Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Hilton D[original query] |
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Reduction of malaria case incidence following the introduction of clothianidin-based indoor residual spraying in previously unsprayed districts: an observational analysis using health facility register data from Côte d'Ivoire, 2018-2022
Hilton ER , Gning-Cisse N , Assi A , Eyakou M , Koffi J , Gnakou B , Kouassi B , Flatley C , Chabi J , Gbalegba C , Alex Aimain S , Yah Kokrasset C , Antoine Tanoh M , N'Gotta S , Yao O , Egou Assi H , Konan P , Davis K , Constant E , Belemvire A , Yepassis-Zembrou P , Zinzindohoue P , Kouadio B , Burnett S . BMJ Glob Health 2024 9 (3) BACKGROUND: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) using neonicotinoid-based insecticides (clothianidin and combined clothianidin with deltamethrin) was deployed in two previously unsprayed districts of Côte d'Ivoire in 2020 and 2021 to complement standard pyrethroid insecticide-treated nets. This retrospective observational study uses health facility register data to assess the impact of IRS on clinically reported malaria case incidence. METHODS: Health facility data were abstracted from consultation registers for the period September 2018 to April 2022 in two IRS districts and two control districts that did not receive IRS. Malaria cases reported by community health workers (CHWs) were obtained from district reports and District Health Information Systems 2. Facilities missing complete data were excluded. Controlled interrupted time series models were used to estimate the effect of IRS on monthly all-ages population-adjusted confirmed malaria cases and cases averted by IRS. Models controlled for transmission season, precipitation, vegetation, temperature, proportion of cases reported by CHWs, proportion of tested out of suspected cases and non-malaria outpatient visits. RESULTS: An estimated 10 988 (95% CI 5694 to 18 188) malaria cases were averted in IRS districts the year following the 2020 IRS campaign, representing a 15.9% reduction compared with if IRS had not been deployed. Case incidence in IRS districts dropped by 27.7% (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.723, 95% CI 0.592 to 0.885) the month after the campaign. In the 8 months after the 2021 campaign, 14 170 (95% CI 13 133 to 15 025) estimated cases were averted, a 24.7% reduction, and incidence in IRS districts dropped by 37.9% (IRR 0.621, 95% CI 0.462 to 0.835) immediately after IRS. Case incidence in control districts did not change following IRS either year (p>0.05) and the difference in incidence level change between IRS and control districts was significant both years (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Deployment of clothianidin-based IRS was associated with a reduction in malaria case rates in two districts of Côte d'Ivoire following IRS deployment in 2020 and 2021. |
Who gets sick from COVID-19 Sociodemographic correlates of severe adult health outcomes during Alpha- and Delta-variant predominant periods, 9/2020-11/2021
Wei SC , Freeman D , Himschoot A , Clarke KEN , Van Dyke ME , Adjemian J , Ahmad FB , Benoit TJ , Berney K , Gundlapalli AV , Hall AJ , Havers F , Henley SJ , Hilton C , Johns D , Opsomer JD , Pham HT , Stuckey MJ , Taylor CA , Jones JM . J Infect Dis 2023 BACKGROUND: Because COVID-19 case data do not capture most SARS-CoV-2 infections, the actual risk of severe disease and death per infection is unknown. Integrating sociodemographic data into analysis can show consequential health disparities. METHODS: Data from September 2020--November 2021 from six national surveillance systems in matched geographical areas were merged and analyzed to estimate numbers of COVID-19-associated cases, emergency department visits, and deaths per 100,000 infections. Relative risks of outcomes per infection were compared by sociodemographic factors in a dataset including 1,490 counties from 50 states and the District of Columbia, covering 71% of the US population. RESULTS: Per infection with SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality were higher among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native persons, non-Hispanic Black persons, and Hispanic or Latino persons compared with non-Hispanic White persons, males compared with females, older persons compared with younger, persons in more socially vulnerable counties compared with less, persons in large central metro areas compared with rural areas, and persons in the South compared with the Northeast. DISCUSSION: Meaningful disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality per infection were associated with sociodemography and geography. Addressing these disparities could have helped prevent the loss of tens of thousands of lives. |
Using routine health data to evaluate the impact of indoor residual spraying on malaria transmission in Madagascar
Hilton ER , Rabeherisoa S , Ramandimbiarijaona H , Rajaratnam J , Belemvire A , Kapesa L , Zohdy S , Dentinger C , Gandaho T , Jacob D , Burnett S , Razafinjato C . BMJ Glob Health 2023 8 (7) INTRODUCTION: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) are cornerstone malaria prevention methods in Madagascar. This retrospective observational study uses routine data to evaluate the impacts of IRS overall, sustained IRS exposure over multiple years and level of spray coverage (structures sprayed/found) in nine districts where non-pyrethroid IRS was deployed to complement standard pyrethroid ITNs from 2017 to 2020. METHODS: Multilevel negative-binomial generalised linear models were fit to estimate the effects of IRS exposure overall, consecutive years of IRS exposure and spray coverage level on monthly all-ages population-adjusted malaria cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic test at the health facility level. The study period extended from July 2016 to June 2021. Facilities with missing data and non-geolocated communes were excluded. Facilities in IRS districts were matched with control facilities by propensity score analysis. Models were controlled for ITN survivorship, mass drug administration coverage, precipitation, enhanced vegetation index, seasonal effects and district. Predicted cases under a counterfactual no IRS scenario and number of cases averted by IRS were estimated using the fitted models. RESULTS: Exposure to IRS overall reduced case incidence by an estimated 30.3% from 165.8 cases per 1000 population (95% CI=139.7 to 196.7) under a counterfactual no IRS scenario, to 114.3 (95% CI=96.5 to 135.3) over 12 months post-IRS campaign in nine districts. A third year of IRS reduced malaria cases 30.9% more than a first year (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.578, 95% CI=0.578 to 0.825, p<0.001) and 26.7% more than a second year (IRR=0.733, 95% CI=0.611 to 0.878, p=0.001). There was no significant difference between the first and second year (p>0.05). Coverage of 86%-90% was associated with a 19.7% reduction in incidence (IRR=0.803, 95% CI=0.690 to 0.934, p=0.005) compared with coverage ≤85%, although these results were not robust to sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that non-pyrethroid IRS appears to substantially reduce malaria incidence in Madagascar and that sustained implementation of IRS over three years confers additional benefits. |
Evaluating the impact of indoor residual spraying on malaria transmission in Madagascar using routine health data (preprint)
Hilton ER , Rabeherisoa S , Ramandimbiarijaona H , Rajaratnam J , Belemvire A , Kapesa L , Zohdy S , Dentinger C , Gandaho T , Jacob D , Burnett S , Razafinjato C . medRxiv 2023 17 Introduction Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated bed-nets (ITNs) are cornerstone malaria prevention methods in Madagascar. This retrospective observational study uses routine data to evaluate the impacts of IRS overall, sustained IRS exposure over multiple years, and level of spray coverage (structures sprayed/found) in nine districts where non-pyrethroid IRS was deployed to complement standard pyrethroid ITNs from 2017 to 2020. Methods Multilevel negative-binomial generalized linear models were fit to estimate the effects of IRS exposure overall; consecutive years of IRS exposure; and spray coverage level on monthly all-ages population-adjusted malaria cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic test at the health facility level. The study period extended from July 2016 to June 2017. Facilities missing data and non-geolocated communes were excluded. Facilities in IRS districts were matched with control facilities by propensity score analysis. Models controlled for ITN survivorship, mass drug administration coverage, precipitation, enhanced vegetation index, seasonal effects, and district. Predicted cases under a counterfactual no IRS scenario and number of cases averted by IRS were estimated using the fitted models. Results Exposure to IRS overall reduced case incidence by an estimated 30.3% from 165.8 cases per 1,000 population (95%CI=139.7-196.7) under a counterfactual no IRS scenario, to 114.3 (95%CI=96.5-135.3), over 12 months post-IRS campaign in 9 districts. A third year of IRS reduced malaria cases 30.9% more than a first year (IRR=0.578, 95%CI=0.578-0.825, P<0.001) and 26.7% more than a second year (IRR=0.733, 95%CI=0.611-0.878, P=0.001). There was no significant difference between a first and second year (P>0.05). Coverage of 86%-90% was associated with a 19.7% reduction in incidence (IRR= 0.803, 95%CI=0.690-0.934, P=0.005) compared to coverage <=85%, although these results were not robust to sensitivity analysis. Conclusion This study demonstrates that non-pyrethroid IRS appears to substantially reduce malaria incidence in Madagascar and that sustained implementation of IRS over 3 years confers additional benefits. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 International license. |
Estimated cases averted by COVID-19 digital exposure notification, Pennsylvania, USA, November 8, 2020-January 2, 2021
Jeon S , Rainisch G , Harris AM , Shinabery J , Iqbal M , Pallavaram A , Hilton S , Karki S , Moonan PK , Oeltmann JE , Meltzer MI . Emerg Infect Dis 2023 29 (2) 426-430 We combined field-based data with mathematical modeling to estimate the effectiveness of smartphone-enabled COVID-19 exposure notification in Pennsylvania, USA. We estimated that digital notifications potentially averted 7-69 cases/1,000 notifications during November 8, 2020-January 2, 2021. Greater use and increased compliance could increase the effectiveness of digital notifications. |
Association of Trends in SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and State-Issued Nonpharmaceutical Interventions- United States, August 1, 2020 - March 30, 2021.
Miller MJ , Himschoot A , Fitch N , Jawalkar S , Freeman D , Hilton C , Berney K , Guy GP , Benoit TJ , Clarke KEN , Busch MP , Opsomer JD , Stramer SL , Hall AJ , Gundlapalli AV , MacNeil A , McCord R , Sunshine G , Howard-Williams M , Dunphy C , Jones JM . Clin Infect Dis 2022 75 S264-S270 OBJECTIVES: To assess if state-issued nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are associated with reduced rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection as measured through anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) seroprevalence, a proxy for cumulative prior infection that distinguishes seropositivity from vaccination). METHODS: Monthly anti-N seroprevalence during August 1, 2020 - March 30, 2021 was estimated using a nationwide blood donor serosurvey. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we measured the association of seropositivity and state-issued, county-specific NPIs for mask mandates, gathering bans, and bar closures. RESULTS: Compared with individuals living in a county with all three NPIs in place, the odds of having anti-N antibodies were 2.2 (95% CI: 2.0-2.3) times higher for people living in a county that did not have any of the three NPIs, 1.6 (95% CI: 1.5-1.7) times higher for people living in a county that only had a mask mandate and gathering ban policy, and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3-1.5) times higher for people living in a county that had only a mask mandate. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with studies assessing NPIs relative to COVID-19 incidence and mortality, the presence of NPIs were associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence indicating lower rates of cumulative infections. Multiple NPIs are likely more effective than single NPIs. |
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater at Residential College, Maine, USA, August-November 2020.
Brooks YM , Gryskwicz B , Sheehan S , Piers S , Mahale P , McNeil S , Chase J , Webber D , Borys D , Hilton M , Robinson D , Sears S , Smith E , Lesher EK , Wilson R , Goodwin M , Pardales M . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (12) 3111-3114 We used wastewater surveillance to identify 2 coronavirus disease outbreaks at a college in Maine, USA. Cumulative increases of >1 log(10) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA in consecutive 24-hour composite samples preceded the outbreaks. For 76% of cases, RNA was identified in grab samples from residence halls <7 days before case discovery. |
Using Event-Based Web-Scraping Methods and Bidirectional Transformers to Characterize COVID-19 Outbreaks in Food Production and Retail Settings
Miano J , Hilton C , Gangrade V , Pomeroy M , Siven J , Flynn M , Tilashalski F . International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine 2021 187-198 Current surveillance methods may not capture the full extent of COVID-19 spread in high-risk settings like food establishments. Thus, we propose a new method for surveillance that identifies COVID-19 cases among food establishment workers from news reports via web-scraping and natural language processing (NLP). First, we used web-scraping to identify a broader set of articles (n = 67,078) related to COVID-19 based on keyword mentions. In this dataset, we used an open-source NLP platform (ClarityNLP) to extract location, industry, case, and death counts automatically. These articles were vetted and validated by CDC subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify those containing COVID-19 outbreaks in food establishments. CDC and Georgia Tech Research Institute SMEs provided a human-labeled test dataset containing 388 articles to validate our algorithms. Then, to improve quality, we fine-tuned a pretrained RoBERTa instance, a bidirectional transformer language model, to classify articles containing ≥ 1 positive COVID-19 cases in food establishments. The application of RoBERTa decreased the number of articles from 67,078 to 1,112 and classified (≥ 1 positive COVID-19 cases in food establishments) articles with 88% accuracy in the human-labeled test dataset. Therefore, by automating the pipeline of web-scraping and COVID-19 case prediction using RoBERTa, we enable an efficient human in-the-loop process by which COVID-19 data could be manually collected from articles flagged by our model, thus reducing the human labor requirements. Furthermore, our approach could be used to predict and monitor locations of COVID-19 development by geography and could also be extended to other industries and news article datasets of interest. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG. |
Safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) for increasingly bariatric patient populations: Factors related to caregivers' self-reported pain and injury
Galinsky T , Deter L , Krieg E , Feng HA , Battaglia C , Bell R , Haddock KS , Hilton T , Lynch C , Matz M , Moscatel S , Riley FD , Sampsel D , Shaw S . Appl Ergon 2020 91 103300 This study was conducted at 5 Veterans Administration Medical Centers (VAMCs). A cross sectional survey was administered to 134 workers who routinely lift and mobilize patients within their workplaces' safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) programs, which are mandated in all VAMCs. The survey was used to examine a comprehensive list of SPHM and non-SPHM variables, and their associations with self-reported musculoskeletal injury and pain. Previously unstudied variables distinguished between "bariatric" (≥300 lb or 136 kg) and "non-bariatric" (<300 lb or 136 kg) patient handling. Significant findings from stepwise and logistic regression provide targets for workplace improvements, predicting: lower injury odds with more frequently having sufficient time to use equipment, higher back pain odds with more frequent bariatric handling, lower back pain odds with greater ease in following SPHM policies, and lower odds of upper extremity pain with more bariatric equipment, and with higher safety climate ratings. |
Timing of State and Territorial COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders and Changes in Population Movement - United States, March 1-May 31, 2020.
Moreland A , Herlihy C , Tynan MA , Sunshine G , McCord RF , Hilton C , Poovey J , Werner AK , Jones CD , Fulmer EB , Gundlapalli AV , Strosnider H , Potvien A , García MC , Honeycutt S , Baldwin G . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (35) 1198-1203 SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is thought to spread from person to person primarily by the respiratory route and mainly through close contact (1). Community mitigation strategies can lower the risk for disease transmission by limiting or preventing person-to-person interactions (2). U.S. states and territories began implementing various community mitigation policies in March 2020. One widely implemented strategy was the issuance of orders requiring persons to stay home, resulting in decreased population movement in some jurisdictions (3). Each state or territory has authority to enact its own laws and policies to protect the public's health, and jurisdictions varied widely in the type and timing of orders issued related to stay-at-home requirements. To identify the broader impact of these stay-at-home orders, using publicly accessible, anonymized location data from mobile devices, CDC and the Georgia Tech Research Institute analyzed changes in population movement relative to stay-at-home orders issued during March 1-May 31, 2020, by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.* During this period, 42 states and territories issued mandatory stay-at-home orders. When counties subject to mandatory state- and territory-issued stay-at-home orders were stratified along rural-urban categories, movement decreased significantly relative to the preorder baseline in all strata. Mandatory stay-at-home orders can help reduce activities associated with the spread of COVID-19, including population movement and close person-to-person contact outside the household. |
Anti-PfGARP activates programmed cell death of parasites and reduces severe malaria.
