scholarly journals Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among truck drivers and assistants in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Wangeci Kagucia ◽  
John N Gitonga ◽  
Catherine Kalu ◽  
Eric Ochomo ◽  
Benard Ochieng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Area ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractIn October 2020, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among truck drivers and their assistants (TDA) in Kenya was 42.3%, higher than among other key populations. TDA transport essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing them at increased risk of being infected and of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection over a wide geographical area.

scholarly journals Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody seroprevalence among truck drivers and assistants in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Wangeci Kagucia ◽  
John N Gitonga ◽  
Catherine Kalu ◽  
Eric Ochomo ◽  
Benard Ochieng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract In October 2020, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among truck drivers and their assistants (TDA) in Kenya was 42.3%, higher than among healthcare workers and blood donors. TDA transport essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing them at increased risk of being infected and of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 over a wide geographical area.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in hospitalized patients at a tertiary referral center in North India (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Animesh Ray ◽  
Dr. Komal Singh ◽  
Souvick Chattopadhyay ◽  
Farha Mehdi ◽  
Dr. Gaurav Batra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
North India ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is an important tool to estimate the true extent of infection in a population. However, seroprevalence studies have been scarce in South East Asia including India, which, as of now, carries the third largest burden of confirmed cases in the world. The present study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody among hospitalized patients at one of the largest government hospital in India OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among patients admitted to the Medicine ward and ICU METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India, recruited consecutive patients who were negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or CB-NAAT. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels targeting recombinant spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein of SARS CoV-2 were estimated in serum sample by the ELISA method RESULTS A total of 212 hospitalized patients were recruited in the study with mean age (±SD) of 41.2 (±15.4) years and 55% male population. Positive serology against SARS CoV-2 was detected in 19.8%patients(95% CI 14.7-25.8). Residency in Delhi conferred a higher frequency of seropositivity 26.5% (95% CI 19.3-34.7) as compared to that of other states 8% (95% CI 3.0-16.4) with p-value 0.001. No particular age groups or socio-economic strata showed a higher proportion of seropositivity CONCLUSIONS Around, one-fifth of hospitalized patients, who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 before, demonstrated seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2. While there was no significant difference in the different age groups and socio-economic classes; residence in Delhi was associated with increased risk (relative risk of 3.62, 95% CI 1.59-8.21)

scholarly journals Increased Risk of Sub-Clinical Blood Lead Levels in the 20-County Metro Atlanta, Georgia Area—A Laboratory Surveillance-Based Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5163
Author(s):  
Carmen M. Dickinson-Copeland ◽  
Lilly Cheng Immergluck ◽  
Maria Britez ◽  
Fengxia Yan ◽  
Ruijin Geng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Blood Lead ◽  
Blood Lead Levels ◽  
Children At Risk ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Lead Levels

Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring, highly toxic metal that has adverse effects on children across a range of exposure levels. Limited screening programs leave many children at risk for chronic low-level lead exposure and there is little understanding of what factors may be used to identify children at risk. We characterize the distribution of blood lead levels (BLLs) in children aged 0–72 months and their associations with sociodemographic and area-level variables. Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Healthy Homes for Lead Prevention Program surveillance database was used to describe the distribution of BLLs in children living in the metro Atlanta area from 2010 to 2018. Residential addresses were geocoded, and “Hotspot” analyses were performed to determine if BLLs were spatially clustered. Multilevel regression models were used to identify factors associated with clinical BBLs (≥5 µg/dL) and sub-clinical BLLs (2 to <5 µg/dL). From 2010 to 2018, geographically defined hotspots for both clinical and sub-clinical BLLs diffused from the city-central area of Atlanta into suburban areas. Multilevel regression analysis revealed non-Medicaid insurance, the proportion of renters in a given geographical area, and proportion of individuals with a GED/high school diploma as predictors that distinguish children with BLLs 2 to <5 µg/dL from those with lower (<2 µg/dL) or higher (≥5 µg/dL) BLLs. Over half of the study children had BLLs between 2 and 5 µg/dL, a range that does not currently trigger public health measures but that could result in adverse developmental outcomes if ignored.

scholarly journals Effects of physical activity on anthropometric characteristics in school-age children: A review study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (121) ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Ana Lilić ◽  
Emilija Petković ◽  
Siniša Karišik ◽  
Ljiljana Bjelojević ◽  
Novica Gardašević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Locomotor System ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anthropometric Characteristics

Background. Today, it is very speculative  to talk about the percentage of obese children in the world because these figures change significantly from day to day, and there are even significant differences between respondents in the same country, according to geographical area and place of residence. A constant decline in the level of physical activity of children on a global level can be reported from the age when they start school. Energy intake of food is largely from energy consumption, which leads to an increase in body weight and obesity. Factors of overweight and obesity are associated with a sensitive comparison of health: a significantly increased risk of diabetes, disorders of the locomotor system, and increased social and psychological rights. Methods and results. During the systematization of the research on the topic, the aim of the paper was to determine whether the influence of physical activity on anthropometric parameters in school-age children is reviewed by previous research. Nineteen types of studies were collected. The following electronic databases were used to search the literature: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science SPORTS DISCUS in the period from 2004 to 2016. The respondents included in the research were school-age children. Conclusion. The positive impact of various physical activity programs is aimed at reducing the parameters of anthropometric characteristics and obesity prevention. Keywords: physical activity, school program, morphology, anthropomeric data, exercises.  

Increased incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Veneto region, Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 601-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Puthenparampil ◽  
D Seppi ◽  
F Rinaldi ◽  
L Federle ◽  
M Calabrese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Diagnosis Delay ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exogenous Factors ◽  
Actual Prevalence

Background: To what extent the progressive increase in the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) observed in the province of Padova over the period 1970–1999 was an expression of a real increased risk of developing MS remained unclear. Objective: The objective of this paper is to update the epidemiological figures of MS and probe whether the risk of having MS has increased in the province of Padova during the decade 2000–2009. Methods: All patients born in Italy and having a diagnosis of MS or possible MS identified through analysis of all available sources of information were included in the study. The incidence and prevalence rates between 2000 and 2009 were obtained and compared with our previously published data. Results: On 31 December 2009, the overall prevalence was 139.5/100,000, 192.0±9.5 for females and 83.9±6.3 for males. During the decade 2000–2009, the overall incidence rate of MS was 5.5±0.5, 7.4±0.8 for females and 3.5±0.6 for males. The onset-diagnosis delay, the female/male ratio and the mean age at onset did not significantly change compared to the prior period of observation. Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis of a real increased risk of developing MS in the province of Padova. Moreover, the actual prevalence of 1.4/1000 makes our region a high-risk geographical area for MS. The role played by exogenous factors in determining susceptibility to MS needs to be thoroughly investigated.

scholarly journals The Sun’s Vitamin in Adult Patients Affected by Prader–Willi Syndrome

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1132
Author(s):  
Luigi Barrea ◽  
Giovanna Muscogiuri ◽  
Gabriella Pugliese ◽  
Sara Aprano ◽  
Giulia de Alteriis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Prader Willi Syndrome ◽  
25Ohd Level ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by hyperphagia with progressive, severe obesity, and an increased risk of obesity-related comorbidities in adult life. Although low dietary vitamin D intake and low 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels are commonly reported in PWS in the context of bone metabolism, the association of low 25OHD levels with fat mass has not been extensively evaluated in PWS adults. The aims of this study were to investigate the following in PWS adults: (1) 25OHD levels and the dietary vitamin D intake; (2) associations among 25OHD levels with anthropometric measurements and fat mass; (3) specific cut-off values for body mass index (BMI) and fat mass predictive of the 25OHD levels. In this cross-sectional, single-center study we enrolled 30 participants, 15 PWS adults (age 19–41 years and 40% males) and 15 control subjects matched by age, sex, and BMI from the same geographical area (latitude 40° 49’ N; elevation 17 m). Fat mass was assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) phase-sensitive system. The 25OHD levels were determined by a direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Dietary vitamin D intake data was collected by three-day food records. The 25OHD levels in the PWS adults were constantly lower across all categories of BMI and fat mass compared with their obese counterpart. The 25OHD levels were negatively associated with BMI (p = 0.04), waist circumference (p = 0.03), fat mass (p = 0.04), and dietary vitamin D intake (p < 0.001). During multiple regression analysis, dietary vitamin D intake was entered at the first step (p < 0.001), thus explaining 84% of 25OHD level variability. The threshold values of BMI and fat mass predicting the lowest decrease in the 25OHD levels were found at BMI ≥ 42 kg/m2 (p = 0.01) and fat mass ≥ 42 Kg (p = 0.003). In conclusion, our data indicate that: (i) 25OHD levels and dietary vitamin D intake were lower in PWS adults than in the control, independent of body fat differences; (ii) 25OHD levels were inversely associated with BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass, but low dietary vitamin D intake was the major determinant of low vitamin D status in these patients; (iii) sample-specific cut-off values of BMI and fat mass might help to predict risks of the lowest 25OHD level decreases in PWS adults. The presence of trained nutritionists in the integrated care teams of PWS adults is strongly suggested in order to provide an accurate nutritional assessment and tailored vitamin D supplementations.

HIV decline associated with changes in risk behaviours among young key populations in Nepal: analysis of population-based HIV prevalence surveys between 2001 and 2012

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 864-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keshab Deuba ◽  
Anna Mia Ekström ◽  
Göran Tomson ◽  
Rachana Shrestha ◽  
Gaetano Marrone
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
The Past ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Male Labour

We assessed changes in HIV prevalence and risk behaviours among young key populations in Nepal. A total of 7505 participants (aged 16–24 years) from key populations who were at increased risk of HIV infection (2767 people who inject drugs (PWID); 852 men who have sex with men/transgender (MSM/TG); 2851 female sex workers (FSW) and 1035 male labour migrants) were recruited randomly over a 12-year period, 2001–2012. Local epidemic zones of Nepal (Kathmandu valley, Pokhara valley, Terai Highway and West to Far West hills) were analysed separately. We found a very strong and consistent decline in HIV prevalence over the past decade in different epidemic zones among PWID and MSM/TG in Kathmandu, the capital city, most likely due to a parallel increase in safe needle and syringe use and increased condom use. A decrease in HIV prevalence in 22 Terai highway districts, sharing an open border with India, was also consistent with increased condom use among FSW. Among male labour migrants, HIV prevalence was low throughout the period in the West to Far West hilly regions. Condom use by migrant workers involved with FSW abroad increased while their condom use with Nepalese FSW declined. Other risk determinants such as mean age at starting first injection, injection frequency, place of commercial sex solicitation, their mean age when leaving to work abroad did not change consistently across epidemic zones among the young key populations under study. In Nepal, the decline in HIV prevalence over the past decade was remarkably significant and consistent with an increase in condom use and safer use of clean needles and syringes. However, diverging trends in risk behaviours across local epidemic zones of Nepal suggest a varying degree of implementation of national HIV prevention policies. This calls for continued preventive efforts as well as surveillance to sustain the observed downward trend.

Inland Oiled Wildlife Response: It’s a Different Animal

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (1) ◽  
pp. 1795-1805
Author(s):  
Curtis Clumpner ◽  
Michael Ziccardi
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
State Legislature ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
California Department ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
Transport Patterns ◽  
High Level

ABSTRACT 2017-311 The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) was established in 1994 to address the need for timely, consistent, and professional science-based preparedness and response for wildlife at risk from oil spills occurring in the marine waters of California. Its mission focused on providing a high level of professional care based on the best available technology and science combined with the experience of many organizations that were pioneers in the field of wildlife rehabilitation. Since that time, the OWCN and its now more than 35 members have responded to over 100 spills while caring for more than 8,200 impacted animals. In 2014, in response to the increased risk due to changing sources and transport patterns in oil coming to refineries in California, the State legislature expanded the OWCN’s responsibility to include responding to oiled wildlife impacted during oil spills in all surface waters of California. Since then, the OWCN has worked to expand its plan and resources to ensure readiness to provide best achievable capture and care to a host of new species in the myriad of habitats and locations found in a large and ecologically diverse state. The biggest challenges to this expansion are the increased diversity of species and their habitats (California has 233 species and subspecies of reptiles and amphibians), and the increase in geographical scope. Working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (specifically the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, or OSPR), the OWCN staff have identified species at risk and response challenges unique to an inland environment and terrestrial species and the appropriate resources meet those challenges and fill current gaps. We have incorporated lessons learned by colleagues during wildlife responses to inland spills including CNR Lake Wabamun (2005), Enbridge Kalamazoo River (2010), Silvertip Pipeline Yellowstone River (2011), and CNRL Cold Lake (2013). We have repurposed and redesigned existing equipment as well as acquiring additional mobile equipment to increase capacity and decrease response time. We have identified and trained first responders over a wide geographical area focusing on regions with increased risk of incident and impacts while leveraging our current primary care facilities with field stabilization and wildlife transportation plans to achieve maximum flexibility and cost effectiveness. We detail both the process that was used to develop this expansion and the resulting additions to the wildlife plan aimed to provide best achievable care to all wildlife species impacted by an inland oil spill in California.

scholarly journals A Subgroup of LatentlyMycobacterium tuberculosisInfected Individuals Is Characterized by Consistently Elevated IgA Responses to Several Mycobacterial Antigens

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Baumann ◽  
Susanne Kaempfer ◽  
Novel N. Chegou ◽  
Wulf Oehlmann ◽  
Ralf Spallek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Latent Infection ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Protein Antigens ◽  
Small Subgroup ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mycobacterial Antigens ◽  
Mycobacterial Protein

Elevated antibody responses toMycobacterium tuberculosisantigens in individuals with latent infection (LTBI) have previously been linked to an increased risk for progression to active disease. Studies in the field focussed mainly on IgG antibodies. In the present study, IgA and/or IgG responses to the mycobacterial protein antigens AlaDH, NarL, 19 kDa, PstS3, and MPT83 were determined in a blinded fashion in sera from 53 LTBI controls, 14 healthy controls, and 42 active TB subjects. Among controls, we found that elevated IgA levels against all investigated antigens were not randomly distributed but concentrated on a subgroup of<30%—with particular high levels in a small subgroup of~5%comprising one progressor to active TB. Based on a specificity of100%, anti-NarL IgA antibodies achieved with78.6%sensitivity the highest accuracy for the detection of active TB compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, the consistently elevated IgA levels in a subgroup of controls suggest higher mycobacterial load, a risk factor for progression to active TB, and together with high IgG levels may have prognostic potential and should be investigated in future large scale studies. The novel antigen NarL may also be promising for the antibody-based diagnosis of active TB cases.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Forestry Workers from Trentino-Alto Adige Region (Northern Italy)

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 568
Author(s):  
Marina Monini ◽  
Fabio Ostanello ◽  
Alessandra Dominicis ◽  
Valentina Tagliapietra ◽  
Gabriele Vaccari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Elisa Kit ◽  
Forestry Workers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Older Subjects

People with some occupational or recreational activities, such as hunters and veterinarians, may have increased risk to be infected by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The aim of the present study was to establish whether forestry workers could be considered at a higher risk of HEV infection than a control group. One hundred and fifty sera from forestry workers and a control group of 85 sera were analysed by anti-HEV IgG antibodies detection using a commercial ELISA kit. The anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 14% for forestry workers and 9.4% for the control group. Comparing the risk of HEV infection in the two groups, there was no difference in the odds ratio. However, the seroprevalence in older subjects was higher in the forestry workers than in the control group. Two sera from forestry workers were also positive for anti-HEV IgM, and, in one of them, HEV-RNA was detected. Our findings showed an increase of seroprevalence with age, which is likely to reflect cumulative exposure to HEV over time. The occupation of forestry workers did not seem to be associated with a higher risk of HEV infection. The study provided new insights into the risk of acquiring HEV in occupational exposure workers with open-air activities.

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