scholarly journals Childhood malaria case incidence in Malawi between 2004 and 2017: spatio-temporal modelling of climate and non-climate factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Chirombo ◽  
Pietro Ceccato ◽  
Rachel Lowe ◽  
Dianne J Terlouw ◽  
Madeleine C Thomson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Malaria Case ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Clinical Malaria ◽  
District Level ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Malaria transmission is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including climate, socio-economic, environmental factors and interventions. Malaria control efforts across Africa have shown a mixed impact. Climate driven factors may play an increasing role with climate change. Efforts to strengthen routine facility-based monthly malaria data collection across Africa create an increasingly valuable data source to interpret burden trends and monitor control programme progress. A better understanding of the association with other climatic and non-climatic drivers of malaria incidence over time and space may help guide and interpret the impact of interventions. Methods Routine monthly paediatric outpatient clinical malaria case data were compiled from 27 districts in Malawi between 2004 and 2017, and analysed in combination with data on climatic, environmental, socio-economic and interventional factors and district level population estimates. A spatio-temporal generalized linear mixed model was fitted using Bayesian inference, in order to quantify the strength of association of the various risk factors with district-level variation in clinical malaria rates in Malawi, and visualized using maps. Results Between 2004 and 2017 reported childhood clinical malaria case rates showed a slight increase, from 50 to 53 cases per 1000 population, with considerable variation across the country between climatic zones. Climatic and environmental factors, including average monthly air temperature and rainfall anomalies, normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) and RDT use for diagnosis showed a significant relationship with malaria incidence. Temperature in the current month and in each of the 3 months prior showed a significant relationship with the disease incidence unlike rainfall anomaly which was associated with malaria incidence at only three months prior. Estimated risk maps show relatively high risk along the lake and Shire valley regions of Malawi. Conclusion The modelling approach can identify locations likely to have unusually high or low risk of malaria incidence across Malawi, and distinguishes between contributions to risk that can be explained by measured risk-factors and unexplained residual spatial variation. Also, spatial statistical methods applied to readily available routine data provides an alternative information source that can supplement survey data in policy development and implementation to direct surveillance and intervention efforts.

scholarly journals The malaria burden of Amerindian groups of three Venezuelan states: a descriptive study based on programmatic data

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C. Gabaldón-Figueira ◽  
Carlos Chaccour ◽  
Jorge Moreno ◽  
Maria Villegas ◽  
Leopoldo Villegas
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Indigenous Groups ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Fifty-three percent of all cases of malaria in the Americas in 2019 came from Venezuela, where the epidemic is heavily focused south of the Orinoco river, and where most of the country’s Amerindian groups live. Although the disease is known to represent a significant public health problem among these populations, little epidemiological data exists on the subject. This study aims to provide information on malaria incidence, geospatial clustering, and risk factors associated to Plasmodium falciparum infection among these groups. Methods This is a descriptive study based on the analysis of published and unpublished programmatic data collected by Venezuelan health authorities and non-government organizations between 2014 and 2018. The Annual Parasite Index among indigenous groups (API-i) in municipalities of three states (Amazonas, Bolivar, and Sucre) were calculated and compared using the Kruskal Wallis test, risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection were identified via binomial logistic regression and maps were constructed to identify clusters of malaria cases among indigenous patients via Moran’s I and Getis-Ord’s hot spot analysis. Results 116,097 cases of malaria in Amerindian groups were registered during the study period. An increasing trend was observed between 2014 and 2016 but reverted in 2018. Malaria incidence remains higher than in 2014 and hot spots were identified in the three states, although more importantly in the south of Bolivar. Most cases (73.3%) were caused by Plasmodium vivax, but the Hoti, Yanomami, and Eñepa indigenous groups presented higher odds for infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Conclusion Malaria cases among Amerindian populations increased between 2014 and 2018 and seem to have a different geographic distribution than those among the general population. These findings suggest that tailored interventions will be necessary to curb the impact of malaria transmission in these groups.

‘Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger’: novel, emerging and non-traditional risk factors in cardiovascular disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Andrew Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors ◽  
Individual Risk Factors ◽  
The Impact

In this article, Andy Richardson, BANCC Educational Advisor, examines several important environmental and individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Following on from the meeting of Global Leaders at COP26 in Glasgow, he considers the impact of, and exposure to, environmental factors, including pollution and noise.

