scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic modifies temperature and heat-related illness ambulance transport association in Japan: a nationwide observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xerxes Seposo ◽  
Lina Madaniyazi ◽  
Chris Fook Sheng Ng ◽  
Masahiro Hashizume ◽  
Yasushi Honda

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, several illnesses were reduced. In Japan, heat-related illnesses were reduced by 22% compared to pre-pandemic period. However, it is uncertain as to what has led to this reduction. Here, we model the association of maximum temperature and heat-related illnesses in the 47 Japanese prefectures. We specifically examined how the exposure and lag associations varied before and during the pandemic. Methods We obtained the summer-specific, daily heat-related illness ambulance transport (HIAT), exposure variable (maximum temperature) and covariate data from relevant data sources. We utilized a stratified (pre-pandemic and pandemic), two-stage approach. In each stratified group, we estimated the 1) prefecture-level association using a quasi-Poisson regression coupled with a distributed lag non-linear model, which was 2) pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. The difference between pooled pre-pandemic and pandemic associations was examined across the exposure and the lag dimensions. Results A total of 321,655 HIAT cases was recorded in Japan from 2016 to 2020. We found an overall reduction of heat-related risks for HIAT during the pandemic, with a wide range of reduction (10.85 to 57.47%) in the HIAT risk, across exposure levels ranging from 21.69 °C to 36.31 °C. On the contrary, we found an increment in the delayed heat-related risks during the pandemic at Lag 2 (16.33%; 95% CI: 1.00, 33.98%). Conclusion This study provides evidence of the impact of COVID-19, particularly on the possible roles of physical interventions and behavioral changes, in modifying the temperature-health association. These findings would have implications on subsequent policies or heat-related warning strategies in light of ongoing or future pandemics.

Author(s):  
Barbara Bogusz ◽  
Roger Sexton

Titles in the Complete series combine extracts from a wide range of primary materials with clear explanatory text to provide readers with a complete introductory resource. This chapter discusses the difference between restrictive and positive covenants; the rules which govern the running of the burden of covenants; the rules regulating who initially has the right to enforce a covenant; the significance of s56 of the Law of Property Act 1925, and the impact of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999; the rules regarding assignment of restrictive covenants; the concept ‘building scheme’; and whether a positive or restrictive covenant will pass to successors in title.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 1319-1328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp P. Kohler ◽  
Cheryl Volling ◽  
Karen Green ◽  
Elizabeth M. Uleryk ◽  
Prakesh S. Shah ◽  
...  

BACKGROUNDMortality associated with infections caused by carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceae(CRE) is higher than mortality due to carbapenem-sensitive pathogens.OBJECTIVETo examine the association between mortality from bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant (CRKP) and carbapenem-sensitiveKlebsiella pneumoniae(CSKP) and to assess the impact of appropriate initial antibiotic therapy (IAT) on mortality.DESIGNSystematic review and meta-analysisMETHODSWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Wiley Cochrane databases through August 31, 2016, for observational studies reporting mortality among adult patients with CRKP and CSKP bacteremia. Search terms were related toKlebsiella, carbapenem-resistance, and infection. Studies including fewer than 10 patients per group were excluded. A random-effects model and meta-regression were used to assess the relationship between carbapenem-resistance, appropriateness of IAT, and mortality.RESULTSMortality was higher in patients who had CRKP bacteremia than in patients with CSKP bacteremia (15 studies; 1,019 CRKP and 1,148 CSKP patients; unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–2.6; I2=0). Mortality was lower in patients with appropriate IAT than in those without appropriate IAT (7 studies; 658 patients; unadjusted OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.8; I2=36%). CRKP patients (11 studies; 1,326 patients; 8-year period) were consistently less likely to receive appropriate IAT (unadjusted OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.7; I2=43%). Our meta-regression analysis identified a significant association between the difference in appropriate IAT and mortality (OR per 10% difference in IAT, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6).CONCLUSIONSAppropriateness of IAT is an important contributor to the observed difference in mortality between patients with CRKP bacteremia and patients with CSKP bacteremia.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:1319–1328


2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt M. Reinhart ◽  
Ripple Talati ◽  
C. Michael White ◽  
Craig I. Coleman

In order to determine the impact of garlic on total cholesterol (TC), TAG levels, as well as LDL and HDL, and establish if any variables have an impact on the magnitude of this effect, a meta-analysis was conducted. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database from the earliest possible date through to November 2007 was conducted to identify randomised, placebo-controlled trials of garlic that reported effects on TC, TAG concentrations, LDL or HDL. The weighted mean difference of the change from baseline (with 95 % CI) was calculated as the difference between the means in the garlic groups and the control groups using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the effects on type, brand and duration of garlic therapy as well as baseline TC and TAG levels, the use of dietary modification, and study quality on the meta-analysis's conclusions. Twenty-nine trials were included in the analysis. Upon meta-analysis garlic was found to significantly reduce TC ( − 0·19; 95 % CI − 0·33, − 0·06 mmol/l) and TAG ( − 0·11; 95 % CI − 0·19, − 0·06 mmol/l) but exhibited no significant effect on LDL or HDL. There was a moderate degree of statistical heterogeneity for the TC and TAG analyses. Garlic reduces TC to a modest extent, an effect driven mostly by the modest reductions in TAG, without appreciable LDL lowering or HDL elevation. Higher baseline line TC levels and the use of dietary modification may alter the effect of garlic on these parameters. Future studies should be conducted evaluating the impact of adjunctive garlic therapy with fibrates or statins on TAG concentrations.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Apugliese ◽  
Scott E. Lewis

Meta-analysis can provide a robust description of the impact of educational reforms and also offer an opportunity to explore the conditions where such reforms are more or less effective. This article describes a meta-analysis on the impact of cooperative learning on students’ chemistry understanding. Modifiers in the meta-analysis are purposefully chosen to model instructors’ decisions in implementing cooperative learning. Modifiers investigated include: using cooperative learning periodically or in every class period; setting a maximum group size at four or smallerversusfive or larger; using closed-ended or open-ended assessments; and assessing a single topic or assessing the cumulative topics in the course. The results showed cooperative learning's effectiveness is robust across a wide range of instructional decisions except no evidence of effectiveness was found with cumulative assessments. The overall results from the meta-analysis provide a benchmark for evaluating future efforts to evaluate pedagogical interventions in chemistry.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Polimeni ◽  
Isabella Leo ◽  
Carmen Spaccarotella ◽  
Annalisa Mongiardo ◽  
Sabato Sorrentino ◽  
...  

Abstract Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that appeared in China in December 2019. Several patients with severe COVID-19 infection can develop a coagulopathy according to the ISTH-criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). We conducted a meta-analysis of all available studies on COVID-19 to explore the impact of coagulopathy on severe illness and mortality. An electronic search was performed within PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases. The primary endpoint was the difference of D-dimer values between Non-Severe vs Severe disease and Survivors vs Non-Survivors. The primary analysis showed that mean d-dimer is significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with severe disease than in those without (SMD -2.15 [-2.73 to -1.56], I2 98%, P <0.0001). Additional analysis of platelet count showed lower levels of mean PLT in Severe patients than those observed in the Non-Severe patients (SMD 0.77 [0.32 to 1.22], I2 96%, P <0.001). Interestingly, longer mean PT was found in Severe group (SMD -1.34 [-2.06 to -0.62], I2 98%, P <0.0002) compared to Non-Severe group. In conclusion, the results of the present meta-analysis, the largest and most comprehensive to date, demonstrate that Severe COVID-19 infection is associated with higher D-dimer values, lower platelet count and prolonged PT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  

Abstract   COVID-19 pandemic interacts with the pandemic of chronic non-communicable diseases and is exacerbated in different social and societal contexts through existing health inequalities - resulting in a syndemic. The socio-economically weakest groups of the population have been most affected (Bambra, 2020, Horton, 2020). In 2020, most activities were focused on controlling the epidemic through a biomedical approach, and only in the second half of the year, with the onset of the second wave, did the understanding that we are dealing with a syndemic, emerge in public health, societal and lately political discourse at the national and EU levels. There is increasing indirect damage to public health due to the loss of jobs and income, the long-term closure of certain activities, difficult access to health systems for those with non-COVID-19 health problems, and general uncertainty about the present and future. Different dimensions of syndemic inequalities (e.g. mental health, cognitive decline, lifestyles, gender, intergenerational) are the main focus of the workshop, including inequalities that were traditionally perceived in public health, as well as new emerging inequalities. In Slovenia we are conducting a study on the impact of the syndemic on people's lives (SI-PANDA 2020/2021), to (1) better understand human behaviour in COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to identify and address the impact of the governmental decisions, pandemic measures and recommendations. The workshop will aim to: Showcase the value of timely measurement and surveying of the COVID-19 syndemic's influences on society; Increase participants' understanding and awareness of the opportunities and challenges associated with different types of inequalities linked to COVID-19; Increase awareness of public health professionals on the importance of overcoming the difference between the biomedical approach and psychosocial paradigms; The workshop will offer an opportunity to: Present some of the outputs of the PANDA research and outline the influences of COVID-19 on lifestyle, mental health and cognitive changes Inform participants about the benefits of the comprehensive national approach in measuring COVID-19 syndemic consequences, embedded in a broader internationally comparative WHO measurement framework; Explore traditional inequalities with new dimensions, such as gender inequalities, newly emerging economic vulnerabilities and transformational inequalities, such as intergenerational inequality. Identify possible syndemic outcome measures at the national and EU levels, while identifying gaps between employing biomedical versus psychosocial approach in controlling conditions. Key messages Present new evidence on a wide range of inequalities emerging from the COVID-19 syndemic and its approach to mitigate it. Showcase an example from Slovenia (within the WHO internationally harmonized approach) of timely measuring the right data to inform a biomedical response as well as psychosocial measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-197
Author(s):  
K. PHILIP ◽  
S.S. ASHA DEVI ◽  
G.K. JHA ◽  
B.M.K. RAJU ◽  
B. SEN ◽  
...  

The impact of climate change on agriculture is well studied yet there is scope for improvement as crop specific and location specific impacts need to be assessed realistically to frame adaptation and mitigation strategies to lessen the adverse effects of climate change. Many researchers have tried to estimate potential impact of climate change on wheat yields using indirect crop simulation modeling techniques. Here, this study estimated the potential impact of climate change on wheat yields using a crop specific panel data set from 1981 to 2010,for six major wheat producing states. The study revealed that 1°C increase in average maximum temperature during the growing season reduces wheat yield by 3 percent. Major share of wheat growth and yield (79%) is attributed to increase in usage of physical inputs specifically fertilizers, machine labour and human labour. The estimated impact was lesser than previously reported studies due to the inclusion of wide range of short-term adaptation strategies to climate change. The results reiterate the necessity of including confluent factors like physical inputs while investigating the impact of climate factors on crop yields.


Author(s):  
Moayyad Shakra ◽  
Yuriy Davydovich Shmidt

This article examines Jordan&rsquo;s tourism revenue over the recent years. Tourism is a substantial source of national revenue and significantly contributes to the flow of foreign currency for the development of national economy. The economic theory claims that tourism revenue is affected by a wide range of factors. The article explores the impact of consumer price index and number of tourists upon Jordan&rsquo;s tourism revenue. In the course of this study, the author used the statistical data of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund; applied Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL); and conducted necessary diagnostic tests in Eviews 9 software. The research demonstrated that high internal inflation ratios reduce the external demand for tourism services in Jordan, and thus significantly decrease the tourism revenue. Over a long-term, the author determines a negative influence of consumer price index upon tourism revenue in Jordan and the expected positive influence of the number of tourists thereof. &nbsp;


2019 ◽  
pp. oemed-2018-105434
Author(s):  
Harald Lux ◽  
Klaus Lenz ◽  
Lygia Therese Budnik ◽  
Xaver Baur

ObjectivesTo determine the test performance parameters for the retrievable range of high-molecular-weight (HMW) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) occupational allergens and to evaluate the impact of allergenic components and the implementation of measures for test validation.MethodsA protocol with predefined objectives and inclusion criteria was the basis of an electronic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (time period 1967–2016). The specific inhalation challenge and serial peak flow measurements were the reference standards for the specific IgE (sIgE) test parameters. All of the review procedures were reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.ResultsSeventy-one studies were selected, and 62 entered meta-analysis. Pooled pairs analysis indicated a sensitivity of 0.74(95% CI 0.66 to 0.80) and specificity of 0.71(95% CI 0.63 to 0.77) for HMW allergens and a sensitivity of 0.28(95% CI 0.18 to 0.40) and specificity of 0.89(95% CI 0.77 to 0.95) for LMW allergens. Component-specific analysis improved the test parameters for some allergens. Test validation was handled heterogeneously among studies.ConclusionsIgE test performance is rather satisfactory for a wide range of HMW allergens with the potential for component-specific approaches, whereas sensitivity for LMW allergens is considerably lower, indicating methodological complications and/or divergent pathomechanisms. A common standard for test validation is needed.


2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 601 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Gaughan ◽  
R. W. Mitchell ◽  
S. J. Blight

During progression of a mass mortality of Australian pilchards in late 1998 and early 1999, quantities of dead pilchards on the sea-surface, sea-floor and along beaches were estimated in three regions along southern Western Australia (WA) by use of transects. Total mortality was estimated at 17 590, 11193 and 144.4 t for Esperance, Bremer Bay and Albany respectively. Mortality rates at Esperance and Bremer Bay were similar at 74.5% and 64.7% respectively, with a mean of 69.6%. In contrast, estimated mortality at Albany was only 2.4%. Although the difference in total mortality between regions is probably related to differences in stock size, as determined by simulation models, the much lower estimate for Albany is probably an artefact of an over-estimated pilchard biomass and not due to large differences in actual mortality rates. Variability in estimates of both pilchard biomass and quantities killed resulted in a wide range of estimated mortality rates, with lower estimates for Esperance and Bremer Bay of 28.0% and 22.9% respectively. This represents a significant decline in the breeding stock of WA pilchards. If the impact was closer to the mean (69.6%), then pilchard stocks in WA are severely depressed.


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