Last data update: Oct 28, 2024. (Total: 48004 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 35 Records) |
Query Trace: Sheets I[original query] |
---|
Sentinel laboratory compliance with best practices in Burkina Faso's antimicrobial resistance surveillance network
Yenyetou D , Zongo E , Dama E , Muhigwa M , Sanou I , Sawadogo C , Ouangraoua S , Sangare I , Nikiema A , Dahourou AG , Ouedraogo AS . Afr J Lab Med 2024 13 (1) 2259 BACKGROUND: Standardising procedures is the best way to harmonise and strengthen the quality of laboratory-based antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Since 2018, Burkina Faso has developed and disseminated the national manual of procedures for performing antibiotic susceptibility tests in sentinel laboratories within its national antimicrobial resistance surveillance network. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to assess these sentinel laboratories' compliance with good practices for antibiotics susceptibility tests. METHODS: Four teams evaluated the antimicrobial resistance sentinel sites laboratories throughout Burkina Faso from 19 to 28 September 2022. Eighteen out of 19 sentinel laboratories were evaluated. A four-member technical committee designed and validated the evaluation tool composed of three Microsoft Excel sheets. The evaluation emphasised quality controls for culture media, antibiotic discs and compliance with antimicrobial susceptibility testing procedures by the laboratories. Excel software was used for data recording and graphs and table design. The free R software version 4.2.0 was used for descriptive statistics. An overall score below 80% was considered noncompliance. RESULTS: Most (83.33%) of the sentinel laboratories conducted at least one quality control activity for culture media, and 66.67% conducted at least one quality control activity for antibiotic discs. Over three-quarters (76.47%) of the laboratories were more than 80% compliant with the modified Kirby Bauer antimicrobial susceptibility testing method. CONCLUSION: The evaluation revealed the noncompliance of sentinel laboratories with the national procedure manual, particularly in the quality control component. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This study has provided baseline data on the sentinel laboratories' compliance with the national antimicrobial susceptibility testing procedures manual, particularly in areas performing quality control checks or meeting quality indicators for culture media and antibiotic discs. |
An Update on Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units: Activities and impacts, 2015-2019
Woolf AD , Jackson JE , Corcoran P , Fritz MK , Kim SS , Maslak TM , Shah M , Hansen L . Acad Pediatr 2024 INTRODUCTION: Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) address health concerns impacting children and their families related to environmental hazards by providing consultation and education to families, communities, and healthcare professionals. This analysis evaluated productivity of the national PEHSU program. METHODS: PEHSUs reported data on services provided to U.S. communities between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2019. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis are presented. RESULTS: During this period, 6,102 consultations and 4,644 educational outreach activities were recorded. PEHSU faculty and staff published 462 articles, reviews, book chapters, fact sheets, commentaries, short informational pieces, and other materials between 2014-2019. These included 190 articles in scientific peer-reviewed journals and 29 textbook chapters to increase professional capacity in pediatric and reproductive environmental health. Lead, other metals, substances of abuse, pesticides, mold, and air pollution were frequently reported as agents of concern and educational topics. Requests for an overview of pediatric environmental health and outdoor pollutants were other frequently reported topics. DISCUSSION: PEHSUs work to decrease harmful exposures and improve children's health. They serve as expert resources for families, healthcare professionals, and communities on health effects related to environmental exposures. Data show the breadth and depth of concerns addressed and demonstrate the productivity and impact of this national program. WHATS-NEW: In 2015-2019, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) doubled their average annual productivity as measured by numbers of consultations and training activities, compared with the previous ten years. PEHSUs continue to be a critical resource for healthcare professonals and communities. |
Characterizing spatiotemporal variation in transmission heterogeneity during the 2022 mpox outbreak in the USA (preprint)
Love J , LaPrete CR , Sheets TR , Vega Yon GG , Thomas A , Samore MH , Keegan LT , Adler FR , Slayton RB , Spicknall IH , Toth DJA . medRxiv 2023 14 Transmission heterogeneity plays a critical role in the dynamics of an epidemic. During an outbreak of an emerging infectious disease, efforts to characterize transmission heterogeneity are generally limited to quantifications during a small outbreak or a limited number of generations of a larger outbreak. Understanding how transmission heterogeneity itself varies over the course of a large enduring outbreak not only improves understanding of observed disease dynamics but also informs public health strategy and response. In this study, we employ a method, adaptable to other emerging infectious disease outbreaks, to quantify spatiotemporal variation in transmission heterogeneity for the 2022 mpox outbreak in the United States. Based on past research on mpox and following reports of potential superspreading events early in this outbreak, we expected to find high transmission heterogeneity as quantified by the dispersion parameter of the offspring distribution, k. Our methods use maximum likelihood estimation to fit a negative binomial distribution to transmission chain offspring distributions informed by a large mpox contact tracing dataset. We find that, while estimates of transmission heterogeneity varied across the outbreak with spatiotemporal pockets of higher heterogeneity, overall transmission heterogeneity was low. When testing our methods on simulated data from an outbreak with high transmission heterogeneity, k estimate accuracy depended on the contact tracing data completeness. Because the actual contact tracing data had high incompleteness, our values of k estimated from the empirical data may be artificially high. However, it is also possible that our estimates accurately reflect low transmission heterogeneity for the United States mpox outbreak. 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. |
Self-Reported Mask Use among Persons with or without SARS CoV-2 Vaccination -United States, December 2020-August 2021 (preprint)
