scholarly journals Mapping of Ebola virus spillover: Suitability and seasonal variability at the landscape scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. e0009683
Author(s):  
Larisa Lee-Cruz ◽  
Maxime Lenormand ◽  
Julien Cappelle ◽  
Alexandre Caron ◽  
Hélène De Nys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Data Layers

The unexpected Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in 2014 involving the Zaire ebolavirus made clear that other regions outside Central Africa, its previously documented niche, were at risk of future epidemics. The complex transmission cycle and a lack of epidemiological data make mapping areas at risk of the disease challenging. We used a Geographic Information System-based multicriteria evaluation (GIS-MCE), a knowledge-based approach, to identify areas suitable for Ebola virus spillover to humans in regions of Guinea, Congo and Gabon where Ebola viruses already emerged. We identified environmental, climatic and anthropogenic risk factors and potential hosts from a literature review. Geographical data layers, representing risk factors, were combined to produce suitability maps of Ebola virus spillover at the landscape scale. Our maps show high spatial and temporal variability in the suitability for Ebola virus spillover at a fine regional scale. Reported spillover events fell in areas of intermediate to high suitability in our maps, and a sensitivity analysis showed that the maps produced were robust. There are still important gaps in our knowledge about what factors are associated with the risk of Ebola virus spillover. As more information becomes available, maps produced using the GIS-MCE approach can be easily updated to improve surveillance and the prevention of future outbreaks.

Doctors’ Knowledge of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Clifford Lisk ◽  
◽  
Luke Snell ◽  
Michael Haji-Coll ◽  
Jayne Ellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Ebola Virus Disease ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Online Study

Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHF) such as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) are of increasing concern of increasing concern to clinicians and public heath bodies across Europe and America due to the on-going epidemic in West Africa. We conducted an online study to assess clinicians’ knowledge of VHF across six hospital sites in London. This showed suboptimal knowledge of Public Health England guidance, EVD epidemiology and the risk factors for acquiring VHF. Knowledge about VHF was dependent on seniority of grade with the most junior grade of doctors performing worse in several areas of the survey. Poor knowledge raises concerns that those at risk of VHF will be inappropriately risk stratified and managed. Education of doctors and other healthcare professionals about VHF is necessary to address these knowledge gaps.

scholarly journals Cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with Down syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Robayo-Amortegui ◽  
Natalia Valenzuela-Faccini ◽  
Cesar Quecano-Rosas ◽  
Darlyng Zabala-Muñoz ◽  
Michel Perez-Garzon
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Thromboembolic Disease ◽  
Hispanic Woman ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
The World

Abstract Background The new coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has spread throughout most of the world. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Case presentation We report the case of a Hispanic woman with Down syndrome who has coronavirus disease 2019 and presents as a complication extensive cerebral venous thrombosis. Conclusions Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. In the absence of clinical and epidemiological data, it is important to carry out further investigation of the risk factors and pathophysiological causes related to the development of cerebrovascular thrombotic events in patients with Down syndrome with coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

scholarly journals Attitudes about Testicular Self-Examination among Polish Males

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Tomasz Milecki ◽  
Natalia Majchrzak ◽  
Adam Balcerek ◽  
Maciej Rembisz ◽  
Michał Kasperczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Malignant Tumor ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Original Survey ◽  
Self Examination

Introduction: Epidemiological data indicate an increased incidence of testicular cancer (TC), making it the most common malignant tumor in men from aged 15–45. Oncological and urological associations recommend that men with specific TC risk factors should regularly perform a testicular self-exam (TSE). The aim of the study was to discover the attitudes among Polish males regarding TSE and factors (environmental, social, educational) that affect intention to perform TSE. Methods: An original survey containing 21 questions was used to conduct a study among the Polish branch of VW (Volkswagen Poland) employees. Results: A total of 522 fully completed questionnaires were collected. The mean age of the surveyed respondents was 32 years. Information about TC and how to perform TSE was obtained by 34.4% (n = 185) of the men. It was shown that the following factors increase men’s intention to perform TSE: TC in their family member (p < 0.05; HR = 5.9; 95% Cl: 1.5–23.0), GP’s(General Practitioner) recommendations (p < 0.001; HR = 6.8; 95% Cl: 3.2–14.3), concern expressed by their partner (p < 0.001; HR = 3.3; 95% Cl: 2.1–5.3), and social campaigns (p < 0.001; HR = 2.6; 95% Cl: 1.5–4.6). Conclusions: Approximately half of young polish males do not perform TSE. Access to information on TC prevention is limited. Further action is needed to improve men’s awareness of TC and TSE.

The Experiences and Perspectives of African-Australian Community Service Providers Who Work with At-Risk and Justice-Involved Youth

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110226
Author(s):  
Stephane Shepherd ◽  
Aisling Bailey ◽  
Godwin Masuka
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Young People ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Community Service ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Australian Community

African-Australian young people are over-represented in custody in the state of Victoria. It has been recognized in recent government and stakeholder strategic plans that African-Australian community service providers are well placed to help address the increasing complex needs of at-risk African-Australian youth. However little is known about the capacities of such providers to effectively contend with this growing social concern. In response, this study aimed to explore the perspectives and operational (service delivery and governance) experiences of African-Australian community organizations which provide services to at-risk young people in Victoria. Through a series of in-depth interviews with the leadership of eight key African-Australian service providers, we aimed to identify their perceived strengths, obstacles faced and proposed strategies to realize key objectives. Perspectives on key risk factors for young African-Australian justice system contact were also gathered. Several themes were extracted from the interviews, specifically (i) Risk factors for African-Australian youth justice-involvement (school disengagement, peer delinquency, family breakdown, intergenerational discord, perceived social rejection), (ii) The limitations of mainstream institutions to reduce African-Australian youth justice-involvement (too compliance focused, inflexible, business rather than human-centered, disconnected from communities and families), (iii) The advantages of African-Australian community service providers when working with African-Australian youth (community credibility, client trust, flexibility, culturally responsive), (iv) The challenges faced by African-Australian service providers (lack of funding/resources, professional staff shortages, infrastructural/governance limitations), and (v) “What works” in service provision for at-risk African-Australians (client involvement in program design, African staff representation, extensive structured programming matched with client aspirations, prioritizing relationship building, persistent outreach, mental health and legal literacy for clients and families). Implications for service delivery and social policy are discussed within.