scholarly journals G6PD and HBB polymorphisms in Senegalese population: prevalence and correlations with clinical malaria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatou thiam ◽  
Gora Diop ◽  
Cedric Coulanges ◽  
Celine Derbois ◽  
Babacar Mbengue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Malaria ◽  
Genetic Polymorphisms ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Additive Model ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Malaria ◽  
P Value ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Protective Variant ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Several genetic polymorphisms were reported to be prevalent among populations living in tropical endemic regions and induce protection against malaria. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of key malaria-protective polymorphisms in G6PD and HBB genes in a Senegalese population. Methods We performed a retrospective study in 323 samples from patients recruited in hospitals located in three different endemic areas where malaria episodes were confirmed. Patients enrolled were classified in two groups: severe (153 patients) and uncomplicated malaria (170 patients). PCR and DNA sequencing assessed host genetic polymorphisms in HBB and G6PD. Using a multivariate regression and additive model, estimates the impact of human HBB and G6PD polymorphisms on malaria incidence were performed. Results We identified 12 SNPs in HBB gene. Among them, 6 SNPs (rs7946748, rs7480526, rs10768683, rs35209591, HbS (rs334) and rs713040) were detected with high frequencies in global population. The MAF of the sickle cell HbS polymorphism was estimated to 0.026, 0.069 and 0.035; and HbC polymorphism was estimated to be 0, 0.009, 0.029, in SM, UM and CTR group respectively. The MAF of G6PD deficiency polymorphisms such as G6PD-202 G>A were 0.022, 0.032 and 0.018 in SM, UM and CTR, respectively. Analysis of selected HbS polymorphism showed significant association with protection against severe malaria with a significant p-value = 0.033 (OR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.16–0.91). Surprisingly, HbC polymorphism is not a protective variant in our population. Finally, we found that the selected SNPs were associated to biological parameters such as PNE, PNB and lymphocytes. Conclusion Our data report at the first time the prevalence of HBB and G6PD mutations in senegalese population. These deficiencies are very common in West Africa endemic regions such as Gambia, Mali and Burkina Faso. Our findings show the important role of genetic factors in malaria outcome and these genetic markers could be good tools for malaria diagnosis and prognosis. Keywords : severe malaria, HBB, G6PD, Polymorphisms, Senegal, severe malaria.

RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTION FACTORS FOR THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC AND VACCINATION AS A POSSIBLE MEANS OF CONTROLLING THE EPIDEMIC

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Romaniv ◽  
◽  
Bohdan Klyapchuk ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Economic Integration ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccination Program ◽  
Special Method ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Regional Dynamics ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
The Impact

A study of the impact of especially contextual on COVID-19 factors of the epidemic (geopolitical, climatic, socio-economic integration, social, including religious, demographic and others) was conducted. The regional dynamics of the epidemic in the Scandinavian countries was analyzed. The spatio-temporal changes of the epidemic indicators in the conditions of loyalty to risk factors (Sweden) and in the conditions of controlled risks (in other countries of the Scandinavian region) were revealed. The current research of scientists on the formation of herd immunity in the population with and without vaccination programs was generalized. The article evaluated the quality of the vaccination program in Ukraine. The threshold indicator "herd immunity" and the number of months to achieve herd immunity in Ukraine without vaccination were calculated according to a special method.

scholarly journals When Culture Influences Genes: Positive Age Beliefs Amplify the Cognitive-Aging Benefit of APOE ε2

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. e198-e203
Author(s):  
Becca R Levy ◽  
Martin D Slade ◽  
Robert H Pietrzak ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Cognitive Benefit ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Objectives Most studies of aging cognition have focused on risk factors for worse performance and on either genetic or environmental factors. In contrast, we examined whether 2 factors known to individually benefit aging cognition may interact to produce better cognition: environment-based positive age beliefs and the APOE ε2 gene. Method The sample consisted of 3,895 Health and Retirement Study participants who were 60 years or older at baseline and completed as many as 5 assessments of cognition over 8 years. Results As predicted, positive age beliefs amplified the cognitive benefit of APOE ε2. In contrast, negative age beliefs suppressed the cognitive benefit of APOE ε2. We also found that positive age beliefs contributed nearly 15 times more than APOE ε2 to better cognition. Discussion This study provides the first known evidence that self-perceptions can influence the impact of a gene on cognition. The results underscore the importance of combined psychosocial and biological approaches to understanding cognitive function in older adults.

scholarly journals Modeled Impact of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention on District-Level Suspected and Confirmed Malaria Cases in Chad Based on Routine Clinical Data (2013–2018)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sol Richardson ◽  
Azoukalne Moukenet ◽  
Mahamat Saleh Issakha Diar ◽  
Monica Anna de Cola ◽  
Christian Rassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Management ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Routine Data ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
District Level ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Health Management Information System ◽  
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention ◽  
The Impact

Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine to children aged 3–59 months is delivered as seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in areas where transmission is highly seasonal such as Chad and other Sahelian countries. Although clinical trials show a 75% reduction in malaria cases, evidence of SMC’s impact at scale remains limited. Using data from the Chadian National Health Management Information System, we analyzed associations between SMC implementation during July–October and monthly district-level malaria incidence (suspected and confirmed outpatient cases) among children aged 0–59 months at health facilities in 23 health districts with SMC implementation during 2013–2018. Generalized additive models were fitted with separate cyclic cubic spline terms for each district to adjust for seasonality in cases. SMC implementation in Chad was associated, compared with no implementation, with lower monthly counts of both suspected (rate ratio [RR]: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72–0.94. P = 0.006) and confirmed malaria cases (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71–0.93, P = 0.003), representing around 20% reduction in malaria incidence. Sensitivity analyses showed effect sizes of up to 28% after modifying model assumptions. Caution should be exercised in interpreting our findings, which may not be comparable with other studies, and may over- or underestimate impact of SMC; not all malaria cases present at health facilities, not all suspected cases are tested, and not all facilities report cases consistently. This study’s approach presents a solution for employing readily available routine data to evaluate the impact of health interventions at scale without extensive covariate data. Further efforts are needed to improve the quality of routine data in Chad and elsewhere.

Peer relationship safeguards for learned helplessness behaviour

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Sakineh Mofrad ◽  
Liew Jia Yam ◽  
Ikechukwu Uba
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Parenting Style ◽  
Learned Helplessness ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Parental Authority ◽  
Relationship Education ◽  
Peer Relationship ◽  
Parental Authority Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Behaviour Type

Objective This is an empirical study that examined the impact of parenting style, peer relationship on learned helplessness among 120 university students aged 18 to 23 years (M=19.7) from Sunway University, Malaysia. Methodology/Technique A survey was conducted to collect the data. Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) was used to measure parenting style, while the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) was used to measure peer relationship and Helplessness Behaviour Questionnaire (HBQ) was used to measure learned helplessness. Findings Findings of the study revealed no significant relationship between parenting style and learned helplessness behaviour. However, there was a negative and significant relationship between peer relationship and learned helplessness behaviour. The study, therefore revealed the significant effect of peer relationship on learned helplessness among the sample of the study irrespective of gender. Novelty The paper, hence highlighted the importance of peer relationship in the planning of educational curriculum for adolescents. Later studies may examine the effect of other socio-environmental factors on learned helplessness behaviour. Type of Paper Empirical paper Keywords: Learned Helplessness; Parenting Style; Peer Relationship; Education.

scholarly journals Spatial and temporal village-level prevalence of Plasmodium infection and associated risk factors in two districts of Meghalaya, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Kessler ◽  
Badondor Shylla ◽  
Upasana Shyamsunder Singh ◽  
Rilynti Lyngdoh ◽  
Bandapkupar Mawkhlieng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Malaria Case ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Passive Surveillance ◽  
Village Level ◽  
The North ◽  
Jaintia Hills

Abstract Background Despite declining incidence over the past decade, malaria remains an important health burden in India. This study aimed to assess the village-level temporal patterns of Plasmodium infection in two districts of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya and evaluate risk factors that might explain these patterns. Methods Primary Health Centre passive malaria case data from 2014 to 2018 were analysed to characterize village-specific annual incidence and temporal trends. Active malaria case detection was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 to detect Plasmodium infections using PCR. A questionnaire collected socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioural data, and households were spatially mapped via GPS. Adult mosquitoes were sampled at a subset of subjects' houses, and Anopheles were identified by PCR and sequencing. Risk factors for Plasmodium infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and spatial cluster analysis was undertaken. Results The annual malaria incidence from PHC-based passive surveillance datasets in 2014–2018 was heterogenous but declining across villages in both districts. Active surveillance in 2018 enrolled 1468 individuals from 468 households (West Jaintia Hills) and 1274 individuals from 359 households (West Khasi Hills). Plasmodium falciparum prevalence per 100 people varied from 0 to 4.1% in the nine villages of West Jaintia Hills, and from 0 to 10.6% in the 12 villages of West Khasi Hills. Significant clustering of P. falciparum infections [observed = 11, expected = 2.15, Relative Risk (RR) = 12.65; p < 0.001] was observed in West Khasi Hills. A total of 13 Anopheles species were found at 53 houses in five villages, with Anopheles jeyporiensis being the most abundant. Risk of infection increased with presence of mosquitoes and electricity in the households [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.19 and 1.11], respectively. Households with reported animals had reduced infection risk (OR = 0.91). Conclusion Malaria incidence during 2014–2018 declined in all study villages covered by the passive surveillance data, a period that includes the first widespread insecticide-treated net campaign. The survey data from 2018 revealed a significant association between Plasmodium infection and certain household characteristics. Since species of Plasmodium-competent mosquito vectors continue to be abundant, malaria resurgence remains a threat, and control efforts should continue.

The Georgia Cardiovascular Twin Study: Influence of Genetic Predisposition and Chronic Stress on Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 965-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongliang Ge ◽  
Yanbin Dong ◽  
Xiaoling Wang ◽  
Frank A. Treiber ◽  
Harold Snieder
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Twin Study ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
Longitudinal Change ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe Georgia Cardiovascular Twin Study is a longitudinal study of biobehavioral antecedents of cardiovascular disease in youth and young adults, including around 500 twin pairs with roughly equal numbers of African Americans and European Americans. Focus of study includes the longitudinal change in relative influence of genetic and environmental factors (especially chronic stress) on development of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Approaches include quantitative genetic modeling of phenotypic twin data as well as the examination of the influence of polymorphic variation in candidate genes and their potential interaction with environmental factors on these risk factors. Future work will expand the scope of the study to investigating the impact of chronic stress as measured by indices of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system on preclinical markers of cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

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