Raj DK , Das Mohapatra A , Jnawali A , Zuromski J , Jha A , Cham-Kpu G , Sherman B , Rudlaff RM , Nixon CE , Hilton N , Oleinikov AV , Chesnokov O , Merritt J , Pond-Tor S , Burns L , Jolly G , Ben Mamoun C , Kabyemela E , Muehlenbachs A , Lambert L , Orr-Gonzalez S , Gnadig NF , Fidock DA , Park S , Dvorin JD , Pardi N , Weissman D , Mui BL , Tam YK , Friedman JF , Fried M , Duffy PE , Kurtis JD . Nature 2020 582 (7810) 104-108 Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains the leading single-agent cause of mortality in children1, yet the promise of an effective vaccine has not been fulfilled. Here, using our previously described differential screening method to analyse the proteome of blood-stage P. falciparum parasites2, we identify P. falciparum glutamic-acid-rich protein (PfGARP) as a parasite antigen that is recognized by antibodies in the plasma of children who are relatively resistant—but not those who are susceptible—to malaria caused by P. falciparum. PfGARP is a parasite antigen of 80 kDa that is expressed on the exofacial surface of erythrocytes infected by early-to-late-trophozoite-stage parasites. We demonstrate that antibodies against PfGARP kill trophozoite-infected erythrocytes in culture by inducing programmed cell death in the parasites, and that vaccinating non-human primates with PfGARP partially protects against a challenge with P. falciparum. Furthermore, our longitudinal cohort studies showed that, compared to individuals who had naturally occurring anti-PfGARP antibodies, Tanzanian children without anti-PfGARP antibodies had a 2.5-fold-higher risk of severe malaria and Kenyan adolescents and adults without these antibodies had a twofold-higher parasite density. By killing trophozoite-infected erythrocytes, PfGARP could synergize with other vaccines that target parasite invasion of hepatocytes or the invasion of and egress from erythrocytes. |
Proficiency testing of viral marker screening in African blood centers - seven African countries, 2017
Drammeh B , Laperche S , Hilton JF , Kaidarova Z , Ozeryansky L , De A , Kalou M , Benech I , Parekh B , Murphy EL . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (42) 947-952 A 2014 report evaluating accuracy of serologic testing for transfusion-transmissible viruses at African blood center laboratories found sensitivities of 92%, 87%, and 90% for detecting infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively (1). Following substantial investments in national blood transfusion service (NBTS) laboratories, in 2017 investigators tested proficiency at 84 blood center laboratories (29 NBTS and 55 non-NBTS) in seven African countries. A blinded panel of 25 plasma samples was shipped to each participating laboratory for testing with their usual protocols based on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) (2) and third and fourth generation enzyme immunoassays (EIA-3 and EIA-4). Sensitivity and specificity were estimated using separate regression models that clustered assays by laboratory and adjusted for assay type and NBTS laboratory status. Mean specificities were >/=95% for all three viruses; however, mean sensitivities were 97% for HIV-positive, 76% for HBV-positive, and 80% for HCV-positive samples. Testing sensitivities for all viruses were high when EIA-3 assays were used (>/=97%). Lower sensitivities for HBV-positive samples and HCV-positive samples were associated with assay types other than EIA-3, used primarily by non-NBTS laboratories. Proficiency for HIV testing has improved following international investments, but proficiency remains suboptimal for HBV and HCV testing. In sub-Saharan African blood centers, the quality of rapid tests used for HBV and HCV screening needs to be improved or their use discouraged in favor of EIA-3 tests. |
Ceragenins are active against drug-resistant Candida auris clinical isolates in planktonic and biofilm forms
