Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-11 (of 11 Records) |
Query Trace: Vickers B[original query] |
---|
Evidence for a role of Anopheles stephensi in the spread of drug and diagnosis-resistant malaria in Africa
Emiru T , Getachew D , Murphy M , Sedda L , Ejigu LA , Bulto MG , Byrne I , Demisse M , Abdo M , Chali W , Elliott A , Vickers EN , Aranda-Díaz A , Alemayehu L , Behaksera SW , Jebessa G , Dinka H , Tsegaye T , Teka H , Chibsa S , Mumba P , Girma S , Hwang J , Yoshimizu M , Sutcliffe A , Taffese HS , Bayissa GA , Zohdy S , Tongren JE , Drakeley C , Greenhouse B , Bousema T , Tadesse FG . Nat Med 2023 29 (12) 3203-3211 Anopheles stephensi, an Asian malaria vector, continues to expand across Africa. The vector is now firmly established in urban settings in the Horn of Africa. Its presence in areas where malaria resurged suggested a possible role in causing malaria outbreaks. Here, using a prospective case-control design, we investigated the role of An. stephensi in transmission following a malaria outbreak in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia in April-July 2022. Screening contacts of patients with malaria and febrile controls revealed spatial clustering of Plasmodium falciparum infections around patients with malaria in strong association with the presence of An. stephensi in the household vicinity. Plasmodium sporozoites were detected in these mosquitoes. This outbreak involved clonal propagation of parasites with molecular signatures of artemisinin and diagnostic resistance. To our knowledge, this study provides the strongest evidence so far for a role of An. stephensi in driving an urban malaria outbreak in Africa, highlighting the major public health threat posed by this fast-spreading mosquito. |
Mixed-methods analysis of select issues reported in the 2016 World Health Organization verbal autopsy questionnaire
Nichols E , Pettrone K , Vickers B , Gebrehiwet H , Surek-Clark C , Leitao J , Amouzou A , Blau DM , Bradshaw D , Abdelilah EM , Groenewald P , Munkombwe B , Mwango C , Notzon FS , Biko Odhiambo S , Scanlon P . PLoS One 2022 17 (10) e0274304 BACKGROUND: Use of a standardized verbal autopsy (VA) questionnaire, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) instrument, can improve the consistency and reliability of the data it collects. Systematically revising a questionnaire, however, requires evidence about the performance of its questions. The purpose of this investigation was to use a mixed methods approach to evaluate the performance of questions related to 14 previously reported issues in the 2016 version of the WHO questionnaire, where there were concerns of potential confusion, redundancy, or inability of the respondent to answer the question. The results from this mixed methods analysis are discussed across common themes that may have contributed to the underperformance of questions and have been compiled to inform decisions around the revision of the current VA instrument. METHODS: Quantitative analysis of 19,150 VAs for neonates, children, and adults from five project teams implementing VAs predominately in Sub-Saharan Africa included frequency distributions and cross-tabulations to evaluate response patterns among related questions. The association of respondent characteristics and response patterns was evaluated using prevalence ratios. Qualitative analysis included results from cognitive interviewing, an approach that provides a detailed understanding of the meanings and processes that respondents use to answer interview questions. Cognitive interviews were conducted among 149 participants in Morocco and Zambia. Findings from the qualitative and quantitative analyses were triangulated to identify common themes. RESULTS: Four broad themes contributing to the underperformance or redundancy within the instrument were identified: question sequence, overlap within the question series, questions outside the frame of reference of the respondent, and questions needing clarification. The series of questions associated with one of the 14 identified issues (the series of questions on injuries) related to question sequence; seven (tobacco use, sores, breast swelling, abdominal problem, vomiting, vaccination, and baby size) demonstrated similar response patterns among questions within each series capturing overlapping information. Respondent characteristics, including relationship to the deceased and whether or not the respondent lived with the deceased, were associated with differing frequencies of non-substantive responses in three question series (female health related issues, tobacco use, and baby size). An inconsistent understanding of related constructs was observed between questions related to sores/ulcers, birth weight/baby size, and diagnosis of dementia/presence of mental confusion. An incorrect association of the intended construct with that which was interpreted by the respondent was observed in the medical diagnosis question series. CONCLUSIONS: In this mixed methods analysis, we identified series of questions which could be shortened through elimination of redundancy, series of questions requiring clarification due to unclear constructs, and the impact of respondent characteristics on the quality of responses. These changes can lead to a better understanding of the question constructs by the respondents, increase the acceptance of the tool, and improve the overall accuracy of the VA instrument. |
Near real-time surveillance to assess the safety of the 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine
Donahue JG , Kieke BA , Lewis EM , Weintraub ES , Hanson KE , McClure DL , Vickers ER , Gee J , Daley MF , DeStefano F , Hechter RC , Jackson LA , Klein NP , Naleway AL , Nelson JC , Belongia EA . Pediatrics 2019 144 (6) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and causes certain anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. The 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine (9vHPV) provides protection against additional types not included in the quadrivalent vaccine. We conducted near real-time vaccine safety surveillance for 24 months after the vaccine became available in the Vaccine Safety Datalink. METHODS: Immunizations and adverse events were extracted weekly from October 2015 to October 2017 from standardized data files for persons 9 to 26 years old at 6 Vaccine Safety Datalink sites. Prespecified adverse events included anaphylaxis, allergic reaction, appendicitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, injection site reaction, pancreatitis, seizure, stroke, syncope, and venous thromboembolism. The observed and expected numbers of events after 9vHPV were compared weekly by using sequential methods. Both historical and concurrent comparison groups were used to identify statistical signals for adverse events. Unexpected signals were investigated by medical record review and/or additional analyses. RESULTS: During 105 weeks of surveillance, 838 991 doses of 9vHPV were administered. We identified unexpected statistical signals for 4 adverse events: appendicitis among boys 9 to 17 years old after dose 3; pancreatitis among men 18 to 26 years old; and allergic reactions among girls 9 to 17 years old and women 18 to 26 years old after dose 2. On further evaluation, which included medical record review, temporal scan analysis, and additional epidemiological analyses, we did not confirm signals for any adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: After 2 years of near real-time surveillance of 9vHPV and several prespecified adverse events, no new safety concerns were identified. |
Determinants of human papillomavirus vaccine attitudes: an interview of Wisconsin parents
Barnes KL , VanWormer JJ , Stokley S , Vickers ER , McLean HQ , Belongia EA , Bendixsen CG . BMC Public Health 2018 18 (1) 746 BACKGROUND: Parental attitudes play a key role in their decisions to vaccinate adolescents against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Little is known, however, about the formative experiences that shape parents' attitudes about the HPV vaccine. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 parents of 11-17 year old adolescents in Wisconsin who changed their HPV vaccine attitudes (per prior surveys) over one year. A modified grounded theory approach was then used to generate primary themes of attitudinal determinants. RESULTS: Participants were predominately mothers. We identified three major themes that shaped parents' HPV attitudes: (1) the perceived likelihood of the HPV vaccine preventing cancer, (2) agency in adolescence and gauging their adolescent child's intent for sexual activity, (3) the credibility of HPV vaccine information sources. General messaging around cancer prevention did not always supersede some parents' concerns about the vaccine's perceived link to sexual activity. Parents often viewed their adolescent child's feelings about the HPV vaccine as a gauge of their (child's) intent for sexual activity. Interviewees felt a sense of responsibility to educate themselves about the HPV vaccine using multiple sources and particularly looked to their medical provider to filter conflicting information. CONCLUSIONS: More family-specific (vs. disease-prevention) messaging and recommendations may be needed in the clinical environment to sway some parents' negative attitudes about the HPV vaccine. Future research should explore additional strategies to improve HPV vaccine attitudes, such as situating the vaccine in the context of a monogamous lifestyle that many parents wish to impart to their children. |
Association between parent attitudes and receipt of human papillomavirus vaccine in adolescents
VanWormer JJ , Bendixsen CG , Vickers ER , Stokley S , McNeil MM , Gee J , Belongia EA , McLean HQ . BMC Public Health 2017 17 (1) 766 BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage rates remain low. This is believed to reflect parental hesitancy, but few studies have examined how changes in parents' attitudes impact HPV vaccine uptake. This study examined the association between changes in parents' vaccine attitudes and HPV vaccine receipt in their adolescent children. METHODS: A baseline and 1-year follow-up survey of HPV vaccine attitudes was administered to parents of 11-17 year olds who had not completed the HPV vaccine series. Changes in attitudinal scores (barriers, harms, ineffectiveness, and uncertainties) from the Carolina HPV Immunization Attitudes and Beliefs Scale were assessed. Two outcomes were measured (in parents' adolescent children) over an 18-month period and analyzed using multivariable regression; receipt of next scheduled HPV vaccine dose and 3-dose series completion. RESULTS: There were 221 parents who completed the baseline survey (11% response rate) and 164 with available follow-up data; 60% of their adolescent children received a next HPV vaccine dose and 38% completed the vaccine series at follow-up. Decrease in parents' uncertainties was a significant predictor of vaccine receipt, with each 1-point reduction in uncertainties score associated with 4.9 higher odds of receipt of the next vaccine dose. Higher baseline harms score was the only significant predictor of lower series completion. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in parents' uncertainties appeared to result in greater likelihood of their children receiving the HPV vaccine. Only baseline concerns about vaccine harms were associated with lower series completion rate. Education for parents should emphasize the HPV vaccine's safety profile. |