Calamari LE , Weintraub WS , Santos R , Gibbs M , Bertoni AG , Ward LM , Saydah S , Plumb ID , Runyon MS , Wierzba TF , Sanders JW , Herrington D , Espeland MA , Williamson J , Mongraw-Chaffin M , Bertoni A , Alexander-Miller MA , Castri P , Mathews A , Munawar I , Seals AL , Ostasiewski B , Ballard CAP , Gurcan M , Ivanov A , Zapata GM , Westcott M , Blinson K , Blinson L , Mistysyn M , Davis D , Doomy L , Henderson P , Jessup A , Lane K , Levine B , McCanless J , McDaniel S , Melius K , O'Neill C , Pack A , Rathee R , Rushing S , Sheets J , Soots S , Wall M , Wheeler S , White J , Wilkerson L , Wilson R , Wilson K , Burcombe D , Saylor G , Lunn M , Ordonez K , O'Steen A , Wagner L , McCurdy LH , Gibbs MA , Taylor YJ , Calamari L , Tapp H , Ahmed A , Brennan M , Munn L , Dantuluri KL , Hetherington T , Lu LC , Dunn C , Hogg M , Price A , Leonidas M , Manning M , Rossman W , Gohs FX , Harris A , Priem JS , Tochiki P , Wellinsky N , Silva C , Ludden T , Hernandez J , Spencer K , McAlister L , Weintraub W , Miller K , Washington C , Moses A , Dolman S , Zelaya-Portillo J , Erkus J , Blumenthal J , Romero Barrientos RE , Bennett S , Shah S , Mathur S , Boxley C , Kolm P , Franklin E , Ahmed N , Larsen M , Oberhelman R , Keating J , Kissinger P , Schieffelin J , Yukich J , Beron A , Teigen J , Kotloff K , Chen WH , Friedman-Klabanoff D , Berry AA , Powell H , Roane L , Datar R , Correa A , Navalkele B , Min YI , Castillo A , Ward L , Santos RP , Anugu P , Gao Y , Green J , Sandlin R , Moore D , Drake L , Horton D , Johnson KL , Stover M , Lagarde WH , Daniel L , Maguire PD , Hanlon CL , McFayden L , Rigo I , Hines K , Smith L , Harris M , Lissor B , Cook V , Eversole M , Herrin T , Murphy D , Kinney L , Diehl P , Abromitis N , Pierre TSt , Heckman B , Evans D , March J , Whitlock B , Moore W , Arthur S , Conway J , Gallaher TR , Johanson M , Brown S , Dixon T , Reavis M , Henderson S , Zimmer M , Oliver D , Jackson K , Menon M , Bishop B , Roeth R , King-Thiele R , Hamrick TS , Ihmeidan A , Hinkelman A , Okafor C , Bray Brown RB , Brewster A , Bouyi D , Lamont K , Yoshinaga K , Vinod P , Peela AS , Denbel G , Lo J , Mayet-Khan M , Mittal A , Motwani R , Raafat M , Schultz E , Joseph A , Parkeh A , Patel D , Afridi B , Uschner D , Edelstein SL , Santacatterina M , Strylewicz G , Burke B , Gunaratne M , Turney M , Zhou SQ , Tjaden AH , Fette L , Buahin A , Bott M , Graziani S , Soni A , Mores C , Porzucek A , Laborde R , Acharya P , Guill L , Lamphier D , Schaefer A , Satterwhite WM , McKeague A , Ward J , Naranjo DP , Darko N , Castellon K , Brink R , Shehzad H , Kuprianov D , McGlasson D , Hayes D , Edwards S , Daphnis S , Todd B , Goodwin A , Berkelman R , Hanson K , Zeger S , Hopkins J , Reilly C , Edwards K , Gayle H , Redd S . medRxiv 2022 10 Wearing a facemask can help to decrease the transmission of COVID-19. We investigated self-reported mask use among subjects aged 18 years and older participating in the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership (CRP), a prospective longitudinal COVID-19 surveillance study in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. We included those participants who completed >=5 daily surveys each month from December 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021. Mask use was defined as self-reported use of a face mask or face covering on every interaction with others outside the household within a distance of less than 6 feet. Participants were considered vaccinated if they reported receiving >=1 COVID-19 vaccine dose. Participants (n=17,522) were 91% non-Hispanic White, 68% female, median age 57 years, 26% healthcare workers, with 95% self-reported receiving >=1 COVID-19 vaccine dose through August; mean daily survey response was 85%. Mask use was higher among vaccinated than unvaccinated participants across the study period, regardless of the month of the first dose. Mask use remained relatively stable from December 2020 through April (range 71-80% unvaccinated; 86-93% vaccinated) and declined in both groups beginning in mid-May 2021 to 34% and 42% respectively in June 2021; mask use has increased again since July 2021. Mask use by all was lower during weekends and on Christmas and Easter, regardless of vaccination status. Independent predictors of higher mask use were vaccination, age >=65 years, female sex, racial or ethnic minority group, and healthcare worker occupation, whereas a history of self-reported prior COVID-19 illness was associated with lower use. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. This article is a US Government work. It is not subject to copyright under 17 USC 105 and is also made available for use under a CC0 license. |
The Biosafety Research Road Map: The search for evidence to support practices in human and veterinary laboratories
Blacksell SD , Dhawan S , Kusumoto M , Le KK , Summermatter K , O'Keefe J , Kozlovac J , Almuhairi SS , Sendow I , Scheel CM , Ahumibe A , Masuku ZM , Bennett AM , Kojima K , Harper DR , Hamilton K . Appl Biosaf 2023 28 (2) 64-71 INTRODUCTION: Lack of evidence-based information regarding potential biological risks can result in inappropriate or excessive biosafety and biosecurity risk-reduction strategies. This can cause unnecessary damage and loss to the physical facilities, physical and psychological well-being of laboratory staff, and community trust. A technical working group from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), World Health Organization (WHO), and Chatham House collaborated on the Biosafety Research Roadmap (BRM) project. The goal of the BRM is the sustainable implementation of evidence-based biorisk management of laboratory activities, particularly in low-resource settings, and the identification of gaps in the current biosafety and biosecurity knowledge base. METHODS: A literature search was conducted for the basis of laboratory design and practices for four selected high-priority subgroups of pathogenic agents. Potential gaps in biosafety were focused on five main sections, including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-acquired infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies. Categories representing miscellaneous, respiratory, bioterrorism/zoonotic, and viral hemorrhagic fever pathogens were created within each group were selected for review. RESULTS: Information sheets on the pathogens were developed. Critical gaps in the evidence base for safe sustainable biorisk management were identified. CONCLUSION: The gap analysis identified areas of applied biosafety research required to support the safety, and the sustainability, of global research programs. Improving the data available for biorisk management decisions for research with high-priority pathogens will contribute significantly to the improvement and development of appropriate and necessary biosafety, biocontainment and biosecurity strategies for each agent. |
Characterizing household emergency preparedness levels for natural disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic: United States, 2020-2021
Schnall AH , Kieszak S , Heiman HJ , Bayleyegn T , Daniel J , Hanchey A , Stauber C . J Emerg Manag 2023 21 (7) 51-69 Introduction: It is vital that households are prepared for a natural disaster to help mitigate potential negative impacts. Our goal was to characterize United States household preparedness on a national level to guide next steps to better prepare for and respond to disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We added 10 questions to the existing Porter Novelli's ConsumerStyles surveys in fall 2020 (N = 4,548) and spring 2021 (N = 6,455) to examine factors that contribute to overall household preparedness levels. Results: Being married (odds ratio (OR), 1.2), having children in the home (OR, 1.5), and having a household income of $150,000 or more (OR, 1.2) are all associated with increased preparedness levels. Those in the Northeast are least likely to be prepared (OR, 0.8). Persons living in mobile homes, Recreational Vehicles, boats, or vans are half as likely to have preparedness plans compared to those living in single family homes (OR, 0.6). Conclusions: As a nation, there is much work to be done in terms of preparedness to reach performance measure targets of 80 percent. These data can help inform response planning and the updating of communication resources such as websites, fact sheets, and other materials to reach a wide audience of disaster epidemiologists, emergency managers, and the public. © 2023 Weston Medical Publishing. All rights reserved. |
The development and use of decision support framework for informing selection of select agent toxins with modelling studies to inform permissible toxin amounts
Pillai SP , West T , Levinson R , Fruetel JA , Anderson K , Edwards D , Morse SA . Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022 10 1003127 Many countries have worked diligently to establish and implement policies and processes to regulate high consequence pathogens and toxins that could have a significant public health impact if misused. In the United States, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-132, 1996), as amended by the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-188, 2002) requires that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) [through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)] establish a list of bacteria, viruses, and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. Currently, this list is reviewed and updated on a biennial basis using input from subject matter experts (SMEs). We have developed decision support framework (DSF) approaches to facilitate selection of select toxins and, where toxicity data are known, conducted modelling studies to inform selection of toxin amounts that should be excluded from select agent regulations. Exclusion limits allow laboratories to possess toxins under an established limit to support their research or teaching activities without the requirement to register with the Federal Select Agent Program. Fact sheets capturing data from a previously vetted SME workshop convened by CDC, literature review and SME input were developed to assist in evaluating toxins using the DSF approach. The output of the DSF analysis agrees with the current select toxin designations, and no other toxins evaluated in this study were recommended for inclusion on the select agent and toxin list. To inform the selection of exclusion limits, attack scenarios were developed to estimate the amount of toxin needed to impact public health. Scenarios consisted of simulated aerosol releases of a toxin in high-population-density public facilities and the introduction of a toxin into a daily consumable product supply chain. Using published inhalation and ingestion median toxic dose (TD(50)) and median lethal dose (LD(50)) values, where available, a range of toxin amounts was examined to estimate the number of people exposed to these amounts in these scenarios. Based on data generated by these models, we proposed toxin exclusion values corresponding to levels below those that would trigger a significant public health response (i.e., amounts estimated to expose up to ten people by inhalation or one hundred people by ingestion to LD(50) or TD(50) levels of toxin in the modeled scenarios). |
Comparison of product safety data sheet ingredient lists with skin irritants and sensitizers present in a convenience sample of light-curing resins used in additive manufacturing
Bowers LN , Ranpara AC , Roach KA , Knepp AK , Arnold ED , Stefaniak AB , Virji MA . Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022 133 105198 Material jetting and vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing (AM) processes use liquid resins to build objects. These resins can contain skin irritants and/or sensitizers but product safety data sheets (SDSs) might not declare all ingredients. We characterized elemental and organic skin irritants and sensitizers present in 39 commercial products; evaluated the influence of resin manufacturer, system, color, and AM process type on the presence of irritants and sensitizers; and compared product SDSs to results. Among all products, analyses identified 23 irritant elements, 54 irritant organic substances, 22 sensitizing elements, and 23 sensitizing organic substances; SDSs listed 3, 9, 4, and 6 of these ingredients, respectively. Per product, the number and total mass (an indicator of potential dermal loading) of ingredients varied: five to 17 irritant elements (8.32-4756.65mg/kg), one to 17 irritant organics (3273 to 356,000mg/kg), four to 17 sensitizing elements (8.27-4755.63mg/kg), and one to seven sensitizing organics (15-382,170mg/kg). Median numbers and concentrations of irritants and sensitizers were significantly influenced by resin system and AM process type. The presence of undeclared irritants and sensitizers in these resins supports the need for more complete information on product SDSs for comprehensive dermal risk assessments. |
A scattering function for correlated lamellae
Camara M , Rishi K , Beaucage G , Sukumaran SK . Polymer 2021 237 Melt crystallized polymers display an emergent, multi-hierarchical, ordered structure made up of stacked lamellar single crystals that form fibrous or other meso structures which, in turn, form macroscopic crystallites. A dominant feature of small-angle scattering from these complex assemblies is a correlation peak associated with the stacking period. A new model-based function is proposed for small-angle scattering data from such correlated lamellar multi-hierarchical structures. Generally, routine use of scattering data has been limited to a 1-d analysis to determine the long period from Lorentz corrected data (I(q)q2 versus q). Fourier transforms of the data are sometimes used to determine the 1-d pairwise correlation function for the electron-density distribution which has been further analyzed in terms of the structure of these materials. A simple 1-d fitting model limited to infinite width 2-d sheets was introduced by Hermans (1944; Hosemann, 1950) [1,2] in the 1940s with some success. A new approach, the Unified Born-Green Function (UBG), is proposed that uses the Unified Function as adapted to correlated lamellar structures and incorporates a Born-Green description of one-dimensional correlations. The UBG fit allows quantification of the average lamellar aspect ratio, the local degree of crystallinity within a stack, quantification of the stacking versus non-stacking amorphous, and two types of disorder in addition to the stacking period and lamellar thickness. UBG can account for higher levels of structure such as crystalline domains in block copolymers and convoluted lamellar structure. The UBG fit is compared to the Hermans (1944; Hosemann, 1950) [1,2] and a hybrid-Hermans function. Fits to data sets from a wide range of polyethylene are shown ranging from molecular weight standard samples that are isothermally crystallized, to commercial HDPE quenched from the melt and a metallocene blown film sample. Several other examples from the literature are explored. It is shown that the Unified fit allows for new understanding of the impact of thermal and mechanical history, chain structure, fillers, nucleating agents, and additives on the crystalline structure and the resulting physical properties. Limitations of the UBG approach are noted. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd |
Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine After Reports of Myocarditis Among Vaccine Recipients: Update from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, June 2021.
Gargano JW , Wallace M , Hadler SC , Langley G , Su JR , Oster ME , Broder KR , Gee J , Weintraub E , Shimabukuro T , Scobie HM , Moulia D , Markowitz LE , Wharton M , McNally VV , Romero JR , Talbot HK , Lee GM , Daley MF , Oliver SE . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (27) 977-982 In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 (mRNA-1273) vaccine,(†) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued interim recommendations for their use in persons aged ≥16 years and ≥18 years, respectively.(§) In May 2021, FDA expanded the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents aged 12-15 years; ACIP recommends that all persons aged ≥12 years receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines encoding the stabilized prefusion spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Both mRNA vaccines were authorized and recommended as a 2-dose schedule, with second doses administered 21 days (Pfizer-BioNTech) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose. After reports of myocarditis and pericarditis in mRNA vaccine recipients,(¶) which predominantly occurred in young males after the second dose, an ACIP meeting was rapidly convened to review reported cases of myocarditis and pericarditis and discuss the benefits and risks of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in the United States. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle; if it is accompanied by pericarditis, an inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the heart (the pericardium), it is referred to as myopericarditis. Hereafter, myocarditis is used to refer to myocarditis, pericarditis, or myopericarditis. On June 23, 2021, after reviewing available evidence including that for risks of myocarditis, ACIP determined that the benefits of using mRNA COVID-19 vaccines under the FDA's EUA clearly outweigh the risks in all populations, including adolescents and young adults. The EUA has been modified to include information on myocarditis after receipt of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The EUA fact sheets should be provided before vaccination; in addition, CDC has developed patient and provider education materials about the possibility of myocarditis and symptoms of concern, to ensure prompt recognition and management of myocarditis. |
Data on the implementation of VaxTrac electronic immunization registry in Sierra Leone
Namageyo-Funa A , Jalloh MF , Gleason B , Wallace AS , Friedman M , Sesay T , Ocansey D , Jalloh MS , Feldstein LR , Conklin L , Hersey S , Singh T , Kaiser R . Data Brief 2020 32 106167 Following the piloting of VaxTrac, an electronic immunization registry (EIR), we conducted a rapid assessment in November-December 2017 to evaluate the use of the EIR in 10 health facilities in Western Area Urban district in Sierra Leone [1]. In this data-in-brief report, we provide additional descriptive data from the assessment of the VaxTrac EIR in Sierra Leone. The assessment comprised aggregate data on vaccine doses administered that were abstracted from VaxTrac and three paper-based sources (daily tally sheets, register of children under the age of 2 years, and a summary form of doses administered). Data were abstracted for the following six vaccine doses in the immunization schedule in Sierra Leone: 1) Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine, 2) first dose of pentavalent vaccine, 3) second dose of pentavalent vaccine, 4) third dose of pentavalent vaccine, 5) first dose of measles-containing vaccine, and 6) second dose of measles-containing vaccine. We descriptively analysed the abstracted data to examine the congruity between VaxTrac records and the three paper-based sources. Bar graphs were generated to visually depict the variations in number of administered vaccine doses by data source for each health facility. We provide the aggregated data for each vaccine dose abstracted by data source from each health facility as supplemental material (Excel file). The supplementary data reveal patterns in the congruity of vaccine doses captured that have implications for policy and programmatic decisions regarding the use of VaxTrac and other similar EIRs in low resource urban settings. |
Using citizen science to enhance surveillance of Aedes aegypti in Arizona, 2015-17
Tarter KD , Levy CE , Yaglom HD , Adams LE , Plante L , Casal MG , Gouge DH , Rathman R , Stokka D , Weiss J , Venkat H , Walker KR . J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2019 35 (1) 11-18 Vector surveillance is an essential component of vector-borne disease prevention, but many communities lack resources to support extensive surveillance. The Great Arizona Mosquito Hunt (GAMH) was a collaborative citizen science project conducted during 2015-17 to enhance surveillance for Aedes aegypti in Arizona. Citizen science projects engage the public in scientific research in order to further scientific knowledge while improving community understanding of a specific field of science and the scientific process. Participating schools and youth organizations across the state conducted oviposition trapping for 1-4 wk during peak Ae. aegypti season in Arizona and returned the egg sheets to collaborating entomologists for identification. During the 3-year program, 120 different schools and youth organizations participated. Few participants actually collected Aedes eggs in their traps in 2015 or 2017, but about one-third of participants collected eggs during 2016, including 3 areas that were not previously reported to have Ae. aegypti. While relatively few new areas of Ae. aegypti activity were identified, GAMH was found to be a successful method of engaging citizen scientists. Future citizen science mosquito surveillance projects might be useful to further define the ecology and risk for vector-borne diseases in Arizona. |
An evaluation of engineered nanomaterial safety data sheets for safety and health information post implementation of the revised hazard communication standard
Hodson L , Eastlake A , Herbers R . J Chem Health Saf 2018 26 (2) 12-18 In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the revised Hazard Communication Standard to bring the US in closer alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, and make the exchange of health and safety information more effective. To evaluate the impact of this change on the reliability and accuracy of safety data sheets, a sample of safety data sheets specific to engineered nanomaterials was obtained by using an internet search engine and subsequently evaluated. These safety data sheets were evaluated using a modified Kimlisch et al. (1997) criteria for ranking the quality of data into categories of reliability and the Eastlake et al. (2012) ranking scheme for scoring four categories. While 86 safety data sheets for nanomaterials were obtained during 2016–2017, 19 of these had no date of completion or revision and could not be evaluated since it was impossible to determine if they were pre or post 2012, when the revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard was issued. The remaining 67 safety data sheets were ranked by the Kimlisch et al. criteria, and 28.4% (19) were found to be reliable without restrictions (excellent), 35.8% (24) were reliable with restrictions (good), and 35.8% (24) were determined to be unreliable. Evaluating the SDSs using the Eastlake et al. ranking scheme resulted in 3% (2) as satisfactory, 17.9% (12) as being in need of improvement, and 79% (53) in need of significant improvement. It is noteworthy that out of the 79% in need of significant improvement, 25.4% (17) did not have enough data to be evaluated. This evaluation of nanomaterial safety data sheets revealed that the quality of information on many still cannot be relied upon to offer adequate information on the inherent health and safety hazards, including handling and storage of engineered nanomaterials. |
Potential hazards not communicated in safety data sheets of flavoring formulations, including diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione
LeBouf RF , Hawley B , Cummings KJ . Ann Work Expo Health 2018 63 (1) 124-130 Objectives: Workers using flavoring formulations containing diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione may be at risk of inhalational exposure, as these volatile hazardous chemicals are emitted from the bulk material, especially at elevated temperatures. However, flavoring formulations that contain diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione might not list these ingredients because they are generally recognized as safe to ingest, may be part of a proprietary mixture deemed a trade secret, or may not be required to be listed if they are present at <1% composition. The objective of this study was to investigate whether potential inhalational hazards present in flavoring samples were reported as chemical ingredients on their corresponding safety data sheets (SDSs). Methods: A convenience sample of 26 bulk liquid flavorings obtained from two coffee roasting and packaging facilities in the USA was analyzed for 20 volatile organic chemicals present in the headspaces of vials containing flavoring liquids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Flavoring samples were included in the study if headspace analysis results and SDSs were available. Flavoring samples included hazelnut, French vanilla, amaretto, chocolate, and caramel as well as some flavoring mixtures containing added fruit flavors such as cherry and raspberry. The presence of a chemical in the flavoring formulation was then compared to the ingredient list on the SDSs. Results: All the flavoring SDSs contained trade secret designations. None of the SDSs listed diacetyl or 2,3-pentanedione. Headspace analyte concentrations revealed that diacetyl was present in 21 of 26 samples (81%) with a maximum concentration of 5.84 x 104 microg m-3 in flavor 18 (caramel). 2,3-Pentanedione was present in 15 flavors (58%) with a maximum concentration of 3.79 x 105 microg m-3 in flavor 24 (oatmeal cookies). Conclusions: A majority of the flavorings tested had diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, or both as volatile constituents in the headspace. These chemicals were not listed on the SDSs, but inclusion of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione on SDSs would serve to protect downstream users from unrecognized exposure and potential respiratory disease. The headspace technique presented here is a viable tool to rapidly screen for volatile hazardous chemicals that may be present in flavoring formulations. Facilities that use flavorings should be aware that constituents in flavorings may present a potential inhalational hazard even if not identified as such by the SDS. A precautionary approach is warranted when working with flavorings, including exposure monitoring and effective exposure control strategies such as containment and local exhaust ventilation. |
Complexities and dilemmas in community consultation on the design of a research project logo in Malawi
Nyirenda D , Gooding K , Lora W , Kumwenda M , McMorrow M , Everett D , Desmond N . PLoS One 2018 13 (10) e0205737 BACKGROUND: Community engagement on research design is widely highlighted as an important approach for ethical research. This article reports the experience of consulting with communities on the logo used for an influenza study in Malawi. The logo was designed for use on badges worn by study researchers, participant information sheets and other project documents, and could affect perceptions of the study and consequent engagement in the research. METHODS: Four focus group discussions were conducted with populations targeted by the influenza study: pregnant women, people with HIV, mothers and community members. The focus groups incorporated a participatory matrix exercise focusing on key themes emerging from the discussions such as: attractiveness, comprehension, acceptability and suggestions for improvement. Findings from the focus groups were analyzed according to these key themes. RESULTS: The consultation highlighted important benefits of discussion with communities on research design, including providing new perspectives and helping to avoid harm. For example, people living with HIV felt that one of the possible logos could increase stigma within communities. The experience also indicated potential challenges of consultation. In particular, there were contrasting perspectives among the groups, such that the consultation did not provide a clear answer about which logo should be selected. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience adds to current evidence on community engagement by reporting on an area where there is less discussion of community consultation for design of a study logo. The consultation exercise reaffirmed the value of community engagement, but also the difficulty of relying on a brief consultation for decision-making in research design. Further ethical guidance is required on how to negotiate contradictory views during consultations. |
Isothiazolinone content of US residential interior wall paint: A high-performance liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometry analysis
Goodier MC , Siegel PD , Zang LY , Warshaw EM . Dermatitis 2018 29 (6) 332-338 BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding isothiazolinone content in residential wall paints in the United States. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of 5 isothiazolinones-methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone (BIT), butyl BIT, and octylisothiazolinone-in US residential wall paints. METHODS: Forty-seven paints were obtained from retailers in Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota. Paint samples were assessed for the presence of the 5 isothiazolinones using high-performance liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: At least 1 isothiazolinone was detected in all 47 paints. However, no paint contained butyl BIT, and only 1 paint had octylisothiazolinone. The MI and BIT were found in 96% and 98% of the paints, respectively. Methylisothiazolinone ranged in concentration from 17 to 358 ppm, whereas BIT varied from 29 to 1111 ppm. Methylchloroisothiazolinone was found solely in oil-based paints. Isothiazolinones were declared in 15% of Safety Data Sheets but did not correlate with high-performance liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometry. One "preservative-free" paint had BIT at 71.5 ppm. Paint sheen was not statistically associated with BIT or MI concentrations. Unpigmented paints and paints with volatile organic compound claims had significantly lower concentrations of MI, but not BIT. CONCLUSIONS: All paints contained at least 1 isothiazolinone. Methylisothiazolinone and BIT were the most common. Safety Data Sheets are insufficient for ascertaining isothiazolinone content in US paints. |
Multi-laboratory comparison of three commercially available Zika IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
Basile AJ , Goodman C , Horiuchi K , Sloan A , Johnson BW , Kosoy O , Laven J , Panella AJ , Sheets I , Medina F , Mendoza EJ , Epperson M , Maniatis P , Semenova V , Steward-Clark E , Wong E , Biggerstaff BJ , Lanciotti R , Drebot M , Safronetz D , Schiffer J . J Virol Methods 2018 260 26-33 Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. It was first discovered in rhesus monkeys in 1947 in the Zika Forest of Uganda (Dick et al., 1952) and historically of unclear importance given the rarity of reported cases and to relatively mild symptoms in humans. The virus is chiefly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the carrier of other flaviviruses of medical importance such as the dengue viruses (DENVs) and yellow fever virus (YFV). Little research had been conducted on ZIKV prior to a 2007 outbreak in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia (Duffy et al., 2009), at which point the virus was sequenced and molecular and serological tests were developed (Lanciotti et al., 2008). |
Effect of a health care professional communication training intervention on adolescent human papillomavirus vaccination: A cluster randomized clinical trial