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.

scholarly journals EULAR points to consider for conducting clinical trials and observational studies in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis

2021 ◽  
pp. annrheumdis-2021-220884
Author(s):  
Kulveer Mankia ◽  
Heidi J Siddle ◽  
Andreas Kerschbaumer ◽  
Deshire Alpizar Rodriguez ◽  
Anca Irinel Catrina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Subclinical Inflammation ◽  
Consensus Statements ◽  
Clinical Arthritis

BackgroundDespite growing interest, there is no guidance or consensus on how to conduct clinical trials and observational studies in populations at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsAn European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force formulated four research questions to be addressed by systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR results informed consensus statements. One overarching principle, 10 points to consider (PTC) and a research agenda were proposed. Task force members rated their level of agreement (1–10) for each PTC.ResultsEpidemiological and demographic characteristics should be measured in all clinical trials and studies in at-risk individuals. Different at-risk populations, identified according to clinical presentation, were defined: asymptomatic, musculoskeletal symptoms without arthritis and early clinical arthritis. Study end-points should include the development of subclinical inflammation on imaging, clinical arthritis, RA and subsequent achievement of arthritis remission. Risk factors should be assessed at baseline and re-evaluated where appropriate; they include genetic markers and autoantibody profiling and additionally clinical symptoms and subclinical inflammation on imaging in those with symptoms and/or clinical arthritis. Trials should address the effect of the intervention on risk factors, as well as progression to clinical arthritis or RA. In patients with early clinical arthritis, pharmacological intervention has the potential to prevent RA development. Participants’ knowledge of their RA risk may inform their decision to participate; information should be provided using an individually tailored approach.ConclusionThese consensus statements provide data-driven guidance for rheumatologists, health professionals and investigators conducting clinical trials and observational studies in individuals at risk of RA.

scholarly journals What are the risk factors for admission to the pediatric intensive unit among pediatric patients with COVID-19?

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Esposito ◽  
Fabio Caramelli ◽  
Nicola Principi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Ventricular Function ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Children At Risk ◽  
Heart Involvement

Abstract Background Although with exceptions, evidence seems to indicate that children have lower susceptibility than adults to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. When infected, children generally remain asymptomatic or develop mild disease. A small number of pediatric cases required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), respiratory support with a mechanical ventilation and additional life-saving interventions. Even if rarely, death can occur. Aim of this manuscript is to highlight the risk factors associated with severe outcome among pediatric patients with COVID-19. Main findings Early identification of SARS-CoV-2-infected children at risk of developing severe COVID-19 is vital for service planning, as severely affected pediatric patients require high-quality care and should be followed only where an adequately structured PICU is available. However, early identification of children who must be carefully monitored for substantial risk of severe COVID-19 remains difficult. An underlying comorbidity and heart involvement are frequently observed in severe paediatric cases. Reduced left ventricular systolic function with an ejection fraction < 60%; diastolic dysfunction; and arrhythmias, including ST segment changes, QTc prolongation, and premature atrial or ventricular beat, are the earliest manifestations of heart involvement. Inclusion of heart enzyme serum levels and evaluation of ventricular function among predictive markers could lead to a more effective evaluation of children at risk with proper selection of those to admit to the PICU and with more adequate treatment in case of more severe clinical manifestations. Conclusions To appropriately manage severe pediatric COVID-19 cases, greater attention should be paid to risk factors in children and adolescents, especially to cardiovascular alterations (e.g., heart enzyme serum levels and evaluation of ventricular function). Further studies are needed and the development of a validated score based on all the most common presumed markers of disease severity seems essential.

scholarly journals Analysis of Risk Factors for African Swine Fever in Lombardy to Identify Pig Holdings and Areas Most at Risk of Introduction in Order to Plan Preventive Measures

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1077
Author(s):  
Silvia Bellini ◽  
Alessandra Scaburri ◽  
Marco Tironi ◽  
Stefania Calò
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
European Union ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Pork Products ◽  
Pig Farms

In 2019, the area of the European Union (EU) affected by African swine fever (ASF) expanded progressively in a southwestern direction from Baltic and eastern countries. The disease can severely affect and disrupt regional and international trade of pigs and pork products with serious socioeconomic damages to the pig industry. Lombardy is one of the most important European pig producers and the introduction of ASF into the pig population could adversely affect the entire sector. A study was carried out to identify the farms and territories in the region most at risk of ASF introduction to plan preventive measures. The pig holdings were identified through a descriptive analysis of pig movements and Social Network Analysis (SNA), while, for the identification of the most exposed municipalities, an assessment of risk factors was carried out using the ranking of summed scores attributed to the Z-score. From the analysis, it was found that 109 municipalities and 297 pig holdings of the region were potentially more at risk, and these holdings were selected for target surveillance. This information was provided to veterinary authority to target surveillance in pig farms, in order to early detect a possible incursion of ASF and prevent its spread.

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