The Impact of Human Genetic Polymorphisms on Rotavirus Susceptibility, Epidemiology, and Vaccine Take

Innate resistance to viral infections can be attributed to mutations in genes involved in the immune response, or to the receptor/ligand. A remarkable example of the latter is the recently described Mendelian trait resistance to clinically important and globally predominating genotypes of rotavirus, the most common agent of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis in children worldwide. This resistance appears to be rotavirus genotype-dependent and is mainly mediated by histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), which function as a receptor or attachment factors on gut epithelial surfaces. HBGA synthesis is mediated by fucosyltransferases and glycosyltransferases under the genetic control of the FUT2 (secretor), FUT3 (Lewis), and ABO (H) genes on chromosome 19. Significant genotypic and phenotypic diversity of HBGA expression exists between different human populations. This genetic diversity has an effect on genotype-specific susceptibility, molecular epidemiology, and vaccine take. Here, we will discuss studies on genetic susceptibility to rotavirus infection and place them in the context of population susceptibility, rotavirus epidemiology, vaccine take, and public health impact.

Download Full-text

Genetic Susceptibility to Human Norovirus Infection: An Update

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v11030226 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 226 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Johan Nordgren ◽

Lennart Svensson

Keyword(s):

Genetic Susceptibility ◽

Blood Group ◽

Phenotypic Diversity ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Human Populations ◽

Blood Group Antigens ◽

Human Norovirus ◽

The Impact ◽

High Infectivity

Noroviruses are the most common etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Despite their high infectivity, a subpopulation of individuals is resistant to infection and disease. This susceptibility is norovirus genotype-dependent and is largely mediated by the presence or absence of human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) on gut epithelial surfaces. The synthesis of these HBGAs is mediated by fucosyl- and glycosyltransferases under the genetic control of the FUT2 (secretor), FUT3 (Lewis) and ABO(H) genes. The so-called non-secretors, having an inactivated FUT2 enzyme, do not express blood group antigens and are resistant to several norovirus genotypes, including the predominant GII.4. Significant genotypic and phenotypic diversity of HBGA expression exists between different human populations. Here, we review previous in vivo studies on genetic susceptibility to norovirus infection. These are discussed in relation to population susceptibility, vaccines, norovirus epidemiology and the impact on public health.

Download Full-text

DAMPAK PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH PADA KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT DI TPA

Wawasan Kesehatan Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Kesehatan ◽

10.33485/jiik-wk.v5i2.138 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Emilda Emilda

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

Waste Management ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Water Storage ◽

Health Impact ◽

Clean Water ◽

The People ◽

Clean Environment ◽

The Impact

The limitations of waste management in the Cipayung Landfill (TPA) causing a buildup of garbage up to more than 30 meters. This condition has a health impact on people in Cipayung Village. This study aims to analyze the impact of waste management at Cipayung Landfill on public health in Cipayung Village, Depok City. The research is descriptive qualitative. Data obtained by purposive sampling. Data was collected by interviews, observation and documentation. Based on interviews with 30 respondents, it was found that the most common diseases were diarrhea, then other types of stomach ailments, subsequent itching on the skin and coughing. This is presumably because the environmental conditions in the form of unhealthy air and water and clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) have not become the habit of the people. The results indicated that there were no respondents who had implemented all of these criteria. In general respondents have implemented 3 criteria, namely maintaining hair hygiene, maintaining skin cleanliness, and maintaining hand hygiene. While maintaining clean water storage is the most often overlooked behavior. To minimize this health impact, improvements in waste management in Cipayung landfill are needed along with continuous socialization and education to develop PHBS habits and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

Download Full-text

Impact of Influenza A Virus Shutoff Proteins on Host Immune Responses

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 629

Author(s):

Megan M. Dunagan ◽

Kala Hardy ◽

Toru Takimoto

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Influenza A Virus ◽

Influenza A ◽

Human Populations ◽

Lymphocyte Migration ◽

Host Immune Responses ◽

Mhc Molecules ◽

The Impact

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a significant human pathogen that causes seasonal epidemics. Although various types of vaccines are available, IAVs still circulate among human populations, possibly due to their ability to circumvent host immune responses. IAV expresses two host shutoff proteins, PA-X and NS1, which antagonize the host innate immune response. By transcriptomic analysis, we previously showed that PA-X is a major contributor for general shutoff, while shutoff active NS1 specifically inhibits the expression of host cytokines, MHC molecules, and genes involved in innate immunity in cultured human cells. So far, the impact of these shutoff proteins in the acquired immune response in vivo has not been determined in detail. In this study, we analyzed the effects of PA-X and NS1 shutoff activities on immune response using recombinant influenza A/California/04/2009 viruses containing mutations affecting the expression of shutoff active PA-X and NS1 in a mouse model. Our data indicate that the virus without shutoff activities induced the strongest T and B cell responses. Both PA-X and NS1 reduced host immune responses, but shutoff active NS1 most effectively suppressed lymphocyte migration to the lungs, antibody production, and the generation of IAV specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. NS1 also prevented the generation of protective immunity against a heterologous virus challenge. These data indicate that shutoff active NS1 plays a major role in suppressing host immune responses against IAV infection.

Download Full-text

Impact of the Affordable Care Act’s Dependent Coverage Expansion on the Health Care and Health Status of Young Adults: What Do We Know So Far?

Medical Care Research and Review ◽

10.1177/1077558716682171 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 75 (2) ◽

pp. 131-152 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Joshua Breslau ◽

Bradley D. Stein ◽

Bing Han ◽

Shoshanna Shelton ◽

Hao Yu

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Insurance Coverage ◽

Health Impact ◽

Care Utilization ◽

The Public ◽

Behavioral Health Treatment ◽

Coverage Expansion ◽

Dependent Coverage ◽

The Impact

The dependent coverage expansion (DCE), a component of the Affordable Care Act, required private health insurance policies that cover dependents to offer coverage for policyholders’ children through age 25. This review summarizes peer-reviewed research on the impact of the DCE on the chain of consequences through which it could affect public health. Specifically, we examine the impact of the DCE on insurance coverage, access to care, utilization of care, and health status. All studies find that the DCE increased insurance coverage, but evidence regarding downstream impacts is inconsistent. There is evidence that the DCE reduced high out-of-pocket expenditures and frequent emergency room visits and increased behavioral health treatment. Evidence regarding the impact of the DCE on health is sparse but suggestive of positive impacts on self-rated health and health behavior. Inferences regarding the public health impact of the DCE await studies with greater methodological diversity and longer follow-up periods.

Download Full-text

The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3198 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Francesco Pecora ◽

Federica Persico ◽

Alberto Argentiero ◽

Cosimo Neglia ◽

Susanna Esposito

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Optimal Function ◽

The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Download Full-text

Using RE-AIM to examine the potential public health impact of an integrated collaborative care intervention for weight and depression management in primary care: Results from the RAINBOW trial

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0248339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0248339

Author(s):

Megan A. Lewis ◽

Laura K. Wagner ◽

Lisa G. Rosas ◽

Nan Lv ◽

Elizabeth M. Venditti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Collaborative Care ◽

Health Impact ◽

Public Health Impact ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Framework Analysis ◽

Care Intervention ◽

The Impact

Background An integrated collaborative care intervention was used to treat primary care patients with comorbid obesity and depression in a randomized clinical trial. To increase wider uptake and dissemination, information is needed on translational potential. Methods The trial collected longitudinal, qualitative data at baseline, 6 months (end of intensive treatment), 12 months (end of maintenance treatment), and 24 months (end of follow-up). Semi-structured interviews (n = 142) were conducted with 54 out of 409 randomly selected trial participants and 37 other stakeholders, such as recruitment staff, intervention staff, and clinicians. Using a Framework Analysis approach, we examined themes across time and stakeholder groups according to the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. Results At baseline, participants and other stakeholders reported being skeptical of the collaborative care approach related to some RE-AIM dimensions. However, over time they indicated greater confidence regarding the potential for future public health impact. They also provided information on barriers and actionable information to enhance program reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Conclusions RE-AIM provided a useful framework for understanding how to increase the impact of a collaborative and integrative approach for treating comorbid obesity and depression. It also demonstrates the utility of using the framework as a planning tool early in the evidence-generation pipeline.

Download Full-text

Human epigenetics prematurely born(e)?

Blinded by Science ◽

10.1332/policypress/9781447322337.003.0008 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

David Wastell ◽

Sue White

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Policy ◽

Natural Disasters ◽

Public Health Policy ◽

Social Deprivation ◽

Early Infancy ◽

Human Populations ◽

Thought Style ◽

A Site ◽

The Impact

This chapterr shifts the focus from animals to humans, and examines the extant literature on the human epigenome. It reviews seminal work on the impact of natural disasters (such as the Dutch Hunger Winter) on the epigenetic profile of those subject to these calamities. It describes how gestation and early infancy are reconfigured as a site of risk. It interrogates the nature of the claims made within the literature and also examines the thought style and presuppositions, particularly in those studies which seek to translate findings from laboratory to the clinic and public health policy. The small size of the effects on human populations is also highlighted, compared to other influences such as social deprivation.

Download Full-text

The Public Health Implications of Brexit: A Health Impact Assessment Approach

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.139 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

L Green

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Impact Assessment ◽

Health Impact Assessment ◽

Health Impact ◽

Complex Nature ◽

The Public ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Impact ◽

The Eu ◽

Public Bodies

Abstract On March 29th 2019, the United Kingdom (UK) was due to exit the EU in a process known informally as ’Brexit’. This exit and entry into a 2-year transition is a period of unprecedented political and social upheaval - with many unknowns and much uncertainty attached to the outcomes and future impact. In preparation for Brexit, Public Health Wales commissioned the Wales HIA Support Unit to carry out a health impact assessment of Brexit in Wales to support and inform its and other public bodies planning and future work. This paper examines the unique HIA carried out between July and December 2018 on the impact of the UK withdrawal from the EU in Wales. It discusses the robust, participatory process undertaken, the stakeholders involved and the benefits reaped from this. It highlights the evidence gathered and analysed including the collection methods, the complex nature of the work and disseminates the main findings from the HIA including the potential determinants of health and population groups identified. Finally, it describes the challenges faced, how these were overcome, and the huge benefits, impact and influence it has had to date across a wide range of UK and Welsh organisations and public bodies. This work demonstrates continued leadership in the field of impact assessment and spearheads the requirement for public bodies to carry out HIAs as part of the forthcoming statutory requirements of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 an can inform practice at a global level. Key messages HIA can inform and influence action in response to important strategic decisions. The Brexit HIA is a unique example which can inform international HIA practice.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Arcobacter in Food Products in the North of Spain

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-13-014 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 76 (8) ◽

pp. 1447-1450 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

BARBARA NIEVA-ECHEVARRIA ◽

IRATI MARTINEZ-MALAXETXEBARRIA ◽

CECILIA GIRBAU ◽

RODRIGO ALONSO ◽

AURORA FERNÁNDEZ-ASTORGA

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Genetic Diversity ◽

Basque Country ◽

Food Products ◽

High Genetic Diversity ◽

The North ◽

Arcobacter Butzleri ◽

North Of Spain ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

The bacterial contamination of food products can cause serious public health problems. Interest in Arcobacter contamination has increased due to the relationship between these bacteria and human enteritis. We studied the prevalence and genetic diversity of Arcobacter species at the retail level in the province of Alava in Basque Country, Spain. The results showed a high genetic diversity and indicated the regular presence of the main Arcobacter spp. associated with human enteric illness in food products. Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, and Arcobacter skirrowii were detected with an overall prevalence close to 40% and were isolated from 15 (42.8%) fresh cow's milk samples, 12 (73.3%) shellfish samples, 11 (55%) chicken samples, 2 (10%) pork samples, and 1 (5%) beef sample. The results indicate the need to investigate the impact of Arcobacter spp. on public health.

Download Full-text

Sampling and analyses of polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo furans (PCDFs) emissions in South Africa: A practitioner’s guide

Clean Air Journal ◽

10.17159/caj/2014/24/2.7063 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 29-32

Author(s):

D.L. Posthumus ◽

G.B. Woollatt

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

South Africa ◽

Environmental Protection ◽

Environmental Protection Agency ◽

Health Impact ◽

The United States ◽

Protection Agency ◽

Draft Report ◽

Limit Values ◽

The Impact

Dioxins and furans are toxic chemicals. A draft report released for public comment in September 1994 by the US Environmental Protection Agency clearly describes dioxin as a serious public health threat. The public health impact of dioxins may rival the impact that dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) had on public health in the 1960’s. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA) report, not only does there appear to be no “safe” level of exposure to dioxin, but levels of dioxin and dioxin-like chemicals have been found in the general US population that are “at or near levels associated with adverse health effects.” With this in mind the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current dioxin and furan emissions from industry in South Africa, in terms of compliance with the relevant emission limit values (ELVs) and the current challenges faced with the monitoring and analysis thereof.

Download Full-text