scholarly journals The changing epidemiology of diphtheria in the United Kingdom, 2009 to 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte M Gower ◽  
Antonia Scobie ◽  
Norman K Fry ◽  
David J Litt ◽  
J Claire Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Toxin Gene ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Prospective Surveillance ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Toxigenic Strains ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background Diphtheria is a potentially fatal disease caused by toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis. Aim Our objective was to review the epidemiology of diphtheria in the United Kingdom (UK) and the impact of recent changes in public health management and surveillance. Methods Putative human toxigenic diphtheria isolates in the UK are sent for species confirmation and toxigenicity testing to the National Reference Laboratory. Clinical, epidemiological and microbiological information for toxigenic cases between 2009 and 2017 are described in this population-based prospective surveillance study. Results There were 33 toxigenic cases of diphtheria aged 4 to 82 years. Causative species were C. diphtheriae (n = 18) and C. ulcerans (n = 15). Most C. diphtheriae cases were cutaneous (14/18) while more than half of C. ulcerans cases had respiratory presentations (8/15). Two thirds (23/33) of cases were inadequately immunised. Two cases with C. ulcerans infections died, both inadequately immunised. The major risk factor for C. diphtheriae aquisition was travel to an endemic area and for C. ulcerans, contact with a companion animal. Most confirmed C. diphtheriae or C. ulcerans isolates (441/507; 87%) submitted for toxigenicity testing were non-toxigenic, however, toxin positivity rates were higher (15/23) for C. ulcerans than C. diphtheriae (18/469). Ten non-toxigenic toxin gene-bearing (NTTB) C. diphtheriae were also detected. Conclusion Diphtheria is a rare disease in the UK. In the last decade, milder cutaneous C. diphtheriae cases have become more frequent. Incomplete vaccination status was strongly associated with the risk of hospitalisation and death.

scholarly journals Domestic and international mobility trends in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of facebook data

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry E. R. Shepherd ◽  
Florence S. Atherden ◽  
Ho Man Theophilus Chan ◽  
Alexandra Loveridge ◽  
Andrew J. Tatem
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Population Mobility ◽  
International Mobility ◽  
Mobility Patterns ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Since early March 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic across the United Kingdom has led to a range of social distancing policies, which resulted in changes to mobility across different regions. An understanding of how these policies impacted travel patterns over time and at different spatial scales is important for designing effective strategies, future pandemic planning and in providing broader insights on the population geography of the country. Crowd level data on mobile phone usage can be used as a proxy for population mobility patterns and provide a way of quantifying in near-real time the impact of social distancing measures on changes in mobility. Methods Here we explore patterns of change in densities, domestic and international flows and co-location of Facebook users in the UK from March 2020 to March 2021. Results We find substantial heterogeneities across time and region, with large changes observed compared to pre-pademic patterns. The impacts of periods of lockdown on distances travelled and flow volumes are evident, with each showing variations, but some significant reductions in co-location rates. Clear differences in multiple metrics of mobility are seen in central London compared to the rest of the UK, with each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland showing significant deviations from England at times. Moreover, the impacts of rapid changes in rules on international travel to and from the UK are seen in substantial fluctuations in traveller volumes by destination. Conclusions While questions remain about the representativeness of the Facebook data, previous studies have shown strong correspondence with census-based data and alternative mobility measures, suggesting that findings here are valuable for guiding strategies.

Prospects for a close EU-UK trade deal are not good

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Limited Period ◽  
The Eu

Subject UK-EU trade talks. Significance The United Kingdom will leave the EU on January 31, 2020, but will abide by EU rules as part of the transition period, which runs to December 31, 2020. During this limited period of time, London and Brussels will seek to negotiate a permanent trading relationship. While the transition deadline can be extended, the UK government has committed not to seek an extension. Impacts The impact of no trade deal or a 'thin' one may force the UK government to increase taxes in order to meet spending pledges. UK financial services will rely on an equivalence deal with the EU; London hopes to agree this by mid-2020. The EU’s future trade policy will focus on having stronger sanction powers as well as legal ones for those that unfairly undercut EU firms.

An Investigation, by Questionnaire, of Cases of Recalcitrant Vaginal Trichomoniasis Seen in Genitourinary Medicine Clinics in the United Kingdom

1992 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
G R Kinghorn ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
National Reference Laboratory ◽  
National Reference ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Unsuccessful Treatment ◽  
Genitourinary Medicine ◽  
The Uk

A total of 24 cases of recalcitrant trichomoniasis were reported from 18 centres widely scattered throughout the UK. Most cases had received numerous courses of unsuccessful treatment. Nine (75%) of 12 tested isolates had a decreased susceptibility to metronidazole. Local laboratories were often unable to evaluate fully trichomonal isolates and it is recommended that consideration be given to the establishment of a national reference laboratory. Although there were no universal cures, successful alternatives to conventional treatments are detailed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Brexit on the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain of the United Kingdom: Scoping Review Protocol (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison Milne-Ives ◽  
Ching Lam ◽  
Michelle van Velthoven ◽  
Edward Meinert
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The continuing uncertainty around Brexit has caused concern in the pharmaceutical industry and among health care professionals and patients. The exact consequences of Brexit on the pharmaceutical supply chain in the United Kingdom will depend on whether a deal is reached and what it entails, but it is likely to be affected by the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Regulatory issues and delays in supply have the potential to negatively affect the ability of UK residents to receive an adequate and timely supply of necessary medicines. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this protocol is to provide an overview and critical analysis of current perspectives on the effect of Brexit on the UK pharmaceutical supply chain. METHODS The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines will be used to structure this protocol. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Healthcare Management Information Consortium (HMIC), Cochrane, Web of Science, Business Source Complete, EconLit, and Economist Intelligence Unit will be conducted, as well as a Google and Nexis.UK search for grey literature such as reports, opinion pieces, and press releases. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts of identified references and select studies according to the eligibility criteria. Any discrepancies will then be discussed and resolved. One reviewer will extract data from the included studies into a standardized form, which will be validated by a second reviewer. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool for any randomized controlled trials; quality will be assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists; and grey literature will be assessed using the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance (AACODS) checklist. Outcomes include the agreement between sources on the potential, likelihood, and severity of the consequences of Brexit on the UK pharmaceutical supply chain. RESULTS Results will be included in the scoping review, which will be published in 2020. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review will summarize the currently expected consequences of Brexit on the UK pharmaceutical supply chain. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/17684

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 upon the delivery of exercise services within cystic fibrosis clinics in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen W Tomlinson ◽  
Zoe L Saynor ◽  
Daniel Stevens ◽  
Don Urquhart ◽  
Craig A Williams
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Exercise Testing ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Practice

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedent change to clinical practice. As the impact upon delivery of exercise services for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the UK was unknown, this was characterised via a national survey. In total, 31 CF centres participated. Principal findings included a significant reduction in exercise testing, and widespread adaptation to deliver exercise training using telehealth methods. Promisingly, 71% stated that they would continue to use virtual methods of engaging patients in future practice. This does, however, highlight a need to develop sustainable and more standardised telehealth services further to manage patients moving forwards.

scholarly journals The Reception Process in Ireland and the United Kingdom

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Besson
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Legal Order ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

This chapter examines the reception of the ECHR in the UK and Ireland both before and after incorporation. Both countries incorporated the ECHR using roughly the same model. One might have assumed that the mode of incorporation into a dualist legal order would largely determine outcomes. In Ireland and the UK, however, the impact of acts of incorporation was heavily mediated by pre-existing constitutional structure and practice.

Brexit will have mixed impact on the Caribbean

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Regional Economies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decision To Leave ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

Subject The impact of Brexit on the English-speaking Caribbean. Significance The Caribbean is a region with strong links to the United Kingdom that will be affected significantly by the UK voters' decision to leave the EU ('Brexit'). The region includes sovereign and non-sovereign countries and both groups will be affected, albeit in different ways. Impacts Caribbean concerns will not be a priority for either the United Kingdom or the EU. Uncertainty may further undermine already weak regional economies. CARICOM will need a new trade accord with the United Kingdom, its main export market.

The public's opinion regarding the impact of equine passports on the industry

2006 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 255-258
Author(s):  
S. N. Turnbull ◽  
D. M. Abraham
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Disease Rates ◽  
Crucial Information ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

The equine passport legislation is a comparatively new scheme that requires all horses to have a passport by 28th February 2005 (Defra, 2004). The equine passport is thought to have had a major impact on the industry in the United Kingdom, however the extent of this is, as yet, unknown due to the lack of current research. The UK Government hopes that the passport scheme will monitor horses that have been treated with medication and guarantee that they are not slaughtered for human consumption (Frank, 2003, Defra, 2004). Whilst the scheme originated from European food safety legislation (Ellis, 2003), the UK Government believes that there are other benefits attached to the equine passport, such as gaining comprehensive records about the equine population in the UK, which is crucial information required for epidemiological reasons (Mellor et al., 1999). The information will provide a denominator for the assessment of disease rates, and which areas of the country may be under threat.

Social Union

2021 ◽  
pp. 153-169
Author(s):  
Michael Keating
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Population Based ◽  
The Other ◽  
Social Citizenship ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Undeserving Poor

Unionists have defended the United Kingdom as a social or ‘sharing’ union in which resources are distributed according to need. It is true that income support payments and pensions are largely reserved and distributed across the union according to the same criteria. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are net beneficiaries. On the other hand, welfare has been detached from older understandings of social citizenship and ideas of the deserving and undeserving poor (strivers and skivers) have returned. Spending on devolved matters including health, education and social services is not equalized across the union. Instead, the Barnett Formula, based on historic spending levels and population-based adjustments, is used. Contrary to the claims of many unionists, there is no needs assessment underlying it, apart from a safeguard provision for Wales. The claim that the UK is a sharing union thus needs to be qualified.

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