Browsing by Author "Manyama, Mange"

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    Craniofacial growth patterns in Tanzania: epidemiology and 3D assessment of children both with and without orofacial clefts
    (2012-11-06) Manyama, Mange; Hallgrimsson, Benedikt
    Orofacial clefts [cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP), and cleft lip and palate (CLP)] are the most common orofacial congenital malformations found among live births, accounting for 65% of all head and neck anomalies. Due to conflicting information on the epidemiology of cleft deformities in African populations, this study was conducted to describe the epidemiology and patterns of orofacial clefts in Tanzania. This thesis also identified and described aspects of facial shape that vary most among normal population of children and between different ethnicities. The established baseline data for normal facial shape variation that can serve as phenotypic basis in genetic association studies to identify genes for orofacial clefts. Lastly, we also compared facial shape between noncleft children and children with repaired/unrepaired orofacial cleft in order to identify aspects of facial shape that differ most. In order to describe the epidemiology of orofacial clefts, a hospital-based retrospective descriptive study was conducted to identify all children with the disease attended or treated from 2004 to 2009. Comparison of facial shape in the general population and in individuals with orofacial clefts was carried using three-dimensional imaging system in combination with geometric morphometric analysis techniques. Isolated cleft lip was found to be the most common cleft type, followed by clefts of both the lip and palate, a pattern broadly similar to other series in African countries, and different from the distribution of orofacial clefts in low and middle income countries in other parts of the world. We also found a significant face shape differences within the population of normal Tanzanian children that were localized to specific regions of the face. Some of these facial shape differences manifested in ethnic-specific manner. Facial shape in noncleft children was also found to be significantly different from both children with repaired and unrepaired orofacial clefts of the same sex, age and ethnic group. Facial phenotypes that have been identified both in the general population and in affected individuals in this study might be used in genetic association and linkage analyses to identify risk markers for orofacial clefting.
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    Evaluation of the Accuracy and Health Provider Perceptions of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests at a Rural Tanzania Hospital
    (2010) Chernick, Adam; Buntain, Bonnie; Allen, Lisa; Manyama, Mange; Hatfield, Jennifer
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    Genome-wide copy number variations in a large cohort of bantu African children
    (2021-05-17) Yilmaz, Feyza; Null, Megan; Astling, David; Yu, Hung-Chun; Cole, Joanne; Santorico, Stephanie A.; Hallgrimsson, Benedikt; Manyama, Mange; Spritz, Richard A.; Hendricks, Audrey E.; Shaikh, Tamim H.
    Abstract Background Copy number variations (CNVs) account for a substantial proportion of inter-individual genomic variation. However, a majority of genomic variation studies have focused on single-nucleotide variations (SNVs), with limited genome-wide analysis of CNVs in large cohorts, especially in populations that are under-represented in genetic studies including people of African descent. Methods We carried out a genome-wide copy number analysis in > 3400 healthy Bantu Africans from Tanzania. Signal intensity data from high density (> 2.5 million probes) genotyping arrays were used for CNV calling with three algorithms including PennCNV, DNAcopy and VanillaICE. Stringent quality metrics and filtering criteria were applied to obtain high confidence CNVs. Results We identified over 400,000 CNVs larger than 1 kilobase (kb), for an average of 120 CNVs (SE = 2.57) per individual. We detected 866 large CNVs (≥ 300 kb), some of which overlapped genomic regions previously associated with multiple congenital anomaly syndromes, including Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (Type1) and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Furthermore, several of the common CNVs seen in our cohort (≥ 5%) overlap genes previously associated with developmental disorders. Conclusions These findings may help refine the phenotypic outcomes and penetrance of variations affecting genes and genomic regions previously implicated in diseases. Our study provides one of the largest datasets of CNVs from individuals of African ancestry, enabling improved clinical evaluation and disease association of CNVs observed in research and clinical studies in African populations.
