 2021

At the end of 2010 a group of Egyptian scientists and volunteers launched a series of activities ... more At the end of 2010 a group of Egyptian scientists and volunteers launched a series of activities to shed the light on fungi and fungal conservation. They organized more than 15 workshops organized by Botany and Microbiology