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Naseer B, Insaf Ahmed RA, Ali M, Talha M, Azizullah S, Anwar A. Unveiling the gender gap in research: a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles on food-borne pathogen outbreaks from 1990 to 2020. GMS Hyg Infect Control 2024; 19:Doc12. [PMID: 38655120 PMCID: PMC11035908 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Despite a recent increase in the representation of female authors in scientific literature, a significant gap persists concerning the inclusion of women in research. This necessitates the analysis of published literature from a gender perspective. This study aimed to provide gender distribution in authorship in the 100 most-cited articles on food-borne pathogen outbreaks from 1990 to 2020. Methods Bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. Two reviewers were selected to search the database. We included the 100 most-cited articles on foodborne outbreak investigations. The analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and Microsoft Excel version 2016. The citation data, including total citations, citations per year, and representation of women as first and senior authors, was analyzed in terms of frequencies, mean, median, and interquartile range. The correlation between journal impact factor and the representation of women in high-impact factor journals was determined. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results Most of the top-cited articles were published between 2001 and 2010 (n=47). The top 3 most-cited articles were from the USA. Of the total 100 articles, women were the first and last authors in 46% and 28% of the articles, respectively, reflecting a significant gender gap. However, the proportion of females as principal investigators gradually increased from 25% (n=10/30) to 52% (n=24/47) during the period 2001-2010 and to 92% (n=12/13) during 2011-2020. The USA had the highest number of included articles (n=48), and women were principal authors in 56% (n=27) of them. The lowest representation of women was observed in Austria, Denmark, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Conclusion Women are under-represented in published literature on food-borne pathogen outbreaks. Although the representation of women as principal authors has recently increased, disparities still exist at the senior-author level, calling for women's advancement in academic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisal Naseer
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Mohsan Ali
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Talha
- Combined Military Hospital Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Amar Anwar
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Vaughn J, Karayeva E, Lopez-Yanez N, Hershow RC. Symptom severity in an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 at a university student gala in the Omicron era, Chicago, Illinois, April 2022. J Am Coll Health 2023:1-5. [PMID: 37167591 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2208231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: In April 2022, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) COVID-19 Contact Tracing & Epidemiology Program identified an outbreak associated with an indoor student gala. This study's aims were to characterize COVID-19 transmission dynamics and measure symptom severity among cases.Participants: The study population included UIC-affiliated gala attendees. Outbreak-associated cases tested positive for COVID-19 between April 2 and April 11, 2022. Attendees who did not test positive or develop symptoms within ten days of the event were classified as contacts.Methods: We ascertained cases through phone-based contact tracing and a survey and evaluated symptom severity using a novel classification system.Results: Among 307 UIC students registered to attend the gala, the minimum attack rate was 14.0%. Approximately 56% of cases were mildly symptomatic, and 38.9% reported severe symptoms.Conclusions: Our findings align with prior research documenting heightened transmissibility of Omicron-variant-related strains and highlight the need for nuanced symptom assessment methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Vaughn
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Evgenia Karayeva
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Natalia Lopez-Yanez
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ronald C Hershow
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
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Burckhardt F, Kissling E. Training for Foodborne Outbreak Investigations by Using Structured Learning Experience. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:162-164. [PMID: 31855547 PMCID: PMC6924897 DOI: 10.3201/eid2601.190755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We created a free and interactive training activity based on playing cards (disease detective cards) that introduces foodborne outbreak investigations to public health professionals and students. Competencies taught cover selected descriptive and analytic epidemiologic topics, such as case definition, epidemic curve, 2-by-2 tables, relative risks, attack rates, stratification, and confounding.
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Bingham P, Wada M, van Andel M, McFadden A, Sanson R, Stevenson M. Real-Time Standard Analysis of Disease Investigation (SADI)-A Toolbox Approach to Inform Disease Outbreak Response. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:563140. [PMID: 33134349 PMCID: PMC7580181 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.563140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An incursion of an important exotic transboundary animal disease requires a prompt and intensive response. The routine analysis of up-to-date data, as near to real time as possible, is essential for the objective assessment of the patterns of disease spread or effectiveness of control measures and the formulation of alternative control strategies. In this paper, we describe the Standard Analysis of Disease Investigation (SADI), a toolbox for informing disease outbreak response, which was developed as part of New Zealand's biosecurity preparedness. SADI was generically designed on a web-based software platform, Integrated Real-time Information System (IRIS). We demonstrated the use of SADI for a hypothetical foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak scenario in New Zealand. The data standards were set within SADI, accommodating a single relational database that integrated the national livestock population data, outbreak data, and tracing data. We collected a well-researched, standardised set of 16 epidemiologically relevant analyses for informing the FMD outbreak response, including farm response timelines, interactive outbreak/network maps, stratified epidemic curves, estimated dissemination rates, estimated reproduction numbers, and areal attack rates. The analyses were programmed within SADI to automate the process to generate the reports at a regular interval (daily) using the most up-to-date data. Having SADI prepared in advance and the process streamlined for data collection, analysis and reporting would free a wider group of epidemiologists during an actual disease outbreak from solving data inconsistency among response teams, daily “number crunching,” or providing largely retrospective analyses. Instead, the focus could be directed into enhancing data collection strategies, improving data quality, understanding the limitations of the data available, interpreting the set of analyses, and communicating their meaning with response teams, decision makers and public in the context of the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bingham
- Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Operations Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | - Masako Wada
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary van Andel
- Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Operations Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | - Andrew McFadden
- Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Operations Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | | | - Mark Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Singh-Moodley A, Ismail H, Perovic O. Molecular diagnostics in South Africa and challenges in the establishment of a molecular laboratory in developing countries. J Infect Dev Ctries 2020; 14:236-243. [PMID: 32235082 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.11779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory plays a significant role in public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and infection prevention and control strategies. Microbiology laboratories are moving towards incorporating molecular biology techniques for the surveillance and identification of pathogens causing infectious diseases as well as the genotypic characterisation of these organisms. These methods are accurate, rapid, reliable, and provide a wealth of information that are not available using conventional phenotypic methods. However, establishing such a laboratory can be challenging in developing countries due to poor infrastructure, the lack of funding and the required expertise. This manuscript discusses the essential issues that need to be addressed when establishing a molecular microbiology laboratory and the usefulness of molecular techniques in public health surveillance and outbreaks in developing countries. Molecular data on South African findings obtained from surveillance and outbreak studies are also presented in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashika Singh-Moodley
- Centre for Healthcare-associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Husna Ismail
- Centre for Healthcare-associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Olga Perovic
- Centre for Healthcare-associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Globig A, Staubach C, Sauter-Louis C, Dietze K, Homeier-Bachmann T, Probst C, Gethmann J, Depner KR, Grund C, Harder TC, Starick E, Pohlmann A, Höper D, Beer M, Mettenleiter TC, Conraths FJ. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany in 2016/2017. Front Vet Sci 2018; 4:240. [PMID: 29417053 PMCID: PMC5787777 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report on the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany. Between November 8, 2016, and September 30, 2017, more than 1,150 cases of HPAI H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds and 107 outbreaks in birds kept in captivity (92 poultry holdings and 15 zoos/animal parks) were reported in Germany. This HPAI epidemic is the most severe recorded in Germany so far. The viruses were apparently introduced by migratory birds, sparking an epidemic among wild birds across Germany with occasional incursions into poultry holdings, zoos and animal parks, which were usually rapidly detected and controlled by stamping out. HPAI viruses (mainly subtype H5N8, in a few cases also H5N5) were found in dead wild birds of at least 53 species. The affected wild birds were water birds (including gulls, storks, herons, and cormorants) and scavenging birds (birds of prey, owls, and crows). In a number of cases, substantial gaps in farm biosecurity may have eased virus entry into the holdings. In a second wave of the epidemic starting from February 2017, there was epidemiological and molecular evidence for virus transmission of the infections between commercial turkey holdings in an area of high poultry density, which caused approximately 25% of the total number of outbreaks in poultry. Biosecurity measures in poultry holdings should be adapted. This includes, inter alia, wearing of stable-specific protective clothing and footwear, cleaning, and disinfection of equipment that has been in contact with birds and prevention of contacts between poultry and wild water birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Globig
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Klaas Dietze
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Timo Homeier-Bachmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carolina Probst
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Klaus R. Depner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christian Grund
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Timm C. Harder
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elke Starick
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anne Pohlmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Dirk Höper
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas C. Mettenleiter
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Griffiths E, Dooley D, Graham M, Van Domselaar G, Brinkman FSL, Hsiao WWL. Context Is Everything: Harmonization of Critical Food Microbiology Descriptors and Metadata for Improved Food Safety and Surveillance. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1068. [PMID: 28694792 PMCID: PMC5483436 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globalization of food networks increases opportunities for the spread of foodborne pathogens beyond borders and jurisdictions. High resolution whole-genome sequencing (WGS) subtyping of pathogens promises to vastly improve our ability to track and control foodborne disease, but to do so it must be combined with epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and other health care data (called “contextual data”) to be meaningfully interpreted for regulatory and health interventions, outbreak investigation, and risk assessment. However, current multi-jurisdictional pathogen surveillance and investigation efforts are complicated by time-consuming data re-entry, curation and integration of contextual information owing to a lack of interoperable standards and inconsistent reporting. A solution to these challenges is the use of ‘ontologies’ - hierarchies of well-defined and standardized vocabularies interconnected by logical relationships. Terms are specified by universal IDs enabling integration into highly regulated areas and multi-sector sharing (e.g., food and water microbiology with the veterinary sector). Institution-specific terms can be mapped to a given standard at different levels of granularity, maximizing comparability of contextual information according to jurisdictional policies. Fit-for-purpose ontologies provide contextual information with the auditability required for food safety laboratory accreditation. Our research efforts include the development of a Genomic Epidemiology Ontology (GenEpiO), and Food Ontology (FoodOn) that harmonize important laboratory, clinical and epidemiological data fields, as well as existing food resources. These efforts are supported by a global consortium of researchers and stakeholders worldwide. Since foodborne diseases do not respect international borders, uptake of such vocabularies will be crucial for multi-jurisdictional interpretation of WGS results and data sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Griffiths
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, VancouverBC, Canada
| | - Damion Dooley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, VancouverBC, Canada
| | - Morag Graham
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, WinnipegMB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, WinnipegMB, Canada
| | - Gary Van Domselaar
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, WinnipegMB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, WinnipegMB, Canada
| | - Fiona S L Brinkman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, VancouverBC, Canada
| | - William W L Hsiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, VancouverBC, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory, VancouverBC, Canada
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OYong K, Coelho L, Bancroft E, Terashita D. Health Care-Associated Infection Outbreak Investigations in Outpatient Settings, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2000-2012. Emerg Infect Dis 2016. [PMID: 26196293 PMCID: PMC4517738 DOI: 10.3201/eid2108.141251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most investigations identified a control breach as the source of infections. Health care services are increasingly delivered in outpatient settings. However, infection control oversight in outpatient settings to ensure patient safety has not improved and literature quantifying reported health care–associated infection outbreaks in outpatient settings is scarce. The objective of this analysis was to characterize investigations of suspected and confirmed outbreaks in outpatient settings in Los Angeles County, California, USA, reported during 2000–2012, by using internal logs; publications; records; and correspondence of outbreak investigations by characteristics of the setting, number, and type of infection control breaches found during investigations, outcomes of cases, and public health responses. Twenty-eight investigations met the inclusion criteria. Investigations occurred frequently, in diverse settings, and required substantial public health resources. Most outpatient settings investigated had >1 infection control breach. Lapses in infection control were suspected to be the outbreak source for 16 of the reviewed investigations.
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Rohrer JE, Doganer YC, Merry SP, Angstman KB, Erickson JL, Furst JW. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) greater than 100 mg/dL as a quality indicator: locating risk in person, place and time. J Eval Clin Pract 2015; 21:735-9. [PMID: 25988919 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Achieving control over elevated lipid parameters, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, is an acknowledged quality indicator in primary care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s model for investigation of outbreaks (person-place-time) can be applied to the analysis of quality indicators. METHODS A sample of 322 family medicine patients for whom lipid levels were ordered was extracted. LDL > 100 mg/dL was cross-tabulated by personal characteristics [age group, gender, body mass index (BMI), diagnoses], month (time) and ordering department (place). RESULTS Age (except one age category), gender, time and location were not related to LDL > 100 mg/dL after adjustment for covariates. All levels of BMI above normal elevated the risk of LDL > 100 mg/dL [BMI 25-29.9: odds ratio (OR) = 3.41, confidence interval (CI) = 1.61-7.23, P = 0.0014; BMI 30-34.9: OR = 2.93, CI = 1.28-6.70, P = 0.0109; BMI ≥ 35: OR = 2.75, CI = 1.19-6.37, P = 0.0181]. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were at reduced risk for LDL > 100 mg/dL (CAD: OR = 0.47, CI = 0.24-0.91, P = 0.0254; DM: OR = 0.28, CI = 0.14-0.55, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION An outbreak investigation model is useful for analysing variations in this quality indicator. Patients with higher BMI and those not diagnosed with CAD or DM type I/II may be considered for intensified lipid lowering using quality improvement efforts. These might include counselling for lifestyle changes or medication therapy depending upon their calculated cardiac risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Rohrer
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yusuf C Doganer
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stephen P Merry
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kurt B Angstman
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jacob L Erickson
- Sports Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joseph W Furst
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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