Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
Records 1-10 (of 10 Records) |
Query Trace: Keen A [original query] |
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Potential for recurrent mpox outbreaks among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men - United States, 2023
Pollock ED , Clay PA , Keen A , Currie DW , Carter RJ , Quilter LAS , Gundlapalli AV , Mermin J , Spicknall IH . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (21) 568-573 More than 30,000 monkeypox (mpox) cases have been diagnosed in the United States since May 2022, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) (1,2). In recent months, diagnoses have declined to one case per day on average. However, mpox vaccination coverage varies regionally, suggesting variable potential risk for mpox outbreak recurrence (3). CDC simulated dynamic network models representing sexual behavior among MSM to estimate the risk for and potential size of recurrent mpox outbreaks at the jurisdiction level for 2023 and to evaluate the benefits of vaccination for preparedness against mpox reintroduction. The risk for outbreak recurrence after mpox reintroduction is linearly (inversely) related to the proportion of MSM who have some form of protective immunity: the higher the population prevalence of immunity (from vaccination or natural infection), the lower the likelihood of recurrence in that jurisdiction across all immunity levels modeled. In contrast, the size of a potential recurrent outbreak might have thresholds: very small recurrences are predicted for jurisdictions with mpox immunity of 50%-100%; exponentially increasing sizes of recurrences are predicted for jurisdictions with 25%-50% immunity; and linearly increasing sizes of recurrences are predicted for jurisdictions with <25% immunity. Among the 50 jurisdictions examined, 15 are predicted to be at minimal risk for recurrence because of their high levels of population immunity. This analysis underscores the ongoing need for accessible and sustained mpox vaccination to decrease the risk for and potential size of future mpox recurrences. |
Beginnings and Endings: A Retirees Reflections on the CDCs Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program
Schuchat A . Pedagogy Health Promot 2021 7 13S-14S Hindsight may or may not be 2020, but beginnings look different from the end of a public health career. A constellation of public health crises has brought attention to strengthening the nations public health capacity. Building the pipeline for the workforce we need is more critical than ever. | I was keen to contribute to recognizing the first 10 years of the CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars (CUPS) program, even if it meant that the pages of this supplement would runneth over. While other articles on CUPS in this special issue of Pedagogy in Health Promotion will provide descriptive and quantitative assessments of the who, what, where, how, and wherefore, my entry represents the personal reflections of a recent retiree from public health on this gem of a program, and will at least be brief. |
Evaluation of ATSDR's MRL and EPA's RfCs/RfDs: Similarities, Differences, and Rationales
Przybyla J , Buser MC , Abadin HG , Pohl HR . J Toxicol Pharmacol 2020 4 (1) 1-13 OBJECTIVES: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) derive minimal risk levels (MRLs) and reference concentrations and doses (RfCs and RfDs), respectively, for environmental contaminants to help identify potential health risks to exposed populations. MRLs, RfDs, and RfCs involve similar derivation methods, but the values sometimes differ for the same chemical. The objectives of this manuscript are to quantitatively assess similarities and differences between MRLs, RfCs, and RfDs, qualitatively describe how a number of factors can influence the development of the health guidance values (HGVs) and identify ongoing collaborations and opportunities for increased coordination of efforts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected MRLs and RfCs/RfDs, assessment date, and description of the derivation process from ATSDR's toxicological profiles and EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) and Office of Pesticide Program (OPP) and identified reasons for differences between MRLs and RfCs/RfDs. RESULTS: The most frequent types of differences in values that we found in our analysis included use of different methodologies, use of different studies, and/or completion of a more recent chemical evaluation. These can stem from differences in scientific judgement. CONCLUSION: To avoid confusion when disparate HGVs occur between government agencies, a keen understanding of these differences can be helpful for appropriate risk characterization and communication when applying HGVs. |
The association between maternal occupation and Down syndrome: A report from the national Down syndrome project
Keen C , Hunter JE , Allen EG , Rocheleau C , Waters M , Sherman SL . Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019 223 (1) 207-213 BACKGROUND: Among live births, Down syndrome (DS) due to trisomy 21 is the most commonly occurring autosomal trisomy, typically resulting from meiotic nondisjunction. Currently, advanced maternal age and altered recombination patterns are the only well-known risk factors for nondisjunction. Maternal occupation has not been investigated as a risk factor for maternally-derived cases of trisomy 21. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the association between maternal occupation and chromosome 21 nondisjunction, stratified by the stage of maternal error - either Meiosis I (MI) or Meiosis II (MII). Additionally, we investigated specific toxic agents associated with occupation classes. METHODS: Using narrative job descriptions from the National Down Syndrome Project (NDSP), a population-based case-control study, occupation was coded using the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). Odds ratios were calculated for the association between occupation class and having a child with DS, stratified by meiotic stage. An exposure analysis was performed within occupational classes that were statistically significant predictors of having a child with DS. Odds ratios were calculated to analyze associations between individual exposures and having a child with DS. RESULTS: The odds of MII nondisjunction were increased among Production Workers (OR=3.15; 95%CI=1.52,6.55). Women who worked as Life, Physical and Social Scientists or in Food Preparation and Serving-Related Occupations experienced greater likelihood of MI errors (OR=5.72(1.80,18.20), and OR=1.87(1.08,3.24), respectively). Exposure to solvents within the Production Worker group was a significant predictor (p<0.05) for MI nondisjunction. No other environmental agents had a significant association with nondisjunction. DISCUSSION: Specific maternal occupation classes were associated with MI and MII chromosome 21 nondisjunction. These occupation classes were selected for an exposure analysis, which determined solvents as highly predictive of MI nondisjunction among Production Workers. Findings from this analysis will serve to further explore the relationship between maternal occupation and chromosome 21 nondisjunction. |
Assessing health systems in Guinea for prevention and control of priority zoonotic diseases: A One Health approach
Standley CJ , Carlin EP , Sorrell EM , Barry AM , Bile E , Diakite AS , Keita MS , Koivogui L , Mane S , Martel LD , Katz R . One Health 2019 7 100093 To guide One Health capacity building efforts in the Republic of Guinea in the wake of the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, we sought to identify and assess the existing systems and structures for zoonotic disease detection and control. We partnered with the government ministries responsible for human, animal, and environmental health to identify a list of zoonotic diseases - rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, viral hemorrhagic fevers, trypanosomiasis and highly pathogenic avian influenza - as the country's top priorities. We used each priority disease as a case study to identify existing processes for prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, laboratory confirmation, reporting and response across the three ministries. Results were used to produce disease-specific systems "maps" emphasizing linkages across the systems, as well as opportunities for improvement. We identified brucellosis as a particularly neglected condition. Past efforts to build avian influenza capabilities, which had degraded substantially in less than a decade, highlighted the challenge of sustainability. We observed a keen interest across sectors to reinvigorate national rabies control, and given the regional and global support for One Health approaches to rabies elimination, rabies could serve as an ideal disease to test incipient One Health coordination mechanisms and procedures. Overall, we identified five major categories of gaps and challenges: (1) Coordination; (2) Training; (3) Infrastructure; (4) Public Awareness; and (5) Research. We developed and prioritized recommendations to address the gaps, estimated the level of resource investment needed, and estimated a timeline for implementation. These prioritized recommendations can be used by the Government of Guinea to plan strategically for future One Health efforts, ideally under the auspices of the national One Health Platform. This work demonstrates an effective methodology for mapping systems and structures for zoonotic diseases, and the benefit of conducting a baseline review of systemic capabilities prior to embarking on capacity building efforts. |
'We do not know': a qualitative study exploring boys perceptions of menstruation in India
Mason L , Sivakami M , Thakur H , Kakade N , Beauman A , Alexander KT , van Eijke AM , Laserson KF , Thakkar MB , Phillips-Howard PA . Reprod Health 2017 14 (1) 174 BACKGROUND: In low-middle income countries and other areas of poverty, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) can be problematic for women and girls. Issues include lack of knowledge about menstruation and MHM, and stigma around menstruation, also access to affordable and absorbent materials; privacy to change; adequate washing, cleaning and drying facilities; as well as appropriate and accessible disposal facilities. In order to effect change and tackle these issues, particularly in patriarchal societies, males may need to become advocates for MHM alongside women. However, little is known about their knowledge and attitudes towards menstruation, which may need addressing before they can assist in acting as advocates for change. The present study was undertaken to explore knowledge and attitudes about menstruation among adolescent boys across India, in order to gauge their potential to support their 'sisters'. METHODS: The study was undertaken across three states in India, chosen a priori to represent the cultural and socio-economic diversity. Qualitative data using focus group discussions with 85 boys aged 13-17 years, from 8 schools, was gathered. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results were organised into three main themes, reflecting the key research questions: boys' knowledge of menstruation, source of knowledge, and attitudes towards menstruation and menstruating girls. Knowledge comprised three aspects; biological function which were generally poorly understood; cultural rites which were recognized by all; and girls' behaviour and demeanour, which were noted to be withdrawn. Some boys learnt about puberty and menstruation as part of the curriculum but had concerns this was not in-depth, or was missed out altogether. Most gathered knowledge from informal sources, from overhearing conversations or observing cultural rituals. Few boys openly displayed a negative attitude, although a minority voiced the idea that menstruation is a 'disease'. Boys were mostly sympathetic to their menstruating sisters and wanted to support them. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide some optimism that males can become advocates in moving forward the MHM agenda. The reasons for this are twofold: boys were keen for knowledge about menstruation, searching information out despite societal norms being for them to remain ignorant, they were also largely sympathetic to their menstruating sisters and fellow classmates and understanding of the issues surrounding the need for good MHM. |
10th International Conference on Methods and Applications of Radioanalytical Chemistry (MARC X) Introduction
LaMont SP , Glover SE . J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016 307 (3) 1567-1568 The Tenth International Conference on Methods and Applications of Radioanalytical Chemistry (MARC X) was held April 12–17, 2015 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States. Having grown significantly since the first MARC conference in 1987, MARC X was attended by over 300 professionals and 80 students from the nuclear sciences and engineering. Attendees came from over 30 countries and two multinational organizations, demonstrating MARC continues to be an important international forum for reporting advances in radioanalytical chemistry. Overall, the quality of presentations was outstanding, and when combined with the relaxed environment of the conference, led to productive discussions and opportunities for scientific exchange. The keen foresight of the MARC founding organizers to create a topical meeting dedicated to all aspects of radioanalytical chemistry was highlighted in MARC X with sessions covering a broad range of both long-standing and emerging technical areas. These outstanding sessions were made possible by the hard work and dedication of the many session organizers who stimulated contributions from academia, government, and industry. | | A wide variety of topics were covered in the scientific program of MARC X including environmental radioactivity measurements, activation analysis, biology and medical applications, actinide analytical chemistry, radiation detectors and instrumentation, nonproliferation and safeguards, treaty monitoring, nuclear forensics, and radionuclide measurements using mass spectrometry. |
Non-human primate models of hormonal contraception and HIV
McNicholl JM , Henning TC , Vishwanathan SA , Kersh EN . Am J Reprod Immunol 2014 71 (6) 513-22 PROBLEM: Recent concerns that hormonal contraception (HC) may increase risk of HIV acquisition has led to keen interest in using non-human primates (NHP) to understand the underlying mechanism and the magnitude of the risk. This is, in part, because some experiments which would be difficult or logistically impossible in women are more easily conducted in NHP. METHOD OF STUDY: NHP models of HIV can inform HIV acquisition and pathogenesis research and identify and evaluate biomedical preventions and treatments for HIV/AIDS. Widely used species include rhesus, pigtail, and cynomolgous macaques. RESULTS: This paper reviews past, current and proposed NHP research around the intersection of HIV and HC. CONCLUSION: NHP research may lead to the identification of hormonally regulated biomarkers that correlate with HIV-acquisition risk, to a ranking of existing or next-generation HC along an HIV-acquisition risk profile, and inform research around new biomedical preventions for HIV. |
Phylogeny of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 isolated from cattle and clinically ill humans
Bono JL , Smith TP , Keen JE , Harhay GP , McDaneld TG , Mandrell RE , Jung WK , Besser TE , Gerner-Smidt P , Bielaszewska M , Karch H , Clawson ML . Mol Biol Evol 2012 29 (8) 2047-62 Cattle are a major reservoir for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) and harbor multiple genetic subtypes that do not all associate with human disease. STEC O157 evolved from an E. coli O55:H7 progenitor; however, a lack of genome sequence has hindered investigations on the divergence of human- and/or cattle-associated subtypes. Our goals were to 1) identify nucleotide polymorphisms for STEC O157 genetic subtype detection, 2) determine the phylogeny of STEC O157 genetic subtypes using polymorphism-derived genotypes and a phage insertion typing system, and 3) compare polymorphism-derived genotypes identified in this study with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), the current gold standard for evaluating STEC O157 diversity. Using 762 nucleotide polymorphisms that were originally identified through whole-genome sequencing of 189 STEC O157 human- and cattle-isolated strains, we genotyped a collection of 426 STEC O157 strains. Concatenated polymorphism alleles defined 175 genotypes that were tagged by a minimal set of 138 polymorphisms. Eight major lineages of STEC O157 were identified, of which cattle are a reservoir for seven. Two lineages regularly harbored by cattle accounted for the majority of human disease in this study, whereas another was rarely represented in humans and may have evolved toward reduced human virulence. Notably, cattle are not a known reservoir for E. coli O55:H7 or STEC O157:H(-) (the first lineage to diverge within the STEC O157 serogroup), which both cause human disease. This result calls into question how cattle may have originally acquired STEC O157. The polymorphism-derived genotypes identified in this study did not surpass PFGE diversity assessed by BlnI and XbaI digestions in a subset of 93 strains. However, our results show that they are highly effective in assessing the evolutionary relatedness of epidemiologically unrelated STEC O157 genetic subtypes, including those associated with the cattle reservoir and human disease. |
Fifth Pivotal Research in Cardiology in the Elderly (PRICE-V) symposium: preventive cardiology in the elderly--executive summary. Part II: afternoon session
Rich MW , Mensah GA . Prev Cardiol 2010 13 (1) 42-7 Closing Plenary Lecture: Aging and Preventive Cardiology in the United States: A Framework for Action | The aging process, an unavoidable phenomenon that begins at birth and accelerates with advancing age, is a powerful independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Scientific evidence presented at this symposium suggests that although the process is unavoidable, its pathophysiologic derangements are accelerated in the setting of adverse psychosocial, environmental, behavioral, and biological risk factors. Most prominent among these are physical inactivity, poor nutrition, obesity, tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Not surprisingly, the aging of the US population coupled with the high prevalence of obesity and other risk factors has led to an increasing burden of cardiovascular morbidity, disability, and frailty, especially in the elderly. | The good news is that effective strategies exist for the prevention and control of these risk factors and for effective promotion of high-quality cardiovascular health, overall well-being, and prevention of premature frailty. The 6 plenary sessions in this conference addressed many of these strategies. The central challenge for preventive cardiology is how best to translate these scientific advances into practice. What is an ideal framework for translating the basic, clinical, and population science research findings to the desired outcomes of reducing mortality, increasing quality of life, eliminating disparities, and preventing frailty in the elderly? | The American College of Cardiology, in its 33rd Bethesda conference (Preventive Cardiology: How Can We Do Better?),1 tackled this issue. Similarly, the American Heart Association, the World Heart Federation, and the World Health Organization have produced documents and scientific statements that provide guidance on promoting “active aging” or “healthy aging.” In the United States, several federal agencies, including the National Institute of Aging at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have emphasized the importance of translating science into practice and have supported continued research in this arena. The multiple lessons learned from these endeavors have provided the basis for the conceptual framework for action addressed in the closing plenary lecture. | Key elements of the framework include: (1) major inputs, (2) strategic actions, (3) short- and intermediate-term outcomes, and (4) long-term outcomes. The projected manpower need for the preventive cardiology health care work force is a crucial input, especially as the first wave of baby boomers turns 65 in 2011. An effective network of federal, state, and local health departments as well as cardiology practices, health care centers, and community resources constitute additional inputs. Strategic actions include awareness and education campaigns, core essential preventive services, direct patient care, collaborative self-management support, and supportive health care policy and legislation. Well-defined short- and intermediate-term indicators measurable at the individual, health system, and societal levels are essential. Examples of such indicators include blood pressure and lipid control rates, the proportion of individuals who smoke, and the proportion who engage in regular physical activity. Improvements in quality of life and reductions in preventable mortality, frailty, and health disparities are appropriate long-term outcome measures. | It must be emphasized that this framework is only the initial phase of a model designed to help move science into clinical and public health practice for effective preventive cardiology. Active participation of governmental and nongovernmental partners from across multiple sectors and the keen commitment of policymakers, planners, practitioners, patients, and the public are essential to make the endeavor successful. Most importantly, continued surveillance and evaluation are necessary to ensure that intermediate- and long-term outcome objectives are being met and that broad support for the model inputs and strategic actions exist at the national, state, and local levels. |
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