2024-03-28T18:03:16Z
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/cgi/oai2
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:41086
2024-03-04T15:07:07Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Review of climate change and water-related diseases in Cambodia and findings from stakeholder knowledge assessments
McIver, Lachlan J.
Chan, Vibol S.
Bowen, Kathryn J.
Iddings, Steven N.
Hero, Kol
Raingsey, Piseth P.
This project aims to increase the resilience of Cambodian communities to the health risks posed by climate change–related impacts on water-related diseases. There are a number of water-related diseases that are present in Cambodia and are likely to be susceptible to climate change. These include diarrheal diseases, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, melioidosis, viral hepatitis, and schistosomiasis. Certain subsectors of Cambodia's population may be more vulnerable than others with respect to climate change impacts on water and health, including agricultural workers and residents of flood-and drought-prone areas. The current level of understanding on the part of health professionals and other key stakeholders in Cambodia regarding the risks posed by climate change on water-sensitive diseases is relatively low. Strategies by which this understanding might be strengthened are suggested.
Sage Publications
2016
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/41086/6/41086%20McIver%20et%20al%202016.pdf
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1010539514558059
McIver, Lachlan J., Chan, Vibol S., Bowen, Kathryn J., Iddings, Steven N., Hero, Kol, and Raingsey, Piseth P. (2016) Review of climate change and water-related diseases in Cambodia and findings from stakeholder knowledge assessments. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, 28 (2S). 49S-58S.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/41086/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:45612
2024-03-02T15:18:50Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
The role of seasonality on the diet and household food security of pregnant women living in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Stevens, Briony
Watt, Kerrianne
Brimbecombe, Julie
Clough, Alan
Judd, Jenni
Lindsay, Daniel
Objective: To investigate the association of seasonality with dietary diversity, household food security and nutritional status of pregnant women in a rural district of northern Bangladesh.
Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2013 to February 2015. Data were collected on demographics, household food security (using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale), dietary diversity (using the women's dietary diversity questionnaire) and mid-upper arm circumference. Descriptive statistics were used to explore demographics, dietary diversity, household food security and nutritional status, and inferential statistics were applied to explore the role of seasonality on diversity, household food security and nutritional status.
Setting: Twelve villages of Pirganj sub-district, Rangpur District, northern Bangladesh.
Subjects: Pregnant women (n 288).
Results: Seasonality was found to be associated with dietary diversity (P=0·026) and household food security (P=0·039). Dietary diversity was significantly lower in summer (P=0·029) and spring (P=0·038). Food security deteriorated significantly in spring (P=0·006) and late autumn (P=0·009).
Conclusion: Seasons play a role in women's household food security status and dietary diversity, with food security deteriorating during the lean seasons and dietary diversity deteriorating during the second 'lesser' lean season and the season immediately after. Interventions that aim to improve the diet of pregnant women from low-income, subsistence-farming communities need to recognise the role of seasonality on diet and food security and to incorporate initiatives to prevent seasonal declines.
Cambridge University Press
2016
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/45612/6/45612%20Stevens%20et%20al%202016.pdf
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S136898001600183X
Stevens, Briony, Watt, Kerrianne, Brimbecombe, Julie, Clough, Alan, Judd, Jenni, and Lindsay, Daniel (2016) The role of seasonality on the diet and household food security of pregnant women living in rural Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study. Public Health Nutrition, 20 (1). pp. 121-129.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/45612/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:51592
2024-02-27T15:01:45Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
A comprehensive approach to evaluating and classifying sun-protective clothing
Downs, N.J
Harrison, S.L
Background: National standards for clothing designed to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) have been implemented in Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and the USA. Industry standards reflect the need to protect the skin by covering a considerable proportion of the potentially exposed body surface area (BSA) and by reducing UVR-transmission through fabric (the Ultraviolet Protection Factor; UPF).
Objectives: This research aimed to develop a new index for rating sun-protective clothing that incorporates the BSA coverage of the garment in addition to the UPF of the fabric.
Methods: A mannequin model was fixed to an optical bench and marked with horizontal lines at 1 cm intervals. An algorithm (the Garment Protector Factor; GPF) was developed based on the number of lines visible on the clothed versus unclothed mannequin and the UPF of the garment textile. This data was collected in 2015-16 and analysed in 2016.
Results: The GPF weights fabric UPF by BSA coverage above the minimum required by international sun-protective clothing standards for upper-body, lower-body and full-body garments. GPF increases with BSA coverage of the garment and fabric UPF. Three nominal categories are proposed for the GPF: 0 ≤ GPF < 3 for garments that 'meet' minimum standards; 3 ≤ GPF < 6 for garments providing 'good' sun-protection; and GPF ≥ 6 indicating 'excellent' protection.
Conclusions: Adoption of the proposed rating scheme should encourage manufacturers to design sun-protective garments that exceed the minimum standard for BSA coverage, with positive implications for skin cancer prevention, consumer education and sun-protection awareness.
Wiley-Blackwell
2018-04
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51592/1/51592_Downs_and_Harrison_2018.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.15938
Downs, N.J, and Harrison, S.L (2018) A comprehensive approach to evaluating and classifying sun-protective clothing. British Journal of Dermatology, 178 (4). pp. 958-964.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/51592/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:53098
2024-03-02T19:30:03Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Assessment of rodent communities in two provinces of Cambodia
Fillieux, Caroline
Chea, Sokha
Ramassamy, Jill-Lea
Hul, Vibol
Olson, Sarah
Fine, Amanda
Dussart, Philippe
Phimpraphi, Waraphon
Horwood, Paul F.
Pruvot, Mathieu
Rodents play an important role in regulating ecosystems, in particular through seed dispersion and predation, and constitute a prey for mesopredators. However, rodents are considered pests in rural areas because they can cause significant damage to crops, especially during episodes of sudden population growth (Singleton, 2003). Rodents are also carriers or reservoirs for numerous zoonotic diseases that represent a serious threat to human health (Meerburg et al., 2009; Luis et al., 2013; Olival et al., 2017). Multi-site assessments of rodent communities are consequently needed to understand the implications of various spatio-temporal factors on these ecosystem services, the epidemiology of rodent-borne diseases, and other interactions with humans.
Royal University of Phnom Penh
2017
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53098/1/53098%20Fillieux%20et%20al%202017.pdf
https://api.fauna-flora.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/201712_Cambodian-Journal-of-Natural-History.pdf
Fillieux, Caroline, Chea, Sokha, Ramassamy, Jill-Lea, Hul, Vibol, Olson, Sarah, Fine, Amanda, Dussart, Philippe, Phimpraphi, Waraphon, Horwood, Paul F., and Pruvot, Mathieu (2017) Assessment of rodent communities in two provinces of Cambodia. Cambodian Journal of Natural History, 2017 (2). pp. 147-152.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53098/
openpub
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:53583
2024-03-05T14:45:34Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
National prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities
Steinemann, Anne
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), its co-occurrence with asthma and fragrance sensitivity, and effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products.
Methods: A nationally representative cross-sectional population-based sample of adult Americans (n = 1137) was surveyed in June 2016.
Results: Among the population, 12.8% report medically diagnosed MCS and 25.9% report chemical sensitivity. Of those with MCS, 86.2% experience health problems, such as migraine headaches, when exposed to fragranced consumer products; 71.0% are asthmatic; 70.3% cannot access places that use fragranced products such as air fresheners; and 60.7% lost workdays or a job in the past year due to fragranced products in the workplace.
Conclusion: Prevalence of diagnosed MCS has increased over 300%, and self-reported chemical sensitivity over 200%, in the past decade. Reducing exposure to fragranced products could help reduce adverse health and societal effects.
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53583/1/53583_Steinemann_2018.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001272
Steinemann, Anne (2018) National prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60 (3). e152-e156.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53583/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:53692
2024-03-04T14:29:00Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Incidence and characteristics of low-speed vehicle run over events in rural and remote children aged 0–14 years in Queensland: an eleven year (1999–2009) retrospective analysis
Griffin, Bronwyn R.
Kimble, Roy M.
Watt, Kerrianne
Shields, Linda
Introduction: The main objective of this study is to describe incidence rates of low-speed vehicle run-over (LSVRO) events among children aged 0–14 years residing in Queensland from 1999 to 2009. A second objective was to describe the associated patterns of injury, with respect to gender, age group, severity, characteristics (host, vehicle and environment), and trends over time in relation to geographical remoteness. Final results are hoped to inform prevention policies.
Methods: In this statewide, retrospective, population-based study, data were collected on LSVRO events that occurred among children aged 0–14 years in Queensland from 1999 to 2009 from all relevant data sources across the continuum of care, and manually linked to obtain the most comprehensive estimate possible of the magnitude and nature of LSVRO events to date. Crude incidence rates were calculated separately for males and females, for fatal events, non-fatal events (hospital admissions and non-admissions, respectively), and for all LSVRO events, for each area of geographical remoteness (major cities, inner regional, outer regional, remote/very remote). Relative risks and 95% confidence interval were calculated, and trends over time were examined. Data on host, injury and event characteristics were also obtained to investigate whether these characteristics varied between areas of remoteness.
Results: Incidence rates were lowest among children (0–14 years) living in major cities (13.8/100000/annum, with the highest recorded incidence in outer regional areas (incidence rate =42.5/100000/annum). Incidence rates were higher for children residing outside major cities for both males and females, for every age group, for each of the 11 years of the study, and consequences of LSVRO events were worse. Young children aged 0–4 years were identified as those most at risk for these events, regardless of geographical location. Differences were observed as a function of remoteness category in relation to injury characteristics (eg injury type), and host characteristics (eg sociodemographic status), but there were no observed differences in environmental characteristics (eg time of day, day of week). Heavy vehicles such as four-wheel drives, utilities, trucks and tractors were more frequently involved in LSVRO events that occurred outside major cities.
Conclusion: The results confirmed that children of all ages and genders residing outside of major cities in Queensland are more at risk of being involved in an LSVRO incident, and experience more severe consequences compared to children in major cities. Future research should address the specific risk factors and focus on engaging rural communities to assist in the prevention of LSVRO incidents.
Australian Rural Health Education Network
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53692/1/Griffin_LSVRO_RRHarticle_print_4224.pdf
https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH4224
Griffin, Bronwyn R., Kimble, Roy M., Watt, Kerrianne, and Shields, Linda (2018) Incidence and characteristics of low-speed vehicle run over events in rural and remote children aged 0–14 years in Queensland: an eleven year (1999–2009) retrospective analysis. Rural and Remote Health, 18. 4224.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53692/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:53694
2024-02-29T14:22:55Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Examination of child and adolescent hospital admission rates in Queensland, Australia, 1995-2011: a comparison of coal seam gas, coal mining and rural areas
Werner, Angela K.
Watt, Kerrianne
Cameron, Cate
Vink, Sue
Page, Andrew
Jagals, Paul
Objectives: At present, coal seam gas (CSG) is the most common form of unconventional natural gas development occurring in Australia. Few studies have been conducted to explore the potential health impacts of CSG development on children and adolescents. This analysis presents age-specific hospitalisation rates for a child and adolescent cohort in three study areas in Queensland.
Methods: Three geographic areas were selected: a CSG area, a coal mining area, and a rural area with no mining activity. Changes in area-specific hospital admissions were investigated over the period 1995–2011 in a series of negative binomial regression analyses for 19 International Classification of Diseases (ICD) chapters, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.
Results: The strongest associations were found for respiratory diseases in 0–4 year olds (7% increase [95% CI 4%, 11%] and 6% increase [95% CI 2%, 10%] in the CSG area relative to the coal mining and rural areas, respectively) and 10–14 year olds (9% increase [95% CI 1%, 18%] and 11% increase [95% CI 1%, 21%] in the CSG area compared to the coal mining and rural areas, respectively). The largest effect size was for blood/immune diseases in 5–9 year olds in the CSG area (467% increase [95% CI 139%, 1244%]) compared to the rural area with no mining activity.
Conclusions for Practice: Higher rates of hospitalisation existed in the CSG area for certain ICD chapters and paediatric age groups, suggesting potential age-specific health impacts. This study provides insights on associations that should be explored further in terms of child and adolescent health.
Springer
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53694/1/53694%20Werner%20et%20al%202018.pdf
http://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-018-2511-4
Werner, Angela K., Watt, Kerrianne, Cameron, Cate, Vink, Sue, Page, Andrew, and Jagals, Paul (2018) Examination of child and adolescent hospital admission rates in Queensland, Australia, 1995-2011: a comparison of coal seam gas, coal mining and rural areas. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 22 (9). pp. 2511-2514.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/53694/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:54096
2024-02-27T15:01:59Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Local introduction and heterogeneous spatial spread of dengue-suppressing Wolbachia through an urban population of Aedes aegypti
Schmidt, Tom L.
Barton, Nicholas H.
Rašić, Gordana
Turley, Andrew P.
Montgomery, Brian L.
Iturbe-Ormaetxe, Inaki
Cook, Peter E.
Ryan, Peter A.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Hoffmann, Ary A.
O'Neill, Scott L.
Turelli, Michael
Dengue-suppressing Wolbachia strains are promising tools for arbovirus control, particularly as they have the potential to self-spread following local introductions. To test this, we followed the frequency of the transinfected Wolbachia strain wMel through Ae. aegypti in Cairns, Australia, following releases at 3 nonisolated locations within the city in early 2013. Spatial spread was analysed graphically using interpolation and by fitting a statistical model describing the position and width of the wave. For the larger 2 of the 3 releases (covering 0.97 km 2 and 0.52 km 2 ), we observed slow but steady spatial spread, at about 100–200 m per year, roughly consistent with theoretical predictions. In contrast, the smallest release (0.11 km 2 ) produced erratic temporal and spatial dynamics, with little evidence of spread after 2 years. This is consistent with the prediction concerning fitness-decreasing Wolbachia transinfections that a minimum release area is needed to achieve stable local establishment and spread in continuous habitats. Our graphical and likelihood analyses produced broadly consistent estimates of wave speed and wave width. Spread at all sites was spatially heterogeneous, suggesting that environmental heterogeneity will affect large-scale Wolbachia transformations of urban mosquito populations. The persistence and spread of Wolbachia in release areas meeting minimum area requirements indicates the promise of successful large-scale population transformation.