Hashemi MM , Rovig J , Holden BS , Taylor MF , Weber S , Wilson J , Hilton B , Zaugg AL , Ellis SW , Yost CD , Finnegan PM , Kistler CK , Berkow EL , Deng S , Lockhart SR , Peterson M , Savage PB . J Antimicrob Chemother 2018 73 (6) 1537-1545 Background: Candida auris has emerged as a serious threat to human health. Of particular concern are the resistance profiles of many clinical isolates, with some being resistant to multiple classes of antifungals. Objectives: Measure susceptibilities of C. auris isolates, in planktonic and biofilm forms, to ceragenins (CSAs). Determine the effectiveness of selected ceragenins in gel and cream formulations in eradicating fungal infections in tissue explants. Materials and methods: A collection of 100 C. auris isolates available at CDC was screened for susceptibility to a lead ceragenin. A smaller collection was used to characterize antifungal activities of other ceragenins against organisms in planktonic and biofilm forms. Effects of ceragenins on fungal cells and biofilms were observed via microscopy. An ex vivo model of mucosal fungal infection was used to evaluate formulated forms of lead ceragenins. Results: Lead ceragenins displayed activities comparable to those of known antifungal agents against C. auris isolates with MICs of 0.5-8 mg/L and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of 2-64 mg/L. No cross-resistance with other antifungals was observed. Fungal cell morphology was altered in response to ceragenin treatment. Ceragenins exhibited activity against sessile organisms in biofilms. Gel and cream formulations including 2% CSA-44 or CSA-131 resulted in reductions of over 4 logs against established fungal infections in ex vivo mucosal tissues. Conclusions: Ceragenins demonstrated activity against C. auris, suggesting that these compounds warrant further study to determine whether they can be used for topical applications to skin and mucosal tissues for treatment of infections with C. auris and other fungi. |
Integrated hepatitis C testing and linkage to care at a local health department STD clinic: Determining essential resources and evaluating outcomes
Rhea S , Sena AC , Hilton A , Hurt CB , Wohl D , Fleischauer A . Sex Transm Dis 2017 45 (4) 229-232 Guidance about integration of comprehensive hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related services in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics is limited. We evaluated a federally-funded HCV testing and linkage-to-care program at an STD clinic in Durham County, North Carolina. During December 10, 2012-March 31, 2015, the program tested 733 patients for HCV who reported >/=1 HCV risk factor; 81 (11%) were HCV-infected (i.e., HCV antibody-positive and HCV ribonucleic acid-positive). Fifty-one infected patients (63%) were linked to care. We concluded that essential program resources include reflex HCV ribonucleic acid testing; a dedicated bridge counselor to provide test results, health education, and linkage-to-care assistance; and referral relationships for local HCV management and treatment. |
Measurement of urinary Benzo[a]pyrene tetrols and their relationship to other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and cotinine in humans
Hilton DC , Trinidad DA , Hubbard K , Li Z , Sjodin A . Chemosphere 2017 189 365-372 Biomonitoring of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) typically uses measurement of metabolites of PAHs with four or less aromatic rings, such as 1-hydroxypyrene, even though interest may be in exposure to larger and carcinogenic PAHs, such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). An improved procedure for measuring two tetrol metabolites of B[a]P has been developed. Using 2 mL urine, the method includes enzymatic deconjugation of the tetrol conjugates, liquid-liquid extraction, activated carbon solid phase extraction (SPE) and Strata-X SPE, and gas chromatography-electron capture negative ionization-tandem mass spectrometric determination. Limits of detection were 0.026 pg/mL (benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol, BPT I-1) and 0.090 pg/mL (benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,c-9,c-10-tetrahydrotetrol, BPT II-1). We quantified BPT I-1 and BPT II-1 in urine from a volunteer who consumed one meal containing high levels of PAHs (barbequed chicken). We also measured urinary concentrations of BPT I-1 and BPT II-1 in smokers and nonsmokers, and compared these concentrations with those of monohydroxy PAHs (OH-PAHs) and cotinine. Urinary elimination of BPT I-1 and BPT II-1 as a function of time after dietary exposure was similar to that observed previously for OH-PAHs. While the median BPT I-1 concentration in smokers' urine (0.069 pg/mL) significantly differs from nonsmokers (0.043 pg/mL), BPT I-1 is only weakly correlated with cotinine. The urinary concentration of BPT I-1 shows a weaker relationship to tobacco smoke than metabolites of smaller PAHs, suggesting that other routes of exposure such as for example dietary routes may be of larger quantitative importance. |
Microbiome sharing between children, livestock and household surfaces in western Kenya.