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    Participatory science and innovation for improved sanitation and hygiene: process and outcome evaluation of project SHINE, a school-based intervention in Rural Tanzania
    (2017-02-07) Hetherington, Erin; Eggers, Matthijs; Wamoyi, Joyce; Hatfield, Jennifer; Manyama, Mange; Kutz, Susan; Bastien, Sheri
    Abstract Background Diarrheal disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low and middle income countries with children being disproportionately affected. Project SHINE (Sanitation & Hygiene INnovation in Education) is a grassroots participatory science education and social entrepreneurship model to engage youth and the wider community in the development of sustainable strategies to improve sanitation and hygiene. Methods Based in rural and remote Tanzania, this pilot study engaged pastoralist high-school students and communities in the development and evaluation of culturally and contextually relevant strategies to improve sanitation and hygiene. Using a train-the-trainer approach, key activities included teacher workshops, school-based lessons, extra-curricular activities, community events and a One Health sanitation science fair which showcased projects related to water, sanitation and hygiene in relation to human and animal health. The process and outcome of the study were evaluated through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with diverse project participants, as well as pre- and post- questionnaires completed by students on knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning sanitation and hygiene. Results The questionnaire results at baseline and follow-up showed statistically significant improvements on key measures including a decrease in unhygienic behaviors, an increase in the perceived importance of handwashing and intention to use the toilet, and increased communication in the social network about the importance of clean water and improved sanitation and hygiene practices, however there were no significant changes in sanitation related knowledge. Qualitative data highlighted strong leadership emerging from youth and enthusiasm from teachers and students concerning the overall approach in the project, including the use of participatory methods. There was a high degree of community engagement with hundreds of community members participating in school-based events. Sanitation science fair projects addressed a range of pastoralist questions and concerns regarding the relationship between water, sanitation and hygiene. Several projects, such as making soap from local materials, demonstrate potential as a sustainable strategy to improve health and livelihoods in the long-term. Conclusions The Project SHINE model shows promise as an innovative capacity building approach and as an engagement and empowerment strategy for youth and communities to develop locally sustainable strategies to improve sanitation and hygiene.
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    Reducing malaria misdiagnosis: the importance of correctly interpreting ParaCheck Pf® “faint test bands” in a low transmission area of Tanzania
    (BioMed Central, 2011-11-03) Allen, Lisa K.; Hatfield, Jennifer M .; DeVetten, Giselle; Ho, Jeremy C.; Manyama, Mange
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    Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
    (2021-03-10) Eltantawy, Manar; Orsel, Karin; Schroeder, Ashley; Morona, Domenica; Mazigo, Humphrey D.; Kutz, Susan; Hatfield, Jennifer; Manyama, Mange; van der Meer, Frank
    Abstract Background Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a neglected tropical disease, thriving in environments of poverty and disadvantage. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and intensity of four soil transmitted helminths (STH) among primary school children in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed between May 15th and June 2nd, 2014. Six of 20 primary schools were chosen, based on elevation, designated low elevation ecozone (LEE) or high elevation ecozone (HEE). A total of 340 children from standards one to four were recruited. Height and weight of each child was determined and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz, Wisconsin, and Baermann techniques to detect STH eggs and larvae. An interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic variables was used to capture information from the school’s headmaster and a checklist was used to assess sanitation facilities. Results STHs identified included Ascaris (presumably lumbricoides), Trichuris (presumably trichiura), hookworms (presumably Ancylostoma duodenale and/or Necator americanus), and Strongyloides (presumably stercoralis). The overall prevalence of STH infection was 29.0% in LEE and 34.0% in HEE. Prevalence was 34.3% and 28.2% in males versus females, respectively. Ascaris sp. were only identified in HEE, prevalence of Trichuris sp. and hookworms were significantly higher in HEE compared to LEE, and Strongyloides spp. prevalence was lower in HEE. Intensity of Trichuris sp. was significantly higher in HEE and lower for hookworms. We did not detect a significant relationship between BMI and helminth intensity; however, BMI was lower in lower elevations and in males vs. females. Sanitation practices are taught at the schools, but challenges were identified when implementing. Latrine facilities were available and latrine-cleaning routines were practiced; however, hand washing practices were challenging due to restricted water availability. Conclusions Significant differences in prevalence in HEE and LEE exist, and STH infections are still very common among school children suggesting that anthelminthic intervention and education may be necessary in this region. Based on this outcome, the study area in the NCA would be classified as a medium risk area, where periodic treatment recommendations should be based on prevalence estimations in the different ecozones. Trial registration Ethics approval was obtained from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS; Lake Zone Institutional Review Board MR/53/100/307)); the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) at the University of Calgary in Canada (Study ID REB14-0127); the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) of Tanzania; and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC).
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    Using the social entrepreneurship approach to generate innovative and sustainable malaria diagnosis interventions in Tanzania: a case study
    (BioMed Central, 2010-02-03) Allen, Lisa K; Hetherington, Erin; Manyama, Mange; Hatfield, Jennifer M.; van Marle, Guido