Public Library of Science
2017-05-30
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/54096/1/54096_Schmidt%20et%20al_2017.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2001894
Schmidt, Tom L., Barton, Nicholas H., Rašić, Gordana, Turley, Andrew P., Montgomery, Brian L., Iturbe-Ormaetxe, Inaki, Cook, Peter E., Ryan, Peter A., Ritchie, Scott A., Hoffmann, Ary A., O'Neill, Scott L., and Turelli, Michael (2017) Local introduction and heterogeneous spatial spread of dengue-suppressing Wolbachia through an urban population of Aedes aegypti. PLoS Biology, 15 (5). e2001894.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/54096/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:57248
2024-02-28T15:08:04Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Chemical sensitivity, asthma, and effects from fragranced consumer products: national population study in Sweden
Steinemann, Anne
Common chemical products and pollutantssuch as pesticides, solvents, new building materials, and fragranced consumer productshave been associated with adverse health and societal effects. For some, the effects can be severe and disabling. This national population study in Sweden examined the prevalence and effects of chemical sensitivity, a condition characterized by health problems from chemical pollutant exposures. In addition, it examined the prevalence of medically diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), and the co-occurrence of chemical sensitivity with asthma and asthma-like conditions, and with fragrance sensitivity (health problems from fragranced consumer products). Using a nationally representative sample, an online survey was conducted in July 2017 of adults in Sweden (n=1100). This study found that, across the population, 18.5% report chemical sensitivity; 3.6% report medically diagnosed MCS; 23.2% are asthmatic, with diagnosed asthma (14.9%), an asthma-like condition (9.1%), or both; and 33.1% have fragrance sensitivity. Among the chemically sensitive, 49.0% are asthmatic and 86.8% are fragrance sensitive. Among asthmatics, 39.2% are chemically sensitive and 57.3% are fragrance sensitive. Health problems from fragranced products can be potentially disabling for 40.1% of the chemically sensitive and 36.3% of asthmatics. In addition, among the chemically sensitive, 24.0% have lost workdays or lost a job in the past year due to fragranced products in the workplace. Results indicate that chemical sensitivity is a widespread condition, affecting more than 1 million adults in Sweden, with fragrance sensitivity affecting nearly 2 million. Reducing chemical exposure to problematic sources, such as fragranced consumer products, is critical to reduce adverse health and societal effects.
Springer
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/57248/1/57248_Steinemann_et_al_2019.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-018-0640-y
Steinemann, Anne (2019) Chemical sensitivity, asthma, and effects from fragranced consumer products: national population study in Sweden. Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, 12 (2). pp. 129-136.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/57248/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:57318
2024-03-03T14:41:48Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
The longitudinal association between natural outdoor environments and mortality in 9218 older men from Perth, Western Australia
Zijlema, Wilma L.
Stasinska, Ania
Blake, David
Dirgawati, Mila
Flicker, Leon
Yeap, Bu B.
Golledge, Jonathan
Hankey, Graeme J.
Nieuwenhuijsen, Mark
Heyworth, Jane
Background/Aim: Natural outdoor environments may mitigate harmful environmental factors associated with city living. We studied the longitudinal relationship between natural ('green and blue') outdoor environments and mortality in a cohort of older men residing in Perth, Western Australia.
Methods: We studied a cohort of 9218 men aged 65 years and older from the Health In Men Study. Participants were recruited in 1996-99 and followed until 2014, during which 5889 deaths were observed. Time-varying residential surrounding greenness based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and the number and size of parks, natural space and waterbodies were defined to characterize the natural outdoor environment. All-cause non-accidental and cause-specific mortality was ascertained with the Western Australian Data Linkage System. The association of the natural outdoor environment with mortality was examined using Cox regression analysis.
Results: After adjusting for age, men living in the highest quartile of cumulative average surrounding greenness had a 9% lower rate of all-cause non-accidental mortality (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84, 0.98; p=. 013) compared with those in the lowest quartile. This association was no longer present after adjustment for other risk factors, especially level of education. Living within 500m of one (vs. no) natural space was associated with decreased mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio 0.93; 95% CI 0.86, 1.00; p=. 046), but no association with mortality was found for two or more natural spaces compared to none and for parks. Associations between waterbodies and mortality were inconsistent, showing non-linear beneficial and harmful associations.
Conclusions: In this longitudinal study of older men residing in Perth, we observed evidence suggestive of an association between access to natural spaces and decreased mortality. Associations between surrounding greenness and mortality seemed to be confounded by level of education, and associations with waterbodies were complex and need to be studied further.
Elsevier
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/57318/1/57318_Zijlema_et_al_2019.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.01.075
Zijlema, Wilma L., Stasinska, Ania, Blake, David, Dirgawati, Mila, Flicker, Leon, Yeap, Bu B., Golledge, Jonathan, Hankey, Graeme J., Nieuwenhuijsen, Mark, and Heyworth, Jane (2019) The longitudinal association between natural outdoor environments and mortality in 9218 older men from Perth, Western Australia. Environment International, 125. pp. 430-436.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/57318/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58073
2024-02-28T14:40:59Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Status of insecticide resistance in Papua New Guinea: an update from nation-wide monitoring of Anopheles mosquitoes
Koimbu, Gussy
Czeher, Cyrille
Katusele, Michelle
Sakur, Muker
Kilepak, Lemen
Tandrapah, Anthony
Hetzel, Manuel W.
Pulford, Justin
Robinson, Leanne
Karl, Stephan
Insecticide resistance (IR) monitoring is an important component of vector-borne disease control. The last assessment of IR in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was conducted in 2010. Since then, vector populations have been exposed to higher levels of pyrethroids with the continued nation-wide distribution of insecticide-treated nets. Here, we provide an update on phenotypic IR in four highly malaria-endemic areas of PNG. IR against deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was assessed using World Health Organization bioassays. A total of 108 bioassays for each insecticide were conducted screening 2,290 adult female anopheline mosquitoes. No phenotypic resistance was observed. Bioassay parameters agreed well with those observed in other studies that used the same assays and insecticides. These results indicate that the three tested insecticides are still universally effective in PNG. Continued IR monitoring (every 1-2 years) in PNG is recommended to detect reduced susceptibility early and adjust guidelines to prevent widespread resistance.
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58073/1/58073_Koimbu_et_al_2018.pdf
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.17-0454
Koimbu, Gussy, Czeher, Cyrille, Katusele, Michelle, Sakur, Muker, Kilepak, Lemen, Tandrapah, Anthony, Hetzel, Manuel W., Pulford, Justin, Robinson, Leanne, and Karl, Stephan (2018) Status of insecticide resistance in Papua New Guinea: an update from nation-wide monitoring of Anopheles mosquitoes. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 98 (1). pp. 162-165.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58073/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58123
2024-03-01T14:46:32Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Species abundance, composition, and nocturnal activity of female Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in malaria-endemic villages of Papua New Guinea: assessment with barrier screen sampling
Keven, John B.
Katusele, Michelle
Vinit, Rebecca
Koimbu, Gussy
Vincent, Naomi
Thomsen, Edward K.
Karl, Stephan
Reimer, Lisa J.
Walker, Edward D.
Background: Community composition of Anopheles mosquitoes, and their host-seeking and peridomestic behaviour, are important factors affecting malaria transmission. In this study, barrier screen sampling was used to investigate species composition, abundance, and nocturnal activity of Anopheles populations in villages of Papua New Guinea.
Methods: Mosquitoes were sampled from 6 pm to 6 am in five villages from 2012 to 2016. The barrier screens were positioned between the village houses and the perimeter of villages where cultivated and wild vegetation ("the bush") grew thickly. Female Anopheles that rested on either village or bush side of the barrier screens, as they commuted into and out of the villages, were captured. Similarity in species composition among villages was assessed. Mosquitoes captured on village and bush sides of the barrier screens were sorted by feeding status and by hour of collection, and their numbers were compared using negative binomial generalized linear models.
Results: Females of seven Anopheles species were present in the sample. Species richness ranged from four to six species per village, but relative abundance was highly uneven within and between villages, and community composition was similar for two pairs of villages and highly dissimilar in a fifth. For most Anopheles populations, more unfed than blood-fed mosquitoes were collected from the barrier screens. More blood-fed mosquitoes were found on the side of the barrier screens facing the village and relatively more unfed ones on the bush side, suggesting commuting behaviour of unfed host-seeking females into the villages from nearby bush and commuting of blood-fed females away from villages towards the bush. For most populations, the majority of host-seeking mosquitoes arrived in the village before midnight when people were active and unprotected from the mosquitoes by bed nets.
Conclusion: The uneven distribution of Anopheles species among villages, with each site dominated by different species, even among nearby villages, emphasizes the importance of vector heterogeneity in local malaria transmission and control. Yet, for most species, nocturnal activity patterns of village entry and host seeking predominantly occurred before midnight indicating common behaviours across species and populations relative to human risk of exposure to Anopheles bites.
BioMed Central
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58123/1/58123_Keven_et_al_2019.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-019-2742-x
Keven, John B., Katusele, Michelle, Vinit, Rebecca, Koimbu, Gussy, Vincent, Naomi, Thomsen, Edward K., Karl, Stephan, Reimer, Lisa J., and Walker, Edward D. (2019) Species abundance, composition, and nocturnal activity of female Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) in malaria-endemic villages of Papua New Guinea: assessment with barrier screen sampling. Malaria Journal, 18. 96.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58123/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58341
2024-02-29T14:32:03Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
International prevalence of chemical sensitivity, co-prevalences with asthma and autism, and effects from fragranced consumer products
Steinemann, Anne
Chemical sensitivity is a medical condition characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to common chemical pollutants and products. This study investigated the prevalence of chemical sensitivity in four countriesthe United States (US), Australia (AU), Sweden (SE), and the United Kingdom (UK). In addition, it investigated the co-prevalence of chemical sensitivity with medically diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), fragrance sensitivity (health problems from fragranced products), asthma/asthma-like conditions, and autism/autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Using nationally representative population samples in each country, data were collected in June 2016 and June 2017 through on-line cross-sectional surveys of adults (n=4435). Results found that, across the four countries, 19.9% of the population report chemical sensitivity, 7.4% report medically diagnosed MCS, 21.2% report either or both, and 32.2% report fragrance sensitivity. In addition, 26.0% of the population report asthma/asthma-like conditions, of which 42.6% report chemical sensitivity and 57.8% fragrance sensitivity. Also, 4.5% of the population report autism/ASDs, of which 60.6% report chemical sensitivity and 75.8% fragrance sensitivity. Among individuals with chemical sensitivity, 55.4% also report asthma/asthma-like conditions, 13.5% autism/ASDs, and 82.0% fragrance sensitivity. Although the prevalence of chemical sensitivity across the countries is statistically different, its co-prevalences with other conditions are statistically similar. Results also found that, for 44.1% of individuals with chemical sensitivity, the severity of health effects from fragranced products can be potentially disabling. Further, 28.6% of those with chemical sensitivity have lost workdays or a job, in the past year, due to exposure to fragranced products in the workplace. Results indicate that chemical sensitivity is widespread across the four countries, affecting over 61 million people, that vulnerable individuals such as those with asthma and autism are especially affected, and that fragranced consumer products can contribute to the adverse health, economic, and societal effects.
Springer
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58341/1/58341_Steinemann_2019.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-019-00672-1
Steinemann, Anne (2019) International prevalence of chemical sensitivity, co-prevalences with asthma and autism, and effects from fragranced consumer products. Air Quality Atmosphere and Health, 12 (5). pp. 519-527.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58341/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58357
2020-02-03T02:54:36Z
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Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products
Steinemann, Anne
Fragranced consumer products—such as air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and personal care products— pervade society. This study investigated the occurrence and types of adverse effects associated with exposure to fragranced products in Australia, and opportunities for prevention. Data were collected in June 2016 using an on-line survey with a representative national sample ( n = 1098). Overall, 33% of Australians report health problems, such as migraine headaches and asthma attacks, when exposed to fragranced products. Of these health effects, more than half (17.1%) could be considered disabling under the Australian Disability Discrimination Act. Additionally, 7.7% of Australians have lost workdays or a job due to illness from fragranced product exposure in the workplace, 16.4% reported health problems when exposed to air fresheners or deodorizers, 15.3% from being in a room after it was cleaned with scented products, and 16.7% would enter but then leave a business as quickly as possible due to fragranced products. About twice as many respondents would prefer that workplaces, health care facilities and professionals, hotels, and airplanes were fragrance-free rather than fragranced. While 73.7% were not aware that fragranced products, even ones called green and organic, emitted hazardous air pollutants, 56.3% would not continue to use a product if they knew it did. This is the first study in Australia to assess the extent of adverse effects associated with exposure to common fragranced products. It provides compelling evidence for the importance and value of reducing fragranced product exposure in order to reduce and prevent adverse health effects and costs.
Elsevier
2017
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58357/3/58357_Steinmann_2017.pdf
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.011
Steinemann, Anne (2017) Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5. pp. 45-47.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58357/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58515
2024-03-05T14:44:49Z
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Characterization of a western Pacific Zika virus strain in Australian Aedes aegypti
Hall-Mendelin, Sonja
Pyke, Alyssa T.
Moore, Peter R.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Moore, Frederick A.J.
van den Hurk, Andrew F.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a globally emerging arbovirus responsible for widespread epidemics in the western Pacific, the Americas, and Asia. The virus predominately circulates in urban transmission cycles between Aedes aegypti and humans. Australia is considered at risk to outbreaks of ZIKV due to the presence of A. aegypti populations in northern areas of the state of Queensland. Furthermore, close proximity to epidemic regions has led to almost 50% of imported cases reported since 2012 originating in the Pacific region. We conducted the first vector competence experiments with A. aegypti from three Australian populations for a western Pacific strain of ZIKV. When exposed to bloodmeals containing between 105 and 108 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/mL of virus, infection, dissemination, and transmission, rates were <10%. In comparison to using frozen virus stock, exposing mosquitoes to freshly cultured virus also did not increase infection or transmission rates. It was only when bloodmeal titers exceeded 108 TCID50/mL that infection rates approached 50% and transmission rates increased to >20%. However, this concentration of virus is considerably higher than levels previously reported in blood samples from viremic humans. The Australian A. aegypti tested appear to express a midgut barrier to ZIKV infection, as 50% of mosquitoes that became infected developed a disseminated infection, and 50% of those mosquitoes transmitted the virus. Overall, these results suggest that while Australian A. aegypti strains are able to transmit the western Pacific ZIKV strain, they are relatively inefficient vectors of the virus.
Mary Ann Liebert
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58515/1/58515_Hall-Mendelin_et_al_2018.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2017.2232
Hall-Mendelin, Sonja, Pyke, Alyssa T., Moore, Peter R., Ritchie, Scott A., Moore, Frederick A.J., and van den Hurk, Andrew F. (2018) Characterization of a western Pacific Zika virus strain in Australian Aedes aegypti. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 18 (6). pp. 317-322.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58515/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58657
2024-02-28T14:53:25Z
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The recently identified flavivirus Bamaga virus is transmitted horizontally by Culex mosquitoes and interferes with West Nile virus replication in vitro and transmission in vivo
Colmant, Agathe M.G.
Hall-Mendelin, Sonja
Ritchie, Scott A.
Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Helle
Harrison, Jessica J.
Newton, Natalee D.
O'Brien, Caitlin A.
Cazier, Chris
Johansen, Cheryl A.
Hobson-Peters, Jody
Hall, Roy A.
van den Hurk, Andrew F.
Arthropod-borne flaviviruses such as yellow fever (YFV), Zika and dengue viruses continue to cause significant human disease globally. These viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes when a female imbibes an infected blood-meal from a viremic vertebrate host and expectorates the virus into a subsequent host. Bamaga virus (BgV) is a flavivirus recently discovered in Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes collected from Cape York Peninsula, Australia. This virus phylogenetically clusters with the YFV group, but is potentially restricted in most vertebrates. However, high levels of replication in an opossum cell line (OK) indicate a potential association with marsupials. To ascertain whether BgV could be horizontally transmitted by mosquitoes, the vector competence of two members of the Cx. sitiens subgroup, Cx. annulirostris and Cx. sitiens, for BgV was investigated. Eleven to thirteen days after imbibing an infectious blood-meal, infection rates were 11.3% and 18.8% for Cx. annulirostris and Cx. sitiens, respectively. Cx. annulirostris transmitted the virus at low levels (5.6% had BgV-positive saliva overall); Cx. sitiens did not transmit the virus. When mosquitoes were injected intrathoracially with BgV, the infection and transmission rates were 100% and 82%, respectively, for both species. These results provided evidence for the first time that BgV can be transmitted horizontally by Cx. annulirostris, the primary vector of pathogenic zoonotic flaviviruses in Australia. We also assessed whether BgV could interfere with replication in vitro, and infection and transmission in vivo of super-infecting pathogenic Culex-associated flaviviruses. BgV significantly reduced growth of Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile (WNV) viruses in vitro. While prior infection with BgV by injection did not inhibit WNV super-infection of Cx. annulirostris, significantly fewer BgV-infected mosquitoes could transmit WNV than mock-injected mosquitoes. Overall, these data contribute to our understanding of flavivirus ecology, modes of transmission by Australian mosquitoes and mechanisms for super-infection interference.
Public Library of Science
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58657/1/58657.pdf
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006886
Colmant, Agathe M.G., Hall-Mendelin, Sonja, Ritchie, Scott A., Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Helle, Harrison, Jessica J., Newton, Natalee D., O'Brien, Caitlin A., Cazier, Chris, Johansen, Cheryl A., Hobson-Peters, Jody, Hall, Roy A., and van den Hurk, Andrew F. (2018) The recently identified flavivirus Bamaga virus is transmitted horizontally by Culex mosquitoes and interferes with West Nile virus replication in vitro and transmission in vivo. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 12 (10). e0006886.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58657/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:58739
2024-03-04T14:31:23Z
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Individual and contextual risk factors for chikungunya virus infection: the SEROCHIK cross-sectional population-based study
Fred, A.
Fianu, A.
Béral, M.
Guernier, V.
Sissoko, D.
Méchain, M.
Michault, A.
Boisson, V.
Gaüzère, B.A.
Favier, F.
Malvy, D.
Gérardin, P.
SEROCHIK group,
The purpose of the study was to weigh the community burden of chikungunya determinants on Reunion island. Risk factors were investigated within a subset of 2101 adult persons from a population-based cross-sectional serosurvey, using Poisson regression models for dichotomous outcomes. Design-based risk ratios and population attributable fractions (PAF) were generated distinguishing individual and contextual (i.e. that affect individuals collectively) determinants. The disease burden attributable to contextual determinants was twice that of individual determinants (overall PAF value 89.5% vs. 44.1%). In a model regrouping both categories of determinants, the independent risk factors were by decreasing PAF values: An interaction term between the reporting of a chikungunya history in the neighbourhood and individual house (PAF 45.9%), a maximal temperature of the month preceding the infection higher than 28.5 °C (PAF 25.7%), a socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood (PAF 19.0%), altitude of dwelling (PAF 13.1%), cumulated rainfalls of the month preceding the infection higher than 65 mm (PAF 12.6%), occupational inactivity (PAF 11.6%), poor knowledge on chikungunya transmission (PAF 7.3%) and obesity/overweight (PAF 5.2%). Taken together, these covariates and their underlying causative factors uncovered 80.8% of chikungunya at population level. Our findings lend support to a major role of contextual risk factors in chikungunya virus outbreaks.
Cambridge University Press
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58739/1/58739_Fred_et_al_2018.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268818000341
Fred, A., Fianu, A., Béral, M., Guernier, V., Sissoko, D., Méchain, M., Michault, A., Boisson, V., Gaüzère, B.A., Favier, F., Malvy, D., Gérardin, P., and SEROCHIK group, (2018) Individual and contextual risk factors for chikungunya virus infection: the SEROCHIK cross-sectional population-based study. Epidemiology and Infection, 146 (8). pp. 1056-1064.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58739/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:59779
2024-02-27T15:19:09Z
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Reflections from an old Queenslander:
can rear and release strategies be the
next great era of vector control?
Ritchie, Scott
Staunton, Kyran
In this perspective, I discuss the great eras of vector control, centring on Aedes
aegypti, the primary vector of dengue, Zika and several other viruses. Since the
discovery and acceptance of the role of mosquitoes as vectors of disease agents,
several significant strategies have been developed and deployed to control
them and the diseases they transmit. Environmental management, insecticides
and, to a lesser extent, biological control have emerged as great eras of vector
control. In the past decade, the release of massive numbers of specifically
modified mosquitoes that mate with wild populations has emerged as a
significant new strategy to fight vector-borne diseases. These reared and
released mosquitoes have been modified by the addition of a symbiont
(e.g. Wolbachia bacteria), radiation or introduction of a genetic construct to
either sterilize the wild mosquitoes they mate with, crashing the population,
or to reduce the wild population’s capacity to vector pathogens. Will these
new rear and release strategies become the next great era of vector control?
From my vantage point as a dengue control manager and researcher involved
in two Wolbachia programmes, I will discuss the hurdles that rear and release
programmes face to gain widespread acceptance and success.
Royal Society Publishing
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/59779/1/Ritchie%20%26%20Staunton%202019.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0973
Ritchie, Scott, and Staunton, Kyran (2019) Reflections from an old Queenslander: can rear and release strategies be the next great era of vector control? Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B, Biological Sciences, 286. 20190973.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/59779/
openpub
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:59791
2024-03-01T14:47:15Z
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Global risk of deadly heat
Mora, Camilo
Dousset, Benedicte
Caldwell, Iain R.
Powell, Farrah E.
Geronimo, Rollan C.
Bielecki, Coral R.
Counsell, Chelsie W.W.
Dietrich, Bonnie S.
Johnston, Emily T.
Louis, Leo V.
Lucas, Matthew P.
McKenzie, Marie M.
Shea, Alessandra G.
Tseng, Han
Giambelluca, Thomas W.
Leon, Lisa R.
Hawkins, Ed
Trauernicht, Clay
Climate change can increase the risk of conditions that exceed human thermoregulatory capacity1,2,3,4,5,6. Although numerous studies report increased mortality associated with extreme heat events1,2,3,4,5,6,7, quantifying the global risk of heat-related mortality remains challenging due to a lack of comparable data on heat-related deaths2,3,4,5. Here we conducted a global analysis of documented lethal heat events to identify the climatic conditions associated with human death and then quantified the current and projected occurrence of such deadly climatic conditions worldwide. We reviewed papers published between 1980 and 2014, and found 783 cases of excess human mortality associated with heat from 164 cities in 36 countries. Based on the climatic conditions of those lethal heat events, we identified a global threshold beyond which daily mean surface air temperature and relative humidity become deadly. Around 30% of the world’s population is currently exposed to climatic conditions exceeding this deadly threshold for at least 20 days a year. By 2100, this percentage is projected to increase to ∼48% under a scenario with drastic reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and ∼74% under a scenario of growing emissions. An increasing threat to human life from excess heat now seems almost inevitable, but will be greatly aggravated if greenhouse gases are not considerably reduced.
Nature Publishing Group
2017
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/59791/2/nclimate3322.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate3322
Mora, Camilo, Dousset, Benedicte, Caldwell, Iain R., Powell, Farrah E., Geronimo, Rollan C., Bielecki, Coral R., Counsell, Chelsie W.W., Dietrich, Bonnie S., Johnston, Emily T., Louis, Leo V., Lucas, Matthew P., McKenzie, Marie M., Shea, Alessandra G., Tseng, Han, Giambelluca, Thomas W., Leon, Lisa R., Hawkins, Ed, and Trauernicht, Clay (2017) Global risk of deadly heat. Nature Climate Change, 7. pp. 501-506.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/59791/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:60074
2024-03-04T15:21:13Z
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Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Papua New Guinea
Demok, Samuel
Endersby-Harshman, Nancy
Vinit, Rebecca
Timinao, Lincoln
Robinson, Leanne J.
Susapu, Melinda
Makita, Leo
Laman, Moses
Hoffmann, Ary
Karl, Stephan
Background: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are important vectors of infectious diseases, especially those caused by arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Aedes aegypti is very well adapted to urban environments, whereas Ae. albopictus inhabits more rural settings. Pyrethroid resistance is widespread in these vectors, but limited data exist from the Southwest Pacific Region, especially from Melanesia. While Aedes vector ecology is well documented in Australia, where incursion of Ae. albopictus and pyrethroid resistance have so far been prevented, almost nothing is known about Aedes populations in neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG). With pyrethroid resistance documented in parts of Indonesia but not in Australia, it is important to determine the distribution of susceptible and resistant Aedes populations in this region.
Methods: The present study was aimed at assessing Aedes populations for insecticide resistance in Madang and Port Moresby, located on the north and south coasts of PNG, respectively. Mosquitoes were collected using ovitraps and reared in an insectary. Standard WHO bioassays using insecticide-treated filter papers were conducted on a total of 253 Ae. aegypti and 768 Ae. albopictus adult mosquitoes. Subsets of samples from both species (55 Ae. aegypti and 48 Ae. albopictus) were screened for knockdown resistance mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) gene, the target site of pyrethroid insecticides.
Results: High levels of resistance against pyrethroids were identified in Ae. aegypti from Madang and Port Moresby. Aedes albopictus exhibited susceptibility to pyrethroids, but moderate levels of resistance to DDT. Mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance were detected in all Ae. aegypti samples screened. Some genotypes found in the present study had been observed previously in Indonesia. No Vssc mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance were found in the Ae. albopictus samples.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in PNG. Interestingly, usage of insecticides in PNG is low, apart from long-lasting insecticidal nets distributed for malaria control. Further investigations on how these resistant Ae. aegypti mosquito populations arose in PNG and how they are being sustained are warranted.
BioMed Central
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60074/1/s13071-019-3585-6.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3585-6
Demok, Samuel, Endersby-Harshman, Nancy, Vinit, Rebecca, Timinao, Lincoln, Robinson, Leanne J., Susapu, Melinda, Makita, Leo, Laman, Moses, Hoffmann, Ary, and Karl, Stephan (2019) Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Papua New Guinea. Parasites & Vectors, 12. 333.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60074/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:60379
2021-06-01T02:38:26Z
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Preclinical and clinical trials of Indian medicinal plants in disease control
Al Rashid, Harun
Kundu, Anindita
Mandal, Vivekananda
Wangchuk, Phurpa
Mandal, Subhash C.
Since the ancient period, the medicinal plants have been used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Recently, it has gained extreme research importance for their nutraceuticals values. It has been confirmed by WHO that herbal medicines serve the health needs of about 80% of World’s population; especially for millions of people in the vast rural areas of developing countries. This book chapter summarizes the importance of several medicinal plants which are traditionally used in treatment and management of different ailments in India. In addition, some pharmacological models describe the possible mechanism of action of bioactive phytochemicals, which can be successfully used as drug candidates in near future. However, there is urgent need for basic scientific investigations on medicinal plants and this has been highlighted in current research trends in clinical trials.
Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Sen, Saikat
Chakraborty, Raja
2020
Book Chapter
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60379/1/Preclinical%20And%20ClinicalTrials%20Of%20Indian%20Medicnal%20plants.%20pdf.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7248-3_9
Al Rashid, Harun, Kundu, Anindita, Mandal, Vivekananda, Wangchuk, Phurpa, and Mandal, Subhash C. (2020) Preclinical and clinical trials of Indian medicinal plants in disease control. In: Sen, Saikat, and Chakraborty, Raja, (eds.) Herbal Medicine in India. Springer Nature Switzerland AG., Switzerland, pp. 119-134.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60379/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:60537
2024-03-05T14:18:45Z
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Observing patterns of river usage
Peden, Amy E.
Franklin, Richard C.
Leggat, Peter A.
Lindsay, Daniel
Rivers are a leading location for drowning, yet little is known about people’s usage of these waterways. This pilot study aimed to test the use of direct observations to calculate river usage. Direct observations were conducted at regular intervals within defined zones at four river drowning locations in Australia (including weekends and the Australia Day national public holiday). Data recorded were date and time of observation; total people (including males, females, children, and adults); and number of people on, in, and beside the water. Univariate analysis with mean (SD) and range was conducted. Interrater reliability for observations was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (one-way random-effects, average measures model), with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Across 149 time points, 309 observations resulted in 13,326 river interactions observed by multiple observers. There was an average of 39 people (M = 39.4, SD = 29.4, range = 0–137) per observation, 44 people (M = 44.2, SD = 32.7, range = 0–37) on an average weekend, and 97 people (M = 96.8, SD = 58.1, range = 20–190) on Australia Day. More females (M = 20.6, SD = 16.0, range = 0–83) than males (M = 18.3, SD = 14.5, range = 0–68) were observed. More people were observed in the water (M = 20.6, SD = 20.4, range = 0–84) than beside or on the water. Interrater reliability was excellent, consistently above 0.900 for all variables collected (apart from the variable of beside the river). Despite males accounting for 80% of river drowning fatalities, more females were observed than males. Increased visitation on the Australia Day public holiday may be linked to increased drowning risk. This study detailed a simple approach to data collection, exploring exposure within a defined zone at river locations. River usage is dynamic, with people’s movement in and out of the water changing their risk exposure. Observational-based data collection for drowning, particularly for rivers, is an important yet highly neglected area of research.
MDPI
2019-10-04
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60537/6/Observing%20Patterns%20of%20River%20Usage%202019.pdf
Peden, Amy E., Franklin, Richard C., Leggat, Peter A., and Lindsay, Daniel (2019) Observing patterns of river usage. Safety, 5 (4). 66.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60537/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:60727
2024-03-03T14:45:06Z
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Forecasting the effectiveness of indoor residual spraying for reducing dengue burden
Hladish, Thomas J.
Pearson, Carl A.B.
Patricia Rojas, Diana
Gomez-Dantes, Hector
Halloran, M. Elizabeth
Vazquez-Prokopec, Gonzalo M.
Longini, Ira M.
Background: Historically, mosquito control programs successfully helped contain malaria and yellow fever, but recent efforts have been unable to halt the spread of dengue, chikungunya, or Zika, all transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Using a dengue transmission model and results from indoor residual spraying (IRS) field experiments, we investigated how IRS-like campaign scenarios could effectively control dengue in an endemic setting.
Methods and findings: In our model, we found that high levels of household coverage (75% treated once per year), applied proactively before the typical dengue season could reduce symptomatic infections by 89.7% (median of 1000 simulations; interquartile range [IQR]:[83.0%, 94.8%]) in year one and 78.2% (IQR: [71.2%, 88.0%]) cumulatively over the first five years of an annual program. Lower coverage had correspondingly lower effectiveness, as did reactive campaigns. Though less effective than preventative campaigns, reactive and even post-epidemic interventions retain some effectiveness; these campaigns disrupt inter-seasonal transmission, highlighting an off-season control opportunity. Regardless, none of the campaign scenarios maintain their initial effectiveness beyond two seasons, instead stabilizing at much lower levels of benefit: in year 20, median effectiveness was only 27.3% (IQR: [-21.3%, 56.6%]). Furthermore, simply ceasing an initially successful program exposes a population with lowered herd immunity to the same historical threat, and we observed outbreaks more than four-fold larger than pre-intervention outbreaks. These results do not take into account evolving insecticide resistance, thus long-term effectiveness may be lower if new, efficacious insecticides are not developed.
Conclusions: Using a detailed agent-based dengue transmission model for Yucatán State, Mexico, we predict that high coverage indoor residual spraying (IRS) interventions can largely eliminate transmission for a few years, when applied a few months before the typical seasonal epidemic peak. However, vector control succeeds by preventing infections, which precludes natural immunization. Thus, as a population benefits from mosquito control, it gradually loses naturally acquired herd immunity, and the control effectiveness declines; this occurs across all of our modeled scenarios, and is consistent with other empirical work. Long term control that maintains early effectiveness would require some combination of increasing investment, complementary interventions such as vaccination, and control programs across a broad region to diminish risk of importation.
Public Library of Science
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60727/1/journal.pntd.0006570.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006570
Hladish, Thomas J., Pearson, Carl A.B., Patricia Rojas, Diana, Gomez-Dantes, Hector, Halloran, M. Elizabeth, Vazquez-Prokopec, Gonzalo M., and Longini, Ira M. (2018) Forecasting the effectiveness of indoor residual spraying for reducing dengue burden. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 12 (6). e0006570.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60727/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:60728
2024-03-03T14:44:38Z
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Seroprevalence of dengue antibodies in three urban settings in Yucatan, Mexico
Pavía-Ruz, Norma
Rojas, Diana Patricia
Villanueva, Salha
Granja, Pilar
Balam-May, Angel
Longini, Ira M.
Halloran, M. Elizabeth
Manrique-Saide, Pablo
Gómez-Dantés, Hector
Dengue transmission in Mexico has become a major public health problem. Few epidemiological studies have examined the seroprevalence of dengue in Mexico, and recent estimates are needed to better understand dengue transmission dynamics.Weconducted a dengue seroprevalence survey among 1,668 individuals including all age groups in three urban settings in Yucatan, Mexico. Children (< 19 years old) were selected randomly from schools. The adults (≥ 19 years old) were selected from healthcare facilities. Participants were asked to provide a venous blood sample and to answer a brief questionnaire with demographic information. Previous exposure to dengue was determined using indirect immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seroprevalence was 73.6%. The age-specific seroprevalence increased with age, going from 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 45.0-57.9%) in children ≤ 8 years to 72% (95% CI = 66.3-77.2%) in the 9- to 14-years old. The highest seroprevalence was 83.4% (95% CI = 77-82.2%) in adults greater than 50 years. The seroprevalence in Merida was 68.6% (95% CI = 65-72%), in Progreso 68.7% (95% CI = 64.2-72.8%), and in Ticul 85.3% (95% CI = 81.9-88.3%). Ticul had the highest seroprevalence in all age groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that age and city of residence were associated with greater risk of prior dengue exposure. The results highlight the level of past exposure to dengue virus including young children. Similar studies should be conducted elsewhere in Mexico and other endemic countries to better understand the transmission dynamics of deng.
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60728/1/tpmd170382.pdf
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.17-0382
Pavía-Ruz, Norma, Rojas, Diana Patricia, Villanueva, Salha, Granja, Pilar, Balam-May, Angel, Longini, Ira M., Halloran, M. Elizabeth, Manrique-Saide, Pablo, and Gómez-Dantés, Hector (2018) Seroprevalence of dengue antibodies in three urban settings in Yucatan, Mexico. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 98 (4). pp. 1202-1208.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/60728/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:61460
2024-02-29T14:15:20Z
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Attraction versus capture: efficiency of BG-Sentinel trap under semi-field conditions and characterizing response behaviors for female Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Amos, Brogan A.
Staunton, Kyran M.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Cardé, Ring T.
Aedes aegypti (L.) is an important vector of viruses causing dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever and
as such is a threat to public health worldwide. Effective trapping methods are essential for surveillance of both
the mosquito species and disease presence. The BG-Sentinel (BGS) is a widely used to trap Ae. aegypti but little is known of its efficiency, i.e., what proportion of the mosquitoes encountering the trap are captured. The first version of the BGS trap was predominantly white, and the current version is mostly navy blue. While this trap is often deployed without any olfactory lure, it can also be deployed with CO2 and/or a human skin odor mimic
lure to increase capture rates. We tested the efficiency of capturing Ae. aegypti under semi-field conditions for
the original white version without lures as well the blue version with and without various lure combinations.
None of the configurations tested here captured 100% of the mosquitoes that encountered the trap. A navyblue trap emitting CO2 and a skin odor mimic produced the highest capture (14% of the total insects in the semi-field cage), but its capture efficiency was just 5% (of mosquitoes encountering the trap). Mosquitoes often
had multiple encounters with a trap that did not result in capture; they crossed over the trap entrance without
being captured or landed on the sides of the trap. Understanding these behaviors and the factors that induce
them has the potential to suggest improvement in trap design and therefore capture efficiency.
Entomological Society of America
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61460/6/Amos_et_al-2020-Journal_of_Medical_Etymology.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjz243
Amos, Brogan A., Staunton, Kyran M., Ritchie, Scott A., and Cardé, Ring T. (2020) Attraction versus capture: efficiency of BG-Sentinel trap under semi-field conditions and characterizing response behaviors for female Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 57 (3). pp. 884-892.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61460/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:61777
2024-03-04T14:24:39Z
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Comparing the annualised dynamic shade characteristics of twenty-one tree canopies across twenty-six municipalities in a high ambient UV climate, Queensland - Australia
Downs, Nathan J.
Baldwin, Louise
Parisi, Alfio V.
Butler, Harry J.
Vanos, Jennifer
Beckman, Melanie
Harrison, Simone
Standardised assessments comparing the surveyed shade quality characteristics of twenty-one trees currently established and growing in public parks and playgrounds in Queensland, Australia are presented for informing local government, shade designers and municipal planners. Assessments focus on the ultraviolet protection of individual tree canopies which are reported in terms of the Shade Protection Index (SPI) and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) assessed at fine temporal resolution and averaged over a full calendar year. The UPF and SPI are used to determine tree species best suited for optimal shade with respect to twenty-six regional cities spanning 17∘ in latitude. This assessment included all local coastal districts from Bamaga (−10.89∘ S, 142.39∘ E) to Southport (−27.97∘ S, 153.42∘ E) showing a general (species dependent) decline in ultraviolet protection with increasing southerly latitude. Survey tree species are ranked and listed in order of best ultraviolet protection for respective localities enabling the quality of protection provided by living tree canopies to be compared across a range of environments.
Elsevier
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61777/1/61777.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2019.05.006
Downs, Nathan J., Baldwin, Louise, Parisi, Alfio V., Butler, Harry J., Vanos, Jennifer, Beckman, Melanie, and Harrison, Simone (2019) Comparing the annualised dynamic shade characteristics of twenty-one tree canopies across twenty-six municipalities in a high ambient UV climate, Queensland - Australia. Applied Geography, 108. pp. 74-82.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61777/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:61781
2024-03-04T14:24:41Z
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Predicting the spatial dynamics of Wolbachia infections in Aedes aegypti arbovirus vector populations in heterogeneous landscapes
Hancock, Penelope A.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Koenraadt, Constantianus J.M.
Scott, Thomas W.
Hoffmann, Ary A.
Godfray, H. Charles J.
A promising strategy for reducing the transmission of dengue and other arboviral human diseases by Aedes aegypti mosquito vector populations involves field introductions of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia. Wolbachia infections inhibit viral transmission by the mosquito, and can spread between mosquito hosts to reach high frequencies in the vector population. Wolbachia spreads by maternal transmission, and spread dynamics can be variable and highly dependent on natural mosquito population dynamics, population structure and fitness components. We develop a mathematical model of an A. aegypti metapopulation that incorporates empirically validated relationships describing density-dependent mosquito fitness components. We assume that density dependent relationships differ across subpopulations, and construct heterogeneous landscapes for which model-predicted patterns of variation in mosquito abundance and demography approximate those observed in field populations. We then simulate Wolbachia release strategies similar to that used in field trials. We show that our model can produce rates of spatial spread of Wolbachia similar to those observed following field releases. We then investigate how different types of spatio-temporal variation in mosquito habitat, as well as different fitness costs incurred by Wolbachia on the mosquito host, influence predicted spread rates. We find that fitness costs reduce spread rates more strongly when the habitat landscape varies temporally due to stochastic and seasonal processes. Synthesis and applications: Our empirically based modelling approach represents effects of environmental heterogeneity on the spatial spread of Wolbachia. The models can assist in interpreting observed spread patterns following field releases and in designing suitable release strategies for targeting spatially heterogeneous vector populations.
Wiley-Blackwell
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61781/1/61781.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13423
Hancock, Penelope A., Ritchie, Scott A., Koenraadt, Constantianus J.M., Scott, Thomas W., Hoffmann, Ary A., and Godfray, H. Charles J. (2019) Predicting the spatial dynamics of Wolbachia infections in Aedes aegypti arbovirus vector populations in heterogeneous landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology, 56 (7). pp. 1674-1686.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61781/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:61882
2024-03-04T14:25:55Z
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Efficacy of novel indoor residual spraying methods targeting pyrethroid-resistant aedes aegypti within experimental houses
Dunbar, Mike W.
Correa-Morales, Fabian
Dzul-Manzanilla, Felipe
Medina-Barreiro, Anuar
Bibiano-Marín, Wilbert
Morales-Ríos, Evaristo
Vadillo-Sánchez, José
López-Monroy, Beatriz
Ritchie, Scott A.
Lenhart, Audrey
Manrique-Saide, Pablo
Vazquez-Prokopec, Gonzalo M.
Challenges in maintaining high effectiveness of classic vector control in urban areas has renewed the interest in indoor residual spraying (IRS) as a promising approach for Aedes-borne disease prevention. While IRS has many benefits, application time and intrusive indoor applications make its scalability in urban areas difficult. Modifying IRS to account for Ae. aegypti resting behavior, named targeted IRS (TIRS, spraying walls below 1.5 m and under furniture) can reduce application time; however, an untested assumption is that modifications to IRS will not negatively impact entomological efficacy. We conducted a comparative experimental study evaluating the residual efficacy of classically-applied IRS (as developed for malaria control) compared to two TIRS application methods using a carbamate insecticide against a pyrethroid-resistant, field-derived Ae. aegypti strain. We performed our study within a novel experimental house setting (n = 9 houses) located in Merida (Mexico), with similar layouts and standardized contents. Classic IRS application (insecti-cide applied to full walls and under furniture) was compared to: a) TIRS: insecticide applied to walls below 1.5 m and under furniture, and b) Resting Site TIRS (RS-TIRS): insecticide applied only under furniture. Mosquito mortality was measured eight times post-application (out to six months post-application) by releasing 100 Ae. aegypti females/house and collecting live and dead individuals after 24 hrs exposure. Compared to Classic IRS, TIRS and RS-TIRS took less time to apply (31% and 82% reduction, respectively) and used less insecticide (38% and 85% reduction, respectively). Mortality of pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti did not significantly differ among the three IRS application methods up to two months post application, and did not significantly differ between Classic IRS and TIRS up to four months post application. These data illustrate that optimizing IRS to more efficiently target Ae. aegypti.
Public Library of Science
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61882/1/61882.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007203
Dunbar, Mike W., Correa-Morales, Fabian, Dzul-Manzanilla, Felipe, Medina-Barreiro, Anuar, Bibiano-Marín, Wilbert, Morales-Ríos, Evaristo, Vadillo-Sánchez, José, López-Monroy, Beatriz, Ritchie, Scott A., Lenhart, Audrey, Manrique-Saide, Pablo, and Vazquez-Prokopec, Gonzalo M. (2019) Efficacy of novel indoor residual spraying methods targeting pyrethroid-resistant aedes aegypti within experimental houses. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 13 (2). e0007203.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/61882/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:62023
2024-03-05T14:19:27Z
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The impact of conflict on immunisation coverage in 16 countries
Grundy, John
Biggs, Beverley Ann
Background: Military conflict has been an ongoing determinant of inequitable immunisation coverage in many low-and middle-income countries, yet the impact of conflict on the attainment of global health goals has not been fully addressed. This review will describe and analyse the association between conflict, immunisation coverage and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks, along with country specific strategies to mitigate the impact in 16 countries.
Methods: We cross-matched immunisation coverage and VPD data in 2014 for displaced and refugee populations. Data on refugee or displaced persons was sourced from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) database, and immunisation coverage and disease incidence data from World Health Organization (WHO) databases. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) databases provided additional data on national and sub-national coverage. The 16 countries were selected because they had the largest numbers of registered UNHCR “persons of interest” and received new vaccine support from Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI), the Vaccine Alliance. We used national planning and reporting documentation including immunisation multiyear plans, health system strengthening strategies and GAVI annual progress reports (APRs) to assess the impact of conflict on immunisation access and coverage rates, and reviewed strategies developed to address immunisation program shortfalls in conflict settings. We also searched the peer-reviewed literature for evidence that linked immunisation coverage and VPD outbreaks with evidence of conflict.
Results: We found that these 16 countries, representing just 12% of the global population, were responsible for 67% of global polio cases and 39% of global measles cases between 2010 and 2015. Fourteen out of the 16 countries were below the global average of 85% coverage for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT3) in 2014. We present data from countries where the onset of conflict has been associated with sudden drops in national and sub-national immunisation coverage. Tense security conditions, along with damaged health infrastructure and depleted human resources have contributed to infrequent outreach services, and delays in new vaccine introductions and immunisation campaigns. These factors have in turn contributed to pockets of low coverage and disease outbreaks in sub-national areas affected by conflict. Despite these impacts, there was limited reference to the health needs of conflict affected populations in immunisation planning and reporting documents in all 16 countries. Development partner investments were heavily skewed towards vaccine provision and working with partner governments, with comparatively low levels of health systems support or civil partnerships.
Conclusion: Global and national policy and planning focus is required on the service delivery needs of conflict affected populations, with increased investment in health system support and civil partnerships, if persistent immunisation inequities in conflict affected areas are to be addressed.
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/62023/1/62023.pdf
https://doi.org/10.15171/IJHPM.2018.127
Grundy, John, and Biggs, Beverley Ann (2019) The impact of conflict on immunisation coverage in 16 countries. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 8 (4). pp. 211-221.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/62023/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:63546
2024-03-02T15:37:51Z
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Heatwaves cause fluctuations in wMel Wolbachia densities and frequencies in Aedes aegypti
Ross, Perran A.
Axford, Jason K.
Yang, Qiong
Staunton, Kyran M.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Richardson, Kelly M.
Hoffman, Ary A.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with the wMel strain of Wolbachia are being released into natural mosquito populations in the tropics as a way of reducing dengue transmission. High temperatures adversely affect wMel, reducing Wolbachia density and cytoplasmic incompatibility in some larval habitats that experience large temperature fluctuations. We monitored the impact of a 43.6°C heatwave on the wMel infection in a natural population in Cairns, Australia, where wMel was first released in 2011 and has persisted at a high frequency. Wolbachia infection frequencies in the month following the heatwave were reduced to 83% in larvae sampled directly from field habitats and 88% in eggs collected from ovitraps, but recovered to be near 100% four months later. Effects of the heatwave on wMel appeared to be stage-specific and delayed, with reduced frequencies and densities in field-collected larvae and adults reared from ovitraps but higher frequencies in field-collected adults. Laboratory experiments showed that the effects of heatwaves on cytoplasmic incompatibility and density are life stage-specific, with first instar larvae being the most vulnerable to temperature effects. Our results indicate that heatwaves in wMel-infected populations will have only temporary effects on Wolbachia frequencies and density once the infection has established in the population. Our results are relevant to ongoing releases of wMel-infected Ae. aegypti in several tropical countries.
Public Library of Science
2020-01-23
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/63546/1/KYRAN%20journal.pntd.0007958.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0007958
Ross, Perran A., Axford, Jason K., Yang, Qiong, Staunton, Kyran M., Ritchie, Scott A., Richardson, Kelly M., and Hoffman, Ary A. (2020) Heatwaves cause fluctuations in wMel Wolbachia densities and frequencies in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 14 (1). e0007958.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/63546/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64030
2024-03-01T14:49:42Z
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Risk prediction system for dengue transmission based on high resolution weather data
Hettiarachchige, Chathurika
von Cavallar, Stefan
Lynar, Timothy
Hickson, Roslyn I.
Gambhir, Manoj
BackgroundDengue is the fastest spreading vector-borne viral disease, resulting in an estimated 390 million infections annually. Precise prediction of many attributes related to dengue is still a challenge due to the complex dynamics of the disease. Important attributes to predict include: the risk of and risk factors for an infection; infection severity; and the timing and magnitude of outbreaks. In this work, we build a model for predicting the risk of dengue transmission using high-resolution weather data. The level of dengue transmission risk depends on the vector density, hence we predict risk via vector prediction.Methods and findingsWe make use of surveillance data on Aedes aegypti larvae collected by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control as part of the national routine entomological surveillance of dengue, and weather data simulated using the IBM's Containerized Forecasting Workflow, a high spatial- and temporal-resolution forecasting system. We propose a two stage risk prediction system for assessing dengue transmission via Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In stage one, we perform a logistic regression to determine whether larvae are present or absent at the locations of interest using weather attributes as the explanatory variables. The results are then aggregated to an administrative division, with presence in the division determined by a threshold percentage of larvae positive locations resulting from a bootstrap approach. In stage two, larvae counts are estimated for the predicted larvae positive divisions from stage one, using a zero-inflated negative binomial model. This model identifies the larvae positive locations with 71% accuracy and predicts the larvae numbers producing a coverage probability of 98% over 95% nominal prediction intervals. This two-stage model improves the overall accuracy of identifying larvae positive locations by 29%, and the mean squared error of predicted larvae numbers by 9.6%, against a single-stage approach which uses a zero-inflated binomial regression approach.ConclusionsWe demonstrate a risk prediction system using high resolution weather data can provide valuable insight to the distribution of risk over a geographical region. The work also shows that a two-stage approach is beneficial in predicting risk in non-homogeneous regions, where the risk is localised.
Public Library of Science
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64030/1/journal.pone.0208203.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208203
Hettiarachchige, Chathurika, von Cavallar, Stefan, Lynar, Timothy, Hickson, Roslyn I., and Gambhir, Manoj (2018) Risk prediction system for dengue transmission based on high resolution weather data. PLoS ONE, 13 (12). e0208203.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64030/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64041
2024-03-03T15:07:07Z
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A low-powered and highly selective trap for male Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) surveillance: the male Aedes sound trap
Staunton, Kyran M.
Crawford, Jacob E.
Liu, Jianyi
Townsend, Michael
Han, Yu
Desnoyer, Mark
Howell, Paul
Xiang, Wei
Burkot, Thomas R.
Snoad, Nigel
Ritchie, Scott A.
As Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, Diptera: Culicidae) expands its global distribution and vectors a range of debilitating arboviruses there is an increased need for enhanced mosquito surveillance. Consequently, we developed a Male Aedes Sound Trap (MAST) that requires minimal power and is highly species-specific. Two different versions of the MAST were developed, one that uses synthetic pyrethroid to kill captured mosquitoes (MAST Spray) and another which has an internal divider to create a killing chamber in which a sticky panel can be placed to capture mosquitoes (MAST Sticky). We compared weekly capture rates of male Ae. aegypti and bycatch from the two MAST versions to those from BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps and Sound-producing BG-Gravid Aedes Traps (SGATs) throughout Cairns, northern Australia. Weekly mean male Ae. aegypti catches did not significantly differ between trap types. However, the rate of positive weekly detections of male Ae. aegypti was lower for the MAST Sticky than the other three trap types. The MASTs sampled significantly fewer mosquitoes other than male Ae. aegypti, than either the BGS trap or the SGAT. Also, the MASTs and SGATs all caught significantly less non-Culicidae bycatch than the BGS traps. Consequently, we have developed a versatile male Ae. aegypti trap which is potentially of great benefit to Ae. aegypti surveillance programs.
Entomological Society of America
2021
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64041/1/64041.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaa151
Staunton, Kyran M., Crawford, Jacob E., Liu, Jianyi, Townsend, Michael, Han, Yu, Desnoyer, Mark, Howell, Paul, Xiang, Wei, Burkot, Thomas R., Snoad, Nigel, and Ritchie, Scott A. (2021) A low-powered and highly selective trap for male Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) surveillance: the male Aedes sound trap. Journal of Medical Entomology, 58 (1). pp. 408-415.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64041/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64073
2024-03-01T14:49:45Z
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Vector bionomics and vectorial capacity as emergent properties of mosquito behaviors and ecology
Wu, Sean L.
Sánchez, Héctor M.
Henry, John M.
Citron, Daniel T.
Zhang, Qian
Compton, Kelly
Liang, Biyonka
Verma, Amit
Cummings, Derek A.T.
Le Menach, Arnaud
Scott, Thomas W.
Wilson, Anne L.
Lindsay, Steven W.
Moyes, Catherine L.
Hancock, Penny A.
Russell, Tanya L.
Burkot, Thomas R.
Marshall, John M.
Kiware, Samson
Reiner, Robert C.
Smith, David L.
Mosquitoes are important vectors for pathogens that infect humans and other vertebrate animals. Some aspects of adult mosquito behavior and mosquito ecology play an important role in determining the capacity of vector populations to transmit pathogens. Here, we re-examine factors affecting the transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes using a new approach. Unlike most previous models, this framework considers the behavioral states and state transitions of adult mosquitoes through a sequence of activity bouts. We developed a new framework for individual-based simulation models called MBITES (Mosquito Bout-based and Individual-based Transmission Ecology Simulator). In MBITES, it is possible to build models that simulate the behavior and ecology of adult mosquitoes in exquisite detail on complex resource landscapes generated by spatial point processes. We also developed an ordinary differential equation model which is the Kolmogorov forward equations for models developed in MBITES under a specific set of simplifying assumptions. While mosquito infection and pathogen development are one possible part of a mosquito’s state, that is not our main focus. Using extensive simulation using some models developed in MBITES, we show that vectorial capacity can be understood as an emergent property of simple behavioral algorithms interacting with complex resource landscapes, and that relative density or sparsity of resources and the need to search can have profound consequences for mosquito populations’ capacity to transmit pathogens.
Public Library of Science
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64073/1/Wu-2020-Vector%20bionomics%20and%20vectorial%20capacit.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007446
Wu, Sean L., Sánchez, Héctor M., Henry, John M., Citron, Daniel T., Zhang, Qian, Compton, Kelly, Liang, Biyonka, Verma, Amit, Cummings, Derek A.T., Le Menach, Arnaud, Scott, Thomas W., Wilson, Anne L., Lindsay, Steven W., Moyes, Catherine L., Hancock, Penny A., Russell, Tanya L., Burkot, Thomas R., Marshall, John M., Kiware, Samson, Reiner, Robert C., and Smith, David L. (2020) Vector bionomics and vectorial capacity as emergent properties of mosquito behaviors and ecology. PLoS Computational Biology, 16 (4). e1007446.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64073/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64074
2024-02-29T14:54:48Z
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Protecting the peri-domestic environment: the challenge for eliminating residual malaria
Pollard, Edgar J. M.
MacLaren, David
Russell, Tanya L.
Burkot, Thomas R.
Malaria transmission after universal access and use of malaria preventive services is known as residual malaria transmission. The concurrent spatial-temporal distributions of people and biting mosquitoes in malaria endemic villages determines where and when residual malaria transmission occurs. Understanding human and vector population behaviors and movements is a critical first step to prevent mosquito bites to eliminate residual malaria transmission. This study identified where people in the Solomon Islands are over 24-hour periods. Participants (59%) were predominantly around the house but not in their house when most biting by Anopheles farauti, the dominant malaria vector, occurs. While 84% of people slept under a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net (LLIN), on average only 7% were under an LLIN during the 18:00 to 21:00 h peak mosquito biting period. On average, 34% of participants spend at least one night away from their homes each fortnight. Despite high LLIN use while sleeping, most human biting by An. farauti occurs early in the evening before people go to sleep when people are in peri-domestic areas (predominantly on verandas or in kitchen areas). Novel vector control tools that protect individuals from mosquito bites between sundown and when people sleep are needed for peri-domestic areas.
Nature Publishing Group
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64074/1/Pollard%20et%20al%202020%20Residual%20malaria%20transmissi.pdf
https://doi.org/
Pollard, Edgar J. M., MacLaren, David, Russell, Tanya L., and Burkot, Thomas R. (2020) Protecting the peri-domestic environment: the challenge for eliminating residual malaria. Scientific Reports, 10. 7018.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64074/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64103
2024-03-05T15:00:26Z
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Community participation and empowerment approaches to Aedes mosquito management in high-income countries: a scoping review
Allen, Tammy
Crouch, Alan
Topp, Stephanie M.
High-income countries (HICs) in sub-tropical and tropical regions are at an increasing risk of Aedes mosquito-borne disease (MBD) outbreaks such as dengue fever. As the Aedes mosquito predominately lives and breeds in and around people’s homes, community participation in MBD management is an important part of preventing MBD outbreaks. Historically, government-led strategies have dominated community participation efforts as opposed to strategies co-designed or led by the community. A scoping review was conducted to describe the community participation and empowering approaches used in Aedes mosquito management specifically in HICs, and to identify any reported outcomes of these methods. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature using electronic databases Medline (OVID), Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest—Science and Technology as well as grey literature, found 19 studies that matched the review criteria. The review findings highlight a lack of empirical evidence to inform participatory and empowering approaches to mosquito management in HICs. Moreover, the rationale for using predominantly government-led approaches is not clear. Further research is required to better understand best approaches and barriers to employing empowering approaches in mosquito management in HICs.
Oxford University Press
2021
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64103/1/2020_Allen%2C%20Crouch%2C%20Topp_HPI_Community%20participation%20and%20empowerment%20approaches%20to%20Aedes%20mgt%20in%20HIC%2C%20Scoping%20Review.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daaa049
Allen, Tammy, Crouch, Alan, and Topp, Stephanie M. (2021) Community participation and empowerment approaches to Aedes mosquito management in high-income countries: a scoping review. Health Promotion International, 36 (2). pp. 505-523.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64103/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64184
2024-03-05T14:49:05Z
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Does land use affect pathogen presence in New Zealand drinking water supplies?
Phiri, Bernard J.
Pita, Anthony B.
Hayman, David T.S.
Biggs, Patrick J.
Davis, Meredith T.
Fayaz, Ahmed
Canning, Adam D.
French, Nigel P.
Death, Russell G.
Four microbes (Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.) were moni- tored in 16 waterways that supply public drinking water for 13 New Zealand towns and cities. Over 500 samples were collected from the abstraction point at each study site every three months between 2009 and 2019. The waterways represent a range from small to large, free flowing to reservoir impoundments, draining catchments of entirely native vegetation to those dominated by pastoral agriculture. We used machine learning algorithms to explore the relative contribution of land use, catchment geology, vegeta- tion, topography, and water quality characteristics of the catchment to determining the abundance and/or presence of each microbe. Sites on rivers draining predominantly agricultural catchments, the Waikato River, Oroua River and Waiorohi Stream had all four microbes present, often in high numbers, through- out the sampling interval. Other sites, such as the Hutt River and Big Huia Creek in Wellington which drain catchments of native vegetation, never had pathogenic microbes detected, or unsafe levels of E. coli . Boosted Regression Tree models could predict abundances and presence/absence of all four microbes with good precision using a wide range of potential environmental predictors covering land use, geology, vegetation, topography, and nutrient concentrations. Models were more accurate for protozoa than bacte- ria but did not differ markedly in their ability to predict abundance or presence/absence. Environmental drivers of microbe abundance or presence/absence also differed depending on whether the microbe was protozoan or bacterial. Protozoa were more prevalent in waterways with lower water quality, higher num- bers of ruminants in the catchment, and in September and December. Bacteria were more abundant with higher rainfall, saturated soils, and catchments with greater than 35% of the land in agriculture. Although modern water treatment protocols will usually remove many pathogens from drinking water, several re- cent outbreaks of waterborne disease due to treatment failures, have highlighted the need to manage water supplies on multiple fronts. This research has identified potential catchment level variables, and thresholds, that could be better managed to reduce the potential for pathogens to enter drinking water supplies.
Elsevier
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64184/1/64184.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116229
Phiri, Bernard J., Pita, Anthony B., Hayman, David T.S., Biggs, Patrick J., Davis, Meredith T., Fayaz, Ahmed, Canning, Adam D., French, Nigel P., and Death, Russell G. (2020) Does land use affect pathogen presence in New Zealand drinking water supplies? Water Research, 185. 116229.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64184/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64376
2024-02-29T14:54:14Z
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74797065733D61727469636C65
Behavioral responses to transfluthrin by Aedes aegypti, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles harrisoni, and Anopheles dirus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Sukkanon, Chutipong
Nararak, Jirod
Bangs, Michael John
Hii, Jeffrey
Chareonviriyaphap, Theeraphap
Airborne spatial repellency (SR) is characterized and distinguished from other chemical actions including contact locomotor excitation and toxicity. The use of volatile spatial repellents is a potential new intervention class for combatting mosquito-borne pathogen transmission; therefore, continuing investigations on the actions of these chemicals that modify mosquito host‐seeking behavior (i.e., bite prevention) is needed. The objective of this study is to characterize the key behavioral avoidance actions of transfluthrin (TFT) to advance spatial repellent development into practical products. Behavioral avoidance responses were observed for adult laboratory strains of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles minimus and An. dirus, and two field populations of An. harrisoni and Ae. aegypti, respectively. Established TFT sublethal (LC50 and LC75), lethal concentrations (LC99) and discriminating concentrations (DCs) were selected corresponding to each mosquito test species. Spatial repellency and contact excitation (‘irritancy’) responses on adult mosquitoes to TFT were assessed using an excito-repellency assay system. At LC50, TFT exhibited strong avoidance with An. minimus (60.1% escape) and An. dirus (80% escape) laboratory strains, showing between 12 and 16x greater escape response than Ae. aegypti (5% escape). Repellency responses for field collected Ae. aegypti and An. harrisoni were 54.9 and 47.1% escape, respectively. After adjusting the initial contact escape response (a measure of combined irritancy and repellency) to estimate only escape due to contact, the LC50 and LC99 showed moderate escape irritancy with laboratory Ae. aegypti (41.4% escape) and no contact activity against the field population. Adjustment showed only weak contact activity (16.1% escape) in laboratory An. minimus at LC50. Spatial repellency is the predominant mode of action of TFT among colonized and field mosquitoes used in this study. Established baseline (susceptible) dose-response curves assist in optimizing SR products for mosquito control and pathogen transmission prevention.
Public Library of Science
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64376/1/64376.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237353
Sukkanon, Chutipong, Nararak, Jirod, Bangs, Michael John, Hii, Jeffrey, and Chareonviriyaphap, Theeraphap (2020) Behavioral responses to transfluthrin by Aedes aegypti, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles harrisoni, and Anopheles dirus (Diptera: Culicidae). PLoS One, 15 (8). e0237353.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64376/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:64751
2024-03-03T15:07:12Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Modeling the potential of wAu-Wolbachia strain invasion in mosquitoes to control Aedes-borne arboviral infections
Ogunlade, Samson T.
Adekunle, Adeshina I.
Meehan, Michael T.
Rojas, Diana P.
McBryde, Emma S.
Arboviral infections such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya are fast spreading diseases that pose significant health problems globally. In order to control these infections, an intracellular bacterium called Wolbachia has been introduced into wild-type mosquito populations in the hopes of replacing the vector transmitting agent, Aedes aegypti with one that is incapable of transmission. In this study, we developed a Wolbachia transmission model for the novel wAu strain which possesses several favourable traits (e.g., enhanced viral blockage and maintenance at higher temperature) but not cyctoplasmic incompatibility (CI)—when a Wolbachia-infected male mosquito mates with an uninfected female mosquito, producing no viable offspring. This model describes the competitive dynamics between wAu-Wolbachia-infected and uninfected mosquitoes and the role of imperfect maternal transmission. By analysing the system via computing the basic reproduction number(s) and stability properties, the potential of the wAu strain as a viable strategy to control arboviral infections is established. The results of this work show that enhanced maintenance of Wolbachia infection at higher temperatures can overcome the lack of CI induction to support wAu-Wolbachia infected mosquito invasion. This study will support future arboviral control programs, that rely on the introduction of new Wolbachia variants.
Nature Publishing Group
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64751/1/s41598-020-73819-1%20%281%29.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73819-1
Ogunlade, Samson T., Adekunle, Adeshina I., Meehan, Michael T., Rojas, Diana P., and McBryde, Emma S. (2020) Modeling the potential of wAu-Wolbachia strain invasion in mosquitoes to control Aedes-borne arboviral infections. Scientific Reports, 10. 16812.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/64751/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:65425
2024-03-04T14:21:28Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Disparities in risks of malaria associated with climatic variability among women, children and elderly in the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh
Emeto, Theophilus I.
Adegboye, Oyelola A.
Rumi, Reza A.
Khan, Mahboob-Ul I.
Adegboye, Majeed
Khan, Wasif A.
Rahman, Mahmudur
Streatfield, Peter K.
Rahman, Kazi M.
Malaria occurrence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh varies by season and year, but this pattern is not well characterized. The role of environmental conditions on the occurrence of this vector-borne parasitic disease in the region is not fully understood. We extracted information on malaria patients recorded in the Upazila (sub-district) Health Complex patient registers of Rajasthali in Rangamati district of Bangladesh from February 2000 to November 2009. Weather data for the study area and period were obtained from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Non-linear and delayed effects of meteorological drivers, including temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall on the incidence of malaria, were investigated. We observed significant positive association between temperature and rainfall and malaria occurrence, revealing two peaks at 19 °C (logarithms of relative risks (logRR) = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.1–7.5) and 24.5 °C (logRR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.8–7.6) for temperature and at 86 mm (logRR = 19.5, 95% CI: 11.7–27.3) and 284 mm (logRR = 17.6, 95% CI: 9.9–25.2) for rainfall. In sub-group analysis, women were at a much higher risk of developing malaria at increased temperatures. People over 50 years and children under 15 years were more susceptible to malaria at increased rainfall. The observed associations have policy implications. Further research is needed to expand these findings and direct resources to the vulnerable populations for malaria prevention and control in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and the region with similar settings
Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/65425/1/Disparities%20in%20Risks%20of%20Malaria%20Associated%20with%20Climatic%20Variability%20among%20Women%2C%20Children%20and%20Elderly%20in%20the%20Chittagong%20Hill%20Tracts%20of%20Bangladesh.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249469
Emeto, Theophilus I., Adegboye, Oyelola A., Rumi, Reza A., Khan, Mahboob-Ul I., Adegboye, Majeed, Khan, Wasif A., Rahman, Mahmudur, Streatfield, Peter K., and Rahman, Kazi M. (2020) Disparities in risks of malaria associated with climatic variability among women, children and elderly in the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (24). 9469.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/65425/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:65690
2024-03-03T14:35:16Z
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Adverse birth outcomes due to exposure to household air pollution from unclean cooking fuel among women of reproductive age in Nigeria
Roberman, Jamie
Emeto, Theophilus
Adegboye, Oyelola
Exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from cooking with unclean fuels and indoor smoking has become a significant contributor to global mortality and morbidity, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to HAP disproportionately affects mothers and children and can increase risks of adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to quantify the association between HAP and adverse birth outcomes of stillbirth, preterm births, and low birth weight while controlling for geographic variability. This study is based on a cross-sectional survey of 127,545 birth records from 41,821 individual women collected as part of the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) covering 2013–2018. We developed Bayesian structured additive regression models based on Bayesian splines for adverse birth outcomes. Our model includes the mother’s level and household characteristics while correcting for spatial effects and multiple births per mother. Model parameters and inferences were based on a fully Bayesian approach via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. We observe that unclean fuel is the primary source of cooking for 89.3% of the 41,821 surveyed women in the 2018 NDHS. Of all pregnancies, 14.9% resulted in at least one adverse birth outcome; 14.3% resulted in stillbirth, 7.3% resulted in an underweight birth, and 1% resulted in premature birth. We found that the risk of stillbirth is significantly higher for mothers using unclean cooking fuel. However, exposure to unclean fuel was not significantly associated with low birth weight and preterm birth. Mothers who attained at least primary education had reduced risk of stillbirth, while the risk of stillbirth increased with the increasing age of the mother. Mothers living in the Northern states had a significantly higher risk of adverse births outcomes in 2018. Our results show that decreasing national levels of adverse birth outcomes depends on working toward addressing the disparities between states.
MDPI AG
2021
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/65690/1/Roberman%20et%20al%202021.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020634
Roberman, Jamie, Emeto, Theophilus, and Adegboye, Oyelola (2021) Adverse birth outcomes due to exposure to household air pollution from unclean cooking fuel among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (2). 634.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/65690/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:66722
2024-02-29T14:38:33Z
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74797065733D61727469636C65
Attraction versus capture II: efficiency of the BG-sentinel trap under semifield conditions and characterizing response behaviors of male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Amos, Brogan A.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Cardé, Ring T.
Aedes aegypti (L.) is an important vector of viruses causing dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever and as such presents a serious threat to public health in tropical regions. Control programs involving 'rear and release' of modified male Ae. aegypti are underway and require effective trapping methods for surveillance of both the released insects and the impacted wild mosquito population. The BG-Sentinel trap (BGS) is widely used in Ae. aegypti surveillance but its level of efficiency, that is, what proportion of the mosquitoes encountering the trap are captured, is unknown. This is especially true for male mosquitoes, the behavior of which is incompletely understood. We tested the efficiency of two versions of the BGS for capturing male Ae. aegypti under semifield conditions with and without CO2 and a human skin odor mimic lure and with these baits combined. A navyblue BGS trap emitting CO2 and a human skin odor mimic captured 18% of the released male Ae. aegypti, with a capture efficiency of 9 % (of the total encounters with the trap). Male Ae. aegypti had multiple encounters with the BGS that did not result in capture; they crossed over the trap entrance without being captured or landed on the sides of the trap. Swarming behavior around the BGS was also recorded, even when only a visual cue was present. Understanding male Ae. aegypti behaviors during an encounter with the BGS can inform improvement of trap design and therefore capture efficiency for surveillance in control programs.
Oxford University Press
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/66722/1/66722.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaa065
Amos, Brogan A., Ritchie, Scott A., and Cardé, Ring T. (2020) Attraction versus capture II: efficiency of the BG-sentinel trap under semifield conditions and characterizing response behaviors of male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 57 (5). pp. 1539-1549.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/66722/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:67353
2024-03-05T14:22:18Z
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Measuring the host-seeking ability of Aedes aegypti destined for field release
Lau, Meng-Jia
Endersby-harshman, Nancy M.
Axford, Jason K.
Ritchie, Scott A.
Hoffmann, Ary A.
Ross, Perran A.
Host seeking is an essential process in mosquito reproduction. Field releases of modified mosquitoes for population replacement rely on successful host seeking by female mosquitoes, but host-seeking ability is rarely tested in a realistic context. We tested the host-seeking ability of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes using a semi-field system. Females with different Wolbachia infection types (wMel-, wAlbB-infected, and uninfected) or from different origins (laboratory and field) were released at one end of a semi-field cage and recaptured as they landed on human experimenters 15 m away. Mosquitoes from each population were then identified with molecular tools or through minimal dusting with fluorescent powder. Wolbachia-infected and uninfected populations had similar average durations to landing and overall recapture proportions, as did laboratory and field-sourced Ae. aegypti. These results indicate that the host-seeking ability of mosquitoes is not negatively affected by Wolbachia infection or long-term laboratory maintenance. This method provides an approach to study the host-seeking ability of mosquitoes in a realistic setting, which will be useful when evaluating strains of mosquitoes that are planned for releases into the field to suppress arbovirus transmission.
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/67353/1/67353_Lau_et_al_2020.pdf
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.19-0510
Lau, Meng-Jia, Endersby-harshman, Nancy M., Axford, Jason K., Ritchie, Scott A., Hoffmann, Ary A., and Ross, Perran A. (2020) Measuring the host-seeking ability of Aedes aegypti destined for field release. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 102 (1). pp. 223-231.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/67353/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:69256
2024-03-02T16:07:32Z
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74797065733D61727469636C65
The increased risk of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus: effects of the interaction between temperature variability and dromedary exposure
Adegboye, O.
Adegboye, M.
Saffary, T.
Emeto, T.
Elfaki, F.
Background: Environmental factors plays a very crucial role in the spread of infectious diseases especially those that are transmitted via pathogenic droplets such as MERS-CoV and Ebola. Recent data suggest a higher prevalence of MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels in winter months compared to summer months within middle eastern countries. It is speculated that increase animal-to-human transmission in winter could exacerbate the putative human-to-human transmission via respiratory secretions. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the effects of temperature variability and exposure to dromedary on the risk of MERS.
Methods and materials: Often, exposure to certain environmental factors produces effects lasting well beyond the exposure period and with an increase in risk occurring from few hours to later in the future. In this study, we used time-varying distributed lag nonlinear models with doubly penalized spline to provide greater flexibility to the temperature-lag-MERS association. We also estimate the burden of the disease that can be attributed to temperature among patients exposed to dromedary camels.
Results: Preliminary results revealed that the optimal temperature for MERS in the study area was 27.2 °C. The increased risk of MERS associated with high temperature indicates that environmental and dromedary interactions at plays a significant role in the transportation of the pathogens.
Conclusion: Temperature variability in the winter months is associated with high risk of MERS as well as dromedary contact. MERS should not be regarded as seasonal infection because it occurs throughout the year, however the increased risk and timing of MERS peaks in lower temperatures clearly present a challenge.
Elsevier
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/69256/1/69256_Adegboye_et_al_2020.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.081
Adegboye, O., Adegboye, M., Saffary, T., Emeto, T., and Elfaki, F. (2020) The increased risk of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus: effects of the interaction between temperature variability and dromedary exposure. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 101 (S1). 0591. pp. 247-248.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/69256/
openpub
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:69668
2024-03-01T14:56:11Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Australian mosquito assemblages vary between ground and sub-canopy habitats
Sebayang, Boni F.
Russell, Tanya L.
Staunton, Kyran M.
Townsend, Michael
Paton, Christopher
Lehmann, Tovi
Burkot, Thomas R.
The surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases is dependent upon understanding the bionomics and distribution of the vectors. Most studies of mosquito assemblages describe species abundance, richness and composition close to the ground defined often by only one sampling method. In this study, we assessed Australian mosquito species near the ground and in the sub-canopy using two traps baited with a variety of lures.
BioMed Central
2021
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/69668/1/Australian%20mosquito%20assemblages%20vary.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04999-6
Sebayang, Boni F., Russell, Tanya L., Staunton, Kyran M., Townsend, Michael, Paton, Christopher, Lehmann, Tovi, and Burkot, Thomas R. (2021) Australian mosquito assemblages vary between ground and sub-canopy habitats. Parasites & Vectors, 14. 515.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/69668/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:70866
2024-03-02T14:17:35Z
7374617475733D707562
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Electronic Sun Journal versus self-report sun diary: a comparison of recording personal sunlight exposure methods
Dexter, Benjamin R.
King, Rachel
Parisi, Alfio V.
Harrison, Simone L.
Igoe, Damien P.
Downs, Nathan J.
This research compared personal sunlight exposure times monitored electronically within suburban Australian environments against self-report paper journals for determining the timing and total duration of individual exposure to daily solar radiation. A total of 90 Electronic Sun Journal (ESJ) daily readings and self-report timing and duration estimates of exposure for weekend and weekdays were compared. A Wilcoxon ranked sign test showed a significant difference (V = 157, P < 0.001) between the duration of exposure recorded electronically and the duration of exposure that was self-reported in a diary. There was also found to be a statistically significant difference between total exposure time measured using both methods for weekends (V = 10, P < 0.001) and weekdays (V = 87, P < 0.001). General trends in outdoor exposure timing confirmed that the most frequent daily exposures received over the weekend occurred between 1 and 2 h earlier than the most frequent exposures received on weekdays. This preliminary research found that exposure durations as recorded by the ESJ were longer on the weekends compared to weekdays (W = 402, P < 0.001) and confirmed that the ESJ is a viable alternative to self-reporting diaries.
Wiley-Blackwell
2021
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/70866/1/Dexter%20et%20al%202020%20Electronic%20Sun%20Journal%20versus%20self%20report%20sun%20diaries%2016955129%20Published%20early%20view%2020Dec2020.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1111/php.13359
Dexter, Benjamin R., King, Rachel, Parisi, Alfio V., Harrison, Simone L., Igoe, Damien P., and Downs, Nathan J. (2021) Electronic Sun Journal versus self-report sun diary: a comparison of recording personal sunlight exposure methods. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 97 (3). pp. 641-649.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/70866/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:74621
2024-02-28T14:28:55Z
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A decade of stability for wMel Wolbachia in natural Aedes aegypti populations
Ross, Perran A.
Robinson, Katie L.
Yang, Qiong
Callahan, Ashley G.
Schmidt, Thomas L.
Axford, Jason K.
Coquilleau, Marianne P.
Staunton, Kyran M.
Townsend, Michael
Ritchie, Scott A.
Lau, Meng Jia
Gu, Xinyue
Hoffmann, Ary A.
Mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia endosymbionts are being released in many countries for arbovirus control. The wMel strain of Wolbachia blocks Aedes-borne virus transmission and can spread throughout mosquito populations by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying wMel were first released into the field in Cairns, Australia, over a decade ago, and with wider releases have resulted in the near elimination of local dengue transmission. The long-term stability of Wolbachia effects is critical for ongoing disease suppression, requiring tracking of phenotypic and genomic changes in Wolbachia infections following releases. We used a combination of field surveys, phenotypic assessments, and Wolbachia genome sequencing to show that wMel has remained stable in its effects for up to a decade in Australian Ae. aegypti populations. Phenotypic comparisons of wMel-infected and uninfected mosquitoes from near-field and long-term laboratory populations suggest limited changes in the effects of wMel on mosquito fitness. Treating mosquitoes with antibiotics used to cure the wMel infection had limited effects on fitness in the next generation, supporting the use of tetracycline for generating uninfected mosquitoes without off-target effects. wMel has a temporally stable within-host density and continues to induce complete cytoplasmic incompatibility. A comparison of wMel genomes from pre-release (2010) and nine years post-release (2020) populations show few genomic differences and little divergence between release locations, consistent with the lack of phenotypic changes. These results indicate that releases of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes for population replacement are likely to be effective for many years, but ongoing monitoring remains important to track potential evolutionary changes.
Public Library of Science
2022
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/74621/1/74621.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1010256
Ross, Perran A., Robinson, Katie L., Yang, Qiong, Callahan, Ashley G., Schmidt, Thomas L., Axford, Jason K., Coquilleau, Marianne P., Staunton, Kyran M., Townsend, Michael, Ritchie, Scott A., Lau, Meng Jia, Gu, Xinyue, and Hoffmann, Ary A. (2022) A decade of stability for wMel Wolbachia in natural Aedes aegypti populations. PLoS Pathogens, 18 (2). e1010256.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/74621/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76433
2024-02-28T15:09:22Z
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74797065733D61727469636C65
Detection of Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses in Frugivorous and Insectivorous Bats in Nigeria
George, Uwem
George, Oluwadamilola
Oragwa, Arthur
Motayo, Babatunde
Kamani, Joshua
Adamu, Andrew
Sowemimo, Oluyomi
Adeleke, Richard
Abalaka, Samson
Sani, Nuhu
Oguzie, Judith
Eromon, Philomena
Folarin, Onikepe
Happi, Anise
Komolafe, Isaac
Happi, Christian
The rise of bat-associated zoonotic viruses necessitates a close monitoring of their natural hosts. Since the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), it is evident that bats are vital reservoirs of coronaviruses (CoVs). In this study, we investigated the presence of CoVs in multiple bat species in Nigeria to identify viruses in bats at high-risk human contact interfaces. Four hundred and nine bats comprising four bat species close to human habitats were individually sampled from five states in Nigeria between 2019 and 2021. Coronavirus detection was done using broadly reactive consensus PCR primers targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of CoVs. Coronavirus RNA was detected in 39 samples (9.5%, CI 95%: [7.0, 12.8]), of which 29 were successfully sequenced. The identified CoVs in Nigerian bats were from the unclassified African alphacoronavirus lineage and betacoronavirus lineage D (Nobecovirus), with one sample from Hipposideros ruber coinfected with alphacoronavirus and betacoronavirus. Different bat species roosting in similar or other places had CoVs from the same genetic lineage. The phylogenetic and evolutionary dynamics data indicated a high CoV diversity in Nigeria, while host switching may have contributed to CoV evolution. Robust sentinel surveillance is recommended to enhance our knowledge of emerging and re-emerging coronaviruses.
MDPI
2022
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76433/1/76433.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11091017
George, Uwem, George, Oluwadamilola, Oragwa, Arthur, Motayo, Babatunde, Kamani, Joshua, Adamu, Andrew, Sowemimo, Oluyomi, Adeleke, Richard, Abalaka, Samson, Sani, Nuhu, Oguzie, Judith, Eromon, Philomena, Folarin, Onikepe, Happi, Anise, Komolafe, Isaac, and Happi, Christian (2022) Detection of Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses in Frugivorous and Insectivorous Bats in Nigeria. Pathogens, 11 (9). 1017.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76433/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76497
2024-02-28T15:09:53Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Hormonal and Reproductive Health in E-Waste-Exposed Population: A Systematic Review
Singh, Vishal
Cortes-Ramirez, Javier
Toms, Leisa-Maree
Sooriyagoda, Thilakshika
Karatela, Shamshad
Electronic waste management is a global rising concern that is primarily being handled by informal recycling practices. These release a mix of potentially hazardous chemicals, which is an important public health concern. These chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants in electronic parts, which are persistent in nature and show bioaccumulative characteristics. Although PBDEs are suspected endocrine disruptors, particularly targeting thyroid and reproductive hormone functions, the relationship of PBDEs with these health effects are not well established. We used the Navigation Guide methodology to conduct a systematic review of studies in populations exposed to e-waste to better understand the relationships of these persistent flame retardants with hormonal and reproductive health. We assessed nineteen studies that fit our pre-determined inclusion criteria for risk of bias, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and other criteria that helped rate the overall evidence for its quality and strength of evidence. The studies suggest PBDEs may have an adverse effect on thyroid hormones, reproductive hormones, semen quality, and neonatal health. However, more research is required to establish a relationship of these effects in the e-waste-exposed population. We identified the limitations of the data available and made recommendations for future scientific work.
Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
2022
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76497/1/76497.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137820
Singh, Vishal, Cortes-Ramirez, Javier, Toms, Leisa-Maree, Sooriyagoda, Thilakshika, and Karatela, Shamshad (2022) Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Hormonal and Reproductive Health in E-Waste-Exposed Population: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (13). 7820.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76497/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76735
2024-03-01T14:41:01Z
7374617475733D707562
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Relationship of pesticide exposure with kidney function in NHANES: lessons from low level chronic exposure
Osborne, Nicholas
Reid, Simon
Karatela, Shamshad
Assefa, Yibeltal
Wan, En Tzu Grace
Background: Exposure to pesticides has been linked to many health outcomes. More recently, chronic kidney disease not related to diabetes or hypertension (CKDu) has been postulated to be related to rural occupational exposures in agricultural workers in several Low to Middle Income Country (LMIC) regions such as Mesoamerica and the Subcontinent. Our study wished to examine the relationship between pesticide exposure and kidney function.
Methods: We used the resources of pooled population from NHANES 2001-2004, 2007-2010 (n ¼ 29,053). We examined pesticide exposure (logged, continuous) with kidney function as measured by glomerular filtration rate (derived from urinary creatinine) with and without presence of hypertension and diabetes. Logistic regression was adjusted for a range of cofactors such as age, sex, SES, tobacco, and heavy metals. Cadmium was used as a positive control.
Results: Pesticides 2,4-D, chlorpyrifos, malathion and 3-phenoxy-benzoic acid (the major metabolite of deltamethrin) were associated with the increasing risk of kidney dysfunction (not with hypertension or diabetes) after adjusting for a range of known risk factors (OR 1.80 (1.47-2.21); 2.16 (1.57-2.98); 1.20 (0.94-1.54) and 1.40 (1.19-1.64), respectively). Cd was not associated with kidney dysfunction (OR 0.99 (0.81-1.21)), or acephate (OR 0.43 (0.13-1.48)).
Conclusions: Chronic or acute pesticide exposure may increase the risk of kidney dysfunction, which is not related to hypertension or diabetes in particular. It may have a different pathological pathway from heavy metal exposures and CKD. This has repercussions for interventions in LMIC agricultural practices.
Key messages: Pesticides are associated with kidney dysfunction not related to hypertension and diabetes.
Oxford University Press
2022
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76735/1/76735.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyab168.517
Osborne, Nicholas, Reid, Simon, Karatela, Shamshad, Assefa, Yibeltal, and Wan, En Tzu Grace (2022) Relationship of pesticide exposure with kidney function in NHANES: lessons from low level chronic exposure. International Journal of Epidemiology, 50 (Supplement 1). 228. p. 2111.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76735/
restricted
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76736
2024-03-01T14:41:02Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Exposure to toenail heavy metals and child behavior problems in nine-year-old children: A cross-sectional study
Karatela, Shamshad
Coomarasamy, Christin
Paterson, Janis
Ward, Neil I.
Behavioral problems are multifactorial and includes perinatal, maternal, family, parenting, socio-economic and personal risk factors, but less is known about the association of postnatal heavy metals on children’s behavioral problems in Pacific Island children.
Methods: A cohort of eligible nine-year-old children within a Pacific Island Families longitudinal study were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Child behavior problems were assessed using the child behavior checklist. Heavy metals (including Ni, Cu, Pb, Al, Cr and Cd) were determined in toenails, after acid digestion and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Other factors such as lifestyle (smoking in pregnancy), health outcomes (obesity, health status), demographics (gender, ethnicity, parents’ marital status) and socioeconomic status (household income levels) were also collected. The statistical analysis included t-tests for independent sample and Mann–Whitney U-test, and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests of independence for comparisons of the proportions. Regression models tested the hypothesized risk factors for behavior outcomes.
Results: This observational study enrolled 278 eligible Pacific Island children living in Auckland, New Zealand. The prevalence of behavioral problems in the clinical range was high (22%) but there was no significant association between heavy metals in toenails and adverse behavioral outcomes.
Conclusion: Regular monitoring and assessments of children for environmental risk factors, as well as social and lifestyle factors for behavior problems, continues. Alternative indicators of exposure to heavy metal should be evaluated.
Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
2020
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76736/1/76736.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114120
Karatela, Shamshad, Coomarasamy, Christin, Paterson, Janis, and Ward, Neil I. (2020) Exposure to toenail heavy metals and child behavior problems in nine-year-old children: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (11). 4120.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76736/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76737
2024-03-01T14:41:03Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Household smoking status and heavy metal concentrations in toenails of children
Karatela, Shamshad
Coomarasamy, Christin
Paterson, Janis
Ward, Neil I.
There is limited evidence on the distribution of heavy metals and its association with secondhand smoking (SHS) within Pacific Island children living in New Zealand. Certain heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and aluminum (Al) bioaccumulates in the body and can deteriorate health in both children and adults. Others, such as chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in trace amounts are necessary but become toxic at high levels. Exposure routes of these elements include food, water, and air. The purpose of this study was to identify the distribution of toxic metal concentrations and its possible correlation with SHS within the Pacific Island children. A sub-sample of children within Pacific Island families longitudinal study, at the nine-year phase, who were living in the New Zealand city of Auckland were invited to participate, (n = 278). Toenails were used as a biomarker to determine Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Al concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Reliable and validated questionnaires were used for demographics, lifestyle, and health outcome variables. Significant differences between household smoking status and ethnicity, as well as parents’ marital status, were observed (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in heavy metal concentrations in smoking versus non-smoking households. However, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Ni concentrations were all higher than the required optimal health value in both groups. A high concentration of heavy metals was observed in these children that exceeded the value required for optimal health, although no significant difference in heavy metals with regards to secondhand smoking was observed. SHS was associated with children’s ethnicity and parental marital status, but not with household income levels or maternal education.
MDPI
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76737/1/76737.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203871
Karatela, Shamshad, Coomarasamy, Christin, Paterson, Janis, and Ward, Neil I. (2019) Household smoking status and heavy metal concentrations in toenails of children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (20). 3871.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76737/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76738
2024-03-01T14:41:03Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Mercury exposure in mother-children pairs in a seafood eating population: Body burden and related factors
Karatela, Shamshad
Ward, Neil
Paterson, Janis
Background: Mercury is a neurotoxin that affects neurodevelopment in children; however, its association at the lowest concentration is not clear. The main objective of this study is to measure and evaluate mercury concentrations in mother–child pairs and its association demographics, lifestyle, and dietary factors within the Pacific Island Families living in Auckland, New Zealand.
Methods: Mercury exposure was assessed in a sub-sample of mother–child pairs who were a part of the Pacific Island Families birth cohort, in Auckland, New Zealand at the 6-year phase. Hair samples were collected from both mothers and their children to determine mercury concentrations. Total mercury was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for hair samples. An interviewer-based reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) examined the frequency of seafood by all the participants. Other variables such as sociodemographic (ethnicity and gender), lifestyle factors (income, education, and smoking status) and health outcomes (child behaviour and obesity) were also collected.
Results: In this study, 41% of both mothers and their children had mercury concentrations above the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended value of 1 μg/g. Most of the participants ate fish 3 or more times a week. A significant correlation was observed between mother and child hair mercury concentrations (Spearman Rho 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65, 0.88)).
Conclusions: Mercury levels in children can be affected by their mothers’ levels due to similar eating patterns.
Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
2019
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76738/1/76738.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122238
Karatela, Shamshad, Ward, Neil, and Paterson, Janis (2019) Mercury exposure in mother-children pairs in a seafood eating population: Body burden and related factors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (12). 2238.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76738/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:76739
2024-03-01T14:41:04Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Status and interrelationship of toenail elements in Pacific children
Karatela, Shamshad
Ward, Neil I.
Zeng, Irene Suilan
Paterson, Janis
Objective: Elemental deficiencies or in excess effects growth and development. Pacific population are at a disadvantage due to food insecurity as compared to New Zealand European households. This study aims to evaluate the status and interrelationship of elements (essential, non-essential and toxic) in nine-year-old Pacific children who were part of the Pacific Island Families Study living in New Zealand.
Materials and Methods: This observational study included 278 eligible nine-year-old children. Essential elements (including calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, molybdenum), non-essential and toxic elements (arsenic, aluminum, antimony, boron, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel,) were determined in toenails and after acid digestion, analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis and multivariate analysis of covariance was used to identify differences in the groups of elements and the inter-correlations between elements.
Results: The mean calcium (868 μg/g Ca), selenium (0.35 μg/g Se) and zinc (129 μg/g Zn) concentrations were lower while the mean cadmium (0.21 μg/g Cd) lead (0.86 μg/g Pb) and mercury (0.72 μg/g Hg) concentrations were higher than the optimal health requirements. Ethnic differences in relation to toenail elemental concentrations were observed for aluminium and iron. Gender differences were observed for aluminium, antimony, arsenic and lead. Selenium and molybdenum were inversely associated with mercury. Manganese, zinc and calcium were positively associated.
Conclusions: This research contributes to the understanding of the elemental concentrations for Pacific children by using tissue samples from toenails, which improves the completeness of sampling than other tissues and provides a longer exposure time frame. The study also reports several inter-correlations between essential, non-essential and toxic elements in Pacific Island population.
Elsevier
2018
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76739/1/76739.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.11.004
Karatela, Shamshad, Ward, Neil I., Zeng, Irene Suilan, and Paterson, Janis (2018) Status and interrelationship of toenail elements in Pacific children. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 46. pp. 10-16.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76739/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:77119
2024-03-01T14:41:08Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
The epidemiological trend of monkeypox and monkeypox-varicella zoster viruses co-infection in North-Eastern Nigeria
Stephen, Roland
Alele, Faith
Olumoh, Jamiu
Tyndall, Jennifer
Okeke, Malachy Ifeanyi
Adegboye, Oyelola
Background: Monkeypox (MPX) is endemic in Nigeria, but it was first reported in Adamawa state, North-Eastern Nigeria, in January 2022. There are currently 172 cases of MPX in Nigeria, with four reported deaths, and Adamawa has the second-highest case count. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the epidemiological profile of this viral disease.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The skin and blood samples were screened for the presence for Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) DNA by real-time PCR; the clinical diagnosis was based on symptoms of visual signs of skin lesions and other clinical symptoms from January to July 2022.
Results: A total of 33 suspected cases aged 1–57 years [26 (79%) males vs. 7 (21%) females] were screened for MPX and VZV. Twenty-four (72.7%) were positive (6.1% were MPX only, 39% were VZV only, and 27% were both MPX and VZV). Most cases of MPX (82%), VZV (69%) and MPX-VZV co-infection (78%) occurred in males. More than half (54%) of those infected were children and adolescents between 0 and 19 years. All patients experienced body rashes and itching, and other clinical symptoms included fever, headache, mouth sores, muscle aches and lymphadenopathy. Over 64 and 86% of patients had contact with livestock and rodents, respectively.
Conclusion: MPXV, VZV and MPXV-VZV co-infections occurred predominantly among males and children in Adamawa state, Nigeria. Given the patient contact with rodents and livestock, further research on the animal reservoir is needed to highlight the transmission of MPXV in Adamawa.
Frontiers Research Foundation
2022
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/77119/1/The%20epidemiological%20trend%20of%20monkeypox%20and%20monkeypox-varicella%20zoster%20viruses%20co-infection%20in%20North-Eastern%20Nigeria.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1066589
Stephen, Roland, Alele, Faith, Olumoh, Jamiu, Tyndall, Jennifer, Okeke, Malachy Ifeanyi, and Adegboye, Oyelola (2022) The epidemiological trend of monkeypox and monkeypox-varicella zoster viruses co-infection in North-Eastern Nigeria. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. 1066589.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/77119/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:77990
2023-06-06T04:20:27Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
The Echoes of Noise: Residential Exposure to Traffic and Risk of Tinnitus
Adegboye, Oyelola
Noisy occupational settings place workers at risk for adverse auditory outcomes, including tinnitus.1 But exposure to loud noise off the job—for example, when using earbuds, shooting firearms, visiting nightclubs, or cranking up the volume on computer games—also puts people at risk for tinnitus.2–4 Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external source—sometimes experienced as a ringing in the ears—and it is a common problem, affecting up to 38% of adults.5–7 In a cohort study recently published in Environmental Health Perspectives, Manuella Lech Cantuaria and colleagues quantified the risk of tinnitus associated with residential road and railway noise exposure.8
Loud noises are thought to cause tinnitus by damaging the inner ear hair cells, which transmit sound signals to the brain.9 However, it is still unclear how, or even whether, chronic noise exposures lead to the condition. The authors of the new study point to papers suggesting that “stressful situations and sleep disturbances precede tinnitus occurrence and contribute to the transition from mild to severe symptoms.”10–12
US Department of Health and Human Services
2023
Article
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/77990/7/77990_Redacted.pdf
http://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12762
Adegboye, Oyelola (2023) The Echoes of Noise: Residential Exposure to Traffic and Risk of Tinnitus. Environmental Health Perspectives, 131 (3). 034001.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/77990/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:78365
2024-02-29T14:27:02Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Determining the Impact of Heatwaves on Emergency Ambulance Calls in Queensland: A Retrospective Population-Based Study
Mason, Hannah M.
King, Jemma C.
Peden, Amy E.
Watt, Kerrianne
Bosley, Emma
Fitzgerald, Gerard
Nairn, John
Miller, Lauren
Mandalios, Nicole
Franklin, Richard C.
Heatwaves are a significant and growing threat to the health and well-being of the residents of Queensland, Australia. This threat is increasing due to climate change. Excess heat increases the demand for health services, including ambulance calls, and the purpose of this study was to explore this impact across Queensland. A state-wide retrospective analysis of heatwaves and emergency ‘Triple Zero’ (000) calls to Queensland Ambulance (QAS) from 2010–2019 was undertaken. Call data from the QAS and heatwave data from the Bureau of Meteorology were analysed using a case-crossover approach at the postcode level. Ambulance calls increased by 12.68% during heatwaves. The effect was greatest during low-severity heatwaves (22.16%), followed by severe (14.32%) and extreme heatwaves (1.16%). The impact varied by rurality, with those living in very remote areas and major cities most impacted, along with those of low and middle socioeconomic status during low and severe intensity heat events. Lag effects post-heatwave continued for at least 10 days. Heatwaves significantly increase ambulance call centre workload, so ambulance services must actively prepare resources and personnel to address increases in heatwave frequency, duration, and severity. Communities must be informed of the risks of heatwaves at all severities, particularly low severity, and the sustained risks in the days following a heat event.
Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
2023
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/78365/1/78365.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064875
Mason, Hannah M., King, Jemma C., Peden, Amy E., Watt, Kerrianne, Bosley, Emma, Fitzgerald, Gerard, Nairn, John, Miller, Lauren, Mandalios, Nicole, and Franklin, Richard C. (2023) Determining the Impact of Heatwaves on Emergency Ambulance Calls in Queensland: A Retrospective Population-Based Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20 (6). 4875.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/78365/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:78379
2024-02-29T14:27:10Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Histopathological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the straw-colored fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, in Nigeria
Abalaka, Samson Eneojo
Idoko, Idoko Sunday
Adamu, Andrew Musa
Nafarnda, Wesley Daniel
Machunga-Mabunla, Salamatu
Audu, Zakariya
Sani, Nuhu Abdulazeez
Tenuche, Oremeyi Zaynab
Ejeh, Sunday Augustine
There is heightening concern regarding heavy metals environmental pollution requiring renewed global attention because of their bioaccumulation and toxicity at varying levels. The concern is most important in the highly migratory Eidolon helvum (E. helvum) that is very common and traverses wide geographical areas within the sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aimed to evaluate levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) bioaccumulation in 24 E. helvum of both sexes from Nigeria to assess their indirect health risks to the human consumers of the bats in addition to their direct bioaccumulation and toxic damages in the bats themselves based on standard procedures. Lead, Zn, and Cd bioaccumulation concentrations were 2.83 ± 0.35, 0.42 ± 0.03, and 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively, with significant (p < 0.05) Pb bioaccumulation compared to either Cd or Zn in the affected bats. However, only Pb (markedly) and Cd (marginally) bioaccumulated above small mammals’ critical threshold levels as there are no existing established threshold levels for bats. Sex played no major role in their bioaccumulation levels. The bioaccumulation levels posed no life-long non-carcinogenic nor carcinogenic risks to the human consumers of the bats at detected concentrations. The observed lungs, liver, and kidney histopathological changes suggested the possible direct effects of the metals in the bats. Nevertheless, other anthropogenic factors might be responsible as no significant (p > 0.05) correlation existed between cellular changes and the bioaccumulation levels. The presence of the heavy metals and their bioaccumulations above critical threshold levels suggested some levels of environmental contamination and pollution, which might have direct and indirect health implications to the bats and their human consumers.
Springer
2023
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/78379/1/78379.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-10990-8
Abalaka, Samson Eneojo, Idoko, Idoko Sunday, Adamu, Andrew Musa, Nafarnda, Wesley Daniel, Machunga-Mabunla, Salamatu, Audu, Zakariya, Sani, Nuhu Abdulazeez, Tenuche, Oremeyi Zaynab, and Ejeh, Sunday Augustine (2023) Histopathological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the straw-colored fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, in Nigeria. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195. 411.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/78379/
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oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:78383
2024-02-29T14:27:12Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Heatwaves and mortality in Queensland 2010–2019: implications for a homogenous state-wide approach
Franklin, Richard C.
Mason, Hannah
King, Jemma C.
Peden, Amy E.
Nairn, John
Miller, Lauren
Watt, Kerrianne
Fitzgerald, Gerry
Heatwaves are a significant cause of adverse health outcomes and mortality in Australia, worsening with climate change. In Queensland, the northeastern-most state, little is known about the impact of heatwaves outside of the capital city of Brisbane. This study aims to explore the impact of heatwaves on mortality across various demographic and environmental conditions within Queensland from 2010 to 2019. The Excess Heat Factor was used to indicate heatwave periods at the Statistical Area 2 (SA2) level. Registered deaths data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and heatwave data from the Bureau of Meteorology were matched using a case-crossover approach. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals were calculated across years, regions, age, sex, rurality, socioeconomic status, and cause of death. Heatwaves were associated with a 5% increase in all-cause mortality compared to deaths on non-heatwave days, with variability across the state. The risk of death on a heatwave day versus a non-heatwave day varied by heatwave severity. Individuals living in urban centers, the elderly, and those living in regions of lower socioeconomic status were most impacted by heatwave mortality. The relative risk of dying from neoplasms, nervous system conditions, respiratory conditions, and mental and behavioral conditions increased during heatwaves. As heatwaves increase in Queensland due to climate change, understanding the impact of heatwaves on mortality across Queensland is important to tailor public health messages. There is considerable variability across communities, demographic groups, and medical conditions, and as such messages need to be tailored to risk.
Springer
2023
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/78383/1/78383.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-023-02430-6
Franklin, Richard C., Mason, Hannah, King, Jemma C., Peden, Amy E., Nairn, John, Miller, Lauren, Watt, Kerrianne, and Fitzgerald, Gerry (2023) Heatwaves and mortality in Queensland 2010–2019: implications for a homogenous state-wide approach. International Journal of Biometeorology, 67. pp. 503-515.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/78383/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:79413
2023-07-25T02:20:45Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Editorial: Environmental stressors, multi-hazards and their impact on health
Adegboye, Oyelola A.
Alele, Faith O.
Castellanos, Maru E.
Pak, Anton
Emeto, Theophilus I.
[Extract] nvironmental stressors, such as air pollution, noise pollution, and chemical exposure, can adversely affect human health by increasing the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. The sixth assessment report of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that the global temperature is projected to reach or exceed 1.5◦C of warming over the next 20 years, exacerbating exposure to environmental stressors. Air pollution alone is estimated to cause 4.2 million deaths annually, and most of the world’s population (99%) is exposed to air quality levels that exceed the WHO Air Quality Guidelines.
Frontiers Research Foundation
2023
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/79413/1/Editorial_%20Environmental%20stressors%2C%20multi-hazards%20and%20their%20impact%20on%20health.pdf
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1231955
Adegboye, Oyelola A., Alele, Faith O., Castellanos, Maru E., Pak, Anton, and Emeto, Theophilus I. (2023) Editorial: Environmental stressors, multi-hazards and their impact on health. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. 1231955.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/79413/
open
oai:researchonline.jcu.edu.au:81452
2024-03-14T19:30:12Z
7374617475733D707562
74797065733D61727469636C65
Could the compound effects of drought and fire have caused an increase of COVID-19 cases in the Pantanal wetland?
Lorenz, Camila
Libonati, Renata
Belém, Liz Barreto Coelho
Oliveira, Aline
Fernandes, Geraldo Wilson
Berlinck, Christian Niel
de Oliveira Roque, Fabio
In 2020, wildfires in the Pantanal, the world’s largest continuous tropical wetland, destroyed almost one-third of this biome. In addition to this catastrophic situation, the world faced an even more serious threat due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we discussed the impact of the 2020 fires and the COVID-19 pandemic in the public health, mainly in populations living in a situation of vulnerability such as indigenous and riverine peoples. It is necessary to develop region-specific policies to ensure the effectiveness of disaster risk management.
Springer
2024
Article
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/81452/1/81452.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-023-09965-w
Lorenz, Camila, Libonati, Renata, Belém, Liz Barreto Coelho, Oliveira, Aline, Fernandes, Geraldo Wilson, Berlinck, Christian Niel, and de Oliveira Roque, Fabio (2024) Could the compound effects of drought and fire have caused an increase of COVID-19 cases in the Pantanal wetland? Wetlands Ecology and Management, 32. pp. 133-137.
https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/81452/
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