Mosites E , Sammons M , Otiang E , Eng A , Noecker C , Manor O , Hilton S , Thumbi SM , Onyango C , Garland-Lewis G , Call DR , Njenga MK , Wasserheit JN , Zambriski JA , Walson JL , Palmer GH , Montgomery J , Borenstein E , Omore R , Rabinowitz PM . PLoS One 2017 12 (2) e0171017 The gut microbiome community structure and development are associated with several health outcomes in young children. To determine the household influences of gut microbiome structure, we assessed microbial sharing within households in western Kenya by sequencing 16S rRNA libraries of fecal samples from children and cattle, cloacal swabs from chickens, and swabs of household surfaces. Among the 156 households studied, children within the same household significantly shared their gut microbiome with each other, although we did not find significant sharing of gut microbiome across host species or household surfaces. Higher gut microbiome diversity among children was associated with lower wealth status and involvement in livestock feeding chores. Although more research is necessary to identify further drivers of microbiota development, these results suggest that the household should be considered as a unit. Livestock activities, health and microbiome perturbations among an individual child may have implications for other children in the household. |
Hepatitis C virus testing and linkage to care in North Carolina and South Carolina jails, 2012-2014
Schoenbachler BT , Smith BD , Sena AC , Hilton A , Bachman S , Lunda M , Spaulding AC . Public Health Rep 2016 131 98-104 OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and linkage-to-care post-release program among detainees of small- to medium-sized jails in North Carolina and South Carolina as part of the Hepatitis Testing and Linkage to Care initiative. METHODS: An HCV testing and linkage-to-care program was implemented in selected jails in North Carolina and South Carolina from December 2012 to March 2014. Health-care workers not affiliated with the jails conducted HCV antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) testing and linkage-to-care activities. The North Carolina jail provided universal opt-out testing for HCV; South Carolina jails initially targeted high-risk individuals before expanding to routine testing. RESULTS: Of 669 detainees tested for HCV in North Carolina, 88 (13.2%) tested anti-HCV positive, of whom 81 (92.0%) received an HCV RNA test, 66 (81.5%) of whom tested HCV RNA positive (i.e., currently infected). Of the 66 detainees with current HCV infection, 18 were referred to HCV medical care post-release and 10 attended their first appointment. Of 224 detainees tested for HCV in South Carolina, 18 (8.0%) tested anti-HCV positive, of whom 13 received an HCV RNA test. Nine of 13 detainees tested HCV RNA positive, seven detainees were referred to post-release medical care, and two detainees attended their first appointment. Overall, 106 of 893 (11.9%) detainees were anti-HCV positive. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that HCV testing, identification of infection, and linkage to care are feasible among jail populations. The rate of anti-HCV positivity was lower than that found in national studies of incarcerated populations, suggesting that HCV infection prevalence in jails may vary across U.S. states or regions. |
Quantification of tetrabromo benzoic acid and tetrabromo phthalic acid in rats exposed to the flame retardant Uniplex FPR-45
Silva MJ , Hilton D , Furr J , Gray LE , Preau JL , Calafat AM , Ye X . Arch Toxicol 2015 90 (3) 551-7 The first withdrawal of certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers flame retardants from the US market occurred in 2004. Since then, use of brominated non-PBDE compounds such as bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) and 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) in commercial formulations has increased. Assessing human exposure to these chemicals requires identifying metabolites that can potentially serve as their biomarkers of exposure. We administered by gavage a dose of 500 mg/Kg bw of Uniplex FRP-45 (>95 % BEH-TEBP) to nine adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Using authentic standards and mass spectrometry, we positively identified and quantified 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo benzoic acid (TBBA) and 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo phthalic acid (TBPA) in 24-h urine samples collected 1 day after dosing the rats and in serum at necropsy, 2 days post-exposure. Interestingly, TBBA and TBPA concentrations correlated well (R 2 = 0.92). The levels of TBBA, a known metabolite of EH-TBB, were much higher than the levels of TBPA both in urine and serum. Because Uniplex FRP-45 was technical grade and EH-TBB was present in the formulation, TBBA likely resulted from the metabolism of EH-TBB. Taken together, our data suggest that TBBA and TBPA may serve as biomarkers of exposure to non-PBDE brominated flame retardant mixtures. Additional research can provide useful information to better understand the composition and in vivo toxicokinetics of these commercial mixtures. |
Quantification of 21 metabolites of methylnaphthalenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human urine
Li Z , Romanoff LC , Trinidad DA , Pittman EN , Hilton D , Hubbard K , Carmichael H , Parker J , Calafat AM , Sjodin A . Anal Bioanal Chem 2014 406 (13) 3119-29 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated derivatives, such as methylnaphthalenes (MeNs), are harmful pollutants ubiquitously present in the environment. Exposure to PAHs has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects and outcomes, including cancer. Alkyl PAHs have been proposed as petrogenic source indicators because of their relatively high abundance in unburned petroleum products. We report a method to quantify 11 urinary methylnaphthols (Me-OHNs), metabolites of 1- and 2-methylnaphthalenes, and 10 monohydroxy PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs), using automated liquid-liquid extraction and isotope dilution gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). After spiking urine (1 mL) with 13C-labeled internal standards, the conjugated target analytes were hydrolyzed enzymatically in the presence of ascorbic acid. Then, their free species were preconcentrated into 20 % toluene in pentane, derivatized and quantified by GC-MS/MS. The 11 Me-OHNs eluted as 6 distinct chromatographic peaks, each representing 1 - 3 isomers. Method detection limits were 1.0- 41 pg/mL and the coefficients of variation in quality control materials were 4.7 - 19 %. The method was used to analyze two National Institute of Standards and Technology's Standard Reference Materials(R) and samples from 30 smokers and 30 non-smokers. Geometric mean concentrations were on average 37 (Me-OHNs) and 9.0 (OH-PAHs) fold higher in smokers than in non-smokers. These findings support the usefulness of Me-OHNs as potential biomarkers of non-occupational exposure to MeNs and sources containing MeNs. |
FDA workshop on emerging infectious diseases: evaluating emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) for transfusion safety.
Atreya C , Nakhasi H , Mied P , Epstein J , Hughes J , Gwinn M , Kleinman S , Dodd R , Stramer S , Walderhaug M , Ganz P , Goodrich R , Tibbetts C , Asher D . Transfusion 2011 51 (8) 1855-71 On May 11, 2010, experts in the field of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and other participants from blood centers, academia, government agencies, and the industry gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland, for a 2-day public workshop entitled “FDA Workshop on Emerging Infectious Diseases: Evaluating Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) for Transfusion and Transplantation Safety.” The first day of the workshop focused on transfusion safety was opened with a few welcome remarks from Dr Carolyn Wilson, Associate Director for Research, CBER, FDA, followed by introductory remarks from Dr Jay Epstein, Director, Office of Blood Research and Review, CBER, FDA. Subsequently 10 speakers presented their views on the workshop topic ranging from the lessons learned from our past experiences with infectious agents to the current cutting edge technologies to detect as well as to reduce the infectious agent burden in transfusion settings. | | A brief commentary on each presentation followed by the presentation as submitted by the speakers and a summary of the panel discussion are reported here. |
A method for rapid, non-targeted screening for environmental contaminants in household dust
Hilton DC , Jones RS , Sjodin A . J Chromatogr A 2010 1217 (44) 6851-6 Household dust can be a major source of human exposure to environmental contaminants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, pesticides, and other compounds. This work shows a screening technique that may be used to identify components in an environmental sample as xenobiotics based on mass spectral characteristics of classes of compounds that may be expected to be present in the environment. Household dust (SRM-2585) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was extracted with hexane using accelerated solvent extraction. Large molecules, such as triglycerides and fatty acids were removed with gel permeation chromatography. The extract was then concentrated and analyzed by comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time of flight mass spectrometer. The resulting peak table was automatically filtered to identify compound classes such as phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their heterocyclic analogs, chlorinated compounds, brominated compounds, and nitro compounds. While phthalates can be identified by abundances at specific masses, the identification of the remaining classes is based on the identification of the molecular ion and identification of isotope clusters or other spectral characteristics. The technique detected compounds identified and quantified by NIST as well as compounds not identified by NIST in the sample. By comparison with concentrations determined by NIST for the analytes found, the technique is able to identify analytes in these compound classes at concentrations as low as 10-20ng/g dust. |
Number of named partners and number of partners newly diagnosed with HIV infection identified by persons with acute versus established HIV infection
Moore ZS , McCoy S , Kuruc J , Hilton M , Leone P . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009 52 (4) 509-13 BACKGROUND: Acute infections with HIV account for a disproportionate share of forward transmission in certain populations. We hypothesized that persons with acute HIV infection (AHI) would identify more named partners than those with established HIV infection (EHI). METHODS: We reviewed North Carolina surveillance databases to identify all persons aged > or =18 years in whom HIV was diagnosed during November 1, 2002 to October 31, 2007. We compared the number of named partners identified by persons with AHI versus EHI (based on nucleic acid amplification plus serologic testing) using a multivariable model and also compared information regarding HIV testing among partners identified by these groups. RESULTS: EHI was diagnosed in 9044 persons and AHI in 120 persons during the study period. Persons with AHI named 2.5 times more partners per index patient [95% confidence interval: 2.1 to 3.0] and 1.9 times more partners newly diagnosed with HIV infection per index patient (95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 3.5) as did persons with EHI. DISCUSSION: In North Carolina, persons with AHI identified proportionately more named partners and more partners newly diagnosed with HIV infections than persons with EHI. Improved detection of AHI offers critical opportunities to intervene and potentially reduce transmission of HIV. |
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