scholarly journals Reply to Accelerated Silicosis—An Emerging Epidemic Associated with Engineered Stone. Comment on Leso, V. et al. Artificial Stone-Associated Silicosis: A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(4), 568, doi:10.3390/ijerph16040568

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1201
Author(s):  
Veruscka Leso ◽  
Luca Fontana ◽  
Rosaria Romano ◽  
Paola Gervetti ◽  
Ivo Iavicoli
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Disease Manifestation ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Artificial Stone

Our systematic review on artificial stone (AS)-associated silicosis and the related comment by Edwards underline the urgency to define effective strategies to assess and manage the risk of exposure to silica in workers involved in AS job tasks. Case screening programs may be important to fully understand the extent of the silicosis epidemic associated with AS and point out critical issues in workplace settings/practices that, by contributing to higher respirable crystalline exposure, favor the disease manifestation. This information may guide the identification of the most appropriate preventive measures in workplaces, especially regarding the administration of updated training and information courses, the definition of good working practices, and the application of targeted health surveillance programs. However, considering the recent epidemiological data and the severity of AS-associated silicosis, it would be appropriate (according to the hierarchy of control strategy) to also consider the application of more stringent prevention measures, such as a safety-by-design approach to the chemical formulation of the AS. Overall, the implementation of the aforementioned preventive measures should ensure an effective control of the current silicosis epidemic and, at the same time, prevent the development of new disease cases in the near future.

scholarly journals Artificial Stone Associated Silicosis: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veruscka Leso ◽  
Luca Fontana ◽  
Rosaria Romano ◽  
Paola Gervetti ◽  
Ivo Iavicoli
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Silica Exposure ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
High Silica ◽  
Artificial Stone ◽  
Fibrotic Lung Disease

Silicosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. Due to its high silica content, artificial stone (AS) can become a possible source of hazardous dust exposure for workers that are employed in the manufacturing, finishing, and installing of AS countertops. Therefore, the aim of this review was to verify the association between AS derived silica exposure and silicosis development, and also then define the pathological characteristics of the disease in relation to specific work practices and preventive and protective measures that were adopted in the workplace. A systematic review of articles available on Pubmed, Scopus, and Isi Web of Knowledge databases was performed. Although the characteristics of AS-associated silicosis were comparable to those that were reported for the disease in traditional silica exposure settings, some critical issues emerged concerning the general lack of suitable strategies for assessing/managing silica risks in these innovative occupational fields. Further research that is designed to assess the hazardous properties of AS dusts, levels of exposure in workplaces, and the effectiveness of protective equipment appears to be needed to increase awareness concerning AS risks and induce employers, employees, and all factory figures that are engaged in prevention to take action to define/adopt proper measures to protect the health of exposed workers.

scholarly journals Frequency and distribution of neglected tropical diseases in Mozambique: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Berta Grau-Pujol ◽  
Marilia Massangaie ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Carmen Maroto ◽  
Alcino Ndeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect more than one billion people living in vulnerable conditions. In spite of initiatives recently contributing to fill NTDs gaps on national and local prevalence and distribution, more epidemiological data are still needed for effective control and elimination interventions. Main text Mozambique is considered one of the countries with highest NTDs burden although available data is scarce. This study aims to conduct a systematic review on published available data about the burden and distribution of the different NTDs across Mozambique since January 1950 until December 2018. We identified manuscripts from electronic databases (Pubmed, EmBase and Global Health) and paper publications and grey literature from Mozambique Ministry of Health. Manuscripts fulfilling inclusion criteria were: cross-sectional studies, ecological studies, cohorts, reports, systematic reviews, and narrative reviews capturing epidemiological information of endemic NTDs in Mozambique. Case-control studies, letters to editor, case reports and case series of imported cases were excluded. A total of 466 manuscripts were initially identified and 98 were finally included after the revision following PRISMA guidelines. Eleven NTDs were reported in Mozambique during the study span. Northern provinces (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Tete and Zambezia) and Maputo province had the higher number of NTDs detected. Every disease had their own report profile: while schistosomiasis have been continuously reported since 1952 until nowadays, onchocerciasis and cysticercosis last available data is from 2007 and Echinococcosis have never been evaluated in the country. Thus, both space and time gaps on NTDs epidemiology have been identified. Conclusions This review assembles NTDs burden and distribution in Mozambique. Thus, contributes to the understanding of NTDs epidemiology in Mozambique and highlights knowledge gaps. Hence, the study provides key elements to progress towards the control and interruption of transmission of these diseases in the country.

Graft detachments in endothelial keratoplasty

2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-318092
Author(s):  
Rashmi Deshmukh ◽  
Sridevi Nair ◽  
Darren Shu Jeng Ting ◽  
Tushar Agarwal ◽  
Jacqueline Beltz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Endothelial Keratoplasty ◽  
Common Complication ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty ◽  
Secondary Interventions ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Incidence Risk ◽  
Donor Graft

Graft detachment is the most common complication of endothelial keratoplasty. With the ongoing advancements in the field of endothelial keratoplasty, our understanding of risk factors of graft detachments and its management has been evolving. Various prevention measures have been described in literature including presoaking the donor graft, anterior chamber tamponade, venting incisions, sutures to prevent dislocation of graft. Management of a detached graft involves secondary interventions such as rebubbling, suturing and regrafts. In this review, we discuss graft detachment in different types of endothelial keratoplasty techniques including Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty; with emphasis on incidence, risk factors, preventive measures and their management.

Tea and coffee consumption and the risk of urinary stones—a systematic review of the epidemiological data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yazeed Barghouthy ◽  
Mariela Corrales ◽  
Steeve Doizi ◽  
Bhaskar K. Somani ◽  
Olivier Traxer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Urinary Stones

scholarly journals Cancer services in Sri Lanka: current status and future directions

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Jayarajah ◽  
Anuruddha M. Abeygunasekera
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Systemic Therapy ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Cancer Services

Abstract Background The burden of cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. The overall incidence of cancer in Sri Lanka has doubled over the past 25 years with a parallel rise in cancer-related mortality. Cancer has become the second commonest cause of hospital mortality in Sri Lanka. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current status and future direction of cancer care in Sri Lanka. Main body In Sri Lanka, cancer services are predominantly provided by the state sector free of charge to the general public. With the establishment of national cancer policy on cancer prevention and control, there has been a commendable improvement in the cancer services provided island-wide. An increasing number of breast, oropharyngeal, thyroid, oesophageal, colorectal, lung, and gastric cancers are being diagnosed and treated annually. Primary prevention measures include restrictions in tobacco and HPV vaccination. Screening programs for selected cancers such as breast, oral and cervical cancers are delivered. Medical oncology units with facilities for systemic therapy and adequately supported by surgical, pathology, and radiology departments have been established in each district general hospital island-wide. Although the current progress is commendable, future changes are necessary to overcome the current limitations and to cater the ever increasing burden of cancer. Measures are necessary to enhance the coverage of Sri Lanka Cancer Registry. Timely high-quality research and audits are essential. Community participation in planning strategies for cancer prevention and treatment is minimal. Community-based palliative care facilities and radiation and other systemic therapy should be made available in all provinces. A culture of multi-disciplinary care with proper referral pathways would help to improve the current setting. Conclusion In conclusion, Sri Lanka has a reasonably balanced and continuously expanding program for prevention, screening, and treatment of cancers. Emphasis on preventive strategies related to reducing tobacco smoking, chewing betel, and obesity, making cancers a notifiable disease, involving the community in planning cancer care and prevention strategies, conducting research to evaluate cost-effectiveness of existing treatment and increasing radiotherapy facilities would further improve the cancer services in Sri Lanka.

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of geographic differences in comorbidities and associated severity and mortality among individuals with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhaskar Thakur ◽  
Pallavi Dubey ◽  
Joseph Benitez ◽  
Joshua P. Torres ◽  
Sireesha Reddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Renal Diseases ◽  
Comorbid Condition ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender

AbstractSeveral comorbidities have been shown to be associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related severity and mortality. However, considerable variation in the prevalence estimates of comorbidities and their effects on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality have been observed in prior studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine geographical, age, and gender related differences in the prevalence of comorbidities and associated severity and mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. We conducted a search using PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE to include all COVID-19 studies published between January 1st, 2020 to July 24th, 2020 reporting comorbidities with severity or mortality. We included studies reporting the confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 on human patients that also provided information on comorbidities or disease outcomes. We used DerSimonian and Laird random effects method for calculating estimates. Of 120 studies with 125,446 patients, the most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension (32%), obesity (25%), diabetes (18%), and cardiovascular disease (16%) while chronic kidney or other renal diseases (51%, 44%), cerebrovascular accident (43%, 44%), and cardiovascular disease (44%, 40%) patients had more COVID-19 severity and mortality respectively. Considerable variation in the prevalence of comorbidities and associated disease severity and mortality in different geographic regions was observed. The highest mortality was observed in studies with Latin American and European patients with any medical condition, mostly older adults (≥ 65 years), and predominantly male patients. Although the US studies observed the highest prevalence of comorbidities in COVID-19 patients, the severity of COVID-19 among each comorbid condition was highest in Asian studies whereas the mortality was highest in the European and Latin American countries. Risk stratification and effective control strategies for the COVID-19 should be done according to comorbidities, age, and gender differences specific to geographical location.

scholarly journals Selection of patients for large mailed fecal immunochemical test colorectal cancer screening outreach programs: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 096914132199748
Author(s):  
Andrew Wang ◽  
Briton Lee ◽  
Shreya Patel ◽  
Evans Whitaker ◽  
Rachel B Issaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Patient Selection ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Crc Screening ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Immunochemical Test

Objective Digital health care offers an opportunity to scale and personalize cancer screening programs, such as mailed outreach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. However, studies that describe the patient selection strategy and process for CRC screening are limited. Our objective was to evaluate implementation strategies for selecting patients for CRC screening programs in large health care systems. Methods We conducted a systematic review of 30 studies along with key informant surveys and interviews to describe programmatic implementation strategies for selecting patients for CRC screening. PubMed and Embase were searched since inception through December 2018, and hand searches were performed of the retrieved reference lists but none were incorporated ( n = 0). No language exclusions were applied. Results Common criteria for outreach exclusion included: being up-to-date with routine CRC screening ( n = 22), comorbidities ( n = 20), and personal history ( n = 22) or family history of cancer ( n = 9). Key informant surveys and interviews were performed ( n = 28) to understand data sources and practices for patient outreach selection, and found that 13 studies leveraged electronic medical care records, 10 studies leveraged a population registry (national, municipal, community, health), 4 studies required patient opt-in, and 1 study required primary care provider referral. Broad ranges in fecal immunochemical test completion were observed in community clinic ( n = 8, 31.0–59.6%), integrated health system ( n = 5, 21.2–82.7%), and national regional CRC screening programs ( n = 17, 23.0–64.7%). Six studies used technical codes, and four studies required patient self-reporting from a questionnaire to participate. Conclusion This systematic review provides health systems with the diverse outreach practices and technical tools to support efforts to automate patient selection for CRC screening outreach.

scholarly journals Consequences of the COVID-19 Syndemic for Nutritional Health: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1168
Author(s):  
Cristian Neira ◽  
Rejane Godinho ◽  
Fabio Rincón ◽  
Rodrigo Mardones ◽  
Janari Pedroso
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Eating Style ◽  
Healthy Nutrition ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Confinement at home, quarantine, and social distancing are some measures adopted worldwide to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), which has been generating an important alteration in the routines and qualities of life of people. The impact on health is still being evaluated, and consequences in the nutritional field are not entirely clear. The study objective was to evaluate the current evidence about the impact that preventive measures of physical contact restriction causes in healthy nutrition. A systematic review was carried out according to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” PRISMA Group and Cochrane method for rapid systematic reviews. Searching was performed in six electronic databases and evaluated articles published between 2010 and 2020, including among their participants adult subjects who had been exposed to the preventive measures of physical contact restriction. Seven studies met the selection criteria and reported an overall increase in food consumption, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and a change in eating style. Findings suggest that healthy nutrition is affected by preventive measures to restrict physical contact as a result of the COVID-19 syndemic.

Parents' Perceptions of and Responses to School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Programs—A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina L. Tatum ◽  
Jessica M. Valenzuela ◽  
Roya A. Amirniroumand ◽  
Paula M. Brochu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
School Based

Money laundering through cryptocurrencies - analysis of the phenomenon and appropriate prevention measures

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Wronka
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Cryptographic Keys ◽  
Electronic Storage ◽  
Patterns Of Abuse ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Purpose The aim of this paper is to assess the relevance of cryptocurrencies with regard to the money laundering risk on the market and to present widespread money laundering techniques and recognizable patterns of abuse. In addition, this paper aims to find an answer to the question to what extent the measures of the fifth EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) as well as other appropriate preventive measures are sufficient to reduce the money laundering risk in the area of virtual currencies (VC). Design/methodology/approach Firstly, the analysis requires a consideration of the theoretical foundations of money laundering methods, as well as a presentation of the technical foundations of cryptocurrencies and their ecosystem. Secondly, it is discussed to what extent VC are suitable for money laundering, which characteristics enable them to launder money and which new money laundering techniques result from this. In addition, a comparison of different money laundering risk classification is done in relation to VC from the perspective of different actors in the financial market. Findings Owing to their simple electronic storage and transferability, crypto assets pose a concrete risk of money laundering. Their inclusion in the fifth AMLD was therefore a necessary step by the European legislator. However, the question arises to whether the directive and the further preventive measures presented in this paper sufficiently fulfil the objective of reducing the money laundering risk in relation to VC. One positive aspect is the inclusion of the crypto custody business as a financial service in the German Banking Act. According to the definition in Section 1 (1a) sentence 2 no. 6, the offering of wallets is subject to authorization and the offering party becomes an obligated party within the meaning of the Germany Money Laundering Act. From a supervisory point of view, the new licensing requirement is very much welcomed, as the custody of private cryptographic keys entails considerable risks. However, non-custodian wallet providers who do not store the private keys of their users, are not covered. A closer analysis of the amending directive to the fourth EU AMLD reveals that other relevant players in the crypto market, such as mixer and tumbler services, are also not covered. Originality/value It is quite clear that cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology will continue to accompany one in the coming years. Further credit institutions arising in the market exposed to the described risks will be seen. The paper will therefore present and evaluate possible risk reduction/options for anti-money laundering for new and existing financial institutions.

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