Dempsey AF , Pyrznawoski J , Lockhart S , Barnard J , Campagna EJ , Garrett K , Fisher A , Dickinson LM , O'Leary ST . JAMA Pediatr 2018 172 (5) e180016 Importance: The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers is more than 35000 cases in the United States each year. Effective HPV vaccines have been available in the United States for several years but are underused among adolescents, the target population for vaccination. Interventions to increase uptake are needed. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a 5-component health care professional HPV vaccine communication intervention on adolescent HPV vaccination. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cluster randomized clinical trial using covariate-constrained randomization to assign study arms and an intent-to-treat protocol was conducted in 16 primary care practices in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. Participants included 188 medical professionals and 43132 adolescents. Interventions: The 5 components of the intervention were an HPV fact sheet library to create customized information sheets relevant to each practice's patient population, a tailored parent education website, a set of HPV-related disease images, an HPV vaccine decision aid, and 2(1/2) hours of communication training on using a presumptive vaccine recommendation, followed by motivational interviewing if parents were resistant to vaccination. Each practice participated in a series of 2 intervention development meetings over a 6-month period (August 1, 2014, to January 31, 2015) before the intervention. Main Outcomes and Measures: Differences between control and intervention changes over time (ie, difference in differences between the baseline and intervention period cohorts of patients) in HPV vaccine series initiation (>/=1 dose) and completion (>/=3 doses) among patients aged 11 to 17 years seen at the practices between February 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. Vaccination data were obtained from the practices' records and augmented with state immunization information system data. Results: Sixteen practices and 43132 patients (50.3% female; median age, 12.6 years [interquartile range, 10.8-14.7 years] at the beginning of the study period) participated in this trial. Adolescents in the intervention practices had significantly higher odds of HPV vaccine series initiation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.31-1.62) and completion (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.27-1.92) than those in the control practices (a 9.5-absolute percentage point increase in HPV vaccine series initiation and a 4.4-absolute percentage point increase in HPV vaccine series completion in intervention practices). The intervention had a greater effect in pediatric practices compared with family medicine practices and in private practices compared with public ones. Health care professionals reported that communication training and the fact sheets were the most used and useful intervention components. Conclusions and Relevance: A health care professional communication intervention significantly improved HPV vaccine series initiation and completion among adolescent patients. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02456077. |
Nipah virus contamination of hospital surfaces during outbreaks, Bangladesh, 2013-2014
Hassan MZ , Sazzad HMS , Luby SP , Sturm-Ramirez K , Bhuiyan MU , Rahman MZ , Islam MM , Stroher U , Sultana S , Kafi MAH , Daszak P , Rahman M , Gurley ES . Emerg Infect Dis 2018 24 (1) 15-21 Nipah virus (NiV) has been transmitted from patient to caregivers in Bangladesh presumably through oral secretions. We aimed to detect whether NiV-infected patients contaminate hospital surfaces with the virus. During December 2013-April 2014, we collected 1 swab sample from 5 surfaces near NiV-infected patients and tested surface and oral swab samples by real-time reverse transcription PCR for NiV RNA. We identified 16 Nipah patients; 12 cases were laboratory-confirmed and 4 probable. Of the 12 laboratory-confirmed cases, 10 showed NiV RNA in oral swab specimens. We obtained surface swab samples for 6 Nipah patients; 5 had evidence of NiV RNA on >1 surface: 4 patients contaminated towels, 3 bed sheets, and 1 the bed rail. Patients with NiV RNA in oral swab samples were significantly more likely than other Nipah patients to die. To reduce the risk for fomite transmission of NiV, infection control should target hospital surfaces. |
Country immunization information system assessments - Kenya, 2015 and Ghana, 2016
Scott C , Clarke KEN , Grevendonk J , Dolan SB , Ahmed HO , Kamau P , Ademba PA , Osadebe L , Bonsu G , Opare J , Diamenu S , Amenuvegbe G , Quaye P , Osei-Sarpong F , Abotsi F , Ankrah JD , MacNeil A . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017 66 (44) 1226-1229 The collection, analysis, and use of data to measure and improve immunization program performance are priorities for the World Health Organization (WHO), global partners, and national immunization programs (NIPs). High quality data are essential for evidence-based decision-making to support successful NIPs. Consistent recording and reporting practices, optimal access to and use of health information systems, and rigorous interpretation and use of data for decision-making are characteristics of high-quality immunization information systems. In 2015 and 2016, immunization information system assessments (IISAs) were conducted in Kenya and Ghana using a new WHO and CDC assessment methodology designed to identify root causes of immunization data quality problems and facilitate development of plans for improvement. Data quality challenges common to both countries included low confidence in facility-level target population data (Kenya = 50%, Ghana = 53%) and poor data concordance between child registers and facility tally sheets (Kenya = 0%, Ghana = 3%). In Kenya, systemic challenges included limited supportive supervision and lack of resources to access electronic reporting systems; in Ghana, challenges included a poorly defined subdistrict administrative level. Data quality improvement plans (DQIPs) based on assessment findings are being implemented in both countries. IISAs can help countries identify and address root causes of poor immunization data to provide a stronger evidence base for future investments in immunization programs. |
Ambulance disinfection using Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI): Effects of fixture location and surface reflectivity
Lindsley WG , McClelland TL , Neu DT , Martin SB Jr , Mead KR , Thewlis RE , Noti JD . J Occup Environ Hyg 2017 15 (1) 0 Ambulances are frequently contaminated with infectious microorganisms shed by patients during transport that can be transferred to subsequent patients and emergency medical service workers. Manual decontamination is tedious and time-consuming, and persistent contamination is common even after cleaning. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been proposed as a terminal disinfection method for ambulance patient compartments. However, no published studies have tested the use of UVGI in ambulances. The objectives of this study were to investigate the efficacy of a UVGI system in an ambulance patient compartment and to examine the impact of UVGI fixture position and the UV reflectivity of interior surfaces on the time required for disinfection. A UVGI fixture was placed in the front, middle or back of an ambulance patient compartment, and the UV irradiance was measured at 49 locations. Aluminum sheets and UV-reflective paint were added to examine the effects of increasing surface reflectivity on disinfection time. Disinfection tests were conducted using Bacillus subtilis spores as a surrogate for pathogens. Our results showed that the UV irradiance varied considerably depending upon the surface location. For example, with the UVGI fixture in the back position and without the addition of UV-reflective surfaces, the most irradiated location received a dose of UVGI sufficient for disinfection in 16 seconds, but the least irradiated location required 15 hours. Because the overall time required to disinfect all of the interior surfaces is determined by the time required to disinfect the surfaces receiving the lowest irradiation levels, the patient compartment disinfection times for different UVGI configurations ranged from 16.5 hours to 59 minutes depending upon the UVGI fixture position and the interior surface reflectivity. These results indicate that UVGI systems can reduce microbial surface contamination in ambulance compartments, but the systems must be rigorously validated before deployment. Optimizing the UVGI fixture position and increasing the UV reflectivity of the interior surfaces can substantially improve the performance of a UVGI system and reduce the time required for disinfection. |
Intussusception among children less than 2 years of age: Findings from pre-vaccine introduction surveillance in Pakistan
Yousafzai MT , Thobani R , Qazi SH , Saddal N , Yen C , Aliabadi N , Ali SA . Vaccine 2017 36 (51) 7775-7779 BACKGROUND: Rotavirus vaccination introduction in routine immunization is under consideration in Pakistan. Data on the baseline epidemiology of intussusception will inform surveillance strategies for intussusception after rotavirus vaccine introduction in Pakistan. We describe the epidemiology of intussusception-associated hospitalizations among children <2years of age in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review for July 01, 2012 through June 30, 2015 at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) and Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi. At AKUH, the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision, code 560.0 for intussusception was used to retrieve intussusception case records. At NICH, daily Operation Theater, Emergency Room, and surgical daycare log sheets and surgical ward census sheets were used to identify cases. Records of children who fulfilled eligibility criteria and the Brighton Collaboration level one case definition of intussusception were selected for data analysis. We used structured case report forms to extract data for the descriptive analysis. RESULTS: We identified 158 cases of confirmed intussusception; 30 cases (19%) were from AKUH. More than half (53%) of the cases occurred in children aged 6-12months, followed by 35% among those aged <6months. Two-thirds (106/158) of the cases were male. The most common presenting complaints were vomiting and bloody stool. At NICH, almost all (93%) were managed surgically, while at AKUH, approximately 57% of the cases were managed with enemas. Three deaths occurred, all from NICH. Cases occurred without any seasonality. At NICH, 4% (128/3618) of surgical admissions among children aged <2years were attributed to intussusception, while that for AKUH was 2% (30/1702). CONCLUSION: In this chart review, intussusception predominantly affected children 0-6 months of age and occurred more commonly in males. This information on the baseline epidemiology of intussusception will inform post-vaccine introduction adverse event monitoring related to intussusception in Pakistan. |
Unique safety issues associated with virus-vectored vaccines: Potential for and theoretical consequences of recombination with wild type virus strains.
Condit RC , Williamson AL , Sheets R , Seligman SJ , Monath TP , Excler JL , Gurwith M , Bok K , Robertson JS , Kim D , Michael Hendry R , Singh V , Mac LM , Chen RT . Vaccine 2016 34 (51) 6610-6616 In 2003 and 2013, the World Health Organization convened informal consultations on characterization and quality aspects of vaccines based on live virus vectors. In the resulting reports, one of several issues raised for future study was the potential for recombination of virus-vectored vaccines with wild type pathogenic virus strains. This paper presents an assessment of this issue formulated by the Brighton Collaboration. To provide an appropriate context for understanding the potential for recombination of virus-vectored vaccines, we review briefly the current status of virus-vectored vaccines, mechanisms of recombination between viruses, experience with recombination involving live attenuated vaccines in the field, and concerns raised previously in the literature regarding recombination of virus-vectored vaccines with wild type virus strains. We then present a discussion of the major variables that could influence recombination between a virus-vectored vaccine and circulating wild type virus and the consequences of such recombination, including intrinsic recombination properties of the parent virus used as a vector; sequence relatedness of vector and wild virus; virus host range, pathogenesis and transmission; replication competency of vector in target host; mechanism of vector attenuation; additional factors potentially affecting virulence; and circulation of multiple recombinant vectors in the same target population. Finally, we present some guiding principles for vector design and testing intended to anticipate and mitigate the potential for and consequences of recombination of virus-vectored vaccines with wild type pathogenic virus strains. |
Detection and quantification of 2H and 3R phases in commercial graphene-based materials
Seehra MS , Geddam UK , Schwegler-Berry D , Stefaniak AB . Carbon N Y 2015 95 818-823 Graphene-based material (GBM) samples acquired from commercial sources are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Of the 18 GBM samples investigated here, seven samples show XRD patterns with features characteristic of the graphite structure. The XRD patterns of the seven samples are analyzed showing the presence of both the ABA (2H) structure and the ABCA (3R) structure. After de-convoluting the (101) lines of the 2H and 3R structures, the areas under the peaks are used to determine the relative concentrations of the 2H and 3R phases present, typically yielding the ratio 60/40 for 2H/3R. The presence of the 3R structure is important since the 3R structure is a semiconductor with tunable band gap and it is less stable than the 2H structure. The number of layers determined from the analysis of the XRD data varies between 65 and 109 for different samples yielding thickness of the graphite sheets varying between 22 nm and 37 nm. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of three representative samples confirms the sheet-like morphology and stacking of the graphene layers in the samples. Relevance of these results in connection with their potential applications and toxicology is briefly discussed. |
Characterization of cleaning and disinfecting tasks and product use among hospital occupations
Saito R , Abbas Virji M , Henneberger PK , Humann MJ , LeBouf RF , Stanton ML , Liang X , Stefaniak AB . Am J Ind Med 2014 58 (1) 101-11 BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers have an elevated prevalence of asthma and related symptoms associated with the use of cleaning/disinfecting products. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize cleaning/disinfecting tasks and products used among hospital occupations. METHODS: Workers from 14 occupations at five hospitals were monitored for 216 shifts, and work tasks and products used were recorded at five-minute intervals. The major chemical constituents of each product were identified from safety data sheets. RESULTS: Cleaning and disinfecting tasks were performed with a high frequency at least once per shift in many occupations. Medical equipment preparers, housekeepers, floor strippers/waxers, and endoscopy technicians spent on average 108-177 min/shift performing cleaning/disinfecting tasks. Many occupations used products containing amines and quaternary ammonium compounds for >100 min/shift. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates that many occupations besides housekeeping incur exposures to cleaning/disinfecting products, albeit for different durations and using products containing different chemicals. |
The Brighton Collaboration Viral Vector Vaccines Safety Working Group (V3SWG).
Chen RT , Carbery B , Mac L , Berns KI , Chapman L , Condit RC , Excler JL , Gurwith M , Hendry M , Khan AS , Khuri-Bulos N , Klug B , Robertson JS , Seligman SJ , Sheets R , Williamson AL . Vaccine 2014 33 (1) 73-5 Recombinant viral vectors provide an effective means for heterologous antigen expression in vivo and thus represent promising platforms for developing novel vaccines against human pathogens from Ebola to tuberculosis. An increasing number of candidate viral vector vaccines are entering human clinical trials. The Brighton Collaboration Viral Vector Vaccines Safety Working Group (V3SWG) was formed to improve our ability to anticipate potential safety issues and meaningfully assess or interpret safety data, thereby facilitating greater public acceptance when licensed. |
Fatal meningococcal disease in a laboratory worker - California, 2012
Sheets CD , Harriman K , Zipprich J , Louie JK , Probert WS , Horowitz M , Prudhomme JC , Gold D , Mayer L . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (35) 770-2 Occupationally acquired meningococcal disease is rare. Adherence to recommendations for safe handling of Neisseria meningitidis in the laboratory greatly reduces the risk for transmission to laboratory workers. A California microbiologist developed fatal serogroup B meningococcal disease after working with N. meningitidis patient isolates in a research laboratory (laboratory A). The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the local health department, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CalOSHA), and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) collaborated on an investigation of laboratory A, which revealed several breaches in recommended laboratory practice for safe handling of N. meningitidis, including manipulating cultures on the bench top. Additionally, laboratory workers had not been offered meningococcal vaccine in accordance with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and CalOSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases Standard requirements. In accordance with OSHA and CalOSHA regulations, laboratory staff members must receive laboratory biosafety training and use appropriate personal protective equipment, and those who routinely work with N. meningitidis isolates should receive meningococcal vaccine. |
First report of Dracunculus insignis in two naturally infected cats from the northeastern USA
Lucio-Forster A , Eberhard ML , Cama VA , Jenks MH , Jones C , Sanders SY , Pongratz JP , Bowman DD . J Feline Med Surg 2014 16 (2) 194-7 Dracunculiasis is rarely reported in cats, yet over the last few years we have identified two cats with filarioid-like spirurid infections. Case 1 was a 9-year-old cat with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism from New York state from which four adult dracunculoid nematodes were isolated from its torso. Based on morphometric characteristics and parasite geographic distribution, the specimens were identified as Dracunculus insignis females; at least one of the females was gravid, suggestive of patent infection. Species identification was confirmed through amplification and sequence analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial loci. Case 2 was a 14-year-old diabetic cat from Massachusetts. Formalin-fixed sections were obtained from a subcutaneous mass excised from the left foreleg. Histopathological examination revealed a large nematode with morphometrical characteristics of Dracunculus, surrounded by lymphocytes and sheets of eosinophils. These two cases appear to be the first published reports of dracunculiasis in domestic cats in the USA, and based on the findings from case 1, D insignis may be the species associated with both infections. |
A critical evaluation of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for engineered nanomaterials
Eastlake A , Hodson L , Geraci C , Crawford C . J Chem Health Saf 2012 19 (5) 1-8 Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) provide employers, employees, emergency responders, and the general public with basic information about the hazards associated with chemicals that are used in the workplace and are a part of every-day commerce. They are a primary information resource used by health, safety, and environmental professionals in communicating the hazards of chemicals and in making risk management decisions. Engineered nanomaterials represent a growing class of materials being manufactured and introduced into multiple business sectors. MSDSs were obtained from a total of 44 manufacturers using Internet search engines, and a simple ranking scheme was developed to evaluate the content of the data sheets. The MSDSs were reviewed using the ranking scheme, and categorized on the quality and completeness of information as it pertains to hazard identification, exposure controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and toxicological information being communicated about the engineered nanomaterial. The ranking scheme used to evaluate the MSDSs for engineered nanomaterials was based on the determination that the data sheet should include information on specific physical properties, including particle size or particle size distribution, and physical form; specific toxicological and health effects; and protective measures that can be taken to control potential exposures. The first MSDSs for nanomaterials began to appear around 2006, so these were collected in the time period of 2007-2008. Comparison of MSDSs and changes over time were evaluated as MSDSs were obtained again in 2010-2011. The majority (67%) of the MSDSs obtained in 2010-2011 still provided insufficient data for communicating the potential hazards of engineered nanomaterials. |
Improving newborn screening follow-up in pediatric practices: quality improvement innovation network.
Hinton CF , Neuspiel DR , Gubernick RS , Geleske T , Healy J , Kemper AR , Lloyd-Puryear MA , Saul RA , Thompson BH , Kaye CI . Pediatrics 2012 130 (3) e669-75 OBJECTIVE: To implement a 6-month quality improvement project in 15 primary care pediatric practices to improve short-term newborn screening (NBS) follow-up. METHODS: At the start of the project, each practice completed a survey to evaluate office systems related to NBS and completed a chart audit. Practice teams were provided information about NBS and trained in quality-improvement methods, and then implemented changes to improve care. Monthly chart audits over a 6-month period were completed to assess change. RESULTS: At baseline, almost half of practices completed assessment of infants for NBS; after 6 months, 80% of practices completed assessment of all infants. Only 2 practices documented all in-range results and shared them with parents at baseline; by completion, 10 of 15 practices documented and shared in-range results for ≥70% of infants. Use of the American College of Medical Genetics ACTion sheets, a decision support tool, increased from 1 of 15 practices at baseline to 7 of 15 at completion. CONCLUSIONS: Practices were successful in improving NBS processes, including assessment, documentation, and communication with families. Providers perceived no increase in provider time at first visit, 2- to 4-week visit, or during first contact with the family of an infant with an out-of-range result after implementation of improved processes. Primary care practices increased their use of decision support tools after the project. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Oct 28, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure