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Qamar K, Essar MY, Siddiqui JA, Salman A, Salman Y, Head MG. Infant and child mortality in Afghanistan: A scoping review. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2224. [PMID: 38988625 PMCID: PMC11234138 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Since 1990, global child and infant mortality rates have typically stabilized or decreased due to improved healthcare, vaccination rollouts, and international funding. However, Afghanistan continues to face the highest child and infant mortality rates globally, with 43 deaths per 1000 live births. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to this high mortality rate and propose interventions to address the issue. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on articles published in English within the last 10 years (2013-2023). The search terms included "Child mortality," "Infant mortality," "SIDS," "COVID-19," and "Afghanistan." Original studies, systematic reviews, case studies, and reports meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. Additional sources from organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank Group, WHO, and EMRO were also reviewed. Results The study findings reveal significant challenges contributing to Afghanistan's high infant and child mortality rates. These challenges include birth defects, preterm birth, malnutrition, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), traumatic injuries, fatal infections, infanticide, and abuse. The ongoing conflict, insecurity, and humanitarian crises further exacerbate the situation, leading to increased child casualties. Despite efforts by international agencies like UNICEF to provide vaccines and maternal education, the infant mortality rate remains high. Conclusion In conclusion, Afghanistan's child and infant mortality rates are of significant concern, and it is imperative that action be taken to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulud Qamar
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Department of DentistryKabul University of Medical SciencesKabulAfghanistan
- Department of Global HealthMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | | | - Ariba Salman
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Yumna Salman
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Michael G. Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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Teicher A. Super-spreaders: a historical review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e409-e417. [PMID: 37352877 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The term super-spreader is used for multiple, and sometimes even conflicting, purposes. The reasons for this can be traced back to its complex history. Forerunners of the super-spreader concept-in discussions of so-called dangerous carriers and in analyses of explosive outbreaks during the early 20th century-revolved primarily around gastrointestinal diseases, not respiratory ones. In 1957-58, the H2N2 influenza pandemic and Wells and Riley's studies on tuberculosis drew attention to both the viability of airborne transmission and the existence of significant heterogeneity in infectivity. The term super-spreader was coined in 1972, in relation to computer simulations of influenza epidemics. Initially, super-spreaders were simply an additional feature within stochastic models of epidemics, with little effect on an epidemic's eventual course. The term was later appropriated to explain why outbreaks of airborne diseases continued in vaccinated populations, defying the predictions of contact-transmission-based models. The content and meaning of the term continued to fluctuate, from the mathematical characterisation of sexually active people with gonorrhoea, through HIV carriers with highly infectious semen, to central nodes within a network. This Historical Review reconstructs the historical growth of the concept of super-spreading, and offers insight into its current, highly diversified use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Teicher
- Department of History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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3
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Kazmi MA, Thaler DS, Åberg KC, Mattheisen JM, Huber T, Sakmar TP. The Coronavirus Calendar (CoronaCal): a simplified SARS-CoV-2 test system for sampling and retrospective analysis. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:1146006. [PMID: 38455914 PMCID: PMC10910978 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1146006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Objectives To develop a biological diary (CoronaCal) that allows anyone in the community to collect and store serial saliva samples and chart symptoms on ordinary printer paper. Methods Diaries were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using established polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. CoronaCal diaries were distributed to volunteer subjects in the community during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. Volunteers collected their own daily saliva samples and self-reported symptoms. Results SARS-CoV-2 RNA extracted from CoronaCals was measured using qPCR and RNA levels were correlated with reported symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in CoronaCals from nine of nine people with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to someone with COVID-19, and not in one asymptomatic person. CoronaCals were stored for up to 70 days at room temperature during collection and then frozen for up to four months before analysis, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 RNA is stable once dried onto paper. Conclusions Sampling saliva on simple paper provides a useful method to study the natural history and epidemiology of COVID-19. The CoronaCal collection and testing method is easy to implement, inexpensive, non-invasive and scalable. The approach can inform the historical and epidemiological understanding of infections in individuals and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manija A. Kazmi
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - David S. Thaler
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Program for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Karina C. Åberg
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jordan M. Mattheisen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
- Tri-Institutional Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NYUnited States
| | - Thomas Huber
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Thomas P. Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
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Kong JD, Akpudo UE, Effoduh JO, Bragazzi NL. Leveraging Responsible, Explainable, and Local Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Clinical Public Health in the Global South. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040457. [PMID: 36832991 PMCID: PMC9956248 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present paper, we will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics (BDA) can help address clinical public and global health needs in the Global South, leveraging and capitalizing on our experience with the "Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium" (ACADIC) Project in the Global South, and focusing on the ethical and regulatory challenges we had to face. "Clinical public health" can be defined as an interdisciplinary field, at the intersection of clinical medicine and public health, whilst "clinical global health" is the practice of clinical public health with a special focus on health issue management in resource-limited settings and contexts, including the Global South. As such, clinical public and global health represent vital approaches, instrumental in (i) applying a community/population perspective to clinical practice as well as a clinical lens to community/population health, (ii) identifying health needs both at the individual and community/population levels, (iii) systematically addressing the determinants of health, including the social and structural ones, (iv) reaching the goals of population's health and well-being, especially of socially vulnerable, underserved communities, (v) better coordinating and integrating the delivery of healthcare provisions, (vi) strengthening health promotion, health protection, and health equity, and (vii) closing gender inequality and other (ethnic and socio-economic) disparities and gaps. Clinical public and global health are called to respond to the more pressing healthcare needs and challenges of our contemporary society, for which AI and BDA can help unlock new options and perspectives. In the aftermath of the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the future trend of AI and BDA in the healthcare field will be devoted to building a more healthy, resilient society, able to face several challenges arising from globally networked hyper-risks, including ageing, multimorbidity, chronic disease accumulation, and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Dzevela Kong
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.D.K.); (N.L.B.)
| | - Ugochukwu Ejike Akpudo
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jake Okechukwu Effoduh
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP), York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.D.K.); (N.L.B.)
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Zichello J, Gupta P, Scott M, Desai B, Cohen R, Halderman L, Perkins S, Porzecanski A, Planet PJ, Wyner Y, Blaser M, Burk R, Diamond J, Kennett R, Borland J, DeSalle R. A natural history museum visitor survey of perception, attitude and knowledge (PAK) of microbes and antibiotics. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257085. [PMID: 34550986 PMCID: PMC8457478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A kiosk-based survey at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in 2016-2018 allowed us to assess public knowledge of antibiotics and public attitudes toward microbes in museum goers. Over 22,000 visitors from 172 countries and territories answered several carefully designed questions about microbes and antibiotics. These visitors also entered age, gender, and country demographic data that allowed for stratification along these demographic and geographic divisions. Because museum goers are likely to be better informed about these and other science-based topics, the results described here can set a potential upper bound for public knowledge on these topics. Surprisingly, the results of our analysis of museum goers' answers about microbes and antibiotics indicate a substantial lack of familiarity with both topics. For example, overall only about 50% of respondents can correctly identify penicillin as an antibiotic and less than 50% of museum visitors view microbes as beneficial. The results described here suggest that we are perhaps off target with our educational efforts in this area and that a major shift in approach toward more basic microbial topics is warranted in our educational efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zichello
- Education Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Preeti Gupta
- Education Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Monique Scott
- Education Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
- Museum Studies Department, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA, United States of America
| | - Bella Desai
- Education Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ruth Cohen
- Education Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lauri Halderman
- Exhibition Department, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Susan Perkins
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ana Porzecanski
- American Museum of Natural History, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Planet
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine & Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Yael Wyner
- City College of New York, School of Education, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Martin Blaser
- Department of Medicine and Microbiology, RBHS, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Robert Burk
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Judy Diamond
- University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, NE, United States of America
| | - Rod Kennett
- Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre of Australia, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Rob DeSalle
- American Museum of Natural History, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, New York, NY, United States of America
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Thaler DS, Sakmar TP. Archiving time series sewage samples as biological records of built environments. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:601. [PMID: 34167485 PMCID: PMC8222957 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06268-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary encourages the regular archiving of nucleic-acid-stabilized serial samples of wastewaters and/or sewage. Stabilized samples would facilitate retrospective reconstitution of built environments’ biological fluids. Biological time capsules would allow retrospective searches for nucleic acids from viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Current resources for testing need not be diverted if samples are saved in case they become important in the future. Systematic storage would facilitate investigation into the origin and prevalence of viruses and other agents. Comparison of prevalence data from individual and clinical samplings with community wastewater would allow valuable comparison, contrast and correlation among different testing modalities. Current interest is focused on SARS-CoV-2, but archived samples could become valuable in many contexts including surveys for other infectious and chemical agents whose identity is not currently known. Archived time series of wastewater will take their place alongside other biological repositories and records including those from medical facilities, museums, eDNA, living cell and tissue collections. Together these will prove invaluable records of the evolving Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Thaler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland. .,Program for the Human Environment, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA. .,Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Thomas P Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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Johnson S, Parker M. Ethical challenges in pathogen sequencing: a systematic scoping review. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:119. [PMID: 32864469 PMCID: PMC7445679 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15806.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Going forward, the routine implementation of genomic surveillance activities and outbreak investigation is to be expected. We sought to systematically identify the emerging ethical challenges; and to systematically assess the gaps in ethical frameworks or thinking and identify where further work is needed to solve practical challenges. Methods: We systematically searched indexed academic literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 2000 to April 2019 for peer-reviewed articles that substantively engaged in discussion of ethical issues in the use of pathogen genome sequencing technologies for diagnostic, surveillance and outbreak investigation. Results: 28 articles were identified; nine United States, five United Kingdom, five The Netherlands, three Canada, two Switzerland, one Australia, two South Africa, and one Italy. Eight articles were specifically about the use of sequencing in HIV. Eleven were not specific to a particular disease. Results were organized into four themes: tensions between public and private interests; difficulties with translation from research to clinical and public health practice; the importance of community trust and support; equity and global partnerships; and the importance of context. Conclusion: While pathogen sequencing has the potential to be transformative for public health, there are a number of key ethical issues that must be addressed, particularly around the conditions of use for pathogen sequence data. Ethical standards should be informed by public values, and further empirical work investigating stakeholders’ views are required. Development in the field should also be under-pinned by a strong commitment to values of justice, in particular global health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Johnson
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities and Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Michael Parker
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities and Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
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Tang JW, Li Y. Editorial: the airborne microbiome - implications for aerosol transmission and infection control - special issue. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:755. [PMID: 31464601 PMCID: PMC6716862 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the title of the Special Issue is 'Airborne Microbiome' the manuscripts received have highlighted a variety of peripheral, yet related aspects of this. The contributions are a mixture of primary research, reviews and commentaries, including: new methods to explore environmental niches where such microbes may grow, their detection and characterisation in the human host, which pathogens are present in the respiratory tract and can be exhaled in human breath to potentially spread via the airborne route, and some strategies for their control. Finally, a historical-to-current overview explores human-microbial interactions, including problems with sampling and detection methods, drug resistance, the role of super-spreaders and issues around research funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Tang
- Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Haking Wong Building 7/F, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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