Risk of venous thromboembolism following influenza vaccination in adults aged 50 years and older in the Vaccine Safety Datalink
Vickers ER , McClure DL , Naleway AL , Jacobsen SJ , Klein NP , Glanz JM , Weintraub ES , Belongia EA . Vaccine 2017 35 (43) 5872-5877 BACKGROUND: Influenza-like illness and inflammation are known risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). However, few studies have characterized the risk of VTE following influenza vaccination. We examined VTE risk after vaccination in adults 50years old and older within the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). METHODS: We used the self-controlled case series method to determine the risk of VTE among age-eligible adults who received influenza vaccine (with or without pandemic H1N1) and experienced a VTE during the months of September through December in 2007 through 2012. Presumptive VTE cases were identified among VSD participants using diagnostic codes, diagnostic tests, and oral anticoagulant prescription. Potential cases were validated by medical record review. The VTE incidence rate ratio was calculated among confirmed cases for the risk window 1 to 10 days after vaccination relative to all other person-time from September through December. RESULTS: Of the 1,488 presumptive cases identified, 508 were reviewed, of which 492 (97%) were confirmed cases of VTE. The analysis included 396 incident, confirmed cases. Overall, there was no increased risk of VTE in the 1 to 10days after influenza vaccination (IRR=0.89, 95% CI 0.69-1.17) compared to the control period. Results were similar when all person-time was censored before vaccination. A post hoc analysis showed an increased risk among current tobacco smokers (IRR=2.57, 95% CI 1.06-6.23). No clustering of VTE was observed in the 1-42days after vaccination. DISCUSSION: Overall, there was no evidence that inactivated influenza vaccine was associated with VTE in adults ≥50years old. An increased risk was found among current smokers in a post hoc analysis. These findings are consistent with previous research and support the safety of annual vaccination in this population. |
Engaging students in physical education: Key challenges and opportunities for physical educators in urban settings
Sliwa S , Nihiser A , Lee S , McCaughtry N , Culp B , Michael S . J Phys Educ Recreat Dance 2017 88 (8) 43-48 A well-designed physical education (PE) program is inclusive, active, enjoyable and supportive (SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators, 2015). Irrespective of location, programs are affected by a host of issues in the midst of various school and community climates. Trends toward urbanization in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012) and worldwide (World Health Organization, 2016) suggest that more and more PE teachers will be working in urban settings. | In October 2009, JOPERD published a special symposium about “Engaging Urban Youths in Physical Education and Physical Activity” (Murgia & McCullick, 2009). Seven years later, many of those considerations remain relevant, such as large class sizes (Dyson, Coviello, DiCesare, & Dyson, 2009; Schmidlein, Vickers, & Chepyator-Thomson, 2014) and limited access to equipment (Schmidlein et al., 2014), a dedicated gymnasium (Fernandes & Sturm, 2010), or outdoor space (Dyson et al., 2009; Hobin et al., 2013). These structural challenges matter. For example, some data suggest that larger class sizes and indoor lessons are associated with students spending significantly less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and with teachers spending more time on classroom management (Skala et al., 2012). In addition, high rates of teacher turnover (Ingersoll, Merrill, & Stuckey, 2014), difficulties communicating with English language learners (ELLs; Kena et al., 2016), and low self-efficacy (Fletcher, Mandigo, & Kosnik, 2013) affect teachers’ ability to engage students in PE in urban settings. |
Improving human papillomavirus vaccine use in an integrated health system: Impact of a provider and staff intervention
McLean HQ , VanWormer JJ , Chow BDW , Birchmeier B , Vickers E , DeVries E , Meyer J , Moore J , McNeil MM , Stokley S , Gee J , Belongia EA . J Adolesc Health 2017 61 (2) 252-258 PURPOSE: Acceptance and coverage of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the United States has been suboptimal. We implemented a multifaceted provider and staff intervention over a 1-year period to promote HPV vaccination in a regional health care system. METHODS: The intervention was conducted in nine clinical departments from February 2015 to March 2016; 34 other departments served as controls. The intervention included in-person provider and staff education, quarterly feedback of vaccine coverage, and system-wide changes to patient reminder and recall notifications. Change in first-dose HPV vaccine coverage and series completion were estimated among 11- to 12-year-olds using generalized estimating equations adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: HPV vaccine coverage in the intervention departments increased from 41% to 59%, and the increase was significantly greater than that seen in the control departments (32%-45%, p = .0002). The largest increase occurred in the quarter after completion of the provider and staff education and a patient reminder and recall postcard mailing (p = .004). Series completion also increased significantly system wide among adolescents aged 11-12 years following mailing of HPV vaccine reminder letters to parents of adolescents aged 12 years rather than 16 years. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccine uptake can be improved through a multifaceted approach that includes provider and staff education and patient reminder/recall. System-level change to optimize reminder and recall notices can have substantial impact on HPV vaccine utilization. |
Early-warning health and process indicators for sentinel surveillance in Madagascar 2007-2011
Rajatonirina S , Rakotomanana F , Randrianasolo L , Razanajatovo NH , Andriamandimby SF , Ravolomanana L , Randrianarivo-Solofoniaina AE , Reynes JM , Piola P , Finlay-Vickers A , Heraud JM , Richard V . Online J Public Health Inform 2014 6 (3) e197 BACKGROUND: Epidemics pose major threats in resource-poor countries, and surveillance tools for their early detection and response are often inadequate. In 2007, a sentinel surveillance system was established in Madagascar, with the aim of rapidly identifying potential epidemics of febrile or diarrhoeal syndromes and issuing alerts. We present the health and process indicators for the five years during which this system was constructed, showing the spatiotemporal trends, early-warning sign detection capability and process evaluation through timely analyses of high-quality data. METHODS: The Malagasy sentinel surveillance network is currently based on data for fever and diarrhoeal syndromes collected from 34 primary health centres and reported daily via the transmission of short messages from mobile telephones. Data are analysed daily at the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar to make it possible to issue alerts more rapidly, and integrated process indicators (timeliness, data quality) are used to monitor the system. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2011, 917,798 visits were reported. Febrile syndromes accounted for about 11% of visits annually, but the trends observed differed between years and sentinel sites. From 2007 to 2011, 21 epidemic alerts were confirmed. However, delays in data transmission were observed (88% transmitted within 24 hours in 2008; 67% in 2011) and the percentage of forms transmitted each week for validity control decreased from 99.9% in 2007 to 63.5% in 2011. CONCLUSION: A sentinel surveillance scheme should take into account both epidemiological and process indicators. It must also be governed by the main purpose of the surveillance and by local factors, such as the motivation of healthcare workers and telecommunication infrastructure. Permanent evaluation indicators are required for regular improvement of the system. |
Efficacy of three vaccines in protecting Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) from experimental infection with West Nile virus: implications for vaccination of Island Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma insularis)
Wheeler SS , Langevin S , Woods L , Carroll BD , Vickers W , Morrison SA , Chang GJ , Reisen WK , Boyce WM . Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011 11 (8) 1069-80 The devastating effect of West Nile virus (WNV) on the avifauna of North America has led zoo managers and conservationists to attempt to protect vulnerable species through vaccination. The Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis) is one such species, being a corvid with a highly restricted insular range. Herein, we used congeneric Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) to test the efficacy of three WNV vaccines in protecting jays from an experimental challenge with WNV: (1) the Fort Dodge West Nile-Innovator((R)) DNA equine vaccine, (2) an experimental DNA plasmid vaccine, pCBWN, and (3) the Merial Recombitek((R)) equine vaccine. Vaccine efficacy after challenge was compared with naive and nonvaccinated positive controls and a group of naturally immune jays. Overall, vaccination lowered peak viremia compared with nonvaccinated positive controls, but some WNV-related pathology persisted and the viremia was sufficient to possibly infect susceptible vector mosquitoes. The Fort Dodge West Nile-Innovator DNA equine vaccine and the pCBWN vaccine provided humoral immune priming and limited side effects. Five of the six birds vaccinated with the Merial Recombitek vaccine, including a vaccinated, non-WNV challenged control, developed extensive necrotic lesions in the pectoral muscle at the vaccine inoculation sites, which were attributed to the Merial vaccine. In light of the well-documented devastating effects of high morbidity and mortality associated with WNV infection in corvids, vaccination of Island Scrub-Jays with either the Fort Dodge West Nile-Innovator DNA vaccine or the pCBWN vaccine may increase the numbers of birds that would survive an epizootic should WNV become established on Santa Cruz Island. |
Wild felids as hosts for human plague, Western United States
Bevins SN , Tracey JA , Franklin SP , Schmit VL , Macmillan ML , Gage KL , Schriefer ME , Logan KA , Sweanor LL , Alldredge MW , Krumm C , Boyce WM , Vickers W , Riley SP , Lyren LM , Boydston EE , Fisher RN , Roelke ME , Salman M , Crooks KR , Vandewoude S . Emerg Infect Dis 2009 15 (12) 2021-4 Plague seroprevalence was estimated in populations of pumas and bobcats in the western United States. High levels of exposure in plague-endemic regions indicate the need to consider the ecology and pathobiology of plague in nondomestic felid hosts to better understand the role of these species in disease persistence and transmission. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:May 06, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure