Campylobacteriosis: the role of poultry meat Skarp, C.P.A.; Hänninen, M.-L.; Rautelin, H.I.K.
Clinical microbiology and infection,
02/2016, Letnik:
22, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The incidence of human infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, the main bacterial agents of gastrointestinal disease, has been increasing worldwide. Here, we review the role ...of poultry as a source and reservoir for Campylobacter. Contamination and subsequent colonization of broiler flocks at the farm level often lead to transmission of Campylobacter along the poultry production chain and contamination of poultry meat at retail. Yet Campylobacter prevalence in poultry, as well as the contamination level of poultry products, vary greatly between different countries so there are differences in the intervention strategies that need to be applied. Temporal patterns in poultry do not always coincide with those found in human infections. Studies in rural and urban areas have revealed differences in Campylobacter infections attributed to poultry, as poultry seems to be the predominant reservoir in urban, but not necessarily in rural, settings. Furthermore, foreign travel is considered a major risk factor in acquiring the disease, especially for individuals living in the northern European countries. Intervention strategies aimed at reducing Campylobacter colonization in poultry and focused at the farm level have been successful in reducing the number of Campylobacter cases in several countries. Increasing farm biosecurity and education of consumers are likely to limit the risk of infection. Overall, poultry is an important reservoir and source of human campylobacteriosis, although the contribution of other sources, reservoirs and transmission warrants more research.
To improve the low e-waste recycling rate, the Chinese government has introduced a series of intervention measures. However, the effectiveness of government intervention measures is controversial. ...This paper constructs a system dynamics model to study the impact of Chinese government intervention measures on e-waste recycling from a holistic perspective. Our results demonstrate that the current Chinese government intervention measures do not promote e-waste recycling. By studying the adjustment strategies of government intervention measures, it can be found that the most effective adjustment strategy is to increase government policy support while increasing the punishments for recyclers. If the government only adjusts a kind of intervention measures, it is better to increase punishments than to increase incentives. And increasing the punishment for recyclers is more effective than increasing the punishment for collectors. If the government chooses to increase incentives, then the government should only increase policy support. This is because increasing the subsidy support is ineffective.
•The current Chinese government intervention measures are ineffective.•Increasing punishment for recyclers while raising policy support is most effective.•Increasing punishments is more effective than increasing incentives.•If increasing incentives, the government should only increase policy support.•Increasing the subsidy support is ineffective.
Risk assessment of the intra-city spatio-temporal spreading of COVID-19 is important for providing location-based precise intervention measures, especially when the epidemic occurred in the densely ...populated and high mobile public places. The individual-based simulation has been proven to be an effective method for the risk assessment. However, the acquisition of individual-level mobility data is limited. This study used publicly available datasets to approximate dynamic intra-city travel flows by a spatio-temporal gravity model. On this basis, an individual-based epidemic model integrating agent-based model with the susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed (SEIR) model was proposed and the intra-city spatio-temporal spreading process of COVID-19 in eleven public places in Guangzhou China were explored. The results indicated that the accuracy of dynamic intra-city travel flows estimated by available big data and gravity model is acceptable. The spatio-temporal simulation method well presented the process of COVID-19 epidemic. Four kinds of spatial-temporal transmission patterns were identified and the pattern was highly dependent on the urban spatial structure and location. It indicated that location-based precise intervention measures should be implemented according to different regions. The approach of this research can be used by policy-makers to make rapid and accurate risk assessments and to implement intervention measures ahead of epidemic outbreaks.
•The spatio-temporal simulation method based on available big data and gravity model well presented the process of COVID-19.•Four kinds of transmission patterns were identified and they were highly dependent on the urban spatial structure and location.•Location-based precise intervention measures should be implemented according to different regions.•The approach can be used by policy-makers to make rapid and accurate risk assessment and to implement intervention ahead of epidemic outbreaks.
Intervention measures have been implemented around the world to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding the dynamics of the disease spread and the ...effectiveness of the interventions is essential in predicting its future evolution.
The aim of this study is to simulate the effect of different social distancing interventions and investigate whether their timing and stringency can lead to multiple waves (subepidemics), which can provide a better fit to the wavy behavior observed in the infected population curve in the majority of countries.
We have designed and run agent-based simulations and a multiple wave model to fit the infected population data for many countries. We have also developed a novel Pandemic Response Index to provide a quantitative and objective way of ranking countries according to their COVID-19 response performance.
We have analyzed data from 18 countries based on the multiple wave (subepidemics) hypothesis and present the relevant parameters. Multiple waves have been identified and were found to describe the data better. The effectiveness of intervention measures can be inferred by the peak intensities of the waves. Countries imposing fast and stringent interventions exhibit multiple waves with declining peak intensities. This result strongly corroborated with agent-based simulations outcomes. We also provided an estimate of how much lower the number of infections could have been if early and strict intervention measures had been taken to stop the spread at the first wave, as actually happened for a handful of countries. A novel index, the Pandemic Response Index, was constructed, and based on the model's results, an index value was assigned to each country, quantifying in an objective manner the country's response to the pandemic.
Our results support the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic can be successfully modeled as a series of epidemic waves (subepidemics) and that it is possible to infer to what extent the imposition of early intervention measures can slow the spread of the disease.
In the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong in early 2022, the large number of infected persons caused a shortage of ambulances and transportation vehicles operated by the government. To ...solve the problem, taxi drivers were recruited to transport infected persons to hospitals in their taxis. However, many of the drivers were infected after they began to participate in the plan. To tackle this issue, the present study numerically evaluated the effectiveness of several intervention measures in reducing the infection risk for taxi drivers. First, experiments were conducted inside a car to validate the large-eddy simulation (LES)-Lagrangian model for simulation of particle transport in a car. The validated model was then applied to calculate the particle dispersion and deposition in a Hong Kong taxi with intervention measures that included opening windows, installing partitions, and using a far-UVC lamp. The results show that opening the windows can significantly reduce the driver's total exposure by 97.4 %. Installing partitions and using a far-UVC lamp can further reduce the infection risk of driver by 55.9 % and 32.1 %, respectively. The results of this study can be used to support the implementation of effective intervention measures to protect taxi drivers from infection.
Campylobacter is one of the most important causative agents of foodborne illnesses worldwide. The poultry reservoir is the main source of Campylobacter. Within the broiler production chain, ...campylobacters can only multiply in the chicken’s intestinal tract. Intervention at farm level to reduce Campylobacter is thus preferred, but despite extensive study, no highly effective solutions have been found to combat Campylobacter at farm level. Slaughterhouses are experiencing great pressure to deliver carcasses with low Campylobacter contamination even when they receive and slaughter Campylobacter colonized flocks. Since 2018, a process hygiene criterion (EU 2017/1495) with the critical limit of <1000 cfu/g neck skin has been implemented in EU Member States based on the calculation done at the time of the study that human campylobacteriosis cases could be halved if all carcasses would comply with a criterion of <1000 cfu/g neck skin. This review covers Campylobacter contamination of broiler carcasses from transport through the different slaughter steps. Possible intervention methods during slaughter are discussed with a focus on the European situation, where chemicals are not allowed to disinfect carcasses.
•A process hygiene criterion with the critical limit of 1000 cfu/g has been implemented in the EU since 2018•The use of insufficiently cleaned and disinfected crates may have a major impact on the Campylobacter contamination on both primary and slaughterhouse level•Several critical points for Campylobacter contamination of the broiler carcasses during the slaughter process have been identified•The use of chemicals to decontaminate broiler carcasses is forbidden the EU, leaving only the option of physical decontamination measures.
Consumer’s aversion to edible foods with appearance defects is a major cause of food waste. A proper labelling is one of the effective actions to advance consumer behaviors. In this study, the effect ...of attributes (taste, health and natural attributes) on consumer’s purchase intention for ugly food was investigated, and its boundary condition was further analyzed. Three scenario-based experiments were carried out, and consumers' purchase intention, perceived value and perceived attribute of ugly food in pretty food group, ugly food group and natural label group were compared. Results show that consumers' perception barriers to ugly food exist in taste and health attributes, rather than natural attribute. Ugly food with low appearance level leads to consumer's lower evaluation on taste and health attributes for ugly food, which further affects the consumers' purchase intention. What’s more, the moderation effect between consumers' self-monitoring and natural label was also measured. It is proven that the natural label promotes consumers' purchase intention for ugly food. When consumers are in low self-monitoring, the promotion effect of natural label on the purchase intention of ugly food fails. It is indicated that consumers’ negative evaluation on the ugly food is due to perceptual barriers, which is derived from an aesthetically biased lay belief, However, this lay belief doesn’t affect the consumers' judgment of natural attribute of ugly food. This study also provides reference for natural labeling on improving the consumer’s purchase intention for ugly food in the food market.
•Consumers' perception barriers to ugly food exist in taste and health attributes, rather than natural attribute.•The natural label promotes consumers' purchase intention for ugly food.•The promotion effect of the natural label on purchase intention of ugly food is moderated by consumers' self-monitoring. When consumers are in low self-monitoring, the promotion effect of the natural label on purchase intention of ugly food isn’t significant.
Desert dust storms (DDS) are natural events that impact not only populations close to the emission sources but also populations many kilometers away. Countries located across the main dust sources, ...including countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, are highly affected by DDS. In addition, climate change is expanding arid areas exacerbating DDS events. Currently, there are no intervention measures with proven, quantified exposure reduction to desert dust particles. As part of the wider “MEDEA” project, co-funded by LIFE 2016 Programme, we examined the effectiveness of an indoor exposure-reduction intervention (i.e., decrease home ventilation during DDS events and continuous use of air purifier during DDS and non-DDS days) across homes and/or classrooms of schoolchildren with asthma and adults with atrial fibrillation in Cyprus and Crete-Greece. Participants were randomized to a control or intervention groups, including an indoor intervention group with exposure reduction measures and the use of air purifiers. Particle sampling, PM10 and PM2.5, was conducted in participants' homes and/or classrooms, between 2019 and 2022, during DDS-free weeks and during DDS days for as long as the event lasted. In indoor and outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 samples, mass and content in main and trace elements was determined. Indoor PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations, adjusting for premise type and dust conditions, were significantly lower in the indoor intervention group compared to the control group (PM2.5-intervention/PM2.5-control = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.70; PM10-intervention/PM10-control = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.71). In addition, the PM2.5 and PM10 particles of outdoor origin were significantly lower in the intervention vs. the control group (PM2.5 infiltration intervention-to-control ratio: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.58; PM10 infiltration intervention-to-control ratio: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.89). Our findings suggest that the use of air purifiers alongside decreased ventilation measures is an effective protective measure that reduces significantly indoor exposure to particles during DDS and non-DDS in high-risk population groups.
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•To date no scientific evidence exists on the effectiveness of dust protection measures.•The effect of indoor measures on indoor PM2.5 and PM10 levels during dust days was assessed.•Indoor measures included the use of air cleaner and reduced air exchange measures.•Indoor PM levels and PM infiltration were lower for the group following indoor measures for all days.•PM levels and infiltration were higher during dust days, and in schools vs homes.
The paper discusses the implementation of Hong Kong's tailor-made sewage surveillance programme led by the Government, which has demonstrated how an efficient and well-organized sewage surveillance ...system can complement conventional epidemiological surveillance to facilitate the planning of intervention strategies and actions for combating COVID-19 pandemic in real-time. This included the setting up of a comprehensive sewerage network-based SARS-CoV-2 virus surveillance programme with 154 stationary sites covering 6 million people (or 80 % of the total population), and employing an intensive monitoring programme to take samples from each stationary site every 2 days. From 1 January to 22 May 2022, the daily confirmed case count started with 17 cases per day on 1 January to a maximum of 76,991 cases on 3 March and dropped to 237 cases on 22 May. During this period, a total of 270 “Restriction-Testing Declaration” (RTD) operations at high-risk residential areas were conducted based on the sewage virus testing results, where over 26,500 confirmed cases were detected with a majority being asymptomatic. In addition, Compulsory Testing Notices (CTN) were issued to residents, and the distribution of Rapid Antigen Test kits was adopted as alternatives to RTD operations in areas of moderate risk. These measures formulated a tiered and cost-effective approach to combat the disease in the local setting. Some ongoing and future enhancement efforts to improve efficacy are discussed from the perspective of wastewater-based epidemiology. Forecast models on case counts based on sewage virus testing results were also developed with R2 of 0.9669–0.9775, which estimated that up to 22 May 2022, around 2,000,000 people (~67 % higher than the total number of 1,200,000 reported to the health authority, due to various constraints or limitations) had potentially contracted the disease, which is believed to be reflecting the real situation occurring in a highly urbanized metropolis like Hong Kong.
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•Hong Kong successfully applied Sewage Surveillance for real-time COVID-19 tracking.•The success came from the synergy among government, academic and private sectors.•Sewage data provided early warning with 2–4 days lead time to enhance preparedness.•Robust regression models were developed to estimate actual infection numbers.•City-scale sewage data informed planning of preventive measures to combat COVID-19.
•Study identifies suicide hotspots of urban Tamil Nadu during 2012-2021.•NCRB, SCRB and NFHS-4 data are utilized for spatial-temporal analysis.•Madurai city identified as significant and persistent ...hotspot for suicides.•Economic factors found to strongly influence higher suicide rates in the hotspot.
Clusters of suicide occur when there is a concentration of frequent incidents happening closely together in both time and space. Despite advancements in technology, there has been a persistent increase in suicide instances that has proven challenging to effectively manage. This research utilizes longitudinal and spatiotemporal data sourced from reports by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs and the Tamil Nadu government. The objective is to comprehensively examine the spatial dimension of suicide along with its influencing factors, employing scan statistics for the years 2020 and 2021. Hypothesis testing is conducted to compare hotspot and coldspot locations consistently identified within the study period of 2012-2021. To unravel the underlying causes of suicide within the consistent hotspot zone, a multivariate analysis approach is employed. Notably, this study highlights Madurai, a major city in Tamil Nadu, as a statistically significant and enduring hotspot for suicide. The analysis identifies economic factors as the primary catalyst for the escalating suicide rates in this hotspot region. This emphasizes the urgent need for increased attention to address this issue effectively. State-level assessment of suicide instances and its concerning factors, the restrictive measure of suicide instances due to availability of data sources. This study provides a roadmap that aims to assist health and governmental entities in formulating, strategizing, and implementing feasible preventive measures specifically tailored to curbing suicide incidents in urban Tamil Nadu.
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