Estimation of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in sheep in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria

Abstract Sheep are considered as an important reservoir of human Toxoplasma gondii infections, although more recent data on the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in Algeria are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep to obtain a better insight into the importance of sheep as reservoirs of human infection. A commercial ELISA kit, which detects antibodies against T. gondii, was utilized to test 269 sera collected from yearling sheep in the municipal slaughterhouse of Sidi-Bel-Abbes city between October 2020 and February 2021. Simultaneously, we assessed the cut-off as recommended by the manufacturer (S/P>50%) and the bootstrap statistical model to estimate the optimal cut-off value (OD = 0.12). The overall seroprevalence was estimated at 34.2% (92/269) using the ELISA kit cut-off and 50.5% (136/269) using the bootstrapped cut-off, being significantly higher compared to sheep from other regions in Algeria. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep was elevated, constituting, therefore, a major public health concern, as sheep meat could be a significant source of T. gondii infection for human consumers. Further studies are required to estimate the impact of abortion among livestock animals caused by T. gondii infection such as sheep, where it could lead to considerable economic losses.

Download Full-text

Structural and Molecular Characterization of the Hemagglutinin from the Fifth-Epidemic-Wave A(H7N9) Influenza Viruses

Journal of Virology ◽

10.1128/jvi.00375-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 92 (16) ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Hua Yang ◽

Paul J. Carney ◽

Jessie C. Chang ◽

Zhu Guo ◽

James Stevens

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Avian Influenza ◽

Influenza A ◽

Human Infection ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Surface Proteins ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

H7n9 Influenza ◽

Epidemic Wave

ABSTRACTThe avian influenza A(H7N9) virus continues to cause human infections in China and is a major ongoing public health concern. Five epidemic waves of A(H7N9) infection have occurred since 2013, and the recent fifth epidemic wave saw the emergence of two distinct lineages with elevated numbers of human infection cases and broader geographic distribution of viral diseases compared to the first four epidemic waves. Moreover, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H7N9) viruses were also isolated during the fifth epidemic wave. Here, we present a detailed structural and biochemical analysis of the surface hemagglutinin (HA) antigen from viruses isolated during this recent epidemic wave. Results highlight that, compared to the 2013 virus HAs, the fifth-wave virus HAs remained a weak binder to human glycan receptor analogs. We also studied three mutations, V177K-K184T-G219S, that were recently reported to switch a 2013 A(H7N9) HA to human-type receptor specificity. Our results indicate that these mutations could also switch the H7 HA receptor preference to a predominantly human binding specificity for both fifth-wave H7 HAs analyzed in this study.IMPORTANCEThe A(H7N9) viruses circulating in China are of great public health concern. Here, we report a molecular and structural study of the major surface proteins from several recent A(H7N9) influenza viruses. Our results improve the understanding of these evolving viruses and provide important information on their receptor preference that is central to ongoing pandemic risk assessment.

Download Full-text

Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.19240/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Population Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Phenotypic Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depression Prevalence ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Depression is a chronic non communicable disease. It is a growing public health concern with established links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level, establish the depression sub-population phenotypic characteristics while exploring for links between depression and a spectrum of glycemic abnormalities. Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and phenotypic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression. Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01 – 18.36) with a female predominance. Those with known (as opposed to newly diagnosed) diabetes had the highest depression prevalence when compared to other glycemic sub-groups. These also exhibited a significant link with self-reported depression. However, at a population level, depression was mostly prevalent within the normoglycaemic sub-population. Conclusions The study confirms the strong link between diabetes and depression, especially, in a high risk dysglycaemic population. Of public health concern is the high depression occurrence within the normoglycaemic sub-population, which attributed for the majority of the Maltese population. In order to reduce the impact of mental health on the population, physicians may consider implementing depression screening clinical tools as part of their routine health check-ups at primary care level, irrespective of the glycaemic status of their patients.

Download Full-text

Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-020-00495-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Population Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Phenotypic Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depression Prevalence ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Depression is a chronic non communicable disease. It is a growing public health concern with established links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level, establish the depression sub-population phenotypic characteristics while exploring for links between depression and a spectrum of glycemic abnormalities. Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and phenotypic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression. Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01–18.36) with a female predominance. Those with known (as opposed to newly diagnosed) diabetes had the highest depression prevalence when compared to other glycemic sub-groups. These also exhibited a significant link with self-reported depression. However, at a population level, depression was mostly prevalent within the normoglycaemic sub-population. Conclusions The study confirms the strong link between diabetes and depression, especially, in a high risk dysglycaemic population. Of public health concern is the high depression occurrence within the normoglycaemic sub-population, which attributed for the majority of the Maltese population. In order to reduce the impact of mental health on the population, physicians may consider implementing depression screening clinical tools as part of their routine health check-ups at primary care level, irrespective of the glycaemic status of their patients.

