scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on Mosquito-Borne Diseases in 2020 in Queensland, Australia

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1150
Author(s):  
Cassie C. Jansen ◽  
Jonathan M. Darbro ◽  
Frances A. Birrell ◽  
Martin A. Shivas ◽  
Andrew F. van den Hurk
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Precipitous Decline ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

We describe the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on mosquito-borne diseases in Queensland, Australia, during the first half of 2020. Implementation of restrictions coincided with an atypical late season outbreak of Ross River virus (RRV) characterized by a peak in notifications in April (1173) and May (955) which were greater than 3-fold the mean observed for the previous four years. We propose that limitations on human movement likely resulted in the majority of RRV infections being acquired at or near the place of residence, and that an increase in outdoor activities, such as gardening and bushwalking in the local household vicinity, increased risk of exposure to RRV-infected mosquitoes. In contrast, the precipitous decline in international passenger flights led to a reduction in the number of imported dengue and malaria cases of over 70% and 60%, respectively, compared with the previous five years. This substantial reduction in flights also reduced a risk pathway for importation of exotic mosquitoes, but the risk posed by importation via sea cargo was not affected. Overall, the emergence of COVID-19 has had a varied impact on mosquito-borne disease epidemiology in Queensland, but the need for mosquito surveillance and control, together with encouragement of personal protective measures, remains unchanged.

scholarly journals Population Mobility Trends, Deprivation Index and the Spatio-Temporal Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6285
Author(s):  
Jamie M. Madden ◽  
Simon More ◽  
Conor Teljeur ◽  
Justin Gleeson ◽  
Cathal Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Temporal Correlation ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Deprivation Index ◽  
Population Mobility ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
The Impact

Like most countries worldwide, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has adversely affected Ireland. The aim of this study was to (i) investigate the spatio-temporal trend of COVID-19 incidence; (ii) describe mobility trends as measured by aggregated mobile phone records; and (iii) investigate the association between deprivation index, population density and COVID-19 cases while accounting for spatial and temporal correlation. Standardised incidence ratios of cases were calculated and mapped at a high spatial resolution (electoral division level) over time. Trends in the percentage change in mobility compared to a pre-COVID-19 period were plotted to investigate the impact of lockdown restrictions. We implemented a hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal model (Besag, York and Mollié (BYM)), commonly used for disease mapping, to investigate the association between covariates and the number of cases. There have been three distinct “waves” of COVID-19 cases in Ireland to date. Lockdown restrictions led to a substantial reduction in human movement, particularly during the 1st and 3rd wave. Despite adjustment for population density (incidence ratio (IR) = 1.985 (1.915–2.058)) and the average number of persons per room (IR = 10.411 (5.264–22.533)), we found an association between deprivation index and COVID-19 incidence (IR = 1.210 (CI: 1.077–1.357) for the most deprived quintile compared to the least deprived). There is a large range of spatial heterogeneity in COVID-19 cases in Ireland. The methods presented can be used to explore locally intensive surveillance with the possibility of localised lockdown measures to curb the transmission of infection, while keeping other, low-incidence areas open. Our results suggest that prioritising densely populated deprived areas (that are at increased risk of comorbidities) during vaccination rollout may capture people that are at risk of infection and, potentially, also those at increased risk of hospitalisation.

scholarly journals Phony peach disease: past and present impact on the peach industry in the southeastern U.S.A

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendall A. Johnson ◽  
Clive H. Bock ◽  
Phillip M. Brannen
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Pathogen Diversity ◽  
Foundational Research ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Phony peach disease (PPD) is caused by the plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex (Xfm). Historically, the disease has caused severe yield loss in Georgia and elsewhere in the southeastern United States, with millions of PPD trees being removed from peach orchards over the last century. The disease remains a production constraint, and management options are few. Limited research has been conducted on PPD since the 1980s, but the advent of new technologies offers the opportunity for new, foundational research to form a basis for informed management of PPD in the U.S. Furthermore, considering the global threat of Xylella to many plant species, preventing import of Xfm to other regions, particularly where peach is grown, should be considered an important phytosanitary endeavor. Main topics We review PPD, its history and impact on peach production, and the eradication efforts that were conducted for 42 years. Additionally, we review the current knowledge of the pathogen, Xfm, and how that knowledge relates to our understanding of the peach—Xylella pathosystem, including the epidemiology of the disease and consideration of the vectors. Methods used to detect the pathogen in peach are discussed, and ramifications of detection in relation to management and control of PPD are considered. Control options for PPD are limited. Our current knowledge of the pathogen diversity and disease epidemiology are described, and based on this, some potential areas for future research are also considered. Conclusion There is a lack of recent foundational research on PPD and the associated strain of Xfm. More research is needed to reduce the impact of this pathogen on peach production in the southeastern U.S., and, should it spread internationally, wherever peaches are grown.

scholarly journals Management of colorectal cancer in the era of COVID-19: Challenges and suggestions

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110106
Author(s):  
Walid Alam ◽  
Youssef Bouferraa ◽  
Yolla Haibe ◽  
Deborah Mukherji ◽  
Ali Shamseddine
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Cancer Management ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Huge Impact ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
Virus Exposure ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients ◽  
The Impact

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had a huge impact on all sectors around the world. In particular, the healthcare system has been subject to an enormous pressure that has surpassed its ability in many instances. Additionally, the pandemic has called for a review of our daily medical practices, including our approach to colorectal cancer management where treatment puts patients at high risk of virus exposure. Given their higher median age, patients are at an increased risk for severe symptoms and complications in cases of infection, especially in the setting of immunosuppression. Therefore, a review of the routine colorectal cancer practices is needed to minimize risk of exposure. Oncologists should weigh risk of exposure versus the patient’s oncologic benefits when approaching management. In addition, treatment protocols should be modified to minimize hospital visits and admissions while maintaining the same treatment efficacy. In this review, we will focus on challenges that colorectal cancer patients face during the pandemic, while highlighting the priority in each case. We will also discuss the evidence for potential modifications to existing treatment plans that could reduce infectious exposure without compromising care. Finally, we will discuss the impact of the socio-economic difficulties faced by Lebanese patients due to a poor economy toppled by an unexpected pandemic.

Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine chemoprevention and malaria incidence after severe flooding: evaluation of a pragmatic intervention in rural Uganda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross M Boyce ◽  
Brandon D Hollingsworth ◽  
Emma Baguma ◽  
Erin Xu ◽  
Varun Goel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Test Result ◽  
Western Uganda ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Severe Flooding

Abstract Background Malaria epidemics are a well-described phenomenon after extreme precipitation and flooding, which account for nearly half of global disasters over the past two decades. Yet few studies have examined mitigation measures to prevent post-flood malaria epidemics. Methods We conducted an evaluation of a malaria chemoprevention program implemented in response to severe flooding in western Uganda. Children ≤12 years of age from one village were eligible to receive 3 monthly rounds of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). Two neighboring villages served as controls. Malaria cases were defined as individuals with a positive rapid diagnostic test result as recorded in health center registers. We performed a difference-in-differences analysis to estimate changes in the incidence and test positivity of malaria between intervention and control villages. Results A total of 554 children received at least one round of chemoprevention with 75% participating in at least two rounds. Compared to control villages, we estimated a 53.4% reduction (aRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.34 – 0.62, p<.01) in malaria incidence and a 30% decrease in the test positivity rate (aRR=0.70, CI 0.50 - 0.97, p=0.03) in the intervention village in the six months post-intervention. The impact was greatest among children receiving the intervention, but decreased incidence was also observed in older children and adults (aRR=0.57, CI 0.38-0.84, p<.01). Conclusions Three rounds of chemoprevention with DP delivered under pragmatic conditions reduced the incidence of malaria after severe flooding in western Uganda. These findings provide a proof-of-concept for the use of malaria chemoprevention to reduce excess disease burden associated with severe flooding.

scholarly journals Associations between clinical canine leishmaniosis and multiple vector-borne co-infections: a case-control serological study

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charalampos Attipa ◽  
Laia Solano-Gallego ◽  
Christian M. Leutenegger ◽  
Kostas Papasouliotis ◽  
Francesca Soutter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
And Control ◽  
Antibody Tests

Abstract Background Dogs that have clinical leishmaniosis (ClinL), caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum, are commonly co-infected with other pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens (VBP). A recent PCR-based study found that ClinL dogs are more likely to be additionally infected with the rickettsial bacteria Ehrlichia canis. Further information on co-infections in ClinL cases with VBP, as assessed by serology, is required. The research described in this report determined if dogs with ClinL are at higher risk of exposure to VBP than healthy control dogs using a case-control serology study. Results Of the 47 dogs with ClinL, anti-E. canis/ Ehrlichia ewingii antibodies were detected in 17 (36.2%), anti-Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys antibodies in 5 (10.6%) and antigen for Dirofilaria immitis in 2 (4.3%). Of the 87 control dogs, anti-E. canis/E. ewingii antibodies were detected in 14 (16.1%) and anti-A. phagocytophilum/A. platys antibodies in 2 (2.3%). No anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibody tests were positive. No statistical differences between the ClinL dogs and control dogs regarding lifestyle or use of ectoparasitic prevention, were identified. The ClinL was significantly associated with anti-E. canis/E. ewingii antibodies (odds ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–6.7, P = 0.010) compared to controls by both multivariable logistic regression and structural equation modelling. Conclusions It was demonstrated that an increased risk for E. canis/E. ewingii seropositivity is present in dogs with ClinL compared to clinically healthy control dogs, despite similar ectoparasitic prevention use and lifestyle. Based on these findings it is suggested that dogs with ClinL should not only be tested for E. canis co-infection using PCR but also serologically for E. canis/E. ewingii.

scholarly journals The impact of transmission control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaiyu Tian ◽  
Yonghong Liu ◽  
Yidan Li ◽  
Chieh-Hsi Wu ◽  
Bin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
National Emergency ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

AbstractRespiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in China during December 2019. Attempting to contain infection, China banned travel to and from Wuhan city on 23 January and implemented a national emergency response. Here we evaluate the spread and control of the epidemic based on a unique synthesis of data including case reports, human movement and public health interventions. The Wuhan shutdown slowed the dispersal of infection to other cities by an estimated 2.91 days (95%CI: 2.54-3.29), delaying epidemic growth elsewhere in China. Other cities that implemented control measures pre-emptively reported 33.3% (11.1-44.4%) fewer cases in the first week of their outbreaks (13.0; 7.1-18.8) compared with cities that started control later (20.6; 14.5-26.8). Among interventions investigated here, the most effective were suspending intra-city public transport, closing entertainment venues and banning public gatherings. The national emergency response delayed the growth and limited the size of the COVID-19 epidemic and, by 19 February (day 50), had averted hundreds of thousands of cases across China.One sentence summaryTravel restrictions and the national emergency response delayed the growth and limited the size of the COVID-19 epidemic in China.

scholarly journals The Impact of Large Mobile Air Purifiers on Aerosol Concentration in Classrooms and the Reduction of Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11523
Author(s):  
Finn F. Duill ◽  
Florian Schulz ◽  
Aman Jain ◽  
Leve Krieger ◽  
Berend van Wachem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particle Concentration ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Aerosol Concentration ◽  
Optimal Placement ◽  
Cfd Modeling ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Duration Of Stay ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased risk of infection by virus-containing aerosols indoors is assumed. Especially in schools, the duration of stay is long and the number of people in the rooms is large, increasing the risk of infection. This problem particularly affects schools without pre-installed ventilation systems that are equipped with filters and/or operate with fresh air. Here, the aerosol concentration is reduced by natural ventilation. In this context, we are investigating the effect of large mobile air purifiers (AP) with HEPA filters on particle concentration and their suitability for classroom use in a primary school in Germany. The three tested APs differ significantly in their air outlet characteristics. Measurements of the number of particles, the particle size distribution, and the CO2 concentration were carried out in the classroom with students (April/May 2021) and with an aerosol generator without students. In this regard, the use of APs leads to a substantial reduction of aerosol particles in the considered particle size range of 0.178–17.78 µm. At the same time, the three APs are found to have differences in their particle decay rate, noise level, and flow velocity. In addition to the measurements, the effect of various influencing parameters on the potential inhaled particle dose was investigated using a calculation model. The parameters considered include the duration of stay, particle concentration in exhaled air, respiratory flow rate, virus lifetime, ventilation interval, ventilation efficiency, AP volumetric flow, as well as room size. Based on the resulting effect diagrams, significant recommendations can be derived for reducing the risk of infection from virus-laden aerosols. Finally, the measurements were compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, as such tools can aid the optimal placement and configuration of APs and can be used to study the effect of the spread of aerosols from a source in the classroom.

Asthma Severity and Control and Their Association With Perinatal Mental Illness

2021 ◽  
pp. 070674372110397
Author(s):  
Amira M. Aker ◽  
Anne L. Stephenson ◽  
Andrew S. Wilton ◽  
Simone N. Vigod ◽  
Cindy-Lee Dennis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Asthma Severity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Objective Growing evidence suggests asthma increases perinatal mental illness risk, but few studies have explored the impact of asthma severity and control. Our objective was to explore the association between asthma severity and control and perinatal mental illness risk and the impact of asthma exacerbations during pregnancy on postpartum mental illness risk. Methods This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of all women in Ontario, Canada, from 2005 to 2015 with a singleton live birth who used public drug insurance, excluding women with recent history of mental illness. We constructed modified Poisson regression models to assess the risk of perinatal mental illness, defined as a mood or anxiety, psychotic or substance use disorder, self-harm or other mental illness diagnosed from conception to 365 days postnatally. Models controlled for socio-demographic factors and medical history. Results There were 62,583 women in the cohort (46.7% between 15 − 24 years), of whom 22.7% had asthma (94.3% mild, 5.7% moderate/severe; 86.5% controlled and 13.5% uncontrolled). After adjustment, there was increased risk of perinatal mental illness with mild asthma (adjusted relative risk [RR]: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 1.16) and moderate/severe asthma (aRR: 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.30) compared to no asthma. Controlled asthma (aRR: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.15) and uncontrolled asthma (aRR: 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.27) were also associated with increased perinatal mental illness risk compared to no asthma. Women with worsened asthma during pregnancy had the highest risk of postpartum mental illness compared to no change in asthma status (by severity: aRR: 1.57; 95% CI, 1.36 to 1.80; by control: aRR: 1.37; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.54). Conclusion Asthma is associated with increased risk of perinatal mental illness, particularly in the presence of asthma exacerbations in pregnancy. The results support multidisciplinary collaborative care programmes throughout the perinatal period, especially among women with asthma exacerbations during pregnancy.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN THE BONES OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING BARIATRIC SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 120-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefry Alberto Vargas CABRAL ◽  
Gabriela Pereira de SOUZA ◽  
Juliana de Almeida NASCIMENTO ◽  
Luis Fernando SIMONETI ◽  
Carolina MARCHESE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Bone Fractures ◽  
Calcium Deficiency ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fat Soluble Vitamins ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective tool in the control and treatment of severe obesity, but patients undergoing this procedure are at increased risk of developing nutritional deficiencies by limiting the intake and absorption of many nutrients. Objective: To assess the impact of vitamin D deficiency and calcium in bone in patients after gastric bypass in Roux-en-Y, pointing directly at the type of administration, doses and effects after surgery. Method: Was conducted a systematic review with articles related to the topic of the last 10 years searched in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and Cochrane using the headings "bariatric surgery", "bone", "obesity", "vitamin D '', "calcium" AND "absorption". Exclusion criteria to research on animals, smokers, pregnant women and patient treated with bisphosphonates. Results: Five articles were included in this review. All refer that bariatric surgery can lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins and other micronutrients such as calcium. Conclusion: Patients submitted to RYGB should make use of multivitamins and minerals especially vitamin D and calcium to prevent bone fractures. Monitoring, treatment and control of risk factors are essential to prevent complications after this operation.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on UK Foundation Doctors: Training and Safety

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Blackburn ◽  
James Thomas Ferryman ◽  
Adla Alattas
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Formal Training ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Digital Survey

Abstract Objective: To survey Foundation doctors on support, training, and guidance received in relation to COVID-19 during the pandemic.Methods: A 24 question digital survey with a mix of open-ended, multiple-choice, and rating-scale questions was distributed to the 18 UK Foundation Schools. Questions established trainee demographics and the quantity of COVID-19 training received; with focused questions relating to personal safety and support for vulnerable individuals.Results: 714 doctors completed the survey; 55% in FY2, 43% in FY1, and 2% above FY2 level. 74% of respondents reported receiving no formal training on COVID-19. Mean confidence was 84% in diagnosing COVID-19, and 56% in managing it. 75% did not receive formal training on the requisite safety precautions for suspected COVID-19 cases. 67% had not been fit tested and 75% of those who failed their fit test were not provided with alternative equipment. 30 doctors reported being pregnant and none had received additional support regarding protective measures. 47 doctors reported being immunocompromised and 42 of them had received no additional support in view of their increased risk. 93% of doctors had not received definitive guidance regarding the impact of this on their ARCP sign-off and progression of training.Discussion: Alarming proportions of Foundation trainees are not currently being provided with formal training or support for their personal safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is remediable through the urgent implementation of formal COVID-19 training, standardised across NHS trusts to ensure a consistent standard of care for the protection of trainees and patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document