Download Full-text

Food Adulteration: a serious public health concern in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal ◽

10.3329/bpj.v18i1.23503 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Md Arifur Rahman ◽

Md Zakir Sultan ◽

Mohammad Sharifur Rahman ◽

Mohammad A Rashid

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Human Rights ◽

Human Health ◽

Future Generation ◽

Pharmaceutical Journal ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Food Adulteration ◽

Current Scenario ◽

The Impact

Adulteration of foods has become a national issue. The problem is not only ignoring the human rights for safer food but also endangering public health seriously with numerous acute and chronic diseases. Our future generation will be seriously affected with vulnerable physical and mental growth inflicted by food adulteration. This paper describes the impact of consumption of adulterated foods on human health and the roles of the concerned authorities to eradicate it. The key objective of this paper is not to blame or undermine anyone. We intend to inform the current scenario of food adulteration and wish to bring a positive change through proper measures by the concerned regulatory authorities.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 1-7, 2015

Download Full-text

Detection of anti-Salmonella antibodies in food animals of Nagpur region by In-house ELISA

Indian Journal of Animal Research ◽

10.18805/ijar.b-3388 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

D. G. Kalambhe ◽

N. N. Zade ◽

S. P. Chaudhari ◽

S. V. Shinde ◽

W. A. Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Salmonella Typhimurium ◽

Animal Species ◽

Human Infection ◽

Point Of View ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Whole Cell ◽

Food Animals ◽

Sera Samples

Salmonella is a widespread enteric pathogen of many animal species, including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and humans. It is an opportunistic bacterium, infecting immunosuppressed animal and takes over lead in the absence of other competing gut bacteria. Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, is of particular public health concern. In the present study sero-survey based on in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been attempted to study prevalence of anti-Salmonella antibodies among food animals by employing whole cell (WC) and lipopolysachharide (LPS) antigens. A total of 200 sera samples comprising 50 each from slaughter male cattle, buffaloes, goats and pigs were included in a study. WC-ELISA recorded 24% (cattle), 6% (buffalo), 68% (goat) and 74% (pigs) seropositivity for Salmonella whereas LPS-ELISA estimated seroprevalence of 8%, 0%, 56% and 40% among cattle, buffaloes, goats and pigs respectively. Though the results of ELISAs based on two antigens are not parallel, but the fact of presence of anti-Salmonella antibodies among food animals cannot be denied which is important from public health point of view. More comprehensive studies on livestock salmonellosis are required for further analysis of the bacterial reservoir for human infection. The usefulness of these two antigens as the diagnostic markers for detecting anti-Salmonella antibodies requires more study.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Maternal Cocaine Use on Neonates in Socioeconomic Disadvantaged Population

Journal of Drug Education ◽

10.2190/wmuv-7rmf-gkxt-6d4h ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 389-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wei Yue Sun ◽

William Chen

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Health Concern ◽

Support Programs ◽

Drug Education ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Cocaine Use ◽

Disadvantaged Population ◽

And Control ◽

The Impact

Maternal cocaine use has emerged as a major public health concern because the number of users has markedly increased in 1990s and the impact on neonates is severe. The problem of maternal cocaine use is especially important in socioeconomic disadvantaged population since they are more likely to be victims of this drug use. Social support programs including drug education are utmost important and should be offered to all socioeconomic disadvantage pregnant women to prevent and control maternal cocaine use.

Download Full-text

Labour market trajectories and health in Catalan youth

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Gutiérrez-Zamora Navarro ◽

F X Belvis Costes ◽

M Bolíbar Planas ◽

J Benach de Rovira

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Labour Market ◽

Material Deprivation ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Causal Pathways ◽

The Impact ◽

Qualitative Phase

Abstract Background Difficulties with integration and job insecurity are currently a characteristic of youth labour market trajectories (YLMT), which have been associated with negative health impacts. This study sheds light on the relationship between YLMT and current health outcomes. Methods The study has a mixed methods sequential exploratory design, focusing on young people aged 25-34 in Catalonia, Spain. In the quantitative phase, longitudinal retrospective data from the Survey to the Catalan Youth 2017 SYC-2017 (n = 1247) was used to obtain a typology of YLMT by clustering techniques. Then, the association between such career paths and health outcomes was tested. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to a sample (n = 12) of SCY-2017 participants, structured according to the typology, sex and rural/urban criteria. Transcriptions were analyzed by mixed generation of categories. Results Three types of YLMT were obtained: permanent (PT), temporary (TT) and discontinuous (DT). Compared to PT, TT(p < 0.01) and DT (p < 0.001) were found to be a significant risk factor for self-perceived poor health. Similarly, DT were found to be a risk factor for life dissatisfaction (p < 0.05). Trajectory type is not associated with smoking, however, alcohol (p < 0.05), cannabis(p < 0.05), cocaine (p < 0.05) and overall consumption (p < 0.05) are associated with DT. In the qualitative phase, material deprivation, hazardous working conditions, future unpredictability and the prolonged experience of unemployment, powerlessness and insecurity were identified as key explanatory mechanisms of the YLMT health relation. Conclusions YLMT has an impact on different health outcomes and quality of life through numerous causal paths and mechanisms related to the objective and subjective experience of insecurity. The precarisation of the labour market and the lack of decent employment opportunities for the young should be addressed as a primary public health concern. Key messages This study highlights the impact of labor market precariousness on the mental and physical health of Catalan youth as a public health concern. Three broad causal pathways have been identified: material deprivation, the ability to act as an organization in the construction of horizons and exposure to physical and psychosocial risks at work.

Download Full-text

Performance evaluation of Iodine Deficiency Disorder control Program in Mandya District

Indian Journal of Community Health ◽

10.47203/ijch.2021.v33i02.011 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 288-293

Author(s):

Bekkalale Rudresh Harish ◽

Hugara Siddalingappa ◽

Shambhulinga Kambale ◽

Bhoompuram Nagaraja Goud ◽

Divya Arulprakasam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Iodine Deficiency ◽

Urinary Iodine ◽

Control Program ◽

Iodine Content ◽

Iodine Deficiency Disorder ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Iodine Excretion ◽

The Impact

Background: Considering the burden of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in our country, Government of India has an exclusive national health program to prevent it from becoming a major public health concern. To attain its objectives, National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Program (NIDDCP) undertakes routine evaluation of the Program all over the country. Aim & Objective: To determine the prevalence of Goitre, to estimate Iodine content in salt samples and Iodine excretion in urine samples of schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years in Mandya district. Settings and Design: A cross sectional institutions based survey was conducted among schoolchildren from the villages in selected clusters of Mandya district. Materials and Methods: Probability Proportional to Size sampling method was used to select 30 clusters. 90 children aged between 6 to 12 years from each cluster were screened. Salt Iodine content was ascertained by Iodometric titration method and urinary Iodine excretion was estimated by Sandell-Kolthoff method. Statistical analysis used: Frequency, proportions and mean were calculated and inferential statistics were used. Results: Prevalence of Goitre was 4.4%, with higher prevalence among girls. 49.8% salt specimens lack adequate iodine (<15ppm) at household level. Median UIE was 164 Micrograms /litre. Conclusions: As per the impact indicators, IDD is not a public health concern in Mandya district as of now.

Download Full-text

The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic on World Indices: The Entropy Approach

Mathematical Problems in Engineering ◽

10.1155/2021/6617668 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Ayşe Metin Karakaş ◽

Mine Doğan ◽

Sinan Çalik

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Approximate Entropy ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Health Concern ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Data Set ◽

Important Public Health ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

The Impact ◽

Complications And Mortality

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak started in December 2019 in Wuhan. The virus has spread around the whole world, and it has caused a strong and serious pandemic. Symptoms such as cough, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and fatigue associated with COVID-19 are typical clinical findings. Coronavirus infection has become an important public health concern because of its increasing prevalence, serious complications, and mortality. In light of this information, we examine different entropy methods for world indices (ISE 30, FTSE 100, NIKKEI 225, SP 500, and DAX 30) in the pre-COVID-19 period (02.01.2019–17.11.2019) and the post-COVID-19 period (18.11.2019–23.11.2020) in this article. Besides, we discuss the performances of entropies such as Shannon, Renyi, Tsallis, and approximate entropy (ApEn) in detail and perform the notion of entropy for volatility measure. As a result, we present the numerical results for the data set.

Download Full-text

Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.19240/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Cuschieri ◽

Julian Mamo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Population Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

Phenotypic Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depression Prevalence ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Depression is a chronic non communicable disease and its control constitutes a growing public health concern given its links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level, establish the depression sub-population phenotypic characteristics while exploring for links between depression and a spectrum of glycemic abnormalities. Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and phenotypic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression. Results Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01 – 18.36) with a female predominance. Those with known (as opposed to newly diagnosed) diabetes had the highest depression prevalence when compared to other glycemic sub-groups and exhibited a significant link with self-reported depression. However, at a population level, depression was mostly prevalent within the normoglycaemic sub-population. Conclusions The study confirms the strong link between diabetes and depression, especially, in a high risk dysglycaemic population. Of public health concern is the high depression occurrence within the normoglycaemic sub-population, which constitutes the majority of the total Maltese population. Given the high prevalence of depressive illness in the population and in order to reduce the impact of mental health on the population, physicians may consider implementing depression screening clinical tools as part of their routine health check-ups at primary care level, irrespective of the glycaemic status of their patients.

Download Full-text